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Tel: 03 364 3400
Freephone: 0800 747 737
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Balkan Discovery

8 Day River Cruise from Budapest to Bucharest
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 sail into beautiful Croatia. Enjoy a guided sightseeing tour in Vukovar and discover Ilok with its 1,000-year-old winemaking tradition. 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 Târnovo, you’ll visit Arbanassi’s Church of the Nativity, housing an impressive collection of frescoes.

Your tour highlights

  • Budapest
  • Vukovar
  • Ilok
  • Novi Sad
  • Belgrade
  • Golubac
  • Lepenski Vir
  • Donji Milanovac
  • Vidin
  • Belogradchik
  • Veliko-Tarnovo
  • Rousse
  • Arbanassi
  • Oltenita
  • Iron Gates

Tour itinerary

Day
1
Budapest, Hungary

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

Day
2
Ilok, Croatia - Vukovar

History and Beer

Discovery Excursion

Join a Guided Walking Tour to discover the heritage, culture, and tradition of Vukovar and enjoy a beer tasting, OR:

Classic Excursion

Join a Guided City Tour to discover the captivating culture and tradition of Vukovar and learn about its rich history and heritage.

ILOK, CROATIA

Classic Excursion

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 Excursion
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.
Day
3
Novi Sad, Serbia

The Athens of Serbia

Classic Excursion

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 Excursion

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 Excursion

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.
Day
4
Belgrade, Serbia

Fortresses and Folklore

Active Excursion

Discover Belgrade’s central walkway with your Adventure Host, OR:

Classic Excursion

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 Excursion

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.

Day
5
Golubac-Donji Milanovac and Lepenski-Vir Iron Gates Gorge

Ancient Artifacts and the Iron Gates

Classic Excursion

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.
Day
6
Vidin, Bulgaria

Rocks, Ruins and Balkan Beauty

Active Excursion

Join your Adventure Host for a bike tour around the city, OR:

Classic Excursion

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 Excursion

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.
Day
7
Rousse, Veliko Tarnovo & Arbanassi

Fortresses and Folklore

Active Excursion

Explore Rousse’s old town by bike with your Adventure Host, OR:

Classic Excursion

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 Excursion

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.
Day
8
Oltenita, Romania

Your cruise ends with breakfast this morning.

Flights should not leave Bucharest airport before noon.

What you’ll see on the tour

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Tour pricing:

from $5,537

per person twin/double share**prices per person, based on double occupancy for 4 July 2027 departure

To secure your place now:

Phone: 03 364 3400 or 0800 747 737
Email: [email protected]

Contact Us for details

Tour Inclusions:

Avalon suite fleet:

  • Complimentary Starlink Wi-Fi (Standard Wi-Fi where available in Asia)
  • Panoramic windows throughout the ship
  • Elegant, contemporary design & decor
  • Friendly, English-speaking crew & Cruise Director
  • Sky Deck with whirlpool, shade awnings, game area and premium lounges
  • Covered Observation Lounge
  • Club Lounge with 24-hour self-serve beverage station with complimentary cappuccinos, lattes, tea, hot chocolate & premium coffees, as well as treats throughout the day
  • Elevator
  • Non-smoking interior and staterooms

Dining:

  • Chef-prepared onboard meals with regional cuisine and familiar favorites
  • Seasonal cuisine featuring the freshest local ingredients
  • Avalon Fresh® healthy cuisine options at every meal
  • Spacious, open-seating Panorama Dining Room
  • Daily breakfast buffet with full range of classic breakfast items, healthy Avalon Fresh® options and daily a la carte specials
  • Complimentary room service for Continental breakfast, lunch, and dinner
  • Daily lunch buffet featuring regional specialties, classic dishes, healthy Avalon Fresh® options and rotating chef’s features including carving & pasta stations. Alternatively, you may dine al fresco at our Sky Grill on the Sky Deck (weather and itinerary permitting) or enjoy a light lunch in the Panorama Lounge.
  • Afternoon Tea featuring tea, coffee, and sweet treats
  • Four-course dinners with choice of appetizers, soups, salads, entrées and desserts or cheese
  • Linger over several selections from the Panorama Bistro’s tasting menu for a less formal “sit-down” atmosphere
  • Complimentary wine, beer, or soft drinks with lunch and dinner
  • Avalon FlexDining® flexible dining times with menu & venue options
  • Vegetarian options at every meal, as well as vegan, low calorie, low fat, high fiber, low cholesterol, high energy and allergy-free selections
  • Panorama Lounge & Bar with premium spirits, cozy seating, panoramic windows & dance floor
  • Welcome & farewell cocktails with sparkling wine & canapés
  • Included Happy Hour every evening featuring house beer, wine, cocktails and a drink of the day
  • Cocktails with a view on the Sky Deck
  • Specialty coffees, espresso drinks and beWell Essence flavored and infused water available throughout each day

Not included:

Flights.

Conditions:

AVA Save $5,400 per couple on select 2026 Avalon Waterways Europe cruises* Save $3,800 per couple off select 2027 Avalon Waterways Europe cruises** •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.
We loved our R&R in Ischia - hosts were fantastic as were the breakfasts and dinners we had there! Our favourite place on Ischia island was the very quaint village of Saint Angelo, another absolute must is dinner at Trattoria Il Focolare - amazing dining experience. We also absolutely loved our stay at Palazzo Del Duca in Matera so beautiful and OMG the breakfast!! Outstanding. So thank you Juliet all was fabulous, travel seamless as well - next adventure I will definitely be in touch.  
Italy June 2025, Jane & Stephen
We want to thank you most sincerely for organizing our epic trip to Europe, it went off without the slightest hassle or hitch. Your pick of hotel in the cities were spot on, nice and central, close to the metro. Many thanks for this trip of a lifetime.  
Europe, May & June 2025, John & Mary
We had a fabulous trip away. Insight and Avalon were just wonderful, couldn’t fault them at all. Thank you so much for all your input and help.
Europe in Winter, Nikki & Steve
Everything you organised worked really well. The timings and explanations on arrival at places was brilliant. The hotels were all handily located to centre of old towns. The 2 Intrepid Trips provided extra understanding of the areas as did the 3 day Hurtigruten cruise.
Scandinavia, Bronwyn & Gordon
The "Sea Cloud" experience was above expectation and more! All your plans worked perfectly and we enjoyed the Somewhere Boutique Hotel at Voulagemeni. Absolutely no problem with the flights. Our accommodation was more than adequate, food excellent and the service 5+ star. We would strongly recommend this 'once in a lifetime' experience.
Adriatic, Paul & Ann
Overall its was an absolutely amazing experience, thank you for all clear information you had given us, really helpful to figure out where is our hotel and how to move from one place to another. Thank you so much for organizing this trip and doing such a good job.
Europe, Ai Ngo and Adrian
We really enjoyed the cruise and this was certainly one of the highlights of the trip. The Azamara cruise was ideal being a smaller boat (and numbers of people) but still provided great service and entertainment. The cruise we did from Athens to Venice was perfect with a destination each day to visit and a great variety of places. I would certainly recommend this cruise company and this particular voyage option.
Europe, Rob & Nikki
We’ve had a fabulous time in Portugal, outstanding guide, great food and wine and the National Geographic tour was superb. What a wonderful country, lovely people and great sights.
Portugal, David & Jill
We had a fantastic day at Plitvice today - very wet and overcast but absolutely stunning and loved every minute of our 12kms walking and photographing!! Loving our hotel here too ... another perfect one thank you!
Croatia, David & Joss
Sandra and I are back at home now after a couple of great months away.  The whole trip was great, so thanks for your help with the bookings etc. No issues at all. We very much enjoyed the Rhine cruise with Viking. We couldn’t fault their service and effort, and are happy to recommend them to others.  
Europe, Murray & Sandra
The trip was fantastic thanks very much for all your input.  Everything worked seamlessly with the flights, accommodation, and car rentals that you booked for us.  The places you booked for us were all in a good location.   The cycle trip through Burgundy was also definitely a highlight. It was truly a trip of a lifetime with everything that we managed to squeeze in, and having a lot of it organised for us was a real treat.
Europe, Mike & Nicky
Our trip went very well. We loved Ireland with Back Roads, excellent guide and good group. We think of three things, its green, narrow roads and old stone fences! Very interesting history. Hurtigruten had ungraded us to Cabin 601, right at the front with three windows, nice and spacious so very enjoyable. We had rougher seas around the Hebredies and Orkneys but all good.
UK & Ireland, Barbara
Back safe and sound after a wonderful cruise and Greek Island stay. Barcelona amazing and our little hotel was perfect. So handy to everything. The Viking cruise was pure luxury . Food, cabin décor entertainment , just perfect. My favourite places visited were Sicily, all the Croatian coast, towns and villages. Our Greek island stay very good with nice family hotel. Not so keen on the ferry. Like being in a plane. Very quick! Business was great and it would be hard to fly any other way now. Anyway Ian thank you so much for organising a great holiday for us. Very much appreciated. I haven’t completely ruled out travelling again!!
Mediterranean, Lois
Thank you Peter for once again, your meticulous planning for us. The trains worked admirably and we had plenty of time for connections. It is sometime since we have travelled in Europe but we have had a fabulous time despite only three sunny days in UK and Europe. Free use of public transport in Basel and Geneva great. Oyster card worked well in London. Lauterbrunnen was Swiss fairytale. A three day pass meant we did heaps and the weather cleared on our last day so we enjoyed Jungfrau plus views of The Eiger. Lots of Indian tourists/ has featured in a Bollywood movie. Weather didn’t clear in Zermatt/ so didn’t see Matterhorn. Left 42 degrees in Dubai. Sunday breakfast up the Burj. Thanks Peter you are an excellent travel agent.
Holland & Switzerland, Alison
A big thank you for organising bookings for us. Everything went according to plan. Managed to catch everything, nothing delayed , except Easyjet which you kind of expect.
Europe, Lesley
We had an absolutely fabulous holiday.  I adored Switzerland, the people, the scenery, just everything.  Every day was better than the day before, couldn't fault anything. The hotels and transport were spot on.  Simon skied 5 days and I found plenty to do.  It was easy meeting people and exploring by myself. Thank you so much for all your organising.  This trip has given me so much confidence to explore other European countries and winter climates.
Switzerland, Lynne
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