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Balkan Discovery with Budapest & Bucharest

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Our Price From
US$3,792
Save $1,655pp
Port charges, taxes and fees included
 Cruise Length
10 Days
 Cruise Starts
Budapest
 Cruise Finishes
Bucharest
10 Day Balkan Discovery with Budapest & Bucharest Itinerary (Avalon)
Countries Explored: Hungary, Croatia, Serbia, Bulgaria, Romania
Cruise Line
Avalon
Ship
Departures
Passengers
166
Crew
47
Launched
2014
Cruise Code
WBOQ

Overview

See the highlights of Eastern Europe on this Danube River cruise adventure through the beautiful Balkans! Enjoy relaxing on your ship and exploring the most fascinating cities with free time and guided sightseeing. You’ll spend one night in the lively Hungarian capital of Budapest before boarding your Avalon Suite Ship®. See the iconic statues of Heroes’ Square and spend free time exploring the lookout towers of Fishermen’s Bastion.

Sail into beautiful Croatia, enjoy a guided sightseeing in Vukovar and discover Ilok with its 1,000-year-old winemaking tradition. Belgrade, the capital of Serbia, read more is 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, 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 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 dinner onboard.

OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO VUKOVAR (B/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)

Life Onboard Avalon Illumination

Avalon Illumination
Avalon Illumination

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

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 travelers 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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Avalon River Cruises (2025-26) Brochure

Avalon River Cruises (2025-26)

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Cabin Layout Options:

Select Cabin Preference:

From $3,792
From $5,615
From $7,439
Monday 22 Jun 2026 22 Jun 26 Budapest
Wednesday 01 Jul 2026 01 Jul 26 Bucharest
Details
Avalon Passion
Exclusive Savings
River View
US$4,846
Save $192
Twin Share (Per Personpp)
Tuesday 07 Jul 2026 07 Jul 26 Budapest
Thursday 16 Jul 2026 16 Jul 26 Bucharest
Details
Avalon Passion
River View
Sold Out
Unavailable
Sold Out
Wednesday 22 Jul 2026 22 Jul 26 Budapest
Friday 31 Jul 2026 31 Jul 26 Bucharest
Details
Avalon Passion
Exclusive Savings
River View
US$4,846
Save $192
Twin Share (Per Personpp)
Thursday 06 Aug 2026 06 Aug 26 Budapest
Saturday 15 Aug 2026 15 Aug 26 Bucharest
Details
Avalon Passion
Exclusive Savings
River View
US$4,846
Save $192
Twin Share (Per Personpp)
Friday 21 Aug 2026 21 Aug 26 Budapest
Sunday 30 Aug 2026 30 Aug 26 Bucharest
Details
Avalon Passion
Exclusive Savings
River View
US$5,038
Save $200
Twin Share (Per Personpp)
Saturday 05 Sep 2026 05 Sep 26 Budapest
Monday 14 Sep 2026 14 Sep 26 Bucharest
Details
Avalon Passion
Exclusive Savings
River View
Sold Out
Unavailable
Sold Out
Sunday 20 Sep 2026 20 Sep 26 Budapest
Tuesday 29 Sep 2026 29 Sep 26 Bucharest
Details
Avalon Passion
Exclusive Savings
River View
US$4,654
Save $684
Twin Share (Per Personpp)
Monday 05 Oct 2026 05 Oct 26 Budapest
Wednesday 14 Oct 2026 14 Oct 26 Bucharest
Details
Avalon Passion
Exclusive Savings
River View
Sold Out
Unavailable
Sold Out
Tuesday 20 Oct 2026 20 Oct 26 Budapest
Thursday 29 Oct 2026 29 Oct 26 Bucharest
Details
Avalon Passion
River View
Sold Out
Unavailable
Sold Out
Monday 19 Apr 2027 19 Apr 27 Budapest
Wednesday 28 Apr 2027 28 Apr 27 Bucharest
Details
Avalon Illumination
Exclusive Savings
River View
US$4,752
Save $687
Twin Share (Per Personpp)
Tuesday 04 May 2027 04 May 27 Budapest
Thursday 13 May 2027 13 May 27 Bucharest
Details
Avalon Illumination
Exclusive Savings
River View
US$4,608
Save $931
Twin Share (Per Personpp)
Wednesday 19 May 2027 19 May 27 Budapest
Friday 28 May 2027 28 May 27 Bucharest
Details
Avalon Passion
Exclusive Savings
River View
US$4,608
Save $931
Twin Share (Per Personpp)
Thursday 03 Jun 2027 03 Jun 27 Budapest
Saturday 12 Jun 2027 12 Jun 27 Bucharest
Details
Avalon Passion
Exclusive Savings
River View
US$4,512
Save $927
Twin Share (Per Personpp)
Friday 18 Jun 2027 18 Jun 27 Budapest
Sunday 27 Jun 2027 27 Jun 27 Bucharest
Details
Avalon Passion
Exclusive Savings
River View
US$4,032
Save $1,407
Twin Share (Per Personpp)
Saturday 03 Jul 2027 03 Jul 27 Budapest
Monday 12 Jul 2027 12 Jul 27 Bucharest
Details
Avalon Passion
Exclusive Savings
River View
US$3,792
Save $1,647
Twin Share (Per Personpp)
Sunday 18 Jul 2027 18 Jul 27 Budapest
Tuesday 27 Jul 2027 27 Jul 27 Bucharest
Details
Avalon Passion
Exclusive Savings
River View
US$3,792
Save $1,647
Twin Share (Per Personpp)
Monday 02 Aug 2027 02 Aug 27 Budapest
Wednesday 11 Aug 2027 11 Aug 27 Bucharest
Details
Avalon Passion
Exclusive Savings
River View
US$3,792
Save $1,647
Twin Share (Per Personpp)
Tuesday 17 Aug 2027 17 Aug 27 Budapest
Thursday 26 Aug 2027 26 Aug 27 Bucharest
Details
Avalon Passion
Exclusive Savings
River View
US$3,984
Save $1,655
Twin Share (Per Personpp)
Wednesday 01 Sep 2027 01 Sep 27 Budapest
Friday 10 Sep 2027 10 Sep 27 Bucharest
Details
Avalon Passion
Exclusive Savings
River View
US$4,800
Save $939
Twin Share (Per Personpp)
Thursday 16 Sep 2027 16 Sep 27 Budapest
Saturday 25 Sep 2027 25 Sep 27 Bucharest
Details
Avalon Passion
Exclusive Savings
River View
US$4,800
Save $939
Twin Share (Per Personpp)
Thursday 30 Sep 2027 30 Sep 27 Budapest
Saturday 09 Oct 2027 09 Oct 27 Bucharest
Details
Avalon Illumination
Exclusive Savings
River View
US$4,704
Save $935
Twin Share (Per Personpp)
Friday 15 Oct 2027 15 Oct 27 Budapest
Sunday 24 Oct 2027 24 Oct 27 Bucharest
Details
Avalon Illumination
Exclusive Savings
River View
US$4,512
Save $927
Twin Share (Per Personpp)
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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