Balkan Discovery 2025
Description
Summary
Description
Embark on an unforgettable 8-day journey through the heart of Eastern Europe, exploring the rich history, vibrant culture, and stunning landscapes of Hungary, Croatia, Serbia, Romania, and Bulgaria. This multi-day tour offers a unique blend of guided city tours, immersive cultural experiences, and breathtaking natural beauty. From the bustling streets of Budapest to the ancient fortresses of Serbia, from the tranquil vineyards of Croatia to the dramatic Iron Gates Gorge, this tour promises a diverse and exciting itinerary that will leave you with lasting memories. Whether you're a history enthusiast, a culture vulture, or a nature lover, this tour has something for everyone. Enjoy comfortable accommodation, delicious meals, and the company of like-minded travelers as you discover the hidden gems of Eastern Europe.
Included
7 nights onboard cruise ship
Avalon Passion: Avalon Deluxe Stateroom ,Panorama Suite ,Royal Suite, Avalon Illumination: Avalon Deluxe Stateroom ,Panorama Suite ,Royal Suite, Avalon Expression: Avalon Deluxe Stateroom ,Panorama Suite ,Royal Suite
Avalon Waterways river cruise ship
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
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
Friendly, English-speaking crew & Cruise Director
Destinations
Map
Attractions
Daily Itinerary
Day 1 – Day 1: Arrival in Budapest, Hungary
- Budapest - Arrival day
- More
Welcome to the vibrant city of Budapest, Hungary. Your Suite Ship is ready for boarding by 2 pm. Settle into your comfortable accommodation and prepare for the exciting journey ahead. Enjoy a delicious dinner onboard as we set sail for Vukovar, Croatia. Overnight cruise.
Day 2 – Day 2: Exploring Vukovar and Ilok, Croatia
- Grad Vukovar
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- Vukovar water tower
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Start your day with a guided walking tour of Vukovar, immersing yourself in its rich history and culture. Enjoy a beer tasting before we cruise to Ilok. In Ilok, join a guided tour to explore its 1,000-year-old wine-making traditions and medieval fortress. Refresh your spirit with a wine tasting in a local cellar. Overnight docking in Novi Sad.
Day 3 – Day 3: Discovering Novi Sad, Serbia
Day 3: Discovering Novi Sad, Serbia
- Museum of Srem
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Today, explore Novi Sad, the second-largest town in Serbia. Choose between a guided hike tour, a visit to the Honey Museum, or a guided city tour. Later, enjoy live entertainment on board as we cruise to Belgrade. Overnight cruise.
Day 4 – Day 4: Exploring Belgrade, Serbia
Day 4: Exploring Belgrade, Serbia
- Saint Sava Temple
- Belgrade City Museum
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Discover the charm of Belgrade with a guided sightseeing tour, including a visit to Saint Sava, one of the world's largest Orthodox churches. Spend your free time exploring the city's central pedestrian thoroughfare, Knez Mihailova Street, before we set sail for Golubac. Overnight cruise.
Day 5 – Day 5: Journey to Golubac, Serbia
Day 5: Journey to Golubac, Serbia
- Trajan's Plaque
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Visit the Fortress of Golubac, one of the best-preserved medieval fortresses in Europe. Sail through the spectacular and narrow Iron Gates Gorge, a natural border between Serbia and Romania. Overnight cruise to Vidin, Bulgaria.
Day 6 – Day 6: Exploring Vidin, Bulgaria
Day 6: Exploring Vidin, Bulgaria
- Belogradchik Fortress
- Baba Vida Fortress
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Discover the beauty of Vidin with a guided sightseeing tour to Baba Vida Fortress and Belogradchik. Marvel at the remarkable rock formations on the western slopes of the Balkan Mountains. Overnight cruise to Rousse.
Day 7 – Day 7: Journey to Rousse, Bulgaria
Day 7: Journey to Rousse, Bulgaria
Explore Rousse's old town by bike or join a full-day guided tour to the former Bulgarian capital of Veliko Tarnovo and the 15th-century town of Arbanassi. Later, enjoy a Bulgarian folklore show on board. Overnight cruise to Oltenita, Romania.
Day 8 – Day 8: Departure from Oltenita, Romania
Day 8: Departure from Oltenita, Romania
Your memorable journey through Eastern Europe comes to an end. After breakfast, prepare for your onward journey. Please arrange for flights to depart from Bucharest airport after noon.
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