The Danube from Black Sea to Budapest with 1 Night in Budapest 2020

Day 1 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.

Day 2 BUCHAREST
Beautiful Boulevards and Bold History

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 your Avalon Suite Ship® this afternoon.

FETESTI (EMBARKATION) 
Your Balkan Adventure Begins

Explore your Avalon Suite Ship® this evening and enjoy a dinner on board.

DISCOVERY After dinner, attend an onboard Lecture to learn about the Danube Delta. 

EVENING/OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO ST. GHEORGHE (B,D)

Day 3 ST. GHEORGHE. EXCURSION TO THE DANUBE DELTA
A Mighty River’s Entrance into the Sea

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. 

AFTERNOON/OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO CERNAVODA (B,L,D)

Day 4 CERNAVODA. EXCURSION TO CONSTANTA 
Romanian Commerce and Cultural Legacies on the Black Sea

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. 

AFTERNOON/OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO ROUSSE (B,L,D)

Day 5 ROUSSE, BULGARIA. VELIKO TÂRNOVO & ARBANASSI EXCURSION 
Fortresses and Fountains in Bulgaria’s “Little Vienna”

CLASSIC Join a Guided Sightseeing Tour of Bulgaria’s largest inland port and visit its impressive Holy Trinity Church, OR: 

ACTIVE Join a Jog through the park with your 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 your ship in Svistov.

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

EVENING/OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO VIDIN (B,L,D)

Day 6 VIDIN 
Rocks and Ruins—Things of Beauty in Bulgaria

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.

EVENING/OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO DONJI MILANOVAC (B,L,D)

Day 7 DONJI MILANOVAC, SERBIA—IRON GATES GORGE. EXCURSION TO LEPENSKI VIR
Ancient Art, Archaeological Artifacts, and Gauntlet of 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.

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. 

AFTERNOON/OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO BELGRADE (B,L,D)

Day 8 BELGRADE 
Fortresses and Folklore of Serbia Past and Present

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.

AFTERNOON/OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO OSIJEK (B,L,D)

Day 9 OSIJEK, CROATIA 
History and Culture of Croatia

CLASSIC Join a morning Guided Walking Tour of the Croatian city of Osijek, located at the confluence of the Danube and Drava Rivers. Visit Tvrda, 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.

This afternoon you might join a Guided Optional Excursion to the famous marshland area of Kopacki rit, where you can choose among multiple activities such as fishing, biking or canoeing.

EVENING/OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO MOHÁCS (B,L,D)

Day 10 MOHÁCS, HUNGARY. EXCURSION TO PÉCS
Underground Tombs and Soaring Music

Start the day with a Morning Stretch with your 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. You’ll also enjoy an organ concert on your tour.

EVENING/OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO BUDAPEST (B,L,D)

Day 11 BUDAPEST (DISEMBARKATION) 
The Pearl of the Danube in the Heart of Europe

CLASSIC Enjoy a Guided Sightseeing tour of Budapest, including the iconic Heroes’ Square. 

Take in the beauty of Budapest while enjoying a free afternoon exploring such famous sights as the Chain Bridge. Get to know the city’s cafés and pubs, or take a hike through the hills above the Danube. (B)

Day 12 BUDAPEST 
Your vacation ends with breakfast this morning. (B)

• Day 1 Bucharest: welcome to Bucharest
• Day 2 Bucharest—Fetesti (Embarkation): guided sightseeing in Bucharest; onboard welcome reception
• Day 3 St. Gheorghe: excursion to Danube Delta; km 0 celebration
• Day 4 Cernavoda. Excursion to Constanta: guided sightseeing, visit the National History and Archaeological Museum in Constanta
• Day 5 Rousse. Excursion to Veliko Târnovo & Arbanassi: guided sightseeing, visit Tsarevet’s Fortress in Veliko Târnovo, and the Ethnographic Museum and the Church of the Nativity in Arbanassi; or guided sightseeing of Rousse, or jogging tour in Rousse
• Day 6 Vidin—Belogradchik: guided sightseeing to Vidin’s fortress, see the rock formations in Belogradchik
• Day 7 Iron Gates—Donji Milanovac: cruise through the Iron Gates gorge; visit Lepenski Vir archaeological site
• Day 8 Belgrade: guided sightseeing
• Day 9 Osijek: guided tour; concert performance
• Day 10 Mohács. Excursion to Pécs: guided tour and organ concert in Pécs
• Day 11 Budapest (Disembarkation): guided tour, see Heroes’ Square
• Day 12 Budapest (Disembarkation): your vacation ends this morning

Begin your exciting vacation with one night in Bucharest, Romania, before embarking on your river cruise along the beautiful Danube River to Budapest, Hungary. Bucharest is known for its wide, tree-lined boulevards and historical treasures. Here, you’ll see the Arc de Triomphe—built in honor of WWI soldiers—and the historical Royal Palace Square. You’ll take part on an exciting excursion to the serene Danube Delta, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. There’s guided sightseeing in Constanta and Bulgaria’s ancient capital of Veliko Tarnovo. Visit the Ethnographical Museum and Church of the Nativity in Arbanassi, and take pictures of Belogradchik’s eclectic group of rock formations and the spectacular views of the Iron Gates. Visit Belgrade, the capital of Serbia, and one of the oldest cities in Europe. Continue your cultural journey on an excursion to Pécs, Hungary, also a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

There are countless memorable moments on this fascinating river cruise through Eastern Europe, and it doesn’t end until you’ve experienced the unique energy of Budapest. Set along the banks of the Danube River, the capital of Hungary offers an eclectic mix of activities. A local expert introduces you to the must-see sights, such as Heroes’ Square. And with free time to explore on your own, perhaps walk across one or more of the city’s famous bridges, shop for Herend porcelain or handcrafted embroidery, and bask in the coffee house culture with a rich cream cake.

• Ship Amenities - Avalon Artistry II:
  • Wall-to-Wall Panoramic Windows
  • Sky Deck with premium lounge chairs, whirlpool, shade awnings, & outdoor deck game area
  • State-of-the-art fitness center
  • Non-smoking staterooms & ship interior
  • Convenient Elevator Service
  • Elegant, contemporary design
  • Outside viewing deck
  • Headsets for guided shore excursions
  • English-speaking friendly crew, staff & professional Cruise Director
  • Sightseeing with Expert Local Guides
  • Onboard lectures, activities & entertainment
  • Complimentary room service for Continental breakfast
  • Sky Deck whirlpool
  • Complimentary Wi-Fi access
  • Biking excursions available in Amsterdam and Breisach
  • Onboard Adventure Center with active gear, bikes, Nordic walking sticks, watercraft & maps
  • Casual dinner in the Panorama Bistro
  • Avalon Choice® cruising experience
  • Behind-the-scenes galley tour
  • Choice of Classic, Active or Discovery excursions so that you can experience your cruise your way
  • Nordic walking sticks available onboard for complimentary check-out
  • Onshore & Onboard experiences with regional customs, cultures & tastings with local artisans, experts & entertainers
  • Flatscreen satellite TV with English-speaking channels & over 100 free movie options
  • Onboard assistance is available to recommend, reserve and further personalize your cruise
  • Linger over several selections from the Panorama Bistro's tasting menu for a less formal "sit-down" atmosphere
  • Self-serve beverage station with complimentary tea, hot chocolate & premium coffees, including decaf options
  • Well-stocked library with books, cards, and board games
  • Complimentary bottled water, fresh fruit, and cookies available throughout the day
  • Full-size closet mirror
• Ship Dining - Avalon Artistry II:
  • Avalon Fresh^SM healthy cuisine options at every meal
  • Self-serve beverage station with complimentary tea, hot chocolate & premium coffees, including decaf options
  • Welcome & farewell cocktails with sparkling wine & canapés
  • Spacious, open-seating Panorama Dining Room
  • Daily early-riser breakfast
  • Daily late-riser breakfast
  • Full buffet breakfast with sparkling wine and made-to-order egg station
  • Lunch buffet with carving and pasta stations
  • Al fresco lunch in the Sky Grill
  • Cocktails with a view on the Sky Deck
  • Healthy Corner options including low calorie, low fat, high fiber, low cholesterol, and high energy choices
  • Vegetarian options at every meal, as well as vegan and allergy-free selections
  • Afternoon Tea featuring tea, coffee, and sweet treats
  • Happy Hour every evening including featured drink specials
  • Seasonal cuisine featuring the freshest local ingredients
  • Chef-prepared onboard meals with regional cuisine and familiar favorites
  • Four-course dinners with choice of appetizers, soups, salads, entrées and desserts or cheese
  • Complimentary wine, beer, or soft drinks with lunch and dinner
  • Complimentary room service for Continental breakfast
  • Panorama Lounge & Bar with premium spirits, cozy seating, panoramic windows & dance floor
  • Night Fare served at 10:30 pm
  • Healthy meal options
  • Casual dinner in the Panorama Bistro
  • Linger over several selections from the Panorama Bistro's tasting menu for a less formal "sit-down" atmosphere
  • Tastings - sample the destination's famous delicacies
  • Coffee or tea after dinner
  • Light lunch in the Panorama Lounge
  • FlexDining flexible dining times with menu & venue options

Bucharest: Athenee Palace Hilton
Cruising: Cabin onboard Avalon Artistry II, Avalon Passion
Budapest: Budapest Marriott, Hilton, InterContinental Budapest or Hotel Sofitel Chain Bridge 

Extra nights per person in Bucharest:
in single room from $153 to $394, in twin room from $85 to $217

Extra nights per person in Budapest:
in single room from $276 to $361, in twin room from $161 to $217

• Cabin upgrades are available. 
• 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.
• Included visits and special features are subject to change. If a change is necessary, a substitute will be offered.
• Please check visa requirements with your local consulate(s); responsibility for obtaining visas rests with the traveler.
• Port charges: $234
• Gratuities to Local Guides & Excursion Drivers are included.
• Please call for single accommodation price. Triples not available.
• Please ask your Vacations To Go travel counselor for more information.

* The prices shown are U.S. dollars per person, based on double occupancy, and subject to availability. Prices quoted for land/cruise arrangements are subject to increase without notice. Once we have received your deposit, land/cruise prices are guaranteed. Air prices quoted via phone or email are subject to increase and are guaranteed only from the time that full payment is received. Also, air prices or air promotions mentioned on this site or on the phone do not include baggage fees imposed by airlines. Sorry, we are unable to offer air from countries other than the U.S. However, for those international customers who are able to arrange their own transportation to the trip origination city, we are able to offer the land/cruise portion of the package at the price quoted.