Danube Gorges - Banat Semmering Tour - 3 Days

If you dream of a getaway that combines history, wild nature and railway adventure, this 3-day tour through Banat is the perfect choice. We invite you to discover the Danube Gorges on a memorable cruise, admire the Decebalus Statue – the largest rock sculpture in Europe – and travel by vintage train on the Banat Semmering, the first mountain railway in Romania. This article presents the complete programme, what is included in the price, who this excursion suits and how you can make your booking quickly and easily. Prepare for three days full of spectacular scenery, places steeped in history and unforgettable moments in the heart of Banat!

What we visit

Our 3-day tour takes you into the heart of Banat, where history and nature blend harmoniously. Here are the main attractions we will explore together:

• Strehaia Monastery – Built by Mihai Viteazul (Michael the Brave) and rebuilt in 1645 by order of Matei Basarab, this fortified monastery is the only one in the country with the altar facing south. Legend says that Mihai Viteazul, born in Strehaia, built the first church at night, orienting it incorrectly. Did you know that in the 14th-17th centuries, Strehaia was the provisional seat of the Ban of Severin and the Ban of Mehedinți, led by Mihai Viteazul?
• Danube cruise through the Small Gorges and Large Gorges – We sail through impressive landscapes, where the Danube narrows and is flanked by high rock walls. Did you know that in some places the Danube narrows to 207 m, with a maximum depth of around 75 m? Along the way, we admire the Decebalus Statue, the largest rock sculpture in Europe, 55 m high and 25 m wide, carved between 1994 and 2004 by a team of 12 climbers. The cruise continues with Mraconia Monastery, built on the site of the former monastery from 1523, demolished in 1968 for the construction of the Iron Gates, and exploration of the Veterani Grotto and Ponicova Cave – the largest cave in the Danube Gorge, with galleries of 1,660 m.
• Banat Semmering – The first mountain railway in Romania, inaugurated on 15 December 1863, with 14 tunnels and 10 viaducts over a length of 33.4 km. It was declared Destination of the Year in 2021. The journey by vintage train between Oravița and Anina is an unforgettable experience.
• Lake Buhui – A picturesque artificial lake built in 1908, surrounded by deciduous and coniferous forests. We will take a relaxing walk of approximately 4 km each way on a forest road, ideal for nature lovers.
• Bigăr Waterfall – One of the most spectacular waterfalls in Romania, renowned for its unique shape. Although the waterfall collapsed in 2021, the area remains a symbol of natural beauty in the Cheile Nerei-Beușnița National Park.
• Water mills of Rudăria (Eftimie Murgu) – A jewel of peasant architecture, with mills powered by the force of the Rudăria River, arranged along the watercourse for three kilometres. The most spectacular is the Tunnel Mill.

What the price includes

The price of 949 RON per person for the departure on 18 September 2026 includes the following services:

• Transport by modern coach
• 2 nights' accommodation at Hotel Caras 3* in Oravița or similar
• Meals: 2 breakfasts and 2 dinners
• Danube cruise through the Danube Gorges
• Train journey on the Banat Semmering
• Accompanying guide throughout the excursion
• Entrance fees to the tourist attractions mentioned in the programme

The price does NOT include:

• Lunches (these are paid separately, at your choice)
• Other personal expenses

Who is this recommended for

This 3-day tour is ideal for couples wanting a romantic getaway in spectacular scenery, families with children passionate about adventure and history (the walk at Lake Buhui is easy and suitable for children), groups of friends who want to explore the beauties of Banat and active seniors who appreciate the comfort of a well-organized programme, with 3* hotel accommodation, meals included and accompanying guide. If you love nature, history and vintage train travel, this excursion will delight you. We recommend comfortable footwear for the walk at Lake Buhui and a bottle of water. If you wish to discover other spectacular destinations, we invite you to explore the Maramureș - Horses' Waterfall Tour or the Danube Delta Tour with Lipovan Borsch.

How to make your booking

Booking is simple and quick! We have departures scheduled in May, June, July, August and September 2026. The next departure is on 18 September 2026, at the price of 949 RON per person. To reserve your place, visit the excursion page Danube Gorges - Banat Semmering Tour - 3 Days, where you will find all the details and the registration form. Places are limited, so we recommend you book as soon as possible! The meeting point is at 06:00 in the Car Park in Victory Square, Bucharest, with free boarding in Pitești. For information about payment methods, consult the How to Pay page. The Luxuria Travel team is at your disposal for any questions!

Frequently asked questions

How long does the Danube cruise last?

The Danube cruise through the Small Gorges and Large Gorges lasts approximately 2-3 hours, depending on weather conditions. Along the way, you will admire the Decebalus Statue, Mraconia Monastery, the Veterani Grotto and Ponicova Cave.

Is special equipment needed for the walk at Lake Buhui?

No special equipment is needed, but we recommend comfortable hiking footwear and a bottle of water. The route is easy to walk, approximately 4 km each way (one hour each way), on a forest road.

Are meals included in the price?

The price includes 2 breakfasts and 2 dinners at the hotel. Lunches are NOT included and are paid separately, at your choice, according to preferences.

Can I board the train on the Banat Semmering with young children?

Yes, the train journey on the Banat Semmering is suitable for all ages, including children. It is a unique and safe experience, on the first mountain railway in Romania.

What is the cancellation policy?

For details about the cancellation and refund policy, please contact us directly or consult the terms and conditions on the website. Our team will provide you with all the necessary information.

Can I see other excursions organized by Luxuria Travel?

Certainly! We invite you to explore all our excursions and the departure calendar to discover other spectacular destinations in Romania and abroad.

Book now

Don't miss the opportunity to discover the Danube Gorges, the Banat Semmering and other treasures of Banat on a 3-day tour full of adventure and beauty! Places are limited, and departures are approaching fast. Book now and prepare for an unforgettable experience with Luxuria Travel!

Our upcoming departures

All are organized by Luxuria Travel, with our coaches and guides. Limited places.

New Year 2027

• Albania for New Year 2027 — Hotel Green Park, 6 days · departure 29 December
• Istanbul for New Year 2027 — 5 days · departure 30 December
• New Year in Maramureș 2027 — 5 days · departure 30 December

Late New Year

• Late New Year in Bucovina — 4 days · departure 21 January 2027
• Maramureș — Late New Year, with folk musicians, 4 days · departure 21 January 2027

February 2027

• Venice Carnival, by plane — Milan and Verona, 5 days · departure 4 February 2027
• Dubai for Valentine's Day, with visit to Abu Dhabi — 8 days · departure 9 February 2027

Christmas 2026

• Christmas Markets: Budapest, Vienna, Bratislava — 5 days · departure 2 December
• Christmas Markets: Alba Iulia, Cluj-Napoca, Sibiu — 2 days · departure 12 December
• Maramureș — Traditional Christmas, 5 days · departure 23 December

See all departures → · Departure calendar → · Bookings: 031 419 00 21