AVALON Tours: Overview
See the best of Eastern Europe on this exciting Black Sea adventure. Your vacation begins with an overnight in vibrant Bucharest, the “Paris of the East.” Board your ship and head west, enjoying guided sightseeing in each city, including inside visits of the National Art Museum in Bucharest, Varna’s National Archaeological Museum, Patriarch’s Church in Veliko Târnovo, Arbanassi’s Ethnographical Museum and Church of the Nativity, Kalemegdan Fortress in Belgrade, and Fishermen’s Bastion in Budapest. Other highlights: pass through the dramatic Iron Gates gorge, sail past the Petrovaradin Fortress at Novi Sad, and enjoy an organ concert in Kalocsa. Your journey ends with two overnights in Hungary’s lively capital of Budapest, where you can shop for paprika at the Central Market Hall, explore the extensive hilltop castle grounds, visit the many churches and museums, and delight in the vibrant atmosphere.
AVALON Tours: Highlights & Sightseeing
CRUISE: Deluxe 7-night cruise from Oltenita to Budapest in an outside stateroom with hotel-style bedsBUCHAREST: Guided sightseeing, see the Parliament Building and visit the National Art MuseumOLTENITA: Welcome reception VARNA: Guided sightseeing, visit the National Archaeological MuseumARBANASSI: Guided visit of the Ethnographical Museum and the Church of the NativityVELIKO TÂRNOVO: Guided sightseeing, visit the Patriarch’s ChurchIRON GATES: Cruise through the dramatic Iron Gates gorge; see the Trajan TableBELGRADE: Guided sightseeing, visit Kalemegdan FortressNOVI SAD: Guided sightseeing, see Petrovaradin FortressPECS: OrientationKALOCSA: Orientation; organ concertBUDAPEST: Guided sightseeing, visit Fishermen’s Bastion
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AVALON Tours: Meals
Buffet breakfast (B) in Bucharest and Budapest; superb dining with all meals on board daily featuring full breakfast (B), lunch (L), and dinner (D), including a welcome reception, Captain’s reception, and farewell dinner; quality wines from Europe’s most famous wine regions with every dinner; one sitting with open seating arrangements.
AVALON Tour: Itinerary
Day 1 Bucharest, Romania
Welcome to Bucharest! Its wide boulevards and Arc de Triomphe have gained this city the name “Paris of the East.”
Day 2 Bucharest–Oltenita (Embarkation)
Much recent history has taken place in Romania’s capital city. During your included tour this morning, see the impressive Parliament Building, the second-largest building in the world after the Pentagon. The Royal Palace Square was the scene of riots in 1989, which led to the collapse of the communist dictatorship. The former Royal Palace now houses the NATIONAL ART MUSEUM. A motorcoach ride takes you to Oltenita, where your river cruise vessel is docked. Before dinner, meet your crew at a welcome reception. (Breakfast, Dinner)
Day 3 Silistra, Bulgaria. Excursion to Varna, Black Sea
Located in northeastern Bulgaria at the country’s border with Romania, Silistra is a port city and the capital of an important agricultural region. After breakfast, travel by road to Varna. This city on the Black Sea is not only an important naval base and sea resort, but also has a long history. Roman baths are among the younger artifacts. During your sightseeing you will visit the NATIONAL ARCHAEOLOGICAL MUSEUM, home of the Gold of Varna, as featured in National Geographic some years ago. (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)
Day 4 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 5 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 6 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 7 Novi Sad
Overlooking the city of Novi Sad with a spectacular view of the Danube and surroundings is Marshal Vauban’s unconquerable Petrovaradin Fortress. Dramatic events in the recent past have shaped both the present and the future of this region, resplendent with natural beauty and a proud history. Enjoy an included sightseeing tour of this interesting town before relaxing on board this afternoon as you cruise upriver. (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)
Day 8 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 9 Budapest (Disembarkation)
Seven bridges, including the famous Chain and Elisabeth Bridges, connect ancient Buda on the right bank with Pest on the left. The massive hilltop castle complex with FISHERMEN’S BASTION and the Matthias Church is among the many sights a Local Guide will show you. This afternoon is free to explore on your own. Your Cruise Director will have suggestions for things to do. (Breakfast)
Day 10 Budapest
A free day to enjoy Hungary’s exciting capital. Shop for renowned peasant embroidery, Herend porcelain, and paprika. Your Cruise Director will have suggestions for many things to do. (Breakfast)
Day 11 Budapest
Your vacation ends with breakfast this morning. (Breakfast)