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
- Legends of the Balkans Bucharest to Budapest (2025)
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- Enchantment of Eastern Europe with Budapest and Bucharest 2025
- Eastern Europe & Balkans Unveiled 2025 - 9 Days
- Transylvania & Enchantment of Eastern Europe & Budapest Escape
- Legends of the Balkans Bucharest → Budapest (2026)
- Legends of the Balkans with Transylvania Bucharest to Budapest (2026)
- The Danube from Romania to Budapest with 1 Night in Bucharest and 2 Nights in Transylvania 2025
An 8-day cruise aboard Travelmarvel Capella connects Bucharest's Giurgiu port to Budapest. The route highlights Bulgaria's Veliko Tarnovo with Tsarevets Fortress, Serbia's Novi Sad, and Hungary's paprika capital Kalocsa.
Duration 8 days Destinations Romania, Bulgaria, Serbia, Hungary Age Range up to 99 year olds Operator APT From
- NZ$3,645+$850 upfront costs
Bucharest's Arc de Triomphe marks the start of this 10-day, 1,200-mile Danube cruise to Budapest. The route includes 16 ports from Rousse to Novi Sad, with accommodations in luxurious Panorama Suites featuring wall-to-wall windows.
Duration 10 days Destinations Romania, Bulgaria, Serbia, Croatia, Hungary Age Range 8 to 99 year olds Operator Avalon Waterways From
- NZ$8,227+$403 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
- NZ$8,696+$403 upfront costs
Scenic's luxury ships carry passengers on an 11-day route from Bucharest to Budapest. Primaverii Palace tours launch the journey through Iron Gates gorge and 8 cities, ending near Fisherman's Bastion and Szechenyi Baths.
Duration 11 days Destinations Romania, Bulgaria, Serbia, Croatia, Hungary Age Range up to 99 year olds Operator Scenic Luxury Cruises & Tours From $8,250
12% Off- NZ$7,250You save $1,000
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 $16,452
57% Off- NZ$7,038You save $9,414
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
Duration 15 days Destinations Romania, Bulgaria, Serbia, Croatia, Hungary Age Range up to 90 year olds Operator Emerald Cruises From $18,778
43% Off- NZ$10,725You save $8,054
Travelmarvel Capella's eight-day cruise spans 1,200 km from Bucharest to Budapest. Highlights include Iron Gates gorge, Veliko Tarnovo's medieval fortress, and Novi Sad's historic center, finishing at Budapest's Hospital in the Rock Bunker Museum.
Duration 8 days Destinations Romania, Bulgaria, Serbia, Hungary Age Range up to 99 year olds Operator Travel Marvel From
43% Off- NZ$4,545
Travelmarvel Capella carries passengers from Bucharest's Old City centre to Budapest over 11 days and 1,500 kilometers. Stops include Veliko Tarnovo's Tsarevets Fortress and Novi Sad's Petrovaradin Fortress, concluding at Budapest's Great Market Hall.
Duration 11 days Destinations Romania, Bulgaria, Serbia, Hungary Age Range up to 99 year olds Operator Travel Marvel From
43% Off- NZ$4,855+$940 upfront costs
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
43% Off- NZ$9,487+$403 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.