AVALON 2024: Balkan Discovery with 2 Nights in Transylvania (WBOE)

11 Day River Cruise Budapest to Bucharest

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. On an excursion to Pecs, Hungary, you'll visit underground burial chambers with fascinating murals, now part of a UNESCO World Heritage site. 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 cafes 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 Tarnovo. 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.

Call (916) 716-6365 for more information or to book today! Mention code 16634882

Tour Operator
Globus
Duration
11 Days
Escorted
Escorted - Yes
DayDestinationDescription
Day 1BudapestWelcome 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 MOHACS

(D)
Day 2MohacsHungarian History in a Harbor Town

Visit the Adventure Center for today's activities with your Adventure Host.

ACTIVE Explore Mohacs by foot as you follow the lead of your Adventure Host , OR:

CLASSIC Join a morning Guided Sightseeing Tour of Mohacs-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 of nearby Pecs 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.

EVENING/OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO ILOK

(B,L,D)
Day 3IlokHistory and Culture in Croatia

CLASSIC Join a Guided Tour of Ilok, with its 1,000-year-old wine making tradition still thriving and its medieval fortress protected for its Croatian cultural heritage.

Enjoy a brief cruise to Novi Sad while having lunch onboard.

NOVI SAD, SERBIA

The Athens of Serbia

ACTIVE Get your daily dose of exercise, join your Adventure Host on this walk in and around town, 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 BELGRADE

(B,L,D)
Day 4BelgradeFortresses 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 cafes, shops, and cultural spots. Alternatively, enjoy one of the Optional Excursions on offer.

This evening, you might like to join an Optional Excursion for an authentic Bohemian Dinner in the Quarter of Skadarlija.

OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO GOLUBAC

(B,L,D)
Day 5IRON GATES GORGEAncient Artifacts and and the Iron Gates

CLASSIC Visit the Fortress of Golubac, one of the best-preserved medieval fortresses in Europe. You'll hear about its tumultuous history as a border control defense in the Middle Ages, and a source of conflict between Serbia, the Habsburg Monarchy and the Ottoman Empire.

Enjoy a brief sailing to Donji Milanovac.

ACTIVE Stretch your legs, ease your mind and enjoy a walk led by your Adventure Host, OR:

CLASSIC Join a Guided Tour 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)
Day 6VidinRocks, ruins and Balkan Beauty

Join your Adventure Host for today's special activities.

ACTIVE Wander and discover this town, join your Adventure Host for a walk, OR:

CLASSIC Join Guided Sightseeing in Vidin, 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.

AFTERNOON/OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO ROUSSE

(B,L,D)
Day 7RousseFortresses and Folklore

ACTIVE Join a walk in the park in Rousse with your Avalon Adventure Host, OR:

CLASSIC Join a full-day Guided Tour to the former Bulgarian capital of Veliko Tarnovo-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)
Day 8BucharestDisembark 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)
Day 9Brasov

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)
Day 10BucharestThe '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, cafes, museums, beautiful homes, and churches along Victory Avenue.

(B,L)
Day 11BucharestYour vacation ends with breakfast this morning.

(B)
Dates/Pricing

Click Quote or call us to get additional information on your chosen travel date. Special offers or competitive pricing may be available!

DatePrice / DescriptionQuote
04/12/2024$4,648.00* (USD) / Land Only Price ViewQuote
04/23/2024$4,748.00* (USD) / Land Only Price ImpressionQuote
05/19/2024$4,948.00* (USD) / Land Only Price PassionQuote
06/07/2024$4,948.00* (USD) / Land Only Price ImpressionQuote
06/30/2024$4,948.00* (USD) / Land Only Price IlluminationQuote
07/16/2024$4,948.00* (USD) / Land Only Price IlluminationQuote
08/12/2024$4,948.00* (USD) / Land Only Price EnvisionQuote
08/24/2024$5,048.00* (USD) / Land Only Price PassionQuote
09/17/2024$5,248.00* (USD) / Land Only Price ViewQuote
10/05/2024$5,148.00* (USD) / Land Only Price PassionQuote
Disclaimer
US$ Price Details

Port charges:
$210

Gratuities to Local Guides & Excursion Drivers are included.

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.
Travel Terms & Conditions
The purchase of any travel services offered by Avalon Waterways, constitutes a contractual arrangement between you (the Traveler) and Avalon Waterways, and represents your acceptance of the Terms & Conditions. Please ensure that you read carefully and understand the Terms & Conditions prior to booking. These Terms & Conditions cover Deposit & Final Payment information, Air-Inclusive Deposits & Final Payment, Revisions & Revision Fees, Air Arrangements, Participation, Travelers Who Need Special Assistance, Young Travelers, Smoking, Price Policy, Visas and Passports, Hotels & Accommodations, Baggage Allowance, Travel Documents, Not Included in the Land Price, Refunds, Service Inquires After the Vacation, Holidays, Safety, Photos & Pictures, Optional Excursions, and Responsibility.

Important Notes
  • Vacation departures, itineraries and prices are subject to change.
  • A non-refundable, non-transferable deposit is required for Avalon Waterways to reserve space for you. View Terms & Conditions for limited exceptions.
  • The following charges are not included in the land/cruise vacation price unless otherwise noted: airfare to and from the start of your vacation; intra-vacation air, unless specified in the itinerary; airline baggage fees including checked and/or excess baggage fees; Federal inspection fees for the Federal U.S. Customs and Immigrations; International Air Transportation tax; agricultural tax; other per person taxes imposed by government entities; airport taxes and fees, including the September 11th Security fee up to $11.20 per person, passenger facility charges up to $18 per person, Federal domestic flight segment fees up to $4.10 per segment, and U.S. and international arrival and departure and other government-imposed added by the airline and applicable at time of booking; port taxes; passports; visas and vaccinations; tips to your Cruise Director, Local Host, driver, Local Guides, and/or ship's crew; gratuities on ferries, trains, and cruise ships; laundry; telephone; minibar; alcohol, beverages, and food outside of the contracted Avalon menu as presented at a hotel or restaurant or onboard your vessel (these extra items will be billed to you before leaving the hotel, ship, or restaurant); airport transfers on non-qualifying flights; optional excursions; additional activities and excursions purchased online; porterage at airports and train stations; Travel Protection; and all other items of a personal nature.
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    "Starting at" Disclaimer
    The "Starting at" or "From" listed price is based on the lowest price available to book. Price is per person based on double occupancy and any applicable non-commissionable taxes and fees and intra-vacation flight are included in the price shown. Any included overnight stay in Canada, applicable GST/HST is also included in the price shown. International airfare, however, is not included. If price is crossed out, the new price shown includes limited-time promotional offer(s). Please review current promotions or deals for additional information.
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