Budapest to the Black Sea

Your river cruiser - MV Serenade I
The MV Serenade I is chartered exclusively for Travelsphere's sister company, Page & Moy. On each cruise aboard this fourstar cruiser you will be accompanied by two Page & Moy cruise representatives.

The first-class on-board accommodation features the luxury of spacious cabins and bathrooms with both a shower and separate bath, which is unusual for a river cruiser. You can spend your time watching the stunning views unfold from the panoramic windows of the lounge, savour delicious cuisine in the elegant dining room and sit back and relax with a range of evening entertainment.

Whether it’s a quiet drink in the panoramic bar watching the sunset, a stroll on deck or a delicious afternoon tea, you’ll feel wonderfully pampered and right at home. Built to the highest standards of safety and design, the MV Serenade I has something for everyone.

We also feature holidays further afield aboard a selection of river cruisers – all are of a high standard providing good accommodation.

More information on the MV Serenade I >

Day 1: UK/Budapest

Depart 19:00

Your journey through eastern Europe begins with a flight from your local airport to Budapest, where MV Serenade I is moored, ready to set sail this evening.

Meals: Dinner

Day 2: Kalocsa

Arrive 01:00 – Depart 12:00

Today’s port of call is the charming Hungarian town of Kalocsa, centre of the Hungarian paprika production industry. You are free to explore; perhaps take time to visit the elegant Archbishop’s Cathedral and Holy Trinity Square.

Meals: Breakfast / lunch / dinner

Day 3: Belgrade

Arrive 07:00 – Depart 23:59

You arrive in historic Belgrade today, the ancient capital of Serbia. An optional city tour will reveal the story of this remarkable city. Highlights include the Orthodox Cathedral, the Square of the Republic and the mighty Kalemegdan Fortress, which dominates the old town.

Meals: Breakfast / lunch / dinner

Day 4: Cruising

Enjoy a day cruising the unique Iron Gate region. This 60-mile stretch of river used to be narrow and perilous, with numerous rocks on the river bed. Today it is a much safer journey – the water level has been raised and the hazards removed. Find a spot on deck to take in the superb views of the traverse and the two locks of the Djerdap Hyrdroelectric Dam.

Meals: Breakfast / lunch / dinner

Day 5: Rousse

Arrive 09:00 – Depart 02:00

You arrive in the attractive town of Rousse this morning. Make the most of your time here by joining your Tour Manager on an optional tour to Bucharest, the Romanian capital. Known as ‘Little Paris’ during the 1930s, it is an eclectic city with a real mix of architectural styles.

Meals: Breakfast / lunch / dinner

Day 6: Silistra

Arrive 08:00 – Depart 04:00

The cruise arrives in pretty Silistra this morning; why not join an optional scenic drive through rural Bulgaria to Varna, one of the real gems of the Black Sea. The afternoon is free for your own discoveries.

Meals: Breakfast / lunch / dinner

Day 7: Cernavoda

Arrive 08:00 – Depart 18:00

From Cernavoda, enjoy your included transfer to the ancient Black Sea city of Constanta. Or get to know the old town on an optional city tour, taking in the ancient ruins and magnificent Orthodox church.

Meals: Breakfast / lunch / dinner

Day 8: Svistov

Arrive 10:00 – Depart 23:30

Nestled at the base of a mountain, Svistov enjoys a mild climate and a long and interesting history. You are at leisure to explore independently, or to perhaps join a tour to Veliko Tarnovo. This most atmospheric of cities, the former capital of Bulgaria, is known for its grand buildings perched on the banks of the Yatra.

Meals: Breakfast / lunch / dinner

Day 9: Oriahovo & Vidin

Arrive 08:00 – Depart 08:30 (Oriahovo)
Arrive 16:00 – Depart 20:00 (Vidin)

This morning you arrive in Oriahovo, where you can join an optional visit to Sofia, the Bulgarian capital. The skyline is dominated by the impressive onion domes of the Alexander Nevsky Cathedral. Rejoin the boat in Vidin before continuing your cruise towards Vukovor.

Meals: Breakfast / lunch / dinner

Day 10: Cruising

Enjoy a day cruising, watching the world go by as we leave Bulgaria and head into Croatia.

Meals: Breakfast / lunch / dinner

Day 11: Vukovor

Arrive 11:00 – Depart 16:00

Historic Vukovor has been faithfully restored to its former glory. Explore at your leisure, perhaps paying a visit to the impressive Franciscan monastery, or enjoy a wander among well-preserved streets of Baroque buildings.

Meals: Breakfast / lunch / dinner

Day 12: Baja

Arrive 09:00 – Depart 16:00

Take advantage of the opportunity to see the traditional side of Hungarian life on an optional tour of the Hungarian Puszta. Here you will see thrilling Puszta horsemanship and learn about farming traditions in the house of folk arts.

Meals: Breakfast / lunch / dinner

Day 13: Budapest

Arrive 04:00

The former rival cities of Buda and Pest, separated by the Danube, were only unified in 1873 and still retain their own distinct personalities. Discover the city’s highlights on an optional tour - the flamboyant Fisherman’s Bastion, the immediately recognisable parliament building and Heroes’ Square, adorned with statues.

Meals: Breakfast / lunch / dinner

Day 14: Budapest/UK

Disembark in Budapest this morning and transfer to the airport for your return flight to the UK.

Unfortunately this cruise may not be suitable for those with walking difficulties or mobility issues. Many of the ports visited have a number of steep stairs and none have wheelchair access. We would therefore suggest that this cruise is not suitable for those with limited or restricted mobility.

Meals: Breakfast