Bulgaria River Cruises 2023/2024

Bulgaria Travel Guide

Bulgaria River Cruises Things To Do

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  Budapest, Hungary - City of Embarkation

  Referred to as the Queen of the Danube, Budapest is a stopover on some Bulgaria river cruises or the beginning point for others. Budapest, which is the capital of Hungary, features a hilly ("Buda") side and ("Pest'') flat side of the river. A hike up Castle Hill will be rewarded with lovely panoramic city views.

  Best Time To Visit

  While shoulder season is generally twice a year--spring and fall--it is better to take a Bulgaria river cruise in the fall to avoid the flooding that can take place in the spring.

   

  You Should Know

  Buda Castle was once the home of Hungarian kings. It was completed in 1265, but the Baroque building had additional structures added between 1749 to 1769. It once was known as the Royal Palace. Enjoy a traditional Hungarian lunch featuring goulash.
• 
  Novi Sad, Serbia

  Situated in northern Serbia and sitting on the banks of the Danube River, Novi Sad has been referred as the Serbian Athens. The old quarter of the city, known as Stari Grand, is home to a neo-Renaissance City Hall.

  Best Time To Visit

  Take a trip in early fall to Novi Sad, when the water levels are lower and there is no threat of rains or flooding.

   

  You Should Know

  Discover the city while taking a walking tour of Dunavski Park, which can be accessed through the Old Town center of Stari Grad. Guided biking or hiking can also be scheduled through Fruska Gora National Park. A good time of the day to see the Petrovaradin Fortress is at sunset. The fortress boasts tunnels and a unique clock tower. 
• 
  Belgrade, Serbia

  Observe the Beogradska Tvrdava fortress as you approach Belgrade, the Serbian capital. Besides the ancient landmark, Serbia is home to museums and various monuments. Kalemegdan Park is another must-see site.

  Best Time To Visit

  Plan a trip to Belgrade in the early fall.

   

  You Should Know

  See impressive sites, such as the Kalemegdan Fortress and the Orthodox Temple of St. Sava. Pay a visit to the Royal Palace, the official residence of Serbia's Royal Family, or tour the House of Flowers, the mausoleum of the first President of Yugoslavia, or Marshal Tito. For authentic cuisine, sample Serbian plum brandy at the Quburich Distillery.
• 
  Vidin, Bulgaria

  The ancient city of Vidin is one of the highlights of a Bulgaria river cruise. Rich in tradition and history, Vidin sits beside the banks of the Danube River next to Romania. The city, whose history unfolded in the first century A.D., was once known as Bononia. On a river cruise holiday to the city, some river cruise providers feature fun activities, such as yhr making of some of the city's local fare, including banista (a pastry) and Bulgarian yogurt.

  Best Time To Visit

  Keep your calendar open for early fall so you can see Vidin when there are fewer tourists.

   

  You Should Know

  Discover the Baba Vida Fortress, the biggest preserved castle in Bulgaria. The Belogradchik is a great place to hike and observe the area's spectacular rock formations. A beach near Vidin gives river cruise-goers a place to swim and relax.
• 
  Veliko Tarnovo, Bulgaria

  A side excursion on Bulgaria river cruises is Veliko Tarnovo, the ancient capital of Bulgaria. The city is home to several orthodox temples and a medieval castle. Also known for its university, the town's vibrant nightlife is fueled by the students from one of the country's largest learning institutions.

  Best Time To Visit

  Take a river cruise holiday in the fall, or early September, when you can see the crimson and gold-leaved trees and the pace is slower.

   

  You Should Know

  Visit the Tsarevets, a castle which was prominent when Veliko Tarnovo was the capital of Bulgaria. Visit the old city, which features traditional Renaissance-style houses, which can be seen scattered over the hillsides next to the Yantra River. The new part of Veliko Tarnovo features contemporary and Communistic style buildings.
• 
  Rousse, Bulgaria

  The fifth-largest city in Bulgaria, Rousse (also Ruse) lies in the northeast section of the country and sits on the right bank of the Danube River across from the Romanian city of Giurgiu. The city is the ideal place to walk and review the city's illustrious past.

  Best Time To Visit

  Keep your travel calendar open for a September or October visit to the ancient city.

   

  You Should Know

  When strolling through Rousse, the best place to begin is at Liberty Square or Svboda, the largest square in the city. In the square, the Monument of Liberty depicts a female grasping a sword in one hand while pointing with the other hand – a symbol of liberation. The Profit-Yielding Building was built in 1909 by Raul Paul Branck, an architect from Vienna. The structure has been used as a theater, library, casino, art gallery, and shopping venue.
• 
  Giurgiu, Romania

  The capital city of Giurgiu judet (county) in south Romania, Giurgiu sits on the north bank of the Danube River only 40 miles south of Bucharest. One of the sites of interest is the Giurgiu Fortress, an important defense structure that goes back to the 1300s. During several wars, the city suffered much damage. Given that amount of turmoil, it is amazing that any of Giurgiu's ruins survived the conflicts.

  Best Time To Visit

  Visit Giurgiu in the fall, as the city is more peaceful and tranquil.

   

  You Should Know

  Taverna la Green and La Taverna serve great Greek and Mediterranean cuisine. Pela is noted for its seafood. Comana Natural Park serves both cyclists and hikers. Bike paths run through the site's woods, and a pick-your-own garden features vegetables and herbs. Park visitors can canoe and kayak, or go birdwatching in the park's protected bird area.
• 
  Bucharest, Romania (Disembarkation)

  Disembarkation often happens in Bucharest, Romania. At this point, you will follow a professionally guided tour of the Romanian capital. One of the must-see sites is the Palatul Parlentlui government complex, which features an astounding 1,100 rooms. Only a small portion of the building is used.

  Best Time To Visit

  A trip to Bucharest on a Bulgaria river cruise is best planned during the fall. There is less chance of flooding and you will pay less money for river cruises during this time.

   

  You Should Know

  The Lipscani District is home to an active nightlife. One of the major sites to see is the Curtea Veche Palace, known as the place where Prince Vlad III (The Impaler) once held court.

Bulgaria River Cruise Packages

• Summer - July to August - Best Season

  Although summer is an opportune time to take the family on a Bulgaria river cruise, shoulder season, especially during the fall, costs less money and features fewer crowds. If you travel during the fall, it is easier to see the sights and plan an itinerary.

• Spring - March to June - Good Season

  While prices during the spring are lower on Bulgaria river cruises, it is also a time when the Danube River may flood. If this occurs, you will be transferred to a bus or train to destinations on your river cruise itinerary. Keep this fact in mind if you plan to book travel in the months of April or May.

• Autumn - September to November - Shoulder Season

  The time you choose to go on a Bulgaria river cruise will depend on what you can spend and your preferred activities. If you wish to save money on river cruise costs and like to travel when there are fewer distractions, plan a river cruise trip from September to November.

• Winter - December to February - Good Season

  The winters in Bulgaria are dry, sunny, and snowy, and with little to no tourists, the winter can be the best time to take a winter vacation in Bulgaria. There are many resorts open during this time as well, so prices might still be a bit high but it is completely worth it to experience the cooler season in Bulgaria.

Bulgaria River Cruises Frequently Asked Questions

• What Are Bulgaria River Cruises?

  The Danube River is a major river that runs through Europe. Although the Iskar River, which is a tributary of the Danube River, runs through Bulgaria, most Bulgaria river cruises stop at ports along the Danube River. Therefore, some of the ports-of-call will include Budapest, Sophia (the capital of Bulgaria), Vidin, Rousse, and Romanian cities, such as Giurgiu and Bucharest. Avalon Waterways is a major river cruise provider of Bulgaria River cruise holidays.

• What’s Included on Bulgaria River Cruises?

  You get a total package of all-inclusive amenities on Bulgaria river cruises, including 3 free meals each day and complimentary beverages, including coffee, tea, and soda. Luxury accommodations, built-in gratuities, and airport transfers round out the package.

• What’s the Best River Cruise of Bulgaria River Cruises?

  Check on the Bulgaria River cruises offered by Avalon Waterways, which features river cruises along the Danube that stop at several Bulgaria river cruise ports.

• How Much Do Bulgaria River Cruises Cost?

  The amount spend on a Bulgaria river cruise holiday will depend on when you choose to go and what you can afford to pay. Usually, Bulgaria river cruises range from $4,500 to $6,500 for river cruises that are priced for mid-range travel.