From Giurgiu to Budapest · Europe (River) · 7 nights
From Giurgiu to Budapest
AmaMagna represents an innovative ship design for the Danube, the same length but twice the width of a standard river cruise vessel, with more space, larger staterooms and more dining options. AmaRudi will follow the same double-width design and will launch in 2027.
The extra space on board AmaMagna and AmaRudi means large,
luxurious, ocean-type staterooms averaging over 300 square feet,
lots of dining options, and expansive spa and fitness areas. There
is also a pool and whirlpool on the Sun Deck and a full-size
pickleball court.
The river port of Giurgiu is situated just across the Danube from the Bulgarian city of Ruse, and the two cities are linked by a cross-border Friendship Bridge. You're unlikely to spend much time in Giurgiu itself, but the port is the start and end point for river cruises on the lower Danube, and is linked by road and rail to Romania's capital, Bucharest.
The Bulgarian city of Ruse (also written ‘Rousse’) sits on the right bank of the Danube just opposite the Romanian city of Giurgiu, and is one of the country’s most attractive cities. Sometimes known as ‘Little Vienna’, thanks to the plethora of Neo-Baroque and Neo-Rococo architecture, it’s a highlight of any cruise along this stretch of the Danube.
The riverside town of Vidin is situated in the north west corner of Bulgaria, close to the border with Romania and Serbia. The architectural highlight is the magnificently well preserved Baba Vida fortress, and the town is also home to a mosque, a synagogue and several churches.
As the Danube wends its way east, along the border between Serbia and Romania, the river narrows to a dramatic gorge known as the Iron Gates. The river here is flanked by a huge stone carving of Decebalus, the last king of the Dacians and a Romanian national hero.
Belgrade has been invaded and occupied dozens of times over the centuries, a fact that's reflected in the mish-mash of architectural styles, from Ottoman and Art Nouveau to grim relics of the communist era. But Belgrade is also a city with real soul, emerging from a difficult recent history as one of Europe’s most exciting capitals.
Novi Sad is a vibrant and friendly city with a lovely riverside setting. Handsome Austro-Hungarian architecture is a reminder of past glories, while the imposing Petrovaradin Fortress has become the unlikely setting for one of Europe’s biggest music festivals, Exit, which began life as a student protest against the government.
Mohács was the scene of a decisive battle in 1526 that brought Hungary under Ottoman control, but is best known these days for its Busó carnival in February, when men in creepy-looking costumes take to the streets to celebrate the end of winter. The town is also a jumping off point for the attractive city of Pécs, half an hour’s drive away.
Budapest is one of Eastern Europe’s most appealing cities, a vibrant and welcoming capital that straddles the Danube. The history of Budapest has been somewhat turbulent, but plenty of beautiful buildings survive, including the imposing Parliament and iconic St Stephen’s Basilica.
