Bucharest to Budapest: A Voyage of Jewish Heritage on the Lower Danube
All Kosher, All Inclusive Cruise & Tour October 27 – November 4, 2027: 10-Day Adventure
Romania, Bulgaria, Serbia, Croatia & Hungary
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.