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Voyage Through the Balkans
From £4,995 pp
Cruise from Budapest to Vienna via Bratislava, then head down through Hungary, Croatia.
- Home to airport transfers by private car*
- Return scheduled flights from the UK (fight supplements may apply).
- Unique cultural experiences in up to 13 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
- 14 Breakfasts, 13 Lunches and 14 Dinners
- APT Cruise Director and expert local guides
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
Enjoy a morning city tour of Budapest taking in its historic monuments, including Fisherman’s Bastion and Heroes’ Square. The afternoon is at leisure to further explore.
Day 3 - Mohacs
FREEDOM OF CHOICE™ – Sightseeing
History buffs can venture to the ancient city of Pecs. Or perhaps travel to Hungary’s renowned wine region in Villany for a tasting at a local winery. Otherwise, get active on a guided bike ride along the Danube River to an ancient water mill.
You have the choice as to how you spend your day.
Day 4 - Vukovar
SIGNATURE EXPERIENCE
Today, visit Eltz Manor, a castle that houses the Vukovar City Museum. Wander through the complex then be treated to a glass of sparkling wine, accompanied by classical music.
Bearing battle scars from the Croatian War of Independence, Vukovar has risen strong and offers a rich history to discover. Enjoy a Signature Experience here.
Day 5 - Belgrade
FREEDOM OF CHOICE™ – Sightseeing
Perhaps see the Belgrade Fortress and the Serbian Orthodox Temple of St Sava. If you’re feeling more physical, embark on a kayak tour along the Danube. Or gourmet lovers can partake in a Serbian cooking class.
In Serbia’s capital, choose your activity.
Day 6 - Iron Gates
Cruise through the Iron Gates and experience one of the most awe-inspiring natural wonders you will encounter on this cruise. Your ship will navigate its way through the series of gorges between Serbia and Romania.
Day 7 - Rousse
FREEDOM OF CHOICE™ – Sightseeing
You might choose to explore the incredible World Heritage-listed Rock-Hewn Churches of Ivanovo. This fascinating complex is made up of churches, chapels and monk cells that were carved into the rock during the 13th and 14th centuries. Alternatively, set out on a walking tour and discover Rousse, one of Bulgaria’s most elegant cities.
Choose how to spend your day in and around charming Rousse today.
Day 8 - Giurgiu, Bucharest
With an entire day in Bucharest, take in the wide tree-lined boulevards and Belle Epoque buildings, then walk through the Old City centre to the Royal Court, Stavropoleos Church and the Lipscani district.
After lunch, the choice is yours.
FREEDOM OF CHOICE™ – Sightseeing
Either visit the Palace of the Parliament, which is the second-largest administrative building in the world, or wander the open-air Village Museum and gain an insight into traditional Romanian life.
Day 9 - Rousse, Veliko Tarnovo
In Veliko Tarnovo, a local expert will guide you through this medieval city. Uncover its rich history as you wander through the city’s cobbled lanes and fortified walls.
Its centrepiece is the spectacular restored Tsarevets Fortress, citadel of the Second Bulgarian Empire.
Day 10 - Vidin, Belogradchik
Explore Baba Vida Fortress in Vidin. Raised upon the remains of the ancient town of Bononia, the medieval castle dates back to the 10th century.
Afterwards, venture to Belogradchik to uncover its ancient fortress on the northern slope of the Balkan mountains. You’ll also see the town’s unique rock formations.
Day 11 - Scenic Cruising
The day is yours to relax on board, sleep in and take it easy, or awake and take in the stunning views from the sun deck.
Day 12 - Novi Sad
FREEDOM OF CHOICE™ – Sightseeing
Get out and explore Novi Sad, Serbia’s second-largest city. Otherwise, call in on a local farmstead for a real dose of Vojvodinian culture – featuring a traditional breakfast, music and freshly made doughnuts.
Choose how you’d like to spend the day.
Day 13 - Kalocsa, Puszta
SIGNATURE EXPERIENCE
Uncover all things Hungarian today with a cultural experience in Kalocsa. Discover local handicrafts at the Folk Art House, then visit a producer of one of Hungary’s spiciest exports, paprika.
Enjoy a Signature Experience today. Afterwards, a farm in Puszta is the perfect setting for a stellar horse show and authentic Hungarian lunch.
Day 14 - Budapest
FREEDOM OF CHOICE™ – Sightseeing
You may like to hike to Gellert Hill, or perhaps enjoy a more relaxed culinary walk through Budapest’s Great Market Hall. Alternatively, set out on an insightful tour of the Hospital in the Rock, a museum dedicated to a former secret emergency hospital and nuclear bunker.
Today unfolds as you please. This evening, enjoy a farewell dinner.
Day 15 - Disembark ship, Depart Budapest
Disembark your ship and be transferred to the airport for your return flight to the UK.
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 | £4995 | SAVE £1000 | Cabin Upgrades |
| Cat E | Lower Deck | 161 ft², Fixed Windows | £4995 | Was £5995 | |
| Cat ET | Lower Deck Single | 161 ft², Fixed Windows | £ | ||
| Cat A | Middle Deck | 183 ft², French Balcony | £6595 | Was £7595 | |
| Cat P | Middle Deck | 183 ft², French Balcony | £6995 | Was £7995 | |
| Cat OS | Upper Deck | 269 ft², Outside Balcony | £8795 | Was £9795 |
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.
