Discover The Balkans and Beyond

• Return international flights with Qantas Airways or one of our oneworld partners (economy class) ex SYD/MEL/*BNE/*ADL/*PER

• 8-night 5-star river cruise from Vienna to Bucharest
• Sail aboard the brand new Amadeus 'Riva' or 'Star’
• Stay in an elegant, outside-view cabin
• Enjoy special onboard entertainment including lectures, cooking demos and live music
• Free-flowing beer and wines from Europe’s famous regions with every lunch and dinner onboard
• Enjoy a cocktail reception, welcome dinner and Captain’s gala dinner
• Experience an evening with a Hungarian folklore show onboard cruise
• Complimentary wifi onboard
• Complimentary use of onboard bicycles
• 24-hour complimentary coffee, tea, hot chocolate and water while cruising
• Bottled water replenished daily
• Onboard fitness centre open 24 hours a day

• 3 nights 4-star centrally located hotel accommodation

• Enjoy 26 meals including all gourmet meals on board

• English-speaking onboard Cruise Director
• Airline and cruise taxes and surcharges

Today depart from Sydney, Melbourne, *Brisbane, *Adelaide, *Perth to Vienna, Austria.

Meals included: In-Flight

Welcome to the beautiful city of Vienna.

Upon arrival, make your own way to the hotel. Enjoy the remainder of the day at leisure.

Overnight: Hotel Mercure Wien Zentrum or similar, Vienna

Meals included: None

There is much to see in this vibrant capital city: its imperial palaces, the impressive buildings along the Ringstrasse, St. Stephen's Cathedral, the famous Vienna Opera as well as stunning Schönbrunn Palace, the main summer residence of the Habsburg rulers.

Overnight: Hotel Mercure Wien Zentrum or similar, Vienna

Meals included: Breakfast

Embark at 16:00

Enjoy the morning to yourself to explore at your own pace.

In the afternoon make your way to the Danube port of Vienna for your cruise embarkation at 16:00.

The friendly crew will be awaiting your arrival. Enjoy time to appreciate the features of your cabin, as well as the ship's gorgeous decks.

Soon after, the Cruise Director will invite you for a welcome cocktail followed by a specially-prepared welcome dinner. The cruise will stay docked in Vienna for the night.

Overnight: Amadeus River Cruises - Amadeus 'Riva or 'Star

Meals included: Breakfast; Dinner

Departs Vienna 02:00

Docked in Bratislava from 07:00 to 23:00

The ship will depart Vienna at 02:00 and spend the night cruising for an early arrival into the Slovakian capital of Bratislava before breakfast.

This romantic city, with its impressive Gothic and Baroque buildings, is best explored in the morning.

Enjoy time to yourself to experience the city at your own pace, which is dominated by the imposing Bratislava Castle high above the streets below.

Alternatively, join an optional shore excursion - City Tour of Bratislava (not included). Stroll to the historic city centre, where you can admire sights such as the Primatial Palace and St. Martin’s Cathedral.

Overnight: Amadeus River Cruises - Amadeus 'Riva or 'Star

Meals included: Breakfast; Lunch; Dinner

Docked Esztergom 07:00 to 08:30

Docked Budapest 12:00 to 21:00

After breakfast, you can join a guided tour to Esztergom and Szentendre – two towns which, though vastly different, are equally fascinating.

In the former Hungarian capital of Esztergom you can follow the footsteps of Hungarian kings and clerics, while the artists’ town of Szentendre is unique due to the many museums and contemporary galleries housed there.

Passengers who choose to remain on board will, in the meantime, continue to Budapest, where those who opted for the tour will rejoin the ship for lunch.

In order to enjoy the magnificence of the Hungarian capital, you can go on a city sightseeing tour during the afternoon.

In the evening, you will enjoy an atmospheric cruise through Budapest, also known as the 'Paris of the East', which is festively lit up at night. A folklore show on board will complete the experience.

Overnight: Amadeus River Cruises - Amadeus 'Riva or 'Star

Meals included: Breakfast; Lunch; Dinner

Docked Mohacs 07:00 to 09:00

Docked Vukovar 14:30 to 22:00

You will arrive in Mohacs early in the morning, and depart again directly after breakfast, heading towards Croatia and reaching the eastern town of Vukovar after lunch.

You can take an optional city sightseeing tour, followed by a breathtaking optional excursion to the Kopacki Rit Nature Park. This 18-hectare nature reserve, situated at the confluence of the Drava and Danube Rivers, is home to a diverse bird population and provides a protected environment for many species of plants and animals. Explore this wetland by boat and enjoy the unspoilt beauty of nature before returning to your ship for dinner.

The ship departs for Belgrade during the night.

Overnight: Amadeus River Cruises - Amadeus 'Riva or 'Star

Meals included: Breakfast; Lunch; Dinner

Docked in Belgrade 08:00 to 23:00

This morning arrive in Belgrade.

Known as the 'White City', Belgrade is one of the most historically rich cities in Serbia, and sits at the juncture of the Danube and Sava Rivers.

Highlights include the Parliament, Terazije Square, the Palace of Princess Ljubica, and the St. Sava Temple - the largest Orthodox Church in Serbia.

The city has a vibrant pedestrian area with plenty of shops and markets to browse. To sample the local cuisine, head to Skadarska Street (Skadarlija), a popular dining precinct where the spirit of Old Belgrade is alive and well.

Explore the city at your own pace, or take the opportunity to join the optional shore excursion - Morning city tour of Belgrade (not included).

Tonight, continue cruising along the Danube.

Overnight: Amadeus River Cruises - Amadeus 'Riva or 'Star

Meals included: Breakfast; Lunch; Dinner

Admire the changing scenery as the ship makes its way around river bends and through the Iron Gates – a picturesque passage named for the two hydroelectric dams that control the water flow.

Watch from the deck as the vessel passes through the narrow gorge between the Carpathian and Balkan Mountains which form a natural border between Serbia and Romania.

Keep an eye out for the many caves and rock sculptures hidden among the steep hills overlooking the Danube.

Recount the spectacular day with your fellow travellers over dinner.

Overnight: Amadeus River Cruises - Amadeus 'Riva or 'Star

Meals included: Breakfast; Lunch; Dinner

Docked in Svishtov 07:00 to 8:00

Docked in Giurgiu 11:30 to 13:30

Spend the morning cruising the Danube River through the Bulgarian countryside, gazing out upon delightful homes and colourful villages from the comfort of the ship’s deck.

Those who wish can take part in an on-land optional excursion to Veliko Tarnovo and Arbanassi (not included). Beginning in Svishtov, it includes an exciting morning filled with culture and history, as well as lunch in a local Bulgarian restaurant.

The ship will continue to Giurgiu, where those who opted for the optional tour will meet back up with the cruise.

After lunch, the journey continues downriver and in the evening you can enjoy a festive Gala Dinner with your captain and an evening program which will be an atmospheric close to the day.

Overnight: Amadeus River Cruises - Amadeus 'Riva or 'Star

Meals included: Breakfast; Lunch; Dinner

Docked in St George Village 10:00 to 15:00

The natural beauty of the Danube Delta is on full display today.

Spend the morning cruising Sfantu Gheorghe (Saint George), one of the three main channels that make up the Danube Delta.

At the meeting of the Black Sea and the Danube, this UNESCO World Heritage-listed site hosts seven different ecosystems and is home to many unique species of birds, fish and other creatures.

Travel along St George’s Canal, also known figuratively as the 'end of the Danube' – the so-called 'kilometre zero' – where the mighty river flows into the Black Sea.

Your destination is the nearby fishing village of St. George, which is the starting point for an exciting Danube Delta boat safari (not included) – a great way to discover and get close to the impressive natural landscape and its fascinating flora and fauna.

In the afternoon, your ship leaves St. George.

Overnight: Amadeus River Cruises - Amadeus 'Riva or 'Star

Meals included: Breakfast; Lunch; Dinner

Arrive in Fetesti at 09:00

During breakfast, reach the Romanian town of Fetesti, where you leave your floating hotel.

After disembarking, make your way to Bucharest, and check in at your centrally-located 4-star hotel.

Enjoy the remainder of the day to explore this vibrant city at your own pace, which has two million inhabitants and a unique charm thanks to its eclectic mix of buildings from different eras.

Bucharest has often been referred to as ‘Little Paris’. See its main attractions including the Parliament, Arcul de Triumf (identical to the Arc de Triomphe from Paris), Lipscani (a neighbourhood that will remind you of Paris), and more.

Overnight: Mercure Bucharest City Centre or similar, Bucharest

Meals included: Breakfast

After breakfast make your way to Bucharest Airport for the return flight home to Australia.

Meals included: Breakfast; In-Flight

Please note: Some flights may arrive +1 day later due to flight scheduling.

After purchase, you will receive a receipt and a Purchase Confirmation, directing you to an online Passenger Information Form. The Passenger Information Form must be completed within 72 hours of purchase.
Any special requests, preferences and optional extras MUST be clearly stated in your Passenger Information Form. Any change requested after submitting your Passenger Information Form cannot be guaranteed, is strictly subject to availability and will incur surcharges as outlined in the Schedule of Fees below.
On purchasing this Travel Offer you are bound by the General Terms and Conditions, in addition to the specific terms and conditions outlined in this Important Information. 
Please note: All countries and territories have different entry requirements in relation to vaccinations, quarantine/isolation periods and travel restrictions. Due to the evolving nature, we would ask all of our customers to monitor, meet and adhere to the specific requirements of their intended destination(s) in the lead up to and immediately prior to travel, as well as any requirements post-travel upon their return. 
 

Qantas Tours packages are non-refundable. If your Qantas Tour package is affected by Covid-19 related travel restrictions and you are unable to travel, you will receive either a free date change (credit that is specific to your original package and purchase value) or an open credit less any non-recoverable supplier fees to the value of your original purchase for use on any other Qantas Tour or package available via the TripADeal website. 
Please note: Date change credits are subject to availability and not guaranteed until confirmed by TripADeal, not the tour operator you are due to stay with.
We recommend you consider purchasing travel insurance with Covid-19 protection. The standard cancellation policy will apply if you cannot travel because you have tested positive for Covid-19.
Please note: All additional charges are payable in AUD (unless otherwise stated). 
 

This travel offer is valid for travel on selected dates until the 17th September 2023.
This travel offer is priced per person based on a twin share. 
 
Single Traveller Supplement
For solo travellers, a mandatory single supplement applies:
• Haydn Deck: $3400
• Premium Haydn Deck: $3900
• Strauss Deck: $4700
• Strauss Premium Deck: $5300
• Mozart Deck: $6000
 
Departure Dates
2023
Amadeus 'Riva'
May: 24
 
Amadeus 'Star'
September: 17
 
Please note: See checkout for live dates and availability.
 
Departure Cities
Sydney, Melbourne, *Brisbane, *Adelaide or *Perth
 
Departure City Surcharges
*Brisbane, *Adelaide or *Perth: $200 per person

Full-Service Airline(s) Used
Qantas Airways, Emirates, Qatar Airways, Cathay Pacific and oneworld partner airlines (subject to availability).
Please note: One-way flights cannot be accommodated. Travellers must take all included flights within the package, and any flights intentionally forfeited will result in later flights being subject to cancellation.
 
Arrive Early in Vienna, Austria 
$300 per person, subject to availability
Please note:
• This fee does not include extra nights accommodation, meals or airport transfers.
• No flight booking changes or cancellations are permitted after air tickets have been issued.
• Flight changes are subject to availability at the time of booking.
• Blackout dates apply to flights departing between the below date ranges:
01/01/2023-30/04/2023
16/06/2023-31/07/2023
10/09/2023-14/10/2023
20/11/2023-31/01/2024
 
Stay Behind in Bucharest, Romania
$300 per person, subject to availability
Please note:
• This fee does not include extra nights accommodation, meals or airport transfers.
• No flight booking changes or cancellations are permitted after air tickets have been issued.
• Flight changes are subject to availability at the time of booking.
• Blackout dates apply to flights departing between the below date ranges:
01/01/2023-30/04/2023
16/06/2023-31/07/2023
10/09/2023-14/10/2023
20/11/2023-31/01/2024
 
Stopover Packages
• Twin share: $1000 per person/one way
• Solo traveller: $2000 one way
 
Locations:
• Doha
• Dubai
 
Includes:
• 2 nights in 4-star accommodation
• Daily breakfast
• Return airport transfers
 
Please note: 
• When a pre and post-tour stopover is chosen, the same stopover location must be chosen each way, due to the airline used.
• Stopover packages are subject to availability.
• Dubai is not permitted on the weekend Friday - Monday inclusive of the 2023 Grand Prix (dates yet to be released)
• Blackout dates apply to flights departing between the below date ranges:
31st March 2023 - 30th April 2023
16th June 2023 - 22nd July 2023
15th September 2023 - 14th October 2023
7th December 2023 - 31st January 2024
 
Flight Class Upgrades
• Business Class: For pricing, please refer to the payment cart at checkout.
Please note:
• Flight upgrades are subject to availability (if we cannot fulfil your request, the upgrade cost will be refunded).
• On any upgrade purchase, short-haul flights and domestic flight sectors are not guaranteed; subject to aircraft configuration.

Amadeus 'Riva'
The AMADEUS 'Riva' is designed to offer guests an effortless combination of the vibrant energy of a river cruise with an increasingly calm and intimate ship experience.
From spring 2023, the AMADEUS 'Riva' will offer guests a choice of 12 suites and 67 exterior cabins across four decks that feature mostly walk-out balconies or lowerable panoramic windows.
The new build follows the progressive design and top-level standard that the AMADEUS fleet is famous for, accompanied by generously designed public spaces, as well as numerous luxury outdoor and dining venues.
Guests can look forward to the elegant Panorama restaurant, an intimate dining lounge; the Panorama bar with dance floor, the classic Café Vienna, the glazed open-air River Terrace bar on the ship’s bow, a wellness area with massage, hairdresser and fitness room, as well as a spacious sun deck with relaxed lounge and outdoor restaurant.
The AMADEUS 'Riva' incorporates the very latest technologies in sustainable travel. The innovative ship’s engine not only enables highly efficient energy management but also significantly reduces CO2 emissions. The ship’s newly developed air filtration system with two-stage purification is equally innovative and modern. 
 
Amadeus 'Star'
A masterpiece of engineering and ship design, AMADEUS 'Star' joined the fleet in April 2019.
The ship offers a total of 70 spacious deluxe cabins and 12 AMADEUS Suites.
Similar to other ships, the cabins on the Mozart and Strauss decks also feature lowerable panoramic windows which extend across the entire cabin front and have been specially designed for the AMADEUS fleet.
All deluxe cabins and suites offer comfortable, spacious bathrooms, infotainment systems, a flat screen television, telephone, cabin safe, minibar and air conditioning which can be individually regulated.
 
Cabins
All cabins are subject to availability; some cabins may have restricted views.
 
Haydn Deck (Front Position)
Approximate size: 16m²
 
Amenities:
• Panoramic windows (cannot be opened)
• Spacious bathroom
• Wardrobe
• Choice of bed configuration (double or twin, subject to availability)
• Flat-screen television
• Individual climate control
• En-suite bathroom with shower/WC
• Hair dryer
• Direct dial telephone
• In-room safe
 
Premium Haydn Deck (Middle Position)
Approximate size: 16m²
 
Amenities:
• Panoramic windows (cannot be opened)
• Spacious bathroom
• Wardrobe
• Choice of bed configuration (double or twin, subject to availability)
• Flat-screen television
• Individual climate control
• En-suite bathroom with shower/WC
• Hair dryer
• Direct dial telephone
• In-room safe
 
Strauss Deck (Middle Deck Front Position)
Approximate size: 17.5m²
 
Amenities:
• Floor-to-ceiling sliding glass doors with a French balcony
• Drop-down panoramic window
• Mini-bar
• Walk-in wardrobe
• Choice of bed configuration (double or twin, subject to availability)
• Flat-screen television
• Individual climate control
• En-suite bathroom with shower/WC
• Hair dryer
• Direct dial telephone
• In-room safe

Premium Strauss Deck (Middle Deck Middle Position)
Approximate size: 17.5m²
 
Amenities:
• Floor-to-ceiling sliding glass doors with French balcony
• Drop down panoramic window
• Mini-bar
• Walk-in wardrobe
• Choice of bed configuration (double or twin )
• Flat-screen television
• Individual climate control
• En-suite bathroom with shower/WC
• Hair dryer
• Direct dial telephone
• In-room safe
 
Mozart Deck (Top Deck)
Approximate size: 17.5m²
 
Amenities:
• Floor-to-ceiling sliding glass doors with a French balcony
• Spacious bathroom
• Drop-down panoramic window
• Mini-bar
• Walk-in wardrobe
• Choice of bed configuration (double or twin, subject to availability)
• Flat-screen television
• Individual climate control
• En-suite bathroom with shower/WC
• Hair dryer
• Direct dial telephone
• In-room safe

Accommodation Used
4-star (self-rated)
• Vienna (Austria): Hotel Mercure Wien Zentrum or similar
• Bucharest (Romania): Hotel Mercure Bucharest City Centre or similar
 
5-star (self-rated)
• Cruise: Amadeus Riva' or ‘Amadeus Star’ ship
Please note: Accommodation/rooms offered are based on a lead-in room type, and are subject to availability based on seasonality. Properties will be confirmed, no later than two weeks prior to travel.
 
Extra Nights
Not available at check-out. 
Please note: If you are interested in booking additional nights accommodation pre or post tour, please wait until you receive your travel documentation approximately 6 weeks prior to departure for the confirmed list of hotels. If booking your own additional accommodation directly with the hotel please be aware that you may be required to change rooms at the start/end of your tour. 
 
Maximum Room Capacity
2 people 
 
Child Policy
• No child discounts. Full price applies for all children travelling with their parents.
• Valid for children 12 years old and over.
Please note: Children must be accompanied by a responsible adult 18 years old and over to travel. No unaccompanied minors allowed.
 
Triple Share
Not available
 
Bedding Configuration
Double or twin bedding (subject to availability)
 
Adjoining/Interconnecting Rooms
Subject to availability and at the hotel's discretion. Please enquire on booking if you require this option.

Minimum Group Size
2
 
Optional Tours/Activities
Introductory Excursion Package: $285 per person
• Danube Delta nature experience
• City tour of Belgrade
• City tour of Bratislava
• CIty tour of Budapest with visit to St. Matthew’s church & Fisherman's Bastion
 
Additional shore excursions can be purchased onboard, subject to availbility.
 
Unlimited Shore Excursion Package: $810 per person
• Bratislava - Beauty on the Danube
• Visit to Schloss Hof Palace and Estate
• Esztergom with basilica, Visegrad Castle and Szentendre
• Budapest - Capital of Hungary
• Excursion Vukovar & Nature Park Kopački rit
• Belgrade - Mixture of cultures
• Topola and Oplenac: Secrets of the Serbian Royal Dynasty
• Skadarlija, the artists’ quarter
• Veliko Tarnovo landmarks and cityscape
• Danube Delta nature experience
• City tour of Bucharest including lunch
Please note:
• The optional tours listed above must be purchased on checkout or over the phone prior to submitting your passenger information form (subject to availability) 
• Some tours require minimum numbers to operate.

Visa fees and requirements (a visa is not required for Europe for stays up to 90 days if travelling on an Australian passport)
• Meals/beverages not stated in the itinerary (including any specialty restaurants onboard cruise)
• Gratuities/tipping Recommended: 
-- Cruise $14 USD per person per day
• Optional activities/tours (including any 'onshore' excursions as part of cruise)
• Personal expenses
• Travel insurance (mandatory)
Please note: A comprehensive travel Insurance policy must be organised BEFORE all details can be finalised.

TOUR GUIDE VS. TOUR LEADER
Tour Guide
Often locals with intimate knowledge of an area, its culture, and history. Their role entails providing commentary, routing the tour, and seeing that people have a good time. They are a licensed, qualified expert who supplies specific information on the history, art, architecture and culture of the city/village/attraction in which he or she is guiding the tour. The guide meets the group at the required place and leaves the group at the end of the tour, they do not travel with the group. 
 
Tour Leader
An experienced person tasked with ensuring the smooth operation of tours, as well as providing practical support to passengers throughout the whole trip. Their role primarily includes assisting with accommodation, transportation between locations, and communication with tour guides at each stop. A tour leader may provide general guidance around a city or village, and offer information on the place visited on the bus, however, they are not required to have specific knowledge of art, architecture, or history. They are not allowed to provide a guided tour or commentary of a city/village/attraction once there and if caught doing so, can be fined. 
 Please note: Tour leaders/guides are not a standard inclusion in all travel offers. Tour leaders/guides will only be made available when particularly required to enhance the experience of the destination featured. 
 
CLIMATE & AVERAGE TEMPERATURES
Eastern Europe
May is known for mild temperatures that are ideal for sightseeing, with highs climbing to 21°C and lows to 11°C.
The average high in Eastern Europe and the Balkans during September is 20ºC, cooling to 16ºC at night. 
 
FLIGHTS
Seat Selection & Frequent Flyer Points
We do not arrange seat selection for you. It is important to highlight that some Airlines do not allow pre-selected seats. We strongly suggest you contact the Airline directly with seating allocation requirements and or arrive at the airport earlier to arrange your seating. While we do not add frequent flyer member details to bookings, you can do this directly with the airline once you have your flight information.
 
Passport Validity
Customers are required to provide valid passport details either at the time of purchase or no later than 45 days prior to the departure date. Failure to do so may result in cancellation of the booking. In this instance, customers will be responsible for any costs and fees incurred.
 
OTHER
Mobility
If you would love to travel with Qantas Tours and require wheelchair access please contact our friendly sales and service team to inquire on your behalf.
 
Meals:
It is your responsibility to notify Qantas Tours of any dietary requests/requirements. Please note: We will do our best to meet your requests/requirements; however, we cannot guarantee that we will always be able to.
 
Gratuities/Tipping
Cruise
Gratuities (tips) are not included in the tour price for the services of the cruise staff throughout the cruise component of this tour. Amadeus River Cruises is an internationally registered company & operates to US & European standards, both of which have an economy driven by a gratuities culture. Gratuities are expected on your cruise and will be charged to your onboard account at $14 USD per person per day. If you have any questions in regards to the gratuities on your cruise please speak to the guest services staff onboard the ship.
 
Sightseeing
Please note: In the event entrance to a site is affected by changes in operating hours or public holiday closures, your itinerary where possible, will be adjusted or similar activity will be offered in its place (subject to availability).
 
Shopping
Shopping overseas can be a daunting and confusing experience, especially when there is a language barrier. Please be very cautious when foreign currencies and prices are involved. If paying by credit card, please pay close attention to the amount you are being charged and keep all of your receipts. 
Do not make any purchases you are not comfortable with or feel pressured into. If you are uncertain or need assistance with the language barrier, please seek assistance from your Tour Guide/Leader.
Please refer to our Terms and Conditions in regards to shopping for further information

A tourist visa is not required for Europe for stays up to 90 days if travelling on an Australian passport.
Important: Visa rules may have changed since COVID-19. Check with the nearest embassy, consulate or immigration department of the destination you're entering.
Please note: Passengers who are not Australian citizens must check with the respective consulate or visa agency to determine what their visa requirements are and what personal identification is required. It is also important to note, some areas of employment such as journalism, government authorities and charity organisations may have additional restrictions in applying for visas. This may in turn affect the type of application required.

Voluntary Changes
This includes booking changes requested by you, including but not limited to those changes requiring an airline ticket or a Purchase Confirmation reissue.
• Changes - $100.00 per booking and any additional charges applied by the airline/cruise company/accommodation/other travel providers.
 
Name Changes Due To Passenger Error
• If the incorrect name has been provided, charges of $100.00 per booking and any additional charges applied by the airline/cruise company/accommodation/other travel providers.
 
Supplier Fees
In the event the Qantas Tour you have purchased is unable to proceed, and/or a travel Supplier is unable to fulfil the Qantas Tour due to external circumstances (Limitation of Liability e.g. a Force Majeure event), there may be a fee or amount of money that is withheld by our Suppliers and is unrecoverable. This may be due to non-refundable airline tickets, cancellation penalties with cruise cabins or unrecoverable payments with our land/accommodation partners. If refunds are not available from Suppliers, we will endeavour to obtain a travel credit on the best terms available and communicate these outcomes to you. In the event we are unable to obtain a refund or travel service credit, or part thereof, this cost is passed on to the customer as a Supplier Fee.