The Danube from Romania to Budapest 2025
Description
Summary
Description
Embark on an unforgettable multi-day tour through the heart of the Balkans. This journey will take you from the vibrant city of Bucharest to the historical and cultural treasures of Bulgaria, Serbia, and Croatia, before concluding in the majestic city of Budapest. Enjoy guided tours, local delicacies, and breathtaking landscapes as you cruise along the Danube River. Each day offers a unique blend of activities, from exploring ancient fortresses and archaeological sites to savoring local wines and folklore performances. Join us for an adventure that promises to be both enriching and exhilarating.
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 Waterways river cruise ship
8 nights onboard 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
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
Map
Attractions
Daily Itinerary
Day 1 – Day 1: Bucharest
- Bucharest - Arrival day
- More
Your Balkan adventure begins as you arrive in Bucharest by 2 pm. Settle into your Avalon Suite Ship® and enjoy a delightful dinner onboard as you prepare for the journey ahead. Overnight, the ship will cruise towards Rousse.
Day 2 – Day 2: Rousse, Veliko Târnovo, and Arbanassi
Day 2: Rousse, Veliko Târnovo, and Arbanassi
- Maryan Winery
- Ivanili Waterfall
- More
Explore the 'Little Vienna' of Rousse with a bike tour or a guided sightseeing tour, including a visit to the Holy Trinity Church. Alternatively, embark on a full-day tour to the ancient city of Veliko Târnovo and the 15th-century village of Arbanassi. Rejoin your ship in Svistov and enjoy an overnight cruise to Vidin.
Day 3 – Day 3: Vidin and Belogradchik
Day 3: Vidin and Belogradchik
- Belogradchik Fortress
- Baba Vida Fortress
- More
Discover the natural beauty of Belogradchik Rocks and the historical Baba Vida Fortress on a guided tour. Enjoy live Bulgarian folklore entertainment onboard as you cruise towards Donji Milanovac.
Day 4 – Day 4: Donji Milanovac and Golubac
Day 4: Donji Milanovac and Golubac
- Lepenski vir
- National Park Djerdap
- Golubac Fortress
- More
Sail through the stunning Iron Gates Gorge before visiting the archaeological site of Lepenski Vir. Continue to Golubac to explore its formidable medieval fortress. Overnight, the ship will cruise to Belgrade.
Day 5 – Day 5: Belgrade
Day 5: Belgrade
- Saint Sava Temple
- Prince Mihailo Monument
- More
Explore Belgrade with a guided tour, including a visit to the impressive Saint Sava Church. Alternatively, enjoy a bike tour or free time on Knez Mihailova Street. Attend an onboard lecture about Balkan history and culture. Overnight, the ship will cruise to Novi Sad.
Day 6 – Day 6: Novi Sad and Sremski Karlovci
Day 6: Novi Sad and Sremski Karlovci
- Museum of Srem
- Petrovaradin Fortress's Clock
- More
Discover Novi Sad with a guided tour of its Austro-Hungarian old town and Petrovaradin Fortress. Alternatively, visit the Museum of Beekeeping and Živanović Wine Cellar in Sremski Karlovci. Overnight, the ship will dock in Ilok.
Day 7 – Day 7: Ilok and Vukovar
- Grad Vukovar
- More
- Ilok Municipal Museum
- Vukovar water tower
- More
Enjoy a walking tour of Ilok with a wine tasting in a local cellar. Sail to Vukovar for a guided tour of Croatia's largest river port. Overnight, the ship will cruise to Mohács.
Day 8 – Day 8: Mohács and Pécs
- Pécs
- More
- Sugovica part - sétány
- Pécs Zoo
- More
Explore Mohács with a guided tour of its historical sites, including the St. Nicholas Watermill. Alternatively, visit Pécs to see its 4th-century Christian underground tombs and enjoy an organ concert. Overnight, the ship will cruise to Budapest.
Day 9 – Day 9: Budapest
- Budapest - Departure day
- More
Your cruise concludes with breakfast in Budapest. Ensure your flights depart after 8 am to allow ample time for disembarkation.
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