Balkan Gems with Prague & Transylvania
- calendar_today 4 Apr 2027
- bedtime 14 nights
- directions_boat APT Ostara
- Suite price from $10,839*/person
Spend three nights in the Czech Republic’s charming capital, Prague, taking in the city’s iconic landmarks and enjoying an exclusive visit to Chateau Jemniště. Then, embark on an extraordinary seven-night cruise along the Danube River aboard the luxurious APT Ostara before exploring the highlights of Romania.
Now is the time to lock in your 2027 APT River cruise, Savings up to $3,400* per stateroom included.
INCLUDED IN YOUR PACKAGE
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Save up to $3,400* per stateroom
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Earn & redeem points on all travel* with our new loyalty program, World360 Rewards
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Three Nights hotel stay at Almanac X in Prague
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7 nights on an APT luxury river ship APT Ostara
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2 Nights hotel stay at the Radisson Blu Aurum Hotel Brasov, or similar
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Two Night hotel stay in Bucharest at the Radisson Blu Hotel or similar
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Experiences in 11 destinations
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Freedom of Choice inclusions
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A total of 34 meals and a wide range of premium onboard beverages
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In-suite dining and beverage service in all suites
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The services of an expert Cruise Director
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Exclusive – Enjoy a special lunch at Chateau Jemništĕ, then watch birds of prey fly free during an incredible falconry display
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Embark on a captivating tour of Golubac Fortress, which stands at the entrance to the Iron Gates of the Danube
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Transfers, port charges and gratuities
This cruise is available on multiple dates, and also in the reverse direction. Talk to your Cruiseabout Consultant to find an APT River cruise that suits your travel needs. Seasonal surcharges may apply.
YOUR ITINERARY
Be met on arrival and transferred to your hotel. This evening, get to know your fellow travellers and Tour Director during a welcome reception.
Stay:
Three Nights, Almanac X Prague
The capital of the Czech Republic captivates you with its millennia-long history. Begin your guided discovery at Prague Castle, where you’ll pause to take in views of the city. Take a leisurely stroll over Charles Bridge on the way to the Old Town Square, where you’ll see the city’s famous Astronomical Clock. As one of Prague’s most beloved landmarks, the medieval clock is more than 600 years old. Tonight, a welcome dinner awaits.
Daily:
· Breakfast
· Dinner
Today is set aside for your special experience. Enjoy the evening at leisure to relax or further explore.
Signature Experience – Chateau Jemniště
Descendants of the Czech Republic’s oldest aristocratic family welcome you to their 18th-century baroque home, Chateau Jemniště. Explore the estate and savour a special lunch, then watch on in awe as birds of prey fly free during an incredible falconry display.
Daily:
· Breakfast
· Lunch
Travel to Velké Bílovice for a light lunch in a traditional Czech restaurant. Continue to the historic Hungarian capital of Budapest and board your luxury river ship.
Stay:
Seven Nights, APT Ostara
Daily:
· Breakfast
· Lunch
· Dinner
Decide how to explore Budapest with a choice of sightseeing activities.
Freedom of Choice – City Tour
Enjoy a morning city tour of Budapest, taking in historic monuments such as Heroes’ Square and St. Stephen’s Basilica.
Freedom of Choice – Culinary Tour
Eat your way through Budapest as you embark on a tour of the Great Market Hall. Wander through this large indoor market and discover a variety of sausages, meats, cheeses, fruits and vegetables.
Freedom of Choice – Funicular Ride
Board a funicular to Castle Hill for superb views, then walk to Fisherman’s Bastion.
Gala Welcome Dinner
Enjoy a multi-course meal with an expertly crafted menu.
Daily:
· Breakfast
· Lunch
· Dinner
Decide how to spend today with a range of sightseeing activities on offer.
Freedom of Choice – Pécs Sightseeing Tour
Embark on a guided walking discovery of this ancient city, which is renowned for its architectural wonders, including the Early Christian Mausoleum and Szent István Square.
Freedom of Choice – Villány Wine Tasting
Travel to Villány, a renowned Hungarian wine region known for its red and rose varieties. Here, you will pay a visit to a local winery, where you will enjoy a tour and tasting.
Freedom of Choice – Guided Bike Ride
Perhaps get active on a guided bike ride along the Danube to an ancient mill.
Daily:
· Breakfast
· Lunch
· Dinner
Bearing battle scars from the Croatian War of Independence, Vukovar has risen strong and has a rich history. On an enlightening city tour, hear about the city’s wartime past and visit the Memorial Centre of Homeland War Vukovar.
Daily:
· Breakfast
· Lunch
· Dinner
In Serbia’s capital, choose your activity.
Freedom of Choice – Guided Exploration of Belgrade
Uncover the rich history of Belgrade on this guided discovery. You will see iconic wonders, including the Belgrade Fortress and the Serbian Orthodox Temple of Saint Sava.
Freedom of Choice – Kayak Tour
Discover Belgrade from a different perspective on this sightseeing adventure. Begin at the confluence of the Danube and Sava rivers, where you will paddle to Great War Island and Lido Beach.
Freedom of Choice – Belgrade Culinary Tour
Visit a bustling food market, where you’ll learn about the secrets of Serbian cuisine and be introduced to a range of local produce, meats and cheeses. Then, delight in a tasting of various types of Serbian brandy, known as rakija, complemented by traditional gingerbread biscuits, known as medenjaci.
Daily:
· Breakfast
· Lunch
· Dinner
This morning, your ship will dock at the Golubac Fortress, where you’ll disembark for a Signature Experience. Later, cruise through the Iron Gates and experience one of the most awe-inspiring natural wonders you will encounter on your journey.
Signature Experience – Golubac Walking Tour
Set out on a fascinating walking tour of Golubac, a charming village in eastern Serbia. Explore the striking Golubac Fortress, which stands at the entrance to the Iron Gates of the Danube. Built in the 14th century, the fortress’ strategic position made it an integral military border stronghold. Wander along the walls and towers of this remarkable fortification as you hear about its captivating history from your expert guide. From the fortress, take a scenic walk along the riverbanks of the Danube and soak up the breathtaking views. Then, visit a local riverside tavern, where you’ll delight in a delicious Serbian meze tasting, featuring an array of small dishes such as cheeses, cured meats and other local specialties.
Daily:
· Breakfast
· Lunch
· Dinner
Spend the day relaxing on board and enjoying the amenities of your luxurious ship. Perhaps indulge in a treatment at the onboard spa or sip a delicious cocktail on the Daystar Deck as you admire the serene landscapes unfolding before you.
Daily:
· Breakfast
· Lunch
· Dinner
Disembark your ship and travel to Salina Slănic Prahova, Europe’s largest salt mine. Descend 208 metres underground to discover some of the 14 chambers, as well as the museum. The pure air inside the mine is known for its respiratory healing effects. Later, enjoy dinner before continuing to your hotel in Brașov.
Stay:
Two Nights, Radisson Blu Aurum Hotel Brasov or similar
Daily:
· Breakfast
· Dinner
This morning will be spent exploring Bran Castle, also known as ‘Dracula’s Castle’. Perched atop a rocky hill overlooking the town of Bran, the castle’s striking orange turrets tower above a thick forest of trees in Romania’s Carpathian Mountains. Wander through its many rooms and admire the 19th-century antiques before returning back to Brașov for lunch. This afternoon, delve deeper into Brașov’s history on a walking tour.
Daily:
· Breakfast
· Lunch
Today, you’ll visit picturesque Peleș Castle, nestled at the foot of the Bucegi Mountains in the town of Sinaia. This neo-Renaissance masterpiece was commissioned by Romania’s first king, Carol I, and took 40 years to build. Enjoy free time for lunch in Sinaia, then travel to Bucharest.
Stay:
Two Nights, Bucharest, Radisson Blu Hotel
Daily:
· Breakfast
· Dinner
Set out on a guided exploration of Bucharest’s Old City this morning. The area has recently undergone a decade of refurbishments, transforming the city’s historic core into a vibrant, walkable quarter. Delight in lunch at a local restaurant before a visit to the Palace of the Parliament. Started in 1984, and still unfinished, this enormous building was constructed under the command of former dictator Nicolae Ceaușescu and has over 3,000 rooms.
Daily:
· Breakfast
· Lunch
Your journey comes to an end today with a transfer to the airport.
Daily:
· Breakfast
YOUR SHIP - The APT Ostara
Travel in unparalleled luxury with APT Ostara in 2025 – our brand-new river ships that redefine European river cruising. With a host of alluring features, our brand-new, ultra-modern river ships APT Solara and APT Ostara offer unmatched opulence and style when travelling along the Rhine, Main and Danube Rivers. Whether enjoying a cocktail up on the sun deck or retreating to your spacious, light-filled suite, there is so much to discover on board. Six unique dining venues include the elegant main restaurant, an intimate wine cellar, a relaxing conservatory, casual lounge dining, an exclusive aft restaurant highlighting seasonal produce and rooftop alfresco dining. Crafted in Melbourne by the globally acclaimed Hecker Guthrie design team, our brand-new vessels seamlessly blend contemporary elegance with timeless allure, drawing inspiration from Europe’s waterways, seasons, and locales. No more than 154 guests are assisted by a dedicated team of 60 crew members. A smaller number of passengers than many other vessels on Europe’s waterways ensures your every need is met and exceeded. Three luxuriously appointed suite categories include Twin Window, Balcony, and our lavish Owner’s Suites. Soak in 360° views from the all-seasons sun deck. Offering rooftop dining, a pool and a lounge area, indulge in a cocktail as you relish the sunset. A host of wellness offerings cater to your health and fitness goals, including an onboard gym, hair stylist and indulgent spa. E-bikes are also available for exploration on shore.
Description
Travel in unparalleled luxury with APT Ostara in 2025 – our brand-new river ships that redefine European river cruising. With a host of alluring features, our brand-new, ultra-modern river ships APT Solara and APT Ostara offer unmatched opulence and style when travelling along the Rhine, Main and Danube Rivers. Whether enjoying a cocktail up on the sun deck or retreating to your spacious, light-filled suite, there is so much to discover on board. Six unique dining venues include the elegant main restaurant, an intimate wine cellar, a relaxing conservatory, casual lounge dining, an exclusive aft restaurant highlighting seasonal produce and rooftop alfresco dining. Crafted in Melbourne by the globally acclaimed Hecker Guthrie design team, our brand-new vessels seamlessly blend contemporary elegance with timeless allure, drawing inspiration from Europe’s waterways, seasons, and locales. No more than 154 guests are assisted by a dedicated team of 60 crew members. A smaller number of passengers than many other vessels on Europe’s waterways ensures your every need is met and exceeded. Three luxuriously appointed suite categories include Twin Window, Balcony, and our lavish Owner’s Suites. Soak in 360° views from the all-seasons sun deck. Offering rooftop dining, a pool and a lounge area, indulge in a cocktail as you relish the sunset. A host of wellness offerings cater to your health and fitness goals, including an onboard gym, hair stylist and indulgent spa. E-bikes are also available for exploration on shore.
Launched
2024
Length
442
Capacity
154
AVAILABLE STATEROOMS
Click the tabs to view the different staterooms with their category
![French Balcony Suite-[A]](https://www.cruiseabout.com.au/volume/images/original/1710146696.png)
French Balcony Suite-[A]
Balcony
![Balcony Suite-[P]](https://www.cruiseabout.com.au/volume/images/original/1710146699.png)
Balcony Suite-[P]
Suite from $10,839*
French Balcony Suite-[A]
![Twin Window Suite-[E]](https://www.cruiseabout.com.au/volume/images/original/1710146665.png)
Twin Window Suite-[E]
![Twin Window-[EE]](https://www.cruiseabout.com.au/volume/images/original/)
Twin Window-[EE]
![Twin Window Suite-[ET]](https://www.cruiseabout.com.au/volume/images/original/1710146669.png)
Twin Window Suite-[ET]
![Owners Suite-[OS]](https://www.cruiseabout.com.au/volume/images/original/1710146714.png)
Owners Suite-[OS]
Important Notice
Price and promotion subject to availability and validity. Available to travellers departing from Australia. Pricing and save amounts are in Australian dollars but may fluctuate due to changes in surcharges, taxes or currency. Credit is not transferrable or redeemable for cash. Some promotions include an Early Payment Discount with discount valid when paying in full 10 months prior to travel. A strictly limited number of offers are available on selected itineraries and departure dates in selected suites/staterooms/cabins/room categories. Offers are subject to availability, not combinable unless specified, available on new bookings only and may be withdrawn at any time.
Save up to $700 per person*: This offer is valid on select trips and departure dates until 30 November 2026 or until sold out (whichever is earlier). The amounts saved will vary whether the booking is per couple or per person. Any available credit is not transferrable or redeemable for cash. To obtain this offer, a non-refundable deposit per person is due within seven (7) days of booking and final payment will be due 100 days prior to the tour’s departure date. If any of these payment dates are not complied with, then the offer may be revoked. Our standard terms and conditions will also apply.
Early Payment Discount is available per couple on select trips and departure dates. This offer is only valid when you pay in full, ten (10) months prior to departure. Our standard terms and conditions will also apply.
This offer is valid for select trips and departure dates until 30 November 2026 or until sold out (whichever is earlier). This offer includes airfare and taxes up to the specified value per person. This offer is based on wholesale airfares in economy class with an airline of APT’s choosing depending on routing. Departure flights are only available from select cities. All offers are subject to availability of airline and booking class. Once class is sold out, surcharges apply. A non-refundable deposit person is due within seven (7) days of booking. A second non-refundable holding payment per person will be payable as specified upon booking. Final payment is due 100 days prior to the tour’s departure date. Failure to make payment by the due dates may result in the offer being revoked. Our standard terms and conditions will also apply.
Offers are available for travellers departing from select countries. All pricing and save amounts are in Australian Dollars. Information is correct as at the time of publishing, but may fluctuate due to changes in surcharges, taxes or currency. A strictly limited number of offers are available on selected itineraries and departure dates in selected suites/staterooms/cabins/room categories. Offers are subject to availability, not combinable unless specified, available on new bookings only and may be withdrawn at any time. Prices shown are inclusive of Early Payment Discount and any other applicable dollar savings. A non-refundable deposit per person is due within seven days (7) of booking. Final payment is due 100 days prior to the tour’s departure date. Your booking contract is with Australian Pacific Touring Pty Ltd (APT), and incorporates all of the terms and conditions. APT recommends that you read and understand your contract, and ask APT or your travel agent if you require any clarification. Our standard terms and conditions will also apply.
The following product terms and conditions apply in addition to our Booking Terms and Conditions (available on our website) and terms and conditions of the relevant travel service provider. Prices quoted are valid for sale until 31 MAR 2026 for travel during the period specified (if applicable) unless otherwise stated or sold out prior. All prices are per person, twin share (unless otherwise stated), subject to availability and may be withdrawn or varied without notice. All savings are included in the advertised price. Some categories may have obstructed views. Airfare (including internal flights) is not included unless otherwise stated and, if included, is economy class unless otherwise stated. Airfares require full payment in order to ticket. Airfares if included are based on specific dates and routings. Flights may be altered up to the package value which your Cruise Travel Advisor will be able to advise. Components of the total price including local payments, “resort fees”, “national park fees”, “trip kitties” and food funds (if applicable) may be payable direct to the supplier on arrival or to your travel consultant prior to your departure. Where applicable, these payments are included in the total price quoted. Onboard spending money is not included unless otherwise stated. If included it is per stateroom unless stated otherwise, is non-transferable, non-refundable and has no cash value. Onboard spending money/credit may not be used in the medical centre or casino and expires at the end of the cruise. Gratuities are not included unless otherwise stated. Prices shown are fully inclusive of taxes, levies and government charges current at the time of publication. Additional supplier conditions and travel restrictions may apply. Prices shown are for payments made by cash in store or by BPAY. Payments made in store by credit card will incur a surcharge (see Booking Terms and Conditions for further details). Prices quoted are accurate as of 05 MAR 2026 and may be higher depending on date of purchase and date of travel. Cruiseabout cannot guarantee that any particular product will still be available at the following prices, or for your exact dates of travel. At the time of making your booking, prices may differ to the price displayed on the website. Terms and exclusions apply. Member tier determines benefit access. Some earn exclusions apply (incl service, change/cancellation & merchant fees, gift card purchases and bookings with brand credit). Some products redeemable in store only and min and max point redemption values apply. Ask in store or visit https://rewards.cruiseabout.com.au/world360-rewards for full details. Please contact your Cruiseabout Travel Advisor to obtain the latest up to date information regarding applicable prices, fees and charges, taxes, availability, blackout dates (such as school holidays), seasonal surcharges and other terms and conditions which may apply. View our full Terms and Conditions. (APTMAR6)