River Cruise Itinerary

1. Day 1
   DAY 1, Thursday - Depart for Hungary

   Thu, Oct 23, 2025

   Depart for Hungary
2. Day 2
   DAY 2, Friday - Cruise Embarkation in Budapest

   Fri, Oct 24, 2025

   Arrive in Budapest, Hungary and transfer to the port. Embarkation will begin at 2 PM. After arrival formalities, time to relax on board. Tonight, meet your Cruise Director and enjoy dinner as it sets the mood for your delightful river cruise. The ship remains docked in Budapest
   Overnight: River Cruise
   Meals: Dinner
3. Day 3
   DAY 3, Saturday - Budapest City Tour, Afternoon Sailing

   Sat, Oct 25, 2025

   The morning tour of Budapest begins on the Pest side of the city; view the Parliament, City Park and Heroes Square. Admire the Buda side with beautiful views of the Royal Palace, Matthias Church and the graceful medieval architecture. This afternoon, the ship sails for Vukovar
   Overnight: River Cruise
   Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
4. Day 4
   DAY 4, Sunday - Vukovar & Osijek

   Sun, Oct 26, 2025

   Arrive in Vukovar, the largest river port in Croatia. Spend the day learning about both the ancient and recent history of the area. The region is full of culture, with numerous museums conveying the story of Vukovar's chaotic past. Visit Osijek, the economic and cultural center of the eastern Croatian region of Slavonia. During lunch, set sail to Novi Sad, the second largest city in Serbia, offering picturesque architecture and vibrant nightlife
   Overnight: River Cruise
   Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
5. Day 5
   DAY 5, Monday - Belgrade City Tour

   Mon, Oct 27, 2025

   Explore the highlights of Belgrade and learn about the city's turbulent history and architecture. Visit the imposing Kalemegdan Fortress dramatically situated at the confluence of the Sava and Danube rivers and the lovely park surrounding it. Perhaps, continue to the Republic Square and view the National Theater, National Museum and the Prince Mihail monument. Stroll along Knez Mihajlova street, the main pedestrian and shopping zone in the city. Afterwards, arrive at the Vracar Plateau to view the Saint Sava Temple, the largest Orthodox Church in the city
   Overnight: River Cruise
   Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
6. Day 6
   DAY 6, Tuesday - Iron Gates & Scenic Sailing

   Tue, Oct 28, 2025

   Spend the day admiring the picturesque countryside as your travel eastward. Soak in the history as you view the Carpathian and Balkan mountain ranges. Sail through the famed Iron Gates, a gorge that contains a pair of hydroelectric dams and power stations. It is easy to understand why visitors flock to this stunning gorge. The landscape around the area is truly breathtaking
   Overnight: River Cruise
   Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
7. Day 7
   DAY 7, Wednesday - Full Day in Vidin

   Wed, Oct 29, 2025

   Cross the border into Bulgaria and wake up in the port town of Vidin. Today a guided tour explores this town with its many historic and cultural landmarks such as the Baba Vida Fortress and the town's mosque. Be sure to sample the regional wine, as Vidin is known for its fertile climate ideal for the production of premium wine grapes. Perhaps join the optional Belogradchik Rocks & Medieval Fortress*. Travel through the scenic countryside to the fortress of Belogradchik built by the Romans and expanded over the years by Bulgarian and Ottoman rulers. The fortress also known as Kaleto, is one of the best-preserved fortresses in the country. The view from the fortress of the surrounding fascinating sandstone rock formations is spectacular. Free time to explore on your own before a panoramic drive through the historic part of Vidin, that includes brief stops at some of the city's landmarks. Sail away mid-afternoon
   *Passengers who choose this optional, will not be able to participate in the included tour of Vidin.
   Optional: Belogradchik Rocks & Medieval Fortress (AM)
   Overnight: River Cruise
   Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
8. Day 8
   DAY 8, Thursday - Ruse City Tour

   Thu, Oct 30, 2025

   Today explore Ruse, one of Bulgaria's most elegant cities, brimming with history from the Ottoman Empire. Take a walking tour and view the building of the Tax Administration with its wonderful facade, adorned with seven different symbolic figures on the roof as well as the Monument of Liberty. You will visit the oldest orthodox church in town from the 17th century called The Trinity. Or, journey south on the optional tour of the village of Arbanassi in Veliko Tarnovo. This soaring village atop a high peak exemplifies the Bulgarian National Revival architectural movement
   Optional: Full Day Veliko Tarnovo & Arbanassi
   Overnight: River Cruise
   Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
9. Day 9
   DAY 9, Friday - Disembarkation, Bucharest City Tour

   Fri, Oct 31, 2025

   This morning, bid farewell to your Cruise Director and meet your local host as you disembark in Giurgiu and drive to Bucharest. Delve into the history and culture of this complex city during a guided city tour. View the Palace of Parliament, a massive structure built under Nicolae Ceausescu, to convey the power of the Communist rule. Other highlights include the Romanian Athenaeum, as well as the Arcul de Triumf, reminiscent of the similar-looking arch in Paris. Afterwards have lunch in the Lipscani district of Bucharest. Spend the rest of the day at leisure
   Overnight: Bucharest
   Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
10. Day 10
    DAY 10, Saturday - Full Day in Bucharest

    Sat, Nov 01, 2025

    Today, discover the delights of Bucharest, perhaps join the optional Snagov Monastery & Mogosoaia. Head outside Bucharest to visit the 15th century Christian-Orthodox Snagov Monastery. It's believed to be the burial place of Vlad the Impaler, the inspiration for Bram Stoker's Dracula. Next, continue to Mogosoaia Palace, the former residence of Wallachian royalty
    Optional: Snagov Monastery & Mogosoaia (PM)
    Overnight: Bucharest
    Meals: Breakfast
11. Day 11
    DAY 11, Sunday - Depart Romania

    Sun, Nov 02, 2025

    Transfer to the airport for your departure flight
    Meals: Breakfast

Inclusions

Price does not include airfare, departure or arrival transfers, airline taxes and fuel surcharges.

River Cruise Package Includes

Special Features

River Cruise Features & Amenities

Know Before You Book - High & Low Water

European river cruising has gained in popularity for very good reason. It's a relaxing and convenient way to experience Europe while enjoying the comfort of a deluxe ship. However, before making the decision to reserve your vacation, please be aware of potential conditions which may impact your cruise. While most of the time river cruises operate exactly as planned, weather conditions may result in high or low water levels which impact a ship's itinerary and, on occasion, render a ship unable to sail at all. On very rare occasions, other events such as heavy fog, a damaged lock, or an incapacitated vessel blocking the river, may impact a sailing. These events typically occur with little or no notice. In the event that a cruise is partially or completely impacted, the itinerary will be operated by deluxe motor coach, accompanied by a Tour Manager, with overnights in hotels. When the option exists, the operator will "swap ships" with another vessel sailing in the opposite direction, retaining the sailing experience. Crew, ship and cabin configuration may differ. The itinerary will include as many of the originally scheduled sightseeing features as possible, considering the travel time and distances required, as well as meals. While it is not possible to recreate the more leisurely comforts of sailings, we will endeavor to provide a comparable itinerary. These alternative services will be provided at no additional charge.

†Transfers are available for purchase for land only or on alternative flight dates

Not Included:
Optional shore excursions and gratuities.

Additional Information:
Cruise only price does not include arrival/departure transfers.

Budapest to Giurgiu: Passengers arriving to Budapest on day 2 should select flights that arrive no later than 2 PM.

Due to physical constraints and space limitations, wheelchairs and walkers are not allowed on motor coaches and/or river cruises. Kindly refer to our Terms for additional information.

While sailing with Monarch Cruises, passengers are subject to the cruise's Terms & Conditions which can be viewed at: .

Know Before You Book - High & Low Water

European river cruising has gained in popularity for very good reason. It's a relaxing and convenient way to experience Europe while enjoying the comfort of a deluxe ship. However, before making the decision to reserve your vacation, please be aware of potential conditions which may impact your cruise. While most of the time river cruises operate exactly as planned, weather conditions may result in high or low water levels which impact a ship's itinerary and, on occasion, render a ship unable to sail at all. On very rare occasions, other events such as heavy fog, a damaged lock, or an incapacitated vessel blocking the river, may impact a sailing. These events typically occur with little or no notice. In the event that a cruise is partially or completely impacted, the itinerary will be operated by deluxe motor coach, accompanied by a Tour Manager, with overnights in hotels. When the option exists, the operator will "swap ships" with another vessel sailing in the opposite direction, retaining the sailing experience. Crew, ship and cabin configuration may differ. The itinerary will include as many of the originally scheduled sightseeing features as possible, considering the travel time and distances required, as well as meals. While it is not possible to recreate the more leisurely comforts of sailings, we will endeavor to provide a comparable itinerary. These alternative services will be provided at no additional charge.

Please note that the following inclusions may contain items that are only applicable when you purchase Land & Air. The brochure prices below are for Land Only - call us for our best deal.

Ship Information

Cabins

Life on Board

Questions & Answers