2027 Gems of Southeast Europe River Cruise with Larry Gelwix

Dates September 27 - October 4, 2027
Destination Budapest, Hungary; Vukovar, Croatia; Belgrade, Serbia; Iron Gates, Serbia; Vidin, Bulgaria; Rousse, Bulgaria; Paris, France;
Duration 9 days 8 nights
Price From 3,999
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Religious Focus:

Sightseeing:

Activity Level:

Walking Level:


Cruise with the Getaway Guru® - Hosted by Larry and Cathy Gelwix!

Cruise Eastern Danube River and step back into the past and the timeless cultures of Eastern Europe. Step aboard your ship in Budapest, Hungary and settle into your stateroom as the city’s historic skyline and the gentle flow of the Danube set the tone for your Gems of Southeast Europe journey. Sail along the Danube to Mohács, then explore Pécs, where Roman history meets vibrant squares and landmarks. Wander cobblestone streets or savor the rich heritage of Hungary’s Szekszárd region. Discover Vukovar, Croatia visiting monuments and city sights. In the afternoon, explore the Vucedol Museum, where prehistoric culture comes to life. Marvel at Belgrade’s iconic sites and UNESCO-protected landmarks. Explore Belgrade’s vibrant streets, old town, & and historic landmarks. Wander ancient Serbia strongholds of Kladovo where history and nature collide. Visit the medieval Golubac Fortress before cruising through Serbia’s awe-inspiring Iron Gates, where the Danube winds between the Carpathian and Balkan mountains. Experience Bulgaria traditions like a local. Wander through Vidin, where ancient streets lead to the Baba Vida Fortress, a silent guardian of centuries past. Step into local life with a Bulgarian pastry and yogurt tasting, or pedal along Vidin’s sunlit lanes. Explore Bucharest, Romania medieval strongholds, Neo-Baroque gems, and Bucharest’s ‘Little Paris’ charm. Journey through the Romanian countryside to Bucharest, the “Little Paris of the East,” where elegant streets and historic squares invite leisurely exploration. We disembark at Giurgiu, Romania. Pre- and post- tour options are available. We cruise aboard the brand new AmaRudi, scheduled to debut the summer of 2027. The AmaRudi is unlike other river cruise ships offering spacious luxurious all-river-view suites and staterooms. Purpose built to cruise the Danube River, AmaRudi is twice the width of a traditional river cruise ship whilst maintaining the same passenger numbers, meaning larger staterooms, public areas, and activities. Dine on exquisite farm-to-ship cuisine in any of four dining venues. Shore excursions and tours are included offering a wide variety from leisurely to more active. Larry & Cathy Gelwix will serve as your personal host and tour guides, along with expect local guides. Your choice of tours and shore excursions are included in your cruise fare, along with your meals onboard.

*Please note that while the physical activity on this tour (walking distances) is not significant, your days will be full touring walking 2-4 miles a day usually. Please be sure you notify us of any physical limitations you might have at booking.

To book this cruise contact your favorite Morris Columbus Travel Advisor or the Group Tour Manager listed below:

Sarah Wangsgard, Tour Manager
Tel: (801) 483-6473
Email Sarah

Tour ID #9227I26

Day 1: Saturday, September 25
Day 1: Saturday, September 25

USA TO BUDAPEST

Overnight flights from home cities to Budapest. 

Meals : In-flight
Day 2: Sunday, September 26
Day 2: Sunday, September 26

EMBARKATION - BUDAPEST, HUNGARY

Embark on your ship and begin your journey down the Danube. 

Step aboard your ship in Budapest and settle into your stateroom as the city's historic skyline and the gentle flow of the Danube set the tone for your Gems of Southeast Europe journey. 

Meals : Dinner
Day 3: Monday, September 27
Day 3: Monday, September 27

BUDAPEST, HUNGARY

Immerse yourself in Pecs's Roman roots and UNESCO treasures.

Sail along the Danube to Mohacs, then explore Pecs, where Roman history meets vibrant squares and landmarks like St. Peter's Basilica, and the Mosque of Pasha Qasim. Wander cobblestone streets or savor the rich heritage of Hungary's Szekszard wine region, with each moment inviting discovery of Hungary's rich heritage. 

Meals : Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 4: Tuesday, September 28
Day 4: Tuesday, September 28

VUKOVAR, CROATIA

Explore Vukovar's prehistoric sites and charming riverside towns. 

Discover Vukovar on a guided city or bike tour, visiting monuments like the Vukovar water tower and the historic Eltz Manor House. In the afternoon, savor Croatian wines in the Old Vellars or explore the Vucedol Museum, where prehistoric culture comes to life. 

Meals : Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 5: Wednesday, September 29
Day 5: Wednesday, September 29

BELGRADE, SERBIA

Marvel at Belgrade's iconic sites and UNESCO-protected landmarks

Explore Belgrade's vibrant streets and historic landmarks, from the Nikola Tesla Museum to the majestic Kalemegdan Fortress. Adventurous passengers can join a bike tour or hike through the city, then savor Serbian brandy and local delicacies. For a more leisurely afternoon, wander Novi Sad's charming old town and Liberty Square, immersing yourself in the region's rich culture and tradition. 

Meals : Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 6: Thursday, September 30
Day 6: Thursday, September 30

IRON GATES, SERBIA

Wander ancient strongholds where history and nature collide. 

Visit the medieval Golubac Fortress before cruising through Serbia's awe-inspiring Iron Gates, where the Danube winds between the Carpathian and Balkan mountains. Marvel at the dramatic gorges and the striking mountainside craving of King Decebalus. Each view invites you to reflect on the wonders of this remarkable river corridor. 

Meals : Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 7: Friday, October 1
Day 7: Friday, October 1

VIDIN, BULGARIA

Experience Bulgarian traditions like a local. 

Wander through Vidin, where ancient streets lead to the Baba Vida Fortress, a silent guardian of centuries past. Step into local life with a Bulgarian pastry and yogurt tasting, or pedal along Vidin's sunlit lanes and let the city's history unfold around each bend. 

Meals : Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 8: Saturday, October 2
Day 8: Saturday, October 2

ROUSSE, BULGARIA

Explore medieval strongholds, Neo-Baroque gems, and Bucharest's 'Little Paris' charm

Discover Veliko Tarnovo's medieval fortress and serene Orthodox temples, or wander Rousse to marvel at the frescoed Rock-Hewn Churches of Ivanovo. Journey though the Romanian countryside to Bucharest, the "Little Paris of the East," where elegant streets and historic squares invite leisurely exploration. 

Meals : Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 9: Sunday, October 3
Day 9: Sunday, October 3

GIURGIU, ROMANIA – DISEMBARKATION

Begin your journey home. 

Bid farewell to Giurgiu as you prepare for your flight home. 

Meals : Breakfast
*Itinerary subject to change


Highlights of the Tour:

  • The Getaway Guru®, Larry Gelwix will be your personal cruise host for the whole trip along with expert local guides
  • Licensed, insured, and bonded travel agency with 60+ years of experience!! Yes, IT MATTERS!
  • Cruise on the beautiful AMA Rudi River Ship

All This Is Included:

  • 8-day cruise with river-view stateroom on the AMA Rudi
  • All meals on board and complimentary wine, beer, and soft drinks with lunch and dinner
  • Deluxe/Air-Conditioned motor coach transportation for included tours
  • Licensed Local guides at each port
  • Experienced Tour host, Larry Gelwix
  • Room steward & twice-daily housekeeping service
  • Hotel-style bed with the optional twin-bed configuration; luxury linens & pillows
  • 40" flat-screen LCD TV & complimentary movies on Demand
  • Refrigerator, security safe, hair dryer
  • 110/220-volt outlets & USB port
  • Heated bathroom floor & anti-fog mirrors
  • Glass-enclosed shower
  • Premium Freyja® toiletries, bathrobe & slippers (upon request)

Not Included:

  • Government taxes and fees $
  • International Airfare from your home city. Rates are subject to availability 11 months prior to travel
  • Any private sightseeing not included on the itinerary
  • Pre-paid Cruise gratuities - $ - For Cruise manager, ships crew members - guides and drivers during shore excursions
  • Items of a personal nature (e.g. phone calls, room service, internet, etc.)
  • Travel insurance (plans start at $35)

Optional Pricing:

  • Standard Cat E $3,999 per person based on a double cabin  
  • Standard Cat D $4,699 per person based on a double cabin  
  • Standard Cat AB $5,948 per person based on a double cabin 
  • Standard Cat AA $6,098 per person based on a double cabin  
  • Standard Cat SB $6,399 per person based on a double cabin
  • Standard Cat GS $9,647 per person based on double cabin

Payment Terms:

  • $750 per person nonrefundable deposit at the time of booking 
  • Final Payment due on May 21, 2027
  • Read our Terms & Conditions

Charter Cancellation Policy:

  • All payments are non-refundable!!
  • If the cancellation comes prior to final payment, if you resell your cabin to a friend and a name change is allowed, we will refund the deposit amount once paid in full
  • Or, once the charter is fully booked, if we can resell your cabin for you a refund will be allowed of your deposit