Balkan Discovery (13 destinations)
Description
Summary
Description
Embark on a captivating 9-day journey through the heart of Eastern Europe, exploring the rich history, diverse culture, and stunning landscapes of Hungary, Croatia, Serbia, Romania, and Bulgaria. This multi-day tour offers a unique blend of guided sightseeing, immersive activities, and leisure time to explore at your own pace. From the bustling streets of Budapest to the serene landscapes of the Danube Gorge, every day brings a new adventure. Enjoy the comfort of overnight cruises, savor local cuisines, and indulge in the region's renowned wine-making traditions. This tour is designed to offer an unforgettable travel experience, combining the charm of ancient towns, the grandeur of medieval fortresses, and the allure of UNESCO World Heritage Sites.
Included
Chef-prepared onboard meals with regional cuisine and familiar favorites
Seasonal cuisine featuring the freshest local ingredients
Avalon Fresh® healthy cuisine options at every meal
Spacious, open-seating Panorama Dining Room
Daily breakfast buffet with full range of classic breakfast items, healthy Avalon Fresh® options and daily a la carte specials
Complimentary room service for Continental breakfast, lunch, and dinner
Daily lunch buffet featuring regional specialties, classic dishes, healthy Avalon Fresh® options and rotating chef’s features including carving & pasta stations. Alternatively, you may dine al fresco at our Sky Grill on the Sky Deck (weather and itinerary permitting) or enjoy a light lunch in the Panorama Lounge.
Afternoon Tea featuring tea, coffee, and sweet treats
Four-course dinners with choice of appetizers, soups, salads, entrées and desserts or cheese
Linger over several selections from the Panorama Bistro's tasting menu for a less formal "sit-down" atmosphere
Complimentary wine, beer, or soft drinks with lunch and dinner
Avalon FlexDining® flexible dining times with menu & venue options
Vegetarian options at every meal, as well as vegan, low calorie, low fat, high fiber, low cholesterol, high energy and allergy-free selections
Panorama Lounge & Bar with premium spirits, cozy seating, panoramic windows & dance floor
Welcome & farewell cocktails with sparkling wine & canapés
New in 2023 - included Happy Hour every evening featuring house beer, wine, cocktails and a drink of the day
Cocktails with a view on the Sky Deck
Specialty coffees, espresso drinks and beWell Essence flavored and infused water available throughout each day
Avalon Waterways River cruise ship
8 nights of accommodation onboard an Avalon Waterways River cruise ship
Avalon Passion: Avalon Deluxe Stateroom ,Panorama Suite ,Royal Suite
Friendly, English-speaking crew & Cruise Director
Complimentary Wi-Fi throughout the ship
Panoramic windows throughout the ship
Elegant, contemporary design & decor
Sky Deck with whirlpool, shade awnings, game area and premium lounges
Covered Observation Lounge
Club Lounge with 24-hour self-serve beverage station with complimentary cappuccinos, lattes, tea, hot chocolate & premium coffees, as well as treats throughout the day
Elevator
Non-smoking interior and staterooms
Avalon Waterways offers a selection of included excursions in every port of call, with something for everyone within their "Classic", "Discovery" and "Active" collections
Destinations
Budapest
Pécs
BucharestMap
Attractions
Belogradchik Fortress
Lepenski vir
Baba Vida Fortress
Saint Sava Temple
Trajan's Plaque
Izvor Park
George Enescu Square
Sugovica part - sétány
Pécs Zoo
Prince Mihailo MonumentDaily Itinerary
Day 1 – Day 1: Arrival in Budapest
- Budapest - Arrival day
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Welcome to Hungary! Arrive in the vibrant city of Budapest by 2 pm and board your Suite Ship. Spend the rest of the day settling in and preparing for the exciting journey ahead. Enjoy a delightful dinner onboard as we set sail for Mohács.
Day 2 – Day 2: Exploring Mohács and Pécs
- Pécs
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- Sugovica part - sétány
- Pécs Zoo
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Begin your day with a guided tour of Mohács, a tranquil Danube harbor town rich in history. Visit the medieval St. Nicholas Watermill, one of the few remaining watermills in operation. Alternatively, take a guided tour of Pécs, home to 4th-century Christian underground tombs, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Enjoy an organ concert as part of your tour. After a day of exploration, cruise to Ilok, Croatia, while enjoying your meals onboard.
Day 3 – Day 3: Discovering Ilok and Novi Sad
Day 3: Discovering Ilok and Novi Sad
Start your day with a guided tour of Ilok, a town renowned for its 1,000-year-old wine-making traditions and its medieval fortress. After a brief cruise and lunch onboard, arrive in Novi Sad, Serbia. Known as the 'Athens of Serbia', Novi Sad is the country's second-largest town. Explore its Austro-Hungarian old town and ancient fortifications on a guided tour or join your Adventure Host for a walk around town. Overnight, we cruise to Belgrade.
Day 4 – Day 4: Exploring Belgrade
Day 4: Exploring Belgrade
- Saint Sava Temple
- Prince Mihailo Monument
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Discover the charm of Belgrade, where the Danube and Sava Rivers converge. Join a guided sightseeing tour and visit Saint Sava, one of the world's largest Orthodox churches. Learn about the rich history and culture of the Balkan states during an onboard lecture. Spend your afternoon exploring Knez Mihailova Street, a lively pedestrian thoroughfare with cafes, shops, and cultural spots. You may also opt for an authentic Bohemian Dinner in the Quarter of Skadarlija. Overnight, we cruise to Golubač.
Day 5 – Day 5: Journey to Golubač and the Iron Gates
Day 5: Journey to Golubač and the Iron Gates
- Lepenski vir
- Trajan's Plaque
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Visit the Fortress of Golubač, one of Europe's best-preserved medieval fortresses, or join a guided tour to the Mesolithic archaeological site of Lepenski Vir. Later, sail through the spectacular Iron Gates Gorge, a natural border between Serbia and Romania. Enjoy your meals onboard as we cruise to Vidin, Bulgaria.
Day 6 – Day 6: Vidin and Belogradchik Exploration
Day 6: Vidin and Belogradchik Exploration
- Belogradchik Fortress
- Baba Vida Fortress
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Discover the beauty of Vidin on a bike ride or join a guided sightseeing tour to Baba Vida Fortress. Marvel at the remarkable rock formations in Belogradchik, sculpted by 200 million years of natural elements. Alternatively, immerse yourself in Bulgarian winemaking traditions with a tour and tasting at a local winery. Enjoy your meals onboard as we cruise to Rousse.
Day 7 – Day 7: Rousse, Veliko Târnovo, and Arbanassi
Day 7: Rousse, Veliko Târnovo, and Arbanassi
Explore Rousse's old town by bike or join a full-day guided tour to the former Bulgarian capital of Veliko Târnovo and the 15th-century town of Arbanassi. Alternatively, join a guided sightseeing tour of Rousse and visit its impressive Holy Trinity Church. In the evening, enjoy a Bulgarian folklore show onboard as we cruise to Oltenita, Romania.
Day 8 – Day 8: Bucharest - The Paris of the East
- Bucharest
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- Izvor Park
- George Enescu Square
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Take a guided tour of Bucharest, the Romanian capital city, known as the 'Paris of the East'. Visit the Arc de Triomphe, a monument honoring WWI Romanian soldiers, and the Royal Palace Square, the scene of the city's 1989 riots. Spend some free time exploring the beautiful homes and churches along Victory Avenue.
Day 9 – Day 9: Departure from Bucharest
- Bucharest - Departure day
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Your memorable vacation ends with breakfast this morning. As you prepare for your onward journey, take a moment to reflect on the incredible experiences you've had and the fascinating places you've visited during this multi-day tour.
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