Balkan Discovery with 1 Night in Bucharest 2025
Description
Summary
Description
Embark on a captivating 9-day tour that takes you 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 serene landscapes of the Danube Gorge, every day brings a new adventure. Enjoy local delicacies, wine tastings, and folklore shows, and explore ancient fortresses, medieval towns, and archaeological sites. Whether you're a history buff, a nature lover, or a foodie, this tour has something for everyone.
Included
7 nights onboard cruise ship
1 night in Bucharest
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
Budapest
Grad Vukovar
BucharestMap
Attractions
Belogradchik Fortress
Lepenski vir
Saint Sava Temple
Hungarian Parliament Building
Museum of Srem
Bucharest Fountains
Trajan's PlaqueDaily Itinerary
Day 1 – Day 1: Welcome to Budapest, Hungary
- Budapest - Arrival day
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- Hungarian Parliament Building
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Your Eastern European adventure begins in the vibrant city of Budapest. Arrive by 2 pm and board your Suite Ship® ready for your journey. Spend the rest of the day settling in and preparing for the exciting days ahead. Enjoy a delicious dinner onboard as we set sail for Vukovar. Overnight cruise to Vukovar.
Day 2 – Day 2: Discover 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 cruising to Ilok. In Ilok, choose between a guided tour of the city's 1,000-year-old wine-making traditions and medieval fortress or a bike tour exploring the city walls, central church, and museum. End the day with a wine tasting in a local cellar. Overnight docking in Novi Sad.
Day 3 – Day 3: Explore Novi Sad, Serbia
Day 3: Explore Novi Sad, Serbia
- Museum of Srem
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Today, explore Novi Sad, Serbia's second-largest city. Choose between a guided hike tour to Petrovaradin, a visit to the Honey Museum with a honey tasting, or a guided tour of Novi Sad's Austro-Hungarian old town and ancient fortifications. In the evening, enjoy live entertainment onboard. Overnight cruise to Belgrade.
Day 4 – Day 4: Discover Belgrade, Serbia
Day 4: Discover Belgrade, Serbia
- Saint Sava Temple
- Prince Mihailo Monument
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Discover Belgrade, where the Danube and Sava Rivers converge. Explore the city's central walkway with your Adventure Host or join a guided sightseeing tour to see Saint Sava, one of the world's largest Orthodox churches. Spend your free time exploring Knez Mihailova Street, a lively pedestrian thoroughfare with cafes, shops, and cultural spots. Overnight cruise to Golubac.
Day 5 – Day 5: Explore Golubac, Serbia
Day 5: Explore Golubac, Serbia
- Lepenski vir
- Trajan's Plaque
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Today, visit the Fortress of Golubac, one of the best-preserved medieval fortresses in Europe, or join a guided tour to the Mesolithic archaeological site of Lepenski Vir. Sail through the spectacular Iron Gates Gorge, a natural border between Serbia and Romania. Afternoon and overnight cruise to Vidin.
Day 6 – Day 6: Discover Vidin, Bulgaria
Day 6: Discover Vidin, Bulgaria
- Belogradchik Fortress
- Baba Vida Fortress
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Explore Vidin, starting with a bike tour around the city or a guided sightseeing tour to Baba Vida Fortress and Belogradchik. Marvel at the remarkable rock formations on the western slopes of the Balkan Mountains. Discover more than two centuries of Bulgarian winemaking with a tour and tasting at a local winery. Afternoon and overnight cruise to Rousse.
Day 7 – Day 7: Explore Rousse, Bulgaria
Day 7: Explore 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. Alternatively, join a guided sightseeing tour of Bulgaria's largest inland port and visit its impressive Holy Trinity Church. Enjoy live entertainment onboard with a Bulgarian folklore show. Overnight cruise to Oltenita.
Day 8 – Day 8: Discover Bucharest, Romania
- Bucharest
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- Izvor Park
- George Enescu Square
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Take a guided tour of the Romanian capital city of Bucharest, known as the 'Paris of the East'. Visit the tree-lined boulevards and the Arc de Triomphe, honoring WWI Romanian soldiers. Explore the Royal Palace Square, the scene of the city's 1989 riots to overthrow the communist dictator Nicolae Ceausescu. Spend some free time exploring the beautiful homes and churches along Victory Avenue.
Day 9 – Day 9: Farewell Bucharest
- Bucharest - Departure day
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Your Eastern European adventure comes to an end. After breakfast, bid farewell to your fellow travelers and begin your journey home. We hope you leave with unforgettable memories and a newfound love for this beautiful region.
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