Danube Gorge & Banat Waterfalls: Day Trip from Timisoara

Summary

Danube cliffs, caves by boat and green waterfalls near Timisoara

You’ll ride out from Timisoara to stand beneath Decebalus Rock on the Danube Gorge, cruise by boat between Romania and Serbia, explore two ancient caves, then eat riverside before wandering forest paths to Banat’s green waterfalls. It’s a full day of wild river air and quiet moments you might not expect.

What’s the experience like?

“That’s Decebalus — last king of the Dacians,” our guide grinned, pointing up at this huge stone face carved into the cliff. I’d seen pictures before but standing there, you feel tiny. The Danube below was wide and restless, almost silver in the morning light. We’d left Timisoara early (I was still clutching coffee), but by the time we hit the river, everyone was awake and swapping stories about who’d slept worst on the drive. The air smelled like wet leaves and diesel from passing boats — not exactly romantic but honest, you know?

The real rush came when we climbed into this little motorboat for our Danube Gorge cruise. I’ll admit I was nervous; the river here is narrow and fast, with Romania on one side and Serbia just across — you can almost wave to fishermen over there. Our guide kept tossing out facts about how deep it gets (don’t drop your phone) and old battles fought along these cliffs. We stopped at Veterani Cave first — ducked inside where it felt cool and echoey, like stepping back in time. There’s some graffiti from Austrian soldiers scratched into the stone if you look close enough.

Ponicova Cave was next — tighter fit, darker water slapping against the hull as we nosed in. I tried to take a photo but mostly just got blurry darkness and my own thumb. Still, something about being inside that cave with river sounds bouncing off the walls sticks with me. After all that, lunch by the water tasted better than it probably should have (trout with lemon, if you’re curious). Everyone got quiet for a bit after eating — maybe tired or just letting it all sink in.

The drive along the Danube after lunch felt slower, like we were digesting both food and scenery. Forests started closing in as we stopped for Banat’s waterfalls — first one after a short walk through wet grass (watch your step). The second waterfall looked almost alive with moss; our guide joked it resembled a dog yawning. Not sure I saw it, but I liked that he did. On the way back to Timisoara I caught myself staring out the window more than talking — sometimes a day just settles into your bones that way.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Explore Danube Gorge and Banat Waterfalls

• Drive from Timisoara to Danube Gorge
• See Decebalus rock sculpture
• Take motorboat ride through Danube Gorge
• Stop and explore Veterani cave
• Boat inside Ponicova cave
• Drive along river to first waterfall
• Walk through forest to waterfall
• Visit Modavita Waterfall
• Return to Timisoara and drop off

Top questions

How long is the drive from Timisoara to Danube Gorge?

It takes around 3 hours by car from Timisoara to reach the Danube Gorge.

Is hotel pickup included for this Danube Gorge tour?

Yes, complimentary pickup from your accommodation in Timisoara is included.

Do we visit both Veterani Cave and Ponicova Cave?

Yes, you’ll stop at both caves during the boat ride through the Danube Gorge.

What kind of boat is used for the Danube cruise?

A small motorboat is used for cruising through “The Cauldrons” section of the Danube Gorge.

Is lunch included on this day trip?

Yes, an excellent lunch at a restaurant on the Danube shore is part of the experience.

How much walking is involved at Banat Waterfalls?

You’ll walk about 5 minutes through forest paths to reach one of the waterfalls.

Can infants join this tour?

Infants can join; prams or strollers are allowed and specialized infant seats are available.

Are there any health restrictions for this trip?

This tour isn’t recommended for pregnant travelers or those with spinal or cardiovascular issues.

What’s included

Your day includes hotel pickup and drop-off anywhere in Timisoara, bottled water throughout, all guidance from a knowledgeable local guide who knows every bend of the river (and has plenty of stories), plus a riverside lunch before heading back past two unique Banat waterfalls on foot.