Compare The Danube from Romania to Budapest with 1 Night in Bucharest, 2 Nights in Transylvania & 1 Night in Budapest by Avalon Waterways vs Treasures of the Balkans - Classic Group by Insight Vacations
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| Trip |
The Danube from Romania to Budapest with 1 Night in Bucharest, 2 Nights in Transylvania & 1 Night in Budapest
by
Avalon Waterways
5 | Excellent
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5 | Excellent
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| Duration | 14 days | 19 days |
| Price From | $ 5,727 | $ 5,595 |
| Price Per Day | $ 409 | $ 294 |
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| Trip Style | Group tour | Group tour |
| Lodging Level | Standard | Premium |
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| Flights & Transport | No | Airfare included |
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| Meals Included | N/A | N/A |
| Description | Begin your exciting vacation 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 honor of WWI soldiers—and the historical Royal Palace Square. Your Danube River cruise will take you to Constanta and 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. | Explore the former Communist headquarters of Romania in Bucharest, see Bulgaria’s Roman ruins in Sofia and marvel at Bosnia’s Tunnel of Hope in Sarajevo. After exploring the medieval city of Brașov, take the mountain roads to the Transylvanian border and join a private visit of Bran Castle after hours - better known as Dracula’s haunted abode in Bram Stoker’s infamous novel, followed by private dinner. Delve into the myths and legends before adventuring onwards to Mostar, where a Local Expert guides you through the city’s iconic sights ahead of a Sarajevo Dine at Home experience. Sit down with a Sarajevan family for a feast of local delicacies, traditional Bosnian coffee and tales of local life before the adventure continues in Hungary. Conclude your voyage with the spectacular city vistas served up from the Budapest Fisherman's Bastion. |
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, cafés, museums, beautiful homes, and churches along Victory Avenue.
BUCHAREST-PARLIAMENT.jpg
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.
(Breakfast,Lunch)
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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.
(Breakfast,Dinner)
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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 CERNAVODA
(Breakfast,Dinner)
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Day 5: CERNAVODA. EXCURSION TO CONSTANTA
Romania’s Cultural Legacies
CLASSIC Join a Guided Tour to Constanta, the most important commercial center in Romania, situated on the Black Sea. Visit the Natural History and Archeological Museum to discover the history of early Romanian cultures.
DISCOVERY Enjoy a visit to a local winery to learn about traditional Romanian wines with a tasting.
AFTERNOON/OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO ROUSSE
(Breakfast,Lunch,Dinner)
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Day 6: ROUSSE, BULGARIA. VELIKO TÂRNOVO & ARBANASSI EXCURSION
Fortresses and Fountains in “Little Vienna”
ACTIVE Join a walk through the park 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.
Sail to Svistov, 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 Bulgarian Revival architecture in the 15th-century town of Arbanassi.
Later, join your ship in Svistov.
EVENING/OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO VIDIN
(Breakfast,Lunch,Dinner)
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Day 7: 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 walk, OR:
CLASSIC Join Guided Sightseeing in Vidin, followed by 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.
This evening, enjoy live entertainment on board with a Bulgarian folklore show.
EVENING/OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO DONJI MILANOVAC(Breakfast,Lunch,Dinner)
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Day 8: DONJI MILANOVAC, SERBIA–IRON GATES GORGE. EXCURSION TO LEPENSKI VIR
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. ACTIVE Stretch your legs, ease your mind and enjoy a walk lead by your Adventure Host, OR: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.
Enjoy a brief sailing to Golubač.
GOLUBAČ
A Formidable Fortress
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 Empire.
OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO BELGRADE
(Breakfast,Lunch,Dinner)
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Day 9: 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 cafés, 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
(Breakfast,Lunch,Dinner)
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Day 10: NOVI SAD
A Capital of Culture
ACTIVE Get your daily dose of exercise, join your Adventure Host on this walk in and around town, 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.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 Živanović Wine Cellar in Sremski Karlovci.
This evening, enjoy live entertainment on board.
OVERNIGHT DOCKING IN ILOK
(Breakfast,Lunch,Dinner)
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Day 11: 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.VUKOVAR, CROATIA
The Heroic Town on the Danube
CLASSIC Enjoy a walking tour of Vukovar, the city the largest river port in Croatia.
EVENING/OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO MOHÁCS
(Breakfast,Lunch,Dinner)
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Day 12: MOHÁCS, HUNGARY. EXCURSION TO PÉCS
Underground Tombs and Heavenly Music
CLASSIC 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 to 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 tour.
AFTERNOON/OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO BUDAPEST
(Breakfast,Lunch,Dinner)
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Day 13: 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 cafés and pubs, or take a hike through the hills above the Danube.
(Breakfast)
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Day 14: BUDAPEST
Your vacation ends with breakfast this morning.
(Breakfast)
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Day 1: Welcome to Bucharest
Transfers depart Henri Coandă International Airport at 12:00, 14:00 and 16:00 for your hotel, which is one of the city's most sophisticated and prestigious landmarks. At 18:00, join your Travel Director and fellow travellers for your Welcome Dinner, served with wine at a local restaurant.
Athénée Palace Hilton, Bucharest.
Dinner with Wine
Day 2: Bucharest and Castles of Transylvania
Join a Local Expert for sightseeing to view University Square and the former communist headquarters. Visit the immense Parliament Palace, one of the most impressive buildings in the world. This evening after the crowds have left enjoy a private visit to the iconic Bran Castle, said to be the inspiration for Bram Stoker's Dracula. Learn about Queen Maria of Romania, the last inhabitant of the castle, visit the torture rooms and relive the tales of the infamous Count Dracula. Finish with a delicious private dinner in the recently renovated Queen Mary’s Tea House.
Aro Palace, Brasov.
Breakfast, Dinner with Wine
Day 3: Brasov and Sinaia
With your Local Expert, walk around Town Hall Square, lined with beautiful red-roofed houses and dominated by the Black Church. Travel along the Prahova Valley to the elegant mountain resort of Sinaia to visit Peleș Castle. Led by a local historian, admire the lavish rooms filled with art, armour and tapestries. Continue through the Carpathian Mountains to the charming medieval city of Brașov, founded in 1211 by the Teutonic Knights.
Aro Palace, Brasov.
Breakfast
Day 4: Veliko Tarnovo
Cross the Danube into Bulgaria and continue to Veliko Tarnovo, the City of the Tsars, where houses cling to the cliffs of the River Yantra, making it one of the country's most beautiful towns. In the evening, enjoy a Highlight Dinner of local specialities and wine, followed by an authentic folklore show.
Yantra Grand Hotel, Veliko Tarnovo.
Breakfast, Dinner with Wine
Day 5: To Sofia Relaxed Start
Meet your Local Expert to climb up to the ruined Tsarevets Fortress, a reminder of the town's former imperial status. Enjoy the stunning views over the old Bulgarian capital and the Yantra Valley. Arbanasi is one of Bulgaria’s most beautiful villages and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The frescoed churches and fortified dwellings offer a unique insight into the former wealth and spiritual commitment of the settlement. Visit a traditional 17th century merchant's house and the Church of the Holy Nativity. Cross the Balkan Mountains to Bulgaria's modern day capital of Sofia. On arrival, sightseeing with a Local Expert takes you to St. Sofia Church, across the square from the golden domed St. Alexander Nevsky Cathedral and the archaeological complex, dominated by the church of St. George Rotonda.
InterContinental Sofia.
Breakfast, Dinner with Wine
Day 6: Sofia at Your Pace Relaxed Start
Enjoy the day at your leisure. Perhaps visit the Rila Monastery or enjoy a fascinating insight into the largest and most famous Eastern Orthodox monastery in Bulgaria?
InterContinental Sofia.
Breakfast
Day 7: Skopje
Cross the border and continue to the North Macedonian capital of Skopje, an ultra-modern city juxtaposed by an ancient bazaar, where Turkish influences can still be seen and felt. Enjoy sightseeing with a Local Expert.
Bushi Resort & Spa, Skopje.
Breakfast, Dinner with Wine
Day 8: Lake Ohrid and Tirana
Making your way to the border, stop by the scenic Lake Ohrid for lunch. Cross into Albania and journey to Tirana, renowned for its friendly locals. Continue to the landmark Skanderbeg Square for an insider’s look at the Albanian capital.
Maritim Hotel Plaza Tirana.
Breakfast, Dinner with Wine
Day 9: Kotor and Dubrovnik
Journey through the spectacular scenery of Montenegro to the Old Town of Kotor, known as Stari Grad. Located beside a beautiful bay near the limestone cliffs of Mt. Lovćen, its no surprise it's a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Continue over the Croatian border to the fortified port of Dubrovnik where you are at leisure to explore the Old Town, bustling with street artists, cafes and restaurants.
Hotel Kompas Dubrovnik.
Breakfast
Day 10: Dubrovnik Sightseeing Relaxed Start
Join a Local Expert for a morning of exploring the stone-paved streets within the 16th century bastions. See Onofrio's Fountain and the Rector's Palace, the city walls and the Franciscan and Dominican monasteries. The rest of the day is free for you to immerse yourself in the beautiful surroundings. Perhaps enjoy an Optional Experience to a stunning town on the Adriatic coast, Cavtat, where you can wander along the pine-forest paths beside the crystal-clear sea. Visit the workshop of Deša during a MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience. This important educational centre supports vulnerable communities and promotes local cultural heritage. At night, you may choose from a fine selection of restaurants for your Dine-Around Evening.
Hotel Kompas Dubrovnik.
Breakfast, Dinner with Wine
Day 11: Dubrovnik, Paradise on Earth Relaxed Start
Spend a day at leisure in the Pearl of the Adriatic. Sunbathe by the pool or stroll with friends along the ancient city walls. Perhaps explore some of the filming locations of the award-winning series 'Game of Thrones' and appreciate the enterprising spirit of the Old Harbour? As the sun starts to set, maybe take a relaxing cruise to admire the city and its incredible walls from the water.
Hotel Kompas Dubrovnik.
Breakfast
Day 12: Mostar and Sarajevo
Journey to Mostar. With your Local Expert, see the famous Stari Most, the Old Bridge, reconstructed after being almost completely destroyed during the war. Explore the cobbled streets of the Old Town, stretching on both sides of the bridge and filled with shops selling souvenirs. Continue your travels following the scenic route to Sarajevo for a unique and rewarding insight into the local way of life as you are invited into a Sarajevan family home for a dinner with drinks. Savour the authentic cuisine and traditional Bosnian coffee as you hear inspirational stories.
Swissotel Sarajevo.
Breakfast, Dinner with Wine
Day 13: Sarajevo, City of Culture
Explore Sarajevo with Insight Choice. Choose to meet a survivor of the Bosnian War for a visit to Sarajevo’s astonishing Tunnel of Hope. Alternatively, take a guided nature walk to the spring of the Bosna River, a picturesque park just beyond the city. The rest of the afternoon is for you to explore as you wish.
Swissotel Sarajevo.
Breakfast
Day 14: The Serbian Capital of Belgrade Relaxed Start
Trace your way along the Drina River, that lies on the border of Serbia and Bosnia & Herzegovina. Take in beautiful landscapes of lush, green mountains that create magical forest canyons, winding your way through deep valleys as you make your way to Belgrade.
Radisson Collection Hotel, Old Mill Belgrade.
Breakfast, Dinner with Wine
Day 15: The Best of Belgrade Relaxed Start
Join a Local Expert to see the best of Belgrade including Terazije Street, the national museum and national theatre in Republic Square, as well as a visit to the famous St. Sava Church. Finish your sightseeing at the Kalemegdan Fortress, situated at the confluence of the Sava and Danube rivers. Enjoy a free afternoon to relax or continue exploring on your own.
Radisson Collection Hotel, Old Mill Belgrade.
Breakfast
Day 16: Across to Budapest Relaxed Start
Journey north and cross the Province of Vojvodina to reach Palić on the Hungarian border. See the picturesque lake, where you can admire the art nouveau buildings. Continue on through the vast wilderness of the Puszta, where once cowboys rustled up goulash under the stars. Your destination will be Budapest on the Danube.
Corinthia Hotel Budapest.
Breakfast
Day 17: Budapest, Queen of the Danube
Venture into the heart of Buda's medieval Castle District with a Local Expert to visit Matthias Church and take in the view of the immense Hungarian Parliament Building from the Fisherman's Bastion. Cross the Danube to the Pest district to visit Heroes' Square and travel down elegant Andrássy Boulevard. Enjoy time to wander through the Central Market Hall. Spread over three levels, the market is a foodie's paradise, brimming with aromatic food stalls offering delicious salamis, spicy paprika, delicious Tokaji wines and an array of flavoured Pálinkas, a traditional Hungarian fruit brandy. Tonight you are in for a treat with your Celebration Dinner at Gundel, one of Budapest's most renowned restaurants for over a hundred years. Dine in elegance as you savour hearty, Hungarian delicacies accompanied with specially-selected Hungarian wine.
Corinthia Hotel Budapest.
Breakfast, Dinner with Wine
Day 18: Depart Budapest
Departure transfers arrive at Ferenc Liszt International Airport at 07:00 and 11:00.
Breakfast
