Budapest to Bucharest
A River Journey Across SIX Eastern European Countries
Explore Off-The-Beaten-Path Towns like Pecs
- 7-Night Cruise on the Beautiful Eastern Danube River
- Travel inland from Mohacs, Hungary to visit 2,000-year-old city of Pecs
- Enjoy Sampling Spicy & Aromatic Wines at Villany Vineyard
Full Day Slovakia Experience
- Go overland for a Full Stewart Tours Day in the Country of Slovakia
- Explore Scenic and Fascinating Bratislava, Slovakia
- Authentic Lunch in the City and Exploration with Top Local Guides
3 Nights in Historic Budapest, Hungary
- Wonderful Hotel, right in front of the famous Danube River
- Classical Hungarian Music Experience
- People to People Food Experience as guests in Hungarian Home
- Wonderful Walking Tour and City Exploration
- Free Time to Venture Out and Explore This Historic City
Step into Croatia with a Visit to Vukovar
- Walk in the Footsteps of the Croatia Civil War on Tour of Vukovar
- Optional Wine Tasting in Llok
- Afternoon Visit to Novi Sad, including walking tour
- Evening Visit to the Dramatic Setting of Petrovaradin Fortress
3 Nights in Transylvania & Romania
- Spend Two Nights in Ancient City of Brasov (1252 AD)
- Visit Dracula Castle & Sighisora Medieval Citadel
- Explore Saxon Villages of Biertan & Malancrav
- Visit Peles Castle in Sinaia & Lunch by Local Woman in Malancrav
- Overnight in Bucharest Including Exploration
Journey Inland to Giurgiu, the Bulgarian Capital
- Journey off the Danube to visit Giurgiu, the Ancient Bulgarian Capital
- View the Royal Palace, Patriarchal Church and Tsarevets Hill
- An Evening Sail on the Danube to Rousse, Romania
Sail through the Famous Iron Gates
- Experience the Famous Iron Gates – the Scenic Gorge that divides
Serbia and Romania.
- This is a Full River Day on the Stunning AmaCerto, Sit on the Top Deck
or in the Lovely Lounge and Soak Up this Dramatic Scenery Day!
A Visit to Bulgaria at Vidin
- Visit the beautifully restored Belogradchik Castle
- Explore Baba Vida Fortress; the only fully Preserved Medieval Castle
- Experience an Historical Reenactment of Local History
- Optional Banitsa Pastry and Yogurt Tasting or Guided History Bike Tour
Day-by-Day
Aug 31
Sep 01
Sep 02
Sep 03
Sep 04
Sep 05
Sep 06
Sep 07
Sep 08
Sep 09
Sep 10
Sep 11
Sep 12
Sep 13
Sep 14
Day 1
Day 2
Day 3
Day 4
Day 5
Day 6
Day 7
Day 8
Day 9
Day 10
Day 11
Day 12
Day 13
Day 14
Day 15
Depart USA
Budapest, Hungary
Budapest, Hungary
Bratislava, Slovakia / Budapest
Budapest / Riverboat
Mohacs / Pecs / Villany, Hungary
Vukovar, Croatia / Novi Sad, Serbia
Belgrade, Serbia
Cruising the Iron Gates / Danube
Vidin, Bulgaria
Giurgui / Veliko Tarnovo, Bulgaria
Rousse / Brasov, Romania
Brasov / Biertan / Malancrav, Romania
Bucharest, Romania
Bucharest to USA
Tour Highlights
15-Day Eastern Europe Adventure
Explore Hungary, Slovakia, Croatia, Serbia, Bulgaria, Romania
7-Night 5-Star River Cruise on Next Generation AmaCerto
Cruise the Famous Iron Gates in Serbia / Bulgaria
3-Nights Pre-Cruise in Budapest, Hungary
Wonderful Stewart Tours touring in Hungary
In-Home Cultural Dining, Private Classical Music Performance
Full Day Slovakia Experience & Lunch with Top Guide
3-Night Post Cruise Stay in Romania
Stay Right in the Heart of Transylvania
Unforgettable Scenic & Cultural Touring, Stewart Tours Style
Castles, Citadels, Vineyards & Hamlets
Lovely Dining and Food Experiences
Includes Most Meals & All Touring, Taxes & Land Gratuities
Rental Property Owners Round-Table Session
Fully Escorted By Mark & Vicki Stewart – Stewart Tours
Fully Escorted By Stewart Tours Founders Mark & Vicki Stewart
Aug 31 – Day 1 – Depart Home
A nice afternoon departure from LAX on Stewart Tours Group Air
means no early morning and perfect for those coming from
areas outside Los Angeles.
B,L,D = Indicates Included Dining
Sep 1 - Day 2 – Budapest, Hungary
You arrive into Budapest in the afternoon so there is time to
relax before we enjoy a welcome dinner together this evening.
Once a Celtic city, then a Roman capital city, the Hungarians
arrived in the 9th century. After surviving a raid by the Mongols,
the reestablished settlement grew into one of the centers of the
Renaissance Humanist culture by the 1400s. After 150 years of
Ottoman rule, the city united (Buda & Pest) and has been the
center of many historical events, from war to revolution. Even
through various turbulent historical periods, it remains a worldclass city full of wonderful architecture, culture, music & food.
Tonight, enjoy dinner with old friends and new and a refreshing
night’s sleep before we start exploration tomorrow. (D)
Residing right beside the mighty
Danube River and close to the start
of lively Vaci Street, the Sofitel Chain
Bridge Hotel is the perfect location
for exploring this European capital.
The wonderful atrium lobby and
rooms, which feature a bay window,
are a fabulous bonus!
Sep 2 - Day 3 – Budapest, Hungary
Today we step out together to explore the very soul of
Budapest, an ancient and fascinating city. After meeting with
our top local guide, we gather to discuss the history, politics
and fabric of the city over coffee. After a foundation of
knowledge on Budapest, enjoy a private classical music
performance, a very big part of Hungarian life.
Stepping into the footsteps of everyday life, we’ll enjoy an
authentic home cooked lunch right in a Hungarian home.
With central Budapest explored in the morning, the afternoon is devoted to off-the-beaten path sites. We visit a
charming little known neighborhood, hidden locations, frescos, ruin pub and even historic Jewish ghetto walls. This
evening, venture out to enjoy a free evening. (B,L)
Sep 3 – Day 4 – Bratislava, Slovakia
We cross the border today and go overland into the country of
Slovakia. You might not know the origin of Slovakia, but all it
takes is a look at the name everyone is familiar with,
Czechoslovakia. Slovakia was formed after the break-up that
was known as the Velvet Revolution. Slovakia, like the Czech
Republic (the other half) is now a self-assured independent
nation.
We go a couple hours overland to reach one of Slovakia’s
prettiest city, Bratislava. (pictured above). Enjoy a full day as we
explore this city with one of its wonderful top guides.
We start the day off with a fascinating walk through the heart
of the historic quarter surrounding Hviezdoslav Square. Step in
St. Martin’s Cathedral where 19 coronations took place across
history. Witness the priceless tapestries of the Primate’s
Residence and explore Devin’s castle. We partake in a beautiful
scenic lunch in the hills and witness views from the landmark
TV tower. We journey back to Budapest for our last evening
before boarding the beautiful AmaCerto tomorrow. (B,L)
Sep 4 - Day 5 – AmaCerto Bound
We couldn’t have a shorter drive today as we board the
beautiful AmaCerto Riverboat right here in Budapest. We depart
the hotel for the riverboat in the middle of the afternoon, so
today is a free morning /early afternoon.
The Sofitel Hotel is located right in the heart of all the action
making it is easy to get around and maybe do a little shopping
or visiting one of the great local museums. This evening we have
our first dinner on the AmaCerto and enjoy the lights of the
Danube waterfront. (B,D)
The
Sep 5 - Day 6 – Mohacs / Pecs / Villany
We arrive in Mohacs, Hungary around breakfast time and step
ashore for exploration to the town of Pécs. The city, founded
more than 2,000 years ago by the Romans, was an important
cultural base during many centuries of Ottoman rule.
We will see St. Peter’s Basilica, the city’s main Catholic cathedral,
as well as either a mosque that was converted to a church or the
restored synagogue, before returning to the AmaCerto moored
in Mohács.
After a wonderful lunch aboard, enjoy a wine-tasting
ashore to sample aromatic, spicy wines from the
beautiful vineyards of Villány, Hungary. (B,L,D)
Sep 6 – Day 7 – Vukovar, Croatia / Novi Sad, Serbia
This morning, enjoy a Yugoslav Civil War tour of Vukovar that will
show you the Ovcara Memorial and Cemetery, a memorial to those
who lost their lives during Croatia’s struggle for independence in
her 1990s. This area received the most damage of any European city
since WW2. As option, though, you can alternatively choose to take
a wine tasting excursion to Llok instead.
After a morning of exploration, we’ll enjoy lunch on board the
AmaCerto as we cruise the Danube to Novi Sad, Serbia, one of
Europe’s greatest historical treasures. We’ll venture out on a
walking tour of the city and then later in the evening visit the
Petrovaradin Fortress, a mighty stronghold no enemy has ever
breached. The fortress is now home to a hotel, museum and
interesting artists’ studios.
Tied to the banks of the mighty Danube, we overnight in Novi Sad,
dinner and complimentary regional wines are served after a
fascinating day ashore. (B,L,D)
Sep 7 – Day 8 – Belgrade, Serbia
Wake up in Belgrade, the capital of Serbia, where we’ll stay until
almost midnight. Experience a panoramic tour of the city that
includes visits to Kalemegdan Fortress and the Serbian
Orthodox Temple of St. Sava.
This afternoon you will have your choice of one of three
excursions. Your first is a visit to the mausoleum of Marshal
Josip Broz Tito, a beloved figure who was the leader of the
Yugoslav Partisans during the Second World War and became
the first President of Yugoslavia. Your second option is a tasting
of Serbian plum brandy and local snacks at the Quburich
Distillery. Your third option is a guided bike tour through
Belgrade around Ada Ciganlija Island. It is a full day ashore in
Serbia, a good chance to get a feel for this Eastern European
country that is definitely off-the-beaten path. (B,L,D)
Sep 8 - Day 9 – Cruising the Iron Gates
There are certain section of the famous rivers of Europe that are
extra special, the famous UNESCO Rhine River Gorge is one
example and the Iron Gates on the Danube is another one of
those awe-inspiring sections.
Today is a river day, a chance to step up onto the top deck and
relax as the river slips by on either side of the AmaCerto. The
Iron Gates section of the Danube runs through the southern
section of the Carpathian Mountains from the northwestern
foothills of the Balkans. You will have moments today when a
thousand feet of sheer granite rises out of the water on either
side of the riverboat. We will also transit the locks at one of the
largest hydroelectric dams in Europe, the Iron Gate Dam.
This evening, we’ll arrive in Vidin, Bulgaria where the AmaCerto
overnights in preparation for exploration in Bulgaria tomorrow.
(B,L,D)
(B,D)
Sep 9 - Day 10 – Vidin, Bulgaria
Our time in Vidin begins with a visit to Belogradchik, a
beautifully restored castle located in a stunning landscape of
unusual rock formations, as well as Vidin Castle.
Afterwards, we will visit Baba Vida Fortress, the only
entirely preserved medieval castle in the country, where
we will be treated to a fascinating historical re-enactment.
There are also two options today, you can experience a
Banitsa pastry and yogurt tasting, or a guided bike tour
on which you will see sights like the Ottoman post office and
visit the historic synagogue.
The AmaCerto stays in Vidin until the middle afternoon before
sailing for Giurgiu, Bulgaria. (B,L,D)
Sep 10 - Day 11 –Veliko Tarnovo, Bulgaria
Today, enjoy a visit to the ancient capital of Bulgaria, Veliko
Tarnovo. Often referred to as the city of the “Tsars,” it was the
historic capital of the second Bulgarian Empire and known for its
unique architecture. The city was a center of commerce and
culture in the middle ages. It was known as the “Third Rome” as
the Byzantine Empire weakened in the 14th century.
Here you will tour Tsarevets Hill, the old citadel of the city. You
will see the old fortress walls, the Royal Palaces and the
Patriarchal church, and Baldwin’s Tower. For an option other
than Tsarevets Hill, you may choose to hike to the rock-hewn
Churches of Ivanovo, a group of monolithic churches, chapels
and monasteries built into the side of a mountain. Return to the
ship afterward and enjoy a free evening. (B,L,D)
Sep 11 - Day 12 – Rousse / Brasov, Romania
We stay goodbye to the fabulous crew of the beautiful AmaCerto
today and become land travelers again. We have traveled
approximately 500 miles using the Danube as our highway, just
like travelers over the centuries have done.
We’ll start our stay in Romania going overland to one of the most
beautiful cities in the country, Brasov. Located in the heart of
Transylvania, ringed by the Carpathian Mountains, the town is
known for its medieval Saxon walls and bastions, towering
Gothic-style Black Church and lively streets. Piaţa Sfatului
(Council Square) in the cobbled old town is surrounded by
colorful baroque buildings.
On the way to Brasov (160 miles), we will explore one of
Romania most famous sites, Bran Castle. This beautiful castle is
one of the castles of Vlad III or Vlad Dracula, the Romanian King
who was the basis for the Dracula Legend. We’ll spend twonights in Brasov. (B,L or D)
(B,L)
DRACHENHAUS
HOTEL
BRASOV - ROMANIA
The very beautiful and boutique
Drachenhaus Hotel, in the heart of the
medieval historic quarter in Brasov, will
transport you back in time. Just steps
from the scenic Council Square and
bustling Republic Square, the hotel is
perfect for exploration in Transylvania.
Sep 12 - Day 13 – Signisoara / Biertan & Malancrav
We head outside of Brasov and spend the day exploring the
nearby medieval villages and the amazing historic structures and
streets.
In many of these villages, the churches are a time capsule covering
centuries. In the Saxon village of Biertan, we will visit a fortified
church, which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The nearby village
of Malancrav has a true 700-year-old church that is another
example of fortified religious structures from the Medieval
period. During our stopover in Malancrav, we’ll enjoy lunch
prepared with love from one of the local ladies, a great chance
to sample authentic Romanian foods.
We will visit the stunningly beautiful town of Signisoara and the
citadel before returning to Brasov in the later afternoon. The
evening is free to explore and create your own story in the
charming Medieval town of Brasov. (B,L)
Sep 13 - Day 14 – Peles Castle, Sinaia / Bucharest
After two nights in Brasov, we’ll depart and point the compass
toward Bucharest, the capital of Romania. As we make our way to
the city, we will stopover in Sinaia to see the Peles Castle.
Peles Castle was constructed under the rule of King Carol I in
1883. The king fell in love with the mountain scenery and the
castle became his a royal hunting preserve. This grand palatial
alpine villa was built at a cost of 16,000,000 Romanian Lei, around
$120 million dollars in today’s dollars.
The castle was seized by the state communist party in 1947 and
opened to the public as a museum in 1953. The property was
closed between 1975 and 1990 as the whole area was designated
“State Protocol Interest Area,” but that all changed with the fall
of the communist party in the 1989 revolution, and once again it
was opened to the public.
We’ll explore some of Bucharest this afternoon and come
together this evening for a farewell dinner. (B,D)
Sep 14 - Day 15 – Homeward Bound
After a grand journey on the eastern Danube River from Budapest to Bucharest, we end the tour and depart for home.
New friends, wonderful experiences, surprising moments and many memories. Transfers to the airport this morning for
flights returning to the USA. (B, Meals on Airplane)
TOUR PRICING
Simple & Straightforward
Limited Space – Reserve Now!
15-Day Tour
$5,699 pp / + Group Air
BASED ON CATEGORY D ON RIVERBOAT
Tour Dates: Aug 31-Sep 14, 2017
DEPOSIT $500 pp
- 15-Day Budapest to Bucharest Tour
- All Hotel Accommodation
- Selected Category on 5-Star Riverboat
- All Touring Included – No Purchased Tours
- All Gratuities on Land Portion of Tour
- All Luggage Porterage
- Most Meals Included
- All Taxes and Fees (No Surprises)
- All Transfers When on Group Air
- Fully Escorted By Mark & Vicki Stewart
Orange = CAT D
Dark Purple = CAT C
Green = CAT BB
($200 pp non-refundable)
AmaCerto Deck Plan 
The Category Chosen on Riverboat Determines Your Final Tour Fare
Category D - $5,699 pp + Airfare
Window Stateroom
(Orange-Colored Cabins)
SPECIAL GROUP AIRFARE
including transfers
Category C - $6,299 pp + Airfare
French Balcony Stateroom
(Dark Purple-Colored Cabins)
Category BB - $6,799 pp + Airfare
Walk-out Balcony & French Balcony
(Green-Colored Cabins)
LAX to BUDAPEST (1-STOP) / BUCHAREST to LAX (1-STOP)
KLM ROYAL DUTCH AIRLINES - $899 per seat
Business Class Upgrade Not Available From Group Airfare Price
Reservations & Information
1.866.944.3036 or Visit StewartTours.com