Lower Danube River Cruise
April 26, to May 4 2028 Lower Danube River Cruise
Discover the captivating charm, rich history, and hidden treasures of Eastern Europe on an unforgettable journey along one of the world’s most iconic rivers. Personally hosted by Prince George travel advisor Kyla Belobaba, this intimate Lower Danube River cruise invites you to experience the beauty and culture of the region as you travel between Budapest, Hungary and Bucharest, Romania.
Trade the crowds and chaos of large ocean cruises for a more relaxed, boutique-style experience. Your elegant river ship will glide effortlessly into the heart of storybook villages, medieval fortresses, and stunning landscapes that larger vessels simply can’t reach. Each day offers a new destination, a new culture to explore, and a deeper connection to the places you visit—all while enjoying the comfort of unpacking just once.
With your trusted Travel Best Bets advisor traveling alongside you, every detail—from flights and excursions to onboard experiences—is thoughtfully managed, so you can simply relax and enjoy the journey.
Discover the fascinating cultures, history, and scenery of Eastern Europe on this unforgettable Danube River cruise from Romania to Hungary. Beginning in Oltenita, Romania, you'll sail through five countries while experiencing charming riverside towns, historic landmarks, and the ever-changing landscapes of the Balkans. Along the way, enjoy the comfort of an Avalon Suite Ship as you journey toward the grand city of Budapest.
In Bulgaria, explore the elegant city of Rousse, often called “Little Vienna,” or venture to the ancient capital of Veliko Târnovo and the picturesque village of Arbanassi. Continue to Vidin, where dramatic rock formations and the historic Belogradchik Fortress showcase the region’s natural beauty and rich past.
As the cruise continues through Serbia and Croatia, sail through the spectacular Iron Gates Gorge, one of the most scenic stretches of the Danube. Visit Belgrade, one of Europe’s oldest cities, discover archaeological treasures at Lepenski Vir, and enjoy the welcoming atmosphere and cultural traditions of riverside communities along the way.
The journey concludes in Hungary, where historic towns such as Mohács and Pécs reveal centuries of heritage before arriving in magnificent Budapest. With its stunning architecture, riverside panoramas, and vibrant atmosphere, the Hungarian capital provides a spectacular finale to this enriching cruise through the heart of Eastern Europe.
Cabin Categories and Fares
Royal Suite
Royal Suites offer the ultimate in river cruise indulgence with 300 square-feet of expansive accommodations, featuring a generous living area with seating and river cruising's only Open-Air Balcony®. The bedroom features a king-sized bed, second television, second sliding panoramic door, spacious bathroom with oversized shower, double si
Royal Suites offer the ultimate in river cruise indulgence with 300 square-feet of expansive accommodations, featuring a generous living area with seating and river cruising's only Open-Air Balcony®. The bedroom features a king-sized bed, second television, second sliding panoramic door, spacious bathroom with oversized shower, double sinks, and separate half-bath with toilet and sink. Thoughtfully designed for cruisers who want to go all in on space and style, Royal Suites combine elegance with comfort.
Panorama Suite
At 200 square feet – an average of 30% larger than the industry standard – Panorama Suites make up 80% of our staterooms across two full decks. These boutique-hotel-inspired spaces feature wall-to-wall, floor-to-ceiling windows that open seven feet wide, creating Avalon’s signature Open-Air Balcony. Every Comfort CollectionSM bed faces th
At 200 square feet – an average of 30% larger than the industry standard – Panorama Suites make up 80% of our staterooms across two full decks. These boutique-hotel-inspired spaces feature wall-to-wall, floor-to-ceiling windows that open seven feet wide, creating Avalon’s signature Open-Air Balcony. Every Comfort CollectionSM bed faces the ever-changing scenery, so your first sight each morning is a castle vineyard, or spire – not a wall. It’s the perfect fusion of indoor elegance and outdoor wonder, designed to immerse you in every destination.
Deluxe Stateroom
At 172 square feet, Avalon’s Deluxe Staterooms are more spacious than the river cruise average (typically 150 square feet or less). Though compact in footprint, they’re big on thoughtful design, smart storage, and inviting comfort. Each stateroom features Avalon’s signature touches and plenty of room to relax and unwind after a day of adv
At 172 square feet, Avalon’s Deluxe Staterooms are more spacious than the river cruise average (typically 150 square feet or less). Though compact in footprint, they’re big on thoughtful design, smart storage, and inviting comfort. Each stateroom features Avalon’s signature touches and plenty of room to relax and unwind after a day of adventure. Ideal for cruisers who prefer cozy, well-appointed spaces without sacrificing comfort, Deluxe Staterooms deliver surprising style and functionality in every detail.
Included on Your Cruise
Enjoy complimentary regional wines, local beers, and soft drinks with lunch and dinner, plus sparkling wine at breakfast.
With Avalon Choice® Excursions, you don’t just step off the ship – you step into extraordinary experiences crafted to inspire.
Stay connected with complimentary Wi-Fi, free infotainment systems in every stateroom, and the AvalonGO app to keep you informed and on course before and during your cruise.
Dining Aboard Avalon
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!
A detailed pre & post cruise itinerary will be coming soon
Bucharest, Romainia
Bucharest, Romania’s storied capital, is a city of dramatic contrasts where 19th-century Parisian elegance meets the colossal scale of 20th-century Communist ambition. Often called "Little Paris" for its wide, tree-lined boulevards and the majestic Arcul de Triumf, the city’s skyline is now dominated by the Palace of the Parliament, the heaviest building in the world and a massive feat of marble and steel. At its heart lies the Lipscani district, or Old Town, a resilient enclave of cobblestone streets filled with medieval ruins like the Curtea Veche (the court of Vlad the Impaler), ornate Orthodox churches, and the world-famous Cărturești Carusel bookstore. From the tranquil, lake-filled Herăstrău Park and the open-air Village Museum to the vibrant nightlife and "spectacular fountain" shows in Unirii Square, Bucharest offers a high-energy blend of Balkan spirit and European sophistication.
Transylvania, Romania
Transylvania is a storied historical region in central Romania, famously cradled by the arc of the Carpathian Mountains and renowned for its mist-shrouded landscapes and medieval preserved towns. While its name is globally synonymous with the legends of Count Dracula, the region’s true history is a rich tapestry of Saxon, Hungarian, and Romanian heritage, most visible in the "Seven Cities" founded by German settlers, including the colorful, cobblestoned Sighișoara and the vibrant, baroque center of Brașov. Its skyline is defined by soaring Gothic spires and formidable fortified churches—such as those in Biertan and Viscri—which served as communal refuges during centuries of border conflicts. Beyond the iconic silhouette of Bran Castle, visitors discover the jagged beauty of the Piatra Craiului National Park, the subterranean wonder of the Salina Turda salt mine, and the high-altitude thrills of the Transfăgărășan highway. Today, Transylvania remains a place where traditional pastoral life, characterized by horse-drawn carts and ancient craftsmanship, exists alongside a growing reputation for world-class hiking, sustainable ecotourism, and deep cultural resilience.
Budapest, Hungary
Budapest, often hailed as the "Queen of the Danube," is a majestic Central European capital formed by the 1873 unification of hilly, historic Buda and the vibrant, flat expanse of Pest. The city’s landscape is defined by the river that flows between them, spanned by the iconic Széchenyi Chain Bridge and overlooked by the fairytale spires of Fisherman’s Bastion and the massive Hungarian Parliament Building. Deeply rooted in history, the area has transitioned from the Roman settlement of Aquincum through Ottoman rule and the grandeur of the Austro-Hungarian Empire to its resilient modern identity. Today, it is world-renowned as the "City of Spas" for its mineral-rich thermal baths like Széchenyi and Gellért, while its unique "ruin bars" and grand coffee houses offer a spirited blend of grit and elegance that makes it one of Europe’s most captivating destinations