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Balkan Gems
From £2,995 pp
Discover remarkable landscapes, storied history and charming cultures as you traverse Eastern European countries such as Romania and Serbia on this invigorating adventure.
What’s Included:
- Return scheduled flights from the UK (fight supplements may apply)
- Home to airport transfers by private car*
- Unique cultural experiences in up to 5 towns, villages and cities
- Enriching Signature Experiences and Freedom of Choice Sightseeing
- Complimentary beverages served at your discretion on board*
- Butler service, room service, complimentary laundry service and champagne on arrival in select suites
- 7 Breakfasts, 6 Lunches and 7 Dinners
- APT Cruise Director and expert local guides
- Optional 3 night post-cruise extension in Bucharest and Brasov
Fly from the UK to Budapest and be transferred to your river ship. After dinner on board, set off on a twilight cruise through the city and be enchanted by the lights of the remarkable Hungarian capital.
Day 2 - Budapest
Decide how to explore Budapest with a choice of sightseeing activities.
Freedom of Choice – City Tour
Enjoy a morning city tour of Budapest, taking in historic monuments such as Heroes’ Square and St. Stephen’s Basilica.
Freedom of Choice – Culinary Tour
Eat your way through Budapest as you embark on a tour of the Great Market Hall. Wander through this large indoor market and discover a variety of sausages, meats, cheeses, fruits and vegetables.
Freedom of Choice – Funicular Ride
Board a funicular to Castle Hill for superb views, then walk to Fisherman’s Bastion.
Gala Welcome Dinner
Enjoy a multi-course meal with an expertly crafted menu.
Day 3 - Mohacs
Travel to Villány, a renowned Hungarian wine region known for its red and rose varieties. Here, you will pay a visit to a local winery, where you will enjoy a tour and tasting.
Freedom of Choice – Guided Bike Ride
Perhaps get active on a guided bike ride along the Danube to an ancient mill.
Day 4 - Vukovar
Bearing battle scars from the Croatian War of Independence, Vukovar has risen strong and has a rich history. On an enlightening city tour, hear about the city’s wartime past and visit the Memorial Centre of Homeland War Vukovar.
Day 5 - Belgrade
In Serbia’s capital, choose your activity.
Freedom of Choice – Guided Exploration of Belgrade
Uncover the rich history of Belgrade on this guided discovery. You will see iconic wonders, including the Belgrade Fortress and the Serbian Orthodox Temple of Saint Sava.
Freedom of Choice – Kayak Tour
Discover Belgrade from a different perspective on this sightseeing adventure. Begin at the confluence of the Danube and Sava rivers, where you will paddle to Great War Island and Lido Beach.
Freedom of Choice – Belgrade Culinary Tour
Visit a bustling food market, where you’ll learn about the secrets of Serbian cuisine and be introduced to a range of local produce, meats and cheeses. Then, delight in a tasting of various types of Serbian brandy, known as rakija, complemented by traditional gingerbread biscuits, known as medenjaci.
Day 6 - Golubac, Iron Gates Cruising
This morning, your ship will dock at the Golubac Fortress, where you’ll disembark for a Signature Experience. Later, cruise through the Iron Gates and experience one of the most awe-inspiring natural wonders you will encounter on your journey.
Signature Experience – Golubac Walking Tour
Set out on a fascinating walking tour of Golubac, a charming village in eastern Serbia. Explore the striking Golubac Fortress, which stands at the entrance to the Iron Gates of the Danube. Built in the 14th century, the fortress’ strategic position made it an integral military border stronghold. Wander along the walls and towers of this remarkable fortification as you hear about its captivating history from your expert guide. From the fortress, take a scenic walk along the riverbanks of the Danube and soak up the breathtaking views. Then, visit a local riverside tavern, where you’ll delight in a delicious Serbian meze tasting, featuring an array of small dishes such as cheeses, cured meats and other local specialties.
Day 7 - Scenic Cruising
Spend the day relaxing on board and enjoying the amenities of your luxurious ship. Perhaps indulge in a treatment at the onboard spa or sip a delicious cocktail on the Daystar Deck as you admire the serene landscapes unfolding before you.
Day 8 - Giurgiu, Disembark Ship, Depart Bucharest
Your journey comes to an end today with a transfer to the airport for your onward flight.
Spend 1 night in Bucharest an 2 nights in Brasov on this optional post-cruise extension to Transylvania.
You’ll enjoy a visit to medieval, Bran Castle, famed for its links to the Dracula stories as well as exploring the fabulous royal palace at Sinaia.
Please call for pricing and availability.
Launching in 2025 APT Ostara & APT Solara offer luxurious river cruising with contemporary and timeless styling at the forefront of sustainable design.
UNPRECEDENTED DINING CHOICE
With seven distinct dining options, you’ll always have the luxury of choice. More formal dining venues include the main restaurant, the wine cellar and our exclusive aft restaurant. Savour a meal in a more casual setting such as the lounge or the Sun Deck. Wherever you chose the onboard chefs craft exceptional menus featuring locally-inspired cuisine and fresh seasonal ingredients.
PERSONALISED SERVICE
A maximum capacity of 154 guests supported by a dedicated team of 60 crew members guarantees a guest-to-staff ratio of one crew member for every 2.5 guests, ensuring your every need is catered for. With a smaller number of passengers than many other vessels on Europe’s waterways, there is even more space to relax in our onboard public spaces.
A NEW STANDARD IN SUSTAINABILITY
Boasting advanced eco-tech engines reducing fuel consumption by up to 20%. With a catalytic converter system curbing exhaust emission, modern appliances to reduce power usage, backed by battery storage, the design includes insulated glass and an air treatment recovery system. Eco-friendly practices include no single-use plastics, onboard water stations and waste management upgrades, just to name a few.
Onboard Features & Facilities
Setting a new standard in river cruising gastronomy, the APT Ostara & APT Solara boast six unique dining venues offering the best fresh, locally sourced seasonal produce throughout your cruise. Join in a celebration of the cuisine for which Europe is renowned, certain to be a highlight of your journey.
SIX UNIQUE DINING VENUES
Our brand-new ships usher in a new era in onboard dining, bringing together all of the ingredients to ensure every meal becomes another treasured memory. They feature six unique dining venues and an array of culinary options to choose from on your journey through Europe. Inspired by Europe’s classic neighbourhood bistros, the elegant main restaurant offers the ideal atmosphere for a relaxed European dining experience at breakfast, lunch and dinner. Enjoy the intimate sophistication of the wine cellar. Live the high life, dining on local seasonal produce in our exclusive aft restaurant, or watch the world go by dining alfresco on the Sun Deck. Relax and unwind in the conservatory or dine on casual fare in the lounge.
CARE FOR A DRINK?
You’ll never go thirsty cruising with APT, with a broad range of complimentary alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages available on board our luxury ships. Refreshing seasonal cocktails, aperitifs, beer, spirits, juices, soft drinks and superb regional wines hand-selected by our sommelier are included at any time, while a variety of teas and coffee are also available throughout your unforgettable journey. Sit back and relax in the fresh air with a cocktail in hand as Europe’s most spectacular landscapes pass by.
Accommodation & Amenities
With colour palettes inspired by the seasons, reminiscent of hues from the surrounding riverscape, our luxuriously appointed suites offer spectacular riverside scenery, an abundance of in-suite services, and ample storage space cultivating an air of serenity and charm, your own private oasis in which to relax after a day of adventure.
SUITES FLOURISHING WITH FEATURES
We have applied our extensive experience to carefully design suites featuring all of the must-haves, including plush linen, ample storage, tea and coffee amenities, a luxurious en-suite equipped with decadent toiletries, a fully stocked minibar and an abundance of in-suite entertainment including wi-fi and a flat-screen TV with on-demand movies.
IN-SUITE DINING
As you’re on holiday, our in-suite room service is the perfect garnish to accompany a morning’s lie in or a quiet night in the comfort of your own spacious room. This option is available in all suite categories – Owner’s Suites, Balcony Suites and Twin Window Suites.
Owner’s Suite
269 ft² / 25 m² – Deck 1 (Cat OS)
- Panoramic windows with outside balcony
- En-suite bathrooms with shower, basin & loo
- Sitting area, with sofa, chairs
- Wardrobe
- Minibar and tea & coffee making facilities
- Independent control air conditioning
- Butler service
Balcony Suite
183 ft² / 17m² – Deck 1 (Cat P) & Deck 2 (Cat A)
- Electric floor to ceiling drop-down windows opening to a French balcony
- En-suite bathrooms with shower, basin & loo
- Table and two chairs chairs
- Wardrobe
- Minibar and tea & coffee making facilities
- Independent control air conditioning
- Butler service
Twin Window Suite
161 ft² / 15m² – Deck 3 (Cat E & ET-Sole Occupancy)
- High level twin windows – cannot be opened
- Table and two chairs chairs
- Wardrobe
- Minibar and tea & coffee making facilities
- Independent control air conditioning
- Butler service
APT Ostara – Deck Plan
| Depart | Ship | Embark | From |
|---|
| Mar 13 | Ostara | Budapest | £2995 | SAVE £500 | Cabin Upgrades |
| Cat E | Lower Deck | 161 ft², Fixed Windows | £2995 | Was £3495 | |
| Cat ET | Lower Deck Single | 161 ft², Fixed Windows | £ | ||
| Cat A | Middle Deck | 183 ft², French Balcony | £3795 | Was £4295 | |
| Cat P | Middle Deck | 183 ft², French Balcony | £3995 | Was £4495 | |
| Cat OS | Upper Deck | 269 ft², Outside Balcony | £4895 | Was £5395 |
Why Choose This Cruise?
As river cruise specialists, we’re always on the lookout for experiences that truly stand out – and that’s exactly why we’re excited about APT’s brand-new ships, Ostara and Solara. APT has long been a trusted name in luxury cruising, and these two stunning additions raise the bar even further.
Designed specifically for European rivers, Ostara and Solara combine contemporary elegance with smart design. Think stylish all-balcony suites, more space on board, and a relaxed, uncrowded atmosphere – perfect for unwinding as you glide through Europe’s most scenic waterways. They also come equipped with the latest eco-friendly technology, so you can travel in comfort with sustainability in mind.
What we love most about APT is that they take care of everything. From guided excursions and drinks with meals to tips and transfers – it’s all included. Their Signature Experiences are a real highlight too, offering exclusive access and local insights you won’t find elsewhere.
If your idea of a perfect holiday involves stress-free luxury, unforgettable destinations, and a touch of something special, we’d happily recommend APT—and especially their new stars, Ostara and Solara. They’re not just new ships; they’re a whole new way to cruise.
Why not read more at our blog post “The Best All Inclusive River Cruises Explained”
