The Danube from Romania to Budapest with 1 Night in Bucharest and 1 Night in Budapest 2027
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Begin your exciting European vacation with one night in Bucharest, Romania, before embarking on your Danube River cruise to Budapest, Hungary. Bucharest is known for its wide, tree-lined boulevards and historical treasures. Here, you’ll see the Arc de Triomphe—built in honor of WWI soldiers—and the historical Royal Palace Square. Enjoy guided sightseeing in Bulgaria’s ancient capital of Veliko Tarnovo. Visit the Ethnographical Museum and Church of the Nativity in Arbanassi, and take pictures of Belogradchik’s eclectic group of rock formations and the spectacular views of the Iron Gates. Visit Belgrade, the capital of Serbia, and one of the oldest cities in Europe. Take an excursion to Pécs, Hungary, another UNESCO World Heritage Site. There are countless memorable moments on this fascinating river cruise through Eastern Europe, culminating in the unique energy of Budapest. Set along the banks of the Danube River, the capital of Hungary offers an eclectic mix of activities. A local expert introduces you to the must-see sights, such as Heroes’ Square. With free time to explore Budapest on your own, perhaps walk across one or more of the city’s famous bridges, shop for Herend porcelain or handcrafted embroidery, and experience coffee house culture with a rich cream cake.A Journey That Changes with the Seasons.From the energy of summer to the softer rhythms of fall and spring, this iconic journey on the Danube reveals something special in every season. Depending on when you sail, you may visit a traditional salaš (farmhouse) to learn about its heritage and sample local, fresh products or enjoy the rich flavors of autumn by taking part in the traditional craft of making rakija, a traditional fruit brandy. Enjoy the same route, revealed through the unique lens of the season you set sail.
- Day 1BUCHAREST, ROMANIASun, Jul 25, 2027Welcome to Bucharest—The “Paris of the East” The day is yours to relax and enjoy Bucharest. Spend some free time exploring this fascinating city on your own to discover its trendy shops, cafés, museums, beautiful homes, and churches along Victory Avenue.
- Day 2BUCHARESTMon, Jul 26, 2027Beautiful Boulevards and Bold History 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.Travel to Oltenita to board your Avalon Suite Ship® this afternoon. OLTENITA (EMBARKATION) Your Balkan Adventure Begins Explore your Avalon Suite Ship® this evening and enjoy a dinner onboard. EVENING/OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO ROUSSE(B,D)
- Day 3ROUSSE, BULGARIA. VELIKO TÂRNOVO & ARBANASSI EXCURSIONTue, Jul 27, 2027Fortresses 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. Sail to Svistov or join your ship there if you opted for the full-day tour.EVENING/OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO VIDIN(B,L,D)
- Day 4VIDINWed, Jul 28, 2027Rocks, Ruins, and Balkan Beauty Ask about today’s energizing or relaxing Adventure Host activities.ACTIVE Join your Adventure Host on a hike to Baba Vida Fortress, OR:CLASSIC Join Guided Sightseeing Tour to the western slopes of the Balkan Mountains and marvel at Belogradchik’s stunning rock formations, 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. Following, explore the nearby port town Vidin on a Guided Sightseeing.This evening, enjoy live entertainment on board with a Bulgarian folklore show.OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO DONJI MILANOVAC(B,L,D)
- Day 5IRON GATES GORGE–GOLUBAČ, SERBIA. EXCURSION TO LEPENSKI VIRThu, Jul 29, 2027Ancient Artifacts and the Iron Gates This morning, you’ll sail through the spectacular and narrow Iron Gates Gorge—forming a natural border between Serbia and Romania. 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)
- Day 6BELGRADEFri, Jul 30, 2027Fortresses and FolkloreJoin your Adventure Host for today’s special activities.ACTIVE Join a Guided Bike Tour along the Danube and explore the nooks and crannies of Belgrade, 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. You may choose to spend free time in Belgrade exploring Knez Mihailova Street—Belgrade’s central pedestrian thoroughfare with many lively cafés, shops, and cultural spots. 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)
- Day 7NOVI SADSat, Jul 31, 2027A Capital of CultureACTIVE Join your Adventure Host on a Hike to the Petrovaradin part of the town, 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, 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.OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO ILOK (B,L,D)
- Day 8ILOK, CROATIASun, Aug 01, 2027Croatian Heritage and Hilltop VintagesACTIVE 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, OR:DISCOVERY 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.Enjoy a short sailing to Vukovar during lunchtimeVUKOVAR, CROATIAThe Heroic Town on the DanubeDISCOVERY Join a Guided Walking Tour to discover the heritage, culture, and tradition of Vukovar and enjoy a beer tasting, OR:CLASSIC Enjoy a walking tour of Vukovar, the city the largest river port in Croatia.This evening, enjoy live entertainment on board.OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO MOHÁCS(B,L,D)
- Day 9MOHÁCS, HUNGARY. EXCURSION TO PÉCSMon, Aug 02, 2027Underground Tombs and Heavenly MusicCLASSIC 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)
- Day 10BUDAPEST (DISEMBARKATION)Tue, Aug 03, 2027The Pearl of the Danube in the Heart of Europe CLASSIC Enjoy a Guided Sightseeing tour of Budapest, including the iconic Heroes’ Square.Take in the beauty of Budapest while enjoying a free afternoon exploring such famous sights as the Chain Bridge. Get to know the city’s cafés and pubs or take a hike through the hills above the Danube.(B)
- Day 11BUDAPESTWed, Aug 04, 2027Your vacation ends with breakfast this morning.(B)
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Inclusions
- In the event of technical or water level issues, it may be necessary to operate the itinerary by motorcoach or alter the program, including hotel overnight when necessary.
- Guided Tours, Optional Excursions, activities, sailing and docking schedules may be contingent on weather conditions or other issues outside of our control and could therefore be subject to change at any time.
- Please check visa requirements with your local consulate(s); responsibility for obtaining visas rests with the traveler.
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The attention to detail is incredible. The tour director left nothing on the table. Everything was perfectly organized and described. The cruise was great and I would, and will, recommend this to all my friends and family. If you find yourself on this cruise, you are in for a great adventure. All arranged/included tours at each port were top notch.
Avalon staff and tours were excellent - enjoyed the many excursions.
We had a great trip. This is our second river cruise with Avalon through Affordable Tours. We knew what to expect from our previous trip (Romantic Rhine a year ago). The day excursions are well-led, with lots of information from our capable guides. The food on board is very good, with buffet style (our preference) for breakfast and lunch. We're not gourmet food aficionados, honestly two-hour dinners every night are not our style, but we knew they were part of the package, so we weren't surprised.
As always the service on Avalon was excellent and the rooms wonderful. Missed the allergy notifications cards on buffet as my daughter had celiacs Did appriciate that after the third day the had made gluten fee desserts that she was able to have and the snacks provided at captains cocktail time. Would have been perfect if these items had been available the first few days also, as not having them made me feel my daughter was left out and me also feel guilty if I ate in front of her.
I thought the dinner meals were not as good as past cruise. Breakfast and lunch were fine. Service from staff was excellent
This river cruise to see the Christmas Markets and tour parts of Austria, Germany, and the Czech Republic was a dream come true. Every part of it was amazing. From the organization of Affordable Tours pre-cruise to Avalon Waterways beautiful ship, great crew (especially cruise director Gusta) and the spectacular meals. The tours were marvelous and informative. Cant say enough about the great time we had.
Our Avalon cruise exceeded our expections. We had a great staff, great tours, and met wonderful people.
This was probably the best cruise we have ever taken and we travel a lot. Autumn from Affordable is the best. She was always there when I needed her and so accommodating. The ship Passion was a 10 plus in every way from the rooms to the tours, food and staff. I liked that they had healthy choices at every meal.
The ship is beautiful and the rooms very comfortable. Avalon seems to attract a very friendly and social group of travelers. It is also welcoming to the solo traveler.
Outstanding cruise,ship and crew were excellent.Cruise Director Simona is a delight,extremely knowledgeable and helpful. Will travel again with Avalon.
I would travel on valon only in the future. Cleaner, newer, more comfortable ships with a great stafff. Better than my previous river cruises with a high end ship! And the cruise director has to be the absolutely best in the industry!!!
Avalon River Cruises are a great vacation experience.
This tour /cruise was fantastic. The pre-cruise extension in Transylvania was for me the highlight and anyone considering the cruise should definitely include this. Our Avalon cruise director and the entire crew were outstanding as were the local guides who were extremely knowledgeable and spoke perfect English.
Was a fabulous experience. Avalon, the boat, the staff, the tours, the airfare. Perfect!

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The trip was an educational trip about the Balkan Region. It was wonderful!