Greetings Fellow Wanderers,
We’re thrilled to invite you on an extraordinary journey next summer—a 13-day adventure through Eastern Europe, combining a luxury Danube River cruise with an immersive land extension through Transylvania and Bucharest.
Together, we’ll sail through five captivating countries, explore medieval towns, experience awe-inspiring architecture, and soak in the natural beauty of the Danube River from Romania to Hungary with stops in Serbia, Bulgaria and Croatia.
🌍 A Glimpse into the Journey
Our adventure begins in Bucharest, often called “The Little Paris of the East” for its elegant Belle Époque architecture. From there, we head into the Carpathian Mountains to visit Peles Castle and Cantacuzino Castle on our way to Brasov, in the heart of Transylvania.
You’ll spend two nights exploring this charming city, including an unforgettable evening visit to the legendary Bran Castle, associated with the Dracula legend.
Then we board our ship, the Avalon Passion, for an 8-night cruise through the heart of the Balkans. Experience Rousse, Veliko Tarnovo, Belogradchik, Belgrade, Novi Sad, Vukovar, and Mohacs, before ending in the majestic city of Budapest.
From UNESCO World Heritage Sites to wine tastings, folklore shows, and ancient fortresses, this is more than a vacation—it’s a cultural journey you’ll never forget.
🗺️ The Danube from Romania to Budapest
13 Days | 12 Nights
July 27 – August 8, 2026
1 night in Bucharest, 2 nights in Transylvania, 8-night Danube cruise, 1 night in Budapest
✨ Itinerary Highlights
Day 1 – Mon, July 27 | Welcome to Bucharest
Arrive in Romania’s capital, often called “The Paris of the East.” Enjoy the afternoon at your leisure to explore cafés, museums, and shops along Victory Avenue.
🏨 Overnight: Athenee Palace
Day 2 – Tue, July 28 | Castles of the Carpathians
Travel into the Carpathian Mountains to visit Peles Castle and Cantacuzino Castle. Enjoy a local lunch en route to Brasov.
🏨 Overnight: Kronwell Brasov or Qosmo Brasov
🍴 (Breakfast, Lunch)
Day 3 – Wed, July 29 | Explore Brasov & Bran Castle
Enjoy a morning guided tour of Brasov, then free time. In the evening, visit Bran Castle, followed by dinner.
🏨 Overnight: Brasov
🍴 (Breakfast, Dinner)
Day 4 – Thu, July 30 | Return to Bucharest & Embarkation
Return to Bucharest for a city tour, including Royal Palace Square. In the afternoon, transfer to Oltenita to board the Avalon Passion for our 8-night cruise.
🍴 (Breakfast, Dinner)
Day 5 – Fri, July 31 | Rousse or Veliko Tarnovo
Choose from:
A guided tour of Rousse and the rock-hewn churches of Ivanovo (UNESCO site), or
A full-day excursion to Veliko Tarnovo and Arbanassi, home to centuries-old homes and churches.
🍴 (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)
Day 6 – Sat, Aug 1 | Vidin & Belogradchik
Opt for a guided bike tour of Vidin, or explore the Belogradchik rock formations and Baba Vida Fortress.
Evening onboard entertainment: Bulgarian folklore show.
🍴 (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)
Day 7 – Sun, Aug 2 | Iron Gates Gorge & Lepenski Vir
Cruise through the dramatic Iron Gates Gorge. Visit Lepenski Vir, a Mesolithic archaeological site, and the medieval Golubac Fortress.
🍴 (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)
Day 8 – Mon, Aug 3 | Belgrade, Serbia
Guided tour of Belgrade, including Saint Sava Cathedral. Free afternoon or onboard lecture on Balkan history.
🍴 (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)
Day 9 – Tue, Aug 4 | Novi Sad or Wine & Honey Tasting
Explore Novi Sad and Petrovaradin Fortress, or enjoy a visit and tasting at the Museum of Beekeeping and Zivanovic Wine Cellar in Sremski Karlovici.
🍴 (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)
Day 10 – Wed, Aug 5 | Ilok & Vukovar, Croatia
Morning visit to Ilok, known for its vineyards and Odescalchi Castle. Cruise to Vukovar for a short walking tour.
Evening onboard entertainment.
🍴 (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)
Day 11 – Thu, Aug 6 | Mohacs or Pecs, Hungary
Choose from:
Guided tour of Mohacs and the St. Nicholas watermill, or
Visit Pecs, with its 4th-century tombs and a special organ concert.
🍴 (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)
Day 12 – Fri, Aug 7 | Explore Budapest
Enjoy a guided tour of Budapest, including Heroes’ Square. Spend the afternoon at your leisure—stroll across the Chain Bridge, explore local cafés, or hike the Buda hills.
🏨 Overnight: Marriott Budapest or InterContinental
🍴 (Breakfast)
Day 13 – Sat, Aug 8 | Farewell
Today we say goodbye and begin our journey home.
🍴 (Breakfast)
💼 What’s Included
12 nights lodging (4 nights hotel, 8 nights onboard Avalon Passion)
12 breakfasts, 8 lunches, 9 dinners
All listed sightseeing and transportation
Port fees
Dedicated Tour Director
Pre-paid gratuities (onboard cruise)
❌ Not Included:
Airfare & airport transfers
Travel protection
Passport/visa fees
Personal expenses
Meals not listed in the itinerary
Flights will be available approx. 330 days prior to return travel. When flights become available, we can assist with booking or you may book independently. Historically, flights have averaged around $1200 per person.
💰 Pricing (Per Person, Double Occupancy)
Price depends on what cabin on the ship is booked. Number and availability of each type of cabin is limited and will be reserved on a first-deposit basis.
Non-refundable $500 pp deposit required at time of booking.
Deluxe Stateroom (172 sq ft) Queen Bed or 2 twins, 2 windows
Categories D/E (indigo deck): $4,899 pp
Panorama Suite (200 sq ft) Queen Bed or 2 twins, sofa, wall to wall panoramic window
Category B (Saphire deck): $6,699 pp
Category A (Saphire deck): $6,799 pp
Category P (Royal deck): $6,849 pp
Royal Suite (300 sq ft) King bed, Double sink, sofa, wall to wall panoramic window
Category S (Royal deck): $8,599 pp (only 2 available)
$500 Deposit due at time of booking
October 15 - $1000 pp. due and passport details
January 15 - $2000 pp. due
April 15 – Final payments due
A few highlights of the Avalon Passion:
o 4 Decks (top down) Sky, Royal, Saphire, Indigo)
o Fitness Center
o Elevator
o Expansive Sky deck with shade and premium lounge chairs
o Whirlpool
o Complimentary Starlink WIFI
o All Suits have: Full showers with Glass door, Comfort Collection Beds with Egyptian linens
o 47 Crew and up to 166 passengers
o Club lounge with 24hr self-serve beverage (Cappuccinos, lattes, tea, hot chocolate, premium coffee)
o Daily Breakfast Buffet with Full range of Classic breakfast items
o Daily full lunch Buffet
o 4 course dinners
o Complimentary wine, beer, soft drinks with lunch and dinner
o Spacious open seating in Panorama dining room
🛡️ Travel Protection
Optional coverage available for $519 per person
Contact us with any questions or to join this incredible Eastern European adventure. We can’t wait to travel with you!
Peter & Jessica Banks
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Also check out other Trips & Adventurous Activities in Bucharest, Entertainment events in Bucharest, Concerts in Bucharest.
