Overview
Continue your river cruise through the dramatic views of Iron Gates Gorge, visit Belogradchik’s fascinating rock formations, and Bulgaria’s ancient capital of Veliko Tarnovo. In Arbanassi, visit the Church of the Nativity, housing an impressive collection of frescoes. From Oltenita, transfer to Bucharest for guided sightseeing. Known as the “Paris of the East,” a local expert will show you many of its historical treasures, such as the Arc de Triomphe. Take a trip to Transylvania to visit the Bran Castle—of Dracula Fame—the city of Brasov, and beautiful Peles Castle.
Itinerary
Welcome to Budapest - Hungary's Captivating Capital. The day is yours to relax and enjoy Eastern Europe's shining city on the Danube.
The Pearl of the Danube in the Heart of Europe
- Classic: Enjoy a Guided City Sightseeing, including the iconic Heroes' Square.
This afternoon, board your Suite Ship. This evening enjoy a dinner onboard.
OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO MOHACS (B/D)
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 Novi Sad 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)
The Athens of Serbia
- 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 to the Honey Museum and by tasting local honey specialties. OR:
- 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.
Later, enjoy live entertainment on board.
OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO BELGRADE (B/L/D)
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 - and 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)
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, OR:
- Classic: Join a Guided Tour to the Mesolithic archaeological site of Lepenski Vir with unique views of the Danube Gorge.
Sail through the spectacular and narrow Iron Gates Gorge - a natural border between Serbia and Romania.
AFTERNOON/OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO VIDIN (B/L/D)
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)
Fortresses and Folklore
- 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)
Disembark your Ship and transfer to Bucharest.
- Classic: Take a Guided Tour of the Romanian capital city of Bucharest with its tree-lined boulevards and Arc de Triomphe - honoring WWI Romanian soldiers. 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. (B/D)
- Classic: Enjoy a Guided Tour of Brasov and admire its gothic, baroque and renaissance architecture.
In the evening, depart for Bran Castle of Dracula lore.
- Classic: Take a Guided Tour of Bran Castle - the 1377 legendary home of the famed Romanian vampire, followed by a dinner in this amazing location. (B/D)
The "Paris of the East."
- Classic: Enjoy a Guided Tour of Visit Peles Castle, the summer residence of the royal family until 1947.
Drive out the Carpathians to Bucharest; On the way, enjoy a local lunch.
Spend some free time exploring this fascinating city on your own to discover its trendy shops, cafes, museums, beautiful homes, and churches along Victory Avenue. (B/L)
Your holiday ends with breakfast this morning. (B)
Life Onboard Avalon Illumination
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Avalon's Active & Discovery river cruises offer activities for travelers with varying interests & for all energy and fitness levels. Read more
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Trip Reviews (2) Most Recent 'Balkan Discovery with Budapest, Bucharest and Transylvania' Reviews
Brochure
Avalon River Cruises (2025-26)
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Tour & cruises prices are per person. Prices shown have savings applied, are subject to availability and may be withdrawn at any time without notice. Pricing and trip details are correct at this point in time, however are subject to confirmation at the time of booking and are subject to change by Avalon. For cruise itineraries, cabin images are sourced from Avalon. These should be treated as indicative only. Cabin inclusions, upholsteries and room layout may differ to the image(s) shown depending on the ship selected and your sailing dates.
