Explore Croatia and Serbia by River with CroisiEurope

Beyond their triedand true cruise offerings throughout the waterways of France, Italy, Spain, Germany, Belgium, Asia and soon Africa, CroisiEurope is proud to announce a new 10-day journey between Central Europe and the Balkans, which will launch in 2017. With an itinerary that will take guests through Hungary, Serbia, Bosnia, and Croatia, CroisiEurope will be the first river cruise company to design an itinerary that will take travelers along the Danube and Sava Rivers. What could be a more perfect choice than Danube River Cruises?

During this 10-day cruise, guests will discover the charming towns, cultural traditions and historical sites as they explore the cities of Belgrade and Zagreb, Lonjsko Polje & Kopacki Rit Nature Parks, the Orthodox monastery of Krusedoland Sremski Karlovci and more. Guests also have the option of booking a 1-night extension to visit the Baroque town of Varazdin, Lake Balaton and a tour of Tihany before returning to Budapest. This new itinerary will depart on May 14, 2017 with prices starting at $2,826 per person, double, including the 1-night extension.*

Town of Sremski Karlovi in Serbia (Photo Credit: CroisiEurope)

Travelers can chose one of two versions of this itinerary:

• Spend ten days on a journey through Central Europe and the Balkans, with stops in fourteen different riverside cities and towns, pricing starts at $2,826 per person departing on May 14, 2017.
• Experience Lake Balaton, The Sava, and The Danube as you sail through Central Europe to Croatia and Serbia. Pricing for this cruise starts at $2,913 per person, double*, departure date is May 23, 2017.

Travelers will board in Budapest and begin by sailing across the border into Croatia and arriving in Osijek, Croatia's fourth largest city. In the afternoon, guests will head to Kopacki Rit Nature Park to explore the largest and most attractive wetland in Europe, located very close to the confluence of the Drava and the Danube Rivers.

In the morning, guests will cruise to Vukovar, one of the prettiest towns in the Danube Valley. The day will be spent exploring the city's colorful streets lined with baroque-period inspired architecture before heading off to the medieval city of Ilok, which lies on top of a hill overlooking the Danube River. From here, travelers will see the Danube River and the Serbian region of Vojvodina, the next stop on this cruise.

Upon arriving in Vojovdina, guests will disembark for an excursion to Novi Sad, the capital of Vojovdina that is located on the banks of the Danube River between Budapest and Belgrade. Spend the night sailing towards Belgrade, before heading out in the morning for a guided tour of this historical city. Travelers will explore the streets of a city that has developed its own cultural identity, portraying a mix of Austro-Hungarian, Ottoman, and Slavic cultural influences.

Cruising along the Sava River, guests will sail across the plains of Vojvodina, and be completely mesmerized by the picturesque Serbian art and culture lining the riverside with its tasteful combination of Byzantine and baroque architecture. The evening will be spent onboard while sailing to Sremska Mitrovica. The next day, guests will depart for an excursion across the Vojvodina to the area around the hamlet of Iriski Venac. Overflowing with history, travelers will discover first hand traditional Serbian art while exploring the area's 16 Orthodox monasteries with their blending of Byzantine and Baroque architectural styles. That evening, guests will enjoy an introduction to Bosnia's culture while en route to Brcko, Bosnia with music, dancing, and the folk traditions.

The next day travelers have a shore excursion through Brcko strolling the city streets lined with buildings in the traditional Austro-Hungarian architectural style crossed with Ottoman influences. In the afternoon, the cruise will sail along the Sava River, which marks the border between Bosnia and Croatia, before arriving in Slavonski Brod for the evening.

The next three days will be spent exploring Croatia. First, travelers will have a guided tour of the Slavonski Brod. Travelers will have a guided tour of the town center and main square. Located in the main square is the Franciscan churchand the Brod Citadel, an imposing Vauban inspired style construction which was built to protect the Austro-Hungarian Empire from the Turkish invasion. Then, after returning to the ship, the cruise continue to Jasenovac for the evening.

In the morning, guests will head to Lonjsko Polje Nature Park for the day's excursion. These wetlands are the largest protected wetlands in Croatia, an area favored by the migratory birds. After exploring the wetlands, visit an authentic Slavonian farm to sample regional produce. Guests will then board the ship and cruise towards Sisak en route to Zagreb. Upon arriving in Zagreb travelers have the day to stroll around this picture perfect city during a free day. Visit the breathtaking gardens, saunter along the steep streets of Gradec and Kaptol, and discover Zagreb's historic center. In the evening, guests will return on board for a farewell gala evening.

The next morning, guests can either disembark or continue on a 2-day, 1-night extension. This add-on begins with a transfer by coach to Varazdin, in the province of Zagorje, with a guided visit through this baroque gem. Then in the afternoon, sail towards Lake Balaton, a favorite destination among Hungarians, for a short visit. Spend the night at a local hotel and enjoy a free evening.

After breakfast at the hotel the next morning, go on a guided visit of Tihany followed by free time to explore this peninsula's overflowing beauty from the enchanting setting and local shops to the rich history of the Benedictine Abbey. Inthe afternoon, guests will be tranfered to Budapest, where they are free to enjoy lunch and all the sites the city has to offer. The extension will end upon arrival in Budapest.

For complete details on this itinerary and excursions, please visit: https://www.croisieuroperivercruises.com/cruises/journey-between-central-europe-and-balkans

* Starting prices are per person double sharing a twin cabin on the lower deck and include all drinks and meals served on board (excluding champagne and drinks from the wine list), shore excursions, free Wifi and a complimentary Samsung Galaxy Tablet in the lobby for guests to use during their trip. Pricing listed in this announcement includes 1-night extension. This can be removed for passengers not interested in staying on for the additional night. For single supplement fares or other pricing questions, please call CroisiEurope's US Call Center at (800) 768-7232.

Photo: Town of Sremski Karlovi in Serbia (Photo Credit: CroisiEurope)