Balkan Discovery with 2 Nights in Transylvania
Description
Summary
Description
Embark on an unforgettable 11-day journey through the heart of Eastern Europe. This multi-day tour will take you through the enchanting landscapes of Hungary, Croatia, Serbia, Romania, and Bulgaria. From the bustling streets of Budapest to the medieval fortresses of Serbia, the tour offers a unique blend of history, culture, and natural beauty. You'll explore UNESCO World Heritage Sites, taste traditional cuisine, and immerse yourself in the local culture. Whether you're marveling at the architectural wonders of Bucharest, exploring the ancient ruins of Veliko Târnovo, or savoring the world-class wines of Ilok, this tour promises a captivating adventure. The tour includes comfortable accommodations, delicious meals, and expert guides to enrich your 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
7 nights of accommodation onboard an Avalon Waterways River cruise ship
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
Pécs
Brasov
BucharestMap
Attractions
Belogradchik Fortress
Peleș Castle
Lepenski vir
Baba Vida Fortress
Saint Sava Temple
Bran Castle
Bucharest Fountains
Trajan's Plaque
Sugovica part - sétány
Pécs ZooDaily Itinerary
Day 1 – Day 1: Arrival in Budapest
- Budapest - Arrival day
- More
Welcome to Hungary! Your adventure begins in the vibrant city of Budapest. Please ensure your flights arrive by 2 pm and board your Suite Ship by 5 pm. Settle in and prepare for your overnight cruise to Mohács. Dinner will be served on board.
Day 2 – Day 2: Exploring Mohács and Pécs
- Pécs
- More
- Sugovica part - sétány
- Pécs Zoo
- More
Start your day with a guided tour of Mohács, a tranquil Danube harbor town rich in history. Visit the medieval St. Nicholas Watermill, one of the few remaining watermills in the world. Alternatively, take a guided tour of Pécs, where you'll explore 4th-century Christian underground tombs, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and enjoy an organ concert. After a day of exploration, enjoy an evening cruise to Ilok.
Day 3 – Day 3: Discovering Ilok and Novi Sad
Day 3: Discovering Ilok and Novi Sad
Today, join a guided tour of Ilok, a city with a 1,000-year-old wine-making tradition. After a brief cruise and lunch onboard, arrive in Novi Sad, Serbia's second-largest city. Explore the Austro-Hungarian old town and its ancient fortifications on a guided tour, or opt for a leisurely walk around the city with your Adventure Host. Overnight, cruise to Belgrade.
Day 4 – Day 4: Exploring Belgrade
Day 4: Exploring Belgrade
- Saint Sava Temple
- More
Discover the charm of Belgrade, where the Danube and Sava Rivers converge. Join a guided sightseeing tour and visit Saint Sava, one of the world's largest Orthodox churches. Attend an onboard lecture to learn about the rich history and culture of the Balkan states. Spend your free afternoon exploring Knez Mihailova Street, a lively pedestrian thoroughfare filled with cafes, shops, and cultural spots. Overnight, cruise to Golubač.
Day 5 – Day 5: Unveiling the Secrets of Golubač
Day 5: Unveiling the Secrets of Golubač
- Lepenski vir
- Trajan's Plaque
- More
Today, visit the Fortress of Golubač, one of Europe's best-preserved medieval fortresses, or join a guided tour to the Mesolithic archaeological site of Lepenski Vir. Later, sail through the spectacular Iron Gates Gorge, a natural border between Serbia and Romania. Overnight, cruise to Vidin.
Day 6 – Day 6: Vidin and Belogradchik Exploration
Day 6: Vidin and Belogradchik Exploration
- Belogradchik Fortress
- Baba Vida Fortress
- More
Join a guided sightseeing tour to Baba Vida Fortress in Vidin, followed by a tour of Belogradchik. 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. Overnight, cruise to Rousse.
Day 7 – Day 7: Journey to Rousse, Veliko Târnovo, and Arbanassi
Day 7: Journey to Rousse, Veliko Târnovo, and Arbanassi
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 onboard. Overnight, cruise to Oltenita.
Day 8 – Day 8: From Oltenita to Bucharest and Brasov
- Bucharest
- Brasov
- More
- Bucharest Fountains
- More
Disembark your ship in Oltenita and transfer to Bucharest. Take a guided tour of the Romanian capital, known for its tree-lined boulevards and the Arc de Triomphe. After the visit, drive to Brasov for the night.
Day 9 – Day 9: Brasov and Bran Castle
- Brasov
- Bran
- More
- Bran Castle
- More
Enjoy a guided tour of Brasov, known for its gothic, baroque, and renaissance architecture. In the evening, depart for Bran Castle, famously associated with the Dracula legend. Take a guided tour of the castle, followed by a dinner in this unique location.
Day 10 – Day 10: From Brasov to Bucharest
- Brasov
- Bucharest
- More
- Peleș Castle
- More
Visit 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 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
- More
Your unforgettable Eastern European adventure comes to an end. After breakfast, prepare for your onward journey. We hope you leave with fond memories and new friendships, and we look forward to welcoming you again on your next adventure.
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.