Not Quite Solo... on the danube!

 Embark your river cruise along the beautiful Danube River to Budapest in Oltenita, Romania. Enjoy guided sightseeing in Bulgaria’s ancient capital of Veliko Tarnovo, and visit the Ethnographical Museum and Church of the Nativity in Arbanassi. Take pictures of Belogradchik’s eclectic group of rock formations and the spectacular views as you cruise through the Iron Gates Gorge. Visit Belgrade, the capital of Serbia, and one of the oldest cities in Europe. Continue up the Danube and take an excursion to the ancient city of Pécs, Hungary. These and countless other memorable moments await you on this fascinating Danube River cruise through Eastern Europe. 

Day 1: Oltenita, Romania

Your Balkan Adventure begins!  Flights into Bucharest must arrive by 2 pm.  Guests must be on board the ship by 5 pm.  Explore your Avalon Suite Ship this evening and enjoy a dinner onboard.  

EVENING/OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO ROUSSE. (D)

Day 2: Rousse, Bulgaria.  Veliko

Fortresses and Fountains in "Little Vienna"

*Active excursion

Join a bike tour in Rousse with your Avalon Adventure Host, OR:

*Classic Excursion

Join a Guided Sightseeing Tour of Bulgaria's largest inland port and visit it's impressive Holy Trinity Church.  Later, enjoy a short scenic drive to explore the rock-hewn churches of Ivanovo, a UNESCO World Heritage site. OR:

*Classic Excursion

Join a full-day Guided Tour to the former Bulgarian capital of Beliko Tarnovo-with it's 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.

Sail to Svistov or join your ship there if you opted for the full-day tour.  

EVENING/OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO VIDIN (B,L,D) 

Day 3: Vidin

Rocks, Ruins, and Balkan Beauty!  Ask about today's energizing or relaxing Adventure hosted activities.

 *Active Excursion

Wander and discover this town, join your Adventure Host for a bike ride, OR:

*Classic Excursion

Join a Guided Tour of Belogradchik.  See the remarkable rock formations on the slopes of the Balkan Mountains, sculpted by 200 million years of natures's elements.  Then, visit the mighty Baba Vida Fortress in nearby Vidin.

This evening, enjoy live entertainment on board with a Bulgarian folklore show.  OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO DONJI MILANOVAC (B,L,D)

Day 4: Iron Gates Gorge-Golubac, Serbia, 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.

*Classic Excursion

 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 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.  Continue to the Fortress of Golubac, one of the best-preserved medieval fortresses in Europe.  

OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO BELGRADE (B,L,D)

Day 5: Belgrade

 Fortresses and Folklore.  Join your Adventure Host for today’s special activities.  

 *Active Excursion

 Discover Belgrade's central walkway with your Adventure Host, OR: 

*Classic Excursion

 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 Excursion

 Attend an onboard Lecture to learn about the rich history, destinations, and culture of the Balkan states. 

 OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO NOVI SAD (B,D)

( While we include your choice of many excursions on your trip, you may wish to explore other options to enhance your free time. Below is a selection of excursions that may be available for purchase on your cruise.)

•  Bohemian Dinner in Skadarlija - Enjoy a feast of hearty local dishes and live music during this dinner excursion in Belgrade's historic, bohemian Skadarlija district. Duration 3h
• Serbia on Two Wheels: Belgrade's Sea on the Sava -   Explore the nooks and crannies of Belgrade on a guided bike tour. Duration 3h
•  The House of Jevrem Grujic and the Legend of Queen Natalija - Welcome to the House of Jevrem Grujic! It is here that the beloved Queen Natalia  Obrenovic was often a guest in this private villa in Belgrade! Duration 2h 30m

Day6: Novi Sad

A Capital of Culture.

 *Classic excursion

 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 Excursion

 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 Excursion

 Experience the sweet life in Serbia with a visit and tasting at the Museum of Beekeeping and Živanović Wine Cellar in Sremski Karlovci. 

 OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO ILOK (B,L,D)

Day 7: Ilok, Croatia-Vukovar, Croatia

Visit Aberdeenshire Highland Cattle to meet a farmer raising Highland cows.  See and photograph these famously gentle, long-haired creatures up close.  Next, tour Drum Castle, Gardens and Estate and see the imposing medieval tower and impressive Victorian library.  retro to your hotel to dine with your group.  (B,D)

Day 8: Mohacs, Hungary. Excursion to Pecs

Visit Dundee, once known as the city of "jute, jam and journalism" for its local industries, and now a cultural hub and the UK's first UNESCO City of Design.  take free time to explore the transformed waterfront, with it's impressive architecture, museums, and an urban beach.  Travel on to St Andrews, known as the home of golf and rich in medieval heritage.  Take a panoramic drive and explore the city independently before departing for your hotel near Edinburgh.  your evening is free to one independently. (B)

Day 9: Budapest (Disembarkation)

 Budapest airport Your cruise ends with breakfast this morning.  Flights should not leave Budapest airport before         8 am.  (B)