Eastern European Discovery to the Danube Delta
On an extraordinary voyage to the Danube Delta and back, one that’s not completed by many other river ships, you’re in for an unforgettable discovery of diverse destinations, areas of outstanding scenic beauty and authentic experiences across five different countries.
You’ll board Brabant in Budapest and begin your journey with a short sail to Croatia, where Vukovar will exhibit Croatian history, highlights and traditions. Continuing on to Serbia, you’ve chances to delight in the dance, costume and music of a traditional folklore show in Belgrade, and experience a momentous navigation of the awe-inspiring Iron Gates gorge, passing the Great Kazan and famous Decebalus rock sculpture, before the gems of Ruse – Bulgaria’s ‘Little Vienna – await you. You’re sure to be charmed by Ruse’s extravagant architecture, rock monastery and historic wineries.
Five days of Romanian adventure will then offer a rich diversity of rewarding experiences. There’s a visit to Galati, perhaps to take in the city’s historic churches, palaces and botanical gardens, or tour to Moldova for a taste of local tradition, wine and cuisine in Valeni; a serene sail through the Lower Danube’s scenes of vast floodplains, forests and islands; and calls to the culture-rich, historical ports of Cetate and Turnu Severin. The pièce de résistance is a visit to St Gheorghe, from where you take a boat safari tour of the blissful Danube Delta, an unspoilt natural wonderland. Back along the Danube, you return to Serbia for stops at Donji Milanovac – gateway to the Mesolithic archaeological site of Lepenski Vir – and at Novi Sad, for local wines, food at the unmissable Petrovaradin Fortress. Finally, when you return to Hungary, you can learn of the history of paprika and enjoy delicacies made with ‘red gold’ in Kalocsa; then enjoy time to revel in Budapest’s abundant attractions, such as the Buda Castle complex, the impressive parliament buildings and the Millennium Underground Railway.
Itinerary
Day | Destination |
---|
Day 1 |
Budapest, Hungary |
Budapest, Hungary
Bustling and beautiful Budapest is an explorer’s dream destination. Straddling the magnificent Danube River, Hungary’s historic capital is split into two distinct districts: Buda, with its steep hills, streets and alleys; and low-lying Pest, where architectural and cultural treasures are...
Day 2 |
Mohács, Hungary
|
Mohács, Hungary
Vukovar, Croatia
Noted for its picturesque baroque architecture, Vukovar was a traditional Croatian town, situated at the meeting point of the Vuka river with the Danube. However, in 1991, this all changed with the war for Croatia’s independence, and the town was virtually decimated. Now, the townspeople have...
Day 3 |
Belgrade, Serbia |
Belgrade, Serbia
Belgrade might not be as pretty as some of Europe’s other riverside capitals, however that’s all part of this gritty Serbian city’s charm. Shaped by its somewhat chaotic past – having been part of Hungary, the Ottoman Empire, Nazi Germany, Yugoslavia and much more over severa...
Day 5 |
Ruse, Bulgaria |
Ruse, Bulgaria
Ruse is one of Bulgaria’s biggest and most important port cities, serving as a vital link between several countries across Europe and Asia thanks to its strategic location on the Danube River. However, there’s much more to this city than its thriving port. Affectionately nicknamed &lsquo...
Day 6 |
Galati, Romania |
Galati, Romania
Situated on the Danube River, Galati is part of the historical Romanian region of Moldovia. During the 1960’s, the town was linked with Coventry, due to its post-war similarities and volume of industrial investments. Many of the buildings here are renowned for their architecture, dating back...
Day 7 |
St Gheorghe, Romania |
St Gheorghe, Romania
Hidden away deep within the breathtaking Danube Delta, where the Danube River empties into the Black Sea on Romania’s east coast, the fishing village of St Gheorghe – not to be confused with the Transylvanian city of the same name – is one of the most beautiful places on earth. Si...
Day 8 |
Fetesti, Romania |
Fetesti, Romania
Located on the River Danube, Fetesti is the Gateway to Bucharest, and a popular port for river cruises to Romania. Brabant will dock here to allow guests to visit the atmospheric city of Bucharest. The city is often compared with Berlin, and upon arrival at Bucharest, you can see why. Here, the hea...
Day 9 |
Cetate, Romania |
Cetate, Romania
Located on the banks of the River Danube, Cetate is nestled between Calafat and Turnu Severin, and until the middle of the 20th century, was a leading agricultural port, exporting wheat and flour to Budapest and German cities on the Danube. From the late 1990’s, Cetate reinvented itself as a c...
Day 10 |
Turnu Severin , Romania
|
Turnu Severin , Romania
Situated on the left bank of the Danube, Drobeta-Turnu Severin – shortened to Severin in conversation – is situated close to the spectacular Iron Gates. The stunning Iron Gates gorge is part of a nature park offering opportunities for bird watching and visiting caves, or awe-inspiring vi...
Donji Milanovac, Serbia
Situated on the banks of the River Danube, Donji Milanovic is a pretty Serbian town with panoramas stretching between towering cliff faces, and has earned itself the moniker of the ‘town of 100,000 roses’. Close to the town lies Lepenski Vir, one of the most significant prehistoric arch...
Day 11 |
Donji Milanovac, Serbia |
Donji Milanovac, Serbia
Situated on the banks of the River Danube, Donji Milanovic is a pretty Serbian town with panoramas stretching between towering cliff faces, and has earned itself the moniker of the ‘town of 100,000 roses’. Close to the town lies Lepenski Vir, one of the most significant prehistoric arch...
Day 12 |
Novi Sad, Serbia |
Novi Sad, Serbia
Although Novi Sad is arguably not as well-known as Belgrade, there is plenty to suggest that Serbia’s second city in fact has much more to offer than its capital. Energetic, creative and multi-cultural, Novi Sad is an expression of modern Serbia, with its bustling pedestrianised thoroughfares...
Day 13 |
Mohács, Hungary
|
Mohács, Hungary
Kalocsa, Hungary
Although Kalocsa is the famed ‘paprika capital of the world’, there is much more to recommend this quaint, culture-rich town than the history of Hungary’s ‘red gold’. Founded by St Stephen – the First King of Hungary – over 1000 years ago, Kalocsa is one of...
Day 14 |
Budapest, Hungary |
Budapest, Hungary
Bustling and beautiful Budapest is an explorer’s dream destination. Straddling the magnificent Danube River, Hungary’s historic capital is split into two distinct districts: Buda, with its steep hills, streets and alleys; and low-lying Pest, where architectural and cultural treasures are...
Day 15 |
Budapest, Hungary |
Budapest, Hungary
Bustling and beautiful Budapest is an explorer’s dream destination. Straddling the magnificent Danube River, Hungary’s historic capital is split into two distinct districts: Buda, with its steep hills, streets and alleys; and low-lying Pest, where architectural and cultural treasures are...
Prices
On Our Ship
Built in 2006, this elegant and comfortable vessel is in keeping with the fleet of our ocean-going cruise ships. Brabant’s bright and spacious public areas and 79 well-equipped rooms and suites, spread across four decks, provide the intimate, home-from-home feel which Fred. Olsen’s guests already know and love.
Cruise ship staples such as swimming pools, a number of lounges and on-going activities are not in evidence on board, making way for a comfortable ambience and ample space in which to relax and enjoy the river cruise experience with around 150 fellow guests.
What's Included?
Cruise descriptions include optional, chargeable experiences that may be enjoyed independently and/or with optional Fred. Olsen Shore Tours.
Upgrade to Dining Drinks Package available as a chargeable optional extra.