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Active & Discovery on the Danube from Serbia to the Black Sea with 2 Nights in Transylvania 2024

From Belgrade, Serbia to Bucharest, Romania
Length: 10 Days - Departs: Thu, Jun 20, 2024
Operator
Ship
Departure
Jun 20, 2024
Arrival
Jun 29, 2024

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Special Offers

LOW UNPUBLISHED PRICES ON AVALON WATERWAYS (GLOBUS) CRUISES
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Fly Free + Save $500 per couple on select 2024 Europe River Cruises

Mention Promo Code: PT3263
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Fly Free + Save $500 per couple on select 2024 Europe River Cruises

Fly Free + Save $500 per couple on select 2024 Europe River Cruises

Promotion Details
Book a select 2024 Europe river cruise to receive $500 off per couple ($250 off per person) on the cruise/land or cruise only price. Combinable with the Free Air promotion from select gateways and Welcome Back Credit. Plus, receive our AffordableTours.com everyday savings.
Must Book By Tue, Apr 30, 2024
View Promotion Terms & Conditions ›

*Book a select 2024 Avalon Waterways Europe river cruise to receive $250 off per person on the cruise/land or cruise only price. Booking must be made, under deposit, and discount applied between September 5, 2023 and April 30, 2024 for travel at select times in 2024. Not applicable to custom tours. Not applicable on TBA space. Offer does not apply to instant purchase air. Groups of 8 passengers or more do not qualify for this offer. Please call for Group promotion options. Offer reliant on space availability and may be withdrawn at any time. Combinable with Free Air promotion (PRMYFK) and Welcome Back Credit only. Applies to new 2024 bookings only and offer will not be applied to pre-existing bookings. Full cancellation penalties will apply. Additional restrictions may apply; see Travel Terms & Conditions for details. Offer applies to participating GFOB offices only. PRMW1050 PRMW1050

Single Supplement waived on select 2024 Europe river cruises

Mention Promo Code: PT3096
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Single Supplement waived on select 2024 Europe river cruises

Single Supplement waived on select 2024 Europe river cruises

Promotion Details
Book a select 2024 Europe river cruise in order to waive the cabin single supplement fee on the cruise portion of your booking. There is a limited number of staterooms available for this promotion per departure. Applies to E, D, B, A & P cabin categories. Plus, receive our AffordableTours.com everyday savings.
Must Book By Tue, Dec 31, 2024
View Promotion Terms & Conditions ›

*Book a select 2024 Avalon Waterways Europe river cruise in order to waive the cabin single supplement fee on the cruise portion of your booking. There is a limited number of staterooms available for this promotion per departure. Applies to E, D, B, A & P cabin categories. Applies to new bookings only and will not be applied to pre-existing bookings. Offer reliant on space availability and may be withdrawn at any time. For Groups, selling more than one passenger in a group, if available, with this promotion requires confirmation. Not combinable with other offers except the Welcome Back Credit. Full cancellation penalties will apply. Additional restrictions may apply; see Travel Terms & Conditions for details. May be withdrawn at any time. Offer available from participating GFOB offices only. SWPBN SWPBN

Up to $500 Welcome Back Credit for Repeat Travelers

Mention Promo Code: PT2504
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Up to $500 Welcome Back Credit for Repeat Travelers

Up to $500 Welcome Back Credit for Repeat Travelers

Promotion Details
With the Welcome Back Credit, the more you travel, the more credit you earn toward future vacations. You can easily redeem your Welcome Back Credit towards a future Globus or Cosmos tour, or use your credit to experience a Monograms package or Avalon Waterways river cruise. In addition to the Welcome Back Credit program, if your plans changed, you could also be holding onto additional travel credits through a Letter of Credit and Peace of Mind Bonus Credit. The credit amount is based on the overall value of your vacation, from a $100 - $250 credit per person.
Must Book By Tue, Dec 31, 2024
View Promotion Terms & Conditions ›

The Welcome Back Credit is awarded upon completion of Globus family of brands vacations. Credit amount can only be applied to the land/cruise or cruise only portion of a new Globus family of brands vacation (excluding 2022 Oberammergau, Monograms City Getaways, and Custom/Charter vacations). Credit amount is per person and must be redeemed for a future vacation with a deposit within 2 years from date of credit issue. Bookings can be made by calling the Globus family of brands, online, or by contacting your preferred travel advisor. Passenger must activate redemption credit prior to redemption. Combinable with all applicable consumer promotions except those with any Globus family of brands special discount programs. Credit must be applied before final payment on a future booking. Credit is not redeemable for cash, non-refundable deposit, airfare, transfers, travel insurance, prepaid gratuities, pre/post nights, or optional excursions and is non-transferrable. All federal, state, and local laws and regulations apply. Valid for all participating Globus family of brands offices. Additional restrictions may apply.


River Cruise Itinerary

Every great story answers the five “Ws” – the who, what, when, where, and why. An Avalon Active & Discovery cruise puts the emphasis on the how. By offering the most diverse selection of interactive experiences along the Lower Danube – from lively biking and hiking tours to lovely food and wine encounters, an Active & Discovery cruise from Serbia to Romania lets you choose how to immerse yourself in the history, heritage, and hospitality of this captivating region. Formidable medieval fortresses, bustling town squares, lush national parks, and mysterious archeological sites are amplified with our extensive menu of Classic, Discovery, and Active excursions throughout Serbia, Bulgaria, and Romania. The beauty of the Balkans meets the beauty of choice on an Active & Discovery cruise.Move.Enjoy a little get-up-and-go on your cruising vacation when you:•Trek up to Ivanovo Rock Church and marvel at the monolithic chapels and monasteries built inside the mountains.•Hike through the extraordinary natural beauty of Djerdap National Park followed by a tasting of local specialties•Pedal from WWII to today on a historic bicycling tour through the waterfront capital of Belgrade. And be moved.Get off the beaten path and relish the world when you:•Marvel at the views of the Danube Gorge from Lepenski Vir—a Mesolithic archaeological site chronicling prehistoric cultures, settlements, and art. •Witness the ancient stone houses clinging to the cliffs above the Yantra River in the former Bulgarian capital of Veliko Târnovo. •In Vidin, taste various labels produced by a local well-known winery, all accompanied by local snacks and symphonic music. Plus, Classic sightseeing is always available in every port along the way.Stay longer with a two-night hotel stay in Brasov to discover the beautiful and mysterious Transylvania! Avalon Choice sightseeing is the perfect highlight of your stay.Activate your senses and discover a world of wonder in all-new, entirely “you” ways on your personal, passion-packed cruise on the Danube from Croatia to Romania.

  1. Day 1
    BELGRADE, SERBIA (EMBARKATION)
    Thu, Jun 20, 2024
    Welcome to Serbia! Your Balkan Adventure Begins Flights into Belgrade must arrive by 3:30 pm. Guests must be on board ship by 5 pm.Explore your Avalon Suite Ship® this evening and enjoy a dinner on board. OVERNIGHT DOCKING IN BELGRADE(B,D)BELGRADE-SCENIC.jpg
  2. Day 2
    BELGRADE
    Fri, Jun 21, 2024
    Fortresses and Folklore Join your Adventure Host for today’s special activities.ACTIVE Get a real taste of Serbia on this guided bike tour focusing on the history of Belgrade, from WWII to today, OR:DISCOVERY Go way beyond the ordinary, and get to know Belgrade through its remarkable people and innovative minds..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. Spend free time in Belgrade exploring Knez Mihailova Street—Belgrade’s central pedestrian thoroughfare with many lively cafés, shops, and cultural spots. You might consider partaking one of the Optional Excursion available.DISCOVERY Before dinner, attend an onboard Lecture to learn about the rich history, destinations, and culture of the Balkan states. This evening, you might like to join an Optional Excursion for an authentic Bohemian Dinner in the Quarter of Skadarlija.OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO GOLUBA?(B,L,D)BELGRADE-CAFE.jpg
  3. Day 3
    GOLUBA?—DONJI MILANOVAC. EXCURSION TO LEPENSKI VIR—IRON GATES GORGE
    Sat, Jun 22, 2024
    A Formidable Fortress CLASSIC Visit the Fortress of Goluba?, 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. Enjoy a brief sailing to Donji Milanovac.DONJI MILANOVAC Prehistoric Stones and Iron Gates GorgeACTIVE Enjoy this scenic hike through Djerdap National Park and stop along the way to taste some local specialties before returning to your Avalon ship, OR:DISCOVERY 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, OR:CLASSIC Join a guided tour of Donji Milanovac and learn the basic of the Cyrillic Serbian alphabet inside the local primary school. Meet locals and get to know the art of crocheting while learning about the history of this little Serbian town. Sail through the spectacular and narrow Iron Gates Gorge—a natural border between Serbia and Romania. AFTERNOON/OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO VIDIN(B,L,D)IRON-GATES-GORGE.jpg
  4. Day 4
    VIDIN, BULGARIA
    Sun, Jun 23, 2024
    Rocks, Ruins and Beauty in BulgariaJoin your Adventure Host for today’s special activities.ACTIVE Enjoy a panoramic trek on the rocky landscape of Belogradchik. OR:DISCOVERY Get to learn everything about the production technologies of the Bulgarian wines and enjoy a tasting of the various labels produced by a local well-known winery. All accompanied by local snacks and symphonic music. OR:CLASSIC Join Guided Sightseeing in Vidin, visit to Baba Vida Fortress, Bulgaria’s only completely preserved medieval castleAFTERNOON/OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO ROUSSE(B,L,D)VIDIN-BABA-VIDA-FORTRESS.jpg
  5. Day 5
    ROUSSE. VELIKO TÂRNOVO & ARBANASSI EXCURSION
    Mon, Jun 24, 2024
    Cliff Houses and Revival ArchitectureACTIVE Join your expert local guide on this spectacular hike to Ivanovo Rock Church. Marvel at the monolithic churches, chapels and monasteries built inside the mountains will surprise you with their fascinating and unique style. OR:DISCOVERY 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. EVENING/ OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO CERNAVODA(B,L,D)VELIKO-TARNOVO.jpg
  6. Day 6
    CERNAVODA, ROMANIA. EXCURSION TO CONSTANTA
    Tue, Jun 25, 2024
    Natural History at Black SeaVisit the Adventure Center for today’s activities with your Adventure Host.Enjoy a leisurely sailing morning. ACTIVE Explore the extraordinary natural beauty of Fantanita Nature Reserve with a hike and wine tasting at nearby Murfatlar vineyards, OR:DISCOVERY Enjoy a visit to a local winery to learn about traditional Romanian wines with a tasting, OR: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 fascinating history of early Romanian cultures. EVENING/OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO OLTENITA(B,L,D)CONSTANTA.jpg
  7. Day 7
    OLTENITA (DISEMBARKATION)–BUCHAREST–BRASOV
    Wed, Jun 26, 2024
    A Night in Bucharest—the “Paris of the East”Disembark your ship this morning and travel to Bucharest. ACTIVE Pedal your way through some of the most picturesque parks and spacious boulevards of Bucharest on this guided bike tour of the Romanian capital’s northern district, OR:DISCOVERY Discover the joie de vivre of Romanian cuisine -- a tasty hodge-podge of Balkan, Ottoman, French, and Russian influences. OR: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 Ceausescu. After the visit drive to Brasov for the night. (B)BUCHAREST-ARC-DE-TRIOMPHE.jpg
  8. Day 8
    BRASOV
    Thu, Jun 27, 2024
    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 inspiration of the legendary Romanian vampire, followed by a dinner in this amazing location. (B,D)BRASOV-BRAN-CASTLE.jpg
  9. Day 9
    BRASOV–SINAIA–BUCHAREST
    Fri, Jun 28, 2024
    The “Paris of the East.” CLASSIC Enjoy a Guided Tour of Visit Peles Castle, the summer residence of the royal family until 1947.Drive out the Carpathians to Bucharest; On the way, enjoy a local lunch.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,L)SINAIA.jpg
  10. Day 10
    BUCHAREST
    Sat, Jun 29, 2024
    Your vacation ends with breakfast this morning.(B)BUCHAREST-SUNRISE.jpg

Countries Visited

Serbia, Bulgaria, Croatia, Romania

Rivers Visited

Danube

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Inclusions

  • In the event of technical or water level issues, it may be necessary to operate the itinerary by motorcoach or alter the program, including hotel overnight when necessary.
  • Guided Tours, Optional Excursions, activities, sailing and docking schedules may be contingent on weather conditions or other issues outside of our control and could therefore be subject to change at any time.
  • Please check visa requirements with your local consulate(s); responsibility for obtaining visas rests with the traveler.


Accommodation Information

Port charges:
$180

Avalon offers the opportunity for solo travelers to sail with no single supplement (subject to availability).

Please call for single accommodation price. Triples not available.

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Ship Information

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Cabins

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Life on Board

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Questions & Answers

Question: Will the day-by-day itinerary change?

Yes, the river cruise itineraries may change due to reasons such as inclement weather or unforeseen events. Your safety is the number one concern aboard and all precautions necessary will be taken in order to ensure passenger safety, including changing itineraries. Please note that when itineraries do change, the ship staff will do their best to substitute any missed port with an alternative destination.

Question: In what language is the river cruise conducted?

The river cruise will be conducted in English only.

Customer Reviews

Overall Rating
4.4
Accommodations
4.5
Itinerary
4.4
Professional Staff
4.6
Repeat with Operator
4.4
Value for Money
4.2

Ratings based off 66 reviews - currently showing 20 reviews with comments only

Great service. All done quickly & efficiently. Great cruise. Great price

This was my fourth river cruise with Avalon, and I love everything about them! The ships, the rooms, the staff, the food - all excellent. The staterooms have every imaginable convenience. The variety and quality of the meals are top notch. The staff was incredibly helpful and cheerful, and they are welcoming to solo travelers, like myself. I would happily book a fifth European cruise with them, until I run out of rivers!

Had a wonderful time. Everything was to our expectations and more. Will do it again.

Avalon had all details worked out, never felt confused or unsure of the daily activities. Worry free vacation

Our Cruise Director Yony was fabulous our waiter/waitress

Nina was just terrific, very informed about traveling with tips to help novice travelers. Any questions we had she answered promptly, found all the discounts she could which made the tip more affordable for us. I would highly recommend her as we are going to use her to book again for our next adventure.

Overall a great trip since my wife and I did a lot of things on our own with the Captain's blessing like riding bikes along the Danube and meeting the boat at the next port. If you are looking for an active trip with lots to do, Avalon's Active Discovery cruise would be for you.

We were very pleased with everything. Only one area that was somewhat disappointing. Our train ride for our extended days in Paris. There were four couples, eight people. We all had first class tickets and two couples, four people were in one car and were offered two meals; breakfast, lunch and drinks. Two couples, four people (us in our car) were not offered any food. So upon arrival two couples were able to start touring immediately. We had to find something to eat first at our own expense.

Sailing with Avalon was fantastic. The ship was really nice - like new even thou it was 4 years old, The food and drinks provided were gourmet cuisine. The tour director Monica was wonderful- extremely knowledgeable and helpful. The crew was great - so friendly and bent over backwards to serve us with a smile. Avalon did a great job getting people to feel comfortable and interact with each other. We all felt like good friends at the end of the trip. The included tours were excellent - led by knowledgeable persons native to the countries who shared much local history. Since the Danube was low we were unable to start our cruise in Nuremburg as planned, but Avalon took us all at no additional cost to a great classical concert in Vienna which was an optional excursion previously. The optional excursions were also excellent - a good variety led by knowledgeable locals who really wanted to share with us everything they could to help us understand the history as well as the present day political and economic situations in these various countries. I admit the great weather may have helped our overall great experience, but I cannot say enough good things about traveling with Avalon. I would definitely recommend them to friends and would love to travel with them again soon.

Best experience ever! From booking to traveling, just what was expected.

Avalon provides great service, excellent meals and a beautiful ship to travel on.

Everything was well done - including late breakfast!

The cruise director was was excellent. The entire staff on the Avalon Impression was amazing!

These Avalon guys are great! Food, accommodations, people - hard to find fault with anything. We saved quite a bit by booking an early season cruise and could see why. The weather was okay, but not great, and the flowers in The Netherlands were a little short of their peak.

Avalon continues to provide a superior class service for the price. Our river cruise boat had a large cabin with ample space, and a bathroom big enough that two people could use it at the same time when getting ready. The personal service by not only the cruise director, but all the staff on board, was excellent. I would not hesitate to use Avalon in the future.

The hotel in Prague was not near the city center, requiring a subway ride to get to the historic area. The hotel was very nice, but staying in the historic area has benefits. Also the choice of restaurants at the hotel we stayed at were limited.

Absolutely a wonderful trip! The Capitals of Europe River Cruise was excellent, and we added Berlin to our experience. I would recommend Avalon Waterways as the "only" way to travel down the Danube. We are looking forward to another River Cruise in the future!

Everything was great with the exception of the last part of the trip, we were supposed to be staying at the intercontinental hotel in Prague and to our surprise we were at the Hilton and we had extended our time in Prague and had to switch hotels. Other than that it was a great trip! 

Staff on the boat were great ! We had a serious problem with luggage on the trip. No luggage for 4 days. The staff helped in any way they could. Because of Easter we were unable to shop for anything and they washed clothes for free and gave us some badly needed toilet articles.

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