7-night Balkan Discovery Cruise

October 6, 2026

Avalon Waterways: Avalon Passion®

Budapest/Oltenita

Vacation Offer ID 1566561

Reference this number when contacting our travel specialist.

From $3,980

Request a Quote View Details

Overview

Ship Info

Activities & Services

Staterooms

Deckplans

The Signature Collection – Exclusive Amenities
The Signature Collection Sailings offer Exceptional Value and Exclusive Amenities.

Cruise Inclusions

Choice of complimentary sightseeing excursions in every port – choose between Classic, Active or Discovery options
Whisper headsets for all excursions
Digital Signage ship-wide with daily agenda, menus, key details
Unlimited free Wi-Fi
Visits to UNESCO Sites
Enrichment lectures & local entertainment, dance floor and nightly song lists
Meals with regional specialties, including local wine
Sky Deck grill for lunch – weather permitting
Welcome Dinner & Farewell Dinner
Beer, wine & soft drinks with onboard lunch & dinner – sparkling wine with breakfast
24-hour specialty coffees, teas & water filling station, including flavored waters
24-hour Club Lounge (includes coffee machine), games, books, TVs, great views!
Walking track & sky deck
Fitness room with machines and free weights
Adventure Host and Adventure center (maps, binoculars, walking sticks, etc)
Afternoon tea (coffee, tea, sandwiches and cookies)
16 bikes on board
Movie Night
Elevator between stateroom decks
24-hour guest services
All port taxes & fees
Airport transfers on embarkation/disembarkation day with Avalon Air purchase
No single use plastics

YOUR STATEROOM INCLUDES:

River-view stateroom Hotel-style bed with optional twin-bed configuration; Comfort Collection bedding, including choice of pillow and firmness (Panorama Suites 200 sq feet)
Desk area with chair
Spacious closets and under bed storage
Panorama Suites include Wall-to-wall window with Open-Air Balcony
Panorama Suites include loveseat and table with chair seating area
Panorama Suites include extra large bathroom and spacious glass enclosed shower
Flat-screen LCD TV with complimentary Movies On Demand
110/220 volt outlets & USB ports
Mini Bar; security safe; hair dryer
L’Occitane® toiletries; plush robes & slippers in every stateroom
Stateroom steward & multiple times daily housekeeping

Destination Guide
Suggested Shore Excursions

Destination	Arrival	Departure
Budapest Budapest 10/06/2026 BUDAPEST, HUNGARY (EMBARKATION) 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 VUKOVAR(D)BUDAPEST-PARLIAMENT.jpg Optional Private Excursions Avoid the crowds and hustle and bustle associated with a group activity. For a memorable trip ashore, we invite you to consider a private shore excursion. Enjoy the undivided attention of your own driver/guide and the flexibility of experiencing the aspects of the local culture that most interest you. Below are just some samples of the private shore excursions we can arrange for you. Let us personalize your experience! Budapest Shore Excursion: Private Half Day City Tour of Budapest, 4 hours This privately guided tour shows you the major sights within on the Pest Side (e.g.the Opera House, St. Stephen's Basilica), as well the Buda Side (Castle Hill). One highlight of this tour is an inside visit of the Fishermen's Bastion and the impressive Matthias Church. Highlights: Heroe's Square, Vajdahunyad Castle (outside) State Opera (outside) St. Stephen's Basilica (outside) Parliament Buidling (outside) Fishermen's Bastion (entry to upper terrace) Matthias Church (indoor visit) Your private guide is always flexible and adapts the tour according to your special interests. Tour Duration: 4 hours Tour can operate: Morning or Afternoon Physical Activity Level: Light Inclusions: Pick up and drop off at the landing stage of the cruising ship in Budapest Transfer in a private car Private licensed English speaking guide (other languages available, but on request) Entrance fees for Fishermen's Bastion and Matthias Church Not included: Meals Gratuities and personal expenses Entrances other than stated above Budapest Shore Excursion: Private Full Day City Tour of Budapest, 8 hours This extended privately guided full day basically covers all major sights and interesting locations within Budapest, also including inside visits of the Fishermen's Bastion, Matthias Church and the Parliament Building. Highlights: Main sights, e.g. National Museum, State Opera, Heroe's Square, Great Synagogue, Central Market Hall, Gellért Hill, Citatel, Vajdahunyad Castle etc. (outside visits) Various Bridges above the Danube, e.g. Chain Bridge, Liberty Bridge, Elisabeth Bridge etc. Matthias Church (inside visit) Fishermen's Bastion (inside visit) Parliament Building (inside visit) Your guide is always flexible and adapts the tour according to your special interests. Tour Duration: 8 hours Tour can operate: Full Day Physical Activity Level: Moderate Inclusions: Pick up and drop off at the landing stage of the cruising ship in Budapest Transfer in a private car Private licensed English speaking guide (other languages available, but on request) Entrance fees for Fishermen's Bastion, Matthias Church, Parliament Not included: Meals Gratuities and personal expenses Entrances other than stated above Budapest Shore Excursion: Private Half Day Tour Budapest Castle District, 4 hours During this privately guided tour, you visit the Castle Hill of Budapest, with the Royal and Presidential Palaces, fascinating squares and medieval cobblestone streets. Highlights are inside visits of the Fishermen's Bastion and the impressive Matthias Church. Highlights: Budapest's Castle Hill Royal and Presidential Palaces (outside) Holy Trinity Square Hess András Square Fishermen's Bastion (entry to upper terrace) Matthias Church of Our Lady (indoor visit) Your private guide is always flexible and adapts the tour according to your special interests. Tour Duration: 4 hours Tour can operate: Morning or Afternoon Physical Activity Level: Light Inclusions: Pick up and drop off at the landing stage of the cruising ship in Budapest Transfer in a private car Private licensed English speaking guide (other languages available, but on request) Entrance fees for Fishermen's Bastion and Matthias Church Not included: Meals Gratuities and personal expenses Entrances other than stated above	10/06/2026	10/06/2026
Vukovar Vukovar 10/07/2026 VUKOVAR History and BeerVisit the Adventure Center for today’s activities with your Adventure Host.DISCOVERY Join a Guided Walking Tour to discover the heritage, culture, and tradition of Vukovar and enjoy a beer tasting, OR:CLASSIC 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 CroatiaCLASSIC 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 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(B,L,D)ILOK.jpg	10/07/2026	10/07/2026
Novi Sad Novi Sad 10/08/2026 NOVI SAD, SERBIA The Athens of SerbiaCLASSIC 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 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 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.ACTIVE Get your daily dose of exercise, join your Adventure Host on this walk in and around town. Later, enjoy live entertainment on board.OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO BELGRADE(B,L,D)NOVI-SAD.jpg	10/08/2026	10/08/2026
Belgrade Belgrade 10/09/2026 BELGRADE Fortresses and Folklore 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.DISCOVERY 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 GOLUBAC(B,L,D)BELGRADE-SAINT-SAVA.jpg	10/09/2026	10/09/2026
Golubac Golubac 10/10/2026 GOLUBAC–DONJI MILANOVAC. EXCURSION TO LEPENSKI VIR–IRON GATES GORGE Ancient Artifacts and the Iron Gates CLASSIC Visit the Fortress of Golubac, 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, OR:CLASSIC 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(B,L,D)IRON-GATES-GORGE.jpg	10/10/2026	10/10/2026
Donji Milanovac	10/10/2026	10/10/2026
Vidin Vidin 10/11/2026 VIDIN, BULGARIA Rocks, ruins and Balkan BeautyACTIVE Join your Adventure Host for a bike tour around the city, OR:CLASSIC 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 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(B,L,D)VIDIN-BELOGRADSHICK.jpg	10/11/2026	10/11/2026
Rousse Rousse 10/12/2026 ROUSSE. VELIKO TÂRNOVO & ARBANASSI EXCURSION Fortresses and FolkloreACTIVE Explore Rousse's old town by bike with your Adventure Host, 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 the Bulgarian Revival architecture in the 15th-century town of Arbanassi, OR:CLASSIC Join a Guided Sightseeing Tour of Bulgaria’s largest inland port and visit its impressive Holy Trinity Church.Later, enjoy live entertainment on board with a Bulgarian folklore show. OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO OLTENITA(B,L,D)VELIKO-TARNOVO.jpg	10/12/2026	10/12/2026
Oltenita Oltenita 10/13/2026 OLTENITA, ROMANIA (DISEMBARKATION) Your cruise ends with breakfast this morning.Flights should not leave Bucharest airport before noon.(B)BUCHAREST-PARLIAMENT.jpg	10/13/2026	10/13/2026

The Avalon Passion was christened to reflect a deep passion for Suite Ships. Gracing Europe's waterways with style and relaxed luxury, the Avalon Passion lives up to its name. Guests experience this passion for new discoveries aboard a home-away-from-home, featuring two full decks of Panorama Suites with wall-to-wall, floor-to-ceiling panoramic windows that create river cruising's only Open-Air Balcony. Spanning 200 square feet, the Panorama Suites are 30% larger than the industry standard, providing the perfect spot to stretch out on a 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, enjoy complimentary Starlink Wi-Fi, computer use in public areas, a Fitness Center with state-of-the-art equipment, an elevator, and an expansive Sky Deck with a shade system, premium lounge chairs, a whirlpool, deck games, and the delightful Sky Bistro for al fresco lunches of light grill fare. Pack your passions and cruise your way on the Avalon Passion.

Ship Statistics

Built Year: 2016
Ship Length: 443
Number of Crew: 47
Dining / Restaurants: 4
Pool: Yes

Bars / Lounges: 6
Fitness Center: Yes
Number of Staterooms: 83
Number of Suites: 67
Kids Friendly: No

Dining/Restaurant

Bar / Lounge

Onboard Area

Oceanview

Deluxe Stateroom (D) $3,980

Category: D
Indigo Deck

Size: 172 sq. ft. Stateroom Amenities: Two windows • Comfort Collection by Avalon • Deluxe beds with premium mattress covers • Egyptian super-combed cotton linens • European-style duvets • Choice of soft or firm pillows • Extra blankets • Choice of bed configuration • Nightly turn-down service • Bedside tables with reading lamps • Hairdryer • L'Occitane bath amenities • Spacious 3-door closets with shelves for ample storage • Easy under-bed luggage storage • Flatscreen satellite TV with movie channels • Alarm clock • Direct-dial telephone • Bathrobes & slippers • Well-stocked minibar • Complimentary bottled water • In-room safe • Individual climate control • Modern Finishings • Large mirror in bathroom

Suite

Panorama Suite (B) $5,629

Category: B
Sapphire Deck

Floor-to-ceiling sliding glass door with French Balcony, Full shower with glass door, Writing desk, Vanity, Bed, Sink, Toilet. Size: 172 sq. ft. Stateroom Amenities: • Comfort Collection by Avalon • Deluxe beds with premium mattress covers • Egyptian super-combed cotton linens • European-style duvets • Choice of soft or firm pillows • Extra blankets • Choice of bed configuration • Nightly turn-down service • Bedside tables with reading lamps • Hairdryer • L'Occitane bath amenities • Spacious 3-door closets with shelves for ample storage • Easy under-bed luggage storage • Flatscreen satellite TV with movie channels • Alarm clock • Direct-dial telephone • Bathrobes & slippers • Well-stocked minibar • Complimentary bottled water • In-room safe • Individual climate control • Modern Finishings • Large mirror in bathroom

Panorama Suite (A) $5,729

Category: A
Sapphire Deck

Panorama Suite (P) $5,779

Category: P
Royal Deck

Royal Suite (S) $6,979

Category: S

Floor-to-ceiling sliding glass door with French Balcony, Full shower with glass door, Writing desk, Vanity, Bed, Sink, Toilet, Sofa, Coffee table. Size: 258 sq.ft. Stateroom Amenities: • Comfort Collection by Avalon • Deluxe beds with premium mattress covers • Egyptian super-combed cotton linens • European-style duvets • Choice of soft or firm pillows • Extra blankets • Choice of bed configuration • Nightly turn-down service • Bedside tables with reading lamps • Hairdryer • L'Occitane bath amenities • Spacious 3-door closets with shelves for ample storage • Easy under-bed luggage storage • Flatscreen satellite TV with movie channels • Alarm clock • Direct-dial telephone • Bathrobes & slippers • Well-stocked minibar • Complimentary bottled water • In-room safe • Individual climate control • Modern Finishings • Large mirror in bathroom • Marble countertops in bathroom

Price is per person (double occupancy) and includes cruise taxes and port charges.

"Starting at" or "From" price is per person (double occupancy) and includes cruise taxes and port charges but does not include airfare to or from your vacation. Some cruise/tour packages require intra-vacation flights (and in some cases intra-vacation segments must be purchased from Avalon Waterways) in which case intra-vacation air and taxes are included in the price shown.

Important Notes

Vacation departures, itineraries and prices are subject to change.
A non-refundable, non-transferable deposit is required for Avalon Waterways to reserve space for you.
The hotels and accommodations listed are provisional and subject to change and may be substituted with properties of similar standard. Hotels are confirmed approximately 30 days prior to departure and can be found in your travel documents, but are not guaranteed until check-in.
The following charges are not included in the land/cruise vacation price unless otherwise noted: airfare to and from the start of your vacation; intra-vacation air, unless specified in the itinerary; airline baggage fees including checked and/or excess baggage fees; Federal inspection fees for the Federal U.S. Customs and Immigrations; International Air Transportation tax; agricultural tax; other per person taxes imposed by government entities; airport taxes and fees, including the September 11th Security fee up to $11.20 per person, passenger facility charges up to $18 per person, Federal domestic flight segment fees up to $4.10 per segment, and U.S. and international arrival and departure and other government-imposed added by the airline and applicable at time of booking; passports; visas and vaccinations; tips to your Cruise Director, Local Host, driver, Local Guides, and/or ship's crew; gratuities on ferries, trains, and cruise ships; laundry; telephone; minibar; alcohol, beverages, and food outside of the contracted Avalon menu as presented at a hotel or restaurant or onboard your vessel (these extra items will be billed to you before leaving the hotel, ship, or restaurant); airport transfers on non-qualifying flights; optional excursions; additional activities and excursions purchased online; porterage at airports and train stations; Travel Protection; and all other items of a personal nature.
Additional airline-imposed fees for seat assignments may apply and are not included in your total package cost. Please refer to carrier websites for seat assignment policies and applicable pricing.

All fares are quoted in US Dollars.

Sky Deck