Grand Lower Danube
Vienna to Bucharest
13 Days
Departs September 17, 2025
On Request
Slightly Challenging
Lüftner Cruises • AMADEUS Nova
Cruising along the Lower Danube reveals the essence of Eastern Europe, where grand imperial cities transition into charming rural towns and dramatic landscapes. Centuries of history will unfold before us—from ornate palaces echoing with the sounds of Strauss waltzes to weathered fortresses standing guard over the river. Every twist of the Danube brings a new marvel: the towering cliffs of the Iron Gates, framed by the majestic Carpathian and Balkan mountains, tranquil stretches of untouched wilderness, and cities full of life and energy.
Seats are filling up fast! This journey is now available on request.
sales [at] craigtravel.com (subject: Grand%20Lower%20Danube%202025%20) (Submit Booking Request)
Tour Highlights
- Scenic cruising through the Iron Gates between the Carpathian and Balkan mountains
- Explore historic European capitals including Vienna, Bratislava, Budapest, Belgrade, and Bucharest
- Excursion to the Kopački Rit wetlands, one of Europe's largest and most biodiverse nature reserves
- Evening cruise through illuminated Budapest, known as the "Queen of the Danube"
- Lively folk shows featuring traditional music and dance from Hungary, Serbia, and Romania
Inclusive Features
- Return economy group airfare from Canada to Europe
- 3 night accommodations as indicated or similar
- 8-night deluxe cruise in an outside stateroom on the AMADEUS Nova or similar
- Transfers between airports, hotels and the ship
- Baggage handling shipside and at hotels
- Welcome cocktail reception and welcome dinner aboard the ship
- All meals during the cruise plus quality European wines with dinner
- Services of your journey leader and / or cruise director
- Guided shore excursions in each port
- All gratuities, surcharges, taxes and fees for included services
- Airport transfers in Canada or equivalent value with purchase of group airfare
Itinerary
Overview
Full View
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Lüftner Cruises
AMADEUS Nova
AMADEUS Nova defines the future of responsible luxury cruising. Impeccably designed down to the last detail, this vessel introduces the latest green technologies, reflecting our commitment to respect the nature of the remarkable destinations visited.
Joining the fleet in 2024, The beautiful AMADEUS Nova retains the design essence found throughout the AMADEUS line. Spacious personal accommodations, floor-to-ceiling panoramic windows in every cabin, and choice of bed configuration in all categories (double or twin bedding). The technology you don’t see—hybrid engines, solar panels, and cutting-edge energy conservation—is as important as what you do see. Around each corner, discover elegant spaces to roam, multiple dining venues, a heated swimming pool, and unparalleled views from every suite.
Purpose-built to sail the safe scenic waters of Europe’s rivers, she has three decks with cabins and public rooms plus a spacious Sun Deck for viewing the countryside.
When the sun lowers in the Western skies, slip into your favourite evening clothes and wander into the elegant wine bar. Soft voices fill the air as new friends gather to enjoy a four-course dinner as the AMADEUS Nova’s attentive staff anticipates your every request.
Cruise Cost in Canadian Dollars Per Person
Category C-4 Outside on Haydn Deck
Cruise / Tour Only
$6,345
Toronto
$8,435
Montreal / Ottawa
$8,615
Halifax / Winnipeg / Thunder Bay
$8,675
St. John’s
$8,715
Regina / Saskatoon / Victoria
$8,815
Calgary / Edmonton / Vancouver
$8,775
Single Supplement
$1,175
Stateroom Upgrades Available
Stateroom Description (Deck)
C-1 Deluxe (Haydn - panoramic window)
Single
$1,775
Double/Twin
$595
Stateroom Description (Deck)
B-4* Deluxe (Strauss - panoramic window)
Single
$3,125
Double/Twin
$1,295
Stateroom Description (Deck)
B-1* Deluxe (Strauss - panoramic window)
Single
$4,645
Double/Twin
$1,745
Stateroom Description (Deck)
A-1* Deluxe (Mozart - panoramic window)
Single
$5,795
Double/Twin
$2,295
Stateroom Description (Deck)
Suite Deluxe (Mozart - walk-out exterior balcony)
Single
$9,795
Double/Twin
$3,425
Payment and Booking Terms
Deposit is $1,200 per cabin.
Final payment is due May 15, 2025.
Rates are per person based on sharing a Cat C-4 Outside Twin (panoramic window) on Haydn Deck. Cruise/Tour only cost exclude airfares and airport transfers. Airfares and air carrier are estimated, subject to change, and will be confirmed prior to final payment. Refer to inclusive features for details.
*Cabins have a drop-down panoramic window that extends across the entire width of the cabin and can open to make the stateroom become its own balcony. Stateroom categories are subject to availability at the time of booking - book early for the best choice. See the deck plan for full details on various categories available. Singles are extremely limited, please enquire for rates or visit our website. River cruise price is based on sharing a twin- bedded stateroom with a private bathroom. Prices are based on a minimum of 20 members and on rates, taxes, and fees effective July 2024, and are subject to change due to factors beyond our control. This river cruise will be escorted with a minimum of 20 travellers.
Insurance is NOT INCLUDED but is highly recommended. Premiums are calculated based on the individual’s age, destination (country), trip length, and trip booking window –please contact our staff to receive a quote. Your coverage starts on the effective date of your confirmation of coverage. Please discuss your insurance coverage prior to booking. Check our website for the most current information. Refer to terms and conditions for more details.
Journey Leader
Cathy Semler
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retired as a high school principal after devoting 35 years to the teaching profession. She is a seasoned traveller who loves the opportunity to learn from new adventures. Her travels have taken her to Alaska, Australia, New Zealand, India, Costa Rica, Ireland, and various destinations throughout Europe. She enjoys visiting iconic cities such as Paris, Amsterdam, and London, as well as hiking in the mountains and cruising to different countries.
Frequently Asked Questions
Check out some of our frequently asked questions before booking your journey.
- What are Craig Journeys all about?
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Our goal is to offer meaningful authentic experiences that inspire a deeper understanding of the world we inhabit. Through immersive sightseeing and engaging interactions with local people and cultural sites, we strive to foster a greater appreciation of our global community.
We go to great lengths to ensure the physical comfort of our members, providing excellent accommodations, delicious cuisine, comfortable transportation, and more. At the same time, we encourage them to embrace and engage with local customs.
- Why should I book with Craig Travel?
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All of our tours are carefully planned to provide a comfortable pace, quality accommodations, in-depth sightseeing, and fully inclusive pricing. We encourage you to compare our offerings with other tours available. Check to see exactly what is included and what extras you may be required to pay.
- What do you mean by 'Fully Inclusive' pricing?
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Almost all Craig Tours and Cruises include all prepaid costs, encompassing airfare and related taxes, hotel accommodations and/or cruise expenses with taxes and service fees, most meals as described for each departure, sightseeing with entrance fees, gratuities for included services (such as guides, drivers, hotel staff, porters), and even airport transfers. For those residing in southern Ontario, we provide transfers between your home and the airport in most areas, while other passengers receive a special credit or an overnight stay at an airport hotel, depending on the circumstances.
Not included in the published prices are personal services and items such as laundry, telephone calls, room service, and beverages with meals or otherwise (according to local customs; for example, beverages like water, tea, and coffee are typically not included in Europe except during breakfast). Shore excursions on ocean cruises are not included unless specified.
While taxes and fees are included in our prices, they always remain subject to change. Consequently, we may need to collect supplements to cover tax and fee increases that cannot be absorbed.
