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Balkan Discovery

Avalon Waterways Avalon Passion
Date 7th Aug 26
Nights 7 Nights
Day 1
Budapest, Hungary (Embarkation)
Welcome to Hungary. Your Suite Ship® is Ready for Boarding. OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO VUKOVAR
Day 2
Vukovar - Ilok, Croatia
History and Beer Visit the Adventure Center for today’s activities with your Adventure Host. Discovery Excursion Join a Guided Walking Tour to discover the heritage, culture, and tradition of Vukovar and enjoy a beer tasting, OR: Classic Excursion Join a Guided City Tour to discover the captivating culture and tradition of Vukovar and learn about its rich history and heritage. Enjoy a brief cruise to Ilok while having lunch onboard. ILOK, CROATIA History and Culture in Croatia Classic Excursion Join 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. Refresh your spirit with a wine tasting in a local cellar and hear the stories of culture and tradition in the natural beauty of Eastern Croatia, OR: Active Excursion Explore more of Croatia on a Guided Bike Tour along Ilok’s city walls, into the central church, and the towns’ museum on your way to Principovac Castle and Estate. OVERNIGHT DOCKING IN NOVI SAD
Day 3
Novi Sad, Serbia
The Athens of Serbia 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 Guided Hike Tour to the Petrovaradin part of the town. Located on the right bank of the Danube, across from the main part of Novi Sad, this area will amaze you for its scenic views, OR: Discovery Excursion Get to learn more about the beekeeper profession on this Guided Tour of Novi Sad by stopping at the Honey Museum and by tasting local honey specialties. Later, enjoy live entertainment on board. OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO BELGRADE
Day 4
Belgrade
Fortresses and Folklore 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. Discovery Excursion 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
Day 5
Golubač–Donji Milanovac. Excursion to Lepenski Vir–Iron Gates Gorge
Ancient Artifacts and the Iron Gates Classic Excursion 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. Continue 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
Day 6
Vidin, Bulgaria
Rocks, Ruins and Balkan Beauty Active Excursion Join your Adventure Host for a bike tour around the city, OR: Classic Excursion Join Guided Sightseeing to Baba Vida Fortress, 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, OR: Discovery Excursion Discover more than two centuries of a proud family history of Bulgarian winemaking with a tour and tasting at a local winery. Here, you’ll enjoy a wine tasting in the cellars. AFTERNOON/OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO ROUSSE
Day 7
Rousse. Veliko Târnovo & Arbanassi Excursion
Fortresses and Folklore Active Excursion Explore Rousse's old town by bike with your Adventure Host, OR: Classic Excursion 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 Excursion Join a Guided Sightseeing Tour of Bulgaria’s largest inland port and visit its impressive Holy Trinity Church. Later, enjoy a short scenic drive to explore the rock-hewn churches of Ivanovo, a UNESCO World Heritage. Later, enjoy live entertainment on board with a Bulgarian folklore show. OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO OLTENITA
Day 8
Oltenita, Romania (Disembarkation)
Your cruise ends with breakfast this morning.
Why Book
Why Book
Stateroom Options:

  • Deluxe Stateroom from £1,999pp
  • Panorama Suite from £2,549pp

Why Book This Avalon River Cruise?

  • Return Flights & Overseas Transfers 
  • Complimentary Starlink Wi-Fi 
  • Friendly, English-speaking crew & Cruise Director 
  • Club Lounge with 24-hour self-serve beverage station with complimentary cappuccinos, lattes, tea, hot chocolate & premium coffees, as well as treats throughout the day 
  • Chef-prepared onboard meals with regional cuisine and familiar favorites 
  • Complimentary room service for Continental breakfast, lunch, and dinner 
  • Afternoon Tea featuring tea, coffee, and sweet treats 
  • Complimentary wine, beer, or soft drinks with lunch and dinner 
  • Included Happy Hour every evening featuring house beer, wine, cocktails and a drink of the day 
  • Active shore excursions, both included and optional 

Departure Information:

  • Departures Available May - October 2026
  • Based on 7th August 2026 

Get in touch now to book this deal or make an enquiry

Background
Avalon Passion
Overview

We're so passionate about our Suite Ships, we christened this Suite Ship the Avalon Passion. Gracing Europe's waterways with style and relaxed luxury as only Avalon can deliver, the Avalon Passion lives up to its name. Avalon guests experience this passion for new discoveries aboard this home-away-from-home to find two full decks of Panorama Suites, featuring wall-to-wall, floor-to-ceiling panoramic windows that create river cruising's only Open-Air Balcony. Spanning 200 square feet, the Passion's Panorama Suites are 30% larger than the industry standard. It's the perfect place to stretch out on your window-facing Comfort Collection bed with the world at your feet. Host a private cocktail party in the spacious sitting area-comfortably accommodating six guests. On board, passengers enjoy complimentary Starlink Wi-Fi access, complimentary computer use in public areas, a Fitness Center, an elevator, and an expansive Sky Deck with shade system, premium lounge chairs, whirlpool, deck games, and the delightful Sky Bistro for al fresco lunches of light grill fare. Pack your own passions and cruise your way on the Avalon Passion.

Avalon Passion
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Food & Drink

Farm-To-Fork Fare.

Fresh and local. While you take in the bountiful views, our innovative chefs bring the local bounties to your plate.

TIME TO INDULGE!

Pull up a chair or pull up the covers with your choice of dining experiences—from dinner in the dining room, to delicacies on the sky deck, to breakfast in bed!

Breakfast

Fresh brews and panoramic views are served with countless sunrise selections including towers of super foods and made-to-order specialties.

Lunch

Refuel for your adventures with regional treats and homemade sweets—from out-of-this-world specialty dishes to down-to-earth favourites you crave.

Dinner

Whether you opt for a sumptuous four-course dinner or a lighter tasting menu, hand-crafted excellence is always on the menu.

Avalon Fresh: The heart-healthy menu everyone loves.

With our exclusive Avalon Fresh menu, you can take an indulgent cruise without drifting from your healthy habits. From eye-opening juices at breakfast to artfully crafted salads at lunch to high-protein plates at dinner, Avalon Fresh options—including vegetarian and vegan specialties—are available at every meal so you can guiltlessly partake in creative cuisine without sacrificing great taste.

Dinner's Ready (Or Breakfast & Lunch) When You Are.

Avalon's Flex Dining® puts a whole new meaning to "Where should we eat?" with your choice of when and where you dine on board. Mix it up with a variety of menus and venues without the strict schedules that cut into your fun. Dine in style in your ship's spacious and elegant glass-walled Panorama Dining Room or mix it up with bite-sized delights in the cozy Panorama Bistro. Al fresco dining more your style? Grab a complimentary picnic basket for a tasty takeaway on shore, pull up a chair for an al fresco lunch on the observation deck, or savour sizzling selections atop the Sky Deck with specialties served hot off the Sky Grill! Need an afternoon nosh? Be our guest for elegant tea service each afternoon in the Panorama Bistro to satisfy your sweet tooth!

Entertainment

Your favorite chair. Your go-to snack. Your signature sip. You can’t help but feel at home aboard an Avalon Suite Ship. Avalon cruisers know that feeling aboard our intimate Suite Ships—not as another face in the crowd or a number on a guest list. When you cruise with Avalon, there are certain words you’ll never hear on board. “Take a number” is simply not in our vocabulary. That’s because our staff—from captain to crew to housekeeping to chefs—know the meaning of ‘You First’ when it comes to worldclass service. With a 3:1 guest-to-crew ratio, you’ll enjoy personalized VIP treatment delivered with a relaxed luxury that’s never stuffy—just home, sweet home.

CONSIDER YOURSELF AT HOME

Like magic, Avalon makes wide open spaces feel comfy and cozy with the perfect spots to stretch out and enjoy the view, engaging conversation, or the peace and quiet you crave. From the Club Lounge to the Observation Lounge to the Panorama Lounge, you’re sure to find the perfect place to take it all in.

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Health & Fitness

Fit for All.

Saying hello to adventure doesn’t mean you have to say goodbye to your healthy habits and restorative rituals. From heart-healthy menu options and heart-pumping activities–from mindful yoga moves to more bikes to explore on shore and innovative ways to work out in our refreshed onboard fitness center, Avalon makes it easy to remain a picture of health amidst the most beautiful scenery in the world.

Kids & Teens

Avalon allow travellers from the ages of 8 and over although there are no children’s facilities on-board.

Terms & Conditions
Book Select 2026 Cruises with Avalon Waterways and we will include return flights from £1,999 per person, based on a twin share in a Deluxe Stateroom. Offer is valid for NEW bookings deposited from 19th March 2025 for travel on selected dates in 2026. The package price includes round-trip economy flights from London Heathrow, London Gatwick, Birmingham, Edinburgh & Dublin subject to airline availability. Departures from Manchester, Newcastle, Bristol, Glasgow & Cork are available as a supplement. Please note this offer has no cash alternative, however, alternate schedules may be available at an additional cost. Limited to new bookings for UK originating travellers and economy class air tickets. This promotion cannot be applied retroactively to existing bookings, offer is not combinable with any other offers aside from welcome-back credits and can be withdrawn at any time. Offer does not apply to instant purchase air or groups of 8 passengers or more. Promotional discounts do not carry forward on voluntarily changed air bookings; other promotions at time of change may be available. Once ticketed, air reservations are subject to change/cancellation penalties of between £35 per ticket and 100% of ticket value. Flight schedules, routings and air carriers are at the discretion of Globus family of brands.
Balkan Discovery
Avalon Passion
7th Aug 26
7 Nights
From
£1,999PP
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