Balkan Discovery

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Our Price From 4,484 Per Person
Exclusive Savings 1,891 Per Person
 Trip Length
8 Days
 Trip Starts
Budapest
 Trip Finishes
Oltenita
8 Day Balkan Discovery Itinerary (Avalon)
Countries Explored: Hungary, Croatia, Serbia, Bulgaria, Romania
Cruise Line
Avalon
Ship
Departures
Passengers
166
Crew
47
Launched
2016
Cruise Code
WBO

Overview

Book online and enjoy exclusive savings on Avalon's 8 Day Balkan Discovery. 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 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...read more 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.

Itinerary

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)

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)

Your cruise ends with breakfast this morning. Flights should not leave Bucharest airport before noon. (B)

Life Onboard

Avalon Passion
Avalon Passion

Float along Europe's most famous waterways in relaxed luxury aboard one of Avalon's award-winning Suite Ships.

Our Vision. Your View.
Our Vision. Your View.

With the only Open-Air Balconies in river cruising, experience Europe with a view like no other in a Panorama Suite. Read more

Exclusive Meets Inclusive
Exclusive Meets Inclusive

Avalon features all the right inclusions which compliment your luxurious river cruise experience. Read more

Avalon Choice
Avalon Choice

Personalise your cruise to make it your own with Avalon Choice. Select whichever included excursions interest you the most. Read more

Active & Discovery
Active & Discovery

Avalon's Active & Discovery river cruises offer activities for travellers with varying interests & for all energy and fitness levels. Read more

From View to Table
From View to Table

Savour regional cuisine and familiar favourites using the freshest local ingredients throughout your river cruise. Read more

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Deck Plans

Ship Profile
 
Deluxe Stateroom
Category E
 
Deluxe Stateroom
Category D
Indigo Deck (Level 1)
 
Panorama Suite
Category B
 
Panorama Suite
Category A
Sapphire Deck (Level 2)
 
Panorama Suite
Category P
 
Royal Suite
Royal Deck (Level 3)

Cabins

Deluxe Stateroom (Cat. E & D)

  • Deluxe Stateroom (172 sq ft)
  • Twin Windows
  • Comfort Collection Bed with Egyptian super-combed cotton linens, woolen blankets & European style duvets
  • Private bathroom featuring full shower, hairdryer & premium L'Occitane bath amenities
  • Spacious three-door closets and easy under-bed luggage storage
  • Flatscreen satellite with movie channel
  • In-room safe, writing Desk/Vanity & direct-dial telephone
  • Complimentary Wi-Fi access
  • Individual thermostat
  • Bathrobes & slippers

Panorama Suite (Cat. B, A & P)

  • Wall-to-wall Panoramic Window measuring 11'- 50% larger than industry standard (200 sq ft)
  • Wall-to-wall Panoramic Window opens to transform the living space into a large Open-Air-Balcony
  • Open-Air-Balcony with spacious sitting area
  • Comfort Collection Bed with Egyptian super-combed cotton linens, woolen blankets & European style duvets
  • Private bathroom featuring full shower, hairdryer & premium L'Occitane bath amentities
  • Spacious three-door closets and easy under-bed luggage storage
  • Flatscreen satellite with movie channel
  • In-room safe, writing Desk/Vanity & direct-dial telephone
  • Complimentary Wi-Fi access
  • Individual thermostat
  • Bathrobes & slippers

Royal Suite

  • Wall-to-wall Panoramic Window measuring 11'- 50% larger than industry standard (300 sq ft)
  • Wall-to-wall Panoramic Window opens to transform the living space into a large Open-Air-Balcony
  • Open-Air-Balcony with spacious sitting area
  • Comfort Collection Bed with Egyptian super-combed cotton linens, woolen blankets & European style duvets
  • Private bathroom featuring full shower, hairdryer & premium L'Occitane bath amentities
  • Spacious three-door closets and easy under-bed luggage storage
  • Flatscreen satellite with movie channel
  • In-room safe, writing Desk/Vanity & direct-dial telephone
  • Complimentary Wi-Fi access
  • Individual thermostat
  • Bathrobes & slippers

Brochure

River Cruises

Avalon River Cruises (2024-25)

Embark with Avalon on your choice of over 75 cruises on 12 rivers (plus the Galápagos!) featuring 24 countries in Europe, Asia, South America, and Egypt. Discover tradition and timeless beauty on the Rhine, Danube, Seine, Rhône, and Saône—to name a few. Discover how generations of graceful traditions live on while sailing the Mekong in Southeast Asia...more or unlock the secrets of the Sphinx on the mysterious Nile in Egypt. Welcome aboard! Where shall we sail next?

Availability

Monday 28 Apr 2025
Monday 05 May 2025
Ship Name Avalon Passion
From: $6,082
  N/A
Earlybird OfferDouble Qantas Points
Thursday 22 May 2025
Thursday 29 May 2025
Ship Name Avalon Expression
From: $6,374 $5,227
Save $1,147 Enquire
Earlybird OfferDouble Qantas Points
Wednesday 25 Jun 2025
Wednesday 02 Jul 2025
Ship Name Avalon Passion
From: $6,374 $4,831
Save $1,543 Enquire
Earlybird OfferDouble Qantas Points
Saturday 02 Aug 2025
Saturday 09 Aug 2025
Ship Name Avalon Expression
From: $6,374 $4,484
Save $1,890 Enquire
Earlybird OfferDouble Qantas Points
Friday 22 Aug 2025
Friday 29 Aug 2025
Ship Name Avalon Passion
From: $6,520 $4,629
Save $1,891 Enquire
Earlybird OfferDouble Qantas Points
Monday 15 Sep 2025
Monday 22 Sep 2025
Ship Name Avalon Expression
From: $6,812 $5,660
Save $1,152 Enquire
Earlybird OfferDouble Qantas Points
Tuesday 30 Sep 2025
Tuesday 07 Oct 2025
Ship Name Avalon Expression
From: $6,812 $5,264
Save $1,548 Enquire
Earlybird OfferDouble Qantas Points
Sunday 19 Oct 2025
Sunday 26 Oct 2025
Ship Name Avalon Passion
From: $6,520 $4,975
Save $1,545 Enquire
Monday 28 Apr 2025
Monday 05 May 2025
Ship Name Avalon Passion
From: $9,131
  N/A
Earlybird OfferDouble Qantas Points
Thursday 22 May 2025
Thursday 29 May 2025
Ship Name Avalon Expression
From: $9,583 $8,404
Save $1,179 Enquire
Earlybird OfferDouble Qantas Points
Wednesday 25 Jun 2025
Wednesday 02 Jul 2025
Ship Name Avalon Passion
From: $9,583 $8,008
Save $1,575 Enquire
Earlybird OfferDouble Qantas Points
Saturday 02 Aug 2025
Saturday 09 Aug 2025
Ship Name Avalon Expression
From: $9,583 $7,661
Save $1,922 Enquire
Earlybird OfferDouble Qantas Points
Friday 22 Aug 2025
Friday 29 Aug 2025
Ship Name Avalon Passion
From: $9,809 $7,885
Save $1,924 Enquire
Earlybird OfferDouble Qantas Points
Monday 15 Sep 2025
Monday 22 Sep 2025
Ship Name Avalon Expression
From: $10,262 $9,076
Save $1,186 Enquire
Earlybird OfferDouble Qantas Points
Tuesday 30 Sep 2025
Tuesday 07 Oct 2025
Ship Name Avalon Expression
From: $10,262 $8,680
Save $1,582 Enquire
Earlybird OfferDouble Qantas Points
Sunday 19 Oct 2025
Sunday 26 Oct 2025
Ship Name Avalon Passion
From: $9,809 $8,231
Save $1,578 Enquire
Note
Your Global Journeys Travel Advisor will check the availability of your departure date when you enquire. Additional savings may apply. We guarantee the lowest price in Australia. T&C’s apply.

Cabin Upgrades Optional cabin upgrades. Upgrades priced per person

Category E  (Prices Shown) $ 0
Category D From $ 199
Category B From $ 1,799
Category A From $ 1,899
Category P From $ 1,949
Category S From $ 3,499
Note
Upgrade prices shown are per person. Your Global Journeys Travel Advisor will confirm and include the upgrade price in your quote.
Note
Tour & cruises prices are per person. Prices shown have savings applied, are subject to availability and may be withdrawn at any time without notice. Prices and trip information are correct at the time 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.

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