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Balkan Discovery with Bucharest

5.0/5 Based on 3 Reviews No Booking FeesDedicated Cruise Advisor
Our Price From
US$3,647
Save $1,152pp
Port charges, taxes and fees included
 Cruise Length
9 Days
 Cruise Starts
Budapest
 Cruise Finishes
Bucharest
9 Day Balkan Discovery with Bucharest Itinerary (Avalon)
Countries Explored: Hungary, Croatia, Serbia, Bulgaria, Romania
Cruise Line
Avalon
Ship
Departures
Passengers
166
Crew
47
Launched
2014
Cruise Code
WBOB

Overview

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....read more 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 honor of WWI soldiers.

Itinerary

Welcome to Hungary. Your Suite Ship® is Ready for Boarding. Flights into Budapest must arrive by 2pm. Guests must be on board ship by 5pm.

OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO VUKOVAR (D)

History and Beer.

Visit the Adventure Center 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)

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)

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 cafés, 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 GOLUBAČ (B/L/D)

Ancient Artifacts and the Iron Gates

  • Classic: Visit the Fortress of Golubač, 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—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.

  • 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 Târnovo—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 a short scenic drive to explore the rock - hewn churches of Ivanovo, a UNESCO World Heritage.
Later, enjoy live entertainment on board with a Bulgarian folklore show.

OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO OLTENITA (B/L/D)

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—honoring 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)

Your vacation ends with breakfast this morning. (B)

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Active & Discovery
Active & Discovery

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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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Trip Reviews (3) Most Recent 'Balkan Discovery with Bucharest' Reviews

5.0
Average Rating 5.0 / 5
3 Reviews
5 Star
100%
4 Star
3 Star
2 Star
1 Star
Eastern European Adventure 2 , QLD, , Apr 2018
We had an absolutely fabulous time cruising through Eastern Europe. The Avalon Passion is the newest ship in the fleet and it is outstanding. Our stateroom was extremely comfortable and luxurious, the staff were very friendly and helpful and the daily tours were very informative and well planned. This is the second time we have booked through Global... read more Journeys and we will definitely use them again.
Lazy Sailing Down the Danube 1 , QLD, Australia, Sep 2016
The overall organisation of the holiday from booking to the completion in Bucharest was efficient and helpful.The accommodation in the hotels and on the boat was of a high standard. The hotels were also located in convenient locations so one could get out and explore whilst in the cities. The tours were very good, interesting but a bit slow. It is recommended... read more that one bus be for the people who like to get out and move around quickly with a guide to make the most of their time on shore. A few times I felt like I was doing the senior shuffle when I could have used that extra hour for further exploration or a bit of shopping. The mix of people on board was excellent and welcoming to a single traveller. Praise must be given to Monica for running a tight ship. She was very clear and concise on the daily programmes and they ran efficiently. The staff were very good in their service and the chef's menu suited all dietary and calorie requirements.
The best decision we could have made 4 , Australia, Apr 2014
Although usually independent travelers we decided to book a cruise through the Balkans because of the difficulties of booking rail travel in that area. It was the best decision we could have made. Our brilliant service from Yvonne at Global Journeys set the standard for the entire cruise experience. Booking was seamless, documentation was sent to... read more us early as requested and we were fortunate to receive an upgrade at the last minute. Booking on to the cruise at Budapest was efficient and the 5* pre and post cruise accommodation first class. Pre-cruise information was helpful and all information we received during the cruise about countries we were visiting was interesting and informative. Our cruise director, Andrzej, was brilliant, patient and amusing. Nothing was too much trouble for him and as he had been travelling to the Balkans for 20 years his advice was invaluable. All crew and staff on the Luminary were helpful, friendly and efficient and the accommodation was beautiful and far more spacious than we expected. We had read the cruise itinerary and information from travel guides and knew this wasn't a castles and cuckoo clocks tour, which is why we had booked it. It was very informative and gave us a great insight, through day tours and the knowledgeable guides, of the turbulent history of this region, which was exactly what we wanted. After what could be long and emotionally challenging day of sight seeing we had our haven, the beautiful Luminary, to come home to. This is not a cruise for everyone - it is not about wine tasting and classical music evenings in castles, which are offered in abundance on other cruises. It does involve some long day tours to interesting sights and some more challenging walking. We did, however, enjoy a great night of local food, wine and troubadour style music in a Belgrade restaurant. For that reason I believe it is a cruise which would be enjoyed most by a younger demographic as well as fitter retirees. Thank you once again Global Journeys and Avalon Waterways.

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Cabin Layout Options:

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From $3,716
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Sunday 24 May 2026 24 May 26 Budapest
Monday 01 Jun 2026 01 Jun 26 Bucharest
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Avalon Passion
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River View
US$4,127
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Tuesday 23 Jun 2026 23 Jun 26 Budapest
Wednesday 01 Jul 2026 01 Jul 26 Bucharest
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US$4,559
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Wednesday 08 Jul 2026 08 Jul 26 Budapest
Thursday 16 Jul 2026 16 Jul 26 Bucharest
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US$4,559
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Thursday 23 Jul 2026 23 Jul 26 Budapest
Friday 31 Jul 2026 31 Jul 26 Bucharest
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Friday 07 Aug 2026 07 Aug 26 Budapest
Saturday 15 Aug 2026 15 Aug 26 Bucharest
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Saturday 22 Aug 2026 22 Aug 26 Budapest
Sunday 30 Aug 2026 30 Aug 26 Bucharest
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Sunday 06 Sep 2026 06 Sep 26 Budapest
Monday 14 Sep 2026 14 Sep 26 Bucharest
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Monday 21 Sep 2026 21 Sep 26 Budapest
Tuesday 29 Sep 2026 29 Sep 26 Bucharest
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Tuesday 06 Oct 2026 06 Oct 26 Budapest
Wednesday 14 Oct 2026 14 Oct 26 Bucharest
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US$4,031
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Wednesday 21 Oct 2026 21 Oct 26 Budapest
Thursday 29 Oct 2026 29 Oct 26 Bucharest
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US$4,655
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Tuesday 20 Apr 2027 20 Apr 27 Budapest
Wednesday 28 Apr 2027 28 Apr 27 Bucharest
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Wednesday 05 May 2027 05 May 27 Budapest
Thursday 13 May 2027 13 May 27 Bucharest
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Thursday 20 May 2027 20 May 27 Budapest
Friday 28 May 2027 28 May 27 Bucharest
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US$4,964
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Friday 04 Jun 2027 04 Jun 27 Budapest
Saturday 12 Jun 2027 12 Jun 27 Bucharest
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US$4,196
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Saturday 19 Jun 2027 19 Jun 27 Budapest
Sunday 27 Jun 2027 27 Jun 27 Bucharest
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US$3,716
Save $1,144
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Sunday 04 Jul 2027 04 Jul 27 Budapest
Monday 12 Jul 2027 12 Jul 27 Bucharest
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Avalon Passion
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River View
US$3,716
Save $1,144
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Monday 19 Jul 2027 19 Jul 27 Budapest
Tuesday 27 Jul 2027 27 Jul 27 Bucharest
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US$3,716
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Tuesday 03 Aug 2027 03 Aug 27 Budapest
Wednesday 11 Aug 2027 11 Aug 27 Bucharest
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US$3,716
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Wednesday 18 Aug 2027 18 Aug 27 Budapest
Thursday 26 Aug 2027 26 Aug 27 Bucharest
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US$3,908
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Thursday 02 Sep 2027 02 Sep 27 Budapest
Friday 10 Sep 2027 10 Sep 27 Bucharest
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US$4,484
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Friday 17 Sep 2027 17 Sep 27 Budapest
Saturday 25 Sep 2027 25 Sep 27 Bucharest
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US$4,484
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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. 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 the cruise-line and 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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