The Danube from Romania to Budapest with 1 Night in Bucharest and 2 Nights in Transylvania (Illumination)
The Danube from Romania to Budapest with 1 Night in Bucharest and 2 Nights in Transylvania (Illumination)
$6246
The Danube from Romania to Budapest with 1 Night in Bucharest and 2 Nights in Transylvania (Illumination)
12 Days
Visiting: Bucharest, Romania, Sinaia, Brasov, Oltenita (Embarkation), Rousse, Bulgaria. Veliko Târnovo & Arbanassi Excursion, Vidin, Golubač, Belgrade, Novi Sad, Vukovar, Croatia, Mohács, Hungary. Excursion To Pécs, Budapest (Disembarkation), Europe
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Tour Overview
Sail from Romania to Hungary’s capital of Budapest to experience river views like no other. Begin your Danube River vacation your way before your cruise with an overnight stay and sightseeing in Bucharest. Drive into the Carpathian Mountains to Sinaia to visit the grand Peles Castle. You’ll continue to Transylvania for two nights in Brasov. Take a guided tour of the city by day, followed by a tour of Dracula’s Bran Castle by night, and enjoy guided sightseeing in Bucharest. Enjoy superior hotel accommodations with complimentary breakfast, an expert Local Guide, and courtesy hotel-to-ship transfer. From Bucharest, travel to Oltenita to embark on your Danube River cruise. Take in the incredible views along the way, your cruise on the Danube River carries you through the striking landscapes of the Balkans. In Bulgaria’s largest inland port, take a guided sightseeing tour of Rousse, including the Holy Trinity Church, or spend a full day with a guided tour of the Bulgarian capital of Veliko Târnovo, where ancient stone houses cling to the Yantra River cliffs. One of the oldest towns in Bulgaria, Arbanassi holds Bulgarian Revival architecture within its 15th-century locale. Guided sightseeing In Vidin is followed by a guided tour of Belogradchik, with its ancient fortress and tremendous rock formations on the Balkan Mountains. Next visit Lepenski Vir for a guided tour with ancient archaeological finds before cruising through the narrow Iron Gates Gorge. In Serbia, take a guided tour of Belgrade, including one of the world’s largest Orthodox churches, and see the most preserved Croatian fortress in Osijek. You’ll also attend a stirring performance by young students of the Franjo Kuhac music school. Tour the historic towns of Mohács and Pécs before cruising to Budapest to conclude your amazing cruise on the Danube.
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1: Bucharest,Romania
Location: Bucharest, Romania
Welcome 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.
BUCHAREST, ROMANIA Welcome 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.BUCHAREST-PARLIAMENT.jpg
Day 2: Bucharest,Sinaia,Brasov
Location: Bucharest, Sinaia, Brasov
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch
BUCHAREST–SINAIA–BRASOV Romanian RoyaltyDrive into the Carpathians to Sinaia to visit Peles Castle. On the way, enjoy a local lunch. This afternoon, continue to Brasov for the night. (B,L)SINAIA.jpg
Day 3: Brasov
Location: Brasov
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
In the evening enjoy a tour of Bran Castle of Dracula lore followed by dinner.
BRASOV Transylvania TalesCLASSIC Join a morning Guided Sightseeing Tour of Brasov followed by free time. CLASSIC In the evening enjoy a tour of Bran Castle of Dracula lore followed by dinner. (B,D)BRASOV-BRAN-CASTLE.jpg
Day 4: Brasov,Bucharest,Oltenita (Embarkation)
Location: Brasov, Bucharest, Oltenita (Embarkation)
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
Join a Guided Excursion in Bucharest, see the Royal Palace Square—the scene of the city 's 1989 riots to overthrow the communist dictator Nicolae Ceausescu.
BRASOV–BUCHAREST–OLTENITA (EMBARKATION) Historic BucharestCLASSIC Join a Guided Excursion in Bucharest, see the Royal Palace Square—the scene of the city 's 1989 riots to overthrow the communist dictator Nicolae Ceausescu.Join your Avalon Suite Ship® this afternoon, for embarkation in Oltenita.EVENING/OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO ROUSSE(B,D)BUCHAREST-PARLIAMENT.jpg
Day 5: Rousse,Bulgaria. Veliko Târnovo & Arbanassi Excursion
Location: Rousse, Bulgaria. Veliko Târnovo & Arbanassi Excursion
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
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.
ROUSSE, BULGARIA. VELIKO TÂRNOVO & ARBANASSI EXCURSION Fortresses 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, 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)VELIKO-TARNOVO.jpg
Day 6: Vidin
Location: Vidin
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Join a Guided Tour of Belogradchik. See the remarkable rock formations on the slopes of the Balkan Mountains, sculpted by 200 million years of nature’s elements. Then, visit the mighty Baba Vida Fortress in nearby Vidin.
VIDIN Rocks, Ruins, and Balkan Beauty Ask about today’s energizing or relaxing Adventure Host activities.ACTIVE Wander and discover this town, join your Adventure Host for a bike ride, OR:CLASSIC Join a Guided Tour of Belogradchik. See the remarkable rock formations on the slopes of the Balkan Mountains, sculpted by 200 million years of nature’s elements. Then, visit the mighty Baba Vida Fortress in nearby Vidin.This evening, enjoy live entertainment on board with a Bulgarian folklore show.EVENING/OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO DONJI MILANOVAC(B,L,D)VIDIN-BELOGRADSHICK.jpg
Day 7: Golubač
Location: Golubač
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
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 defense in the Middle Ages, and a source of conflict between Serbia, the Habsburg Monarchy, and the Ottoman Empire.
DONJI MILANOVAC, SERBIA–IRON GATES GORGE. EXCURSION TO LEPENSKI VIR Ancient Artifacts and the Iron Gates Before lunch on board, you’ll sail through the spectacular and narrow Iron Gates Gorge—forming a natural border between Serbia and Romania. ACTIVE Stretch your legs, ease your mind, and enjoy a walk lead by your Adventure Host, OR: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.Enjoy a brief sailing to Golubač.GOLUBAČ A Formidable FortressCLASSIC 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 defense in the Middle Ages, and a source of conflict between Serbia, the Habsburg Monarchy, and the Ottoman Empire.OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO BELGRADE(B,L,D)IRON-GATES-GORGE.jpg
Day 8: Belgrade
Location: Belgrade
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Attend an onboard Lecture to learn about the rich history, destinations, and culture of the Balkan states.
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.
BELGRADE Fortresses and FolkloreJoin your Adventure Host for today’s special activities.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. You may 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. 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)BELGRADE-SAINT-SAVA.jpg
Day 9: Novi Sad
Location: Novi Sad
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Experience the sweet life in Serbia with a visit and tasting at the Museum of Beekeeping and Živanović Wine Cellar in Sremski Karlovci.
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.
NOVI SAD A Capital of CultureACTIVE 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.ACTIVE Enjoy a walking tour in Novi Sad along the narrow streets that climb slowly to the top of the hill above the city to Petrovaradin Fortress, 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.OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO ILOK (B,L,D)NOVI-SAD.jpg
Day 10: Vukovar,Croatia
Location: Vukovar, Croatia
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Enjoy a walking tour of Vukovar, the city the largest river port in Croatia.
ILOK, CROATIA Croatian Heritage and Hilltop VintagesDISCOVERY Take a walking tour of Ilok with a wine tasting in a local cellar with stories of Croatian tradition.Enjoy a short sailing to Vukovar during lunchtimeVUKOVAR, CROATIAThe Heroic Town on the DanubeCLASSIC Enjoy a walking tour of Vukovar, the city the largest river port in Croatia.This evening, enjoy live entertainment on board.EVENING/OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO MOHÁCS(B,L,D)ILOK.jpg
Day 11: Mohács,Hungary. Excursion To Pécs
Location: Mohács, Hungary. Excursion To Pécs
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
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.
MOHÁCS, HUNGARY. EXCURSION TO PÉCS Underground 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)PECS.jpg
Day 12: Budapest (Disembarkation)
Location: Budapest (Disembarkation)
Meals Included: Breakfast
BUDAPEST (DISEMBARKATION) Your vacation ends with breakfast this morning.Flights should not leave Budapest airport before 8 am.(B)BUDAPEST-CITY-VIEW.jpg
Notes
- 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.
Rivers
Danube
Accommodation
Bucharest:Intercontinental Athenee PalaceBrasov:Kronwell Brasov HotelBrasov:Qosmo Brasov Hotel
Check out our Q&As
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Cuisine
All meals on board are prepared by accomplished chefs who prepare regional specialties as well as familiar favorites with only the freshest, local ingredients. Our Suite Ships® feature daily buffet-style breakfast and lunch with your choice of soups, main courses with starter, salad, or sandwich, and, of course, dessert. Complimentary room service is also available with Continental breakfast, lunch, and dinner. On the Mekong and Ganges, a mix of Western and local dishes is offered; in the Galápagos, you'll be able to taste some Ecuadorian specialties; and in the Amazon, you will be able to sample Peruvian specialties along with Western dishes.
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Cruise Director
A professional, experienced, English-speaking Cruise Director accompanies every departure. Naturalists are on board in the Amazon and Galápagos. Special Interest cruises typically include an expert specific to the cruise theme—from Wine Masters to History Experts.
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What about young travellers and children?
In our many years of cruising experience, we have found that children under the age of eight typically are too young to fully enjoy a cruise vacation. Because of this and for the safety and enjoyment of all passengers, we do not accept children under eight years of age. In addition, please note that there are no special arrangements or activities for children on our ships.
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What are single room supplements?
For single travellers who prefer the privacy of their own room and stateroom, single accommodation can, of course, be requested.
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Clothing & Dress Code
Your comfort is our first concern. Onboard and onshore dress codes are casual. Please bring comfortable walking shoes for sightseeing. Dinner attire is casual—open-neck shirts and slacks for men; slacks, skirts, or dresses for ladies. Coats and ties may be worn if preferred. The Welcome and Farewell Dinners in Europe are dressy, but not formal. On the Mekong, Ganges, Amazon, and Galápagos, dress attire, including coats and ties, is not recommended due to the warm, humid climate.
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When will I receive my digital travel documents?
Avalon will email you a set of travel documents, which includes a copy of your itinerary and, where applicable, information on your hotels and optional excursions. Electronic Travel documents, including applicable eTicket receipts, itineraries, and other information are sent approximately 2-3 weeks prior to departure, provided full payment has been received.
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Where can I find the docking location for my cruise ship?
Avalon Waterways strives to bring you the best docking locations along Europe’s rivers. In many cities, this includes multiple docking sites. Docking positions at each port are assigned by local authorities, and may vary depending upon the number of ships in port on any given day. This can sometimes result in double-docking with more than one ship assigned to the same dock and the ships “rafted” together, temporarily obstructing some views from on board the ships. Exact docking locations will be available 24-72 hours prior to embarkation. Before your cruise’s docking location is available, you can download a map of all possible docking sites for your embarkation city at www.AvalonWaterwaysPorts.com. Once your ship’s docking assignment is available, you can download a map that shows only that specific location, including address.
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Are Avalon River Cruises Handicap Accessible?
Avalon Waterways makes reasonable attempts to accommodate the special needs of disabled and mobility impaired travellers but is not responsible in the event it is unable to do so. Because we cannot provide individual assistance to travellers in many situations, and most of our transportation services are not equipped with wheelchair ramps, we recommend that you view our terms and conditions for details or contact us to learn more.
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Internet Access
All Avalon ships in Europe have complimentary Wi-Fi available. On the Mekong and Ganges, complimentary Wi-Fi access is available in the Panorama Lounge. The signal is not always reliable, as you will be cruising through remote areas. To access the ship's Wi-Fi Internet network, you will be given a PIN number at reception to use on your laptop, tablet, or mobile device. Wi-Fi is not available in the Amazon or Galápagos.
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Onboard Language
The language on board is English. All staff, crew, and tour guides speak English. All announcements and commentary will be in English.
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Tuesday - Saturday
May 05, 2026 - May 16, 2026Book with Confidence
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Low Deposit
Avalon Waterways requires a minimum deposit of 200 GBP per person or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 90 days before departure.
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Cancellation Policy
We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of avalon waterways charges.
Up to 91 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.
At 90 days before tour starts: Forfeit 35% of booking price.
At 59 days before tour starts: Forfeit 50% of booking price.
At 29 days before tour starts: Forfeit 80% of booking price.
At 1 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.