Eastern Europe River Cruises
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10 best river cruises through Eastern Europe
Compiled by

SteffEastern Europe travel expert at TourRadar
- The Danube from Romania to Budapest with 1 Night in Bucharest 2025
- Passage to Eastern Europe Bucharest to Budapest
- Passage to Eastern Europe Budapest to Bucharest
- Eastern Europe & Balkans Unveiled & Budapest 2025 - 11 Days
- Along the Danube, the Balkan peninsula and Budapest (from Bucharest to Budapest)
- Gems of Southeast Europe 2025 Start Giurgiu, End Budapest
- Legends of the Balkans Bucharest to Budapest (2025)
- Christmas Markets on the Danube
- Along the river Danube, Budapest and the Balkan peninsula (from Budapest to Oltenita)
- Eastern Europe & Balkans Unveiled 2025 - 9 Days
Luxury awaits on the Danube aboard Avalon's ship from Bucharest to Budapest. The route includes historic Veliko Târnovo and Belgrade, with panoramic suite views, gourmet dining, and professional guides enriching each stop.
Duration 10 days Destinations Romania, Bulgaria, Serbia, Croatia, Hungary Age Range 8 to 99 year olds Operator Avalon Waterways From
- NZ$7,806+$399 upfront costs
Passage to Eastern Europe Bucharest to Budapest
1 Review by TourRadar travelers“Food on board was good standard. Staffs ... especially at dinning was excellent !!!”
Loo, traveled in May
Viking's premium fleet reveals hidden gems from Veliko Tarnovo to Kalocsa. Traditional bread-making in Vidin, Belgrade's fortress, and Hungarian horsemanship displays highlight daily shore excursions.
Duration 11 days Destinations Romania, Bulgaria, Serbia, Croatia, Hungary Age Range 18 to 99 year olds Operator Viking Cruises From
- NZ$8,411
Viking ships sail through Eastern Europe's renaissance from Hungary to Romania. The route features Belgrade's Ottoman treasures, Iron Gate gorge, and Bulgaria's ancient fortresses, complete with expert-led tours and cultural performances.
Duration 11 days Destinations Hungary, Croatia, Serbia, Bulgaria, Romania Age Range 18 to 90 year olds Operator Viking Cruises From
- NZ$8,411
Luxury river ships connect Romania's capital to Bulgaria's Black Sea coast. Highlights include Silistra Fort, the dramatic Iron Gates gorge, and Serbia's Belgrade, all accompanied by expert guides.
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
Along the Danube, the Balkan peninsula and Budapest (from Bucharest to Budapest)
3 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“The food was great, entertainment good, and the crew were very accommodating.”
John, traveled in May
MS Vivaldi connects ports from Bucharest to Budapest. The route encompasses the Iron Gates gorge, Bulgaria's cultural hub Ruse, and traditional entertainment, viewed from elegant cabins.
Duration 12 days Destinations Romania, Bulgaria, Serbia, Croatia, Hungary Age Range up to 99 year olds Operator CroisiEurope River Cruises From
12% Off- NZ$7,976
Premium ships glide between Giurgiu and Belgrade's riverside gems. The journey features Bulgaria's Rock-Hewn Churches, ancient Veliko Tarnovo, and the Iron Gates gorges, while wine tastings, cooking demos, and guided tours showcase local culture.
Duration 8 days Destinations Romania, Bulgaria, Serbia, Hungary Age Range 12 to 90 year olds Operator AmaWaterways From
12% Off- NZ$6,645+$399 upfront costs
The Travelmarvel Capella offers Upper and Middle Deck suites while cruising Eastern Europe's waterways. The route passes through the Iron Gates gorge with stops at historic ports from Novi Sad to Kalocsa, complemented by included wine during meals.
Duration 8 days Destinations Romania, Bulgaria, Serbia, Hungary Age Range up to 99 year olds Operator APT From
12% Off- NZ$3,645+$850 upfront costs
Winter magic unfolds aboard M/S Vivaldi through Budapest's UNESCO-listed center. The route features the scenic Danube Bend and Bratislava's preserved Baroque quarter with its twin Christmas market squares.
Duration 8 days Destinations Austria, Hungary, Slovakia, Czech Republic Age Range 18 to 99 year olds Operator Tours of Distinction From
12% Off- NZ$4,817
Along the river Danube, Budapest and the Balkan peninsula (from Budapest to Oltenita)
2 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“The room had plenty of room for two woman sharing the room with lots of cupboards and shelving to put things.”
Judy, traveled in May
Premium ships with panoramic views navigate the Danube-Black Sea Canal. The route includes Bulgarian port Ruse and Romania's ancient Constanta, featuring French cuisine and entertainment throughout historic regions.
Duration 9 days Destinations Hungary, Croatia, Serbia, Bulgaria, Romania Age Range up to 99 year olds Operator CroisiEurope River Cruises From
12% Off- NZ$6,318
The route from Bucharest's Primaverii Palace weaves through Bulgaria's historic ports. Stops include Serbia's Belgrade, Croatia's Osijek, and Hungary's medieval Mohacs, with luxury accommodations and expert-guided tours throughout.
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
What our customers ask about Eastern Europe River Cruises
How long are typical Eastern Europe river cruise itineraries?
Most Eastern Europe river cruises run between 7 and 15 days on the Danube River. The most common routes include 8-day journeys between Budapest and Bucharest and 11-day trips that add stops in Transylvania. Longer voyages like APT's Best of the Balkans stretch to 15 days crossing Hungary Croatia Serbia Bulgaria and Romania. The length allows travelers to explore each destination at a reasonable pace. As one TourRadar traveler commented: "Our 11-day cruise was perfect - enough time to really experience each destination without feeling rushed."
What are some unique ports of call on Eastern Europe river cruises?
Beyond the well-known stops in Budapest and Belgrade the Danube reveals smaller destinations with distinct character. Travelers encounter medieval watermills in Mohács Hungary and towering rock formations near Vidin Bulgaria. The town of Kalocsa Hungary draws visitors with its paprika festivals and traditional folk art while Giurgiu serves as the gateway to Bucharest's tree-lined boulevards. As one TourRadar traveler noted: "Loved discovering lesser-known towns like Veliko Târnovo with its ancient fortress and Arbanasi's historic churches - real hidden gems!"
What are the main highlights along Eastern European river cruise routes?
The Danube route through Eastern Europe connects architectural treasures cultural landmarks and natural wonders. Passengers see Budapest's Parliament Building lit up at night explore Belgrade's Kalemegdan Fortress and pass through the steep-walled Iron Gates gorge between Serbia and Romania. The route includes stops in Bulgaria's Veliko Tarnovo and Serbia's Novi Sad offering glimpses into local life. A TourRadar traveler shared: "Cruising through the Iron Gates was breathtaking - the dramatic cliffs and fortresses along the Danube were unforgettable highlights of our journey."
When is the best time to take an Eastern Europe river cruise?
The prime sailing season runs from May through September when clear skies and mild temperatures create ideal conditions for both river cruising and exploration. While July and August bring warmth and consistent sunshine these months also draw the largest crowds to ports like Budapest Belgrade and Bucharest. Many experienced travelers prefer May or September when temperatures moderate and tourist numbers thin at major sites including Bran Castle and the Iron Gates. According to a TourRadar traveler review: "We went in September and had perfect weather for both cruising and exploring the ports - not too hot and minimal rain."
What type of shore excursions are typically offered on Eastern Europe river cruises?
Each port brings opportunities for guided exploration cultural encounters and active adventures. Programs typically include walking tours of Budapest's Castle District visits to Serbia's hilltop Petrovaradin Fortress and trips to Bulgaria's ancient rock churches in Ivanovo. Some lines like CroisiEurope offer both traditional city tours and more active options such as cycling through Belgrade. As one TourRadar traveler mentioned: "The variety of excursions was excellent - from historic city walks to wine tastings and cultural performances there was something for everyone."
How many countries do Eastern Europe river cruises typically visit?
The standard routes cover 4 to 6 countries along the Danube with common itineraries linking Hungary Croatia Serbia Bulgaria and Romania. Some trips extend into Austria and Slovakia for added variety. Shorter cruises like the "Legends of the Balkans" focus on 4 countries in 8 days while extended trips such as CroisiEurope's 12-day voyages encompass 6 nations. A TourRadar traveler noted: "Visiting multiple countries while unpacking just once was fantastic - we got to experience such diverse cultures and landscapes."