MV Serenade I
Spacious cabinsThe cabins are amongst the largest of any river cruiser, at 16m². We want you to feel at home so we’ve included plenty of storage space and individually controlled air-conditioning to keep the temperature just how you like it. The twin beds are hotel standard and there is a pretty seating area for relaxation. All cabins have flat-screen satellite TV, phone, fridge, tea and coffee making facilities, safe and a hairdrier. The en suite bathrooms have a separate shower, bath and WC. Cabins are non-smoking but you can smoke on deck. There is a gym and sauna on board for you to enjoy at your leisure.
On the upper two decks all cabins have floor-to-ceiling sliding French windows for a great view or cooling breeze. On the lower deck there’s a smaller fixed window.
Especially reservedSome cabins are especially reserved for sole occupancy, while others have been adapted for wheelchair access. To make life easy, all but the bottom deck are accessible by lift or stair-lift and just a few steps lead you to the large partially covered sun deck.
The Serenade I The cabins are amongst the largest of any river cruiser, at 16m². We want you to feel at home so we’ve included plenty of storage space and individually controlled air-conditioning to keep the temperature just how you like it. The twin beds are hotel standard and there is a pretty seating area for relaxation. All cabins have flat-screen satellite TV, phone, fridge, tea and coffee making facilities, safe and a hairdrier. The en suite bathrooms have a separate shower, bath and WC. Cabins are non-smoking but you can smoke on deck. There is a gym and sauna on board for you to enjoy at your leisure.
On the upper two decks all cabins have floor-to-ceiling sliding French windows for a great view or cooling breeze. On the lower deck there’s a smaller fixed window.
DAY 1 UK/Budapest
Fly from a choice of airports to Budapest and transfer to MV Serenade I.
DAY 2 Kalocsa
Today’s port of call is the charming Hungarian town of Kalocsa. We have the opportunity to explore or take our optional trip to see traditional Puszta horsemanship and learn about the farming traditions in the House of Folk Arts.
DAY 3 Belgrade
Early this morning we arrive in the ancient capital of Serbia and former Yugoslavia, Belgrade. It is dominated by the famed Kalemegdan Fortress looming over the old town, and you can enjoy an optional guided tour through the city. The city’s Orthodox cathedral is a highlight of the tour, as well as the Square of the Republic.
DAY 4 Iron Gates
Enjoy the day cruising the unique Iron Gate region before we reach Vidin. This 60-milelong stretch of water used to be narrow and perilous, with numerous rocks on the river bed. The water level has now been raised and many of the hazards removed, allowing us superb views of the traverse and the two locks of the Djerdap Hyrdroelectric Dam.
DAY 5 Vidin
We have a full day in Vidin today. Surrounded by a moat and dating back to the 11th-century, the Bada Vida Fortress is one of the main sights of the town along with St Dimitar Cathedral. Stroll through the ancient streets, taking in the sights and enjoying the welcoming atmosphere. Overnight our cruise continues to Rousse.
DAY 6 Rousse
Arriving in the early morning, you can explore this attractive riverside town at your leisure, or join our optional excursion to Bucharest. Known as ‘little Paris’ during the 1930s, Bucharest is an eclectic city with a real mix of architectural styles. One of the most notable buildings in Bucharest is Parliament Palace - the second largest administrative building in the world behind the Pentagon. The palace is featured on our tour of Bucharest today, along with the city centre and the memorial to Freedom.
DAY 7 Silistra & Varna
Arrive in Silistra this morning and take an optional scenic drive through rural Bulgaria to one of the gems of the Black Sea, Varna. Rxplore this charming city at your leisure in the afternoon.
DAY 8 Cernavoda & Constanta
From Cernavoda we include a coach transfer to the Black Sea city of Constanta. Whilst in Constanta why not join our optional city tour of the old town with its ancient ruins, museums, shops and the magnificent St Peter and St Paul’s orthodox Church.
DAY 9 Svistov
Nestled at the base of a mountain, the town of Svistov enjoys a mild climate and a long and interesting history. We have a full day here to explore its sights, which have been influenced by many civilisations. Why not join our optional excursion by coach to Valiko Tarnovo, the former capital of Bulgaria whose rich cultural heritage includes the ruins of the former Royal Castle.
DAY 10 Oriahovo & Vidin
This morning we arrive in Oriahovo the drop off point for our optional visit to sofia, the capital of Bulgaria. It is one of the oldest cities in europe and for that reason, has many interesting buildings and sights to explore. One of the most famous sights is the Alexandra Nevsky Cathedral, its impressive onion like domes dominate the skyline. From Sofia we rejoin the ship in Vidin before we continue our onward journey to Vukovor.
DAY 11 Cruising
More pleasant cruising can be enjoyed as we travel through the Iron Gate from Vidin to Vukovor.
DAY 12 Vukovor
Located at the confluence of the Vuka and Danube rivers, Vukovor suffered badly during Croatia’s struggle for independence in the 1990s but after much reconstruction, it boasts a Franciscan monastery and many interesting Baroque buildings. Explore at your leisure.
DAY 13 Budapest
Arriving in Budapest this evening, enjoy your last evening meal aboard the ship.
DAYS 14 & 15 Budapest
Enjoy the next two days in Budapest entirely at your own leisure. Feel free to explore the area at your own pace, or relax at the hotel.
DAY 16 Budapest/UK
Disembark after breakfast and transfer to the airport for the homeward flight.