Balkan Discovery with 1 Night in Budapest, 1 Night in Bucharest & 2 Nights in Transylvania 2025
Description
Summary
Description
Embark on a 12-day journey through the heart of Eastern Europe, exploring the rich history, diverse 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 captivating capital of Budapest to the medieval fortress of Ilok in Croatia, the vibrant city of Novi Sad in Serbia, the ancient artifacts of Golubač, and the architectural wonders of Bucharest, every day brings a new adventure. Enjoy local cuisines, wine tastings, folklore shows, and even a visit to the legendary Bran Castle of Dracula lore. This tour is not just a trip, but a journey through time and tradition, offering a deep dive into the heart and soul of Eastern Europe.
Included
1 night in Budapest
1 night in Bucharest
2 nights in Transylvania
7 nights of accommodation onboard an Avalon Waterways River 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 VIEW or similar
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
Vidin
Budapest
Novi Sad
Belgrade
Veliko Tarnovo
Sinaia
Grad Vukovar
Brasov
BucharestMap
Attractions
Bečej City Museum
Petroland aquapark
Belogradchik Fortress
Heroes' Square
Peleș Castle
Lepenski vir
Baba Vida Fortress
Saint Sava Temple
Bran Castle
Bucharest Fountains
Prince Mihailo MonumentDaily Itinerary
Day 1 – Day 1: Arrival in Budapest
- Budapest - Arrival day
- More
Welcome to Budapest, the captivating capital of Hungary. Spend the day at your leisure, exploring the city's charm and beauty on the banks of the Danube.
Day 2 – Day 2: Budapest to Mohács
- Budapest
- More
- Heroes' Square
- More
Embark on a guided city sightseeing tour, including the iconic Heroes' Square. In the afternoon, board your Suite Ship® and enjoy a delightful dinner onboard as we cruise towards Mohács.
Day 3 – Day 3: Mohács to Novi Sad via Ilok
- Grad Vukovar
- More
Discover the heritage and culture of Vukovar with a guided walking tour and beer tasting. After a brief cruise to Ilok, join a guided tour of the city's 1,000-year-old wine-making traditions and medieval fortress. Overnight docking in Novi Sad.
Day 4 – Day 4: Novi Sad to Belgrade
- Novi Sad
- More
- Museum of Srem
- More
Explore the Petrovaradin part of Novi Sad with a guided hike tour, or learn about the beekeeper profession with a visit to the Honey Museum. Later, enjoy live entertainment onboard as we cruise towards Belgrade.
Day 5 – Day 5: Belgrade to Golubač
- Belgrade
- More
- Saint Sava Temple
- Prince Mihailo Monument
- More
Discover Belgrade's central walkway with your Adventure Host, or join a guided sightseeing tour of the city, including Saint Sava. Spend your free afternoon exploring Knez Mihailova Street before we cruise towards Golubač.
Day 6 – Day 6: Golubač to Vidin via Iron Gates Gorge
- Golubats
- More
- Lepenski vir
- Trajan's Plaque
- More
Visit the Fortress of Golubač 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, as we cruise towards Vidin.
Day 7 – Day 7: Vidin to Rousse via Belogradchik
- Vidin
- More
- Belogradchik Fortress
- Baba Vida Fortress
- More
Join a guided sightseeing tour to Baba Vida Fortress, followed by a guided tour of Belogradchik. Marvel at the remarkable rock formations on the western slopes of the Balkan Mountains. Overnight cruise to Rousse.
Day 8 – Day 8: Rousse to Oltenita via Veliko Târnovo and Arbanassi
- Veliko Tarnovo
- More
Join a full-day guided tour to the former Bulgarian capital of Veliko Târnovo and the ancient town of Arbanassi. Later, join a guided sightseeing tour of Bulgaria's largest inland port and visit its impressive Holy Trinity Church. Overnight cruise to Oltenita.
Day 9 – Day 9: Oltenita to Brasov via Bucharest
- Bucharest
- Brasov
- More
- Bucharest Fountains
- More
Disembark your ship and transfer to Bucharest. Take a guided tour of the Romanian capital city, with its tree-lined boulevards and Arc de Triomphe. After the visit, drive to Brasov for the night.
Day 10 – Day 10: Brasov and Bran Castle
- Brasov
- More
- Bran Castle
- More
Enjoy a guided tour of Brasov and admire its gothic, baroque and renaissance architecture. In the evening, depart for Bran Castle of Dracula lore. Take a guided tour of the castle, followed by a dinner in this amazing location.
Day 11 – Day 11: Brasov to Bucharest via Peles Castle
- Brasov
- Sinaia
- Bucharest
- More
- Peleș Castle
- More
Enjoy a guided tour of 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.
Day 12 – Day 12: Departure from Bucharest
- Bucharest - Departure day
- More
Your vacation ends with breakfast this morning. Say goodbye to the beautiful landscapes, rich history, and vibrant cultures of Eastern Europe as you prepare for your journey home.
Similar tours
Download Europe’s biggest travel marketplace to your phone to manage your entire trip in one place
Scan this QR code with your phone camera and press the link that appears to add Europe’s biggest travel marketplace into your pocket. Enter your phone number or email address to receive an SMS or email with the download link.