The Authentic Cruise Company

Itinerary

Day 1: Budapest
Day 2: Budapest
Day 3: Vukovar
Day 4: Belgrade
Day 5: Iron Gates
Day 6: Vidin
Day 7: Ruse
Day 8: Bucharest
Day 1: Budapest

Budapest is the capital city of Hungary and is located over the River Danube. It is one of the largest cities in the European Union and much of its historical sites have been awarded UNESCO World Heritage Site status. Originally formed in 1873 by the joining of Buda, Pest and Old Buda, the city suffered heavy destruction during World War II and was rebuilt into the country’s political, cultural and commercial hub it is now. Bridges and railways connect the city over the Danube, including the six small islands situated on the river themselves. Some of Budapest’s UNESCO World Heritage sites include Chain Bridge, Budapest Parliament, the striking Matthias church and the iconic Royal Palace visible from every location within Budapest City. The Castle Hills district architecture represents over a thousand years of the city’s history with examples of Roman, Turkish, Gothic, Renaissance and Art Nouveau styles. Budapest also has a rich Jewish heritage and is home to the largest synagogue in Europe. The city has an abundance of restaurants offering international cuisines, as well as traditional Hungarian dishes ,including goulash soup, a very popular lunchtime dish. Hungarians enjoy their coffee so a traditional cafe is never hard to find.

Day programme:

Arrive at Budapest Ferenc Liszt International Airport. If your cruise/tour package includes a group arrival transfer or if you have purchased a private arrival transfer, you will be greeted by a Uniworld representative and transferred to the ship.

Day 2: Budapest

Budapest is the capital city of Hungary and is located over the River Danube. It is one of the largest cities in the European Union and much of its historical sites have been awarded UNESCO World Heritage Site status. Originally formed in 1873 by the joining of Buda, Pest and Old Buda, the city suffered heavy destruction during World War II and was rebuilt into the country’s political, cultural and commercial hub it is now. Bridges and railways connect the city over the Danube, including the six small islands situated on the river themselves. Some of Budapest’s UNESCO World Heritage sites include Chain Bridge, Budapest Parliament, the striking Matthias church and the iconic Royal Palace visible from every location within Budapest City. The Castle Hills district architecture represents over a thousand years of the city’s history with examples of Roman, Turkish, Gothic, Renaissance and Art Nouveau styles. Budapest also has a rich Jewish heritage and is home to the largest synagogue in Europe. The city has an abundance of restaurants offering international cuisines, as well as traditional Hungarian dishes ,including goulash soup, a very popular lunchtime dish. Hungarians enjoy their coffee so a traditional cafe is never hard to find.

Day programme:

Located on opposite sides of the Danube, Buda and Pest each have their own distinctive character and allure. Explore this dynamic and multifaceted city with your choice of excursions—you can see it from a local’s perspective on our walking tour, or cover more ground with a panoramic tour. Vibrant Budapest, Hungary’s capital, offers an enchanting combination of East and West.

Day 3: Vukovar

Day programme:

Welcome to Croatia! This ancient country, which has made a remarkable recovery from a brutal civil war, is noted for its beautiful countryside and thriving folk traditions, as well as simple, delicious local rustic food.

Day 4: Belgrade

Day programme:

Belgrade, the modern-day capital of Serbia, is one of Europe’s oldest cities, dating back some 7,000 years. Signs of its tumultuous history are visible everywhere, juxtaposed with the city’s vibrant modern-day present.

Day 5: Iron Gates

Day programme:

Head ashore to explore a Paleolithic site and an extraordinarily well-preserved medieval fortress. All along the way, history lines the banks of the river. Keep an eye out for Trajan’s Plaque, which the ancient Romans erected to commemorate the road they anchored in the steep cliffs above the water, and Golubac Castle, built in the 14th century and attacked successively by the Serbs, Magyars, and Turks.

Day 6: Vidin

Day programme:

Vidin is a port town on the Danube that once played an important role in medieval Bulgarian politics, as the great fortress Baba Vida attests. It’s your base for an unusual excursion today—a visit to the fascinating Belogradchik rock formations. Or you can indulge in a tasting at a local winery.

Day 7: Ruse

Day programme:

Bulgaria’s foremost Danube port, Ruse is sometimes called “Little Vienna” for its elegant 19th-century mansions and public buildings.

Day 8: Bucharest

Day programme:

This morning, you’ll disembark the ship in Giurgiu and drive through the countryside to Bucharest, where you’ll enjoy a panoramic city tour and a visit to People’s Palace. Tonight, you’ll relax in the comfort of a luxury hotel located in the heart of the city, Romania’s capital and its cultural and economic center.

Suite
French Balcony
Deluxe
Classic
Suite

Lavishly appointed riverview suite (214 sq ft – 20 sq m) with a French balcony

Handcrafted Savoir® Beds of England, built-in closet, hair dryer, safe, individual thermostat, flat-screen TV with infotainment center and satellite

Marble bathroom with Asprey bath and body products, plush towels, towel warmer, backlit magnifying mirror & heated mirror, comfortable bathrobes and slippers

Additional amenities and services include in-suite butler service, packing and unpacking assistance, in-room breakfast, daily fruit and cookie plate and an elegant evening snack, Nespresso coffee machine and fine teas, fully stocked mini bar, bottle of wine upon request, shoeshine, and free laundry service

French Balcony

Lavishly appointed riverview stateroom (151 sq ft – 14 sq m) with a French balcony

Handcrafted Savoir® Beds of England, built-in closet, hair dryer, safe, individual thermostat, flat-screen TV with infotainment center and satellite

Marble bathroom with Asprey bath and body products, plush towels, heated mirror, backlit magnifying mirror, comfortable bathrobes and slippers

Deluxe

Lavishly appointed riverview stateroom (151 sq ft – 14 sq m)

Handcrafted Savoir® Beds of England, built-in closet, hair dryer, safe, individual thermostat, flat-screen TV with infotainment center and satellite

Marble bathroom with Asprey bath and body products, plush towels, heated mirror, backlit magnifying mirror, comfortable bathrobes and slippers

Classic

Lavishly appointed riverview stateroom (151 sq ft – 14 sq m)

Handcrafted Savoir® Beds of England, built-in closet, hair dryer, safe, individual thermostat, flat-screen TV with infotainment center and satellite

Marble bathroom with Asprey bath and body products, plush towels, heated mirror, backlit magnifying mirror, comfortable bathrobes and slippers

Palace Restaurant
Palace Restaurant

The onboard restaurant offers guests gourmet dinners paired with distinctive wines and craft beers, culinary demonstrations and tastings as well as private onshore wine and beer tastings exclusively for Uniworld guests.

Chefs will serve signature dishes designed to soothe the soul and warm the heart, along with their traveling Lite menu with health-conscious options.

With Early Riser breakfasts, Afternoon Tea, All-day Bistro menu for snacks and Al fresco dining, there is just so much to excite your tastebuds!

From Farm to Ship

Farm-to-table isn’t just a trendy culinary buzzword around here. It’s a governing philosophy and commitment to serving you the very best local dishes created by our master chefs. When in Italy, dinner may consist of Prosciutto di Parma pizza and Osso Buco Milanese, prepared to your liking, with meats and vegetables sourced from just miles away. After a day immersed in Indian culture, your taste buds may do some immersing∘ of their own with Gajar Shorba and Tandoori Chicken Tikka for lunch. Live brilliantly. Dine locally. That’s our story and we’re sticking to it.

Creative Culinary Options

For those interested in healthier dining options, our Traveling Lite menu features all of the flavor of our traditional menu, but with fewer calories. We also offer a variety of vegetarian and vegan options, prepared just for you. If you have a specific meal preference, just ask. Our chefs will be happy to accommodate.

We learned from the best

Mrs. Beatrice Tollman’s culinary vision lives on with her many Signature Dishes you can enjoy onboard. Mrs. Tollman’s memoir, A Life in Food, chronicles her gastronomic prowess and joy of being able to share∘ her life’s passion with thousands of guests. You’ll discover many of the recipes Mrs. Tollman published on our menu, including Bea’s Chicken Soup, Sesame Fried Chicken and Honeycomb Ice Cream. If the all-inclusive amenities and luxurious accommodations weren’t enough to put you in a state of comfortable bliss, the homegrown cooking will.

Included Excursions
Private Experiences
Masterpiece Collection
Curated Services
Included Excursions

VILLAGE DAY

Get an in-depth look into the quaint destinations we visit and the local people who bring them to life.

LET’S GO

These active excursions feature walking, hiking, cycling, kayaking and golfing activities.

DO AS THE LOCALS DO

Experience life like a local, from riding the subway to stopping into a café for a local treat.

NIGHTS OUT

Private after-hours tours of popular attractions and fun local nightlife experiences.

Private Experiences

From visiting a museum without the crowds to an after-hours tour of a famous landmark, these included, once-in-a-lifetime experiences are arranged privately for Uniworld guests.

Masterpiece Collection

Tasting cheese with a cheese affineur in Rüdesheim or cruising through the streets of Bordeaux in a retro sidecar–if going above and beyond is what you’re after, you’ll be sure to enjoy our selection of Masterpiece Collection optional experiences, available for an additional cost.

Curated Services

Guests looking to treat themselves and their loved ones to a private, extraordinary experience can arrange a Curated Service. These experiences can be booked onboard, are often accompanied with a private car and/or guide, are fully customizable, and provide guests with an opportunity to create an exceptionally special moment just for them.

Captains Lounge and Library
Blue Danube Lounge
La Motte Sky Lounge
Lobby
Captains Lounge and Library

Complete with full-service bar, the Captains Lounge∘ and Library is the perfect place to unwind with a good book.

Blue Danube Lounge

The Danube Lounge boasts a panoramic view, a full-service bar and a dance floor.

Signature Cocktails

Our cocktails, much like our ships, are one-of-a-kind and inspired by the destinations we visit. Our bartenders are sharing their favorites with you.

Local Wines

Uniworld cruises through some of the world’s most acclaimed wine producing regions in Europe. Our onboard∘ wine menus are expertly curated by our staff of Sommeliers to reflect the local destination. Plus, you can enjoy these local wines as part of your all-inclusive package.

Local Beers

Our onboard beer menus feature unique lagers, ales and stouts from small local breweries, giving you a taste of the world’s finest. The best part? It’s all included.

Premium Spirits

Extra dirty Grey Goose martini with locally harvested olives? It’s all yours. As is everything else you can think of. With our ultra-inclusive∘ amenities you can enjoy unlimited beverages onboard.

La Motte Sky Lounge

Up on the Sun Deck, guests can enjoy La Motte Sky Lounge∘ and the peaceful Patio area.

Lobby

The Lobby is located on the Rhine Deck.

Fitness Centre & Spa
Fitness Centre & Spa

The River Duchess is equipped with a state-of-the-art fitness centre and the Serenity River Spa, which are generously sized and operated by professionals.

Pure bliss awaits you onboard∘ your luxurious ship. Indulge in a massage or other wellness treatment in our tranquil onboard spa.

The spa staff offers massages (face, scalp, full body, hot stone), foot and hand treatments, and a ritual tea ceremony.

Special Generation Amenities
Special Generation Amenities

  • Exciting shore excursions tailor-made for families and hosted by local experts
  • Kid-friendly menus for each meal and unlimited beverages onboard
  • Young Travellers’ Table, a special dining table reserved on certain nights just for our younger guests and Family Hosts
  • Onboard activities just for kids, such as cooking classes and dessert-making with the ship’s chef and pastry chef
  • Hands-on craft workshops tailored to the destinations you visit
  • Young travellers’ lounge and game room, complete with PlayStation, games, movies and local treats
  • Two dedicated Family Hosts to oversee all activities for Junior Cruisers (ages 4 to 12 years) and Teen Cruisers (ages 13 to 17 years)
  • Opportunities to “Live the Lingo” and learn words and phrases in other languages from our Family Hosts
  • Kids-only movie nights, where kids can enjoy popcorn-fueled screenings of family-friendly films along with their new∘ onboard friends and Family Hosts
  • A special VIP ship tour with the Captain or Hotel Manager
  • Complimentary bicycles, helmets and Nordic walking sticks for use onshore
  • Young travellers will receive special surprise pillow gifts for each night of the cruise
  • Convenient departures scheduled during summer and winter breaks
Uniworld Cares
Disabled Facilities
Dietary Requirements
Age Restrictions
Dress Code
Smoking Policy
Laundry
Wi-Fi
The Most All-Inclusive Amenities
Uniworld Cares

Travel has provided us the chance to give back and lift up others, and we strive to do so whenever possible. We focus on making a positive impact and advocating for environmental, social and economic responsibility with the help of our not-for-profit TreadRight Foundation. Founded in 2008 by our parent company, The Travel Corporation, our collective mission is to safeguard people, wildlife and the planet for generations to come and to #MakeTravelMatter.

People

We work with local artisans and small business everywhere we travel, so we can bring you authentic local experiences while also supporting the livelihoods of the people who make these communities special.

Planet

Every year, we find more ways to cut back on our carbon footprint, from committing to eliminate more than 60 types of single-use plastics to becoming carbon neutral by 2030 or sooner and ensuring that at least 50% of our electricity is renewable by 2025.

Wildlife

Partnering with leading wildlife organizations, we work to protect and rehabilitate elephant, rhino and big cat populations around the world, while also educating our guests on ethical wildlife experiences.

We’re Committed to Carbon Neutrality by 2030 or Sooner

Our five-point plan starts with Measuring our emissions in order to Reduce and Offset our carbon footprint, supports third-party efforts to Remove the existing carbon in the atmosphere and forms critical partnerships so that we continue to Evolve. We’re also ensuring that at least 50% of our electricity is renewable by 2025.

You can get involved too! With our leading carbon offset provider, South Pole, you can purchase carbon offsets to cancel out the emissions produced by your travel. They have 700+ high quality and verifiable offset projects to choose from around the world.

Make Travel Matter® experiences

On our cruises and trips across our TTC family of brands, we offer a selection of included MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experiences. They are chosen for the positive environmental or social impact they have on the guests who experience them, and the people and places they visit, and they support one or more of the United Nation’s Global Goals.

Make Travel Matter® pledge

We’ve partnered with TreadRight and The Travel Corporation to launch the MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Pledge. Uniworld employees, alongside our 10,000 colleagues across 42 travel brands worldwide, have been asked to take this pledge to make travel matter and help protect people, the planet and wildlife. As travellers, travel providers and members of the global travel industry, this pledge serves as the next step in our long-standing commitment to sustainable tourism and conscious travel.

Say Goodbye to Single-Use Plastics

It is estimated that an additional eight million tons of plastic pour into our oceans every year. According to a report by the World Economic Forum, if nothing is done to push back against the deluge of plastics currently overwhelming our oceans there could be more plastic in the oceans than fish by 2050.

Under the guidance of The Travel Corporation and TreadRight, we will ban more than 60 types of single-use plastics across all operations—including straws, water bottles and plastic bags—by 2022. It’s all part of our commitment to ensure the environment remains vibrant for generations to come.

Disabled Facilities

Uniworld strives to provide a safe, enjoyable, and memorable travel experience for all passengers. The Company welcomes passengers with special needs or disabilities. However, please note the following:

Passengers are required to advise the Company, in advance, of any physical, medical, or other special needs that require accommodation.

All guests must ensure they are medically∘ and physically fit for travel. The Company may impose safety requirements necessary for the safe operation of the tour. The Company may also exclude an individual from participating in a tour or an activity if that individual’s participation poses a direct threat to health or safety.

The Company does not provide∘ personal devices (such as wheelchairs, hearing aids or prescription eye glasses) or services of a personal nature (such as pushing a wheelchair or assistance in eating, toileting or dressing). A companion capable of providing such assistance must accompany any passenger who requires services of a personal nature.

The Company does not employ medical personnel. Any necessary medical attention will be provided by a local facility at the passenger’s expense. The Company is not responsible or liable for any losses or costs incurred as a result of medical services obtained while on tour, or for the quality of the care or services received. Passengers should be aware some tours include rough terrain, extensive walking over cobblestone∘ streets, uneven pavement, steps and locations which may not be easily accessible or accessible by wheelchair. 

During the tour, the Company may make arrangements with carriers, hotels and other independent suppliers to provide travel services. These parties are independent entities over which the Company has no control. Accommodations on international tours may differ from those in the united kingdom. The Company cannot guarantee disability access or accommodations for passengers travelling on international tours. The Company may, in its sole discretion, decline the booking of any passenger or remove any passenger who cannot comply or refuses to comply with the Company’s terms and conditions. The Company∘ is not responsible for any costs incurred in the event a passenger is removed from a tour. Passengers agree not to hold the Company or any of its related entities liable for any actions taken under these terms and conditions.

Dietary Requirements

Kindly inform us in advance if you have specific dietary requests (e.g., low-fat, low-calorie, gluten-free, sugar-free, vegetarian, etc.). This information can be provided to us when completing your Passenger Information Form. We have a “Travelling Lite” menu for guests seeking more health-conscious options, as well as light lunches, vegetarian options, and generous buffets that offer something for everyone. We will do our very best to accommodate your needs given the resources available to us.

Age Restrictions

In our experience, most young children—especially those under 4—are simply not yet old enough to enjoy river cruising. We make no special arrangements for little ones and offer few kid-friendly activities onboard or onshore. Please note: Our Generations program departures include programs and services designed for families traveling with children. Adults accompanying children are responsible for their safety and behavior onboard and onshore.

Europe, Asia, India, and Egypt: Guests should be 4 years of age or older. Guests who are less than 18 years of age must be accompanied by a parent or guardian and booked in a cabin with someone who is 21 years of age or older.

Peru: Guests must be 7 years of age or older. Guests under 21 must be booked in a cabin with someone who is 25 years of age or older, or traveling with a parent or guardian who is booked in a connecting suite. Some excursions may not be suitable for young children.

Dress Code

It’s best to pack for a range of weather conditions, depending on the season and regions visited. Wearing layers will allow you to easily adjust to temperature changes. Limiting your wardrobe to a simple mix-and-match color scheme will keep your bags to a minimum.

We recommend wearing comfortable, smart-casual clothing both onshore and onboard. We also suggest sturdy walking shoes, as you will do a significant amount of walking on shore excursions, often over cobblestones or uneven terrain. A sun hat, rain gear, and a coat or wrap for chilly evenings are useful items to have. For dining ashore, concerts, special events onboard, etc., men may want to bring a sports jacket and women a cocktail dress or pantsuit. Neckties are optional. Please note that shorts are not allowed at dinner aboard the ship.

Smoking Policy

For the comfort of all our guests, smoking is only permitted on the sun decks of our ships. Smoking is not permitted on motorcoaches. This policy applies to all forms of smoking materials including vapor e-cigarettes.

We also ask guests to refrain from smoking on shore excursions/tours, especially since many historical sites and other tourist attractions are now smoke-free as well.

Laundry

Most ships have either a self-serve laundrette (with ironing board) or laundry service for an additional fee. Please contact info@uniworld.com to find out what services your ship offers. No dry cleaning services are available on any ship.

Wi-Fi

Select ships offer complimentary Wi-Fi access. Please view your ship’s specific information page on our website or email us at info@uniworld.com to find out if Wi-Fi is available onboard. Service may be briefly interrupted in remote areas, while sailing, or when moving through locks, and the speed will likely be slower than what you are used to back home.

The Most All-Inclusive Amenities

There’s all-inclusive, and then there’s the unmatched level of inclusive luxurious amenities that only we provide. To ensure truly carefree and effortless travel, we’ve gone ahead and included it all–so the only thing you have to do is sit back, relax and enjoy your vacation.

  • UNLIMITED premium spirits and wines
  • Delicious, FIVE-STAR, farm-to-table cuisine
  • Your choice of CAREFULLY CURATED EXCURSIONS
  • ALL GRATUITIES onboard
  • Onboard FITNESS CENTER and WELLNESS CLASSES with a certified wellness instructor
  • All scheduled AIRPORT TRANSFERS
  • BICYCLES and NORDIC WALKING STICKS for onshore use
  • Shipwide INTERNET and WI-FI access
  • Onboard ENTERTAINMENT and ENRICHMENT
Sun Deck
Rhine Deck
Danube & Main Deck
Moselle Deck
Sun Deck
  • La Motte Sky Lounge
  • Bridge
Rhine Deck
  • Palace Restaurant
  • Reception
  • Blue Danube Lounge
  • Captain’s Lounge and Library
  • Bar
  • French Balcony Staterooms
  • Suites
Danube & Main Deck
  • Deluxe Staterooms
  • Internet
  • Patio Lounge
  • Fitness Center
  • 24-Hour Coffee and Tea Station
  • Serenity River Spa
Moselle Deck
  • Guest Laundry
  • Classic Staterooms

Get in touch with our team to start planning

Call and speak to a member of our experienced team today on +44 (0)1491 528 988 or email info@authenticcruises.co.uk.

Alternatively, leave your details and our team will get back to you as soon as possible.