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Balkan Discovery With Bucharest

With bucharest extension
BudapestBucharest
Overview
  • Overview
  • Highlights
  • Itinerary
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Download Itinerary
DOWNLOAD ITINERARY
BALKAN DISCOVERY WITH BUCHAREST
WBOBBUDAPESTBUCHAREST
Leisurely On the go
Meals
Breakfast: 8 Lunch: 6 Dinner: 7
Transport
State-of-the-art, luxurious river cruise vessels with modern services and amenities
Accommodation
Deluxe outside accommodations with Avalon’s exclusive Comfort Collection Beds
HighLights
  • Budapest
  • Pecs
  • Iron Gates
  • Belogradchik
  • Nikopol. Excursion to Veliko Tarnovo & Arbanassi
  • DAY 1:   BUDAPEST, HUNGARY (EMBARKATION)
    Welcome to Hungary. Your Suite Ship is Ready for Boarding. Flights into Budapest must arrive by 2 pm. Guests must be on board ship by 5 pm. OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO VUKOVAR (D)
  • DAY 2:   VUKOVAR
    History and Beer Visit the Adventure Centre for today's activities with your Adventure Host. DISCOVERY Join a Guided Walking Tour to discover the heritage, culture, and tradition of Vukovar and enjoy a beer tasting, OR: CLASSIC Join a Guided City Tour to discover the captivating culture and tradition of Vukovar and learn about its rich history and heritage. Enjoy a brief cruise to Ilok while having lunch onboard. ILOK, CROATIA History and Culture in Croatia CLASSIC Join a Guided tour of Ilok, with its 1,000-year-old wine making traditions still thriving and its medieval fortress protected for its Croatian cultural heritage. Refresh your spirit with a wine tasting in a local cellar and hear the stories of culture and tradition in the natural beauty of Eastern Croatia, OR: ACTIVE Explore more of Croatia on a Guided Bike Tour along Ilok's city walls, into the central church, and the towns' museum on your way to Principovac Castle and Estate. OVERNIGHT DOCKING IN NOVI SAD (B,L,D)
  • DAY 3:   NOVI SAD, SERBIA
    The Athens of Serbia CLASSIC Join a Guided Tour of Novi Sad, the second largest town in Serbia. Admire its Austro-Hungarian old town, with its baroque buildings, and ancient fortifications. ACTIVE Enjoy a Guided Hike Tour to the Petrovaradin part of the town. Located on the right bank of the Danube, across from the main part of Novi Sad, this area will amaze you for its scenic views, OR: DISCOVERY Get to learn more about the beekeeper profession on this Guided Tour of Novi Sad by stopping at the Honey Museum and by tasting local honey specialties. Later, enjoy live entertainment on board. OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO BELGRADE (B,L,D)
  • DAY 4:   BELGRADE
    Fortresses and Folklore ACTIVE Discover Belgrade's central walkway with your Adventure Host, OR: CLASSIC Join a Guided Sightseeing Tour of Belgrade-where the Danube and Sava Rivers converge-Dnd see the city's many fascinating sights, including Saint Sava-one of the world's largest Orthodox churches. DISCOVERY Attend an onboard Lecture to learn about the rich history, destinations, and culture of the Balkan states. Spend your free time exploring the city on your own this afternoon on Knez Mihailova Street-Belgrade's central pedestrian thoroughfare with many lively cafes, shops, and cultural spots. This evening, you might like to join an Optional Excursion for an authentic Bohemian Dinner in the Quarter of Skadarlija. OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO GOLUBAC (B,L,D)
  • DAY 5:   GOLUBAC-DONJI MILANOVAC. EXCURSION TO LEPENSKI VIR-IRON GATES GORGE
    Ancient Artifacts and the Iron Gates CLASSIC Visit the Fortress of Golubac, one of the best-preserved medieval fortresses in Europe. You'll hear about its tumultuous history as a border control for defense in the Middle Ages, and a source of conflict between Serbia, the Habsburg Monarchy, and the Ottoman Empire. Continue to the Mesolithic archaeological site of Lepenski Vir with unique views of the Danube Gorge. Sail through the spectacular and narrow Iron Gates Gorge-D natural border between Serbia and Romania. AFTERNOON/OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO VIDIN (B,L,D)
  • DAY 6:   VIDIN, BULGARIA
    Rocks, Ruins and Balkan Beauty ACTIVE Join your Adventure Host for a bike tour around the city, OR: CLASSIC Join Guided Sightseeing to Baba Vida Fortress, followed by a Guided Tour of Belogradchik. Marvel at the remarkable rock formations on the western slopes of the Balkan Mountains, sculpted by 200 million years of natural elements, OR: DISCOVERY Discover more than two centuries of a proud family history of Bulgarian winemaking with a tour and tasting at a local winery. Here, you'll enjoy a wine tasting in the cellars. AFTERNOON/OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO ROUSSE (B,L,D)
  • DAY 7:   ROUSSE. VELIKO TARNOVO & ARBANASSI EXCURSION
    Fortresses and Folklore ACTIVE Explore Rousse's old town by bike with your Adventure Host, OR: CLASSIC Join a full-day Guided Tour to the former Bulgarian capital of Veliko Tarnovo-with its ancient stone houses clinging to the cliffs above the Yantra River. Discover one of the oldest towns in Bulgaria (circa 4300 BC), as well as the Bulgarian Revival architecture in the 15th-century town of Arbanassi, OR: CLASSIC Join a Guided Sightseeing Tour of Bulgaria's largest inland port and visit its impressive Holy Trinity Church. Later, enjoy live entertainment on board with a Bulgarian folklore show. OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO OLTENITA (B,L,D)
  • DAY 8:   OLTENITA, ROMANIA (DISEMBARKATION)-BUCHAREST
    The Paris of the East CLASSIC Take a Guided Tour of the Romanian capital city of Bucharest with its tree-lined boulevards and Arc de Triomphe-honouring WWI Romanian soldiers. See the Royal Palace Square-the scene of the city's 1989 riots to overthrow the communist dictator Nicolae Ceausescu. Spend some free time exploring on your own to visit shops and museums. See the beautiful home and churches along Victory Avenue. (B)
  • DAY 9:   BUCHAREST
    Your holiday ends with breakfast this morning. (B)
View Map
Map
Was 4,884 pp*
FROM
USD
3,772.08 pp*
BookDates & Prices
Experience the extraordinary destinations of Eastern Europe on this Danube River cruise adventure through the Balkans. You’ll cruise through the rich landscapes and cultural locales of Hungary, Croatia, Serbia, Bulgaria, and Romania. Embark on your Avalon Suite Ship® in Budapest, the lively Hungarian capital, and sail into beautiful Croatia. Enjoy a guided sightseeing tour in Vukovar and discover Ilok with its 1,000-year-old winemaking tradition. Take a fascinating guided tour of the Serbian capital of Belgrade, one of the oldest cities in Europe, where the Sava River meets the Danube. Cruise through the dramatic views of Iron Gates Gorge—a natural border between Serbia and Romania. Visit Bulgaria’s Belogradchik, and see the fascinating rock formations sculpted by natural elements for over 200 million years. On an excursion to the ancient Bulgarian capital of Veliko Târnovo, you’ll visit Arbanassi’s Church of the Nativity, housing an impressive collection of frescoes.

To round out this timeless Eastern European river cruise, you’ll stay in Romania’s vibrant capital of Bucharest, known as the “Paris of the East.” A local expert will show you many of its historical treasures, such as the Arc de Triomphe, built in honour of WWI soldiers.

Please note: Itinerary is based on 2025, and is subject to change. Full details will be confirmed in 2025.

Map

Leisurely On the go

9
Days
5
Countries
Countries
Meals
8breakfasts;
6lunches;
7dinners;
Transport
State-of-the-art, luxurious river cruise vessels with modern services and amenities
Accommodation
Deluxe outside accommodations with Avalon’s exclusive Comfort Collection Beds
Tour Code
WBOB
Price
*Price per person, based on Twin occupancy for 07 August 2026 departure
CAT D
Highlights
Budapest
Pecs
Iron Gates
Belogradchik
Nikopol. Excursion to Veliko Tarnovo & Arbanassi

Itinerary

EXPAND ALL DAYS
Day 1

BUDAPEST, HUNGARY (EMBARKATION)

Welcome to Hungary. Your Suite Ship is Ready for Boarding. Flights into Budapest must arrive by 2 pm. Guests must be on board ship by 5 pm. OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO VUKOVAR (D)

INCLUDED MEALS

Breakfast: 0, Lunch: 0, Dinner: 1

SHIP(S) *

No Vessel information available

SHOW
Day 2

VUKOVAR

History and Beer Visit the Adventure Centre for today's activities with your Adventure Host. DISCOVERY Join a Guided Walking Tour to discover the heritage, culture, and tradition of Vukovar and enjoy a beer tasting, OR: CLASSIC Join a Guided City Tour to discover the captivating culture and tradition of Vukovar and learn about its rich history and heritage. Enjoy a brief cruise to Ilok while having lunch onboard. ILOK, CROATIA History and Culture in Croatia CLASSIC Join a Guided tour of Ilok, with its 1,000-year-old wine making traditions still thriving and its medieval fortress protected for its Croatian cultural heritage. Refresh your spirit with a wine tasting in a local cellar and hear the stories of culture and tradition in the natural beauty of Eastern Croatia, OR: ACTIVE Explore more of Croatia on a Guided Bike Tour along Ilok's city walls, into the central church, and the towns' museum on your way to Principovac Castle and Estate. OVERNIGHT DOCKING IN NOVI SAD (B,L,D)

INCLUDED MEALS

Breakfast: 1, Lunch: 1, Dinner: 1

SHIP(S) *

No Vessel information available

SHOW
Day 3

NOVI SAD, SERBIA

The Athens of Serbia CLASSIC Join a Guided Tour of Novi Sad, the second largest town in Serbia. Admire its Austro-Hungarian old town, with its baroque buildings, and ancient fortifications. ACTIVE Enjoy a Guided Hike Tour to the Petrovaradin part of the town. Located on the right bank of the Danube, across from the main part of Novi Sad, this area will amaze you for its scenic views, OR: DISCOVERY Get to learn more about the beekeeper profession on this Guided Tour of Novi Sad by stopping at the Honey Museum and by tasting local honey specialties. Later, enjoy live entertainment on board. OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO BELGRADE (B,L,D)

INCLUDED MEALS

Breakfast: 1, Lunch: 1, Dinner: 1

SHIP(S) *

No Vessel information available

SHOW
Day 4

BELGRADE

Fortresses and Folklore ACTIVE Discover Belgrade's central walkway with your Adventure Host, OR: CLASSIC Join a Guided Sightseeing Tour of Belgrade-where the Danube and Sava Rivers converge-Dnd see the city's many fascinating sights, including Saint Sava-one of the world's largest Orthodox churches. DISCOVERY Attend an onboard Lecture to learn about the rich history, destinations, and culture of the Balkan states. Spend your free time exploring the city on your own this afternoon on Knez Mihailova Street-Belgrade's central pedestrian thoroughfare with many lively cafes, shops, and cultural spots. This evening, you might like to join an Optional Excursion for an authentic Bohemian Dinner in the Quarter of Skadarlija. OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO GOLUBAC (B,L,D)

INCLUDED MEALS

Breakfast: 1, Lunch: 1, Dinner: 1

SHIP(S) *

No Vessel information available

SHOW
Day 5

GOLUBAC-DONJI MILANOVAC. EXCURSION TO LEPENSKI VIR-IRON GATES GORGE

Ancient Artifacts and the Iron Gates CLASSIC Visit the Fortress of Golubac, one of the best-preserved medieval fortresses in Europe. You'll hear about its tumultuous history as a border control for defense in the Middle Ages, and a source of conflict between Serbia, the Habsburg Monarchy, and the Ottoman Empire. Continue to the Mesolithic archaeological site of Lepenski Vir with unique views of the Danube Gorge. Sail through the spectacular and narrow Iron Gates Gorge-D natural border between Serbia and Romania. AFTERNOON/OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO VIDIN (B,L,D)

INCLUDED MEALS

Breakfast: 1, Lunch: 1, Dinner: 1

SHIP(S) *

No Vessel information available

SHOW
Day 6

VIDIN, BULGARIA

Rocks, Ruins and Balkan Beauty ACTIVE Join your Adventure Host for a bike tour around the city, OR: CLASSIC Join Guided Sightseeing to Baba Vida Fortress, followed by a Guided Tour of Belogradchik. Marvel at the remarkable rock formations on the western slopes of the Balkan Mountains, sculpted by 200 million years of natural elements, OR: DISCOVERY Discover more than two centuries of a proud family history of Bulgarian winemaking with a tour and tasting at a local winery. Here, you'll enjoy a wine tasting in the cellars. AFTERNOON/OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO ROUSSE (B,L,D)

INCLUDED MEALS

Breakfast: 1, Lunch: 1, Dinner: 1

SHIP(S) *

No Vessel information available

SHOW
Day 7

ROUSSE. VELIKO TARNOVO & ARBANASSI EXCURSION

Fortresses and Folklore ACTIVE Explore Rousse's old town by bike with your Adventure Host, OR: CLASSIC Join a full-day Guided Tour to the former Bulgarian capital of Veliko Tarnovo-with its ancient stone houses clinging to the cliffs above the Yantra River. Discover one of the oldest towns in Bulgaria (circa 4300 BC), as well as the Bulgarian Revival architecture in the 15th-century town of Arbanassi, OR: CLASSIC Join a Guided Sightseeing Tour of Bulgaria's largest inland port and visit its impressive Holy Trinity Church. Later, enjoy live entertainment on board with a Bulgarian folklore show. OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO OLTENITA (B,L,D)

INCLUDED MEALS

Breakfast: 1, Lunch: 1, Dinner: 1

SHIP(S) *

No Vessel information available

SHOW
Day 8

OLTENITA, ROMANIA (DISEMBARKATION)-BUCHAREST

The Paris of the East CLASSIC Take a Guided Tour of the Romanian capital city of Bucharest with its tree-lined boulevards and Arc de Triomphe-honouring WWI Romanian soldiers. See the Royal Palace Square-the scene of the city's 1989 riots to overthrow the communist dictator Nicolae Ceausescu. Spend some free time exploring on your own to visit shops and museums. See the beautiful home and churches along Victory Avenue. (B)

INCLUDED MEALS

Breakfast: 1, Lunch: 0, Dinner: 0

SHIP(S) *

No Vessel information available

SHOW
Day 9

BUCHAREST

Your holiday ends with breakfast this morning. (B)

INCLUDED MEALS

Breakfast: 1, Lunch: 0, Dinner: 0

SHOW
*

TRIP ACCOMMODATION & OPTIONAL EXCURSIONS

The displayed price is a guide only. You will be able to book most excursions within MyAccount up to 4 days prior to excursion date, where the exact price will be displayed. For Australia and New Zealand tours, optional excursions can be booked on tour with the Tour Director. All excursions are subject to availability.

Personalise your trip

Available extensions (4)

Default
Start trip: Budapest
End trip: Oltenita
Add On
Start trip: +1 day in Budapest
End trip: Bucharest

Extend your cruise with 1 night in Bucharest (WBOB)

FROM
USD
+204
Selected
Add On
Start trip: +3 days in Budapest
End trip: Bucharest

End your cruise with 2 nights in Transylvania and 1night in Bucharest including a visit Dracula's Bran Castle (WBOE)

FROM
USD
+1,003
Add On
Start trip: +2 days in Budapest
End trip: Bucharest

Extend your holiday with 1 night in the lively city of Budapest and 1night in Bucharest (WBOQ)

FROM
USD
+487
Add On
Start trip: +4 days in Budapest
End trip: Bucharest

Add on Budapest, Bucharest and Brasov to your holiday with guided sightseeing, including visits to Transylvania's Bran Castle and Peles Castle (WBOY)

FROM
USD
+1,286
Experience the extraordinary destinations of Eastern Europe on this Danube River cruise adventure through the Balkans. You’ll cruise through the rich landscapes and cultural locales of Hungary, Croatia, Serbia, Bulgaria, and Romania. Embark on your Avalon Suite Ship® in Budapest, the lively Hungarian capital, and sail into beautiful Croatia. Enjoy a guided sightseeing tour in Vukovar and discover Ilok with its 1,000-year-old winemaking tradition. Take a fascinating guided tour of the Serbian capital of Belgrade, one of the oldest cities in Europe, where the Sava River meets the Danube. Cruise through the dramatic views of Iron Gates Gorge—a natural border between Serbia and Romania. Visit Bulgaria’s Belogradchik, and see the fascinating rock formations sculpted by natural elements for over 200 million years. On an excursion to the ancient Bulgarian capital of Veliko Târnovo, you’ll visit Arbanassi’s Church of the Nativity, housing an impressive collection of frescoes.

To round out this timeless Eastern European river cruise, you’ll stay in Romania’s vibrant capital of Bucharest, known as the “Paris of the East.” A local expert will show you many of its historical treasures, such as the Arc de Triomphe, built in honour of WWI soldiers.

Please note: Itinerary is based on 2025, and is subject to change. Full details will be confirmed in 2025.

Map

Leisurely On the go

9
Days
5
Countries
Countries
Meals
8breakfasts;
6lunches;
7dinners;
Transport
State-of-the-art, luxurious river cruise vessels with modern services and amenities
Accommodation
Deluxe outside accommodations with Avalon’s exclusive Comfort Collection Beds
Tour Code
WBOB
Price
*Price per person, based on Twin occupancy for 07 August 2026 departure
CAT D

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