Balkan Discovery with 1 Night in Bucharest & 2 Nights in Transylvania 2025
Description
Summary
Description
Embark on an unforgettable 11-day journey through the heart of Eastern Europe, where history, culture, and natural beauty converge. This multi-day tour takes you from the vibrant city of Budapest, Hungary, through the picturesque landscapes of Croatia, Serbia, and Romania. Discover the rich heritage of Vukovar, the wine-making traditions of Ilok, the architectural marvels of Novi Sad, and the bustling streets of Belgrade. Explore the medieval fortress of Golubač, the ancient artifacts of Lepenski Vir, and the stunning rock formations of Belogradchik. The tour concludes in the Romanian capital, Bucharest, with a visit to the legendary Bran Castle. Each day is filled with guided tours, cultural experiences, and delicious local cuisine, ensuring an immersive and enriching travel 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 Illumination: Avalon Deluxe Stateroom ,Panorama Suite ,Royal Suite, Avalon Expression: Avalon Deluxe Stateroom ,Panorama Suite ,Royal Suite
Avalon Waterways 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
Sinaia
Grad Vukovar
Brasov
BucharestMap
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: Arrival in Budapest
- Budapest - Arrival day
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Welcome to Hungary! Your adventure begins in the vibrant city of Budapest. Please ensure your flight arrives by 2 pm and that you are on board the ship by 5 pm. Enjoy your first night on the cruise as we set sail for Vukovar. Dinner will be served on board.
Day 2 – Day 2: Exploring Vukovar and Ilok
- Grad Vukovar
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- Vukovar water tower
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Today, we delve into the rich history and culture of Vukovar with a guided walking tour. You'll also have the opportunity to taste local beers. After a brief cruise, we arrive in Ilok, Croatia, where you can join a guided tour to learn about the city's 1,000-year-old wine-making traditions and visit its medieval fortress. We end the day in Novi Sad, where we'll dock for the night.
Day 3 – Day 3: Discovering Novi Sad
Day 3: Discovering Novi Sad
Today, we explore Novi Sad, Serbia's second-largest city. Choose between a guided hike tour, a visit to the Honey Museum, or a guided city tour. Later, join your Adventure Host for a walk around town before enjoying live entertainment on board as we cruise to Belgrade.
Day 4 – Day 4: Exploring Belgrade
Day 4: Exploring Belgrade
- Belgrade City Museum
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Today, we discover Belgrade, where the Danube and Sava Rivers meet. Join a guided sightseeing tour to see the city's fascinating sights, including Saint Sava, one of the world's largest Orthodox churches. Spend your free afternoon exploring Knez Mihailova Street, a lively pedestrian thoroughfare filled with cafés, shops, and cultural spots. We then set sail for Golubač.
Day 5 – Day 5: Ancient Artifacts and the Iron Gates
Day 5: Ancient Artifacts and the Iron Gates
- Lepenski vir
- Golubac Fortress
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Today, we visit the well-preserved medieval Golubač Fortress and learn about its tumultuous history. Alternatively, join a guided tour to the Mesolithic archaeological site of Lepenski Vir. We then sail through the spectacular Iron Gates Gorge, a natural border between Serbia and Romania, before docking in Vidin.
Day 6 – Day 6: Rocks, Ruins and Balkan Beauty
Day 6: Rocks, Ruins and Balkan Beauty
- Belogradchik Fortress
- Baba Vida Fortress
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Today, we explore Vidin, starting with a bike tour around the city or a guided sightseeing tour to Baba Vida Fortress. We then visit Belogradchik to 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.
Day 7 – Day 7: Fortresses and Folklore
Day 7: Fortresses and Folklore
Today, we explore Rousse's old town by bike or join a full-day guided tour to the former Bulgarian capital of Veliko Târnovo 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. In the evening, enjoy a Bulgarian folklore show on board as we cruise to Oltenita.
Day 8 – Day 8: Disembark in Bucharest
- Bucharest
- Brasov
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- Bucharest Fountains
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Today, we disembark the ship and transfer to Bucharest. Take a guided tour of the Romanian capital, known for its tree-lined boulevards and the Arc de Triomphe. See the Royal Palace Square, the scene of the city's 1989 riots to overthrow the communist dictator Nicolae Ceausescu. After the visit, we drive to Brasov for the night.
Day 9 – Day 9: Exploring Brasov and Bran Castle
- Brasov
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- Bran Castle
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Today, we enjoy a guided tour of Brasov, admiring its gothic, baroque, and renaissance architecture. In the evening, we depart for the legendary Bran Castle, known as Dracula's Castle. Take a guided tour of the castle, followed by a dinner in this amazing location.
Day 10 – Day 10: The 'Paris of the East'
- Sinaia
- Bucharest
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- Peleș Castle
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Today, we enjoy a guided tour of Peles Castle, the summer residence of the royal family until 1947. We then drive out of the Carpathians to Bucharest, stopping for 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 today. After breakfast, you'll depart for your onward journey. We hope you leave with fond memories and new friendships, and we look forward to welcoming you back on another adventure soon.
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