River Cruises from Bucharest to Budapest
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10 best River cruises from Bucharest to Budapest
Compiled by

MelissaBucharest travel expert at TourRadar
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A 9-day sailing from Bucharest's Primaverii Palace to Budapest unfolds aboard luxury Suites. The itinerary features Iron Gates gorge, Belgrade's Kalemegdan Fortress, and Mohacs's Turkish heritage, enhanced by curated shore excursions.
Duration 9 days Destinations Romania, Bulgaria, Serbia, Croatia, Hungary Age Range up to 99 year olds Operator Scenic Luxury Cruises & Tours From $7,330
14% Off- NZ$6,330You save $1,000
The S.S. Beatrice sails 10 days from Bucharest to Budapest, passing through Iron Gates gorges and historic Golubac Castle. The route includes Bucharest's People's Palace, Bulgaria's Ruse, and Budapest's majestic Parliament Building. Days fill with monastery visits and wine tastings.
Duration 10 days Destinations Romania, Bulgaria, Serbia, Croatia, Hungary Age Range up to 100 year olds Operator Uniworld Boutique River Cruise Collection From $7,599
10% Off- NZ$6,839You save $760
The Emerald Star traverses 836 miles over 11 days from Bucharest to Budapest. Five countries unfold along the way, showcasing Rousse's Neo-Baroque architecture, Lepenski Vir archaeological site, and Budapest's Chain Bridge and Buda Castle.
Duration 11 days Destinations Romania, Bulgaria, Serbia, Croatia, Hungary Age Range up to 90 year olds Operator Emerald Cruises From $19,482
56% Off- NZ$8,572You save $10,910
Embark from Bucharest's Giurgiu port, cruising 1,200km to Budapest aboard Emerald Dawn or Star ships. Journey includes Spring Palace visit, overnight at Bucharest hotel, and stops at Vidin's vineyards and Belgrade's Church of Saint Sava before reaching Hungary's capital.
Duration 9 days Destinations Romania, Bulgaria, Serbia, Croatia, Hungary Age Range up to 90 year olds Operator Emerald Cruises From $15,179
50% Off- NZ$7,590You save $7,590
The Danube flows from Bucharest's Royal Palace Square to Budapest's riverside over 12 days. Passengers aboard Avalon Suite Ships savor gourmet dining in Panorama Suites while visiting Belgrade's Saint Sava church, Mohács' medieval watermill, and the dramatic Iron Gates Gorge.
Duration 12 days Destinations Romania, Bulgaria, Serbia, Croatia, Hungary Age Range 8 to 99 year olds Operator Avalon Waterways From
50% Off- NZ$8,999+$396 upfront costs
Avalon's Suite Ship sails 11 days across 1,200 kilometers of Danube waterways. The route from Bucharest's Royal Palace Square encompasses Iron Gates Gorge, Belogradchik's rock formations, and Budapest's Heroes' Square.
Duration 11 days Destinations Romania, Bulgaria, Serbia, Croatia, Hungary Age Range 8 to 99 year olds Operator Avalon Waterways From
50% Off- NZ$8,221+$396 upfront costs
A 1,200-kilometer route connects Bucharest to Budapest in 10 days. Romania's Royal Palace Square marks the starting point before cruising through Iron Gates Gorge and Petrovaradin Fortress in Novi Sad. The voyage concludes at Budapest's riverfront, featuring Avalon's FlexDining®.
Duration 10 days Destinations Romania, Bulgaria, Serbia, Croatia, Hungary Age Range 12 to 90 year olds Operator Avalon Waterways From
50% Off- NZ$8,107+$436 upfront costs
Duration 9 days Destinations Romania, Bulgaria, Serbia, Croatia, Hungary Age Range up to 99 year olds Operator Scenic Luxury Cruises & Tours From $5,995
22% Off- NZ$4,695You save $1,300
Romania's Peles Castle and Bran Castle open this 12-day adventure to Budapest. Luxury Avalon ships cruise through Bulgaria's Rousse and Serbia's Belgrade, with highlights including Saint Sava church and UNESCO-listed Pécs tombs.
Duration 12 days Destinations Romania, Bulgaria, Serbia, Croatia, Hungary Age Range 12 to 90 year olds Operator Avalon Waterways From
22% Off- NZ$9,445+$436 upfront costs
Duration 13 days Destinations Romania, Bulgaria, Serbia, Croatia, Hungary Age Range 8 to 99 year olds Operator Avalon Waterways From
22% Off- NZ$9,938+$436 upfront costs
What our customers ask about River Cruises from Bucharest to Budapest
What would be a typical day-by-day itinerary between Bucharest and Budapest?
Your journey starts in Bucharest with a city tour before heading to Giurgiu to board your river ship. The next day takes you to Bulgaria where you'll explore Veliko Tarnovo and the charming village of Arbanasi. On day three, you'll visit Vidin and the impressive Belogradchik Fortress. Day four offers a relaxing cruise through the Iron Gates gorge. Day five brings you to Novi Sad, Serbia, where you can explore the fascinating Petrovaradin Fortress - many travelers say this is a highlight of their trip. On day six, you'll stop in Kalocsa, Hungary, to watch traditional horse shows at Puszta. Your final full day lets you discover Budapest's Great Market Hall and Buda Castle before departing on day eight.
What are the must-see attractions along the Danube between Bucharest and Budapest?
You'll see some amazing places on this route. In Bucharest, there's the Spring Palace and Arc de Triomphe. Bulgaria offers the unique rock formations at Belogradchik and the Baba Vida Fortress in Vidin. In Serbia, you can't miss the Kalemegdan Fortress and Saint Sava Temple in Belgrade. Croatia shows off its Baroque Old Town in Osijek, while Hungary features historic Mohacs and the beautiful city of Pecs. The Iron Gates gorge between Serbia and Romania is a real natural wonder. As one traveler told us, "the diversity of attractions was amazing - from ancient fortresses to vibrant cities and natural wonders like the Iron Gates gorge, each day brought something new and fascinating."
What are the main highlights and destinations visited between Bucharest and Budapest?
Your trip covers five countries along the Danube, each with its own special places to discover. You'll start in Bucharest with its wide, tree-lined streets and impressive Parliament Palace. Then you'll visit Bulgaria's ancient capital, Veliko Tarnovo, before sailing through the dramatic Iron Gates gorge between Serbia and Romania. In Belgrade, you can visit the Saint Sava Temple, one of the biggest Orthodox churches you'll find in Europe. The Hungarian city of Pecs is also special, with its ancient Christian tombs underground. One of our travelers said it best: "the variety of destinations was incredible - from Romania's capital to small Serbian villages and everything in between."
Which major cities and landmarks are typically visited between Bucharest and Budapest?
Your river cruise takes you to several amazing cities and places along the Danube. In Bulgaria, you'll stop at Veliko Tarnovo and Arbanasi, where you can explore the restored Tsarevets Fortress. Serbia offers Belgrade with its massive Kalemegdan Fortress. You'll also visit Vukovar in Croatia and Kalocsa in Hungary, where you can watch traditional horse shows. The Iron Gates gorge between Serbia and Romania is really special too - you'll see tall limestone cliffs and old Roman sites, including Trajan's Plaque.
How many countries do these river cruises typically visit?
Your cruise takes you through five countries: Romania, Bulgaria, Serbia, Croatia, and Hungary. Starting in Romania, you'll see Bucharest's famous Parliament Palace. Then you'll discover Bulgaria's medieval towns, Serbia's lively capital Belgrade, Croatia's rich culture in Vukovar, and finally Hungary's beautiful Budapest. It's a perfect way to experience Eastern European history and culture up close.
What's included in the sightseeing and excursion program?
Your cruise includes guided tours at every stop with local experts who really know their stuff. You'll visit several UNESCO World Heritage sites, historic fortresses, and important cultural spots. In Belgrade, you'll tour the Kalemegdan Fortress. In Bulgaria, you can see the fascinating rock-hewn churches of Ivanovo. Romania offers tours of the Parliament Palace, and in Budapest, you'll get a good look at Heroes' Square and the Chain Bridge.