DESTINATION

Journey over nine days through the beautiful scenery of 5 European countries:  Romania, Bulgaria, Serbia, Croatia, Hungary.  As you cruise along one of Europe’s most romantic river, you will sail through history into a world filled with a variety of amazing architecture and breathtaking scenery. Our Budapest to Bucharest cruise takes you on a journey of discovery into “Old Europe,” uncovering ancient abbeys, beautiful palaces, historic landmarks and stunning vistas. From vibrant and cosmopolitan cities of Budapest, Belgrade and Bucharest, to the villages of Silistra, Rousse and Kalocsa, your trip will highlight iconic sights and bustling city streets. You can look forward to enjoying all this from the deck of a 4 ½  star Ship!  Since we'll be traveling aboard a luxurious riverboat, we'll need to unpack only once as we enjoy the unfolding views of the river from the comfort of our cabins. Come join us for this amazing Black Sea discovery cruise!

 

YOUR VESSEL: Laidback elegance and relaxing comfort are paramount features of our cruises. Enjoy panoramic views of Europe as you walk the outdoor track on the Sun Deck; or, for a more intimate experience, relax in your private cabin. Gourmet meals with wine are available each day in the dining room. Each cabin and suite boasts a superior queen bed and other amenities, including a television and minibar. After a full day of touring, relax to live music in the ship's lounge with the music of the band, City Rhythm.

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Unpack only once and enjoy the scenery of the beautiful rivers from a spacious cabin.  The Scenic Sapphire provides relaxed elegance and comfort. Enjoy coffee or tea in the lounge, or take a walk on the sun deck while experiencing all that the rivers offer.

Included Features:

• Round-trip air transportation from New York (JFK-EWR). Other gateways available.  Fuel surcharges and air taxes are included (valid at time of printing).

• ALL-INCLUSIVE 5 STAR CRUISING LUXURY:

- Transfers from airport to the riverboat and from riverboat to the airport, with luggage handling for one checked bag per person. Services of a professional cruise director throughout the program.

- Luxurious accommodations for seven nights on a Scenic “Space Ship”

-  Port charges.

- Daily gourmet meals onboard: a rich buffet breakfast, a festive lunch buffet, tea & coffee throughout the day and a multi-course dinner with free complimentary selection of wines, draught beers during meals as well as cocktails at the bar.

- Complimentary Wi-Fi Internet

- Private 5* butler service for all cabins

- Applicable entrance fees, admission charges according to itinerary.

-  Onboard entertainment featuring the CITY RHYTHM ORCHESTRA.

- Wellness center, massages services available (extra cost).

- Electronically-assisted bicycles and Nordic walking sticks

 

Included shore excursions:

• Deluxe air-conditioned motor coach transportation for all transfers, tours and guided excursions.

• Headsets during excursions

• Daily shore excursion as outlined in the itinerary including local English-speaking guides.

  • - Discover Kalocsa – traditional Puszta horse demonstration

  • - Osijek city tour

  • - Belgrade city tour

  • - Iron Gates sailing

  • - Rousse city tour

Optional post tour excursion:

Optional 2-night PRE extension to BUCHAREST, including a visit to the traditional Open Air Museum.

Optional 2-night POST extension to BUDAPEST, including a full day tour of Szentendre and a Budapest Orientation tour.

 

ITINERARY (subject to change / approval from the cruise company

 

Day 1- NOV 7, 2023:  Depart the USA: Depart the U.S. on an overnight flight to Romania.

 

Day 2- NOV 8, 2023:  BUCHAREST - GIURGIU (D): Welcome to Romania.  A Jet Vacations representative will personally greet you and arrange your transfer to your river cruise ship in Giurgiu. After you've comfortably settled in your cabin, we'll introduce our crew during our welcome cocktail party. You'll have dinner on board, and enjoy an evening of entertainment. (Dinner)

 

Day 3- NOV 9, 2023:  SILISTRA (FB,L,D): This morning after breakfast, take an excursion to Varna on the Black Sea coast.  After lunch onboard, discover Silistra Fort during an active walking tour.  (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)

 

Day 4- NOV 10, 2023:  ROUSSE (FB,L,D): Cruise towards the Bulgarian town of Rousse, where you’ll be treated to a guided sightseeing tour Alternatively, discover the Byzantine gem of Veliko Tarnovo and the World Heritage-listed village of Arbanassi. (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)

 

Day 5– NOV 11, 2023:  IRON GATES (FB,L,D): We set sail early this morning, taking breakfast, relaxing and admiring the spectacular scenery as you cruise through the Iron Gates, a narrow gorge that the Danube has carved out between the Carpathian and Balkan Mountains. A magnificent setting for a cruise and the natural border between Romania and Serbia. (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)

 

Day 6- NOV 12, 2023:  BELGRADE (FB,L,D): After breakfast onboard, enjoy an in-depth city tour of one of Europe’s oldest capitals, Belgrade and see the highlights of the city before enjoying time at leisure to wander this beautiful location. Later, journey to Sremski Karlovci, where you can wander the town and marvel at the many beautiful Baroque elements.  (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)

 

Day 7- NOV 13, 2023:  OSIJEK (FB,L,D): Explore Osijek on a city tour, or take a bike ride on your own through Osijek’s countryside.  Later, as a special Jet Vacations’ guest, be invited into the home of a local family for a traditional home-cooked meal and the chance to discover what everyday life is really like in Croatia. With great food and wonderful company, this is a rare opportunity to meet people who understand the local way of life intimately. (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)

 

Day 8- NOV 14, 2023:  KALOCSA (FB,L,D):  Located on the Great Hungarian Plain, Kalocsa is one of the oldest towns in Hungary. Today you will have the opportunity to witness a traditional Puszta horse show. Be greeted by the horsemen of the Puszta region where this type of activity has been practiced for centuries. Tonight, enjoy the Captain’s Farewell dinner, followed by an evening of dancing.  (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner).

 

Day 9- NOV 15, 2023:  BUDAPEST (FB): This Morning you will be transferred* by your Jet Vacations Representative to your onward post extension of Budapest, or to your homebound flight home. (Breakfast).  END OF SERVICES

 

2 NIGHTS PRE BUCHAREST EXTENSION

 

Day 1- NOV 5, 2023:  Depart the U. S. for Bucharest, Romania.

 

Day 2- NOV 6, 2023– Arrival in Romania (D): Welcome to Bucharest. Upon arrival, proceed to baggage claim and after clearing customs, look for your guide who will be holding a Jet Vacations sign at the exit. After a private transfer to your hotel, the remainder of the day is at leisure. In the evening, we will gather for a welcome dinner at the hotel or in a nearby local restaurant. Overnight in Bucharest. (Dinner)

 

Day 3- NOV 7, 2023– BUCHAREST (B):  Breakfast at the hotel and set out to explore Bucharest’s bohemian charm, oversized structures, and Communist legacy on this city sightseeing tour. Stroll down charming Old-World streets in the historic city center. Learn about Bucharest’s tumultuous modern history and see the lasting marks of Communism at Revolution Square and the jaw-dropping expanse of the Palace of Parliament, built by former dictator Ceausescu, the world's second-largest administrative building. Learn about the rise and fall of Communism in the country at Revolution Square.  In the afternoon. Immerse yourself in the ways of traditional Romanian country life at the open-air Village Museum.  Lunch and Dinner on your own.  Overnight at your hotel in Bucharest.  (Breakfast)

 

Day 4- NOV 8, 2023– Transfer to your river cruise ship (B, D): After breakfast, checkout from your hotel. You will be met by a Jet Vacations representative to transfer to your deluxe cruise ship in Bucharest. Here, you will have the chance to unpack, relax in your room and explore all of the ship’s fantastic facilities and acquaint yourself with life on the river. This evening, you have a special invitation to a Cocktail Reception and after dinner, an evening of entertainment. (Breakfast, Dinner on the ship)

 

2 NIGHTS POST BUDAPEST EXTENSION

 

DAY 9-: NOV 15, 2023 – CRUISE to BUDAPEST (FB,D):

Enjoy one last buffet breakfast on board before disembarking at 9:00 a.m. Hop on your motor coach and transfer to Budapest.  Upon arriving, a Jet Vacations representative will personally greet you at your hotel and Check in.  Tonight, enjoy a welcome diner in a typical restaurant with the other group members. (Dinner)

 

Day 10- NOV 16, 2023 – Full Day Trip to Szentendre with lunch at a Renaissance Restaurant (B, L).  After breakfast at the hotel, we’ll depart to Szentendre Island overlooking the Danube River and situated 30 kms from Budapest. Upon arrival, visit the Baroque artists' village of Szentendre where your guide will lead you on a walk-through town. There you can marvel at the pieces on display while learning about the manufacturing process.  Following the tour, travel 500 years back in time and experience a Medieval feast in the Renaissance restaurant!  Return to the hotel for an afternoon / evening at leisure. Overnight in Budapest. (Breakfast, Lunch)

 

Day 11- NOV 17, 2023 – BUDAPEST – BUD airport departure (B).

After breakfast, checkout from your hotel. You will be met by a Jet Vacations representative to depart to the BUDAPEST International airport for your flight back home. (Breakfast)

 

OPTIONAL PRE-POST TOUR INCLUSIONS

 

• Deluxe air-conditioned motor coach transportation for all transfers, tours and guided excursions.

• First class hotel accommodations for 2 nights at centrally located hotels in Budapest / Bucharest, including hotel tax and service charges.

• Baggage handling at hotels. (Based on one bag per person)

• Guided tours and entrances as per program. Services of a professional Host.

• Daily breakfasts, 1 dinner in Bucharest and daily breakfasts and 1 Lunch in Budapest in hotels or nearby restaurants including beverages.

• All VAT and applicable taxes and fees

 

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Notes: Onboard currency is the Euro. The ship’s captain reserves the right to modify the cruising itinerary to ensure the safe navigation of the vessel.  This cruise is dependent on the sea and tides and arrival, departure and stop over times may be adjusted accordingly.  All taxes and fuel surcharges are included and correct at the time of printing, but subject to change. The price does not include beverages except the ones mentioned above, shore excursions that might be offered in addition to our daily included shore excursion program, gratuities/tips for guides/drivers and onboard staff such as maids, waiters, and maitre d’, wellness/spa center, airline luggage overage fees, passports fees, visas as well as items of a personal nature.

 

PRICING:  *Price is in US$, per person based on double occupancy, in your choice of cabins (Email us for pricing), chartering the vessel with a minimum of 100 passengers on board.  Single supplement is an additional 50% of the double occupancy price. Flights are not included and available from all U.S Gateways.