LIMITED TIME OFFER
Register by June 30th and Save $500 per person
That's $1000 per cabin!
LIMITED TIME OFFER
Register by June 30th and Save $500 per person
That's $1000 per cabin!
GEMS OF SOUTHEAST EUROPE: Luxury River Cruise
From Giurgiu to Budapest - June 15-22, 2026
2026 Soul Adventure
Gems of Southeast Europe: Luxury River Cruise
June 15-22, 2026
Travel with Like-Minded Beings and Build Symbiotic Connections
Touch history in Hungary, Croatia, Serbia, Bulgaria and Romania, 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 Gates, showcase the best of eastern Europe. Nature lovers will relish the opportunity to bike through Belgrade’s sprawling Kalemegdan Park. Wine connoisseurs will have a chance to taste history from the centuries-old wine-growing hills dating back to the Romans in Croatia. Be treated to the flavors, sights, sounds and cultures of this diverse swath of the continent.
Plus, extend your journey with pre- and post-cruise packages in Bucharest & Brasov, Istanbul, and Vienna!
Five Countries. One River.
All From the comfort of a floating Luxury Hotel
LIMITED TIME OFFER
Register by June 30, 2025 and enjoy a savings of $500 per person
(up to $1,000 per cabin)
Rooms are going fast, so don't delay!
Everything's included in your AMA Waterways River Cruise, from top-notch gourmet dining to unlimited fine wine and beer with lunch and dinner, nightly entertainment, and a variety of daily excursions to choose from.
A $400 deposit holds your spot; 50% refundable up until final payment. The balance is due 100 days prior to our departure.
Biking, Hiking, Yoga, & So Much More
Be as active, or as relaxed, as you want to be.
Choose from a variety of daily excursions along the way.
Hiking
Enjoy immersive hiking and walking tours in every destination.
Biking
Bike your way through quaint towns and vineyards along the Danube.
Yoga
Start each morning by joining us for heart-centered yoga.
Giurgiu to Budapest
On our river cruises, you will enjoy an extensive lineup of included tours. In many cases, you will have a choice of excursions, such as standard tours, bike tours, hikes and Special Interest Tours. We always include a large variety of activities so that you can choose how you want to explore. No matter your preference, your days will be full of discovery and wonder.
Your Daily Itinerary
*click the orange arrow to see the full description
Day 1
Giurgiu
EMBARKATION
Embark the ship in Giurgiu for your Gems of Southeast Europe cruise. (D)
Day 2
Rousse
Veliko Tarnovo Excursion
OR Bucharest Excursion
OR Rousse Walking Tour and Rock-Hewn Churches
Experience more of Bucharest or 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 20thcentury Neo-Baroque and Neo-Rococo architecture, or you may visit the UNESCO-designated Rock-Hewn Churches of Ivanovo with frescos revealing exceptional artistry of 14thcentury paintings. (B,L,D)
Day 3
Vidin
Baba Vida Fortress and Vidin Walking Tour
OR Banitsa pastry and yogurt making
OR Vidin bike tour
OR Dos Alamos Wine Tasting
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.
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.
Winelovers can instead enjoy a wine tasting at a local winery, situated just outside of Vidin in the village of Negovanovtsi. Located on the vinegrowing and wine-producing Danubian Plain, we will tour this boutique winery and end in the cellar for a tasting that includes traditional Bulgarian wines. (B,L,D)
Day 4
Iron Gates
Scenic Cruising - The Iron Gates
Golubac Fortress Visit
The Iron Gates are some 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 King Decebalus, the last king of Dacia, is
proudly carved into the mountainside and always captivates travelers.
After your scenic cruise, you will arrive at Golubac Fortress – one of the best preserved medieval fortresses in Europe – for a tour. (B,L,D)
Day 5
Iron Gates
“The City by Two Rivers” tour
OR Fortress hike
“Brandies of Belgrade” tasting
OR Guided bike tour of Belgrade
OR Novi Sad tour
Explore Serbia’s capital, Belgrade, on a city tour, which includes the Nikola Tesla Museum, encompassing the worldrenowned inventor’s life and inventions, as well as the Kalemegdan Fortress and the Serbian Orthodox Cathedral of St. Sava, the largest such church in the world.
Alternatively, you can hike to Belgrade Fortress.
In the afternoon, enjoy a taste of the region by sampling a few types of Serbian brandy paired with delicious local appetizers, including Šlivovitz, which was added in 2022 to UNESCO’s list of “Intangible Cultural Heritage.”
For those wishing a more active adventure, join a guided bike tour.
Or explore Novi Sad, a city rich in tradition and culture, on “The Athens of Serbia” walking tour. Stroll through Stari Grad, the old town center; and explore Liberty Square, which is dominated by the Old Town Hall. (B,L,D)
Day 6
Vukovar
Vukovar City tour
OR Vukovar bike tour
OR Croatian wine tasting
Enjoy an afternoon in Vukovar on a guided city tour where you will have a chance to visit Eltz Manor House and its collection of historic artifacts, paintings and clothing.
Alternatively, you may explore Vukovar on an active bike tour.
Wine connoisseurs will want to enjoy a Croatian wine tasting and tour in the Old Cellars, famous for their Grasevina, Traminac and Frankovka wines. (B,L,D)
Day 7
Mohacs
Pécs excursion
OR Szekszárd wine tasting
Visit Pécs, founded more than 2,000 years ago by the Romans, and 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. (B,L,D)
Day 8
Budapest
DISEMBARKATION
Disembark the ship in Budapest and prepare for your flight home. (B)
Alternatively, begin one of the Post-Cruise Options
The AmaVerde
One of AmaWaterways’ remarkable twin-balcony river ships, the newly reimagined AmaVerde, is full of light, love and bold artwork showcasing vibrant, modern designs. The dashing ship is considered the captivating companion of the AmaBella as both ships were totally redesigned in 2021 and sail their imagined love story on the romantic Danube River. Spacious, sophisticated staterooms set the mind at ease for a restful slumber, while warmth attracts visitors to the comfortable fireside library and AmaVerde’s massage and hair salon. The Main Restaurant is the perfect home to exquisite meals and local wine pairings worthy of La Chaîne des Rôtisseurs — the internationally renowned gastronomic society. The Chef’s Table specialty restaurant, with its glass-enclosed kitchen and unique rolled lighting fixture, gives way to a vibrant multi-course parade of dishes with distinct regional flavors paired with hand selected wines. Enjoy a light lunch in our new “Café Bistro,” a perfect al fresco spot to play cards and mingle with your fellow guests. Additional amenities on AmaVerde include unlimited high-quality complimentary Wi-Fi, movies, music and English-language TV stations in the staterooms, a specialty coffee station, gift shop, sun-deck walking track, heated swimming pool, putting green, fitness room and fleet of bikes.
Suite
Cat AA
Cat AB
Cat BA
Cat BB
Cat C
Cat D
Cat E
Suite
$7,948/person at double occupancy
Includes port charges and early bird discount
Violin Deck - French Balcony & Outside Balcony, 350 sq. ft.
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In-room temperature control
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Deluxe hotel-style bedding
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Spacious bathrooms with multi-jet showerheads
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Large wardrobe, full-length mirror, hair dryer, safe and direct-dial telephone
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Desk and chair
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Flat-screen TV
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Entertainment on Demand system providing complimentary TV, movies and music library
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Complimentary internet and Wi-Fi
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Complimentary bottled water replenished daily
Luxury Staterooms
Single-room rates are available.
Life on Board
Twin Balconies
Enjoy panoramic views and plenty of fresh air in our lavish twin-balcony staterooms that feature both a French balcony and an outside balcony.
Sun-Deck Pool
Soak up some rays or take a dip in our refreshing pool with a swim-up bar as we pass by centuries-old castles, charming villages and other breathtaking scenery.
Award-Winning Dining
Savor exquisite cuisine at a variety of dining venues, like the Main Restaurant and The Chef’s Table. You can also order delicious tapas between meals in the Main Lounge.
Massage Services
and Hair Salon
After a marvelous day of immersive shore excursions, return to the ship and treat yourself to a bit of pampering with a soothing massage.
Inviting Public Spaces
With fewer guests on board, you can enjoy the luxury of space to unwind, relax and reconnect with your loved ones. Our public areas, including lounges and restaurants, are never overcrowded.
Enriching Entertainment
Whether it’s traditional Bavarian music, a local quartet or modern piano favorites, there is an eclectic schedule of entertainment on board.
Terms and conditions apply. NLBP is hosting a travel experience with AMA Waterways and is subject to the conditions found on its website. We highly recommend travel insurance. NLBP is not a travel agent or in any way affiliated with AMA Waterways. Receipt of your registration form and deposit constituents your agreement and understanding of the terms and conditions of this group travel offer. Responsibility for all aspects of this trip is solely with AMA Waterways. Waiver and release of all liability at the bottom of the registration form.