Cruising down the Danube



It is enough to hear Strauss’s waltz On the Beautiful Blue Danube to start dreaming about a cruise along the Danube River. Yet, a cruise down the Danube remains the classic way to explore the beauty in this part of the Continent. Dennitza Simeonova is a representative of the Bulgarian Cruise Sociaety which brings together cruise lovers from across the country.

« The cruises down the Danube are a very nice way to spend your vacation », Denitza Simeonova told Radio Bulgaria. «Over a week you have the chance to see nine countries including Bulgaria. Usually the cruiser travels at night and casts anchor at the big ports during the day, so that people can see the local sights”.



On entering Bulgaria travelers can see the Baba Vida Fortress near the town of Vidin, which is the only medieval fortress preserved in Bulgaria to date. Cruising down the river you will enjoy beautiful views and songs of birds. The Danube goes by a lot of places related to the big bird migration route between Europe and Asia. The humid areas by the river shelter a large number of bird colonies. One such place is the small river island of Persina declared a nature reserve for its unique bird species diversity. Its impenetrable marshes are home to numerous colonies of gulls, cormorants, herons, wild ducks, to name but a few. The island is a unique autumn venue for the black stork before its flight to the Southern countries.



Cruising eastwards along the river you reach Ruse, one of Bulgaria’s most beautiful Danube cities. It is known as “The Small Vienna” for its magnificent buildings dating back to the late 19th century. Ruse stands out with its rich culture programs, various museums and cozy restaurants that offer Bulgarian cuisine. Passengers can also visit Rusenski Lom Natural Reserve not far away from Ruse, which is known for its unique flora and fauna. The rock nooks hanging over one of the Danube’s tributaries is home to colonies of black storks, Egyptian vultures, spotted eagles, etc.



The famous Ivanovo Monasteries, which were carved into the rocks more than 7 centuries ago, are in the vicinity of Ruse, too. They are under the auspices of UNESCO, attracting thousands of tourists every year. Toward the northeast part of the Danube, just before cruisers leave the Bulgarian river valley, you find yourself in Silistra- one of the country’s oldest towns, which was founded some 2000 years ago as a Roman fortress. Passengers take off the cruiser only to visit an architectural and historical reserve in the town’s centre, where a patriarchal basilica was recently excavated. What is more, the Srebarna Nature Reserve, which is some 2 km away from Silistra, is also a must see. The reserve is home to more than 221 bird species. One of the world’s biggest populations of the Dalmatian pelican nests in the reserve.

Denitza Simeonova has favourite seasons for cruising down the Danube.
“If you prefer to meet less tourists aboard and at the places you will visit, you should take your trip in spring or autumn. Yet, if you are looking for a good and sunny weather, you’d better cruise in summer time. The Danube Cruises aim to make you familiar with interesting facts about the places you visit. Various discussions are organized aboard. For instance, you can hear talks about Bulgarian culture or a historical event from Europe’s life”, Denitza Simeonova said for Radio Bulgaria.



If you want to explore the Bulgarian banks alone, you can take a daily cruise from the big ports of Varna and Burgas. Rest assured, the trip will bring you picturesque views and pleasant emotions.

This looks lovely, our first glimpses of Bulgaria will be via the Danube the beginning of May. The boat is in Budapest and it shall be taken out of its winter wollies and we will be sailing down through Romania and Bulgaria to the Mamara sea and out into the Agean and round to Didim D Marina. Then shall either stay in Altinkum for a short while and then maybe come back and explore a bit more of Bulgaria. The world is our lobster!!!

Well if the worlds your Lobster I hope you enjoy your trip perhaps you could let us know how it all goes and some picture will always be welcome

Yes we saw that ship moored in Silistra next to the (5 star hotel) in Sept. Very impressive it was. The last picture on here is of Silistra. Romania is directly across the river. You also have the Srebarna Nature Reserve outside Silistra.

Oddy

Done this trip a few times and I never get board with it there is always something new to see even if its only wildlife

BGTRAVELLER wrote:

even if its only wildlife

Do you mean Bulgarians or Romanians?

Love it George [You must be registered and logged in to see this image.]

We are not doing it on a big ship it will be a motor cruiser or something only four berth along with our cycles to do the cycle paths hopefully. I Hope the wild life aint too wild i dont like snakes and stuff!

Larlar wrote:

I Hope the wild life aint too wild i dont like snakes and stuff!

You haven't dealt with Bulgarian officials then - otherwise you'd know

I will leave all that to Roger the Cabin Boy

Larlar wrote:

Roger the Cabin Boy

OK, I'm sure we can find someone to have a go at that

:Very sad:Well bit of an update on this post - we were so disappointed, our friends delayed their departure from Budapest and we was due to leave around the 12th of August but due to some serious health problems with hubby we could nt join them - we are still gutted but keeping in touch with them via FB....all is going well and they went through Serbia and into their third week now and at Sozpol Marina, not heard in detail if they have had any problems cept maybe some cabin fever with each other - as we were so gutted and disappointed they said hopefully we can join them next year and do the Greek Islands if all goes ok and they get the boat to Didim Marina. O well hubbys health is more important I suppose and at least hes getting sorted and did nt have the problems when actually travelling or that would have been very scarey for all of us

Sorry to hear about this but as you say there is always next year and a persons health is fare more important

Just heard from our friends and they have made it to the Bosphoros sea and going down to Istanbul......things had gone a bit quiet but they seem to be making good progress - it should be a bit faster now as I dont think they could go that fast on the waterways and canals. Cant wait to hear of their trip and I think they are going round into the Marmaris sea and out into the Agean and down the coast to Didim...................am still quite gutted though - what a tirp we missed ::