TUI Expands Danube River Cruise Experience with New Birmingham-Budapest Route for Summer 2026

In a bid to meet the rising interest in river cruising, TUI Airways has announced a new direct flight route from Birmingham to Budapest, Hungary. This service will launch on May 4, 2026, operating weekly on Mondays until September 2026, making it easier for travelers to embark on TUI Cruises’ Danube River sailings.

TUI’s strategy includes deploying three riverboats—TUI Isla, TUI Maya, and TUI Skyla—along the Danube for the summer 2026 season. These vessels will present various itineraries showcasing the region’s cultural and historical attractions. A key offering will be the 7-night "East Danube Explorer" cruise aboard TUI Isla, starting from Budapest and stopping at ports such as Mohacs and Kalocsa in Hungary, Novi Sad and Belgrade in Serbia, and Vukovar in Croatia. This package is priced from GBP 1,529 per person and includes the cruise, return flights from Birmingham, luggage allowances, transfers, and tips.

For those preferring standalone flights, return trips from Birmingham to Budapest will be available starting May 11, with prices from GBP 241 per person, covering checked and hand luggage.

Moreover, the new route will support TUI’s Lakes & Mountains program, giving access to locations like Lake Balaton. A week-long stay at the 4-star Hotel Azur Premium in Siófok can be booked from GBP 1,033 per person, including flights, luggage, and transfers.

This initiative enhances TUI’s offerings for UK travelers, aiming to provide enriching cultural experiences along the Danube River and its surroundings.

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