Lower Danube – Bucharest to Budapest with Kosher River Cruises October 2027

Featuring

• Onboard Historian: Dr. Henry M. Abramson - Dean, Touro College

• Culinary Experiences with Naomi Nachman

• Delicious Kosher Cuisine by Master Kosher Chef Malcolm Green & Team

The Journey

Flowing gracefully for over 535 miles (860 kilometers) from Bucharest to Budapest, the Lower Danube River offers travelers a journey not only through spectacular landscapes but through centuries of layered Jewish history. Along its banks, Hungary, Croatia, Serbia, Bulgaria, and Romania each tell a distinct story, shaped by empires, migrations, and the enduring spirit of Jewish life.

Romania opens our first chapter as our adventure begins in its capital city of Bucharest. Once home to over 250,000 Jews—including Ashkenazim, Sephardim, and Karaites—it offers travelers a chance to explore ornate synagogues, hidden cemeteries, and vibrant historical quarters. From Bucharest’s Coral Temple to the rustic charm of Moldavian towns, Jewish history is woven into the fabric of Romanian life.

Bulgaria, curving with the Danube toward the Black Sea, presents a story of resilience and complexity. While native Jews were largely protected during the Holocaust, those in occupied territories suffered greatly. After the war, thousands of Bulgarian Jews emigrated to Israel—but their legacy remains.

In Serbia, discover Novi Sad’s striking Art Nouveau synagogue and the traces of a community that once stood at the crossroads of tradition and modernity. Belgrade remains home to an active synagogue nestled in a dynamic city with a rich multicultural heritage.

End in Budapest, where a vibrant contemporary Jewish community thrives amid grand cafés and atmospheric streets. Its historic Jewish quarter: anchored by the majestic Dohány Street Synagogue—one of the largest in Europe—and wander among kosher eateries, memorials, and museums that bring Hungary’s past and present to life.

 

Traveling the Lower Danube between Bucharest to Budapest is more than a scenic voyage—it is a deep and moving encounter with the Jewish heart of Central and Eastern Europe.

Schedule

Day 1 (Tu) Bucharest (Romania) – *Pre Tour Included 

Day 2 (We) Bucharest – Turnu Magurele (Romania) Paris of the East & Jewish Heritage 

Day 3 (Th) Vidin (Bulgaria) Crossroads of Cultures and Jewish Memory 

Day 4 (Fr) Donji Milanovac / Golubac (Serbia) Ancient Civilizations and Mighty Fortresses 

Day 5 (Sa) Golubac (Serbia) Shabbat on the Danube 

Day 6 (Su) Belgrade – Serbia’s Capital & Jewish Heritage 

Day 7 (Mo) Novi Sad – Serbia’s Cultural Gem & Jewish Heritage 

Day 8 (Tu) Kalocsa – Hungary’s Heartland: Puszta Traditions & Jewish Heritage 

Day 9 (We) Budapest (Hungary), Farewell 

Day 10 – Budapest Depart

The Ship

The Emerald Sky: Our 5* luxury ship has bright, airy cabins with unrestricted views of the scenery through wide, glass panoramic windows, each with private balconies, indoor pool, fitness room, private lounge, and so much more. Imagine all the thrill of European travel with the sheer ease of river transport!

Intimate and comfortable, with every amenity you could wish for, our luxury vessels were designed with you in mind. From the moment you step on board you’ll be spoilt for choice. From our wide selection of Glatt kosher dining choices to our luxuriously appointed private balcony suites, you’ll enjoy the ultimate in all-inclusive river cruising, every moment of the day.