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Danube | Riverside Debussy
  | 5 Days / 4 Nights

The Danube in the Enigmatic East: Bucharest to Belgrade

TRAVEL HISTORY:
Day 1 Giurgiu, RO, Rousse, BG
Day 2 Rousse, BG, Svistov, BG
Day 3 Vidin, BG
Day 4 Turnu Severin, RO
Day 5 Belgrade, RS

Channel your inner wayfarer during this incredible river journey through Eastern Europe! Arrive in Bucharest, capital of Romania, then transfer to Giurgiu to board your Riverside luxury ship. From here, the “Friendship Bridge” crosses the Danube to Ruse, Bulgaria’s colorful Little Venice. Also in Bulgaria, stop in Svistov, the river’s southernmost port, and Vidin, home to the country’s only fully preserved medieval castle—as well as an exceptional wine-making tradition. Next, have your camera ready for the highlight passage through the rugged Iron Gates! Featuring jagged rock faces and steep, tree-covered banks, this series of gorges is nature at its best. Returning to Romania, visit Turnu Severin, where remains of Trajan’s Bridge can still be spotted from the river. The first bridge over the Lower Danube, this was one of the Romans’ greatest architectural achievements. Disembark in Belgrade, capital of Serbia.

DATES

10/07/2025 10/11/2025 Danube Riverside Debussy The Danube in the Enigmatic East: Bucharest to Belgrade from 4,500.00 USD AVAILABILITY & PRICES
05/26/2026 05/30/2026 Danube Riverside Debussy The Danube in the Enigmatic East: Bucharest to Belgrade from 3,127.00 USD AVAILABILITY & PRICES
09/22/2026 09/26/2026 Danube Riverside Debussy The Danube in the Enigmatic East: Bucharest to Belgrade from 3,358.00 USD AVAILABILITY & PRICES

DESTINATIONS ON THE ROUTE

Day 1 - Giurgiu

												

The Ottomans built the Clock Tower in the centre of the city in 1771 as a watchtower. They ruled the strategically important city on the Danube for a long time, and the ruins of the 14th-century fortress still bear witness to its eventful past. It was not until the 19th century that the tower began to tell the time. Back then, Giurgiu was known throughout Europe to wealthy globetrotters because the legendary Orient Express stopped here. Now crusaders are discovering the border town. A 2.2-kilometre-long bridge over the Danube connects it to Ruse on the Bulgarian bank.

Day 1 - Rousse

												

Ruse not only has the largest Danube port and the highest television tower in Bulgaria. The imposing urban ensemble, known as "Little Vienna", has been awarded the European Heritage Label. Magnificent Belle Epoque buildings, the Opera House, the Palace of Justice and the Pantheon of the Heroes of the National Revival line Freedom Square. With wide boulevards, green squares and an extensive Danube promenade, Ruse is perfect for strolling.

Day 2 - Rousse

												

Ruse not only has the largest Danube port and the highest television tower in Bulgaria. The imposing urban ensemble, known as "Little Vienna", has been awarded the European Heritage Label. Magnificent Belle Epoque buildings, the Opera House, the Palace of Justice and the Pantheon of the Heroes of the National Revival line Freedom Square. With wide boulevards, green squares and an extensive Danube promenade, Ruse is perfect for strolling.

Day 2 - Svistov

												

Welcome to the southernmost point on the Danube! The Romans fought the barbarians here in ancient times, the Austrians and Ottomans signed a historic peace treaty in 1791, and the Russians and Turks fought each other. Today, Swischtow is a charming little town with pretty alleys, well-preserved historic buildings and a picturesque riverside promenade. And the Cathedral of the Holy Trinity has stood on the highest hill since 1867.

Day 3 - Vidin

												

One of Bulgaria's oldest towns nestles like a crescent on the banks of the Danube, dominated by the imposing medieval fortress of Baba Vida. It offers a glimpse into its eventful history - and a view of the enchanting river landscape. Vidin is a city of architectural diversity - ancient traces of the Thracians and Romans, Bulgaria's second largest cathedral, magnificent Ottoman buildings and an unadorned socialist heritage. An enchanting journey through time.

Day 4 - Turnu Severin

												

Well-fortified: The 13th-century Severin Castle was not the first fortress here; the Romans secured this area 2,000 years ago: the remains of ancient Drobeta are now an open-air museum. The Wallachian town preserves the traces of its history and has been called Drobeta-Turnu Severin since 1972. An ancient landmark, Trajan's Bridge, once spanned the Danube for more than 1000 metres. Some of its mighty pillars still stand.

Day 5 - Belgrade

												

The Serbian capital city has much to offer; the fortress is a testament of Belgrade’s importance through history. Visit the Nikola Tesla Museum or learn more about former Yugoslavia via the museum of the same name. Explore on foot or by bike.