Lower Danube Cruises

The Lower Danube covers the southeastern stretch of Europe’s greatest river — flowing from Budapest through the Balkans to the Black Sea. Unlike the polished elegance of the Upper Danube, this region feels raw, authentic, and wildly scenic. Think fortress ruins, dramatic gorges, fishing villages, and cultures layered with centuries of history.

Important Note: When you see “Bucharest” on an itinerary, don’t expect to dock in the capital itself. Ships stop at Oltenita or Giurgiu, about 60–65 km away, with bus transfers into the city (usually 1–1.5 hours each way).

Primary Lower Danube Routes

Classic Lower Danube (Budapest → Bucharest)

• Duration: 8–10 days
• Countries: Hungary, Croatia, Serbia, Bulgaria, Romania
• Key Cities: Budapest → Kalocsa → Osijek → Belgrade → Iron Gates → Vidin → Ruse → Bucharest
• Highlights: Budapest’s grandeur, Croatia’s Osijek and its Tvrđa fortress, Belgrade’s energy, the dramatic Iron Gates Gorge, and Bucharest’s mix of Communist bulk and Belle Époque elegance.
• Operators: Avalon Waterways, AmaWaterways, Viking, Emerald
• Price Range: $3,500–6,000 USD

Grand Danube with Lower Extension (Passau/Vienna → Bucharest)

• Duration: 12–16 days
• Countries: Austria, Slovakia, Hungary, Croatia, Serbia, Bulgaria, Romania
• Route: Vienna → Bratislava → Budapest → Belgrade → Iron Gates → Vidin → Ruse → Bucharest
• Highlights: Combines the refined Upper Danube with the wilder Balkan sections. You’ll get waltzes in Vienna, ruin pubs in Budapest, fortress walls in Belgrade, and the canyon drama of the Iron Gates.
• Operators: Amadeus, CroisiEurope, Nicko Cruises
• Price Range: $4,000–8,000 USD

Black Sea Extension (Budapest → Constanta)

• Duration: 11–15 days
• Countries: Hungary, Serbia, Bulgaria, Romania
• Route: Budapest → Belgrade → Iron Gates → Vidin → Ruse → Bucharest → Danube-Black Sea Canal → Constanta
• Highlights: Ends at Romania’s Black Sea coast, with Constanta’s Roman mosaics and seafront vibe. Includes the Danube-Black Sea Canal, a feat of Communist-era engineering.
• Operators: CroisiEurope, Amadeus, Scenic
• Price Range: $3,800–7,500 USD

Specialized Lower Danube Experiences

Danube Delta Discovery

• Duration: 3–5 days
• Base: Tulcea with delta expeditions
• Focus: A UNESCO World Heritage wetland. Pelicans, wild horses, over 300 bird species, and traditional fishing villages.
• Operators: Amadeus, Scenic, local specialists
• Price Range: $1,200–2,500 USD

Iron Gates Focus Cruises

• Duration: 4–7 days
• Countries: Serbia, Romania, Bulgaria
• Route: Belgrade → Golubac → Iron Gates → Lepenski Vir → Vidin
• Highlights: A compact but dramatic journey through the gorge. Golubac Fortress, the massive Decebalus carving, and Mesolithic remains at Lepenski Vir.
• Operators: Scenic, Nicko Cruises, regional companies
• Price Range: $1,800–3,500 USD

Cultural Highlights by Region

Serbia

• Belgrade: Café culture, Orthodox domes, and nightlife along the Sava-Danube confluence.
• Novi Sad: The “Serbian Athens” with Petrovaradin Fortress and a lively festival scene.

Bulgaria

• Vidin: Baba Vida fortress and riverside walks. Side trips to the otherworldly Belogradchik rocks.
• Ruse: Called “Little Vienna” for its architecture, with easy access to Veliko Tarnovo.

Romania

• Bucharest: Huge Parliament Palace, Belle Époque streets, Communist leftovers.
• Iron Gates: The colossal Decebalus carving on a cliff face.
• Constanta: Roman ruins and Black Sea breezes.

Best Time and Practical Info

• Season: May through October is prime. June–August is peak (crowds + higher prices), while April–May and September–October bring value and softer light for photos.
• River Conditions: More stable than the Upper Danube — locks at the Iron Gates keep water levels reliable.
• Currencies: Expect a mix — Euro, Serbian Dinar, Bulgarian Lev, Romanian Leu. Have some local cash handy.
• Language: English works in most tourist spots, but Serbian, Bulgarian, and Romanian make the experience richer.

Sample Ports & Stays

Route Comparisons

The Lower Danube is Europe’s most adventurous river cruise corridor — from Budapest’s thermal baths to Constanta’s Black Sea breeze, it’s a ride that delivers fortress walls, wild cliffs, and the last great untouched delta on the continent.