Overview
Take an excursion to Pécs, Hungary, another UNESCO World Heritage Site. There are countless memorable moments on this fascinating river cruise through Eastern Europe, culminating in the unique energy of Budapest. Set along the banks of the Danube River, the capital of Hungary offers an eclectic mix of activities. A local expert introduces you to the must-see sights, such as Heroes’ Square. With free time to explore Budapest on your own, perhaps walk across one or more of the city’s famous bridges, shop for Herend porcelain or handcrafted embroidery, and experience coffee house culture with a rich cream cake.
Itinerary
Welcome to Bucharest - The "Paris of the East"
The day is yours to relax and enjoy Bucharest. 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.
Beautiful Boulevards and Bold History
- 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.
Travel to Oltenita to board your Avalon Suite Ship this afternoon.
OLTENITA (EMBARKATION): Your Balkan Adventure Begins
Explore your Avalon Suite Ship this evening and enjoy a dinner onboard.
EVENING/OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO ROUSSE (B/D)
Fortresses and Fountains in "Little Vienna"
- Active: Join a bike tour in Rousse with your Avalon Adventure Host, OR:
- Classic: Join a Guided Sightseeing Tour of Bulgaria's largest inland port and visit its impressive Holy Trinity Church.
Sail to Svistov, 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 Bulgarian Revival architecture in the 15th-century town of Arbanassi.
Later, join your ship in Svistov.
EVENING/OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO VIDIN (B/L/D)
Rocks, ruins and Balkan Beauty
Ask about today's energizing or relaxing Adventure Host activities.
- Active: Wander and discover this town, join your Adventure Host for a bike ride, OR:
- Classic: Join a Guided Tour of Belogradchik. See the remarkable rock formations on the slopes of the Balkan Mountains, sculpted by 200 million years of nature's elements. Then, visit mighty Baba Vida Fortress in nearby Vidin.
This evening, enjoy live entertainment on board with a Bulgarian folklore show.
EVENING/OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO DONJI MILANOVAC (B/L/D)
Ancient Artifacts and the Iron Gates
Before lunch on board, you'll sail through the spectacular and narrow Iron Gates Gorge - forming a natural border between Serbia and Romania.
- Active: Stretch your legs, ease your mind and enjoy a walk lead by your Adventure Host, OR:
- Classic: Join a Guided Tour to Lepenski Vir - an important Mesolithic archaeological site chronicling prehistoric cultures, settlements, and art. Marvel at the ancient discoveries and artifacts, as well as the unique views the site affords of the Danube Gorge.
Enjoy a brief sailing to Golubac.
GOLUBAC: A Formidable Fortress
- 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 defense in the Middle Ages, and a source of conflict between Serbia, the Habsburg Monarchy and the Ottoman Empire.
OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO BELGRADE (B/L/D)
Fortresses and Folklore
Join your Adventure Host for today's special activities.
- 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.
You may choose to join an Optional Guided Biking tour or spend free time in Belgrade exploring Knez Mihailova Street - Belgrade's central pedestrian thoroughfare with many lively cafes, shops, and cultural spots.
- Discovery: Attend an onboard Lecture to learn about the rich history, destinations, and culture of the Balkan states.
OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO NOVI SAD (B/L/D)
A Capital of Culture
- Active: Get your daily dose of exercise, join your Adventure Host on this walk in and around town, 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.
- Active: Enjoy a walking tour in Novi Sad along the narrow streets that climb slowly to the top of the hill above the city to Petrovaradin Fortress, OR:
- Discovery: Experience the sweet life in Serbia with a visit and tasting at the Museum of Beekeeping and Zivanovic Wine Cellar in Sremski Karlovci.
OVERNIGHT DOCKING IN ILOK (B/L/D)
Croatian Heritage and Hilltop Vintages
- Discovery: Take a walking tour of Ilok with a wine tasting in a local cellar with stories of Croatian tradition.
Enjoy a short sailing to Vukovar during lunchtime.
VUKOVAR, CROATIA: The Heroic Town on the Danube
- Classic: Enjoy a walking tour of Vukovar, the city the largest river port in Croatia.
This evening, enjoy live entertainment on board.
EVENING/OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO MOHACS (B/L/D)
Underground Tombs and Heavenly Music
- Classic: Join a morning Guided Sightseeing Tour of Mohacs - the quiet Danube harbour town with its historical memorial parks, statues, and distinctive churches. Tour the remarkable medieval St. Nicholas Watermill - one of only a few remaining watermills performing stone-ground grain processing, OR:
- Classic: Take a Guided Tour to nearby Pecs to see its 4th-century Christian underground tombs, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, with fascinating murals. You'll also enjoy an organ concert on your tour.
AFTERNOON/OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO BUDAPEST (B/L/D)
The Pearl of the Danube in the Heart of Europe
- Classic: Enjoy a Guided Sightseeing tour of Budapest, including the iconic Heroes' Square.
Take in the beauty of Budapest while enjoying a free afternoon exploring such famous sights as the Chain Bridge. Get to know the city's cafes and pubs, or take a hike through the hills above the Danube. (B)
Your holiday ends with breakfast this morning. (B)
Life Onboard Avalon Illumination
Float along Europe's most famous waterways in relaxed luxury aboard one of Avalon's award-winning Suite Ships. Read more
With the only Open-Air Balconies in river cruising, experience Europe with a view like no other in a Panorama Suite. Read more
Avalon features all the right inclusions which compliment your luxurious river cruise experience. Read more
Personalise your cruise to make it your own with Avalon Choice. Select whichever included excursions interest you the most. Read more
Avalon's Active & Discovery river cruises offer activities for travellers with varying interests & for all energy and fitness levels. Read more
Savour regional cuisine and familiar favourites using the freshest local ingredients throughout your river cruise. Read more
Trip Reviews (4) Most Recent 'The Danube from Romania to Budapest with Bucharest & Budapest' Reviews
Onboard our breakfast and lunch meals were buffet and quite good. For evening meals, whilst the waiters were superb, food took forever and evening meals typically took 2 hours and sometimes longer. When two chefs quit on the same day, and it took an hour between the appetiser and the main course, the Maitre D' insisted that there was no problem. Hotel staff and crew were otherwise friendly and obliging.
Brochure
Avalon River Cruises (2024-25)
Availability Click on prices below to view cabin upgrades and details
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.
