2026 Danube River Cruise-Bucharest to Budapest!

Danube River Cruise

Bucharest to Budapest with 2 nights in Transylvania

13 days in May/June 2026

Anticipating May 25-June 6 2026

 

Discover the captivating beauty of the Danube River and immerse yourself in the captivating cities of Bucharest, Transylvania, and Budapest on our specially curated cruises. Voyage into the historic heart of Europe, exploring the magic of the Carpathians, the opulence of Peles Castle, and the alluring mystique of Bran Castle, from the globally adored Dracula lore. Journey through scenic landscapes, ancient architectural wonders and tranquil quaint towns offering an assortment of cultural experiences, while our friendly and professional crew ensures your comfort and enjoyment. This cruise is a beautiful marriage of adventure, history, and relaxation that will leave you captivated with unforgettable memories.

Itinerary:

Day 1, Monday May 25, 2026 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.

Day 2, Tuesday May 26, 2026 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)

Day 3, Wednesday May 27, 2026 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)

Day 4, Thursday May 28, 2026 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)

Day 5, Friday May 29, 2026 ROUSSE, BULGARIA. VELIKO TÂRNOVO & ARBANASSI EXCURSION Fortresses and Fountains in “Little Vienna” ACTIVE: Join a bike tour 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)

Day 6, Saturday May 30, 2026 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 bike ride, OR: CLASSIC Join 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. Then, visit mighty Baba Vida Fortress in nearby Vidin. This evening, enjoy live entertainment on board with a Bulgarian folklore show. EVENING/OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO DONJI MILANOVAC (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)

Day 7, Sunday May 31, 2026 DONJI MILANOVAC, SERBIA–IRON GATES GORGE. EXCURSION TO LEPENSKI VIR Ancient Artifacts and the Iron GatesBefore 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)

Day 8, Monday June 1, 2026 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)

Day 9, Tuesday June 2, 2026 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. OVERNIGHT DOCKING IN ILOK (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)

Day 10, Wednesday June 3, 2026 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. Enjoy a short sailing to Vukovar during lunchtime VUKOVAR, CROATIA The Heroic Town on the Danube CLASSIC: Enjoy a walking tour of Vukovar, the city the largest river port in Croatia. This evening, enjoy live entertainment on board. EVENING/OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO MOHÁCS (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)

Day 11, Thursday June 4, 2026 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)

Day 12, Friday June 5, 2026 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)

Day 13, Saturday June 6, 2026 BUDAPEST Your vacation ends with breakfast this morning. (Breakfast)

 

You might be asking, what all comes with this river cruise and I’m glad you asked!

 

  • Breakfast, lunch, and dinner on board daily
  • Complimentary sparkling wine with breakfast; wine, beer, or soft drinks with lunch and dinner are included daily on board
  • Expert Cruise Director
  • Avalon Adventure Host available as your guide for fitness activities and active excursions
  • Friendly, English-speaking staff delivering consummate personal service
  • Avalon Choice® with your preference of Classic, Active, or Discovery included excursions and sightseeing with Certified Local Guides; and MyAvalonSM Guided Optional Excursions
  • AvalonGO mobile app with itinerary information before and during your cruise, including schedules, transfer details, daily itineraries, GPS, and dining and entertainment options—and social media feature for real-time posts.
  • Complimentary Starlink Wi-Fi access on Europe Avalon Suite Ships®
  • Sky Deck shade system & premium lounge chairs
  • Sky Deck whirlpool
  • Sky Deck game area
  • Sky Grill with made-to-order al fresco dining
  • State-of-the-art Fitness Center
  • Panorama Lounge with cozy seating, panoramic windows, and dance floor
  • Panorama Dining Room with large panoramic views
  • Observation Lounge
  • Upscale bar serving premium spirits; fresh fruit available throughout the day
  • Adventure Center with Avalon Adventure Host assistance, active gear, bicycles, and fitness class information
  • Club Lounge Library with books, cards, and board games
  • Elevator
  • Non-smoking interior
  • Complimentary water stations
  • Spacious outside deluxe accommodations with enhanced sound proofing
  • Exclusive Comfort Collection Beds
  • Large private bathroom featuring full shower with glass door
  • Premium personal amenities, including L’Occitane® bath product
  • English language TV channels with 50+ free movies
  • Club Lounge with 24-hour self-serve beverage station with complimentary cappuccinos, lattes, hot chocolate, and a selection of teas; cookies available throughout the day
  • Price will vary depending up what stateroom you select. Generally, prices start at $6385 per person. A non-refundable deposit of $500 per stateroom will hold your space with final payment not due until February of 2026!

You may even wish to consider adding an extra day in either Budapest or Bucharest. (Ask me how!)

Ready to book?  Let’s talk!