Balkan Discovery with 1 Night in Budapest & 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, 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 vibrant city of Budapest to the medieval fortresses of Serbia, the archaeological wonders of Romania, and the ancient stone houses of Bulgaria, every day brings a new adventure. Enjoy comfortable accommodation, delicious meals, and the services of an expert guide throughout your journey. Whether you're a history buff, a culture vulture, or a nature lover, this tour promises an unforgettable experience.
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 Passion or Avalon Expression
8 nights of accommodation onboard an Avalon Waterways River cruise ship
1 Night in Budapest
2 Nights in Transylvania
Avalon Passion: 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
Destinations
Budapest
Brasov
BucharestMap
Attractions
Belogradchik Fortress
Heroes' Square
Peleș Castle
Lepenski vir
Baba Vida Fortress
Saint Sava Temple
Bran Castle
Bucharest Fountains
Sugovica part - sétány
Pécs ZooDaily Itinerary
Day 1 – Day 1: Welcome to Budapest, Hungary's Captivating Capital
- Budapest - Arrival day
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Begin your journey in the enchanting city of Budapest. Spend the day at leisure, soaking in the city's charm and exploring its many attractions. From the historic Castle Hill to the bustling Great Market Hall, there's something for everyone in this vibrant city on the Danube.
Day 2 – Day 2: Exploring Budapest and Cruising to Mohács
- 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 the harbor town of Mohács.
Day 3 – Day 3: Discovering Mohács and Pécs, Cruising to Ilok
Day 3: Discovering Mohács and Pécs, Cruising to Ilok
- Sugovica part - sétány
- Pécs Zoo
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Explore Mohács on foot or join a guided sightseeing tour to discover its historical memorial parks, statues, and distinctive churches. Visit the medieval St. Nicholas Watermill or take a guided tour of nearby Pécs, a UNESCO World Heritage Site known for its 4th-century Christian underground tombs. Enjoy an organ concert before cruising overnight to Ilok.
Day 4 – Day 4: From Ilok to Novi Sad and Belgrade
Day 4: From Ilok to Novi Sad and Belgrade
Join a guided tour of Ilok, a town known for its 1,000-year-old winemaking tradition and its medieval fortress. After a brief cruise to Novi Sad, explore the town's Austro-Hungarian old town and ancient fortifications on a guided tour. Enjoy lunch onboard before cruising overnight to Belgrade.
Day 5 – Day 5: Exploring Belgrade and Cruising to Golubac
Day 5: Exploring Belgrade and Cruising to Golubac
- Saint Sava Temple
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Discover Belgrade's central walkway or join a guided sightseeing tour to see the city's fascinating sights, including Saint Sava, one of the world's largest Orthodox churches. Attend an onboard lecture about the Balkan states' rich history and culture. Spend your free time exploring Knez Mihailova Street, a lively pedestrian thoroughfare with cafés, shops, and cultural spots, before cruising overnight to Golubac.
Day 6 – Day 6: From Golubac to Vidin
Day 6: From Golubac to Vidin
- Lepenski vir
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Visit the Fortress of Golubac, one of Europe's best-preserved medieval fortresses, 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, before cruising overnight to Vidin.
Day 7 – Day 7: Discovering Vidin and Belogradchik, Cruising to Rousse
Day 7: Discovering Vidin and Belogradchik, Cruising to Rousse
- Belogradchik Fortress
- Baba Vida Fortress
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Explore Vidin on a bike ride or join a guided sightseeing tour to Baba Vida Fortress. Marvel at the remarkable rock formations in Belogradchik or discover the proud history of Bulgarian winemaking with a tour and tasting at a local winery. Enjoy a wine tasting in the cellars before cruising overnight to Rousse.
Day 8 – Day 8: From Rousse to Veliko Târnovo and Arbanassi, Cruising to Oltenita
Day 8: From Rousse to Veliko Târnovo and Arbanassi, Cruising to Oltenita
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. Enjoy live entertainment on board with a Bulgarian folklore show before cruising overnight to Oltenita.
Day 9 – Day 9: From Oltenita to Bucharest and Brasov
- Brasov
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- Bucharest Fountains
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Disembark your ship in Oltenita and transfer to Bucharest. Take a guided tour of the Romanian capital city, known for its tree-lined boulevards and 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, drive to Brasov for the night.
Day 10 – Day 10: Exploring Brasov and Bran Castle
- 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 11 – Day 11: From Brasov to Bucharest via Peles Castle
- Brasov
- Bucharest
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- Peleș Castle
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Enjoy a guided tour of Peles Castle, the summer residence of the royal family until 1947. Drive out of the Carpathians to Bucharest, enjoying a local lunch on the way. Spend some free time exploring this fascinating city on your own to discover its 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 unforgettable journey through Eastern Europe comes to an end. After breakfast, prepare for your onward journey with beautiful memories of the captivating landscapes, rich history, and vibrant cultures you've experienced.
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