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Balkan Discovery with 1 Night in Bucharest & 2 Nights in Transylvania 2025

From Budapest, Hungary to Bucharest, Romania
Length: 11 Days - Departs: Sat, Aug 02, 2025
Operator
Ship
Departure
Aug 02, 2025
Arrival
Aug 12, 2025

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This river cruise qualifies for unpublished pricing. Please call us or Click Here To Get Our Low Price

All the River Operators Offers & More:

LOW UNPUBLISHED PRICES ON AVALON WATERWAYS (GLOBUS) CRUISES
We have Low Prices on Avalon Waterways (Globus) - Guaranteed!

$499 Air per person on select 2025 River Cruises

Mention Promo Code: PT3459
Promotion Image

$499 Air per person on select 2025 River Cruises

$499 Air per person on select 2025 River Cruises

Promotion Details
Book a select 2025 Europe river cruise to receive $499 round-trip economy class trans-Atlantic air from ATL, BOS, CHI (MDW, ORD) CHS, CLT, DFW, DTW, FLL, IAH, LAX, MIA, MCO, MSP, NYC (EWR, JFK, LGA), PBI, PHL, PIT, RDU, RSW, SAN, SFO, SLC, TPA, WAS (BWI, DCA, IAD). Other gateway cities available from $100 to $1,075/person additional (inclusive of taxes/fees). Plus, receive our AffordableTours everyday savings.
Must Book By Mon, Jun 30, 2025
View Promotion Terms & Conditions ›

*Book a select 2025 Avalon Waterways Europe river cruise to receive $499 round-trip economy class trans-Atlantic air from ATL, BOS, CHI (MDW, ORD) CHS, CLT, DFW, DTW, FLL, IAH, LAX, MIA, MCO, MSP, NYC (EWR, JFK, LGA), PBI, PHL, PIT, RDU, RSW, SAN, SFO, SLC, TPA, WAS (BWI, DCA, IAD). Other gateway cities available from $100 to $1,075/person additional (inclusive of taxes/fees). $499 air offer is based on lowest-priced economy class Flex airfare available for booking at time of reservation and scheduled to coincide with cruise itinerary; pre-assigned airline seats are limited and may not be available on all air segments. Alternate schedules may be available at an additional cost. Quotes available online, calling Avalon Waterways or by calling a Travel Professional. Limited to new bookings for US originating travelers and economy class Flex air tickets; must be booked & under deposit between November 9, 2024 and June 30, 2025 for select cruises in 2025. A $550 non-refundable deposit is due at time of booking. Flight deviations are allowed when purchasing extra nights through Avalon Waterways only. Offer does not apply to instant purchase air, custom, or charters. Groups of 8 passengers or more don't qualify for this offer. Please call for Group promotion options. Offer is combinable with select $$ off promotions, Welcome Back Credit, and select account specific offers. Promotional discounts do not carry forward on voluntarily changed air bookings; other promotions at time of change may be available. Once ticketed, air reservations subject to change/cancellation penalties of between $300 per ticket and 100% of ticket value. Changes to ticketed air reservations (including itineraries involving free round-trip trans-Atlantic air) also subject to airfare differentials between originally ticketed air itinerary and re-ticketed air itinerary. Additional airline baggage fees may apply; visit www.iflybags.com for details. Air schedules are available approximately 330 days prior to return travel date. Flight schedules, routings and air carriers are at the discretion of Globus family of brands. Additional restrictions apply; see Travel Terms for details. Air tickets are non-commissionable. Offer is capacity controlled and may be withdrawn at any time. Offer available from participating GFOB offices only. CST#2017032-20. PRMYOX PRMYOX

Save $2000 on select 2025 Europe cruises for groups of 8 or more

Mention Promo Code: PT3339
Promotion Image

Save $2000 on select 2025 Europe cruises for groups of 8 or more

Save $2000 on select 2025 Europe cruises for groups of 8 or more

Promotion Details
Book a select 2025 Europe river cruise for 8 or more people to receive $2000 off per couple ($1000 off per person) on the cruise/land or cruise only price. Plus, receive our AffordableTours everyday savings.
Must Book By Mon, Jun 30, 2025
View Promotion Terms & Conditions ›

*Book a select 2025 Avalon Waterways Europe river cruise for 8 or more people to receive $1000 off per person on the cruise/land or cruise only price. Group Booking must be made, under deposit and discount applied between March 3 and June 30, 2025 for travel on select 2025 departures. Offer reliant on space availability and may be withdrawn at any time. Combinable with Welcome Back Credit, Peace of Mind Credit and Group Advantage Program. Cannot be used in conjunction with any air promotion. Promotional discount will apply to Groups of 8 or more who provide their Group Block Deposit within the promotion's booking dates and will apply to all individual members of the Group until the due date of the passenger names/non-refundable individual deposits. Applies to new group bookings only and will not be applied to pre-existing group bookings. Full cancellation penalties will apply. Additional restrictions may apply; see Travel Terms & Conditions for details. Offer applies to participating GFOB offices only. PRMW1099 PRMW1099

Save $3,000 on 2025 Avalon Waterways Mekong River Cruises

Mention Promo Code: PT3391
Promotion Image

Save $3,000 on 2025 Avalon Waterways Mekong River Cruises

Save $3,000 on 2025 Avalon Waterways Mekong River Cruises

Promotion Details
Book a select 2025 Avalon Waterways Mekong river cruise to receive $3,000 off per couple ($1500 off per person) on the cruise/land or cruise only price. Plus, receive our AffordableTours.com everyday savings.
Must Book By Mon, Jun 30, 2025
View Promotion Terms & Conditions ›

*Book a select 2025 Avalon Waterways Mekong river cruise to receive $1500 off per person on the cruise/land or cruise only price. Offer available on select dates in 2025 and on select cruises ONLY. Booking must be made, under deposit and discount applied between May 9, 2024 and JUne 30, 2025 for travel at select times in 2025. Not applicable to custom tours. Not applicable on TBA space. Combinable only with the Welcome Back Credit. Promotional discount will apply to Groups of 8 or more who provide their Group Block Deposit within the promotion's booking dates and will apply to all individual members of the Group until the due date of the passenger names/non-refundable individual deposits. Applies to new bookings only and offer will not be applied to pre-existing bookings. Offer reliant on space availability at time of booking and may be withdrawn at any time. This promotion is inventory managed and subject to availability. Full cancellation penalties will apply. Additional restrictions may apply; see Travel Terms & Conditions for details. Offer applies to participating GFOB offices only. PRMW1115 PRMW1146

Multiple Vacation Discount: Up to $200 Off

Mention Promo Code: PT3468
Promotion Image

Multiple Vacation Discount: Up to $200 Off

Multiple Vacation Discount: Up to $200 Off

Promotion Details
Save up to an additional $200 per couple ($100 per person) when you book more than one Globus, Cosmos or Avalon Vacation for the same travel year. Plus, receive our AffordableTours everyday savings.
Must Book By Wed, Dec 31, 2025
View Promotion Terms & Conditions ›

*Discount varies depending on the brand(s) booked. This promotion is meant for promotion purposes only to showcase the offer. Please refer to the booking instructions for the individual multiple vacation discounts by brand and for the specific offer and terms. Please call to confirm the promo qualifications and have discount applied. Discount is available on the subsequent land-only portion of the core tour/cruise only not including extra night accommodations, extensions, taxes/fees, tips or supplements. Booking must be made, under deposit and discount applied by December 31, 2025, for travel in 2025. Multiple tours or cruises must travel within same calendar year and must be booked at the same time. Offer is combinable with applicable consumer promotions, Welcome Back Credits, and account specific promos. Offer reliant on space availability. Not applicable to Groups, Custom, Charter, Sole Uses or Private Touring. Applies to new bookings only. Full cancellation penalties will apply. Additional restrictions may apply. Offer may be withdrawn at any time. Offer applies to participating offices only. 0CALL


River Cruise Itinerary

See the highlights of Eastern Europe on this Danube River cruise adventure through the Balkans! This vacation has something for everybody—relaxing time on your ship and stops in the most fascinating cities, with free time and guided sightseeing. 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, is one of the oldest cities in Europe, where the Sava River meets the Danube. The lively pedestrian boulevard of Knez Mihailova is dotted with charming cafés and historical buildings. You’ll also see St. Sava, the world’s largest Orthodox Church. Cruise through the dramatic views of Iron Gates Gorge, marvel at Belogradchik’s fascinating rock formations, and visit the fortress in Bulgaria’s ancient capital of Veliko Târnovo. In Arbanassi, visit the Church of the Nativity, housing an impressive collection of frescoes. This timeless European vacation continues with a 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. Travel to Transylvania to visit Bran Castle—of Dracula lore—the city of Brasov, and beautiful Peles Castle.

  1. Day 1
    BUDAPEST, HUNGARY (EMBARKATION)
    Sat, Aug 02, 2025
    Welcome to Hungary. Your Suite Ship® is Ready for Boarding.

    Flights into Budapest must arrive by 2 pm.

    Guests must be on board ship by 5 pm.

    OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO VUKOVAR

    (D)

  2. Day 2
    VUKOVAR
    Sun, Aug 03, 2025
    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)

  3. Day 3
    NOVI SAD, SERBIA
    Mon, Aug 04, 2025
    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 to the Honey Museum and by tasting local honey specialties.

    Later, enjoy live entertainment on board.

    OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO BELGRADE

    (B,L,D)

  4. Day 4
    BELGRADE
    Tue, Aug 05, 2025
    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)

  5. Day 5
    GOLUBAČ–DONJI MILANOVAC. EXCURSION TO LEPENSKI VIR–IRON GATES GORGE
    Wed, Aug 06, 2025
    Ancient Artifacts and 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)

  6. Day 6
    VIDIN, BULGARIA
    Thu, Aug 07, 2025
    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)

  7. Day 7
    ROUSSE. VELIKO TÂRNOVO & ARBANASSI EXCURSION
    Fri, Aug 08, 2025
    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 live entertainment on board with a Bulgarian folklore show.

    OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO OLTENITA

    (B,L,D)

  8. Day 8
    OLTENITA, ROMANIA (DISEMBARKATION)–BUCHAREST–BRASOV
    Sat, Aug 09, 2025
    Disembark your Ship and transfer to Bucharest.

    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.

    After the visit drive to Brasov for the night.

    (B,D)

  9. Day 9
    BRASOV
    Sun, Aug 10, 2025


    CLASSIC Enjoy a Guided Tour of Brasov and admire its gothic, baroque and renaissance architecture.

    In the evening, depart for Bran Castle of Dracula lore.

    CLASSIC Take a Guided Tour of Bran Castle—the 1377 legendary home of the famed Romanian vampire, followed by a dinner in this amazing location.

    (B,D)

  10. Day 10
    BRASOV–SINAIA–BUCHAREST
    Mon, Aug 11, 2025
    The “Paris of the East.”

    CLASSIC Enjoy a Guided Tour of Visit Peles Castle, the summer residence of the royal family until 1947.

    Drive out the Carpathians to Bucharest; On the way, enjoy a local lunch.

    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.

    (B,L)

  11. Day 11
    BUCHAREST
    Tue, Aug 12, 2025
    Your vacation ends with breakfast this morning.

    (B)

Countries Visited

Serbia, Bulgaria, Hungary, Croatia, Romania

Rivers Visited

Danube

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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.



Accommodation Information

Port charges:
$

Avalon offers the opportunity for solo travelers to sail with no single supplement (subject to availability).

Please call for single accommodation details and prices. Triples not available.

OR Call Us For a Free Quote 1-800-342-0019

Ship Information

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Cabins

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Life on Board

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Questions & Answers
  Ask A Question

Question: Will the day-by-day itinerary change?

Yes, the river cruise itineraries may change due to reasons such as inclement weather or unforeseen events. Your safety is the number one concern aboard and all precautions necessary will be taken in order to ensure passenger safety, including changing itineraries. Please note that when itineraries do change, the ship staff will do their best to substitute any missed port with an alternative destination.

Question: In what language is the river cruise conducted?

The river cruise will be conducted in English only.

Customer Reviews

Overall Rating
4.2
Accommodations
4.3
Itinerary
4.2
Professional Staff
4.5
Repeat with Operator
4
Value for Money
3.8

Ratings based off 61 reviews - currently showing 11 reviews with comments only

AVALON did NOT disappoint again--- this was our third Riverboat trip with Avalon. Ship was beautiful -- staff was excellent --- food was absolutely amazing. Entertainment was great -- guides for the off boat tours were very knowledgeable and personal.

Avalon vs. Viking: I would probably go back to Viking, but each has it's favorable points and room for improvement. The Avalon ship was spotless and the staff was quite good. The food was fine. The Cruise Director was the best I have experienced anywhere. The cabin was spacious, but I missed having the lanai. The guides were great and timing was spot-on. The onboard entertainer was mediocre at best, though, and that really was a downer. On our Viking cruise two years ago, the onboard entertainer was awesome and a good part of our social time was spent enjoying him in the lounge. This guy on Avalon could not sing and his music was intended for the 80 year old+ audience. No one danced or sang along. Disappointing. One of the special music guests was incredibly good, and the other was incredibly bad.

Our Avalon Waterways river cruise was phenomenal! So much fun! The cruise director was wonderful! The staff and the wait service are going to be missed! The excursions kept us up and moving everyday, which was expected. The local guides were all great! It was a dream vacation for sure! A guided tour of Europe was our best decision. Very happy indeed!

Very pleasant and helpful and resulted in significant savings versus booking directly.

I was a bit skeptical when I booked but that went away the first day. Everyone was very helpful and everything was fabulous, hope we can do another trip soon.

OUr cruise was exactly as described and actually exceeded our expectations. Everything was so well done. Ship was great. Staff wonderful. Food excellennt. Couldn't have asked for moore.

All was good EXCEPT the optional tours were not worth it. The places were beautiful by the guides were not helpful.

We had a change in boats due to water level. It seemed that this crew was not as motivated as the other trips he had with Avalon. The food though good did not give alternated to offer myself and my sister. Staff was not as good as previous trips, had this been our first trip we would not return as the others were outstanding.

Our vacation with Avalon Waterways was fantastic. The Tour Guide, Tony was the best person we have ever met for this type of tour. We are excited to look at other river cruises and will book with them again

Aga is the best. She responded to you promptly and goes out of her way to answer your questions. I had a complication situation in which the Avalon itinerary did not match and thus had arranged for buisiness in one city when indeed the ship was in another city. She call operations for the company found out the exact time things would occur and made a great recommendation for when i could have my business meeting. I encourage management to recognize her efforts!

Avalon River Cruises are GREAT!!! It is even more wonderful than Ocean Cruising. We will do this again.

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AffordableTours.com is a travel agent for Avalon Waterways. Brochure Price is based on the itinerary's highest brochure price. Our price reflects our base price for the same departure as Brochure Price. All prices, itineraries, accommodations and dates are subject to change without notice and at any time. All prices are USD per person and based on double occupancy. Availability is limited and must be reconfirmed at time of booking. All prices change frequently and our website prices are not guaranteed until a deposit has been received by us. The prices on our website are intended to serve as a guide only and may not accurately reflect current prices. We are not responsible for errors, omissions, or changes in these prices until a booking has been confirmed by one of our agents. Please call us toll free at 1-800-342-0019 to confirm current prices and availability. Prices listed are per person, cruise only, and based on double occupancy.

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