S.S. Helen, 8 Night Empires of the Lower Danube ex Belgrade, Serbia to Bucharest, Romania

Uncover the best-kept secrets of Europe on a cultural expedition through Bulgaria, Romania, and Serbia, three diverse nations at the heart of a region prized by the greatest empires in European history. The Ancient Romans. The Habsburgs. The Ottomans. Each immortalized through the kaleidoscope of architecture, language, art, and cuisines their modern-day counterparts inherited. Tucked away from the larger tourism hotspots of Western Europe, the destinations along this route have kept their authentic charm and breathtaking landscapes.

Day 1 – Belgrade (Embark)
Arrive at Belgrade Nikola Tesla Airport. If you have arranged a Uniworld arrival transfer, you will be greeted by a Uniworld representative and transferred to the ship.

Day 2 – Belgrade
Belgrade, the modern-day capital of Serbia, is one of Europe’s oldest cities, dating back some 7,000 years. Signs of its tumultuous history are visible everywhere, juxtaposed with the city’s vibrant modern-day present.
* This evening, a special Captain’s Welcome Reception and Dinner will be prepared for you.

Day 3 – Golubac, Cruising the Iron Gates
Head ashore to explore a Paleolithic site and an extraordinarily well-preserved medieval fortress. All along the way, history lines the banks of the river. Keep an eye out for Trajan’s Plaque, which the ancient Romans erected to commemorate the road they anchored in the steep cliffs above the water, and Golubac Castle, built in the 14th century and attacked successively by the Serbs, Magyars, and Turks.
* Unwind onboard as you cruise the breathtaking Iron Gates, an 83-mile-long (134-kilometer-long) stretch of scenic gorges that were cut through the Carpathian and Balkan mountains over eons by the Danube River.

Day 4 – Vidin
Vidin is a port town on the Danube that once played an important role in medieval Bulgarian politics, as the great fortress Baba Vida attests. It’s your base for an unusual excursion today—a visit to the fascinating Belogradchik rock formations. Alternatively, indulge in a wine tasting in a unique setting.

Day 5 – Fetești
Select one of two ways to explore the Romanian countryside, home to rustic traditions and vineyards shaped by a generous allotment of annual sunshine and a unique terroir.

Day 6 – Hârșova
This ancient city has been uniquely shaped by its position on the lush Danube Delta environment. Home to over 300 bird species and a diverse array of mammals, reptiles, and fish, the Danube Delta is the largest and most well-preserved river delta in Europe.

Day 7 – Constanța
Named for Roman Emperor Constantine, Constanța’s long history is one of shifting Greek, Roman, and Ottoman rule. This historic atmosphere pairs beautifully with the city’s breezy, coastal location and sun-soaked charm.
* In the evening, a special Captain’s Farewell Reception and Dinner will be prepared for you.

Day 8 – Constanța (Disembark), Bucharest
This morning, you’ll disembark the ship in Constanța and transfer to Bucharest. Tonight, you’ll relax in the comfort of a luxury hotel located in the heart of the city, Romania’s capital and its cultural and economic center.

Day 9 – Bucharest
Check out of your hotel this morning. If you have arranged a Uniworld departure transfer, you will be transferred to Bucharest Henri Coandă International Airport for your flight home.

Named for Helen of Troy, the S.S. Helen will marry the natural beauty of the Danube region with the Greek values of philoxenia (hospitality) and connection to nature, inviting guests to relax in a serene atmosphere of modern, Mediterranean elegance with subtle nods to Classical antiquity and the influence of Greek culture on European aesthetics. Guests who book a Grand Suite and the adjoining Deluxe French Balcony next door can see their stateroom transformed into an incredibly spacious 2-bedroom suite.

Leading the Way since 1976 We were the first American company to set sail in Europe, and we’ve been revolutionizing the landscape of river cruising ever since. With more experience than practically any other line on the rivers, we spent our time developing deep local connections, destination expertise, and the most incredible crew in the industry. Over the years we’ve grown to offer unparalleled itineraries on the rivers of Europe, Egypt, India, Southeast Asia, and the Peruvian Amazon.

The Original Floating Boutique Hotels We took everything travellers love about boutique hotels and made it float—think warm and personalized service, unique design schemes that highlight your destination, locally-inspired dining, thoughtfully curated activities, and ultra-comfortable furnishings. Each member of our fleet is one-of-a-kind, a work of art with its own bespoke details, custom fabrics, and local craftsmanship to bring the destinations outside in. Many of our ships even share a design team with the award-winning Red Carnation Hotel Collection. And the best part is, you’ll wake up to a wonderful new place to explore every day.

The Highest Quality in All-Inclusive Luxury River Cruising Our all-inclusive itineraries are tailored to deliver authentic luxury. You can keep your wallet closed the entire trip, and still find everything you need and more to have a fantastic time. What truly distinguishes the meaning of “All-Inclusive” at Uniworld is our commitment to quality and passion for Tiny Noticeable Touches™. Handmade Savoir beds, a wide selection of premium wines and spirits, and delicious cuisine made with locally sourced ingredients—every piece of the Uniworld experience is hand selected to transform good experiences into exceptional ones.*

No Request Too Large, No Detail Too Small® “No request too large, no detail too small”—that’s our driving ethos, and every member of the Uniworld crew lives by it. Our service is second to none. With a 2.4-to-1 crew-to-guest ratio and the longest tenured team in the business, our team starts to learn your name and your drink order from day 1. It’s little touches like this that make you feel like family onboard with us, and what makes returning for your next sailing feel like coming home.

Our Travel Family We’re proud to be a part of The Travel Corporation (TTC) collection of award-winning travel brands—including Trafalgar Tours, Luxury Gold, Insight Vacations, Contiki, and African Travel. We share a collective ethos: treat your guests, your staff, and the local communities you visit like family, and you’ll create the most rewarding travel experiences out there.

*Note: Inclusions may vary in Egypt, Asia, and Peru.

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S.S. Helen - Moselle Deck

S.S. Helen - Danube Deck

S.S. Helen - Rhine Deck

S.S. Helen - Sun Deck

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