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 cruise to Pécs, where you’ll visit underground burial chambers with fascinating murals, now part of a UNESCO World Heritage Site. 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. 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 Trnovo, 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.

Included Features:

Day 1 Budapest (Embarkation): Onboard welcome reception

Day 2 Mohács. Excursion to Pécs: Choice of guided tour in Pécs, visit the underground tombs, or sightseeing in Mohács, visit St. Nicolas water-mill or walk with your Adventure Host

Day 3 Ilok-Novi Sad: Ilok guided tour; choice of Novi Sad guided tour or walk with your Adventure Host

Day 4 Belgrade: Choice of guided tour or walk with your Adventure Host; on board lecture

Day 5 Golubac-Donji Milanovac-Iron Gates: Visit to Golubac fortress; choice of visit Lepenski Vir archaeological site or walk with your Adventure Host; scenic cruise through the Iron Gates Gorge

Day 6 Vidin. Excursion to Belogradchik: Choice of guided tour in Vidin, excursion to Belogradchik, see the rock formations or walk with your Adventure Host

Day 7 Rousse-Excursion to Veliko Tarnovo and Arbanassi: Choice of full-day excursion, visit to Tsarevet’s Fortress in Veliko Trnovo and to the Ethnographical Museum and the Church of the Nativity in Arbanassi, or a guided sightseeing in Rousse, or a walk in the park with your Adventure Host

Day 8 Oltenita (Disembarkation)-Bucharest: Guided sightseeing in Bucharest

Day 9 Bucharest: Your vacation ends this morning