Danube River Cruise
Bulgaria, Croatia, Hungary, Serbia & Land Tour of Romania 16 day cruise/tour - May 6, 2024
Information
Our 16 Day Exotic Danube Cruise and Tour visits 5 Countries: Hungary, Croatia, Serbia, Bulgaria, and Romania – combined with a fantastic tour of Romania that includes ancient walled villages, Transylvania and Dracula (yes, there was a Count Vlad Dracula), and some of the best castles in the world on our land tour. Romania is really one of our favorite countries in Europe.
Important Note regarding AmaWaterways Charter Pricing: By chartering over 50% of the boat, we receive special Discount Charter Pricing. We do not discount the ship pricing – but we are able to apply our ship Charter Savings of $1,000 PER PERSON off of our total Package Price that INCLUDES the Ship and Land Tour. When you combine an AmaWaterways ship with a Fun For Less Tours Land Tour, you are able to save $1,000 PER PERSON because of our Charter Pricing.
Pricing
Package Price Includes:
16 Day Exotic Danube Cruise that visits 5 Countries: Hungary, Croatia, Serbia, Bulgaria, and Romania – combined with a fantastic tour of Romania that includes ancient walled villages, Transylvania and Dracula (yes, there was a Count Vlad Dracula), and some of the best castles in the world on our land tour. Romania is really one of our favorite countries in Europe.
Our Total Package includes both the AmaWaterways Cruise and our Fun For Less Tours Land Tour – Here is what is INCULDED in our Total Package:
- AmaWaterways luxury 8 Day 7 Night Cruise between Gurgau near Bucharest Romania to Budapest Hungary includes:
- $4,198 Cat D Cabin with two large porthole windows
- $200 in ship taxes and port charges
- All Shore Excursions are included.
- Special Guest Educator: Dr. Michael Wilcox.
- Fun For Less Tours Staff.
- Three quality meals on-board the ship every day while on the ship.
- Free internet and free movies.
- Unlimited bottled water.
- All bicycles and helmets on board are free to use.
- Option to upgrade cabin to French Balcony, Double Balcony, or Suite.
- Use of quality headset receivers.
- Our Special Land Package of Romania:
- 2 Nights Deluxe Hotel Bucharest, Romania
- 2 Nights Deluxe Hotel Brasov, Romania
- 2 Nights Deluxe Hotel the Ancient Walled City of Sibiu, Romania
- 1 Night Deluxe Hotel Budapest, Hungary
- Three Major Castles: Peles Castle, Bran Castle, and Corvin Castle
- Transfers are included if you booked our group airfare or your flight arrives on or before and departs on or after our group flights.
- Two major walled cities: Sibiu and Sighisoara (Where Dracula was born in 1431)
- 9 days of buses and transfers in Romania and Hungary
- Special Guest Educator for Romania: George Codrin
- All Entrance Fees, Tours, Guides, and Sightseeing.
- All Hotel and Bus Taxes and Fees • Fun For Less Tours Staff.
- Use of quality headset receivers.
Total Package Price $6,795
Charter Savings: ($1,000)
Total Package Price $5,795*
Package Price: $5,795 - total for both Packages*
*Per person cash discount price, based on double occupancy.
Does not include airfare or tips.
Below are the prices for upgrading to balcony and suite cabins. With our combination of AmaWaterways river cruise ship with Fun For Less Tours Land Package, you are saving $1,000 Per Person off of whatever cabin category you chose. Pictures of the different balcony cabins can be found below. The prices below are the prices per person to upgrade from a D Cabin to Balcony Cabins.
- Cat D Large Porthole Cabins 170 sq. ft.: Included in Price
- Upgrade to a Cat C French Balcony with sliding glass door: $1,000
- Upgrade to a Cat BB Double Balcony with French and Outside Balcony: $1,600
- Upgrade to a Cat BA Double Balcony with French and Outside Balcony: $1,800
- Upgrade to a Cat AB Double Balcony with French and Outside Balcony: $2,000
- Upgrade to a Cat AA Double Balcony with French and Outside Balcony: $2,200
- Upgrade to Large Suite with Double Balcony both French & Outside: $3,500
Itinerary
This is a partial list, and subject to change as needed to accomplish everything we can in each area we visit. We will have local guides who will make sure we see the very best in the time we have.
Day 1: May 6: Fly to Bucharest
Fly from the US to Bucharest.
Day 2: May 7: Bucharest
We will arrive in Bucharest early afternoon. After clearing customs we will transfer to our hotel. (Transfers are included if you booked our group airfare or your flight arrives on or before and departs on or after our group flights.)
Day 3: May 8: Bucharest
Today we will do a city tour of Bucharest, including the Village Museum, one of the oldest and largest outdoor museums in Europe. Overnight in Bucharest.
Day 4: May 9: Sinaia – Brasov
This morning we will drive approximately 80 miles to the mountain resort of Sinaia. Sinaia is often referred to as the “Pearl of the Carpathians”. This lovely valley has what we consider one of the most beautiful castles in the world – the Peles Castle. We will then drive 30 miles to Brasov. This city is nestled in the foothills of the Carpathian Mountains. This location made it an ideal setting for a medieval city.
Day 5: May 10: Brasov
Today we will tour Bran Castle, often referred to as Dracula’s Castle. Though there is little concrete proof, many historians agree that Vlad Tepes (a.k.a Vlad the Impaler, whom Bram Stoker used as a model for his 1897 story-Dracula) did reside at Bran Castle during his raids in Transylvania.
Day 6: May 11: Sighisoara – Sibiu
Today we will travel to the walled city of Sighisoara. Sighisoara is one of the seven citadels constructed by the German settlers in the 12th Century. Walking along the magical cobbled alleyways, in the shadow of one of the nine towers, transports you back in time. It is possibly the best-walled city in Eastern Europe. The city is also the birthplace of the infamous Vlad Tepes otherwise known as Count Vlad Dracula. This afternoon we will travel to Sibiu. Sibiu was the largest and wealthiest of seven walled cities that were constructed in the 12th century by German settlers. Today Sibiu has been preserved and the streets have not changed in over 500 years. The center of town is a UNESCO World Heritage site.
Day 7: May 12: Corvin – Sibiu
This morning we drive to Hunedoara Castle, nestled in the Transylvania Alps. Recently the castle has gained notoriety and was named one of the scariest places in the world. The castle held Count Vlad Dracula in prison for 7 years. After our tour of this fantastic castle, we will return to Sibiu to overnight.
Day 8: May 13: Sibiu – Giurgiu
This morning we leave Sibiu and travel to Giurgiu to board our 5-star AMA Waterways Ship. Tomorrow morning we will set sail on the Danube for Hungary.
Important Note: Amawaterways includes premium shore excursions at no additional cost. In many of the ports of call, the ship may offer different shore excursions, often including a bicycle tour. Our owners have selected, what they felt to be the best shore excursion for each port. After you arrive at the ship if you decide that you would like to make a change to a different tour you can make that change onboard.
Day 9: May 14: Rousse – Veliko Tarnovo
Today is a full-day excursion to Arbanassi (an authentic medieval village) and to Veliko Tarnovo, the former capital of the Second Bulgarian Kingdom. Both have beautiful scenery and architecture.
Day 10: May 15: Vidin
Tour of Vidin and Belogradchik Fortress. Enjoy the breathtaking landscape and great views from the top of the fortress.
Day 11: May 16: Cruise Highlight Day
Today will be a major highlight day as we sail through the most spectacular scenery found anywhere along the entire Danube River. This evening they plan to park the ship Vidin, where you can get off and walk around on your own.
Day 12: May 17: Belgrade
This morning we will enjoy a Belgrade city tour to see Kalemegdan fortress, St. Save Cathedral, and some free time on the pedestrian street. This afternoon the tour includes the Royal Palace & Tito’s memorial tour.
Day 13: May 18: Novi Sad – Vukovar
Today we will stop in Novi Sad before continuing to Vukovar. Here we recommend the Petrovaradin Fortress Hike where you will explore the fortifications including the underground tunnels. This is a moderate walk uphill to the fortress and then some stairs within the fortress. Later we sail to the small Croatian river town of Vukovar. In the early 1990s, 2,000 self-organized Croatian civilians and volunteers heroically defended the town for 3 months against a heavily fortified Serbian army 40,000 strong. You will see a monument dedicated to victims of the Balkan Wars. Later we visit the Eltz Castle which is one of the best-preserved medieval castles in Europe.
Day 14: May 19: Mohacs
Pecs is the former European capital of culture, it is approximately an hour bus ride from the ship. We will take a walking tour to see the town center, the underground early Christian Cemetery, the Mosque and have some free time to shop. Most travelers consider Pecs their second favorite city in Hungary (Budapest is first).
Day 15: May 20: Budapest
Today we say goodbye to the beautiful AMA Waterways ship and travel to Budapest. Our sightseeing tour of Budapest will include a visit to Buda Hills, St. Mathias Church, and the Fishermen’s Bastions. Continuing on to the elegant part of Pest, we stop at the Hero’s square. Overnight Budapest.
Day 16: May 21: Fly home
Unfortunately, all good things must come to an end. We will transfer to the airport for your return flight home. (Transfers are included if you booked our group airfare or your flight arrives on or before and departs on or after our group flights.)
