The Enchanting East
Flights from London→Bucharest → Rousse → Veliko Tarnovo → Arbanassi → Belogradchik → Vidin → Iron Gates → Belgrade → Novi Sad → Kalocsa → Budapest→Return to London
Organised by Noble Caledonia.
From
from £4795
per person
Overview
A journey between Bucharest & Budapest aboard the MS River Crown
Experience an unforgettable voyage aboard the elegant, 100-passenger MS River Crown as you travel between Romania's capital of Bucharest and the grand city of Budapest in Hungary. From the earliest of times, the Danube has been one of Europe's most important trade routes linking the eastern shores with central Europe, and this stretch of the river offers a diversity of history and culture quite unlike anywhere else. Noble Caledonia’s ten-night itinerary offers gentle cruising through wonderful scenery and well-planned excursions, with some time at leisure to explore independently combined with ample time to relax on board as the ship sails past ever-changing scenery.
This Noble Caledonia cruise is one of the world's great journeys, following as it does one of the most important trade routes since the earliest of times, linking the East with the West. Guests will travel from Romania through the heart of Europe, visiting Bulgaria, Serbia, and Hungary while witnessing some of Europe's most beautiful landscapes and exploring the great historic cities of Belgrade and Budapest as well as picturesque riverside towns. From the great comfort of the MS River Crown, you will cruise effortlessly, enjoying the varied scenery and architecture whilst learning more about a region that has seen more than its fair share of conflicts, revolutions, and wars. Noble Caledonia’s included tours with excellent local guides, together with interesting talks by their Guest Speaker, will create an enjoyable, informative, and lively atmosphere as you sail along the majestic Danube in all its autumnal glory. In addition, the combination of modern and traditional culture, wine tasting, and folklore along the way makes for a fascinating trip.
Highlights
- Board the MS River Crown in Giurgiu and cruise into Bulgaria with an overnight stay in Rousse.
- Explore the 12th-century rock Monastery of St Demetrius Basarbovski and enjoy a curated tasting of Bulgarian wines.
- Discover the historic capital of the Second Bulgarian Kingdom with a full-day excursion to the hilltop city of Veliko Tarnovo and the museum town of Arbanassi.
- Marvel at the bizarre sandstone formations of the Belogradchik Rocks and tour the ancient fortress housed within them.
- Experience an exclusive performance by the Vidin Symphonic Orchestra in the Philharmonic concert hall.
- Witness the spectacular scenery of the Iron Gates, a narrow, dramatic gorge between the Carpathian and Balkan Mountains.
- Visit iconic Belgrade landmarks including the Kalemegdan fortress and Saint Sava Cathedral, the world's largest Orthodox Church.
- Tour the historic sites and churches of Novi Sad followed by a premium wine tasting in the Sremski Karlovic region.
- Visit the city of Pecs to explore its Roman, Ottoman, and Hapsburg history, concluding with a tasting of world-class reds in the Villany wine region.
- Experience authentic Hungarian culture with a visit to the Paprika Museum in Kalocsa and a traditional horsemanship display.
Explore further
Itinerary
- 1
Day 1 London to Budapest, Hungary.
Fly by scheduled flight. On arrival transfer to the MS River Crown in Budapest. Moor overnight.
- 2
Day 2 Budapest.
Spend the morning on an excursion that will include the old quarter, the Matthias Church and the Fisherman's Bastion. Return to the ship for lunch and enjoy an afternoon at leisure to explore at your own pace. Tonight enjoy your welcome drinks and dinner on board with music performed by a local gypsy band.
- 3
Day 3 Kalocsa.
Arrive this morning in charming Kalocsa, renowned for paprika production. We will tour the Puszta district which will include the Paprika Museum and a spectacular display of Hungarian horsemanship. Depart this afternoon for a relaxing cruise down the beautiful Danube, arriving in the port of Mohacs late tonight.
- 4
Day 4 Pecs & Villany.
From the port of Mohacs, we will depart for a full day scenic tour of Pecs and Villany. The city of Pecs enjoys a fine position on the slopes of the Mecsek Hills. Our visit will feature the sites associated with the city's Roman Ottoman Hapsburg past, as well as the splendid Pecs Cathedral where we can listen to the sound of its organ. Continue to the town of Villany where we will enjoy lunch and a wine tasting. Villany is one of Hungary's top wine regions, known for its reds and rosés. Thanks to the area's sub-mediterranean climate, wines from Villany are full-bodied and spicy and of the highest quality.
- 5
Day 5 Novi Sad, Serbia.
Today we will cross into Serbia, stopping at Novi Sad. Following the destruction of the three main bridges by the NATO bombing campaign in 1999, the city of Novi Sad, in the northern province of Vojvodina, has returned to normal after much rebuilding. The city is rich in historic buildings including the fortress, Bishop's House, Clock Tower and numerous churches, some of which will be seen on our morning tour. Our exploration of Greater Novi Sad includes a wine tasting in nearby Sremski Karlovic; where we will sample some excellent wines of the former Yugoslavia. Sail in the afternoon towards Belgrade.
- 6
Day 6 Belgrade.
Our morning guided tour of Belgrade will visit the city's main attractions, including the Kalemegdan fortress as it looms over the confluence of the Sava and Danube rivers, Saint Sava Cathedral, the largest Orthodox Church in the world and Tito's Memorial. Our tour will finish with a superb local folklore performance before returning to the ship for a late lunch. Enjoy an afternoon at leisure before we set sail.
- 7
Day 7 Cruising through the Iron Gates.
Today the scenery becomes truly spectacular as we cruise through the Iron Gates, a narrow Danube gorge between the Carpathian and Balkan Mountains.
- 8
Day 8 Belogradchik & Vidin, Bulgaria.
Arrive today in the Bulgarian port of Vidin from where we will drive to Belogradchik which is located close to the Serbian border. The Belogradchik Rocks are a famous Bulgarian beauty spot. The sandstone has been weathered into all manner of bizarre shapes, and housed amongst the rocks is an Ottoman fort, built on the remains of a Roman structure. Return to the ship for lunch and this afternoon we will visit Vidin for a performance by the wonderful Vidin Symphonic Orchestra in the Philharmonic concert hall.
- 9
Day 9 Veliko Tarnovo & Arbanassi.
Arrive in Rousse, from where we depart by coach for a full-day tour to Veliko Tarnovo, the capital of the Second Bulgarian Kingdom from 1187 to 1393. The city formed a natural fortress, located on three hills surrounding the Yantra River. A palace, fortifications and churches were built into the terrain. Across the river, ancient stone houses seemingly perched on top of each other rise up the steep riverbank. After lunch in a local restaurant we will continue to the museum town of Arbanassi, famous for its 17th and 18th architecture and the unique Church of the Nativity of Christ.
- 10
Day 10 Rousse.
After breakfast join a city tour of Rousse, birthplace of Nobel Prize winner for literature, Elias Canetti. After a brief walking tour of the city centre, we will drive a short distance to visit the Monastery of St Demetrius Basarbovski, a fascinating rock monastery dating back to the 12th century. Return to Rousse for a wine tasting session of some splendid Bulgarian wines. This afternoon is at leisure for individual exploration, and, with its stunning architecture, charming restaurants and shops, there is much to see here. This evening we will be entertained on board by a lively Bulgarian Folk troupe followed by farewell drinks and dinner.
- 11
Day 11 Bucharest, Romania to London.
Disembark this morning and transfer to Bucharest airport for our scheduled flight to London.
Meet your Experts
A distinguished team of guest lecturers, expedition leaders and specialist hosts will be travelling with you on selected departures — enriching your voyage with their insight, expertise and company.
Nirvana Romell
Nirvana left her native Croatia during the turbulent 1990s, with a degree in History of Western and Yugoslav art from the University of Zagreb as well as a MA in English Language and Literature.
The Ship
River Crown
We are delighted to have chartered the elegant 100-passenger MS River Crown, a spacious and well-designed vessel which was built in 2008 and underwent a comprehensive upgrade in 2026. The vessel offers the luxury of space and the public areas feature panoramic windows providing marvellous views of the passing landscapes. The atmosphere on board is friendly and informal and within days you will have made new friends in the open-seating restaurant, on the shore excursions or whilst relaxing in the comfortable public areas. You will find yourself amongst like-minded people in an English-speaking environment and for those who seek peace and quiet, there will always be the opportunity to find a secluded spot on the Sun Deck, in one of the relaxing public areas or to simply rest in your well-appointed cabin. The friendly onboard crew will provide you with excellent service and do much to contribute to your enjoyment. After a day exploring ashore, you will return to the comfort and peace of a well-run and exceedingly comfortable vessel.
Deck plan
Life aboard River Crown
The MS River Crown is an elegant, 100-passenger vessel offering a friendly, informal atmosphere with an English-speaking environment. With spacious public areas and floor-to-ceiling panoramic windows, it is perfectly designed for those who appreciate scenic river cruising in comfort.
Quick facts
Passengers
100
Year Built
2008
Refurbished
2026
Length
135 metres
Suites
Accommodations range from standard single cabins to spacious Queen Suites, all featuring en-suite bathrooms and individually controlled air-conditioning. Premium and Deluxe categories offer additional space, while higher-tier cabins benefit from French balconies or private seating areas.
- •Standard Single Cabins (12m²) on Main Deck feature single beds and non-opening portholes.
- •Premium Cabins (15.5m²) feature French balconies and beds configurable as twin or double.
- •Deluxe Cabins (22m²) include a fixed double bed, seating area, and marble bathroom.
- •Queen Suites (30m²) offer both French and private balconies, living area, and bathroom with bath and shower.
- •All cabins include TV, safe, hairdryer, mini-bar, and telephone.
Life on board
The vessel features an elegant lounge and bar, a library, and The Club for quiet relaxation. The expansive Sun Deck provides a putting green, giant chess board, and loungers for enjoying the passing landscape.
- •Wellness area includes a gym, sauna, Jacuzzi, and hairdresser.
- •Sun Deck may close during low bridge transit or evening hours.
- •A lift services the Upper and Middle decks.
- •Complimentary Wi-Fi is available, though service may be intermittent in rural areas.
- •24-hour tea and coffee available in the Atrium Lobby.
Dining
Dining is provided in an open-seating restaurant with floor-to-ceiling views. The culinary programme includes buffet-style breakfasts and lunches, followed by a served four-course dinner.
- •Complimentary house wine, beer, and soft drinks included at lunch and dinner.
- •Early riser tea, coffee, and pastries available from 06:30.
- •Afternoon tea with cakes and late-evening snacks served in the lounge.
- •Dietary requirements should be notified to Reservations; some requests may not be guaranteed.
Practical information
The ship operates a cash-free system, with all onboard accounts settled in Euros at the end of the cruise. Gratuities are included in the holiday price, and the atmosphere remains smart-casual throughout the voyage.
- •Smoking is strictly prohibited except in designated Sun Deck areas.
- •Dress code is comfortable and casual by day, smart-casual for evenings.
- •Voltage is 220V with European-style two-pin sockets.
- •Laundry service is available; dry cleaning is not provided.
- •Emergency alarms and safety procedures are detailed on cabin doors.
Ship information may be subject to operational change. Please contact us for the latest details before booking.
Departures & pricing
Prices per person based on double occupancy
| 28 April to 8 May 2027 | ||
|---|---|---|
| Category | Brochure Price | Special Offer Price |
| Premium with French Balcony Middle Deck | £5295 | £4795 |
| Premium with French Balcony Upper Deck | £5495 | £4995 |
| Deluxe with French Balcony Middle Deck | £5995 | £5495 |
| Deluxe with French Balcony Upper Deck | £6295 | £5795 |
| Queen Suite with Balcony Upper Deck | £6895 | £6395 |
| Standard Single with porthole | £5295 | £4795 |
| Premium with French Balcony Middle Deck for sole use | £6295 | £5795 |
Tour Reference Code: RCRC280427
PRICE INCLUDES:
• Economy class scheduled air travel • 10 nights aboard the MS River Crown on a full board basis • House wine, beer & soft drinks with lunch & dinner • Shore excursions • Noble Caledonia onboard team including Guest Speaker • Gratuities • Transfers • Port & airport taxes
Not Included:
- Travel insurance.
Please note that availability and prices shown on our website are not updated in real time and may change. For the latest availability and pricing, please call 0800 678 3787