Danube Discoveries to Dracula's Castle
Cruise the exotic Lower Danube, uncovering history and culture across Hungary, Croatia, Serbia, Bulgaria, and Romania. Extend your journey with a complimentary land tour to Transylvania, where Dracula
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Cruise the exotic Lower Danube, uncovering history and culture across Hungary, Croatia, Serbia, Bulgaria, and Romania. Discover medieval towns, the Iron Gates, and Bulgaria’s Belogradchik rock formations. Savor wines from Ilok's historic vineyards and explore Belgrade’s Kalemegdan Park. Extend your journey with a complimentary land tour to Transylvania, where Dracula’s legend comes to life in Bucharest, Brasov, and the iconic Bran Castle.
Package Inclusions:
Your Fly, Tour & Cruise Package includes:
- Return economy class flights from Australia* to Budapest, returning from Bucharest
- 2 nights 4-star accommodation in Budapest
- 7 night luxury river cruise accommodation onboard AmaBella, Budapest to Giurgiu
- Gratuities onboard
- Complimentary land program*, Brasov & Bucharest
- Transfer from Giurgiu pier to Bran
- Dracula's Castle visit
- 2 night stay in Brasov at the Kronwell Brasov Hotel (or similar) with daily breakfast
- Brasov walking tour
- Excursion to Sighisoara, birthplace to Transylvania's most notorious ruler, Vlad Tepes, also known as Vlad the Impaler or Dracula
- Peles Royal Castle tour
- Transfer from Brasov to Bucharest
- 2 night stay in Bucharest at the Athenee Palace Hilton (or similar) with daily breakfast
- Bucharest old town walking tour
**Travel date: 18 July 2026 - 31 July 2026
Wish to elevate your river cruise experience?
- French balcony from $ 11,799 per person
Highlight on the AmaWaterways:
- Included award-winning dining
- All onboard dining in a variety of venues
- Regionally inspired cuisine made with locally sourced ingredients
- The Chef’s Table specialty restaurant
- Captain’s Welcome Cocktail and Dinner
- La Chaine des Rotisseurs exclusive dining experience
- Unlimited fine wine, beer and soft drinks with lunch and dinner
- Unlimited sparkling wine and fresh juice with breakfast
- Sip & Sail Daily Cocktail Hour with complimentary wine, beer, spirits and soft drinks
- Tapas, sandwiches, snacks and refreshments served daily in the Main Lounge - Included amenities
- Wellness Program with a dedicated Wellness Host leading various exercise classes as well as discussions on healthy eating and relaxation techniques, both on board and on shore
- Personalized service from a highly trained Cruise Manager during both cruise and land programs
- Internet and Wi-Fi access
- Sun deck pool with swim-up bar and walking track
- Fitness room
- Main Lounge with panoramic views and bar
- Bottled water in every stateroom replenished daily
- Daily entertainment including cultural performances - Included activities
- Immersive tours in every destination
- Gentle, regular, active and late-riser tour options
- Bike tours and hikes
- Local Flavours tours
- Knowledgeable guides
- Personal headset for easy exploration
Itinerary
Day 1-14
18 July 2026 -Sydney - Budapest, Hungary
Upon arrival make own way to hotel in Budapest for your 2 night stay
19 July 2026 - Budapest, Hungary
Budapest at leisure
20 July 2026 - Budapest, Hungary
Check-out your hotel and board your ship in Budapest for your cruise. (B, D)
21 July 2026 - Mohacs - Pecs, Hungary
Enjoy a scenic morning cruise to Mohacs. You’ll then visit Pécs, founded more than 2,000 years ago by the Romans. Visit the UNESCO-designated Christian Necropolis; St. Peter’s Basilica, the city’s main Catholic cathedral along with its catacombs; and Széchenyi Square, the heart of Old Town Pécs. You will also see the Mosque of Pasha Qasim the Victorious, one of the symbols of the city. Or for wine connoisseurs, you’ll want to go to the Szekszard wine region, one of the oldest red-wine-growing areas in Hungary, established more than 2,000 years ago. You may also take an exhilarating guided bike tour around Mohacs. (B,L,D)
22 July 2026 - Vukovar, Croatia
Enjoy your morning in Vukovar on a guided city tour where you may visit sites such as Eltz Manor House and Vukovar’s famous water tower. Alternatively, you may see Osijek on a guided tour. For those looking for a more active experience, you may explore Vukovar on an active bike tour. In the afternoon, enjoy a Croatian wine tasting and tour in the Old Cellars, famous for their Grasevina, Traminac and Frankovka wines. You can also choose to explore the Vucedol Museum, home to fascinating exhibits on prehistoric culture and one of the most important archaeological sites in Europe. (B,L,D)
23 July 2026 - Belgrade, Serbia
Explore Serbia’s capital, Belgrade, on a city tour, which includes the Nikola Tesla Museum, encompassing the world-renowned inventor’s life and inventions, as well as the Kalemegdan Fortress and the Serbian Orthodox Cathedral of St. Sava, the largest such church in the world. Alternatively, you can hike to Belgrade Fortress. In the afternoon, enjoy a taste of the region by sampling a few types of Serbian brandy paired with delicious local appetizers, including Slivovitz, which was added in 2022 to UNESCO’s list of “Intangible Cultural Heritage.” For those wishing a more active adventure, join a guided bike tour. Or explore Novi Sad, a city rich in tradition and culture, on an afternoon walking tour. Begin your tour at the Dunavski (Danube) Park; stroll through Stari Grad, the old town center; and explore Liberty Square, which is dominated by the Old Town Hall. (B,L,D)
24 July 2026 - Scenic cruising through the Iron Gates
Visit Golubac Fortress – a medieval fortified town on the south side of the Danube River – before cruising through the Iron Gates. The Iron Gates is one of Europe’s most awe-inspiring natural wonders. The Danube narrows as it winds through a series of magnificent gorges between the Carpathian and Balkan mountains, forming a natural border between Serbia and Romania. The ancient King Decebalus, the last king of Dacia, is proudly carved into the mountainside and always captivates travelers. (B,L,D)
25 July 2026 - Vidin, Bulgaria
Explore Vidin, one of Bulgaria’s oldest cities, and surrounding areas with a choice of excursions. Discover Baba Vida Fortress, the largest preserved medieval castle in Bulgaria. Alternatively, visit a local home for a demonstration of traditional Bulgarian yogurt and Banitsa, a pastry you will also get to make. You also have the choice to bike through Vidin and to the castle. (B,L,D)
26 July 2026 - Rousse - Giurgiu, Romania
Visit Bulgaria’s ancient capital, Veliko Tarnovo, with its medieval fortress and multiple orthodox temples. You can opt instead to go to Rousse, known for its 19th- and 20th-century Neo-Baroque and Neo-Rococo architecture, and then afterwards visit the UNESCO-designated Rock-Hewn Churches of Ivanovo with frescos revealing exceptional artistry of 14th-century paintings. Later in the day, travel through the Romanian countryside to the capital of Bucharest, known as the “Little Paris of the East.” Enjoy a panoramic tour of the historic city center and its elegant architecture. (B,L,D)
27 July 2026 - Giurgiu disembarkation - Brasov, Romania
Disembark the ship in Giurgiu and continue to the legendary region of Transylvania, a place deeply rooted in myth and history. Your first stop on the road to Transylvania will be the quaint mountain town of Bran, where you will visit Dracula's Castle. After your tour, you will depart for Brasov. (B)
28 July 2026 - Bran - Sighisoara, Romania
Enjoy a walking tour around Brasov. Afterward, dracula lovers will be in for another treat with an excursion to Sighisoara, birthplace to Transylvania’s most notorious ruler, Vlad Tepes, also known as Vlad the Impaler or Dracula. It’s hard to believe that this perfectly preserved UNESCO-designated town filled with resplendent pastel-colored buildings, stone lanes, medieval towers and pedestrian-friendly Old Town was Vlad’s place of birth. His home is still here, marked with a placard; however, today it houses a kitschy restaurant called “Casa Dracula.” (B)
29 July 2026 - Brasov - Bucharest, Romania
En route to Bucharest, you’ll visit Transylvania’s legendary Bran Castle, forever linked with the legend of Dracula. Later in the day, transfer to Bucharest and check into your hotel. (B)
30 July 2026 - Bucharest, Romania
This morning, enjoy a walking tour through the historic old town of Bucharest. Observe the many changes this capital city has experienced through a mixture of architectural styles and cultural influences. Your guided tour will take you through the old town and show you the most popular places in Bucharest while hearing stories of its history and getting local insights for shopping and dining opportunities. (B)
31 July 2026 - Bucharest, Romania - Sydney
Bid farewell to Bucharest as you prepare for your homeward flight. (B)
*Itinerary subject to change
Terms and Conditions
Terms and Conditions apply: All prices are quoted in Australian dollars, based on per person double occupancy unless stated otherwise, and inclusive of all taxes and discounts. All prices & itineraries are current as of 20 January 2025 & subject to change without notice. Prices are subject to change due to availability, currency fluctuations, fuel price, and tax increases. Oceanview and Balcony cabins may have obstructed views, please check with your consultant. Complimentary Brasov and Bucharest land program is capacity controlled and may be withdrawn at any time without prior notice. Price includes any stated bonus nights, upgrades & package savings, if applicable. All passports, visas, travel permits, and vaccinations are the responsibility of the travelling passenger to secure prior to travel. Airfares are capacity controlled and are subject to change at any time without notice, based in economy class from Sydney and are subject to the carriers' flight schedules and conditions. Seasonal and flight routing surcharges may apply. Airfares are based on the lowest available fare, which comes with strict conditions i.e., non-refundable, or non-changeable. Please ask your consultant for pricing on flexible fare options that allow cancellations and/or amendments at a fee. Please call us for prices from other airports. Travel packages advertised may include multiple products provided by several suppliers to provide a travel itinerary. Each component of the package will be treated independent of each other, and the specific terms & conditions of each product supplier will apply. Hotels may charge resort fees, or a security bond not included or mentioned in this package, payable direct upon check-in. We reserve the right to correct errors without penalty.
Danube Discoveries to Dracula's Castle
Includes:- Cruise Included
- Beverages Included
- Excursions Included
- Flight Included
- Accommodation Included
- Meals Included
- Tours Included
- Transfers Included