A world beyond.
Hassle-free planning, regional Tour Directors & Local Guides, Handpicked hotels and inclusions, seamless transportation, VIP access, and rare Local Favourites that go beyond the guidebook. 

 

Adventure is knocking.
Turn “never thought I would” into “glad I did” with a budget-friendly tour that includes all the essentials plus a great mix of included excursions and free time. 

 

Cruising Elevated.
Cruise on Suite Ships with the widest stateroom views from your window-facing bed. Relaxed luxury flows throughout the ship in every detail plus personalise with Classic, Active, and Discovery excursions.

Back
  • Discover Cruises
  • Our Fleet
  • Deals
  • Trip Planning
  • The Avalon Difference

Region

Country

    Discover Cruises

  • Rivers
  • Europe River Cruises
  • Asia River Cruises
  • South America River Cruises
  • Africa River Cruises
  • Special Interest River Cruises

Rivers

Vessels

    Our Fleet

  • Europe River Cruises
  • South America River Cruises
  • Africa River Cruises
  • Asia River Cruises

Deals

See all Deals

Before You Book

Before You Travel

    Trip Planning

  • Before You Book
  • Before You Travel

Meet Avalon

The Cruising Experience

    The Avalon Difference

  • Meet Avalon
  • The Cruising Experience
Search Avalon-Ph
Back
Home 

The Danube From Romania To Budapest With Bucharest And Transylvania And Budapest

With bucharest and transylvania and budapest extension
BucharestBudapest
Overview
  • Overview
  • Highlights
  • Itinerary
  • Personalise Your Trip
  • Tour Director
Download Itinerary
DOWNLOAD ITINERARY
THE DANUBE FROM ROMANIA TO BUDAPEST WITH BUCHAREST AND TRANSYLVANIA AND BUDAPEST
WOBYBUCHARESTBUDAPEST
Leisurely On the go
Meals
Breakfast: 12 Lunch: 8 Dinner: 9
Transport
State-of-the-art, luxurious river cruise vessels with modern services and amenities
Accommodation
Deluxe outside accommodations with Avalon’s exclusive Comfort Collection Beds
HighLights
  • Bucharest
  • Danube Delta
  • Pécs
  • Nikopol. Excursion to Veliko Tarnovo & Arbanassi
  • 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, cafes, museums, beautiful homes, and churches along Victory Avenue.
  • DAY 2:   BUCHAREST-SINAIA-BRASOV
    Drive 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)
  • DAY 3:   BRASOV
    Join a morning Guided Sightseeing Tour of Brasov followed by free time. In the evening enjoy a tour of Bran Castle of Dracula lore followed by dinner. (B,D)
  • DAY 4:   BRASOV-BUCHAREST-OLTENITA (EMBARKATION)
    CLASSIC 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)
  • DAY 5:   ROUSSE, BULGARIA. VELIKO TARNOVO & 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 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 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)
  • DAY 6:   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)
  • DAY 7:   IRON GATES GORGE. EXCURSION TO LEPENSKI VIR, SERBIA
    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. 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. Continue to the Fortress of Golubac, one of the best-preserved medieval fortresses in Europe. OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO BELGRADE (B,L,D)
  • DAY 8:   BELGRADE
    Fortresses and Folklore Join 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 cafes, 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)
  • DAY 9:   NOVI SAD
    A Capital of Culture 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 Zivanovic Wine Cellar in Sremski Karlovci. OVERNIGHT DOCKING IN ILOK (B,L,D)
  • DAY 10:   ILOK, CROATIA
    Croatian Heritage and Hilltop Vintages DISCOVERY 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 lunchtime. VUKOVAR, CROATIA The Heroic Town on the Danube CLASSIC Enjoy a walking tour of Vukovar, the city the largest river port in Croatia. This evening, enjoy live entertainment on board. OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO MOHACS (B,L,D)
  • DAY 11:   MOHACS, HUNGARY. EXCURSION TO PECS
    Underground Tombs and Heavenly Music CLASSIC Join a morning Guided Sightseeing Tour of Mohacs-the quiet Danube harbour 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 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. AFTERNOON/OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO BUDAPEST (B,L,D)
  • DAY 12:   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 cafes and pubs or take a hike through the hills above the Danube. (B)
  • DAY 13:   BUDAPEST
    Your holiday ends with breakfast this morning. (B)
View Map
Map
Was 6,448 pp*
FROM
USD
5,624.05 pp*
BookDates & Prices
Begin your exciting holiday with a visit to Peles Castle in Sinaia, considered one of the most beautiful in Europe. Continue with an excursion to Transylvania to enjoy guided sightseeing of Brasov and a visit to the Bran Castle of Dracula lore, believed to be the home of Romanian vampires. In Bucharest, Romania, known for its wide, tree-lined boulevards and historical treasures, enjoy guided sightseeing and see the Arc de Triomphe—built in honour of WWI soldiers—and the historical Royal Palace Square. Your Danube River cruise will take you to Bulgaria’s ancient capital of Veliko Tarnovo. Visit the Ethnographical Museum and Church of the Nativity in Arbanassi, and take pictures of Belogradchik’s rock formations and the spectacular scenery of the Iron Gates.

Visit Belgrade, the capital of Serbia, and one of the oldest cities in Europe. Continue your cultural discoveries on an excursion to Pécs, Hungary, another UNESCO World Heritage Site. There are countless memorable moments on this fascinating river cruise through Eastern Europe, culminating in the unique energy of Budapest. A local expert introduces you to the must-see sights, such as Heroes’ Square.

Map

Leisurely On the go

13
Days
4
Countries
Countries
Meals
12breakfasts;
8lunches;
9dinners;
Transport
State-of-the-art, luxurious river cruise vessels with modern services and amenities
Accommodation
Deluxe outside accommodations with Avalon’s exclusive Comfort Collection Beds
Tour Code
WOBY
Price
*Price per person, based on Twin occupancy for 26 August 2025 departure
CAT D
Highlights
Bucharest
Danube Delta
Pécs
Nikopol. Excursion to Veliko Tarnovo & Arbanassi

Itinerary

EXPAND ALL DAYS
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, cafes, museums, beautiful homes, and churches along Victory Avenue.

INCLUDED MEALS

Breakfast: 0, Lunch: 0, Dinner: 0

SHIP(S) *

No Vessel information available

SHOW
Day 2

BUCHAREST-SINAIA-BRASOV

Drive 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)

INCLUDED MEALS

Breakfast: 1, Lunch: 1, Dinner: 0

SHIP(S) *

No Vessel information available

SHOW
Day 3

BRASOV

Join a morning Guided Sightseeing Tour of Brasov followed by free time. In the evening enjoy a tour of Bran Castle of Dracula lore followed by dinner. (B,D)

INCLUDED MEALS

Breakfast: 1, Lunch: 0, Dinner: 1

SHIP(S) *

No Vessel information available

SHOW
Day 4

BRASOV-BUCHAREST-OLTENITA (EMBARKATION)

CLASSIC 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)

INCLUDED MEALS

Breakfast: 1, Lunch: 0, Dinner: 1

SHIP(S) *

No Vessel information available

SHOW
Day 5

ROUSSE, BULGARIA. VELIKO TARNOVO & 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 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 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)

INCLUDED MEALS

Breakfast: 1, Lunch: 1, Dinner: 1

SHIP(S) *

No Vessel information available

SHOW
Day 6

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)

INCLUDED MEALS

Breakfast: 1, Lunch: 1, Dinner: 1

SHIP(S) *

No Vessel information available

SHOW
Day 7

IRON GATES GORGE. EXCURSION TO LEPENSKI VIR, SERBIA

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. 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. Continue to the Fortress of Golubac, one of the best-preserved medieval fortresses in Europe. OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO BELGRADE (B,L,D)

INCLUDED MEALS

Breakfast: 1, Lunch: 1, Dinner: 1

SHIP(S) *

No Vessel information available

SHOW
Day 8

BELGRADE

Fortresses and Folklore Join 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 cafes, 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)

INCLUDED MEALS

Breakfast: 1, Lunch: 1, Dinner: 1

SHIP(S) *

No Vessel information available

SHOW
Day 9

NOVI SAD

A Capital of Culture 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 Zivanovic Wine Cellar in Sremski Karlovci. OVERNIGHT DOCKING IN ILOK (B,L,D)

INCLUDED MEALS

Breakfast: 1, Lunch: 1, Dinner: 1

SHIP(S) *

No Vessel information available

SHOW
Day 10

ILOK, CROATIA

Croatian Heritage and Hilltop Vintages DISCOVERY 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 lunchtime. VUKOVAR, CROATIA The Heroic Town on the Danube CLASSIC Enjoy a walking tour of Vukovar, the city the largest river port in Croatia. This evening, enjoy live entertainment on board. OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO MOHACS (B,L,D)

INCLUDED MEALS

Breakfast: 1, Lunch: 1, Dinner: 1

SHIP(S) *

No Vessel information available

SHOW
Day 11

MOHACS, HUNGARY. EXCURSION TO PECS

Underground Tombs and Heavenly Music CLASSIC Join a morning Guided Sightseeing Tour of Mohacs-the quiet Danube harbour 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 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. AFTERNOON/OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO BUDAPEST (B,L,D)

INCLUDED MEALS

Breakfast: 1, Lunch: 1, Dinner: 1

SHIP(S) *

No Vessel information available

SHOW
Day 12

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 cafes and pubs or take a hike through the hills above the Danube. (B)

INCLUDED MEALS

Breakfast: 1, Lunch: 0, Dinner: 0

SHIP(S) *

No Vessel information available

SHOW
Day 13

BUDAPEST

Your holiday ends with breakfast this morning. (B)

INCLUDED MEALS

Breakfast: 1, Lunch: 0, Dinner: 0

SHOW
*

TRIP ACCOMMODATION & OPTIONAL EXCURSIONS

The displayed price is a guide only. You will be able to book most excursions within MyAccount up to 4 days prior to excursion date, where the exact price will be displayed. For Australia and New Zealand tours, optional excursions can be booked on tour with the Tour Director. All excursions are subject to availability.

Personalise your trip

Available extensions (4)

Default
Start trip: Oltenita
End trip: Budapest
Add On
Start trip: +1 day in Bucharest
End trip: Budapest

Start your holiday in the Romanian capital of Bucharest for 1 night (WOBB)

FROM
USD
+204
Add On
Start trip: +2 days in Bucharest
End trip: Budapest

Start your holiday in Bucharest for 1 night and extend to Budapest for 1 night and see the city's sights with an expert guide, including the iconic statues of Heroes’ Square (WOBE)

FROM
USD
+487
Add On
Start trip: +3 days in Bucharest
End trip: Budapest

Extend with 1 night in Bucharest and 2 nights in Transylvania and enjoy visits to Bran Castle—of Dracula Fame—and beautiful Peles Castle (WOBQ)

FROM
USD
+962
Add On
Start trip: +4 days in Bucharest
End trip: Budapest

Add on 1 night in Budapest, 1 night in Bucharest and 2 nights in Transylvania to your holiday with guided sightseeing, including visits to Bran Castle—of Dracula Fame—and beautiful Peles Castle (WOBY)

FROM
USD
+1,246
Selected
Begin your exciting holiday with a visit to Peles Castle in Sinaia, considered one of the most beautiful in Europe. Continue with an excursion to Transylvania to enjoy guided sightseeing of Brasov and a visit to the Bran Castle of Dracula lore, believed to be the home of Romanian vampires. In Bucharest, Romania, known for its wide, tree-lined boulevards and historical treasures, enjoy guided sightseeing and see the Arc de Triomphe—built in honour of WWI soldiers—and the historical Royal Palace Square. Your Danube River cruise will take you to Bulgaria’s ancient capital of Veliko Tarnovo. Visit the Ethnographical Museum and Church of the Nativity in Arbanassi, and take pictures of Belogradchik’s rock formations and the spectacular scenery of the Iron Gates.

Visit Belgrade, the capital of Serbia, and one of the oldest cities in Europe. Continue your cultural discoveries on an excursion to Pécs, Hungary, another UNESCO World Heritage Site. There are countless memorable moments on this fascinating river cruise through Eastern Europe, culminating in the unique energy of Budapest. A local expert introduces you to the must-see sights, such as Heroes’ Square.

Map

Leisurely On the go

13
Days
4
Countries
Countries
Meals
12breakfasts;
8lunches;
9dinners;
Transport
State-of-the-art, luxurious river cruise vessels with modern services and amenities
Accommodation
Deluxe outside accommodations with Avalon’s exclusive Comfort Collection Beds
Tour Code
WOBY
Price
*Price per person, based on Twin occupancy for 26 August 2025 departure
CAT D

Next Section

Highlights