Balkan Discovery with 1 Night in Budapest, 1 Night in Bucharest & 2 Nights in Transylvania
Description
Summary
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.
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
AVALON VIEW or similar
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
Friendly, English-speaking crew & Cruise Director
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
Map
Attractions
Daily Itinerary
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.
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.
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.
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
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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.
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.
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
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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.
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
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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.
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
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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.
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.
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.
Day 11 – Day 11: The 'Paris of the East' - Bucharest
- Brasov
- Bucharest
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- Peleș Castle
- Bucharest Fountains
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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.
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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