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.

Tour Arbanassi Aw_Belgrade Aw_Budapest Aw_Bulgaria Aw_Croatia Aw_Danube River Aw_Hungary Aw_Illumination Aw_Passion + 29 More Aw_Romania Aw_Serbia Aw_Transylvania Belgrade Belogradchik Brasov Bucharest Hungary Bulgaria Donji Milanovac Europe Golubac Ilok Iron Gates Lepenski Vir Mohacs Nikopol Novi Sad Oltenita Pecs River Cruise Romania Rousse Serbia Transylvania Veliko Tarnovo Vidin Avalon Waterways 12 Day River Cruise Budapest to Bucharest

See the highlights of Eastern Europe on this Balkan river cruise adventure along the Danube River! This vacation has something for everybody—relaxing time on your ship and stops in the most fascinating cities, with free time and guided sightseeing—so you don’t miss a thing! You’ll begin with two overnights in the lively Hungarian capital of Budapest. See the iconic statues of Heroes’ Square, and with free time, explore the lovely lookout towers of Fishermen’s Bastion. On an excursion to Pécs, Hungary, you’ll visit underground burial chambers with fascinating murals, now part of a UNESCO World Heritage site. Belgrade, the capital of Serbia, is one of the oldest cities in Europe, where the Sava River meets the Danube. The lively pedestrian boulevard of Knez Mihailova is dotted with historical buildings and charming cafés and you’ll see St. Sava, the world’s largest Orthodox Church. Continue your river cruise through the dramatic views of Iron Gates Gorge, visit Belogradchik’s fascinating rock formations, and Bulgaria’s ancient capital of Veliko Tarnovo. In Arbanassi, visit the Church of the Nativity, housing an impressive collection of frescoes. From Oltenita, transfer to Bucharest for guided sightseeing. Known as the “Paris of the East,” a local expert will show you many of its historical treasures, such as the Arc de Triomphe. Take a trip to Transylvania to visit the Bran Castle—of Dracula Fame—the city of Brasov, and beautiful Peles Castle.

Day 1: BUDAPEST, HUNGARY

Welcome to Budapest—Hungary’s Captivating CapitalThe day is yours to relax and enjoy Eastern Europe’s shining city on the Danube.

Day 2: BUDAPEST

The Pearl of the Danube in the Heart of Europe CLASSIC Enjoy a Guided City Sightseeing, including the iconic Heroes’ SquareThis afternoon, board your Suite Ship®. This evening enjoy a dinner on board. OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO MOHÁCS(B,D)

Day 3: MOHÁCS

Archaeology, Architecture, and an Ancient Watermill Visit the Adventure Center for today’s activities with your Adventure Host.DISCOVERY Onboard introduction to photography with our expertCLASSIC 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 of 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 tourEVENING/OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO ILOK(B,L,D)

Day 4: ILOK, CROATIA

History and Culture of CroatiaCLASSIC Join a Guided Tour of Ilok, with its 1,000-year-old winemaking tradition still thriving and its medieval fortress protected for its Croatian cultural heritageEnjoy a brief cruise to Novi Sad while having lunch onboard. NOVI SADCLASSIC 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 fortificationsOVERNIGHT CRUISE TO BELGRADE(B,L,D)

Day 5: BELGRADE, SERBIA

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 churchesDISCOVERY Attend an onboard Lecture to learn about the rich history, destinations, and culture of the Balkan statesSpend 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 authentic Bohemian Dinner in the Quarter of Skadarlija.OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO GOLUBAČ(B,L,D)

Day 6: GOLUBAČ–DONJI MILANOVAC. EXCURSION TO LEPENSKI VIR–IRON GATES GORGE

Ancient Art, Archaeological Artifacts, and Gauntlet of 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 defense in the Middle Ages, and a source of conflict between Serbia, the Habsburg Monarchy and the Ottoman EmpireEnjoy a brief sailing to Donji Milanovac.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 GorgeSail through the spectacular and narrow Iron Gates Gorge—a natural border between Serbia and Romania. AFTERNOON/OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO VIDIN(B,L,D)

Day 7: VIDIN, BULGARIA

Rocks and Ruins—Things of Beauty in BulgariaJoin your Adventure Host for today’s special activities.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 elementsDISCOVERY Join our expert for an onboard photography presentationAFTERNOON/OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO ROUSSE(B,L,D)

Day 8: ROUSSE. VELIKO TÂRNOVO & ARBANASSI EXCURSION

Cliff Houses, Castle Ruins, Fortresses, and FolkloreCLASSIC 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, OR:ACTIVE Join a walk through the park with your Avalon Adventure HostLater, enjoy live entertainment on board with a Bulgarian folklore show. OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO OLTENITA(B,L,D)

Day 9: OLTENITA, ROMANIA (DISEMBARKATION)–BUCHAREST

Disembark your Ship and transfer to Bucharest. 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 CeausescuAfter the visit drive to Brasov for the night.(B,D)

Day 10: BRASOV

CLASSIC Enjoy a Guided Tour of Brasov and admire its gothic, baroque and renaissance architecture In the evening, depart for Bran Castle of Dracula lore. CLASSIC Take a Guided Tour of Bran Castle—the 1377 legendary home of the famed Romanian vampire, followed by a dinner in this amazing location(B,D)

Day 11: BRASOV-SINAIA-BUCHAREST

A Night in Bucharest—the “Paris of the East.” CLASSIC Enjoy a Guided Tour of Visit Peles Castle— the summer residence of the royal family until 1947Drive out the Carpathians to Bucharest and 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. (B)

Day 12: BUCHAREST

Your vacation ends with breakfast this morning.(B)

Details

Tour Operator: Avalon
Duration (Days): 12

Itinerary ▼

Day 1: BUDAPEST, HUNGARY
Welcome to Budapest—Hungary’s Captivating CapitalThe day is yours to relax and enjoy Eastern Europe’s shining city on the Danube.
Day 2: BUDAPEST
The Pearl of the Danube in the Heart of Europe CLASSIC Enjoy a Guided City Sightseeing, including the iconic Heroes’ SquareThis afternoon, board your Suite Ship®. This evening enjoy a dinner on board. OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO MOHÁCS(B,D)
Day 3: MOHÁCS
Archaeology, Architecture, and an Ancient Watermill Visit the Adventure Center for today’s activities with your Adventure Host.DISCOVERY Onboard introduction to photography with our expertCLASSIC 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 of 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 tourEVENING/OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO ILOK(B,L,D)
Day 4: ILOK, CROATIA
History and Culture of CroatiaCLASSIC Join a Guided Tour of Ilok, with its 1,000-year-old winemaking tradition still thriving and its medieval fortress protected for its Croatian cultural heritageEnjoy a brief cruise to Novi Sad while having lunch onboard. NOVI SADCLASSIC 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 fortificationsOVERNIGHT CRUISE TO BELGRADE(B,L,D)
Day 5: BELGRADE, SERBIA
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 churchesDISCOVERY Attend an onboard Lecture to learn about the rich history, destinations, and culture of the Balkan statesSpend 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 authentic Bohemian Dinner in the Quarter of Skadarlija.OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO GOLUBAČ(B,L,D)
Day 6: GOLUBAČ–DONJI MILANOVAC. EXCURSION TO LEPENSKI VIR–IRON GATES GORGE
Ancient Art, Archaeological Artifacts, and Gauntlet of 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 defense in the Middle Ages, and a source of conflict between Serbia, the Habsburg Monarchy and the Ottoman EmpireEnjoy a brief sailing to Donji Milanovac.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 GorgeSail through the spectacular and narrow Iron Gates Gorge—a natural border between Serbia and Romania. AFTERNOON/OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO VIDIN(B,L,D)
Day 7: VIDIN, BULGARIA
Rocks and Ruins—Things of Beauty in BulgariaJoin your Adventure Host for today’s special activities.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 elementsDISCOVERY Join our expert for an onboard photography presentationAFTERNOON/OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO ROUSSE(B,L,D)
Day 8: ROUSSE. VELIKO TÂRNOVO & ARBANASSI EXCURSION
Cliff Houses, Castle Ruins, Fortresses, and FolkloreCLASSIC 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, OR:ACTIVE Join a walk through the park with your Avalon Adventure HostLater, enjoy live entertainment on board with a Bulgarian folklore show. OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO OLTENITA(B,L,D)
Day 9: OLTENITA, ROMANIA (DISEMBARKATION)–BUCHAREST
Disembark your Ship and transfer to Bucharest. 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 CeausescuAfter the visit drive to Brasov for the night.(B,D)
Day 10: BRASOV
CLASSIC Enjoy a Guided Tour of Brasov and admire its gothic, baroque and renaissance architecture In the evening, depart for Bran Castle of Dracula lore. CLASSIC Take a Guided Tour of Bran Castle—the 1377 legendary home of the famed Romanian vampire, followed by a dinner in this amazing location(B,D)
Day 11: BRASOV-SINAIA-BUCHAREST
A Night in Bucharest—the “Paris of the East.” CLASSIC Enjoy a Guided Tour of Visit Peles Castle— the summer residence of the royal family until 1947Drive out the Carpathians to Bucharest and 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. (B)
Day 12: BUCHAREST
Your vacation ends with breakfast this morning.(B)

BALKAN DISCOVERY W/ 1 NT BUD APEST & 2 NT TRANSYLVANIA