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Gems of Southeast Europe - A Smithsonian Journey
AmaWaterways | 7 Nights | Budapest to Giurgiu
2026 Smithsonian Departures: May 25, June 22, September 14, October 12
Touch history in Hungary, Croatia, Serbia, Bulgaria and Romania, as you sail along the exotic lower Danube. Celtic fortifications, medieval towns and grand cities, along with the natural beauty of pastoral landscapes and the Danube’s famed Iron Gates, showcase the best of eastern Europe. Nature lovers will relish the opportunity to bike through Belgrade’s sprawling Kalemegdan Park. Wine connoisseurs will have a chance to taste history from the centuries-old wine-growing hills dating back to the Romans in Croatia. Be treated to the flavors, sights, sounds and cultures of this diverse swath of the continent.
AAA Member Benefits and Special Offers:
- Member Benefits
- Up to $300 per stateroom savings
- Bottle of wine & box of chocolates
- AAA Vacations® Amenities
- Up to an additional $200 per stateroom savings
- Up to $150 per stateroom onboard spending credit
- Available on select sailings & combinable with Member Benefits
Call to Book
1-800-529-3222
Included With Your Trip
AmaWaterways' New Alliance with Smithsonian Journeys
AmaWaterways is thrilled to announce a new alliance with Smithsonian Journeys, the travel program of the Smithsonian Institution and a leader in authentic and enriching small-group travel. Our new shared collection of European sailings provides opportunities to engage with a variety of Smithsonian Journeys Experts. Chosen for their charisma and expertise, these extremely knowledgeable individuals have dedicated entire careers to pursuing their passions and will offer incredible insights to ensure your journey is as captivating as it is meaningful.
Every Smithsonian Journeys Departure Includes:
- Gourmet Dining- Fine dining at every meal, plus a multi-course tasting at The Chef's Table
- Excursions- Up to 6 immersive guided tours daily, including exclusive Smithsonian Journeys experiences
- Personalized Service- Dedicated AmaWaterways Cruise Manager who takes care of you throughout your journey
- Cocktail Hour- Complimentary Daily Sip & Sail cocktail hour
- Seamless Travel- Airport transfers and portage service to and from the ship on cruise embarkation and disembarkation days*
- Smithsonian Journey Experts- Two dedicated Smithsonian Journey Experts who will provide enriching lectures on topics related to the destinations you visit
*For guests arriving/departing on embarkation and disembarkation days who are booked on cruise only. Terms apply; ask for details.
Additional Information
Day 1: Budapest, Hungary
Board the ship for yourGems of Southeast Europe cruise.
Day 2: Mohács to Pécs
Enjoy a scenic morning cruise to Mohács. You’ll then visit Pécs, founded more than 2,000 years ago by the Romans. Visit the UNESCO-designated Christian Necropolis; St. Peter’s Basilica, the city’s main Catholic cathedral along with its catacombs; and Széchenyi Square, the heart of Old Town Pécs. You will also see the Mosque of Pasha Qasim the Victorious, one of the symbols of the city. Or for wine connoisseurs, you’ll want to go to the Szekszárd wine region, one of the oldest red-wine-growing areas in Hungary, established more than 2,000 years ago. You may also take an exhilarating guided bike tour around Mohács.
Day 3: Vukovar, Croatia
Enjoy your morning in Vukovar on a guided city tour where you may visit sites such as Eltz Manor House and Vukovar’s famous water tower. Alternatively, you may see Osijek on a guided tour. For those looking for a more active experience, you may explore Vukovar on an active bike tour. In the afternoon, enjoy a Croatian wine tasting and tour in the Old Cellars, famous for their Grasevina, Traminac and Frankovka wines. You can also choose to explore the Vucedol Museum, home to fascinating exhibits on prehistoric culture and one of the most important archaeological sites in Europe.
Day 4: Belgrade, Serbia
Explore Serbia’s capital, Belgrade, on a city tour, which includes the Nikola Tesla Museum, encompassing the world-renowned inventor’s life and inventions, as well as the Kalemegdan Fortress and the Serbian Orthodox Cathedral of St. Sava, the largest such church in the world. Alternatively, you can hike to Belgrade Fortress. In the afternoon, enjoy a taste of the region by sampling a few types of Serbian brandy paired with delicious local appetizers, including Šlivovitz, which was added in 2022 to UNESCO’s list of “Intangible Cultural Heritage.” For those wishing a more active adventure, join a guided bike tour. Or explore Novi Sad, a city rich in tradition and culture, on an afternoon walking tour. Begin your tour at the Dunavski (Danube) Park; stroll through Stari Grad, the old town center; and explore Liberty Square, which is dominated by the Old Town Hall.
Day 5: Scenic Cruising Through The Iron Gates
Visit Golubac Fortress – a medieval fortified town on the south side of the Danube River – before cruising through the Iron Gates. The Iron Gates is one of Europe’s most awe-inspiring natural wonders. The Danube narrows as it winds through a series of magnificent gorges between the Carpathian and Balkan mountains, forming a natural border between Serbia and Romania. The ancient King Decebalus, the last king of Dacia, is proudly carved into the mountainside and always captivates travelers.
Day 6: Vidin, Bulgaria
Explore Vidin, one of Bulgaria’s oldest cities, and surrounding areas with a choice of excursions. Discover Baba Vida Fortress, the largest preserved medieval castle in Bulgaria. Alternatively, visit a local home for a demonstration of traditional Bulgarian yogurt and Banitsa, a pastry you will also get to make. You also have the choice to bike through Vidin and to the castle.
Day 7: Rousse to Giurgiu, Romania
Visit Bulgaria’s ancient capital, Veliko Tarnovo, with its medieval fortress and multiple orthodox temples. You can opt instead to go to Rousse, known for its 19th- and 20th-century Neo-Baroque and Neo-Rococo architecture, and then afterwards visit the UNESCO-designated Rock-Hewn Churches of Ivanovo with frescos revealing exceptional artistry of 14th-century paintings. Later in the day, travel through the Romanian countryside to the capital of Bucharest, known as the “Little Paris of the East.” Enjoy a panoramic tour of the historic city center and its elegant architecture.
Day 8: Giurgiu, Romania
Bid farewell to Giurgiu as you prepare for your flight home.
Departure Dates
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Start: May 25, 2026 End: June 1, 2026 Price: $4,449 pp Price My Trip |
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Start: June 22, 2026 End: June 29, 2026 Price: $4,449 pp Price My Trip |
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Start: September 14, 2026 End: September 21, 2026 Price: $4,849 pp Price My Trip |
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Start: October 12, 2026 End: October 19, 2026 Price: $4,749 pp Price My Trip |
Price My Trip
Product Code: AAA-AmaWaterways_LF
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