Travelmarvel is delighted to be offering river cruising in the Balkans, considered an emerging hot destination for river cruising. A perfect way to showcase this incredible region in style travelling on the famous European waterways.  

 Encompassing Hungary, Croatia, Serbia, Romania and Bulgaria the Best of the Balkans 14 night cruise covers all the highlights of this often unexplored area.  

Nathan Walker, Europe Product Executive shared his insider knowledge on why the Balkans is such a unique and rapidly growing river cruising destination.  

Who is interested in the Balkans?  

Guests are interested in this area as a slightly more ‘off-the-beaten-track’ destination for River Cruising. Perhaps they have already done the flagship Amsterdam to Budapest journey with us and know they love river cruising as a travel style. Our Balkans itinerary offers a fantastic alternative for second, third or fourth time European River cruisers! We have a high percentage of guests who sail with us multiple times knowing the premium holiday experience delivered by Travelmarvel will be guaranteed on all our trips.  

Who is booking? 

We are really pleased with the response so far and have seen strong interest from Aussie travellers with 68% of guests booked on our Balkans product from Australia and New Zealand.  

Why chose this area over the rest of Europe? 

To get off the well-trodden path and experience a place truly new and exciting. You feel as though you’ve discovered a captivating, hidden corner of Europe and have stories to share no one has heard a thousand times before!  This fascinating place is often overlooked by many Australians, but it’s just so stunning with incredible natural beauty, making it an absolute must-see. 

Who do you recommend it to?  

Everyone! More specifically we recommend this trip to anyone who has ever considered exploring this incredible and lesser-known region of Eastern Europe, but perhaps wasn't sure how, or wasn't comfortable to do it on their own. We can take guests to some truly unheralded and adventurous destinations, all with the surety and assurance of travelling with Travelmarvel. 

Our Travelmarvel European Cruise Director Roland Noordermeer has a soft spot for this area, as he explains…  

“I love the Balkans and the Lower Danube, where river cruising still feels like we are trail blazing. This area has always been the place where the orient meets the occident. You can sense the influence of the Habsburgs and the Ottoman Sultans, who have ruled here over centuries. The Iron Gates, which have nothing to do with the Iron Curtain, has been the gateway to Europe, from Asia Minor. For thousands of years this very area was the only easy way for people to pass through. The first civilisations in Europe appeared here. Crusaders passed through, the Ottoman and Habsburg troops and of course on the left bank we have Transylvania, known by many as the place where Count Dracula lived. Also, the locals in this area are so hospitable and genuine, it is just amazing.” 

The Best of the Balkans is the flagship 14 night cruise, showcasing all the highlights and is also available as two shorter 7 night cruises which are the Balkan Adventure and Legends of the Balkans.