AmaWaterways Gems of Eastern Europe: Sailing Through Five Countries to Budapest
After an unforgettable pre-cruise in Turkey, we were ready to board the ship for AmaWaterways’ Gems of Eastern Europe itinerary. But river travel is nothing if not adaptable, due to low water levels in Romania, our embarkation point had to be shifted. AmaWaterways handled it seamlessly, transferring us to a different location without missing a beat. Our flight was even delayed from Istanbul.
For us as guests, it meant one simple thing: go with the flow—literally. Bags were handled, schedules adjusted, and before we knew it, we were stepping aboard, wine in hand, ready to sail.
The Route
Over the next week, we drifted through a tapestry of cultures and landscapes, each port offering its own story. These Eastern European countries offer a different experience to the Western Danube and offered a more relaxed pace in my opinion:
Bulgaria — We made our way for a day tour to Veliko Tyrnovo with a grand fortress, and hillside homes blending into the landscape. The artisans street is where we spent the most time getting handicrafts, and meeting the people. It was a long day of driving but the following day was a little more relaxed and shorter tour in Vidin to the fortress steps from the port. On this day, we celebrated my mom’s 77th birthday on board with a tasty treat! The desserts on the ship never dissapoint.
Serbia (my 60th country!) — Belgrade’s history is layered and complex, marking my 60th country here made it even more special. We stopped in the famed Nikola Tesla Museum, and later we topped off our day with a Brandies of Belgrade experience that left us all flying high on our way out of town.
Romania — From medieval towns to the legends of the Danube, Romania’s stretch of river offers a fascinating mix of influences. As we meandered along, we saw the infamous rock sculpture most people equate to the Iron Gates passage. On our left a grand castle appeared: Golubac. We got out for a short tour before heading onto our next country.
Croatia — Vukovar’s resilience was palpable, with locals eager to share stories of recovery alongside their regional wines. The water tower stands tall as a memorial and reminder of the past.
Hungary — As we entered Hungary, we stopped in Mohacs to learn of their masked traditions. After, we ventured off to see and learn about a historic watermill with tasty treats and kittens to play with. For dinner onboard, I helped myself to a delicious meal of goulash. Overnight, we cruised into Budapest, the grand finale to any river cruise with it’s grand entryway. It was nice to be back in one of my favorite cities. Since it was only for disembarkation, we made sure to stay two more nights, right by our favorite Central Market, and wine bar.
Life Onboard
The beauty of a river cruise is how it marries movement and rest. Days were filled with guided excursions (including easy-walker options for those who prefer a slower pace), and evenings brought back our now-close-knit group from the pre-cruise days in Istanbul. We’d swap stories over dinner, toast to the day’s discoveries, and occasionally stay up to watch the ship glide under illuminated bridges. The cruise director would organize amazing local performers on board, where the show came to us. It was a leisurely way to soak up more cultural traditions.
Why This Itinerary Works
Multiple Countries, One Unpack — Five countries in one week, with no flights or constant hotel changes.
Small Ship Connections — You see the same friendly faces daily, building a travel camaraderie you can’t get on a large cruise.
Adaptability — River conditions change, but AmaWaterways handled every detail without stress on our part.
Range of Excursions — From walking tours to more active cruisers with bikes, there’s something for every energy level.
River cruising through Eastern Europe is the perfect mix of cultural immersion and comfort. Even with a last-minute embarkation change, the journey flowed seamlessly and the ports were some of the most authentic I’ve experienced in Europe. By the time we sailed into Budapest, the Danube felt like an old friend, and so did many of the people I’d met along the way.
