Budapest to the Black Sea River Cruise
About This Cruise
From the magnificent history of the Iron Gates Gorge to the romantic capital city of Bucharest, explore the extraordinary sights along the Danube River on this cruise through the heart of the Balkans.
On our cruise through the Balkans, we start by exploring the sights of Kalocsa and Belgrade, with its magnificent Kalemegdan Fortress. Then it’s off to Pleven passing through the Iron Gates Gorge and the Djerdap locks before visiting Bucharest, the capital of Romania. Known as ‘Little Paris,’ this gem of a capital city will capture your heart with its romantic buildings and boulevards. Then we explore the Danube Delta with a cruise through Europe’s largest area of wetlands – a UNESCO-listed site. We visit Constanța on the Black Sea coast, where you can explore its charming Old Town. From Ruse, either explore Veliko Tarnovo, the village of Arbanasi and the rock hewn churches at Ivanovo, or Ruse and the churches at Ivanovo and Basarbovo. From Vidin we take a scenic drive to the rock formations at Belogradchik, then we visit Lepenski Vir – one of the most important Mesolithic archaeological sites in Serbia and marvel at the views from Kapetan Mišin breg. Entering Croatia, you can choose to see Osijek & Vukovar, or take a boat ride in the Kopački rit nature park nestled between the Danube and Drava rivers. Finally, we discover the imperial capital city of Hungary - Budapest.
Type
River, Luxury
Ship
MS Geoffrey Chaucer
Departure Date
6 May 2028
Cruise Line
Riviera Travel
Duration
14 Nights
Select Your Cabin Type
Call Us at 01 6874149Overview
From the magnificent history of the Iron Gates Gorge to the romantic capital city of Bucharest, explore the extraordinary sights along the Danube River on this cruise through the heart of the Balkans.
On our cruise through the Balkans, we start by exploring the sights of Kalocsa and Belgrade, with its magnificent Kalemegdan Fortress. Then it’s off to Pleven passing through the Iron Gates Gorge and the Djerdap locks before visiting Bucharest, the capital of Romania. Known as ‘Little Paris,’ this gem of a capital city will capture your heart with its romantic buildings and boulevards. Then we explore the Danube Delta with a cruise through Europe’s largest area of wetlands – a UNESCO-listed site. We visit Constanța on the Black Sea coast, where you can explore its charming Old Town. From Ruse, either explore Veliko Tarnovo, the village of Arbanasi and the rock hewn churches at Ivanovo, or Ruse and the churches at Ivanovo and Basarbovo. From Vidin we take a scenic drive to the rock formations at Belogradchik, then we visit Lepenski Vir – one of the most important Mesolithic archaeological sites in Serbia and marvel at the views from Kapetan Mišin breg. Entering Croatia, you can choose to see Osijek & Vukovar, or take a boat ride in the Kopački rit nature park nestled between the Danube and Drava rivers. Finally, we discover the imperial capital city of Hungary - Budapest.
Deluxe Balcony Suite
If you’re looking to really spoil yourself, at a staggering 25 square metres (269 square feet), the world-class Diamond (upper) Deck Deluxe Balcony Suites are for you. Fifty percent larger than standard suites, they allow for an even more generous living area for the ultimate in space and comfort. In addition you will enjoy a private exterior balcony complete with table and chairs - perfect for an ‘al fresco’ breakfast should you wish or just a quiet morning coffee or a pre-dinner ‘sundowner’ whilst watching the world drift by. With the same fittings as standard suites, exquisitely and lavishly appointed to the very highest standard, plus complimentary soft cotton bathrobes and slippers adding the final little touch, this really is the epitome of river cruise luxury!
Features
- Individual climate control
- Floor to ceiling windows with outside balcony
- Twin beds which can be configured as double
- Nespresso machine and tea making facilities
- Spacious ensuite bathroom with walk-in shower
- Luxury toiletries: shampoo, conditioner, shower gel, body lotion, soap
- Towels, bathrobes, slippers and hairdryer
- UK plug sockets & 2 USB charging points
- Table and chairs
- Telephone, radio and flat-screen TV
- Safe & mini fridge
- Turn down service
Superior Suite
Bringing your cruise to another level, why not upgrade to a Superior Suite. Substantially larger at 23 square metres (247 sq. feet) and with the additional space devoted to the living area, you will immediately notice the benefit as you relax in your stylish surroundings. Of course the identical high quality furnishings and fittings as the standard suite are evident throughout, again with stunning views from the panoramic floor to ceiling sliding glass doors.
Features
Individual climate control
- Floor to ceiling windows with French style balcony
- Twin beds which can be configured as double
- Nespresso machine and tea making facilities
- Ensuite bathroom with walk-in shower
- Luxury toiletries: shampoo, conditioner, shower gel, body lotion, soap
- Towels, bathrobes, slippers and hairdryer
- UK plug sockets & 2 USB charging points
- Table and chairs
- Telephone, radio and flat-screen TV
- Safe & mini fridge
- Turn down service
The Ruby Superior Suites are located on the Middle Deck and the Diamond Superior Suites are located on the Upper Deck.
Stern Superior Suite
Features
Individual climate control
- Floor to ceiling windows with French style balcony
- Twin beds which can be configured as double
- Nespresso machine and tea making facilities
- Ensuite bathroom with walk-in shower
- Luxury toiletries: shampoo, conditioner, shower gel, body lotion, soap
- Towels, bathrobes, slippers and hairdryer
- UK plug sockets & 2 USB charging points
- Table and chairs
- Telephone, radio and flat-screen TV
- Safe & mini fridge
- Turn down service
Standard Suite
Standard Suites are 17 square metres (183 square feet) and feature full floor-to-ceiling glass doors and a French balcony.
Features
Individual climate control
- Floor to ceiling windows with French style balcony
- Twin beds which can be configured as double
- Nespresso machine and tea making facilities
- Ensuite bathroom with walk-in shower
- Luxury toiletries: shampoo, conditioner, shower gel, body lotion, soap
- Towels, bathrobes, slippers and hairdryer
- UK plug sockets & 2 USB charging points
- Table and chairs
- Telephone, radio and flat-screen TV
- Safe & mini fridge
- Turn down service
The Diamond Standard Suites can be found on the Upper Deck and the Ruby Standard Suites can be found on the Middle Deck.
Standard Suite
Standard cabins on the Emerald Deck are slightly smaller, measuring approximately 16 square metres (172 square feet) and have smaller fixed windows. Some are available for sole occupancy (supplements may apply) and are subject to availability.
Features
- Individual climate control
- Fixed window
- Twin beds which can be configured as double
- Nespresso machine and tea making facilities
- Ensuite bathroom with walk-in shower
- Shampoo, conditioner, shower gel, body lotion, soap
- Towels, bathrobes, slippers and hairdryer
- UK plug sockets & 2 USB charging points
- Table and chairs
- Telephone, radio and flat-screen TV
- Safe & mini fridge
- Turn down service
Main Restaurant
The ship’s main restaurant is located on the Ruby (middle) Deck and here you will experience not only exceptional first class cuisine, but also the most attentive yet discreet service from the ship’s highly professional crew. So just sit back with a well-deserved glass of wine from the carefully selected wine list and delight in the wonderful elegance of your surroundings; beautifully laid tables for just 4 or 6 guests, crisp linen, deep wool carpets and warm wood panelling abound to offer a delectable dining experience of the highest order.
Riverview Kitchen
At the Riverview Kitchen with its large panoramic windows, enjoy a more intimate dining experience whilst taking in the fantastic views. Here in the evenings the chef presents in the open kitchen a selection of locally inspired dishes which you can enjoy with your fellow guests; this intimate dining experience can be reserved on board at no extra charge. When the weather allows the panoramic windows may be fully opened on to the terrace to allow a delightful al fresco dining experience.
Observation Lounge & Bar
The Diamond Deck is where you will find the very heart of the ship - the superb panoramic observation lounge and bar; a lounge in every sense of the word, complete with plenty of comfortable leather armchairs and sumptuous sofas where you can sink into warmly colourful cushions in beautiful quality fabrics with a freshly made cup of tea. A thick wool carpet feels lovely underfoot and the tasteful contemporary lighting above creates a welcoming and refined ambience, further complemented by the discreet and intuitive service resplendent of the finest five-star hotels. So just sit back with your favourite cocktail and take in the truly mesmerising view.
Sun Deck
The magnificent and unique Sun Deck illustrates our considered depth of design with a second staircase amidship affording convenient Sun Deck access. Head on up to this truly spectacular deck and what could be better than watching life ashore slip by from the comfort of a sun lounger, perhaps under shade if the weather gets too hot! There’s always the refreshing splash pool too or why not try your hand on the putting green. Then take a refreshingly long drink and that book you’ve been meaning to read for ages on to the lovely terrace area at the fore of the ship, located right in front of the wheelhouse where you can view the Captain and his team skilfully navigating the twisting river and enjoy truly ‘driving seat’ views. Take a deep breath and relax into the pace of river cruise life – now you’re really on holiday!
Please note: The Sun Deck is only accessible by stairs.
Souvenir Shop
The Souvenir Shop can be found on the Diamond Deck.
Travel Desk and Reception
The Reception and Travel Desk can be found on the Diamond Deck.
Wellness
On the Emerald (lower) Deck is the fitness centre, perfect for working off all those delicious meals or for something less strenuous treat yourself to a relaxing massage. So you will always look your best there is a hairdresser’s too which also offers manicure and pedicure treatments. Simply put, these world-class ships, elegant and refined in the truest sense, take the idea of river cruising to another level – it really doesn’t get better than this!