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Explore the Bulgarian city of Veliko Tarnovo

The Danube from Black Sea to Budapest

Bucharest-Budapest - Example 11 Day Cruise aboard Avalon Illumination
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Experience the magnificent view as the journey travels over to the beautiful Danube River going to Budapest. Take a look at the wide, tree-lined boulevards and historical treasures including the Arc de Triomphe as well as the historical Royal Palace Square. Feel relaxed as the Avalon Illumination travels to Danube Delta, which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Create unforgettable moments on this fascinating river cruise through Eastern Europe.
Explore the vibrant city of BucharestAdmire Roman-inspired architecture in BucharestCruise through the Iron GatesExplore the countryside surrounding BelgradeExplore the Bulgarian city of Veliko Tarnovo
Highlights
  • Have a look at the National History and Archaeological Museum in Constanta
  • Explore Tsarevet’s Fortress in Veliko Târnovo and the Museum in Arbanassi
  • Enjoy the Vidin’s fortress and see the rock formations in Belogradchik
  • Be amused to the Iron Gates gorge and Lepenski Vir archaeological site
Activities
  • River Cruises
Places Visited
Activity Level: Relaxed
Involves minimal physical effort and is typically associated with leisurely activities. Activities are low-intensity or last less than a few hours each day.
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Full Itinerary

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Day 1: Bucharest, Romania

Welcome to Bucharest—the “Paris of the East”.

The day is open to relax and enjoy Bucharest. Spend some free time exploring this fascinating city at leisure to discover its trendy shops, cafés, museums, beautiful homes and churches along Victory Avenue.

Day 2: Bucharest | Embark

  • Ship
  • 1 Breakfast, 1 Dinner
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 Fetesti to board the Avalon Suite Ship this afternoon. Explore the Avalon Suite Ship this evening and enjoy a dinner on board.

Discovery: After dinner, attend an onboard lecture to learn about the Danube Delta.

Day 3: St. Gheorghe

  • Ship
  • 1 Breakfast, 1 Lunch, 1 Dinner
Classic: Join a small-boat guided tour of the best-preserved of Europe’s deltas-2,200 square miles of rivers, canals, marshes, tree-fringed lakes and reed islands.

Discovery: Enjoy a special celebration to mark Kilometer “0”—the end of the Danube River’s 2,845 km journey—from the source in the Black Forest to its delta into the Black Sea.

Day 4: Cernavodă | Constanta

  • Ship
  • 1 Breakfast, 1 Lunch, 1 Dinner
Classic: Join a guided tour to Constanta, the most important commercial center in Romania situated on the Black Sea. Visit the Natural History and Archeological Museum to discover the history of early Romanian cultures.

Day 5: Rousse, Bulgaria | Veliko Tărnovo | Arbanassi

  • Ship
  • 1 Breakfast, 1 Lunch, 1 Dinner
Classic: Join a guided sightseeing tour of Bulgaria’s largest inland port and visit its impressive Holy Trinity Church.

Active: Join a walk through the park with an Avalon Adventure Host.

Sail to Svistov

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. Later, join the ship in Svistov.
 

Day 6: Vidin

  • Ship
  • 1 Breakfast, 1 Lunch, 1 Dinner
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.

This evening, enjoy live entertainment on board with a Bulgarian folklore show.

Day 7: Doji Milanovac, Serbia

  • Ship
  • 1 Breakfast, 1 Lunch, 1 Dinner
Before lunch on board, 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.

Day 8: Belgrade

  • Ship
  • 1 Breakfast, 1 Lunch, 1 Dinner
Classic: Join a guided sightseeing tour of Belgrade, where the Danube and Sava Rivers converge. See the city’s many fascinating sights, including Saint Sava, one of the world’s largest Orthodox churches.

Choose to join an optional guided biking tour or spend free time in Belgrade exploring Knez Mihailova Street, Belgrade’s central pedestrian thoroughfare with many lively cafés, shops and cultural spots.

Day 9: Osijek, Croatia

  • Ship
  • 1 Breakfast, 1 Lunch, 1 Dinner
Enjoy a leisurely sailing morning or join an optional excursion to the city of Vukovar, Croatia’s undiscovered pearl.

Classic: Join a morning guided walking tour of the Croatian city of Osijek, located at the confluence of the Danube and Drava Rivers. Visit Tvrđa, the most well-preserved fortress of Croatia, home of many educational institutions.

Discovery: Attend a musical concert performed by the talented young artists of the music school of Osijek at Franjo Kuhac.

Day 10: Mohács, Hungary

  • Ship
  • 1 Breakfast, 1 Lunch, 1 Dinner
Start the day with a morning stretch with an Avalon Adventure Host.

Classic: Take a guided tour to nearby Pécs to see its 4th-century Christian underground tombs, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, with fascinating murals. Also, enjoy an organ concert on the tour.
 

Day 11: Budapest | Disembark

  • 1 Breakfast
The cruise ends with breakfast this morning.

Ship/Hotel

Avalon Illumination

Avalon Illumination Dining Room
Avalon Illumination
Avalon Illumination Lounge

Dates & Prices

My Preferred Start Date

Per person starting at
$4,969
Select a Date
Cat. E
Avalon Deluxe Stateroom: 172 SQ. FT. Comfort Collection Beds, Bedside tables with reading lamps, L'Occitane bath products, Under-bed luggage storage, Complimentary bottled water, Individual climate control, Mirror in the bathroom, Full shower with glass door, Vanity, Memory foam mattress, European-style duvets.
Select a Date
Cat. D
Avalon Deluxe Stateroom: 172 SQ. FT. Comfort Collection Beds, Bedside tables with reading lamps, L'Occitane bath products, Under-bed luggage storage, Complimentary bottled water, Individual climate control, Mirror in the bathroom, Full shower with glass door, Vanity, Luxurious mattress, European-style duvets.
Select a Date
Cat. B
Panorama Suite: 200 SQ. FT. Comfort Collection Beds, Bedside tables with reading lamps, L'Occitane bath products, Under-bed luggage storage, Telephone, In-room safe, Contemporary design, Marble countertops in the bathroom, 6-person sitting area, Writing desk, Sofa, Memory foam mattress, European-style duvets.
Select a Date
Cat. A
Panorama Suite: 200 SQ. FT. Comfort Collection Beds, Bedside tables with reading lamps, L'Occitane bath products, Under-bed luggage storage, Telephone, In-room safe, contemporary design, Marble countertops in the bathroom, 6-person sitting area, Writing desk, Sofa, Luxurious mattress, European-style duvets.
Select a Date
Cat. P
Panorama Suite: 200 SQ. FT. Comfort Collection Beds, Bedside tables with reading lamps, L'Occitane bath products, Under-bed luggage storage, Telephone, Well-stocked minibar, In-room safe, Contemporary design, Marble countertops in the bathroom, 6-person sitting area, Writing desk, Sofa, Memory foam mattress, European-style duvets
Select a Date
Royal Suite
Royal Suite: 300 SQ. FT. Comfort Collection Beds, Bedside tables with reading lamps, L'Occitane bath products, Under-bed luggage storage, Telephone, Well-stocked minibar, Marble countertops in the bathroom, Wall-to-Wall Panoramic Window with Open-Air Balcony, Full shower with glass door, Luxurious mattress toppers, European-style duvets.
Included
  • 10 Breakfasts, 8 Lunches, 9 Dinners
  • 9 Nights Accommodations
  • Accommodations as listed
  • Ground transportation as listed
  • Activities as listed
  • Meals as listed
  • Access to a 24-7 Emergency line while traveling
  • Onboard Adventure Center with active gear, bikes, maps, canoe, kayak and jogging excursions
  • Wifi
  • Complimentary fresh fruit available daily
  • Captain’s Welcome and Farewell Receptions
  • 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
  • Panoramic windows
  • Friendly, English-speaking crew & Cruise Director
  • Sky Deck with whirlpool, shade awnings, game area and premium lounges
  • Complimentary sparkling wine with breakfast; wine, beer, or soft drinks with every lunch and dinner
Excluded
  • Gratuities
  • Travel Insurance
  • Personal Expenses
  • Flight costs (please request a quote)
  • Additional excursions during free time
  • Fuel and transportation surcharges (when applicable)
  • Alcohol, beverages, and food outside of the contracted menu as presented at a hotel or restaurant or on board your vessel
  • Port Fees
  • Porterage
  • Passport or Visa fees

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The trip was terrific with great planning on your part. Most of the adventures were not mainstream and somewhat off the beaten path which made it especially enjoyable!! We felt taken care of and you all were readily available to respond to questions and issues. I would highly recommend your company and friends have already expressed interest based on our pictures and excitement.
Gale Cantor
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