Balkan Discovery

8 nights departing Friday 10th Sep 2021

Experience the extraordinary destinations of Eastern Europe on this Danube River cruise adventure through the Balkans. You’ll cruise through the rich landscapes and cultural locales of Hungary, Croatia, Serbia, Bulgaria, and Romania. Embark on your Avalon Suite Ship® in Budapest, the lively Hungarian capital, and cruise to Pécs, where you’ll visit underground burial chambers with fascinating murals, now part of a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Take a fascinating guided tour of the Serbian capital of Belgrade, one of the oldest cities in Europe, where the Sava River meets the Danube. Cruise ...

Itinerary

Map

					Arrive	Depart
	10th10	SepSep	202121	Budapest, Hungary, embark on the Avalon Artistry II
Budapest is the capital city of Hungary and is located over the River Danube. It is one of the largest cities in the European Union and much of its historical sites have been awarded UNESCO World Heritage Site status. Originally formed in 1873 by the joining of Buda, Pest and Old Buda, the city suffered heavy destruction during World War II and was rebuilt into the country's political, cultural and commercial hub it is now. Bridges and railways connect the city over the Danube, including the six small islands situated on the river themselves. Some of Budapest’s UNESCO World Heritage sites include Chain Bridge, Budapest Parliament, the striking Matthias church and the iconic Royal Palace visible from every location within Budapest City. The Castle Hills district architecture represents over a thousand years of the city's history with examples of Roman, Turkish, Gothic, Renaissance and Art Nouveau styles. Budapest also has a rich Jewish heritage and is home to the largest synagogue in Europe. The city has an abundance of restaurants offering international cuisines, as well as traditional Hungarian dishes ,including goulash soup, a very popular lunchtime dish. Hungarians enjoy their coffee so a traditional cafe is never hard to find. Welcome to Hungary. Your Suite Ship® is Ready for Boarding.Flights into Budapest must arrive by 2 pm. Guests must be on board ship by 5 pm.OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO MOHÁCS
	11th11	SepSep	202121	Mohács, Hungary
Hungarian History in a Harbor TownVisit the Adventure Center for today’s activities with your Adventure Host.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: Take a Guided Tour of 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. EVENING/OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO ILOK
	12th12	SepSep	202121	Ilok, Croatia
History and Culture in CroatiaJoin a Guided tour of Ilok, with its 1,000-year-old wine making traditions still thriving and its medieval fortress protected for its Croatian cultural heritage.Enjoy a brief cruise to Novi Sad while having lunch onboard.NOVI SADThe Athens of SerbiaJoin 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.OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO BELGRADE
	13th13	SepSep	202121	Belgrade, Serbia
Fortresses and Folklore 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. Attend an onboard Lecture to learn about the rich history, destinations, and culture of the Balkan states. Spend your free time exploring the city on your own this afternoon on Knez Mihailova Street—Belgrade’s central pedestrian thoroughfare with many lively cafés, shops, and cultural spots. This evening, you might like to join an Optional Excursion for an authentic Bohemian Dinner in the Quarter of Skadarlija.OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO GOLUBAČ
	14th14	SepSep	202121	Donji Milanovac, Serbia
Ancient Artifacts and the Iron Gates 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 for 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.Join a Guided Tour to the Mesolithic archaeological site of Lepenski Vir with unique views of the Danube Gorge.Sail through the spectacular and narrow Iron Gates Gorge—a natural border between Serbia and Romania. AFTERNOON/OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO VIDIN
	15th15	SepSep	202121	Vidin, Bulgaria
Rocks, ruins and Balkan BeautyJoin your Adventure Host for today’s special activities.Join Guided Sightseeing in Vidin, followed by a Guided Tour of Belogradchik. Marvel at the remarkable rock formations on the western slopes of the Balkan Mountains, sculpted by 200 million years of natural elements.AFTERNOON/OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO ROUSSE
	16th16	SepSep	202121	Ruse, Bulgaria
Fortresses and FolkloreJoin 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:Join a Guided Sightseeing Tour of Bulgaria’s largest inland port and visit its impressive Holy Trinity Church, OR: Join a walk through the park with your Avalon Adventure Host. Later, enjoy live entertainment on board with a Bulgarian folklore show. OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO OLTENITA
	17th17	SepSep	202121	Oltenita, Romania, disembark the Avalon Artistry II
The Paris of the EastTake 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. Spend some free time exploring on your own to visit shops and museums. See the beautiful home and churches along Victory Avenue.
	17th17	SepSep	202121	1 night accommodation following your cruise, staying in Bucharest
	18th18	SepSep	202121	Check out of accommodation

Avalon Artistry II

Launch Year

2013

Tonnage

2,022

Capacity

128

Cabins

Accessible

Sky Deck

Royal Deck

Sapphire Deck

Indigo Deck

The images shown are for illustration purposes only and may not be an exact representation of what you find on the ship.

Deluxe Stateroom

Located on Indigo Deck (Forward & AFT)

Suite features include:

Comfort Collection Beds
Egyptian super-combed cotton linens
Soft & firm pillows
Choice of bed configuration
Bedside tables with reading lamps
L'Occitane bath products
Easy under-bed luggage storage
Alarm clock
Bathrobes & slippers
Complimentary bottled water
Individual climate control
Large mirror in bathroom
USB Ports
Full shower with glass door
Vanity and lighted makeup mirror
Luxurious mattress toppers
European-style duvets
Extra blankets
Nightly turn-down service
Hairdryer
Spacious 3-door closets with shelves for ample storage
Flatscreen satellite TV with English-speaking channels & over 100 free movie options
Direct-dial telephone
Well-stocked minibar
In-room safe
Elegant, contemporary design
Complimentary Wi-Fi
Two windows
Writing desk and chair

Panorama Suite

Located on Royal Deck and Sapphire Deck (Forward & AFT)

Suite features include:

Comfort Collection Beds
Egyptian super-combed cotton linens
Soft & firm pillows
Choice of bed configuration
Bedside tables with reading lamps
Hairdryer
Spacious 3-door closets with shelves for ample storage
Flatscreen satellite TV with English-speaking channels & over 100 free movie options
Make-up mirror
Bathrobes & slippers
Complimentary bottled water
Individual climate control
Large mirror in bathroom
Complimentary Wi-Fi
Wall-to-Wall Panoramic Window with Open-Air BalconySM
Full shower with glass door
Vanity and lighted makeup mirror
Coffee table
Luxurious mattress toppers
European-style duvets
Extra blankets
Nightly turn-down service
Hairdryer
L'Occitane bath products
Easy under-bed luggage storage
Alarm clock
Direct-dial telephone
Well-stocked minibar
In-room safe
Elegant, contemporary design
Marble countertops in bathroom
USB Ports
6-person sitting area
Writing desk and chair
Sofa

Royal Suite

Located on Royal Deck

Suite features include:

Comfort Collection Beds
Egyptian super-combed cotton linens
Soft & firm pillows
Choice of bed configuration
Bedside tables with reading lamps
L'Occitane bath products
Easy under-bed luggage storage
Alarm clock
Direct-dial telephone
Well-stocked minibar
In-room safe
Elegant, contemporary design
Marble countertops in bathroom
USB Ports
6-person sitting area
Writing desk and chair
Sofa
Double sinks
Luxurious mattress toppers
European-style duvets
Extra blankets
Nightly turn-down service
Hairdryer
Spacious 3-door closets with shelves for ample storage
Flatscreen satellite TV with English-speaking channels & over 100 free movie options
Make-up mirror
Bathrobes & slippers
Complimentary bottled water
Individual climate control
Large mirror in bathroom
Complimentary Wi-Fi
Wall-to-Wall Panoramic Window with Open-Air BalconySM
Full shower with glass door
Vanity and lighted makeup mirror
Coffee table

The images shown are for illustration purposes only and may not be an exact representation of what you find on the ship.

Dining Room

The ship’s main venue is the Dining Room situated on the Sapphire deck. With an elegantly simple design, you can enjoy a full buffet breakfast or lunch with special options for those who wish to eat lightly, and delicious four-course dinners in the evening.

Room Service

Room service is available for Continental breakfast & beverages.

The images shown are for illustration purposes only and may not be an exact representation of what you find on the ship.

Observation Lounge

The Observation Lounge on the Royal Deck, gives guests a prime view to enjoy the premium spirits.

The images shown are for illustration purposes only and may not be an exact representation of what you find on the ship.

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Holiday Summary

	7 nights cruising on the Danube
	1 night in a hotel following your cruise
	Beer, wine & soft drinks at lunch & dinner
	One complimentary shore excursion In every port
	Free Wi-Fi Included
	Exclusive special events
	Speciality wine pairing meal @ Panorama Bistro
	Bikes for passenger use
	Port Taxes and Fees
	ABTA and ATOL Protection*