Balkan Discovery with 1 Night in Budapest, 1 Night in Bucharest & 2 Nights in Transylvania

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Description

Summary

Starts
Budapest
Duration
12 days
Languages
English
Difficulty
Easy

Description

Embark on a captivating 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 sightseeing, immersive activities, and leisure time to explore at your own pace. From the bustling streets of Budapest to the medieval fortresses of Serbia, the vineyards of Croatia to the gothic architecture of Brasov, and the vibrant city life of Bucharest, this tour is a feast for the senses. Enjoy comfortable accommodation, delicious meals, and the company of like-minded travelers as you discover the hidden gems of these fascinating countries.

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Included

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

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AVALON VIEW or similar

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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 Expression: Avalon Deluxe Stateroom ,Panorama Suite ,Royal Suite

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Friendly, English-speaking crew & Cruise Director

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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

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Map

Attractions

Maryan Winery
Ivanili Waterfall
Bečej City Museum, Бечеј, Becej Municipality, South Backa Administrative District, Vojvodina, SerbiaBečej City Museum
Petroland aquapark, Бачки Петровац, Backi Petrovac Municipality, South Backa Administrative District, Vojvodina, SerbiaPetroland aquapark
Photo of the Belogradchik Fortress, also known as Kaleto, is an ancient fortress close to the northwestern Bulgarian town of Belogradchik and the town's primary cultural and historical tourist attraction.Belogradchik Fortress
Photo of Heroes' Square, Hosok Tere or Millennium Monument, major attraction of city, with 36 m high Corinthian column in center, Budapest, Hungary. Heroes' Square
Photo of Peles Castle in Sinaia, Romania.Peleș Castle
Lepenski virLepenski vir
National Transport Museum
Birth House of Stevan Mokranjac
Baba Vida Fortress, Vidin, BulgariaBaba Vida Fortress
Parcul Marin Preda
Saint Sava TempleSaint Sava Temple
Photo of aerial view of the medieval Castle of Bran, known for the myth of Dracula, Romania.Bran Castle
Beautiful background with the famous fountain against colorful sky in central square of Bucharest, in sunset light.Bucharest Fountains
Prince Mihailo MonumentPrince Mihailo Monument

Daily Itinerary

Day 1

Day 1 – Day 1: Welcome to Budapest, Hungary's Captivating Capital

  • Budapest - Arrival day
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Your Eastern European adventure begins in the vibrant city of Budapest. Spend the day at your leisure, soaking in the city's charm and beauty. Explore the city's iconic landmarks, indulge in local cuisine, or simply relax and enjoy the stunning views of the Danube.

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Day 2

Day 2 – Day 2: Exploring Budapest - The Pearl of the Danube

  • Budapest
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  • Heroes' Square
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Kickstart your day with a guided city sightseeing tour, including a visit to the iconic Heroes' Square. In the afternoon, board your Suite Ship® and enjoy a delightful dinner onboard as you cruise overnight to Mohács.

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Day 3

Day 3 – Day 3: Discovering the Heritage and Culture of Vukovar and Ilok, Croatia

Day 3: Discovering the Heritage and Culture of Vukovar and Ilok, Croatia

Today, you'll have the opportunity to explore the heritage and culture of Vukovar and Ilok through guided walking tours. Enjoy a beer tasting in Vukovar and a wine tasting in Ilok, a city known for its 1,000-year-old wine-making traditions. After a day of exploration, cruise to Novi Sad for an overnight stay.

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Day 4

Day 4 – Day 4: Exploring Novi Sad - The Athens of Serbia

Day 4: Exploring Novi Sad - The Athens of Serbia

  • Bečej City Museum
  • Petroland aquapark
  • More

Experience the charm of Novi Sad through a guided hike tour to Petrovaradin, a guided tour of the city's Honey Museum, or a guided tour of the city's Austro-Hungarian old town. After a day of exploration, enjoy live entertainment onboard as you cruise overnight to Belgrade.

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Day 5

Day 5 – Day 5: Unveiling the Fortresses and Folklore of Belgrade

Day 5: Unveiling the Fortresses and Folklore of Belgrade

  • Saint Sava Temple
  • Prince Mihailo Monument
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Discover the allure of Belgrade through a guided sightseeing tour, including a visit to Saint Sava, one of the world's largest Orthodox churches. Spend your afternoon exploring Knez Mihailova Street, a lively pedestrian thoroughfare filled with cafés, shops, and cultural spots. Cruise overnight to Golubač.

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Day 6

Day 6 – Day 6: Exploring Ancient Artifacts and the Iron Gates

Day 6: Exploring Ancient Artifacts and the Iron Gates

  • Lepenski vir
  • Birth House of Stevan Mokranjac
  • More

Visit the well-preserved medieval Fortress of Golubač and the Mesolithic archaeological site of Lepenski Vir. Experience the breathtaking beauty of the Iron Gates Gorge as you sail through this natural border between Serbia and Romania. Cruise to Vidin for an overnight stay.

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Day 7

Day 7 – Day 7: Rocks, Ruins, and Balkan Beauty in Vidin

Day 7: Rocks, Ruins, and Balkan Beauty in Vidin

  • Belogradchik Fortress
  • Baba Vida Fortress
  • More

Explore the city of Vidin through a guided sightseeing tour to Baba Vida Fortress and Belogradchik, known for its remarkable rock formations. Alternatively, discover the proud history of Bulgarian winemaking with a tour and tasting at a local winery. Cruise to Rousse for an overnight stay.

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Day 8

Day 8 – Day 8: Fortresses and Folklore in Rousse and Veliko Târnovo

Day 8: Fortresses and Folklore in Rousse and Veliko Târnovo

  • Maryan Winery
  • Ivanili Waterfall
  • National Transport Museum
  • More

Embark on 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 in Rousse and visit its impressive Holy Trinity Church. Cruise overnight to Oltenita.

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Day 9

Day 9 – Day 9: From Oltenita to Bucharest and Brasov

  • Brasov
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  • Parcul Marin Preda
  • Bucharest Fountains
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Disembark your ship in Oltenita and transfer to Bucharest. Enjoy a guided tour of the Romanian capital, including a visit to the Arc de Triomphe. After the visit, drive to Brasov for an overnight stay.

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Day 10

Day 10 – Day 10: Gothic, Baroque, and Renaissance Architecture in 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 the legendary Bran Castle, also known as Dracula's Castle. Take a guided tour of the castle followed by a dinner in this amazing location.

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Day 11

Day 11 – Day 11: The 'Paris of the East' - Bucharest

  • Brasov
  • Bucharest
  • More
  • Peleș Castle
  • Bucharest Fountains
  • More

Start your day with a guided tour of Peles Castle, the former summer residence of the royal family. Drive out of the Carpathians to Bucharest, enjoying a local lunch on the way. Spend the rest of the day exploring Bucharest's trendy shops, cafés, museums, beautiful homes, and churches along Victory Avenue.

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Day 12

Day 12 – Day 12: Farewell, Bucharest

  • Bucharest - Departure day
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Your Eastern European adventure comes to an end today. After breakfast, prepare for your onward journey. We hope you leave with unforgettable memories and stories to share from your time exploring Hungary, Croatia, Serbia, Romania, and Bulgaria.

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