Balkan Discovery 2025
Description
Summary
Description
Embark on an unforgettable multi-day tour through the heart of Eastern Europe, exploring the rich history, culture, and natural beauty of Hungary, Croatia, Serbia, Bulgaria, and Romania. From the majestic city of Budapest to the ancient fortresses of Golubač and the vibrant streets of Belgrade, this journey offers a perfect blend of guided tours, cultural experiences, and scenic cruising. Enjoy luxurious accommodations on board your suite ship, savor delicious meals, and partake in a variety of activities tailored to your interests. Join us for an adventure that promises to be both enriching and exhilarating.
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: Budapest
- Budapest
- Grad Vukovar - Arrival day
- More
Welcome to Hungary! Your luxurious suite ship awaits your arrival in Budapest. Ensure your flight lands by 2 pm to board the ship by 5 pm. Enjoy a delightful dinner as we set sail for Vukovar.
Day 2 – Day 2: Vukovar and Ilok
- Grad Vukovar
- More
- Ilok Municipal Museum
- Vukovar water tower
- More
Dive into the rich history and culture of Vukovar with a guided walking tour or city tour, complete with a beer tasting. After lunch on board, cruise to Ilok for a guided tour of its medieval fortress and a wine tasting in a local cellar. Dock overnight in Novi Sad.
Day 3 – Day 3: Novi Sad
Day 3: Novi Sad
- Museum of Srem
- Petrovaradin Fortress's Clock
- More
Explore Novi Sad, Serbia's second-largest city, with a guided tour of its Austro-Hungarian old town or a hike to Petrovaradin. Alternatively, learn about beekeeping at the Honey Museum. Enjoy live entertainment on board as we cruise to Belgrade.
Day 4 – Day 4: Belgrade
Day 4: Belgrade
- Ada Ciganlija
- Saint Sava Temple
- Prince Mihailo Monument
- More
Discover Belgrade's central walkway or join a guided sightseeing tour to see the city's highlights, including Saint Sava. Spend the afternoon exploring Knez Mihailova Street, and consider an optional Bohemian dinner in Skadarlija. Cruise overnight to Golubač.
Day 5 – Day 5: Golubač
Day 5: Golubač
- Deliblatska Peščara
- Trajan's Plaque
- Golubac Fortress
- More
Visit the well-preserved Golubač Fortress or explore the Mesolithic archaeological site of Lepenski Vir. Sail through the breathtaking Iron Gates Gorge, a natural border between Serbia and Romania. Cruise overnight to Vidin.
Day 6 – Day 6: Vidin
Day 6: Vidin
- Belogradchik Fortress
- Baba Vida Fortress
- More
Join a bike tour around Vidin or take a guided tour of Baba Vida Fortress and Belogradchik. Alternatively, visit a local winery to learn about Bulgarian winemaking. Cruise overnight to Rousse.
Day 7 – Day 7: Rousse
Day 7: Rousse
- Maryan Winery
- Ivanili Waterfall
- More
Explore Rousse's old town by bike or take a full-day guided tour to Veliko Târnovo and Arbanassi. Alternatively, join a sightseeing tour of Rousse, including a visit to the Holy Trinity Church. Enjoy a Bulgarian folklore show on board. Cruise overnight to Oltenita.
Day 8 – Day 8: Oltenita
- Bucharest - Departure day
- More
Your cruise concludes with a hearty breakfast this morning. Ensure your flights from Bucharest airport depart after noon. Safe travels!
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