Balkan Discovery - Westbound

10 days
Save this trip to your favorites or other list
Additional images not provided by operator
Video not provided by operator
4.7/5 Excellent
100+ reviews  
97%
Save this trip to your favorites or other list
none

USTOA

Cancellation Policy
River Cruise
See the best of Eastern Europe on this exhilarating Balkan adventure. Your cruise vacation begins with an overnight in vibrant Bucharest, the “Paris of the East.” Enjoy guided sightseeing in each city, including inside visits of Tsarevet’s Fortress in Veliko Târnovo, Arbanassi’s Ethnographical Museum and Church of the Nativity, the eclectic rock formations of...

Overview

Trip type
River Cruise
Lodging level
Premium - 4 star
Physical level
Moderate
Trip pace
Flexible schedule

Highlights

    • Experience 10 day river cruise from Bucharest to Budapest
    • Deluxe 6-night cruise in an outside stateroom
    • Visit Patriarch’s Church in Veliko Târnovo
    • Vidin’s fortress
    • Excursion to Belogradchik to see the rock formations
    • See Lepenski Vir archaeological site
    • Kalemegdan Fortress
    • Fishermen’s Bastion and Heroes’ Square

What's this trip about?

    See the best of Eastern Europe on this exhilarating Balkan adventure. Your cruise vacation begins with an overnight in vibrant Bucharest, the “Paris of the East.” Enjoy guided sightseeing in each city, including inside visits of Tsarevet’s Fortress in Veliko Târnovo, Arbanassi’s Ethnographical Museum and Church of the Nativity, the eclectic rock formations of Belogradchik, and Kalemegdan Fortress in Belgrade. Other highlights: visit the medieval fortress of Vidin, pass through the dramatic Iron Gates gorge, visit the Lepenski Vir archaeological site, and enjoy an organ concert in Pécs. Your journey ends with two overnights in Hungary’s lively capital of Budapest, where there’s time on your own to shop for paprika at the Central Market Hall, explore the extensive hilltop castle grounds, visit the many churches and museums, and delight in the vibrant atmosphere.

Compare to similar trips

Details

Itinerary focusOff the Beaten Path
Group sizeIntimate group - 12 max
Age rangeNo age restrictions
Flights and transportN/A
Start CityBucharest
End CityBudapest

Travel Themes

  • 50 plus
  • Culinary & Wine
  • Cultural
  • National Parks
  • Nature & Wildlife
  • Small Ship Cruise

Destinations

  • Europe
  • Hungary
  • Romania

Attractions

  • Belgrade
  • Bucharest
  • Budapest

Activities

  • Culture
  • Historic sightseeing
  • Nature
  • River cruise
  • Ruins & Archaeology

Trip includes

    • Accommodation
    • Most of the meals as mentioned in the itinerary
    • Internal transportation
    • Wi-Fi accessibility
    • Sightseeing with Certified Local Guides
    • Gratuities to Local Guides & Excursion Drivers are included.

View Similar Trips

Itinerary

Travel Map

Day 1: Bucharest, Romania

Welcome to Bucharest! The remainder of the day is free to start exploring this intriguing city.

Day 2: Bucharest–Oltenita (Embarkation)

Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Much recent history has taken place in Romania’s capital city, and its wide, tree-lined boulevards and Arc de Triomphe—built in 1922 to honor the bravery of Romanian soldiers who fought in WWI—have gained it the name “Paris of the East....

Day 3: Rousse, Bulgaria. Excursion To Veliko Târnovo & Arbanassi–Svistov

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

In Rousse this morning, you may choose to join a Certified Local Guide for an included CITY TOUR, rejoining your ship in time for lunch and enjoying a pleasant afternoon of cruising to Svistov. Alternatively, you may take a full ...

Day 4: Vidin. Excursion To Belogradchik

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

After breakfast today a Local Guide shows you Vidin, an important Danube port in northwestern Bulgaria. Its medieval FORTRESS, known as “Baba Vidin,” served as Vidin’s main defensive installation during the Middle Ages and is the...

Day 5: Iron Gates. Excursion To Lepenski Vir

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

The TRAJAN TABLE marking the Roman conquest of Dacia and the Serbian fortresses of Golubac and Smederevo are impressive sights on the left bank of the Danube. The most spectacular scenery must surely be the dramatic gorge of the ...

Day 6: Belgrade, Serbia

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

The capital of Serbia is situated at the confluence of the Danube and Sava Rivers. A Local Guide will be proud to show you its main sights, which include St. Sava, the world’s largest Orthodox Church; and Marshal Tito’s tomb and ...

Day 7: Mohács, Hungary. Excursion To Pécs

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

This morning, a GUIDED EXCURSION takes you to Pécs, Hungary’s fifth-largest city. Established by the Romans in the 2nd century, this was a flourishing and important town for Christianity by the 4th century. Pécs is also rich in t...

Day 8: Budapest (Disembarkation)

Meals: Breakfast

Say goodbye to your crew after breakfast this morning. Spanning the banks of the Danube, Budapest is one of Eastern Europe’s liveliest cities. Whether you’re seeing the sights, shopping for handcrafted embroidery or Herend porcelain, or basking...

Day 9: Budapest

Meals: Breakfast

A free day to enjoy Hungary’s exciting capital. Perhaps visit St. Stephen’s Basilica, with marvelous views of the city from its viewing platform, or walk across Chain Bridge built in 1849, a symbol of Budapest. Your Cruise Director will have suggestions for many things to do.

Day 10: Budapest

Meals: Breakfast

Your vacation ends with breakfast this morning. 

Want a tailor-made trip instead?

Your trip, your way, planned by an expert:

  • You choose budget, destinations, activities, transport & lodging type
  • Expert designs the itinerary for you, and once approved, takes care of logistics
Design custom trip

Dates & Availability

Price From $3,280
Price per day$328
Single supplement (single occupancy)$145
Last Updated: 8/2/2018

Check Current Availability, prices, specials with Avalon Waterways.

The total tour cost includes the tour price (regular or promotional) and the compulsory local payment. The promotional price is subject to change. Check directly with the operator for the latest price offer. The tour operator requires you to pay only the tour price to purchase your travel. The compulsory local payment will be paid when you join the trip. All prices are based on double, twin or triple share occupancy. Solo passengers will be accommodated in a double, twin or triple room according to availability with a passenger(s) of the same gender. Single supplement only needs to be paid if the passenger does not want to share and requests their own room. Discounts can only be applied at the time of booking and cannot be added at a later date, regardless of any changes made to the original booking.

Prices may vary due to local taxes and trip seasonality. Click "Request Info" to inquire directly with the tour operator for the final trip price.

Avalon Waterways Reviews & Ratings

4.7/5  Excellent
Excellent
1,450
Great
134
Average
45
Disappointing
15
Terrible
41
Write a Review

Other Avalon Waterways Reviews

D

DEBBIE

Dec 2023

Written on

From favorite cruise line to Never Again!!!

My first Avalon cruise/land tour to Vietnam/Cambodia was the best experience of my 80 plus cruises. We recently took the Avalon Egypt/Jordan cruise/land tour and it ...

c

customer

Dec 2023

Written on

Avalon waterways went out of their way to accommodate our early morning arrival.

We booked an Egyptian cruise with Avalon months ago that included airport transfers, but we did not book our flights through them. Ten days before departure we had ...

R

Robert

Nov 2023

Written on

It was the Paris to Normandy then to…

It was the Paris to Normandy then to Marseille 14 day cruise. The whole cruise was terrible, ports were bypassed, crew was very inexperienced, the restaurant was uno...

Write a Review

Travelers also viewed

Tour Operator

Avalon Waterways

none
View Profile

CRUISING ELEVATED.
Innovative, transformative, original. Avalon Waterways has redefined cruising by going against the current and
away from the ordinary. Delivering unparalleled experiences and boundless exploration, Avalon puts you in the captain’s seat to navigate your journey, fuel your passions and steer clear of the unexpected as you cruise down the world’s most memorable and mesmerizing waterways. One step aboard our modern, luxurious Suite Ships with the grandest views in cruising and you’ll see how the tides they are a-changin’. 

Welcome to a new wave in cruising. Welcome aboard Avalon Waterways.

IT DOESN’T GET ANY SUITER.
Enjoy the perfect blend of elegance and ease – where little touches are bold, gestures are grand and the views even grander. There’s a reason our ships are the critics’ darlings and favorites among our most discerning guests. Our boutique-hotel-inspired Panorama Suites feature the industry’s only Open-Air Balconies with the widest-opening windows in cruising and decadent Comfort Collection beds that face the ever-changing scenery.

PACK YOUR PASSIONS.
As you set sail down the world’s most legendary waters, we’ve curated a collection of the most intriguing experiences to immerse yourself in – both on board and off.

SEE MORE THAN THE SEA/
On a typical cruise, you see waves, water and more water. On an Avalon cruise, legendary landmarks and postcard-perfect landscapes are always in view. Dock to discovery takes mere minutes. 

LET’S DISH.
While we naturally present the signature delicacies of the regions you visit, we enrich the gastronomic journey by offering multiple dining venues, bringing unexpected culinary experiences to the table.

What they’re known for
River cruises to classic and exotic destinations with a luxury flair and personalization options.

Associations

Why Travelstride

Find your perfect trip

An epic selection of pre-planned trips on every continent, for every style. Thousands of itineraries from over 1,000 trusted travel companies.

Save time

Use simple search and comparison tools to easily find the best trip. Don't sweat the logistics — travel providers plan for you.

Save money

Book directly with the operator. See inclusive packages for the best values, and get access to amazing deals.

Travel confidently

Read unbiased user reviews, pick the operator that suits your needs, and connect with them directly.

Logistics

What's excluded

    • Airfare
    • Airport transfers
    • Alcohol & beverages outside of the contracted menu
    • Additional excursions and activities not listed as 'included' in the itinerary
    • Travel Protection premiums
    • Applicable cruise taxes, fees, fares and port charges
    • Other items of a personal nature
Ship & cabin information
Passion
Yet another beautiful Suite Ship graces the rivers of Europe in 2016. The Avalon Passion welcomes passengers to their home-away-from-home with two full decks of Panorama Suites, featuring Wall-to-Wall Panoramic Windows that transform into a unique Open-Air Balcony. With 200 square feet, Panorama Suites are more than 30% larger than industry standard and ideal for stretching out and relaxing-or even throwing a private cocktail party for up to six adults in the spacious sitting area. On board, passengers enjoy free Wi-Fi access, complimentary computer use at the Internet Corner, a Fitness Center with state-of-the-art equipment, a hair salon, elevator, and an expansive Sky Deck with shade system, premium lounge chairs, whirlpool, deck games, and the delightful Sky Bistro for al fresco lunches of light grill fare.
Amenities Wall-to-Wall Panoramic Windows Sky Deck with shade awnings Non-smoking interior Elegant, contemporary design Headsets for all guided shore excursions in Europe Sightseeing with Certified Local Guides Onboard lectures, activities & nightly entertainment Room service for Continental breakfast & beverages (service fee applies) Internet Corner Complimentary Wi-Fi access Biking excursions available in Amsterdam and Durnstein Behind-the-scenes ship tour Use of Nordic walking sticks English-speaking TV channels with over 100 free movie options Panorama Bistro Self-serve beverage station with complimentary tea, hot chocolate & premium coffees Complimentary maps Selection of Local Favorites to bring the customs, cultures, and tastes of your destination to life Sky Deck with premium lounge chairs Expanded Fitness Center Elevator Outside viewing deck Friendly, English-speaking crew Cruise Director Revolutionary engineering Sky Deck whirlpool Hair salon (manicures available) Onboard movie nights Alternate light lunch and dinner in the Panorama Bistro Choice of Leisurely, Traditional or Independent sightseeing options Local Favorites onboard experiences with local chefs, entertainers, artisans & experts Onboard assistance is available to recommend, reserve and further personalize your cruise Sky Deck game area Well-stocked library Fresh fruit available throughout the day
Deck Plans: Cat. E
Cancellation policy

Booking Cancellations & Cancellation Fees:

If a booking cancellation is received by Avalon prior to the final payment date of your vacation, your non-refundable land deposit and Travel Protection payments will be retained in addition to your Flex-Air deposit, Instant Purchase Air payment and service fee, and/or intra-vacation air deposit. For individual reservations, the following per person cancellation fees apply. Total price does not include discounts, promotions, or special incentives. (For group reservations, refer to the Group Policy.)

Standard Cancellation Fees:

90-60 days prior to commencement of services: 35% of total price* plus Travel Protection payments

59-30 days prior to commencement of services: 50% of total price* plus Travel Protection payments

29-1 days prior to commencement of services: 80% of total price* plus Travel Protection payments

On departure day and later: 100% of total price* plus Travel Protection payments

Travel Insurance
We strongly recommend purchasing travel insurance alongside your travel package to safeguard against unforeseen circumstances such as medical expenses, trip cancellations, and other contingencies. It offers you peace of mind and ensures you are prepared for unexpected events that may occur before or during your journey
Visa requirements
Visa requirements vary depending on your country of origin and your country of destination. It is your responsibility to familiarize yourself with the relevant requirements. For a handy tool that can help you quickly find the requirements, please visit this link .
Meals Included

9 Breakfasts, 6 Lunches and 7 Dinners

Age Requirements
No age restrictions
Additional Information
Meals Captain’s welcome & farewell receptions with sparkling wine and canapés Welcome dinner Daily Afternoon Tea Daily Night Fare Farewell dinner Complimentary sparkling wine with breakfast; soft drinks with lunch; and wine, beer, or soft drinks with dinner are included daily on board your vessel NOTES: In the event of water level problems or any problems of a technical nature, it may be necessary to operate the itinerary by motorcoach or to alter the program. 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.
Trip ID
AVALON-BalCovAva

Become a member

(it's free)
  • Save up to $700 per person
  • Access members-only specials
  • Personalize trip recommendations
Sign up and save
Top Tour Companies on Travelstride:
All 1,600+ companies >