Itinerary
- Day 1
Day 1
Start early and grab coffee at a local spot before heading to the main attractions. You'll spend the morning walking through the historic center, taking in the local architecture and getting a feel for the area. After lunch around 1pm, head back to rest for a couple hours before exploring the neighborhoods on foot later in the afternoon. By evening, find a good restaurant for dinner and walk around the quieter streets to see how the city changes after sunset.
- Day 1
Budapest
You'll arrive in Budapest and meet your tour group before heading to the APT Ostara. After getting settled in your cabin, spend some time getting familiar with the ship's layout and amenities. Dinner is served this evening once everyone's on board.
- Meals
- Dinner
- Day 1
Day 1
Begin your day by checking out the main cultural sites in the area, walking at your own pace through museums and galleries. Around midday, take a break and try some local food at a casual café. The afternoon is good for wandering side streets and finding smaller shops and markets. Later, head to a vantage point for views of the city as it transitions into evening, then settle in for dinner at a restaurant you've heard about.
- Day 1
Budapest
You'll arrive in Budapest and get picked up for transfer to your ship, the APT Ostara. Once onboard, there's time to settle into your cabin, unpack, and walk around to get familiar with the vessel. This first day sets the stage for your 15-day river cruise ahead.
- Accommodation
- Hotel (APT Ostara)
Included Activities
- Meet and greet on arrival
- Transfer to APT Ostara
- Day 2
Budapest
Budapest opens up for you today with total flexibility. You can wander the city on your own terms or join optional activities the ship offers while you're docked. It's your call on how to spend the hours.
Optional Activities
- Optional activities and excursions available
- Day 2
Freedom of Choice
This morning, start with a guided walk through the historic district to understand the layout and key landmarks. You'll cover several important buildings and public spaces before stopping for lunch. After that, spend time on your own exploring areas that caught your interest during the tour. By late afternoon, head back to rest and prepare for an evening out, maybe catching a local performance or dining somewhere special.
- Day 2
Freedom of Choice
Wake up and take a short trip outside the main city to see the surrounding countryside or nearby towns. You'll travel by local transport and spend several hours exploring a different landscape and pace of life. Grab lunch at a traditional place and chat with locals if you can. Return in the late afternoon and spend your evening in the city center, getting dinner and wandering around the squares and parks.
- Day 2
Budapest
This morning you can choose between two options: take a guided city tour through Heroes' Square and St Stephen's Cathedral with market tastings, or head up to Castle Hill via funicular to explore Fisherman's Bastion. Later tonight, there's a multi-course gala dinner to welcome everyone to the cruise.
- Meals
- Dinner (Gala Welcome Dinner - multi-course meal with enhanced menu)
Included Activities
- Gala Welcome Dinner - multi-course meal with enhanced menu
Optional Activities
- Freedom of Choice - City Tour: Morning city tour of Budapest including Heroes' Square and St Stephen's Cathedral with tastings of local produce at Great Market Hall
- Freedom of Choice - Funicular Ride: Board funicular to Castle Hill, then walk to Fisherman's Bastion
Landmarks Heroes' Square St Stephen's Cathedral Great Market Hall Castle Hill Fisherman's Bastion - Day 3
Budapest
Another day in Budapest where you decide what happens. Head out independently to see what interests you, or browse the optional excursions available from the port. The ship remains docked, so you have plenty of time.
Optional Activities
- Optional activities and excursions available
- Day 3
Freedom of Choice
Dedicate this day to one specific area or museum that requires more time and attention. You'll go deep into collections and exhibits, reading descriptions and taking notes on what interests you most. Break for lunch midway through, then continue your exploration. Later in the afternoon, find a quiet spot to sit and reflect on what you've seen, and then choose where to eat dinner based on your energy level.
- Day 3
Freedom of Choice
Start the day with a walking tour of a neighborhood you haven't fully seen yet, noticing details like street art, small galleries, and local businesses. You'll interact with shop owners and get a sense of daily life in different parts of the city. Stop for lunch whenever hunger hits, then continue exploring until late afternoon. Finish with dinner at a place that locals recommend, which usually means better food and a more real experience.
- Day 3
Pécs
You have three activities to pick from today. There's a walking tour through Pécs exploring its architecture, a winery tour and tasting in the Villány wine region, or a guided bike ride along the Danube leading to an old mill. Choose based on what sounds most interesting to you.
- Meals
- Dinner
Optional Activities
- Freedom of Choice - Pécs Sightseeing Tour: Guided walking discovery of Pécs including Early Christian Mausoleum and Szent Istvan Square
- Freedom of Choice - Villány Wine Tasting: Travel to Hungary's wine region, visit a local winery for tour and tasting of red and rosé wines
- Freedom of Choice - Guided Bike Ride: Guided bike ride along the Danube to an ancient mill
Landmarks Early Christian Mausoleum Szent Istvan Square - Day 4
Budapest
Today brings a included experience designed to show you Budapest's best features and real character. The ship has planned this day to highlight what makes the destination special, so you'll get a thoughtful introduction to the city.
Included Activities
- Signature Experience
- Day 4
Signature Experience
This is a good day for outdoor activities if weather permits, so start early to make the most of daylight. You might walk through parks, visit outdoor monuments, or take photographs from different locations. Bring water and snacks, and plan your route so you're back in central areas by lunch time. After eating, you can either continue outdoors or shift to indoor activities depending on how you're feeling. End with an easy evening, maybe grabbing takeout and relaxing.
Included Activities
- Visit Eltz Manor, a baroque castle set amongst vast parkland
Landmarks Eltz Manor - Day 4
Signature Experience
Spend your morning in smaller museums or galleries that don't get as crowded, where you can actually see things without fighting crowds. You'll have time to read labels and sit with artworks that interest you. Move to lunch somewhere quiet around noon. The afternoon works well for shopping, browsing bookstores, or visiting markets. Come evening, find a rooftop bar or café for views as the light changes, then head to dinner.
Included Activities
- Visit Eltz Manor, a baroque castle set amongst vast parkland
Landmarks Eltz Manor - Day 4
Vukovar
The ship brings you to Vukovar, a city that's rebuilt after the Croatian War of Independence. You'll visit Eltz Manor, a baroque castle that now houses the Vukovar City Museum. After exploring, you'll have a glass of sparkling wine while listening to classical music on the property.
- Meals
- Dinner
Included Activities
- Signature Experience - Eltz Manor Visit: Visit Eltz Manor castle housing Vukovar City Museum, wander through complex and enjoy sparkling wine with classical music
Landmarks Eltz Manor - Day 5
Budapest
You're in Budapest again with freedom to choose your activities. Explore neighborhoods on your own schedule or pick from the optional activities listed in your cruise materials. The flexibility continues while docked.
Optional Activities
- Optional activities and excursions available
- Day 5
Freedom of Choice
Begin with a food tour or market visit to understand local cuisine and ingredients, talking to vendors about what's seasonal and popular. You'll taste samples and learn about regional specialties. Use this knowledge for lunch, trying something you've just learned about. Later in the day, take a cooking class or food workshop if that interests you, or simply explore food shops and restaurants in different neighborhoods. Finish with a leisurely dinner featuring local specialties.
- Day 5
Freedom of Choice
Take a day trip to a nearby location that offers something different from the main city, whether that's beaches, mountains, or smaller villages. You'll travel there in the morning and spend the bulk of the day exploring. Grab lunch at a local spot away from tourist areas. Start heading back by late afternoon so you're back in the city by dinner time. Use your evening to recover and prepare for the next day.
- Day 5
Belgrade
In Belgrade, you can pick how to spend your time. Take a guided tour covering the Belgrade Fortress and Temple of St Sava, kayak from where the Danube and Sava rivers meet out to Great Island and Lido Beach, or join a Serbian cooking class to learn how to make local dishes.
- Meals
- Dinner
Optional Activities
- Freedom of Choice - Guided Exploration of Belgrade: Guided discovery of Belgrade's history including Belgrade Fortress and Serbian Orthodox Temple of St Sava
- Freedom of Choice - Kayak Tour: Sightseeing kayak adventure beginning at confluence of Danube and Sava rivers, paddling to Great Island and Lido Beach
- Freedom of Choice - Serbian Cooking Class: Cooking class showcasing Serbian cuisine
Landmarks Belgrade Fortress Serbian Orthodox Temple of St Sava - Day 6
Day 6
This could be a sea day or you might dock at another port, depending on your specific itinerary. Check your cruise documents and any onboard announcements for details on what's happening today and what activities are included.
- Day 6
Day 6
Focus on a specific time period or theme by visiting related sites throughout the day, connecting what you see into a larger picture. You might follow a timeline through different neighborhoods or see how one influence shaped multiple buildings. Stop for lunch somewhere central that gives you easy access to afternoon activities. After exploring, spend time in a quiet public space reflecting on patterns you've noticed. Dinner can be casual or special depending on your mood.
- Day 6
Day 6
Start your day with a visit to a major landmark early before crowds arrive, and spend time really looking rather than just snapping photos. From there, wander nearby streets and smaller sites that connect to what you just saw. Have lunch in the area rather than heading elsewhere. The afternoon is good for a leisurely pace, maybe sitting in cafés or doing some light shopping. Keep the evening relaxed with dinner and a walk through lit streets after dark.
- Day 6
Iron Gates
Today the ship cruises through the Iron Gates, one of the most striking natural sights you'll see on this trip. The river narrows dramatically here between high cliffs on the Serbian and Romanian sides, creating views that really stand out.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Included Activities
- Cruise through the Iron Gates
Landmarks Iron Gates - Day 7
Day 7
Similar to the previous day, you'll either be cruising on the water or docked at a destination. Look at your cruise materials and watch for any onboard communications about port details and available included activities.
- Day 7
Day 7
Organize a themed exploration like architecture, street art, or religious buildings, visiting multiple examples throughout the day. You'll see how styles change across different eras and parts of the city. Stop for lunch around 1pm at a place that fits your theme if possible. Continue in the afternoon with the same focus, taking photos and notes. Later, find a spot for drinks or coffee while you process what you've observed and plan tomorrow.
Included Activities
- Discover all things Hungarian in the town of Kalocsa
Landmarks Kalocsa - Day 7
Day 7
Begin early with less-crowded sites before moving to more popular spots later in the day when you're warmed up and the crowds have shifted elsewhere. You'll hit two or three different areas, taking your time at each. Lunch works best somewhere between these locations. The afternoon can be slower paced, perhaps visiting one final spot or revisiting a favorite. Dinner ends the day, and you can choose how energetic or quiet you want it to be.
Included Activities
- Discover all things Hungarian in the town of Kalocsa
Landmarks Kalocsa - Day 7
Onboard Day
You're free to relax on the ship today. Consider booking a spa treatment to unwind, or grab a cocktail and head to the Daystar Deck where you can watch the scenery drift by along the river.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Included Activities
- Relax on board and enjoy ship facilities
- Access to onboard spa
Optional Activities
- Spa treatments
- Cocktails on Daystar Deck
- Day 8
Day 8
You have freedom to explore your current location independently or select from optional activities on offer. Whether you're in port or have special access from the ship, the choice of how to spend your time is yours.
Optional Activities
- Optional activities and excursions available
- Day 8
Freedom of Choice
Dedicate time to understanding how the city is organized by using public transit and walking different routes than you've taken before. You'll see how neighborhoods connect and get a better sense of scale and direction. Stop for lunch in a part of town you haven't explored, and continue navigating by foot for the afternoon. By evening, you should feel more comfortable moving around independently. Finish with dinner at a place you've discovered on your own.
- Day 8
Freedom of Choice
This day works well for revisiting favorite spots and going deeper into areas you liked but didn't fully explore. You'll move at your own pace without a schedule, spending longer wherever interests you most. Grab lunch whenever and wherever feels right. The afternoon is perfect for finding a second location you want to see again, or trying a café or restaurant you've been curious about. Keep the evening unhurried and flexible.
- Day 8
Bucharest
In Bucharest, you'll walk through the wide tree-lined streets and Belle Epoque architecture, then explore the Old City visiting the Royal Court, Stavropoleos Church, and the Lipscani district. After lunch, pick between touring the Palace of the Parliament (the world's second largest building) or the Village Museum showing traditional Romanian village life.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Included Activities
- Walking tour of Bucharest: tree-lined boulevards, Belle Epoque buildings, Old City centre, Royal Court, Stavropoleos Church, Lipscani district
Optional Activities
- Freedom of Choice - Palace of the Parliament: Tour of Palace of the Parliament, the second largest administrative building in the world
- Freedom of Choice - Village Museum: Visit to Village Museum, an open-air historic museum in Herăstrău Park showcasing traditional Romanian village life
Landmarks Royal Court Stavropoleos Church Lipscani District Palace of the Parliament Village Museum - Day 9
Day 9
This day might find you at sea or at a port stop. Your cruise documentation will spell out the specifics, and the crew can let you know about any included activities happening that day.
- Day 9
Day 9
Plan a full day that combines both indoor and outdoor elements, starting outside while light and temperature are good. You might walk through parks or courtyards, then transition to museums or covered markets as afternoon progresses. Have lunch somewhere with both indoor and outdoor seating so you can watch the transition. Continue with interior sites later in the day. End with dinner and maybe an evening stroll if weather permits.
- Day 9
Day 9
Start with a guided tour of a specific neighborhood or historical period to get context, then spend the rest of the day exploring independently in the same area. You'll apply what you learned in the morning to understand what you see in the afternoon. Stop for lunch locally and chat with the tour guide or locals about good spots. Afterward, wander side streets and discover small details that the larger tour might have skipped over. Dinner concludes your focused exploration of the area.
- Day 9
Veliko Tarnovo
A local guide takes you through Veliko Tarnovo's medieval sections. You'll walk through cobbled streets and see the fortified walls that define this historic place, then visit the restored Tsarevets Fortress, which was the capital of the Second Bulgarian Empire.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Included Activities
- Guided tour of Veliko Tarnovo: medieval city exploration including cobbled lanes and fortified walls
- Visit Tsarevets Fortress: spectacular restored citadel of the Second Bulgarian Empire
Landmarks Tsarevets Fortress - Day 10
Day 10
Another day where you'll either be on the water or docked at a location. Review your cruise information and keep an eye on onboard notices for what's included and what port details you need to know.
- Day 10
Day 10
Wake early and head to a market or bazaar to see the area during its busiest and most authentic time, before it gets slower in late morning. You'll browse, sample food, and interact with vendors selling everything from produce to crafts. Head out by mid-morning to see the city in daylight. Have lunch somewhere quiet to recover from the bustle. Spend the afternoon exploring a single large site in depth. Finish with dinner somewhere you can reflect on the day.
- Day 10
Day 10
Spend today focusing on modern and contemporary culture rather than historical sites, visiting current galleries, design shops, and new restaurants. You'll get a sense of how the city is evolving and what locals care about now. Stop for lunch at a trendy spot that shows how dining culture is changing. Continue exploring contemporary spaces in the afternoon. Later, find a café or bar in a newer neighborhood for evening drinks and people watching.
- Day 10
Vidin and Belogradchik
You'll explore Baba Vida Fortress in Vidin, a medieval castle built on remains of the ancient town of Bononia from the 10th century. From there, head to Belogradchik to see its ancient fortress on the Balkan Mountain slopes and the area's unusual rock formations.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Included Activities
- Explore Baba Vida Fortress in Vidin: medieval castle dating to 10th century built on remains of ancient Bononia
- Visit Belogradchik: explore ancient fortress and unique rock formations on northern slope of Balkan Mountains
Landmarks Baba Vida Fortress Belogradchik Fortress - Day 11
Day 11
Today's either a sea day or a port day depending on your route. Check your cruise documents and watch the onboard communication channels for specific details about port stops and included activities.
- Day 11
Day 11
This is a good day for a longer walking tour that covers more ground, so wear comfortable shoes and bring water. You'll start in one area and move through several neighborhoods, understanding connections between different parts of the city. Stop for lunch somewhere in the middle of your route. The afternoon continues at the same pace, exploring additional areas. By evening, you'll have a much better overall sense of how the city is laid out and what's where.
- Day 11
Day 11
Focus on a single major site that requires several hours to do well, arriving early and spending half your day there without rushing. You'll see details that quick visitors miss and maybe even take a specialized tour or workshop. After leaving around lunch time, spend the afternoon more casually exploring nearby areas or resting. Later, choose a restaurant near the site you just visited to have dinner. This allows for reflection on what you experienced.
- Day 11
Onboard Day
This is a relaxed day on the ship with no structured activities. Sleep in if you'd like, or wake up early and spend time on the Sun Deck taking in the river views at your own pace.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Included Activities
- Relax on board
- Day 12
Day 12
You've got another freedom of choice day at a port location. Spend time exploring on your own or look into the optional excursions available to passengers. It's your preference on how to fill the hours.
Optional Activities
- Optional activities and excursions available
- Day 12
Freedom of Choice
Create a personal route that combines your favorite types of activities, hitting a museum, outdoor area, market, and café all in one day at your own pace. You'll move between different modes of experience without exhaustion because you're choosing what matters to you. Stop for lunch whenever and wherever calls to you. The afternoon continues this flexible approach. Finish with dinner at a place that captures your overall impression of the city so far.
- Day 12
Freedom of Choice
Take a partial day trip to something within an hour's travel, giving you time in two different places without an overnight away. Head out in the morning to see the nearby attraction, spend a couple hours there, and grab lunch in that location. Return to the main city by mid-afternoon, having time to explore a different neighborhood than usual before heading to dinner. This variation breaks up repetition while keeping travel simple.
- Day 12
Novi Sad
In Novi Sad, you can choose how to fill your day. Take a guided tour down Zmaj Jovina, the main street on the Danube's banks, or visit a local farmstead to experience Vojvodinian culture with breakfast, live music, and freshly-made doughnuts.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Optional Activities
- Freedom of Choice - Guided City Discovery: Guided tour of Novi Sad on the banks of Danube River, discovering city's iconic sights along Zmaj Jovina main walkway
- Freedom of Choice - Local Farmstead: Visit local farmstead featuring traditional breakfast, music and freshly-made doughnuts showcasing Vojvodinian culture
Landmarks Zmaj Jovina - Day 13
Day 13
Today features a included experience carefully curated to capture the destination's highlights and character. The ship has arranged something special to showcase what makes this stop memorable and meaningful.
Included Activities
- Signature Experience
- Day 13
Signature Experience
Spend today really focusing on one neighborhood like it's its own small city, exploring side streets, local shops, and neighborhood cafés. You'll understand the character of one area deeply rather than rushing through many. Grab lunch at a local spot where residents eat rather than tourists. Continue exploring in the afternoon at the same unhurried pace. Finish with dinner in the same neighborhood to cap off your deep dive.
- Day 13
Signature Experience
Begin your day with a cultural activity like a music performance, theater, or demonstration that locals actually attend. You'll see the city as it presents itself to residents rather than visitors. After that ends, spend the rest of the day exploring areas and sites mentioned in whatever performance or event you attended. Stop for lunch where the performers or event staff recommended. Continue exploring with this cultural lens through the afternoon and into dinner.
- Day 13
Kalocsa
You'll spend the day in Kalocsa experiencing Hungarian culture. Visit the Folk Art House to see local handicrafts and a paprika producer to learn about one of Hungary's signature exports. Then head to a Puszta farm for a horse show followed by an authentic Hungarian meal.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch (Authentic Hungarian lunch at farm in Puszta), Dinner
Included Activities
- Signature Experience - Folk Art House & Horse Show: Visit Folk Art House for local handicrafts, tour paprika producer, attend horse show at Puszta farm and enjoy authentic Hungarian lunch
Landmarks Folk Art House - Day 14
Day 14
You're back to having freedom to choose your activities. Either explore independently at your current port or select from the optional activities the ship has arranged for passengers.
Optional Activities
- Optional activities and excursions available
- Day 14
Freedom of Choice
Mix several types of sites in one day to keep things from getting monotonous, combining a museum, outdoor area, market, and historic building. You'll move between different environments and stay engaged throughout. Stop for lunch somewhere central that's convenient between activities. The afternoon continues with the varied approach. By evening, you'll have experienced different sides of the city in one day without feeling scattered.
- Day 14
Freedom of Choice
This day works well for visiting specialized museums or collections that few tourists find, often smaller and quieter than major sites. You'll have space to look at exhibits without crowds. Grab lunch nearby and return for more time if something really captured you. The afternoon can continue in the same area or shift to exploring streets around the museum. Keep the evening calm with dinner close to where you've been spending time.
- Day 14
Budapest
On your final full day, choose between touring the Hospital in the Rock, a museum inside a former secret emergency hospital and nuclear bunker, or relaxing at the historic Gell\u00e9rt Thermal Baths that opened over a century ago. This evening features a Captain's farewell dinner to close out the cruise.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner (Captain's farewell dinner)
Included Activities
- Captain's farewell dinner
Optional Activities
- Freedom of Choice - Hospital in the Rock: Insightful tour of former secret emergency hospital and nuclear bunker museum
- Freedom of Choice - Thermal Baths Visit: Relax in thermal water pools at historic Gellért Thermal Baths
Landmarks Hospital in the Rock Gellért Thermal Baths - Day 15
Disembarkation
Your river cruise comes to an end today. After breakfast onboard, you'll disembark from the APT Ostara and head home with memories from your 15 days on the Danube.
Included Activities
- Disembarkation from APT Ostara
- Day 15
Day 15
Organize your day around viewing the city from multiple vantage points to understand the layout and geography, visiting high spots and low spots. You might climb church towers, visit viewpoints, or explore valleys and waterfront areas. Stop for lunch somewhere that also offers views or at least a sense of what you're seeing. Continue this perspective-changing approach in the afternoon. Finish with dinner at a place with its own views or character.
- Day 15
Day 15
Spend your final full day revisiting favorite moments and trying one or two things you didn't get to earlier, without forcing an exhausting schedule. You'll move slowly and intentionally, soaking in favorite spots one last time. Stop for lunch at a restaurant you've grown fond of. Use the afternoon for any final shopping or simply sitting in a café watching the city go about its day. Dinner can be special or casual depending on how you're feeling about departure.
- Day 15
Budapest to Airport
You'll say goodbye to the crew, pack up your things, and disembark from the ship. A transfer will take you to the airport for your flight home.
