7 Nights Gems of Southeast Europe: Budapest to Giurgiu and reverse

Type of Vessel

Inspired by classic ocean yachts, the 162-passenger AmaCerto introduced in 2012, provides a distinctive river cruise experience. Spacious, elegantly appointed staterooms range in size from 160-290 square feet or indulge even more in one of the suites at 300 square feet.

Itinerary

Day 1 | Budapest, Hungary – Embarkation: Embark upon your river cruise ship, docked in the city center. This evening, meet your fellow passengers on board.

Day 2 | Mohacs, Hungary & Pecs, Hungary: Enjoy a scenic morning cruise to Pécs, founded more than 2,000 years ago by the Romans. Visit the UNESCO-designated Christian Necropolis; St. Peter’s Basilica, the city’s main Catholic cathedral along with its catacombs; and Széchenyi Square, the heart of Old Town Pécs. You will also see the Mosque of Pasha Qasim the Victorious, one of the symbols of the city. For wine connoisseurs, you’ll want to go to the Szekszárd wine region, one of the oldest red-wine-growing areas in Hungary, established more than 2000 years ago.

Day 3 | Vukovar, Croatia & Novi Sad, Serbia: Vukovar is a Croatian symbol of resistance, which you’ll better understand on your city tour showcasing the Ovčara Memorial and Eltz Palace. Alternatively, choose a wine tasting in Ilok, a center of wine production since Roman times, where you'll sample its famous Grasevina, Traminac and Frankovka wines. Back on board, cruise to Novi Sad, sometimes called the “Serbian Athens.” Discover Novi Sad on a walking tour to Dunavski Park and through Stari Grad, the Old Town center. If you prefer a more active exploration, join a guided biking or hiking tour. During the evening, visit Petrovaradin Fortress, a mighty stronghold no enemy has ever breached.

Day 4 | Belgrade, Serbia: Explore Serbia’s capital, Belgrade, on a city tour, which includes the Kalemegdan Fortress and the Serbian Orthodox Temple of St. Sava. Later, choose from three intriguing excursions. Visit the Royal Palace, the official residence of the Serbian Royal Family; and then tour the House of Flowers, the mausoleum of Marshal Tito, who became the first President of Yugoslavia. Or enjoy a taste of the region by sampling Serbian plum brandy, Šlivovitz, and delicious local delights at the Quburich Distillery. For those wishing a more active adventure, join a guided bike tour.

Day 5 | Scenic Cruising Through the Iron Gates: The Iron Gates is one of Europe’s most awe-inspiring natural wonders. The Danube narrows as it winds through a series of magnificent gorges between the Carpathian and Balkan mountains. The banks of the river dazzle with sheer-faced rocks that stretch high overhead along this natural border between Serbia and Romania.

Day 6 | Vidin, Bulgaria: Explore Vidin, one of Bulgaria’s oldest cities, and surrounding areas with a choice of excursions. Discover Baba Vida Fortress, the largest preserved medieval castle in Bulgaria overlooking the Danube. Continue on to Belogradchik, one of Bulgaria’s natural wonders, where you can hike around its most spectacular rock formations. Alternatively, visit a local home for a demonstration of traditional Bulgarian yogurt and Banitsa, a pastry you will also get to make. You also have the choice to bike through Vidin and to the castle.

Day 7 | Rouse, Romania & Giurgiu, Romania: Visit Bulgaria's ancient capital, Veliko Tarnovo, with its medieval fortress and multiple orthodox temples. You can opt instead to go to Rousse, known for its 19th- and 20th-century Neo- Baroque and Neo-Rococo architecture, and then afterwards visit the UNESCO-designated Rock-hewn Churches of Ivanovo with frescos revealing exceptional artistry of 14th-century paintings and Bulgarian medieval art.

Day 8 | Giurgiu, Romania: Disembark the ship in Giurgiu.

Guest Services

Amenities include personalized service from Cruise Manager during cruise and land programs and complimentary Wi Fi access.

Food and Dining

AmaWaterways was invited to be a member of La Chaine des Rotisseurs – a prestigious international culinary society – and with good reason. The expert chefs craft menus that feature exquisite, locally-inspired cuisine as well as traditional Western offerings. This is the only river cruise line that has The Chef’s Table, an intimate specialty restaurant where you can watch the chef prepare a lavish dinner right in front of you. Each meal is specially paired with premium local reds and whites from Europe’s renowned wine regions, with new selections each night. There’s also sparkling wine and fresh juice with breakfast, menu service during lunch, as well as delicious tapas and snacks in the Main Lounge between meals.

Onboard Activities/Events

Soak up some rays or take a dip in the refreshing pool with a swim-up bar as you pass by centuries-old castles, charming villages and other breathtaking scenery.
Whether you’d like to dress up for the captain’s special dinner or a night out on the town, you can complete your look by getting your hair styled in the salon.
Whether it’s traditional Bavarian music, a local quartet or contemporary piano favorites, you will enjoy an eclectic schedule of onboard entertainment every night.

Shore Excursions

Every year, the staff seek out new opportunities for guests to experience local culture in a unique way. These tours are specially designed to give small groups the chance to be even more immersed in a destination.
The beauty of Europe doesn’t just lie in its architecture and landmarks – there are also breathtaking things to be seen when you venture out into nature. That’s why we’ve designed special hikes that will take you a bit off the beaten path in some very beautiful destinations. Here are some examples of hiking opportunities.
This is the first river cruise line to carry an entire fleet of complimentary bicycles on board, so you can experience biking alongside enchanting riverside pathways and in city centers. Whether you feel like joining one of the exclusive guided bike tours, or want to go discover on your own, there are many ways for you to explore on two wheels during your cruise.

Staterooms or Cabins

Most of the staterooms on this fleet feature not just one, but two private balconies — a French balcony and a full outside balcony. Together, they provide a unique panoramic view of the beautiful sights along the river and maximize the natural light coming in. With twin balconies, you can enjoy the river however you like.
All staterooms feature in-room temperature control, a deluxe hotel-style bedding, spacious bathrooms with multi-jet showerheads, large wardrobe with a full-length mirror, hairdryer, safety deposit box, telephone, flat screen TV, On Demand system that provides complimentary TV as well as movies and music, mini fridge, complimentary bottled water replenished daily, and a desk and chair.
Suites feature added enhancements, including a larger sitting area and an expansive bathroom complete with a bathtub and separate shower.

Spa

After a marvelous day of immersive shore excursions, return to the ship and treat yourself to a bit of pampering with a soothing massage.

Fitness

Are you looking for a way to stay fit on vacation? Hit the treadmill or lift some weights while cruising from one destination to the next.