Bucharest to Budapest Danube
All-Gay River Cruise 2021

September 04–13, 2021
Lüftner Cruises MS Amadeus Queen

10-day deluxe all-gay adventure featuring 7-night Lower Danube gay riverboat cruise from Bucharest to the “Iron Gates”, overnights in Belgrade and Budapest, plus 2 pre-cruise nights in Bucharest!

Brand g Vacations is proud to offer a unique all-gay river cruise experience unlike any you’ll find on the rivers of Europe today. With this all-LGBT+ full cruise charter on the Amadeus Queen, you will be pampered by a crew of forty in an atmosphere of total relaxation. We’ve created an itinerary that includes four countries (Romania, Serbia, Bulgaria and Hungary) that for decades were hidden behind the Iron Curtain.

Explore the undiscovered beauty of Eastern Europe as we sail from Budapest through the “Iron Gates”, the imposing gorge where the Danube breaks through the Carpathian Mountains, all the way to the Black Sea. Experience the Danube Delta with its amazing wildlife and breathtaking scenery before concluding your trip with a stay in Bucharest, the legendary Romanian capital full of history and tradition.

Explore the undiscovered beauty of Eastern Europe as we begin in Bucharest, the legendary Romanian capital full of history and tradition. Sail from Giurgiu through the “Iron Gates”, the imposing gorge where the Danube breaks through the Carpathian Mountains. Enjoy an overnight in the revitalized Belgrade before continuing on to the vibrant Hungarian city of Budapest.

The Ship

The Amadeus Queen is the 15th river cruise ship of the Austrian ship operator, Luftner Cruises. Similar to its predecessors, this ship continues with the company’s orientation to high quality river cruises in Europe.

This vessel follows the award-winning model of the AMADEUS Silver ships, but offers even further innovative developments. The popular concept of spaciousness has been maintained.

This includes not only generous public areas but also spacious cabins: 12 large suites impress with an outdoor balcony and a cozy reading corner whilst the 69 standard cabins mainly have panoramic window fronts which can be automatically lowered and luxurious bathrooms. A new on-board highlight is the indoor pool, the roof of which can be opened in fine weather. In the evenings, this area may also be used for informative talks, functions and cinema showings.

Travel Itinerary

Day 1 - Saturday, September 04, 2021
Bucharest, Romania
Arrive in Bucharest and transfer to your host hotel, the Radisson Blu Hotel Bucharest.

The balance of the day is free time to start exploring this beautiful city.

Meet your fellow guests at welcome gathering in the early evening.

Included: Welcome Reception

Day 2 - Sunday, September 05, 2021
Bucharest, Romania
Following an included breakfast at the hotel, enjoy a panoramic half day tour of Bucharest, covering the highlights the city’s eclectic mix of architecture before returning to the hotel.

The remainder of the day is yours to enjoy at your leisure.

Meals Included: Breakfast

Day 3 - Monday, September 06, 2021
Bucharest / Oltenita, Romania
Following an included breakfast at the hotel, enjoy a visit to the lavish People’s Palace-the world’s largest civilian building.

Following an included lunch at the Hanul berarilor – Orangerie, we will transfer to the ship for embarkation.

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Day 4 - Tuesday, September 07, 2021
Vidin, Bulgaria
Full day of sailing.

Weather permitting, enjoy an outdoor evening concert in Baba Vida (the fortress).

Or, enjoy free time to explore the nightlife of Vidin.

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Day 5 - Wednesday, September 08, 2021
Iron Gates / Donji Milanovac, Serbia
Today is spent on a day passage cruising the mighty Danube River and the picturesque ‘Iron Gates.” The Iron Gates is a narrow gorge between the Carpathian and Balkan Mountains which forms a natural border between Serbia and Romania, featuring breathtaking scenery.

In Donji Milanovac, enjoy a tour of the Lepenski Vir, one of the greatest and most significant Mesolithic and Neolithic archaeological sites.

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Day 6 - Thursday, September 09, 2021
Belgrade, Serbia
Today visit Belgrade, one of the oldest European cities and the capital of Serbia.

The City tour of Belgrade takes you to the Kalemegdan Fortress, for an impressive panoramic view over the Danube and the Sava Rivers.

Afterwards, see the National Museum, the Parliament,Terazije Square and the Palace of Princess Ljubica as well as St. Sava Cathedral, the largest Orthodox church in the world.

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Day 7 - Friday, September 10, 2021
Belgrade, Serbia
Today’s morning tour leaves Belgrade by coach to Topola, the site of the initial national uprising against the Turkish Domination in 1804. Karadjordje, the leader of the revolt, built a small fortress with a church at this location.

From Topola you will drive to the nearby town of Oplenac, which stands in a rich agricultural area covered by poplar, maple and oak trees. Here you will visit the Royal Mausoleum of the Serbian dynasty and the inside of the magnificent St. George’s Church, which is made of white marble and decorated with beautiful mosaics. The mausoleum contains about 20 tombs of members of the Serbian and former Yugoslavian royal families.

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Day 8 - Saturday, September 11, 2021
Mohacs / Kolacsa, Hungary
Located in southern Hungary, on the Croatian border, we arrive at the beautiful town of Mohács. From here, we invite you for a historical journey to see how paprika became the “red gold” of the Kalocsa Region. A visit to the “Paprika House” will give you the opportunity to taste cakes filled and baked with paprika, and other products made from paprika. Then you will walk through the 19th-century home of a local upper-class farmer family. You will be able to enjoy a short folk dance performance and local ladies, dressed in their embroidered costumes, will demonstrate old crafts, such as embroidery or painting eggs.

Thereafter, we will take you to the Hungarian Puszta to enjoy the scenery of the endless plain, where the sky stretches endlessly into the horizon, giving the impression of unlimited freedom. Enjoy the hospitality of the hostesses and riders wearing traditional costumes, quench your thirst with cool red or white wine or apple juice, taste the breakfast of Hungarian peasants and admire the galloping of the beautiful Hungarian half-blood horses. Do not miss the wagon ride which will complete the experience. After, we return to the ship in Kalocsa, where we continue our journey upstream to Budapest.

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Day 9 - Sunday, September 12, 2021
Budapest, Hungary
Today enjoy a morning sightseeing tour of historic Buda, where you can enjoy a splendid view of the twin cities of Buda and Pest.

Your tour on the Buda side also features the Fisherman’s Bastion, the Royal Palace, St. Mathias Church, and more. On the Pest side we’ll enjoy a scenic coach ride past some of the most significant sites and enjoy a photo stop at Hero’s Square.

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Day 10 - Monday, September 13, 2021
Budapest, Hungary
Disembarkation day. Transfer to the Budapest airport or stay an additional day or two and experience one of the many spas that the city has been famous for since Roman times. (Additional post hotel nights available upon request.)

Add-Ons

Optional Pre-Cruise Tour
Transylvania's Dracula and Peles Castles
September 2-4, 2021
This two night optional extension takes you to Sinaia, located in the Prahova Valley. Also known as Little Switzerland Romanian thanks to the beauty of its landscapes, and became the favorite destination of King Charles I who established here his summer residence, Peles Palace. Opened Oct. 7, 1883, the elegant Peles Castle was built in German Renaissance style, and has 160 rooms, a large VIP lounge upholstered in fine marquetry, a hall of mirrors, another Florentine which impresses with Murano chandeliers, and another in Moorish design. After, we visit Brasov city, founded in 1211 by the Teuton Knights, which will delight you with its medieval architecture and its beautiful scenery. Surrounded by mountains, the city was built around a main square. You will appreciate a walk in the small medieval streets with their shops and restaurants, pass by the famous Black Church and the old medieval towers or take a cable car to Tâmpa mountain for a commanding view from one of the highest peaks of the region.

The following morning we continue on to the legendary Bran (Dracula’s) Castle. Built in 14th century on the top of a rock in order to defend the region, the castle had several owners, the last one being the Romanian Royal Family. Today the castle is a history and medieval art and museum.

After touring, return to Bucharest to join your fellow travelers for a reception at the Radisson Blu.

Includes:
• One night hotel accommodations at the Radisson Blu including breakfast and all taxes in Bucharest
• Full day and one half day of guided touring to Transylvania’s castles district with visitis to: Peles Castle; Cantacuzino Castle; Brasov with Black Church and Bran (Dracula’s) Castle
• 2 Lunches and one dinner, including drinks
• One night hotel accommodations in Sinaia including breakfast and all taxes

$749 per person double occupancy or $1,299 single occupancy

Bicycle Tour
Melk to Durnsein, $75 per person.
Enjoy a scenic bike tour from Melk to Durstein on August 20, 2021. The ride is approximately 17.5 miles and it follows the river bank of the Danube. The route is generally flat and is surrounded by dramatic mountainous scenery. The ride will be leisurely with plenty of time to stop to enjoy a snack or grab a drink at one of the small villages along the way. Schedule permitting, the bike tour will finish with a walking tour of Durnstein.

Accommodations

Bucharest, Romania
Radisson Blu Bucharest Hotel
Radisson Blu Hotel in Bucharest city center is perfectly situated within walking distance of the National Museum of Art and the historic Old Town. In addition to its superb location, the Radisson Blu offers rooms with contemporary design by architect Uri Blumenthal and designer Buki Zuker.

The hotel is only 20 minutes from Henri Coanda International Airport, and it offers luxurious and well-equipped rooms with free Wi-Fi and many superb facilities.

Dine at one of our 5 on-site restaurants and 3 bars, with a setting and menu suitable for every occasion. When you're not out seeing the sights of Bucharest, take advantage of a variety of 5-star amenities and services. Recharge in our World Class Health Academy, featuring a swimming pool and Jacuzzi, aerobic and spinning classes, a fully equipped fitness center and saunas. When you feel like relaxing, visit the Bali Spa, which offers a nice menu of massages and body treatments.

Additional Pre-Cruise Night(s):
Single - TBD ; Double - TBD, per person, breakfast included.

Budapest, Hungary
InterContinental Budapest Hotel
Enjoy the enchanting city of Budapest built on the banks of the Danube River. The hotel is ideally located in the city center near the Budapest Parliament, Buda Castle and other popular attractions. The InterContinental's 402 guest rooms all are elegantly appointed and all expected modern amenities, as well as luxurious bedding. With breathtaking views of the vibrant life of Budapest, the InterContinental Lounge provides its guests with a superb feeling of exclusitivity. This hotel's convenient location and amenities make it the perfect travel destination.

At this 5-star hotel, guests can work out in the 24-hour fitness center or relax in SPA InterContinental, a sleek, full-service facility offering massages, body and facial treatments, manicure and pedicures, and body wraps and scrubs. Or, they can dine on superb Hungarian dishes, updated with the latest gourmet twists, at the onsite Corso Restaurant. Continental breakfast is served every morning.

Air-conditioned guestrooms at InterContinental Budapest feature contemporary décor and desks. LCD TVs are equipped with satellite channels and pay movies. Rooms provide safes, and multiline phones with voice mail. Wireless and wired Internet access are available (surcharge). Rooms include minibars and coffee/tea makers. Bathrooms offer bathrobes, scales, and hair dryers. Guests enjoy windows that open to city or river views. Rooms also have irons/ironing boards and trouser presses.

Additional Post-Cruise Night(s):
Single - $390 ; Double - $205, per person, breakfast included.

Highlights and Sightseeing

• Itinerary with stops in four countries

• Explores the capital city of Romania, also known as the “Paris of the East”

• Sail through the “Iron Gates”, one of the most stunning gorges in Europe

• Visit to the historic Kalemegdan fortress in Belgrade

• Oplenac – the famous St. George’s Church, which is the final resting place of most of the Serbian royal family

• St. Matthew’s Church and the famous Fisherman’s Bastion

• Széchenyi Chain Bridge – the twin-towered bridge opened in 1849 and was the first bridge linking Buda and Pest together

• Overnight on-board on the gorgeous waterfront in Budapest

Included Features

• Two nights in historic Bucharest

• Half day guided tour including the highlights of Bucharest

• Tour of the imposing and ornate parliament of Bucharest and sumptuous local lunch

• Guaranteed all-LGBT+ charter

• 7 Nights Cruise Accommodation

• Complimentary beer, wine, spirits and non-alcoholic beverages throughout the cruise

• Dining: all meals included during your cruise

• Services of an experienced cruise director throughout the cruise

• Complimentary shore excursions offered daily

• Use of state-of-the-art audio headsets for all excursions

• Brand g signature entertainment

• Arrival and Departure airport transfers in Bucharest (OTP) and Budapest (BUD)

Frequently Asked Questions

Flight Recommendations
Arrivals for the main program:
you may arrive at anytime on September 4th, or prior. Transfers will be provided from the Bucharest International Airport (OTP) to the host hotel. Your first event will be a welcome cocktail reception at approximately 5:30pm. Please contact us to discuss your travel plans and we will advise you regarding availability of non-airport transfers.

Arrivals for the pre-program add-on to the castles district:
you may arrive at anytime on September 2nd or prior. Transfers will be provided from the Bucharest International Airport (OTP) to the host hotel. No official programming will be scheduled prior to 5:30pm on the 2nd. Please contact us to discuss your travel plans and we will advise you regarding availability of non-airport transfers.

Departures:
Post cruise transfers will be provided on September 13th anytime. The ship will be docked in Budapest all night. All guests must disembark by approximately 10:00AM. We will transfer you from the ship to the Budapest Airport (BUD), Please contact us to discuss your travel plans and we will advise you regarding availability of non-airport transfers.

How can I communicate with home while in Europe?
Internet service is available at all land accommodations and on board this river boat. Due to the remoteness of the Danube, internet service on board may have some limited availability, and cell services may also be somewhat unreliable. However, the ship does have a satellite phone on board. You should check with your cell provider to determine if you have coverage in Romania, Bulgaria, Serbia, and Hungary, or if you can add coverage for the duration of the trip. Cell service will not be available in all areas. Contact information for the ship will be provided in your final travel documents.

What is the local and on board currency?
The official currency of Romania is the Romanian Leu. Since you will have two days to explore Bucharest it may be useful to obtain a small amount of local currency for incidental purchases, however most large shops and restaurants will accept credit cards. During the cruise, the Bulgarian lev is the official currency of Bulgaria, the official currency of Serbia is the Serbian dinar and the Hungarian Forint is the official currency for Hungary. Some vendors accept Euros and US dollars but may return change in the local currency. It may be useful to have small amounts of local currency while touring, however most large shops and restaurants will accept credit cards.

The official currency on board is the Euro. All charges for services and products on board will be placed on the guest’s shipboard account to be settled at the end of the voyage. MasterCard, Visa and Euros are also accepted for the settlement of guest accounts.

What are the passport or visa requirements?
Citizens of the US and Canada are required to have a valid passport, which expires at least 6 months after their last day in European Union. Visas are not required for citizens of these countries. Citizens of all other countries should check with the European Union consulate in their home country to verify entry requirements.

What if I have dietary requirements?
We will make every effort to accommodate special dietary requests. Please inform our office at least 45 days prior to departure of these requests.

How do I power and charge my devices?
The electrical current on land and on board is 220V. For those items that are dual voltage, suites on board the Amadeus Queen are outfitted with a multi-plug configuration feature. Guests should be sure to bring the appropriate converter for devices that are not dual voltage. For the land portions of the trip you should pack a Type F European two-prong plug adapter.

Currency
Hungarian Forint is the currency for Hungary; the Croatian Kuna for Croatia; Bulgarian Lev for Bulgaria; Serbian Dinar for Serbia; and the Romanian Leu for Romania.

What are pre-paid gratuities?
Gratuities are customary expressions of appreciation for a job well done. It is our goal to ensure that the service you receive is as wonderful as the sites you visit. Gratuities for the included portions of this program have been pre-paid. At your own discretion you may choose to provide additional tips

Who travels with Brand g?
All of our vacations are created for gay men, lesbians, bisexuals and transgender (LGBT) travelers, along with straight allies, who enjoy innovative escorted vacations to international spots. None of our current trips are designed for participants under the age of 21.

What can I expect on Brand g travel program?
All of Brand g Vacations will have at least two trip escorts. Depending on the size and location of the program, we will also include signature Brand g entertainment, including cabaret artists, DJs and comedians. The true stars of any Brand g travel program are the travelers themselves. Whether you’re traveling with a partner or interested in making new friends, our trips provide excellent opportunities to explore the world with others that share similar values.

Do you offer a single supplement or a roommate sharing program?
We do offer a single supplement on all of our travel programs; however, it may vary depending on the destination. Our goal with roommate matching is to help facilitate an introduction with other solo travelers prior to your vacation to see if there is compatibility to share a room.

I am traveling by myself; will I be the only single traveler?
Not at all, depending on the trip, anywhere between 15 to 40% of the group will be solo travelers!

What should I expect on the included shore excursions?
All shore excursions during your travel program are led by expert English speaking local guides. Excursions are designed for guests of most activity levels. Walking excursions can exceed 3 miles (5km) of walking with multiple flights of stairs included. If you need accommodations based on your abilities, contact Brand g before booking this travel program.

What to wear?
We recommend comfortable casual clothes and good walking shoes for touring. Jeans, shorts and t-shirts are perfectly fine for during the day, while at night we recommend country club casual. We also suggest you pack workout clothes, swimwear, light jacket or sweater and a light rain jacket or umbrella. Jackets and ties are not required.

Will there be smoking areas?
The comfort and safety of our guests is our first priority. Smoking is not permitted in the suites or enclosed, public areas on board. There is a designated smoking area on the Sun Deck. Land properties will have designated smoking areas.

What weather can I expect from this trip?
During September, Eastern Europe is starting the Autumn season. The days can range from the high 70s during the day to the low 50s in the evenings. On the Danube, the river can make it feel a little cooler, so don’t forget a shawl or light jacket.

What arrival and departure transfers are included?
This package includes an arrival transfer from the Bucharest Airport (OTP) to the Radisson Blu Hotel in Bucharest and a departure transfer from the ship. If you extend your stay at our host property the InterContinental Budapest, the transfers from the ship to the hotel and the hotel to the airport are included. Otherwise, you will be provided a departure transfer from the ship to a local hotel or the Budapest Airport (BUD) upon disembarkation. Contact our team or your travel agent to ensure arrangements outside of these arrival and departure transfers will be included. Booked guests should provide their arrival and departure details 45 days prior to the trip to ensure transfer availability.