Balkan Discovery with 1 Night in Bucharest & 2 Nights in Transylvania
Description
Summary
Description
Embark on an unforgettable 11-day journey through the heart of Eastern Europe, where history, culture, and natural beauty intertwine. This multi-day tour begins in the vibrant city of Budapest, Hungary, and takes you through the picturesque landscapes of Croatia, Serbia, Romania, and Bulgaria. Discover the rich heritage of Vukovar, the wine-making traditions of Ilok, the architectural marvels of Novi Sad, and the folklore of Belgrade. Marvel at the medieval fortress of Golubač, explore the archaeological site of Lepenski Vir, and immerse yourself in the Bulgarian beauty of Vidin and Veliko Târnovo. The tour concludes with a visit to the Romanian capital, Bucharest, and the legendary Bran Castle. Each day is filled with guided tours, cultural experiences, and delicious meals, ensuring a truly immersive experience.
Included
7 nights onboard cruise ship
2 nights in Brasov
1 night in Bucharest
Avalon Passion: Avalon Deluxe Stateroom ,Panorama Suite ,Royal Suite, Avalon Expression: Avalon Deluxe Stateroom ,Panorama Suite ,Royal Suite
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
Cruise ship
Friendly, English-speaking crew & Cruise Director
Map
Attractions
St Mark Orthodox Church
Belogradchik Fortress
Peleș Castle
Lepenski vir
Bran Castle
Museum of Srem
Bucharest Fountains
Vukovar Water TowerDaily Itinerary
Day 1 – Day 1: Budapest to Vukovar
- Budapest
- Grad Vukovar - Arrival day
- More
Welcome to Hungary! Your adventure begins in Budapest, where you'll board your Suite Ship®. Please ensure your flight arrives by 2 pm and that you're on board the ship by 5 pm. As the evening unfolds, we set sail for Vukovar, Croatia. Dinner will be served on board.
Day 2 – Day 2: Vukovar to Novi Sad
- Grad Vukovar
- More
- Ilok Municipal Museum
- 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 Novi Sad. In the afternoon, explore the Croatian town of Ilok, known for its 1,000-year-old wine-making traditions. Visit a local cellar for a wine tasting, or opt for a guided bike tour. We dock overnight in Novi Sad.
Day 3 – Day 3: Novi Sad to Belgrade
Day 3: Novi Sad to Belgrade
- Museum of Srem
- Petrovaradin Fortress's Clock
- More
Today, choose between a guided hike tour of Petrovaradin, a visit to the Honey Museum with honey tasting, or a guided tour of Novi Sad. Later, enjoy live entertainment on board as we cruise overnight to Belgrade.
Day 4 – Day 4: Belgrade to Golubač
Day 4: Belgrade to Golubač
- St Mark Orthodox Church
- More
Explore Belgrade with your Adventure Host or join a guided sightseeing tour, including a visit to Saint Sava, one of the world's largest Orthodox churches. In the afternoon, enjoy a lecture on board about the Balkan states' history and culture. We then set sail for Golubač, where we'll dock overnight.
Day 5 – Day 5: Golubač to Vidin
Day 5: Golubač to Vidin
- Lepenski vir
- More
Visit the Fortress of Golubač, one of Europe's best-preserved medieval fortresses, or join a guided tour of the Mesolithic archaeological site of Lepenski Vir. Later, sail through the spectacular Iron Gates Gorge, a natural border between Serbia and Romania, as we cruise to Vidin.
Day 6 – Day 6: Vidin to Rousse
Day 6: Vidin to Rousse
- Belogradchik Fortress
- More
Explore Vidin on a bike tour with your Adventure Host, or join a guided sightseeing tour followed by a visit to Belogradchik. Marvel at the remarkable rock formations on the western slopes of the Balkan Mountains. Alternatively, discover the proud history of Bulgarian winemaking with a tour and tasting at a local winery. We then cruise to Rousse, where we'll dock overnight.
Day 7 – Day 7: Rousse to Oltenita
Day 7: Rousse to Oltenita
- Maryan Winery
- Ivanili Waterfall
- More
Join a full-day guided tour to the former Bulgarian capital of Veliko Târnovo and the 15th-century town of Arbanassi, or opt for a guided sightseeing tour of Rousse and visit its impressive Holy Trinity Church. Later, enjoy a Bulgarian folklore show on board as we cruise to Oltenita.
Day 8 – Day 8: Oltenita to Brasov
- Brasov
- More
- Bucharest Fountains
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Disembark your ship in Oltenita and transfer to Bucharest for a guided tour of the Romanian capital. See the tree-lined boulevards, the Arc de Triomphe, and the Royal Palace Square. After the visit, drive to Brasov for the night.
Day 9 – Day 9: Brasov
- Brasov
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- Bran Castle
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Enjoy a guided tour of Brasov, admiring its gothic, baroque, and renaissance architecture. In the evening, depart for Bran Castle, the legendary home of the famed Romanian vampire. Take a guided tour of the castle, followed by a dinner in this amazing location.
Day 10 – Day 10: Brasov to Bucharest
- Brasov
- Bucharest
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- Peleș Castle
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Visit Peles Castle, the summer residence of the royal family until 1947. Drive out the Carpathians to Bucharest, enjoying a local lunch on the way. Spend some free time exploring this fascinating city on your own, discovering its trendy shops, cafés, museums, beautiful homes, and churches along Victory Avenue.
Day 11 – Day 11: Departure from Bucharest
- Bucharest - Departure day
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Your unforgettable Eastern European adventure comes to an end after breakfast. Safe travels!
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