Day 1 Bucharest, Romania–Oltenita (Embarkation)
Welcome to Bucharest! By noon today check-in at Avalon’s meeting point for the transfer by motorcoach to Oltenita, where your river cruise vessel is docked. Before dinner, meet your crew at a welcome reception. (Dinner)

Day 2 Svistov. Excursion to Veliko Târnovo & Arbanassi
A comfortable ride from the river port of Svistov is the ancient Bulgarian capital of Veliko Târnovo. Situated on three hills surrounding the Yantra River, the city was a natural fortress with ancient stone houses clinging to the steep slopes. The oldest part is Tsarevets Hill, home of the Royal Fortress, palaces, and the PATRIARCH’S CHURCH. The historic village of Arbanassi is best known for its ETHNOGRAPHICAL MUSEUM and the outstanding collection of frescoes in the CHURCH OF THE NATIVITY. Rejoin your ship in Svistov. (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)

Day 3 Vidin, Bulgaria. Excursion to Belogradchik
Vidin is an important Danube port, situated in northwestern Bulgaria. Its medieval FORTRESS, known as “Baba Vidin,” and is the town’s primary landmark. It served as Vidin’s main defensive installation during the course of the Middle Ages and is the only entirely preserved medieval fortress in the country. It is now a fortress museum and has been restored to its former appearance. In the afternoon, drive to nearby Belogradchick to view the eclectic group of ROCK FORMATIONS on the western slopes of the Balkan Mountains. (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)

Day 4 Iron Gates
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 IRON GATES, a narrow and formerly very dangerous passage dividing Europe’s Alps in the northwest from the Carpathians in the southeast and forming a natural border between Serbia and Romania. (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)

Day 5 Belgrade, Serbia
The capital of Serbia is situated at the confluence of the Danube and Sava Rivers. A local expert will be proud to show you its main sights, which include the city’s principal landmark, KALEMEGDAN FORTRESS; St. Sava, the world’s largest Orthodox Church; and Marshal Tito’s tomb and monument. The city center has a lively pedestrian area and charming outdoor cafés. (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)

Day 6 Pecs, Hungary–Kalocsa
Pecs is Hungary’s fifth-largest city and its richest in terms of Turkish architecture. Enjoy an orientation and some free time before proceeding to Kalocsa. Founded by St. Stephen in 1009 as an archbishopric, Kalocsa has a most turbulent history. This quiet town, which is best known for paprika and folklore art, is dominated by the Archbishop’s Palace and Kalocsa Cathedral, where you will be treated to an ORGAN CONCERT. (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)

Day 7 Budapest (Disembarkation)
Your vacation ends with breakfast this morning. (Breakfast)

See the best of Eastern Europe on this exciting Balkan adventure. Arrive in Bucharest and transfer by motorcoach to Oltenita to board your river cruise vessel. Enjoy guided sightseeing in each city, including inside visits of Patriarch’s Church in Veliko Târnovo, Arbanassi’s Ethnographical Museum and Church of the Nativity, the eclectic rock formations of Belogradchick, Kalemegdan Fortress in Belgrade, and Fishermen’s Bastion in Budapest. Other highlights: visit the medieval fortress of Vidin, pass through the dramatic Iron Gates gorge and enjoy an organ concert in Kalocsa.

• Included shore excursions with Local Guide.
• Headsets for shore excursions.
• Daily early- and late-riser breakfast.
• Full buffet breakfast with sparkling wine.
• Complimentary juices with breakfast.
• Complimentary soft drinks with lunch.
• Complimentary regional wines at dinner.
• Free soft drinks or beer with dinner.
• English-speaking crew.

• CRUISE: 6-night cruise from Oltenita to Budapest in an outside stateroom with hotel-style beds
• OLTENITA: Welcome reception
• ARBANASSI: Guided visit of the Ethnographical Museum and the Church of the Nativity
• VELIKO TÂRNOVO: Guided sightseeing, visit the Patriarch’s Church
• VIDIN: Visit the fortress
• BELOGRADCHIK: See the rock formations
• IRON GATES: Cruise through the dramatic Iron Gates gorge; see the Trajan Table
• BELGRADE: Guided sightseeing, visit Kalemegdan Fortress
• PECS: Orientation
• KALOCSA: Orientation; organ concert

Outside cabin onboard the Avalon Imagery or Avalon Tranquility

To see our key for hotel ratings, click here.

• Cabin upgrades are available.
• 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. 
• Port charges: $108.
• 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.