Legends of the Balkans with Transylvania

Legends of the Balkans with Transylvania

About This Cruise

Includes return flights from the UK*. Discover the rich history and scenic beauty of Romania and Bulgaria on this river cruise. Visit Bucharest, Brasov, Bran Castle, and Veliko Târnovo. Enjoy guided tours, scenic cruising, and local experiences in Serbia, Hungary, and more.

Who Is This Cruise For?

  • Adults only

    Travelmarvel Polaris is an adults-only ship

  • Couples

    An adults-only atmosphere made for two

  • Over 50s

    A gentle pace with daily excursions and no sea days

Type

River, Premium

Ship

Travelmarvel Polaris

Departure Date

12 April 2027

Cruise Line

Travelmarvel

Duration

7 Nights

Select Your Cabin Type
Select your cabin type
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Itinerary

Romania

Bucharest

Upon arrival at the airport, you'll be met and transferred to your hotel in Bucharest.

Romania

Bucharest

This morning, embark on a guided tour of the city, taking in the wide, tree-lined boulevards and Belle Époque buildings. Stroll through the Old Town to the Royal Court, Stavropoleos Church, and the historic Lipscani district. Later, continue your journey to Brașov.

Romania

Brasov

This morning, embark on a guided tour of the city, taking in the wide, tree-lined boulevards and Belle Époque buildings. Stroll through the Old Town to the Royal Court, Stavropoleos Church, and the historic Lipscani district. Later, continue your journey to Brașov.

Romania

Brasov

This morning, travel to Bran Castle, famously known as ‘Dracula’s Castle.’ With a local guide, explore its fascinating history as you walk through its many rooms, admiring the 19th-century antiques. Afterward, return to Braşov for a guided tour through its medieval streets.

Romania

Brasov

After breakfast, travel to your river ship. Stop on the way in the town of Sinaia for some free time.

Romania

Giurgiu

After breakfast, travel to your river ship. Stop on the way in the town of Sinaia for some free time.

Bulgaria

Ruse

Today, discover the fortified walls and cobblestone lanes of Veliko Târnovo, once the capital of the Second Bulgarian Empire and a city steeped in medieval history. Join a local guide for a tour of its historic centre, including the restored Tsarevets fortress, the former citadel of the empire. Afterwards, continue to the hilltop village of Arbanasi, renowned for its heritage and well-preserved architecture, where you’ll enjoy a traditional lunch before returning to your ship.

Bulgaria

Veliko Tarnovo

Today, discover the fortified walls and cobblestone lanes of Veliko Târnovo, once the capital of the Second Bulgarian Empire and a city steeped in medieval history. Join a local guide for a tour of its historic centre, including the restored Tsarevets fortress, the former citadel of the empire. Afterwards, continue to the hilltop village of Arbanasi, renowned for its heritage and well-preserved architecture, where you’ll enjoy a traditional lunch before returning to your ship.

Bulgaria

Arbanasi

Today, discover the fortified walls and cobblestone lanes of Veliko Târnovo, once the capital of the Second Bulgarian Empire and a city steeped in medieval history. Join a local guide for a tour of its historic centre, including the restored Tsarevets fortress, the former citadel of the empire. Afterwards, continue to the hilltop village of Arbanasi, renowned for its heritage and well-preserved architecture, where you’ll enjoy a traditional lunch before returning to your ship.

Bulgaria

Vidin

Explore Baba Vida, a medieval stronghold dating back to the 10th century, and admire its imposing walls and towers while learning about its storied past. Continue to Belogradchik to visit the ancient Belogradchik Fortress, dramatically set on the northern slopes of the Balkan Mountains. While here, take time to admire the town’s remarkable rock formations, which give Belogradchik its distinctive and striking landscape.

Bulgaria

Belogradchik

Explore Baba Vida, a medieval stronghold dating back to the 10th century, and admire its imposing walls and towers while learning about its storied past. Continue to Belogradchik to visit the ancient Belogradchik Fortress, dramatically set on the northern slopes of the Balkan Mountains. While here, take time to admire the town’s remarkable rock formations, which give Belogradchik its distinctive and striking landscape.

The day is yours to spend on board. Take it easy and relax, taking in postcard-perfect views from the Sun Deck.

Serbia

Novi Sad

Step ashore to explore Novi Sad, Serbia’s second-largest city and often regarded as its cultural capital. Join a guided tour through its charming streets and lively cultural precincts, followed by free time to relax and soak up the atmosphere. You may also wish to visit Petrovaradin Fortress, an imposing complex overlooking the Danube, where the intriguing catacombs reveal glimpses of the fortress’s storied past.

Hungary

Kalocsa

Dock in Kalocsa, a charming Hungarian town steeped in history on the banks of the Danube. From here, travel to the Puszta for your Insider Experience.Insider Experience – Traditional Horse ShowIn the Puszta, enjoy a traditional horse show showcasing the remarkable riding skills of the Hungarian cavalry. You may also choose to take an optional carriage ride, visit the stables and meet the riders.

Austria

Puszta

Dock in Kalocsa, a charming Hungarian town steeped in history on the banks of the Danube. From here, travel to the Puszta for your Insider Experience.Insider Experience – Traditional Horse ShowIn the Puszta, enjoy a traditional horse show showcasing the remarkable riding skills of the Hungarian cavalry. You may also choose to take an optional carriage ride, visit the stables and meet the riders.

Hungary

Budapest

Enjoy a day at leisure to explore Budapest. You may wish to join an optional tour to the city’s Great Market Hall, a must-visit housed in a beautiful 19th-century building and a paradise for food lovers and shoppers. Alternatively, visit the Hospital in the Rock Nuclear Bunker Museum, a wartime hospital built within the caverns beneath Buda Castle and later used as a nuclear bunker during the Cold War. This evening, enjoy a Captain’s Farewell Dinner.Enhance Your Journey – Great Market Hall TourJoin a culinary tour through the market, discovering a variety of Hungarian sausages, meats, cheeses, fruits and vegetables.Enhance Your Journey – Hospital in the Rock Nuclear Bunker MuseumExplore the Hospital in the Rock Nuclear Bunker Museum, once a World War II hospital and later a Cold War bunker, located within the caves beneath Buda Castle.

Hungary

Budapest

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Overview

Includes return flights from the UK*. Discover the rich history and scenic beauty of Romania and Bulgaria on this river cruise. Visit Bucharest, Brasov, Bran Castle, and Veliko Târnovo. Enjoy guided tours, scenic cruising, and local experiences in Serbia, Hungary, and more.

Suite

Owner's Suite

For added comfort and space, choose an Owner's Suite on the Upper Deck. Electronic slide-down windows create a French-style balcony, while a queen-size bed with plush linen, elegant en suite, personal climate control, blackout blinds and generous storage ensure a relaxing stay as you cruise Europe's waterways.

Cabin inclusions: Blackout blinds, electronic slide-down windows forming a French-style balcony, en suite bathroom, personal climate control, ample storage, queen or twin bed with plush linen, television, mini fridge.

Balcony

French-Style Balcony Stateroom

Wake to ever-changing river views in the French-style Balcony Suite. Innovative electronic windows slide down to create an open-air balcony, allowing fresh air to flow inside. Complete with a queen-size bed dressed in plush linen, a contemporary en suite, blackout blinds, personal climate control, ample storage, a television and a mini fridge, the suite is designed for comfort throughout your cruise.

Cabin includes: En suite bathroom, personal climate control, ample storage, queen or twin bed with plush linen, television, mini fridge, blackout blinds, electronic slide-down windows forming a French-style balcony.

Outside

Window Stateroom

Located on the Lower Deck, the Window Stateroom is a comfortable retreat after a rewarding day ashore. Settle into a queen-size bed, relax in the seating area, and enjoy a well-appointed en suite, along with personal climate control, generous storage, a television and a mini fridge.

Cabin Includes: Cabin Includes: En suite bathroom, personal climate control, ample storage, queen or twin bed with plush linen, television, mini fridge.

classic

Constellations Restaurant

Enjoy fine dining in Constellations Restaurant.

Lounge

Alfresco Lounge

Admire the scenery thanks to floor-to-ceiling glass windows, or enjoy the fresh air while relaxing in the Alfresco Lounge. 

Sun Deck

Sky Deck

Head up to the sunken terrace and garden to relax as you take in the European riverside scenery. Maybe take a dip in the whirlpool or perhaps give the putting green a go.

With a two-and-a-half deck design, enjoy access to magnificent views on the top deck throughout your cruise. Plus, an internal all-weather staircase connects the Lounge to the Sun Deck.

Bar, Lounge

True North Lounge

Visit True North Lounge for a relaxed option.

Bar

McGeary's Bar

Dine on casual pub-style fare at McGeary's Bar.

Cafe

Coffee Station

The Coffee Station can be located on the Upper Deck.

Reception

Reception

The Reception is located on the Upper Deck.

Whirlpool/Jacuzzi

Whirlpool

Enjoy a soak in the jacuzzi.

Gym

Fitness Room

Maintain your fitness while cruising with access to an onboard gym.