News & Latest Offers

Call our experts on

0800 408 4229

Low Deposits

Free Monthly Payments

99% Customer Satisfaction

UK's Largest Independent Travel Agent

Featured Destinations

View All

Caribbean

Far East & Indian Ocean

Mediterranean

USA & Canada

Featured Cruise Lines

View All

MSC Cruises

P&O Cruises

Riviera Travel

Royal Caribbean Cruises

Featured Cruise Types

View All

Cruise and Stay

Exclusives + Hosted Groups

Last Minute Cruise Deals

Ultimate Bucket List Cruises

Featured Deal Types

View All

The Danube from Romania to Budapest

Avalon Illumination

26th Apr 27

9 Nights

From

£2,940PP

Itinerary
Ship

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.

Bucharest (overnight)

Take 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. Travel to Oltenita to board your Avalon Suite Ship® this afternoon. OLTENITA (Embarkation) Your Balkan Adventure Begins. Explore your Avalon Suite Ship® this evening and enjoy a dinner onboard.

Rousse, Bulgaira

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, 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 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.

Vidin

Rocks, Ruins, and Balkan Beauty. Active Excursion Join your Adventure Host on a hike to Baba Vida Fortress, OR: Classic Excursion Join Guided Sightseeing Tour to the western slopes of the Balkan Mountains and marvel at Belogradchik’s stunning rock formations, 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. Following, explore the nearby port town Vidin on a Guided Sightseeing. This evening, enjoy live entertainment on board with a Bulgarian folklore show.

Iron Gates Gorge-Golubac, Serbia

Ancient Artifacts and the Iron Gates. This morning, 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 affords of the Danube Gorge. Continue to the Fortress of Golubač, one of the best-preserved medieval fortresses in Europe.

Belgrade

Join your Adventure Host for today’s special activities. Active Excursion: Join a Guided Bike Tour along the Danube and explore the nooks and crannies of Belgrade, 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 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

Novi Sad

A Capital of Culture. Active Excursion: Join your Adventure Host on a Hike to the Petrovaradin part of the town, 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, OR: 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. OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO ILOK

Ilok, Croatia

Croatian Heritage and Hilltop Vintages. 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, OR: Discovery 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. Enjoy a short sailing to Vukovar during lunchtime. Vukovar, Croatia. The Heroic Town on the Danube. Discovery Excursion: Join a Guided Walking Tour to discover the heritage, culture, and tradition of Vukovar and enjoy a beer tasting, OR: Classic Excursion: Enjoy a walking tour of Vukovar, the city the largest river port in Croatia. This evening, enjoy live entertainment on board. OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO MOHÁCS

Baja, Hungary

Underground Tombs and Heavenly Music. Classic Excursion: 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 Excursion: 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.

Budapest (Disembarkation)

Why Book

Includes €100 on board credit
All inclusive

Deluxe Stateroom from £2,940pp
Panorama Suite from £4,940pp
Royal Suite from £6,655pp
Elegant, contemporary design & decor
Panoramic windows throughout the ship
Complimentary Starlink Wi-Fi (Standard Wi-Fi where available in Asia)
Friendly, English-speaking crew & Cruise Director
Sky Deck with whirlpool, shade awnings, game area and premium lounges
Covered Observation Lounge
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
Elevator
Non-smoking interior and staterooms
Active shore excursions, both included and optional
Fitness Center*
Avalon Adventure Center

Your place for active gear and activities through your Avalon Adventure HostSM, including:

Bikes*
Maps for hiking, biking and jogging routes
Walking Sticks
Binoculars
Daypacks
Yoga Mats
Fitness bands
*Not available on Avalon AlegriaSM

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

Avalon Illumination

Overview

Avalon Waterways' fleet of luxury river ships welcomed Avalon Illumination in 2014. Step aboard this small and intimate Suite Ship® and explore the rivers of Europe and beyond with a maximum of 165 fellow passengers on board. The attentive crew are on hand to ensure you make the most of your time on board and there are spacious public areas where you can relax, socialise, or simply take in the ever-changing views. The ship's five decks include two decks of stylish suites with unique open-air balconies and panoramic floor-to-ceiling windows; equally-matched by elegant dining venues, bars and lounges, and abundant leisure amenities. Most mornings, Avalon Illumination drops anchor at a new port of call where you'll find fascinating sightseeing options and a variety of activities.

Avalon Illumination - Panorama Dining Room

Food & Drink

Start your day with a hearty buffet breakfast in the open-seating Dining Room; early/late riser and room service breakfasts are also an option too. The lunch buffet presents international dishes and also carving and pasta stations. Afternoon tea of tea, coffee, and cakes is the perfect way to unwind after time ashore. Each evening, a four-course dinner with a variety of seasonal dishes is served to your table. A welcome dinner on your first evening and a five-course farewell dinner on your final night enhance your dining experiences. Discover Avalon Fresh healthy dishes at every meal and Healthy Corner choices to suit your dietary needs. Alternatively, take your seat for a light lunch and dinner with regional specialities and wine in the Panorama Bistro or choose from the lunch menu in the Sky Bistro on the Sky Deck. Relax with your morning coffee and stunning vistas in Observation Lounge or enjoy a few quiet moments with a gin and tonic in the Club Lounge. Sip cocktails with a view on Sky Deck or visit Panorama Lounge bar for premium spirits; Happy Hour takes place every evening and includes featured drink specials. The Captain's reception with sparkling wine and canapés is your chance to mix with the friendly crew and fellow guests. There is a self-serve 24-hour beverage station with complimentary tea, hot chocolate, and premium coffee so you can make a drink whenever you wish. Complimentary wine, beer, soft drinks, tea, and coffee are also available with lunch and dinner.

Entertainment

There is something to entertain you both day and night on Avalon Illumination. Head to Sky Deck to sunbathe on a premium lounge chair, read a book under the shade awnings, or kickback in the whirlpool. Shape up with a workout in the Fitness Centre, treat yourself to a new hairdo in the hair salon, or make use of the complimentary Wi-Fi access. Visits from local artisans and experts bring to life the customs, cultures, and tastes of your ports of call. Time in port includes a choice of sightseeing options with certified local guides or you can explore independently by foot or on two wheels. After dinner, socialise in the lounges or enjoy occasional entertainment and live music from visiting local entertainers.

Avalon Illumination - Observation Lounge

Avalon Illumination - Fitness & Wellbeing

Health & Fitness

MIND. BODY. RIVER. BALANCE INSIDE & OUT.

Move your body. Nourish your mind. Set your spirit free. If wellness is your vibe, enjoy a little retreat on the world’s most beautiful waterways. With daily expert-led stretching classes, healthy menu options, complimentary bikes and e-bikes, enhanced fitness rooms, and Adventure Centers, Avalon makes it easy to feel your best – every step, pedal, and sunrise of the journey.

Terms & Conditions

Terms and conditions apply. No Local Taxes required. The purchase of any travel services offered by Avalon Waterways, constitutes a contractual arrangement between you (the Traveler) and Avalon Waterways, and represents your acceptance of the Terms & Conditions. Please ensure that you read carefully and understand the Terms & Conditions prior to booking. These Terms & Conditions cover Deposit & Final Payment information, Air-Inclusive Deposits & Final Payment, Revisions & Revision Fees, Air Arrangements, Participation, Travelers Who Need Special Assistance, Young Travelers, Smoking, Price Policy, Visas and Passports, Hotels & Accommodations, Baggage Allowance, Travel Documents, Not Included in the Land Price, Refunds, Service Inquires After the Vacation, Holidays, Safety, Photos & Pictures, Optional Excursions, and Responsibility. Advertised offers are based on 2 adults sharing the lowest category stateroom/cabin/suite unless otherwise stated. Single supplements may apply. Offers are subject to availability and can change without any prior notice and may go up or down in price. Cruise Line campaign(s) and saving messages are strictly controlled by the Cruise Line(s) and are subject to change or be withdrawn without notice. Flight inclusive packages, where promoted, are based on the cheapest UK departure airport so please ask for further details. Advertised hotels, if any, are suggested however are changeable at a possible additional cost. All prices and port itineraries are correct at the time of print but are subject to change by the Cruise Line(s) without prior notice. Some ports of call may be tendered whereas vessels drop anchor a short distance away and use small boats to reach the shore. Full board to all-inclusive inclusions vary by the Cruise Line(s) and restrictions may apply. Some onboard facilities and items may incur a charge. Select destinations may require travel authorisation for visa-exempt travellers to be completed prior to travelling. Hays Travel LTD excepts no responsibility or compensation for any incomplete forms or declined entries from the respective country or countries that the individual(s) are visiting. Prices correct at time of publication. E&OE.