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Gems of Southeast Europe

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Gems of Southeast Europe

No Reviews No Booking FeesDedicated Cruise Advisor
New Release River Cruise
River View
$3,049
Balcony
$4,548
Suite
$7,048
* Port charges, taxes and fees included
 Cruise Length
8 Days
 Cruise Starts
Giurgiu
 Cruise Finishes
Budapest
8 Day Gems of Southeast Europe Itinerary (AmaWaterways)
Countries Explored: Romania, Bulgaria, Serbia, Croatia, Hungary
 Cruise Length
8 Days
 Cruise Starts
Giurgiu
 Cruise Finishes
Budapest
8 Day Gems of Southeast Europe Itinerary (AmaWaterways)
Countries Explored: Romania, Bulgaria, Serbia, Croatia, Hungary
Cruise Line
AmaWaterways
No Reviews
Ship
Departures
Passengers
160
Crew
51
Launched
2010
Refurbished
2021
Cruise Code
AJR
Cruise Line
AmaWaterways
No Reviews
Ship
Departures
Passengers
160
Crew
51
Launched
2010
Refurbished
2021
Cruise Code
AJR

Overview

From Bucharest to Budapest, and countless treasures in between, touch history in Romania, Bulgaria, Serbia, Croatia and Hungary as you sail along the exotic lower Danube. Celtic fortifications, medieval towns and grand cities, along with the natural beauty of pastoral landscapes and the Danube’s famed Iron Gate, showcase the best of eastern Europe. Folklore followers will relish the opportunity go to Transylvania, a place deeply rooted in myth and history to the 14th-century Bran Castle, home of Prince Vlad Tepes who inspired Bram Stoker’s Dracula; as well as Sighi?oara, birthplace of Dracula;...read more and to Bulgaria’s natural wonder, Belogradchik, a fairytale stone world of fantastic shapes associated with interesting legends. Wine connoisseurs will have a chance to taste history from the centuries-old wine-growing hills dating back to the Romans in Ilok, a royal and vinous town. And the active adventurers will appreciate hiking to the UNESCO-designated Ivanovo Rock Hewn Churches and biking through Belgrade’s Kalemegdan Park and Vidin’s Baba Vida castle. Be treated to the flavors, sights, sounds and cultures of this diverse swath of the continent.
From Bucharest to Budapest, and countless treasures in between, touch history in Romania, Bulgaria, Serbia, Croatia and Hungary as you sail along the exotic lower Danube. Celtic fortifications, medieval towns and grand cities, along with the natural beauty of pastoral landscapes and the Danube’s famed Iron Gate, showcase the best of eastern Europe. Folklore followers will relish the opportunity go to Transylvania, a place deeply rooted in myth and history to the 14th-century Bran Castle, home of Prince Vlad Tepes who inspired Bram Stoker’s Dracula; as well as Sighi?oara, birthplace of Dracula;...read more and to Bulgaria’s natural wonder, Belogradchik, a fairytale stone world of fantastic shapes associated with interesting legends. Wine connoisseurs will have a chance to taste history from the centuries-old wine-growing hills dating back to the Romans in Ilok, a royal and vinous town. And the active adventurers will appreciate hiking to the UNESCO-designated Ivanovo Rock Hewn Churches and biking through Belgrade’s Kalemegdan Park and Vidin’s Baba Vida castle. Be treated to the flavors, sights, sounds and cultures of this diverse swath of the continent.

Itinerary

Embark your ship in Giurgiu. Tonight gather on board and meet your fellow passengers. (B/L/D)

Experience the best of Bucharest, Romania's capital, known as the “Little Paris of the East,” with its wide boulevards and Arc de Triomphe. Then visit Bulgaria's ancient capital, Veliko Tarnovo, with its medieval fortress and multiple orthodox temples. You can opt instead to explore 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. (B/L/D)

Excursions:

  • Bucharest excursion
  • Veliko Tarnovo excursion OR Ivanovo Rock-Hewn Churches & Rousse Highlights

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. 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. (B/L/D)

Excursions:

  • Belogradchik & Baba Vida Fortress OR Banitsa pastry and yogurt tasting OR Vidin bike tour of Vidin

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, forming a natural border between Serbia and Romania. The ancient Serbian king Decebalus is proudly carved into the mountainside and always captivates travelers. (B/L/D)

Excursions:

  • Full-day scenic cruising

Explore Serbia's capital, Belgrade, on a city tour, which includes the Kalemegdan Fortress and the Serbian Orthodox Temple of St. Sava. Alternatively, visit the Royal Palace, the official residence of the Serbian Royal Family, and 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, followed by a panoramic tour of Avala Mountain. Later in the day, choose from a hike to Kalemegdan Fortress, known for its winding walking paths and incredible river views, or join a guided bike tour. (B/L/D)

Excursions:

  • “The City by Two Rivers” tour OR Belgrade Royal Palace & Tito's Memorial tour OR Quburich Brandy Tasting & Avala Mountain Fortress Hike OR Belgrade bike tour

Vukovar is a Croatian symbol of resistance, which you'll better understand on your city tour showcasing the Ovčara Memorial and Eltz Castle. 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 tour or hike through Fruska Gora National Park. During the evening, visit Petrovaradin Fortress, a mighty stronghold no enemy has ever breached. (B/L/D)

Excursions:

  • “The Athens of Serbia” walking tour OR Serbian Specialties Tasting OR Petrovaradin Fortress hike OR Novi Sad bike tour
  • Vukovar City Tour with Eltz Castle OR Croatian wine tasting

Enjoy a scenic morning cruise to Mohács. You'll then visit 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. Or 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 2,000 years ago. You may also take an exhilarating guided bike tour around Mohács. (B/L/D)

Excursions:

  • Pécs excursion OR Szekszárd wine tasting OR Bike Ride along the Danube

Disembark your cruise in Budapest. (B)

Embark your ship in Giurgiu. Tonight gather on board and meet your fellow passengers. (B/L/D)

Experience the best of Bucharest, Romania's capital, known as the “Little Paris of the East,” with its wide boulevards and Arc de Triomphe. Then visit Bulgaria's ancient capital, Veliko Tarnovo, with its medieval fortress and multiple orthodox temples. You can opt instead to explore 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. (B/L/D)

Excursions:

  • Bucharest excursion
  • Veliko Tarnovo excursion OR Ivanovo Rock-Hewn Churches & Rousse Highlights

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. 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. (B/L/D)

Excursions:

  • Belogradchik & Baba Vida Fortress OR Banitsa pastry and yogurt tasting OR Vidin bike tour of Vidin

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, forming a natural border between Serbia and Romania. The ancient Serbian king Decebalus is proudly carved into the mountainside and always captivates travelers. (B/L/D)

Excursions:

  • Full-day scenic cruising

Explore Serbia's capital, Belgrade, on a city tour, which includes the Kalemegdan Fortress and the Serbian Orthodox Temple of St. Sava. Alternatively, visit the Royal Palace, the official residence of the Serbian Royal Family, and 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, followed by a panoramic tour of Avala Mountain. Later in the day, choose from a hike to Kalemegdan Fortress, known for its winding walking paths and incredible river views, or join a guided bike tour. (B/L/D)

Excursions:

  • “The City by Two Rivers” tour OR Belgrade Royal Palace & Tito's Memorial tour OR Quburich Brandy Tasting & Avala Mountain Fortress Hike OR Belgrade bike tour

Vukovar is a Croatian symbol of resistance, which you'll better understand on your city tour showcasing the Ovčara Memorial and Eltz Castle. 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 tour or hike through Fruska Gora National Park. During the evening, visit Petrovaradin Fortress, a mighty stronghold no enemy has ever breached. (B/L/D)

Excursions:

  • “The Athens of Serbia” walking tour OR Serbian Specialties Tasting OR Petrovaradin Fortress hike OR Novi Sad bike tour
  • Vukovar City Tour with Eltz Castle OR Croatian wine tasting

Enjoy a scenic morning cruise to Mohács. You'll then visit 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. Or 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 2,000 years ago. You may also take an exhilarating guided bike tour around Mohács. (B/L/D)

Excursions:

  • Pécs excursion OR Szekszárd wine tasting OR Bike Ride along the Danube

Disembark your cruise in Budapest. (B)

Life Onboard AmaBella

AmaBella
AmaBella

Onboard AmaBella you'll find a massage and hair salon, fitness room, specialty coffee station, gift shop, and a heated pool on the Sun Deck. Read more

All Excursions Included
All Excursions Included

Our guests have different tastes, so we offer a variety of included shore excursions so you can tailor your experience in every port of call. Read more

The Luxury Of Space
The Luxury Of Space

Sophisticated, contemporary and elegantly appointed, your spacious stateroom serves as your personal oasis for rejuvenation. Read more

Award-Winning Dining
Award-Winning Dining

All onboard dining, as well as unlimited wine and beer with lunch and dinner, is included so you can indulge whenever and however you'd like. Read more

Feels Like Family
Feels Like Family

Our staff are committed to the happiness of our guests and cruise after cruise they tell us of their wonderful experiences the've had with us. Read more

Active Ways To Discover
Active Ways To Discover

All of our guided hikes and bike tours are included in the cruise fare so you have more choices when it comes to how you prefer to explore. Read more

Brochure

AmaWaterways Danube River Cruises (2025) Brochure

AmaWaterways Danube River Cruises (2025)

Flowing through multiple countries and four iconic capitals – Budapest, Bratislava, Vienna and Belgrade – the Danube winds through Old-World Europe, where castles were built, kings and queens were crowned, and visionary artists were inspired. With ships cruising the Danube River nearly year-round, no two journeys on this storied waterway are the same....more Plus, we offer an unparalleled variety of included excursions to suit every kind of traveler – in every single season.

Brochure

AmaWaterways Heart of the River (2026) Brochure

AmaWaterways Heart of the River (2026)

Step aboard a world of unparalleled experiences, where your journey is our passion. Allow us to share villages that time forgot. Walk along cobblestone streets filled with delights. Pedal through historic town squares. And revel in moments that last a lifetime. When you step aboard AmaWaterways, each day brings a genuine smile that warms the heart....more Every river a new culture that inspires, and each course a moment to savor and share. Experience these wonders and delights with AmaWaterways, the Heart of the River.

Availability USD USD Port charges, taxes and fees included.

Monday 24 Mar 2025
Monday 31 Mar 2025
Ship AmaVerde
River View
$3,539
View Cabins
Balcony
$4,938
View Cabins
Suite
$7,438
View Cabins
Monday 07 Apr 2025
Monday 14 Apr 2025
Ship AmaBella
River View
$3,739
View Cabins
Balcony
$5,138
View Cabins
Suite
$7,638
View Cabins
Monday 05 May 2025
Monday 12 May 2025
Ship AmaBella
River View
$4,139
View Cabins
Balcony
$5,538
View Cabins
Suite
$8,038
View Cabins
Sunday 25 May 2025
Sunday 01 Jun 2025
Ship AmaMagna
*This departure itinerary varies slightly. The finalised itinerary will be provided with final documentation.
River View
$4,639
View Cabins
Balcony
$7,038
View Cabins
Suite
$7,638
View Cabins
Monday 16 Jun 2025
Monday 23 Jun 2025
Ship AmaVerde
River View
$4,239
View Cabins
Balcony
$5,638
View Cabins
Suite
$8,138
View Cabins
Sunday 22 Jun 2025
Sunday 29 Jun 2025
Ship AmaMagna
*This departure itinerary varies slightly. The finalised itinerary will be provided with final documentation.
River View
$4,639
View Cabins
Balcony
$7,038
View Cabins
Suite
$7,638
View Cabins
Monday 30 Jun 2025
Monday 07 Jul 2025
Ship AmaBella
River View
$4,239
View Cabins
Balcony
$5,638
View Cabins
Suite
$8,138
View Cabins
Monday 14 Jul 2025
Monday 21 Jul 2025
Ship AmaVerde
River View
$4,239
View Cabins
Balcony
$5,638
View Cabins
Suite
$8,138
View Cabins
Monday 28 Jul 2025
Monday 04 Aug 2025
Ship AmaBella
River View
$4,239
View Cabins
Balcony
$5,638
View Cabins
Suite
$8,138
View Cabins
Monday 11 Aug 2025
Monday 18 Aug 2025
Ship AmaVerde
River View
$4,239
View Cabins
Balcony
$5,638
View Cabins
Suite
$8,138
View Cabins
Monday 25 Aug 2025
Monday 01 Sep 2025
Ship AmaBella
River View
$4,539
View Cabins
Balcony
$5,938
View Cabins
Suite
$8,438
View Cabins
Monday 08 Sep 2025
Monday 15 Sep 2025
Ship AmaVerde
River View
$4,639
View Cabins
Balcony
$6,038
View Cabins
Suite
$8,538
View Cabins
Monday 22 Sep 2025
Monday 29 Sep 2025
Ship AmaBella
River View
$4,639
View Cabins
Balcony
$6,038
View Cabins
Suite
$8,538
View Cabins
Monday 06 Oct 2025
Monday 13 Oct 2025
Ship AmaVerde
River View
$4,639
View Cabins
Balcony
$6,038
View Cabins
Suite
$8,538
View Cabins
Monday 01 Dec 2025
Monday 08 Dec 2025
Ship AmaVerde
River View
$4,139
View Cabins
Balcony
$5,538
View Cabins
Suite
$8,038
View Cabins
Holiday Triple Savings
Monday 15 Dec 2025
Monday 22 Dec 2025
Ship AmaBella
River View
Save $1,000
$3,139
View Cabins
Balcony
Save $1,000
$4,538
View Cabins
Suite
Save $1,000
$7,038
View Cabins
Monday 23 Mar 2026
Monday 30 Mar 2026
Ship AmaVerde
River View
$3,649
View Cabins
Balcony
$5,148
View Cabins
Suite
$7,648
View Cabins
Monday 06 Apr 2026
Monday 13 Apr 2026
Ship AmaBella
River View
$4,049
View Cabins
Balcony
$5,548
View Cabins
Suite
$8,048
View Cabins
Monday 20 Apr 2026
Monday 27 Apr 2026
Ship AmaVerde
River View
$4,349
View Cabins
Balcony
$5,848
View Cabins
Suite
$8,348
View Cabins
Monday 04 May 2026
Monday 11 May 2026
Ship AmaBella
River View
$4,349
View Cabins
Balcony
$5,848
View Cabins
Suite
$8,348
View Cabins
Monday 18 May 2026
Monday 25 May 2026
Ship AmaVerde
River View
$4,449
View Cabins
Balcony
$5,948
View Cabins
Suite
$8,448
View Cabins
Monday 01 Jun 2026
Monday 08 Jun 2026
Ship AmaBella
River View
$4,449
View Cabins
Balcony
$5,948
View Cabins
Suite
$8,448
View Cabins
Monday 15 Jun 2026
Monday 22 Jun 2026
Ship AmaVerde
River View
$4,449
View Cabins
Balcony
$5,948
View Cabins
Suite
$8,448
View Cabins
Monday 29 Jun 2026
Monday 06 Jul 2026
Ship AmaBella
River View
$4,449
View Cabins
Balcony
$5,948
View Cabins
Suite
$8,448
View Cabins
Summer Triple Savings
Monday 13 Jul 2026
Monday 20 Jul 2026
Ship AmaVerde
River View
Save $1,000
$3,449
View Cabins
Balcony
Save $1,000
$4,948
View Cabins
Suite
Save $1,000
$7,448
View Cabins
Summer Triple Savings
Monday 27 Jul 2026
Monday 03 Aug 2026
Ship AmaBella
River View
Save $1,000
$3,449
View Cabins
Balcony
Save $1,000
$4,948
View Cabins
Suite
Save $1,000
$7,448
View Cabins
Summer Triple Savings
Monday 10 Aug 2026
Monday 17 Aug 2026
Ship AmaVerde
River View
Save $1,000
$3,449
View Cabins
Balcony
Save $1,000
$4,948
View Cabins
Suite
Save $1,000
$7,448
View Cabins
Summer Triple Savings
Monday 24 Aug 2026
Monday 31 Aug 2026
Ship AmaBella
River View
Save $1,000
$3,749
View Cabins
Balcony
Save $1,000
$5,248
View Cabins
Suite
Save $1,000
$7,748
View Cabins
Monday 07 Sep 2026
Monday 14 Sep 2026
Ship AmaVerde
River View
$4,849
View Cabins
Balcony
$6,348
View Cabins
Suite
$8,848
View Cabins
Monday 05 Oct 2026
Monday 12 Oct 2026
Ship AmaVerde
River View
$4,849
View Cabins
Balcony
$6,348
View Cabins
Suite
$8,848
View Cabins
Monday 19 Oct 2026
Monday 26 Oct 2026
Ship AmaBella
River View
$4,649
View Cabins
Balcony
$6,148
View Cabins
Suite
$8,648
View Cabins
Monday 02 Nov 2026
Monday 09 Nov 2026
Ship AmaVerde
*This departure itinerary varies slightly. The finalised itinerary will be provided with final documentation.
River View
$4,349
View Cabins
Balcony
$5,848
View Cabins
Suite
$8,348
View Cabins
Holiday Triple Savings
Monday 16 Nov 2026
Monday 23 Nov 2026
Ship AmaBella
River View
Save $1,000
$3,049
View Cabins
Balcony
Save $1,000
$4,548
View Cabins
Suite
Save $1,000
$7,048
View Cabins
Holiday Triple Savings
Monday 30 Nov 2026
Monday 07 Dec 2026
Ship AmaVerde
*This departure itinerary varies slightly. The finalised itinerary will be provided with final documentation.
River View
Save $1,000
$3,349
View Cabins
Balcony
Save $1,000
$4,848
View Cabins
Suite
Save $1,000
$7,348
View Cabins
Holiday Triple Savings
Monday 14 Dec 2026
Monday 21 Dec 2026
Ship AmaBella
*This departure itinerary varies slightly. The finalised itinerary will be provided with final documentation.
River View
Save $1,000
$3,349
View Cabins
Balcony
Save $1,000
$4,848
View Cabins
Suite
Save $1,000
$7,348
View Cabins
Holiday Triple Savings
Monday 28 Dec 2026
Monday 04 Jan 2027
Ship AmaVerde
River View
Save $1,000
$3,249
View Cabins
Balcony
Save $1,000
$4,748
View Cabins
Suite
Save $1,000
$7,248
View Cabins
Note
Tour & cruises prices are per person. Prices shown have savings applied, are subject to availability and may be withdrawn at any time without notice. Pricing and trip details are correct at this point in time, however are subject to confirmation at the time of booking and are subject to change by AmaWaterways. For cruise itineraries, cabin images are sourced from AmaWaterways. These should be treated as indicative only. Cabin inclusions, upholsteries and room layout may differ to the image(s) shown depending on the ship selected and your sailing dates.

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