Balkan Jewels

Name: Balkan Jewels
Brand: APT Guided Tours & River Cruises
Price: 5189 EUR
Availability: InStock

About This Cruise

Includes return flights from the UK*. Unveil the treasures of Bulgaria, Serbia and Hungary on an incredible seven-night luxury river cruise. Discover Bulgaria's spectacular fortresses and rich history with visits to Bucharest, Veliko Târnovo and Belogradchik. Immerse yourself in Serbian culture in Novi Sad, enjoy a Hungarian horse show in Puszta and explore Budapest.

Who Is This Cruise For?

Couples
Luxury service and an intimate, small-ship feel
Over 50s
A gentle pace with daily excursions and no sea days

Type

River, Luxury

Ship

APT Ostara

Departure Date

14 April 2027

Cruise Line

APT Guided Tours & River Cruises

Duration

7 Nights

Select Your Cabin Type

Call Us at 01 6874149

Itinerary

Romania

Bucharest

On arrival in Bucharest, you'll be met and transferred to your luxury river ship, which will be docked in Giurgiu. Get to know your fellow travellers at a welcome reception this evening.

Romania

Giurgiu

On arrival in Bucharest, you'll be met and transferred to your luxury river ship, which will be docked in Giurgiu. Get to know your fellow travellers at a welcome reception this evening.

Bulgaria

Ruse

Discover the wonders of Veliko Târnovo with an expert local guide. Uncover this charming Bulgarian city's rich history as you wander through its cobbled lanes and fortified walls. Its centrepiece is the spectacular restored Tsarevets Fortress, a medieval citadel of the Second Bulgarian Empire. Savour a delicious lunch at a local restaurant before returning to the ship.

Bulgaria

Veliko Tarnovo

Bulgaria

Vidin

Explore Baba Vida Fortress in Vidin. Raised upon the remains of the ancient town of Bononia, the medieval castle dates back to the 10th century. Afterwards, venture to Belogradchik and visit its ancient fortress, perched on the northern slopes of the Balkan Mountains. You’ll also see the town’s unique rock formations.

Bulgaria

Belogradchik

The day is yours to relax on board, sleep in and take it easy, or awake early and take in stunning views from the Daystar Deck.

Serbia

Novi Sad

Choose how you’d like to spend the day in Novi Sad, Serbia’s second largest city.Freedom of Choice – Guided City DiscoveryEnjoy a guided tour of Novi Sad, situated on the banks of the Danube River. Discover the city's iconic sights found along the main walkway of Zmaj Jovina.Freedom of Choice – Local FarmsteadVisit a local farmstead for a real dose of Vojvodinian culture, featuring a traditional breakfast, music and freshly-made doughnuts.

Hungary

Kalocsa

Enjoy a Signature Experience today.Signature Experience – Folk Art House and Horse ShowVisit the Folk Art House, where local handicrafts are on show. Then, visit a producer of one of Hungary’s spiciest exports, paprika. Afterwards, a farm in Puszta is the perfect setting for a stellar horse show and authentic Hungarian lunch.

Austria

Puszta

Hungary

Budapest

Set out on your chosen sightseeing activity. Freedom of Choice – Hospital in the Rock Nuclear Bunker MuseumEmbark on an insightful tour of the Hospital in the Rock Nuclear Bunker Museum, a museum dedicated to a former secret emergency hospital and nuclear bunker.Freedom of Choice – Hike to Gellért HillTake a guided hike up Gellért Hill and admire the panoramic views over the Danube River. You'll also see the St Gellért Monument, honouring the Italian bishop and martyr who played a key role in spreading Christianity in Hungary in the 11th century.

Hungary

Budapest

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Overview

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Suite

Owner's Suites

Our most lavish suites feature spacious interiors and a large outdoor balcony. Panoramic floor-to-ceiling windows bathe the suite with sunlight and allow you to take in sweeping views of incredible riverside scenery.

Sitting Room

A separate sitting area beckons for private in-suite dining. Enjoy your delicious meal with seasonal ingredients in the peaceful surroundings of your suite and enjoy views from your large windows.

Owner's Suite Benefits

Guests staying in our Owner's Suites will also benefit from a complimentary laundry and pressing service, along with a complimentary spa treatment.

Outdoor Balcony

Designed for the ultimate luxury, a private outdoor balcony offers the perfect vantage point to soak up the ever-changing views of Europe’s picturesque riverside scenery.

Category: OS | Deck: 3 | Cabin Size: 269 sq ft/25 sq m

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Balcony

French Balcony Suites

Our opulent French Balcony Suites feature electric floor-to-ceiling slide down windows that open with ease, offering ample fresh air and light-filled interiors.

French Balcony Suite Benefits
Guests staying in Category P French Balcony Suites will also benefit from a complimentary laundry service.

Category: A & P | Deck: 2 & 3 | Size: 183 sq ft/17 sq m

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Suite

Twin Window Suites

Designed to evoke serenity, our Twin Window Suites combine warm, earthy tones with elegant wooden accents and soft furnishings. Enjoy a space that surrounds you in comfort and calm, ensuring a peaceful and restful stay.

Twin Window Suite

Warm rustic tones and wooden accents combine with soft furnishings to inspire a feeling of serenity.

Category: E & ET | Deck: 1 | Cabin Size: 161 sq ft/15 sq m

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regional

The Gruner Bar & Dining

The Most Unique Restaurant Afloat

Relish the ambience of The Grüner Bar & Dining, offering local ingredients to tantalise your tastebuds. This one-of-a-kind venue quite literally raises the bar with a world-first state-of-the-art hydraulic system that lifts the entire space from the Upper Deck to the Sun Deck, offering spectacular views.

Reminiscent of a neighbourhood wine bar, The Grüner Bar & Dining serves seasonal small plates and regional fare, paired with cocktails and fine wines. A cutting-edge hydraulic system lifts the venue to the upper Sun Deck for panoramic views.

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regional

Bistro Saison

Serving dishes inspired by Europe's classic neighbourhood bistros, the main dining room celebrates the rich European fare that locals know all too well, adding a modern twist to amplify traditional flavours.

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wine

The Owner's Cellar

With sophisticated decor alluding to an exclusive atmosphere, the wine cellar offers delectable courses served from a refined menu. Dishes are designed to be shared and paired with wines from a cellar list, creating a collective experience.

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casual

Annie's Table

Indulge in a menu full of familiar favourites in this contemporary dining venue. Share a delicious meal accompanied by your preferred beverage and toast to the day that was with your fellow travellers.

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Sun Deck

Daystar Deck

With a rooftop barbeque sizzling with Mediterranean-fare, a bar offering delectable cocktails, an alluring pool and an inviting Conversation Lounge, this space is the ideal place to relax with new-found friends.

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Lounge

The Salon

The inviting main lounge offers a delicious array of fresh and healthy dishes over breakfast and lunch, transitioning into a vibrant venue in the evening with live entertainment.

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Sun Deck

The Sun Deck — a meeting place with personality and ample space, designed to be enjoyed year-round. Socialise on the Daystar Deck, while plush seating areas, sun lounges and a pool are all located on the upper Sun Deck — the ideal location to indulge in a cocktail as you relish the sunset.