The Danube from Romania to Budapest with Bucharest, Transylvania & Budapest

Welcome to Bucharest—The “Paris of the East”

Romanian Royalty.

• Classic: Drive into the Carpathians to Sinaia to visit Peles Castle. On the way, visit the legendary Cantacuzino Castle and enjoy a local lunch. This afternoon, continue to Brasov for the night. (B/L)

Transylvania Tales.

• Classic: Join a morning Guided Sightseeing Tour of Brasov followed by free time.
• Classic: In the evening enjoy a tour of Bran Castle of Dracula lore followed by dinner. (B/D)

Historic Bucharest.

• Classic: Join a Guided Excursion in Bucharest, see the Royal Palace Square—the scene of the city 's 1989 riots to overthrow the communist dictator Nicolae Ceausescu.

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. Later, enjoy a short scenic drive to explore the rock - hewn churches of Ivanovo, a UNESCO World Heritage. 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 Bulgarian Revival architecture in the 15th-century town of Arbanassi.

EVENING/OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO VIDIN (B/L/D)

Rocks, Ruins, and Balkan Beauty

• 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 the mighty Baba Vida Fortress in nearby Vidin.

OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO DONJI MILANOVAC (B/L/D)

Ancient Artifacts and the Iron Gates

• 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. Continue to the Fortress of Golubač, one of the best-preserved medieval fortresses in Europe.

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.

OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO NOVI SAD (B/L/D)

A Capital of Culture.

• 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 Živanović Wine Cellar in Sremski Karlovci.

OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO 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.

• Classic: Enjoy a walking tour of Vukovar, the city the largest river port in Croatia.

OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO MOHÁCS (B/L/D)

Underground Tombs and Heavenly Music.

• Classic: Join a morning Guided Sightseeing Tour of Mohács—the quiet Danube harbor 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 Pécs 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.

Your vacation ends with breakfast this morning. (B)