Robert’s Travel Emporium – Discover the world with Minerva Travel, your full-service agency specializing in leisure and group tourism for children, young adults, and individuals with disabilities.

Cruise Arbanassi Aw_Belgrade Aw_Budapest Aw_Bulgaria Aw_Croatia Aw_Danube River Aw_Europe Aw_Hungary Aw_Passion + 28 More Aw_Romania Aw_Serbia Belgrade Belogradchik Bucharest Hungary Bulgaria Croatia Danube Danube River Donji Milanovac Europe Golubac Ilok Iron Gates Iron Gates Gorge Lepenski Vir Novi Sad Oltenita River Cruise Romania Rousse Serbia Veliko Tarnovo Vidin Vukovar Avalon Waterways 9 Day River Cruise Budapest to Bucharest

Experience the extraordinary destinations of Eastern Europe on this Danube River cruise adventure through the Balkans. You’ll cruise through the rich landscapes and cultural locales of Hungary, Croatia, Serbia, Bulgaria, and Romania. Embark on your Avalon Suite Ship® in Budapest, the lively Hungarian capital, and sail into beautiful Croatia. Enjoy a guided sightseeing tour in Vukovar and discover Ilok with its 1,000-year-old winemaking tradition. Take a fascinating guided tour of the Serbian capital of Belgrade, one of the oldest cities in Europe, where the Sava River meets the Danube. Cruise through the dramatic views of Iron Gates Gorge—a natural border between Serbia and Romania. Visit Bulgaria’s Belogradchik, and see the fascinating rock formations sculpted by natural elements for over 200 million years. On an excursion to the ancient Bulgarian capital of Veliko Târnovo, you’ll visit Arbanassi’s Church of the Nativity, housing an impressive collection of frescoes.

To round out this timeless Eastern European river cruise, you’ll stay in Romania’s vibrant capital of Bucharest, known as the “Paris of the East.” A local expert will show you many of its historical treasures, such as the Arc de Triomphe, built in honor of WWI soldiers.

A Journey That Changes with the Seasons.
From the energy of summer to the softer rhythms of fall and spring, this iconic journey on the Danube reveals something special in every season. Depending on when you sail, you may visit a traditional salaš (farmhouse) to learn about its heritage and sample local, fresh products or enjoy the rich flavors of autumn by taking part in the traditional craft of making rakija, a traditional fruit brandy. Enjoy the same route, revealed through the unique lens of the season you set sail.

Day 1: BUDAPEST, HUNGARY (EMBARKATION)

Welcome to Hungary. Your Suite Ship® is Ready for Boarding.Flights into Budapest must arrive by 2 pm. Guests must be on board ship by 5 pm.OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO VUKOVAR(D)

Day 2: VUKOVAR

History and BeerVisit the Adventure Center for today’s activities with your Adventure Host.DISCOVERY Join a Guided Walking Tour to discover the heritage, culture, and tradition of Vukovar and enjoy a beer tasting, OR:CLASSIC Join a Guided City Tour to discover the captivating culture and tradition of Vukovar and learn about its rich history and heritage.Enjoy a brief cruise to Ilok while having lunch onboard.ILOK, CROATIA History and Culture in CroatiaCLASSIC Join a Guided tour of Ilok, with its 1,000-year-old wine making traditions still thriving and its medieval fortress protected for its Croatian cultural heritage. Refresh your spirit with a wine tasting in a local cellar and hear the stories of culture and tradition in the natural beauty of Eastern Croatia, OR:ACTIVE Explore more of Croatia on a Guided Bike Tour along Ilok’s city walls, into the central church, and the towns’ museum on your way to Principovac Castle and Estate.OVERNIGHT DOCKING IN NOVI SAD(B,L,D)

Day 3: NOVI SAD, SERBIA

The Athens of SerbiaACTIVE Join your Adventure Host on a Hike to the Petrovaradin part of the town, OR:DISCOVERY Get to learn more about the beekeeper profession on this Guided Tour of Novi Sad by stopping at the Honey Museum and by tasting local honey specialties, 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.Later, enjoy live entertainment on board.OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO BELGRADE(B,L,D)

Day 4: BELGRADE

Fortresses and Folklore ACTIVE Join a Guided Bike Tour along the Danube and explore the nooks and crannies of Belgrade, 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.DISCOVERY Attend an onboard Lecture to learn about the rich history, destinations, and culture of the Balkan states.Spend your free time exploring the city on your own this afternoon on Knez Mihailova Street—Belgrade’s central pedestrian thoroughfare with many lively cafés, shops, and cultural spots. This evening, you might like to join an Optional Excursion for an authentic Bohemian Dinner in the Quarter of Skadarlija.OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO GOLUBAČ(B,L,D)

Day 5: GOLUBAČ–DONJI MILANOVAC. EXCURSION TO LEPENSKI VIR–IRON GATES GORGE

Ancient Artifacts and the Iron Gates CLASSIC 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 for defense in the Middle Ages, and a source of conflict between Serbia, the Habsburg Monarchy, and the Ottoman Empire. Continue to the Mesolithic archaeological site of Lepenski Vir with unique views of the Danube Gorge.Sail through the spectacular and narrow Iron Gates Gorge—a natural border between Serbia and Romania. AFTERNOON/OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO VIDIN(B,L,D)

Day 6: VIDIN, BULGARIA

Rocks, Ruins and Balkan BeautyACTIVE Join your Adventure Host on a hike to Baba Vida Fortress, OR: CLASSIC Join Guided Sightseeing Tour to the western slopes of the Balkan Mountains and marvel at Belogradchik’s stunning rock formations, sculpted by 200 million years of natural elements, ORDISCOVERY Discover more than two centuries of a proud family history of Bulgarian winemaking with a tour and tasting at a local winery. Continue exploring the nearby port town Vidin on a Guided Sightseeing.AFTERNOON/OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO ROUSSE(B,L,D)

Day 7: ROUSSE. VELIKO TÂRNOVO & ARBANASSI EXCURSION

Fortresses and FolkloreACTIVE Explore Rousse's old town by bike with your Adventure Host, 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 the Bulgarian Revival architecture in the 15th-century town of Arbanassi, OR:CLASSIC Join a Guided Sightseeing Tour of Bulgaria’s largest inland port and visit its impressive Holy Trinity Church. Later, enjoy a short scenic drive to explore the rock-hewn churches of Ivanovo, a UNESCO World Heritage.Later, enjoy live entertainment on board with a Bulgarian folklore show. OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO OLTENITA(B,L,D)

Day 8: OLTENITA, ROMANIA (DISEMBARKATION)–BUCHAREST

The Paris of the EastCLASSIC 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.Spend some free time exploring on your own to visit shops and museums. See the beautiful home and churches along Victory Avenue.(B)

Day 9: BUCHAREST

Your vacation ends with breakfast this morning.(B)

Details

Cruise Line: Avalon
Ship Name: Illumination
Departure Port: BUD
Arrival Port: BUH
Number of Nights: 8

Pricing ▼

Option	Price	Departure	Return
Land Only (Double)	USD 4,958.00	2027-04-20	2027-04-28
Single Supplement	USD 5,067.00	2027-04-20	2027-04-28
Land Only (Double)	USD 4,958.00	2027-05-05	2027-05-13
Single Supplement	USD 5,067.00	2027-05-05	2027-05-13
Land Only (Double)	USD 4,958.00	2027-05-20	2027-05-28
Single Supplement	USD 5,067.00	2027-05-20	2027-05-28
Land Only (Double)	USD 4,958.00	2027-06-04	2027-06-12
Single Supplement	USD 5,067.00	2027-06-04	2027-06-12
Land Only (Double)	USD 4,958.00	2027-06-19	2027-06-27
Single Supplement	USD 5,067.00	2027-06-19	2027-06-27
Land Only (Double)	USD 4,958.00	2027-07-04	2027-07-12
Single Supplement	USD 5,067.00	2027-07-04	2027-07-12
Land Only (Double)	USD 4,958.00	2027-07-19	2027-07-27
Single Supplement	USD 5,067.00	2027-07-19	2027-07-27
Land Only (Double)	USD 4,958.00	2027-08-03	2027-08-11
Single Supplement	USD 5,067.00	2027-08-03	2027-08-11
Land Only (Double)	USD 4,958.00	2027-08-18	2027-08-26
Single Supplement	USD 5,067.00	2027-08-18	2027-08-26
Land Only (Double)	USD 5,358.00	2027-09-02	2027-09-10
Single Supplement	USD 5,467.00	2027-09-02	2027-09-10
Land Only (Double)	USD 5,358.00	2027-09-17	2027-09-25
Single Supplement	USD 5,467.00	2027-09-17	2027-09-25
Land Only (Double)	USD 5,358.00	2027-10-01	2027-10-09
Single Supplement	USD 5,467.00	2027-10-01	2027-10-09
Land Only (Double)	USD 5,158.00	2027-10-16	2027-10-24
Single Supplement	USD 5,267.00	2027-10-16	2027-10-24

Itinerary ▼

Day 1: BUDAPEST, HUNGARY (EMBARKATION)
Welcome to Hungary. Your Suite Ship® is Ready for Boarding.Flights into Budapest must arrive by 2 pm. Guests must be on board ship by 5 pm.OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO VUKOVAR(D)
Day 2: VUKOVAR
History and BeerVisit the Adventure Center for today’s activities with your Adventure Host.DISCOVERY Join a Guided Walking Tour to discover the heritage, culture, and tradition of Vukovar and enjoy a beer tasting, OR:CLASSIC Join a Guided City Tour to discover the captivating culture and tradition of Vukovar and learn about its rich history and heritage.Enjoy a brief cruise to Ilok while having lunch onboard.ILOK, CROATIA History and Culture in CroatiaCLASSIC Join a Guided tour of Ilok, with its 1,000-year-old wine making traditions still thriving and its medieval fortress protected for its Croatian cultural heritage. Refresh your spirit with a wine tasting in a local cellar and hear the stories of culture and tradition in the natural beauty of Eastern Croatia, OR:ACTIVE Explore more of Croatia on a Guided Bike Tour along Ilok’s city walls, into the central church, and the towns’ museum on your way to Principovac Castle and Estate.OVERNIGHT DOCKING IN NOVI SAD(B,L,D)
Day 3: NOVI SAD, SERBIA
The Athens of SerbiaACTIVE Join your Adventure Host on a Hike to the Petrovaradin part of the town, OR:DISCOVERY Get to learn more about the beekeeper profession on this Guided Tour of Novi Sad by stopping at the Honey Museum and by tasting local honey specialties, 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.Later, enjoy live entertainment on board.OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO BELGRADE(B,L,D)
Day 4: BELGRADE
Fortresses and Folklore ACTIVE Join a Guided Bike Tour along the Danube and explore the nooks and crannies of Belgrade, 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.DISCOVERY Attend an onboard Lecture to learn about the rich history, destinations, and culture of the Balkan states.Spend your free time exploring the city on your own this afternoon on Knez Mihailova Street—Belgrade’s central pedestrian thoroughfare with many lively cafés, shops, and cultural spots. This evening, you might like to join an Optional Excursion for an authentic Bohemian Dinner in the Quarter of Skadarlija.OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO GOLUBAČ(B,L,D)
Day 5: GOLUBAČ–DONJI MILANOVAC. EXCURSION TO LEPENSKI VIR–IRON GATES GORGE
Ancient Artifacts and the Iron Gates CLASSIC 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 for defense in the Middle Ages, and a source of conflict between Serbia, the Habsburg Monarchy, and the Ottoman Empire. Continue to the Mesolithic archaeological site of Lepenski Vir with unique views of the Danube Gorge.Sail through the spectacular and narrow Iron Gates Gorge—a natural border between Serbia and Romania. AFTERNOON/OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO VIDIN(B,L,D)
Day 6: VIDIN, BULGARIA
Rocks, Ruins and Balkan BeautyACTIVE Join your Adventure Host on a hike to Baba Vida Fortress, OR: CLASSIC Join Guided Sightseeing Tour to the western slopes of the Balkan Mountains and marvel at Belogradchik’s stunning rock formations, sculpted by 200 million years of natural elements, ORDISCOVERY Discover more than two centuries of a proud family history of Bulgarian winemaking with a tour and tasting at a local winery. Continue exploring the nearby port town Vidin on a Guided Sightseeing.AFTERNOON/OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO ROUSSE(B,L,D)
Day 7: ROUSSE. VELIKO TÂRNOVO & ARBANASSI EXCURSION
Fortresses and FolkloreACTIVE Explore Rousse's old town by bike with your Adventure Host, 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 the Bulgarian Revival architecture in the 15th-century town of Arbanassi, OR:CLASSIC Join a Guided Sightseeing Tour of Bulgaria’s largest inland port and visit its impressive Holy Trinity Church. Later, enjoy a short scenic drive to explore the rock-hewn churches of Ivanovo, a UNESCO World Heritage.Later, enjoy live entertainment on board with a Bulgarian folklore show. OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO OLTENITA(B,L,D)
Day 8: OLTENITA, ROMANIA (DISEMBARKATION)–BUCHAREST
The Paris of the EastCLASSIC 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.Spend some free time exploring on your own to visit shops and museums. See the beautiful home and churches along Victory Avenue.(B)
Day 9: BUCHAREST
Your vacation ends with breakfast this morning.(B)

Balkan Discovery with 1 Night in Bucharest