Balkan Discovery 2025

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Description

Summary

Starts
Budapest
Duration
8 days
Languages
English
Difficulty
Easy

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.

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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

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Avalon Waterways river cruise ship

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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

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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

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Friendly, English-speaking crew & Cruise Director

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Destinations

Budapest - city in HungaryBudapest
Vukovar-Srijem County - county in CroatiaGrad Vukovar

Map

Attractions

Photo of the Belogradchik Fortress, also known as Kaleto, is an ancient fortress close to the northwestern Bulgarian town of Belogradchik and the town's primary cultural and historical tourist attraction.Belogradchik Fortress
Baba Vida Fortress, Vidin, BulgariaBaba Vida Fortress
Saint Sava TempleSaint Sava Temple
Museum of Srem, Сремска Митровица, Sremska Mitrovica City, Srem Administrative District, Vojvodina, SerbiaMuseum of Srem
Trajan's PlaqueTrajan's Plaque
Photo of Vukovar water tower memorial monument, a symbol of Croatian unity, Croatia.Vukovar water tower

Daily Itinerary

Day 1

Day 1 – Day 1: Arrival in Budapest, Hungary

  • Budapest - Arrival day
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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.

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Day 2

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.

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Day 3

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.

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Day 4

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.

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Day 5

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.

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Day 6

Day 6 – Day 6: Exploring Vidin, Bulgaria

Day 6: Exploring Vidin, Bulgaria

  • Belogradchik Fortress
  • Baba Vida Fortress
  • More

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.

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Day 7

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.

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Day 8

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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