The Danube from Romania to Budapest with 1 Night in Bucharest 2025
Description
Summary
Description
Embark on a captivating multi-day tour through the heart of the Balkans, where history, culture, and natural beauty converge. From the elegant boulevards of Bucharest to the medieval fortresses of Serbia, this journey offers a unique blend of guided tours, cultural experiences, and scenic river cruises. Enjoy comfortable accommodations aboard the Avalon Suite Ship® (or similar), savor delicious meals, and immerse yourself in the rich heritage of Romania, Bulgaria, Serbia, and Croatia. Each day brings new adventures and discoveries, making this tour an unforgettable experience.
Included
9 nights of accommodation onboard an Avalon Waterways River cruise ship
1 Night in Bucharest
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
Avalon Waterways River cruise ship
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
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
Friendly, English-speaking crew & Cruise Director
Destinations
Map
Attractions
Daily Itinerary
Day 1 – Day 1: Bucharest
- Bucharest - Arrival day
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- Izvor Park
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Welcome to Bucharest, often referred to as the 'Paris of the East.' Today, you have the freedom to explore this captivating city at your own pace. Discover its trendy shops, charming cafés, intriguing museums, and beautiful homes and churches along Victory Avenue.
Day 2 – Day 2: Bucharest and Oltenita
- Bucharest
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- Parcul Marin Preda
- George Enescu Square
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Begin your day with a guided tour of Bucharest, where you'll stroll along tree-lined boulevards and see the Arc de Triomphe, built to honor Romanian soldiers of WWI. Visit the Royal Palace Square, the site of the 1989 anti-communist riots. In the afternoon, travel to Oltenita to board your Avalon Suite Ship® and enjoy a delightful dinner onboard as you embark on your Balkan adventure.
Day 3 – Day 3: Rousse and Svistov
- Veliko Tarnovo
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- Maryan Winery
- Ivanili Waterfall
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Explore the largest inland port of Bulgaria, Rousse, with options to join a bike tour or a guided sightseeing tour, including a visit to the impressive Holy Trinity Church. Alternatively, embark on a full-day guided tour to the former Bulgarian capital, Veliko Tarnovo, and the 15th-century town of Arbanassi. Rejoin your ship in Svistov and enjoy an evening cruise to Vidin.
Day 4 – Day 4: Vidin
- Vidin
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- Belogradchik Fortress
- Baba Vida Fortress
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Discover the natural beauty and historical significance of Vidin. Join a guided tour to see the remarkable rock formations of Belogradchik, sculpted by nature over 200 million years. Visit the mighty Baba Vida Fortress and enjoy live entertainment onboard with a Bulgarian folklore show in the evening.
Day 5 – Day 5: Donji Milanovac and Golubac
Day 5: Donji Milanovac and Golubac
- Lepenski vir
- National Park Djerdap
- Golubac Fortress
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Sail through the spectacular Iron Gates Gorge, a natural border between Serbia and Romania. Join a guided tour to Lepenski Vir, an important Mesolithic archaeological site. Later, visit the formidable Golubac Fortress, one of the best-preserved medieval fortresses in Europe, and learn about its tumultuous history.
Day 6 – Day 6: Belgrade
Day 6: Belgrade
- Saint Sava Temple
- Prince Mihailo Monument
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Explore Belgrade, where the Danube and Sava Rivers converge. Join a guided sightseeing tour to see the city's many fascinating sights, including Saint Sava, one of the world's largest Orthodox churches. You may also choose to explore Knez Mihailova Street, Belgrade's central pedestrian thoroughfare, or attend an onboard lecture about the rich history and culture of the Balkan states.
Day 7 – Day 7: Novi Sad and Sremski Karlovci
Day 7: Novi Sad and Sremski Karlovci
- Museum of Srem
- Petrovaradin Fortress's Clock
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Discover Novi Sad, Serbia's second-largest city, with a guided tour of its Austro-Hungarian old town and baroque buildings. Alternatively, enjoy a walking tour to the Petrovaradin Fortress or visit the Museum of Beekeeping and Živanović Wine Cellar in Sremski Karlovci for a taste of the sweet life in Serbia.
Day 8 – Day 8: Ilok and Vukovar
- Grad Vukovar
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- Ilok Municipal Museum
- Vukovar water tower
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Take a walking tour of Ilok, including a wine tasting in a local cellar, and learn about Croatian traditions. Enjoy a short sail to Vukovar, Croatia's largest river port, and explore the city on a guided walking tour. In the evening, enjoy live entertainment onboard.
Day 9 – Day 9: Mohács and Pécs
- Pécs
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- Sugovica part - sétány
- Pécs Zoo
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Join a guided sightseeing tour of Mohács, a quiet Danube harbor town with historical memorial parks and distinctive churches. Visit the medieval St. Nicholas Watermill or take a guided tour to nearby Pécs to see its 4th-century Christian underground tombs, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and enjoy an organ concert.
Day 10 – Day 10: Budapest
- Budapest - Departure day
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Your unforgettable Balkan adventure concludes with breakfast this morning. Ensure your flights from Budapest airport are scheduled after 8 am to allow for a smooth departure.
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