River Cruises from Bucharest
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10 best River Cruise tour packages from Bucharest
Compiled by

MelissaBucharest travel expert at TourRadar
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The grand People's Palace tour kicks off this luxury river journey through Bucharest. The S.S. Beatrice or River Duchess awaits with lavish riverview staterooms and the elegant Palace Restaurant. The city reveals its fascinating blend of Communist architecture and Belle Époque buildings.
Duration 10 days Destinations Romania, Bulgaria, Serbia, Croatia, Hungary Age Range Ages 16+ Operator Uniworld Boutique River Cruise Collection From $7,599
10% Off- NZ$6,839You save $760
Romania's heritage comes alive from Bucharest's Village Open Air Museum to the Primaverii Palace. Your Scenic Space-Ship awaits in Giurgiu, offering expert-guided tours and gourmet dining throughout.
Duration 9 days Destinations Romania, Bulgaria, Serbia, Croatia, Hungary Age Range Ages 12+ Operator Scenic Luxury Cruises & Tours From $9,325
11% Off- NZ$8,325You save $1,000
Cruise from Bucharest's Giurgiu port along the Danube, visiting Spring Palace and exploring 'Paris of the East' boulevards. Board Emerald Dawn or Star ships for 7 nights, featuring panoramic suites and intimate Owner's Suites while discovering Romanian capital's landmarks.
Duration 9 days Destinations Romania, Bulgaria, Serbia, Croatia, Hungary Age Range Ages 12+ Operator Emerald Cruises From $16,108
50% Off- NZ$8,054You save $8,054
Duration 15 days Destinations Romania, Bulgaria, Serbia, Hungary, Slovakia, Austria Age Range Ages 8+ Operated in English, German Operator Lueftner Cruises From
50% Off- NZ$7,189
Duration 22 days Destinations Romania, Bulgaria, Serbia, Hungary, Austria, Slovakia, Germany, Netherlands Age Range Ages 8+ Operator APT From
50% Off- NZ$12,095+$2,550 upfront costs
Duration 11 days Destinations Romania, Bulgaria, Serbia, Hungary, Slovakia, Austria Age Range Ages 8+ Operated in English, German Operator Lueftner Cruises From $5,500
15% Off- NZ$4,675You save $825
Duration 26 days Destinations Romania, Bulgaria, Serbia, Hungary, Austria, Slovakia, Germany, Netherlands Age Range Ages 8+ Operator APT From
15% Off- NZ$14,025+$2,670 upfront costs
The grand People's Palace welcomes visitors before boarding River Duchess or S.S. Beatrice. Communist-era landmarks and traditional Romanian culture highlight the journey, with luxury accommodations at The Marmorosch Bucharest hotel.
Duration 24 days Destinations Romania, Bulgaria, Serbia, Croatia, Hungary, Austria, Germany, Netherlands Age Range Ages 16+ Operator Uniworld Boutique River Cruise Collection From $20,799
10% Off- NZ$18,719You save $2,080
Duration 11 days Destinations Romania, Bulgaria, Serbia, Hungary Age Range Ages 8+ Operator APT From
10% Off- NZ$6,155+$940 upfront costs
Duration 15 days Destinations Romania, Bulgaria, Serbia, Croatia, Hungary Age Range Ages 12+ Operator Scenic Luxury Cruises & Tours From $9,040
14% Off- NZ$7,740You save $1,300
What our customers ask about River Cruises from Bucharest
How many countries do river cruises starting from Bucharest typically visit?
Most river cruises from Bucharest stop in 5 to 8 countries along the Danube. The basic route covers Romania, Bulgaria, Serbia, Croatia and Hungary. Longer trips also include Austria, Germany and sometimes Slovakia or the Netherlands. A good example is the 24-day trip from Bucharest to Amsterdam that visits 8 countries, while shorter 10-day trips focus mainly on Eastern Europe.
What are the popular river routes taken from Bucharest?
The main route follows the Danube through several countries, starting in Romania. You'll visit Bulgarian cities like Rousse, Veliko Tarnovo and Vidin, then continue to Serbia's Belgrade and Novi Sad, Croatia's Vukovar and Osijek, and Hungary's Mohacs and Budapest. Many travelers say sailing through the Iron Gates gorge between Serbia and Romania is a highlight. If you take a longer trip, you'll also explore parts of Austria and Germany.
What are common Danube River cruise routes from Bucharest?
Your journey typically starts with a transfer from Bucharest to the ports of Giurgiu or Oltenita. From there, you'll sail west through Bulgaria, stopping at Rousse, Veliko Tarnovo and Vidin. Next comes Serbia with visits to Belgrade and Novi Sad, followed by Croatian stops in Vukovar and Osijek. In Hungary, you'll visit Kalocsa and Budapest. Longer trips continue to Vienna and Melk. Along the way, you can try Bulgarian wines, watch Hungarian horse shows, and experience local culture at each stop.
What's the best time of year for river cruises starting from Bucharest?
The best time to cruise is from April through October. Summer months (June to August) are warm at 80-85°F (27-29°C). Spring and fall are milder with temperatures between 65-75°F (18-24°C). Many travelers prefer May and September when there are fewer tourists and the weather is perfect for exploring cities like Bucharest, Belgrade and Budapest.
What's the best way to get from Bucharest airport to the cruise embarkation point?
Your cruise company will usually pick you up from Henri Coandă International Airport and take you either to your hotel in Bucharest or straight to the port in Giurgiu, about 37 miles away. The drive to Bucharest takes 45-60 minutes, while getting to Giurgiu takes about 90 minutes. Many travelers stay at the Intours Hotel or Marriott Hotel in central Bucharest before their cruise starts.
What unique cultural experiences are offered on river cruises departing from Bucharest?
You'll get to experience local life in many ways during your cruise. You might have dinner with families in Croatia, taste wines in Bulgaria's Veliko Tarnovo region, watch folklore shows in Belgrade, or visit traditional horse farms in Hungary's Kalocsa. Some trips include special events like private concerts in Vienna's Palais Liechtenstein or visits to Danube monasteries. Travelers often say these personal connections with local culture are what make their trips memorable.
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