Compare Active & Discovery on the Danube from Serbia to Romania with 2 Nights in Transylvania by Avalon Waterways vs Premium Belgrade to Bucharest by Intrepid Travel

Day 1: BELGRADE, SERBIA (EMBARKATION)

Welcome to Serbia! Your Balkan Adventure Begins

Flights into Belgrade must arrive by 3:30 pm. Guests must be on board ship by 5 pm.

Explore your Avalon Suite Ship® this evening and enjoy a dinner on board.

OVERNIGHT DOCKING IN BELGRADE

(Breakfast,Dinner)

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Day 2: BELGRADE

Fortresses and Folklore

Join your Adventure Host for today’s special activities.

ACTIVE Get a real taste of Serbia on this guided bike tour focusing on the history of Belgrade, from WWII to today, OR:

DISCOVERY Go way beyond the ordinary, and get to know Belgrade through its remarkable people and innovative minds..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.

Spend free time in Belgrade exploring Knez Mihailova Street—Belgrade’s central pedestrian thoroughfare with many lively cafés, shops, and cultural spots. You might consider partaking one of the Optional Excursion available.

DISCOVERY Before dinner, attend an onboard Lecture to learn about the rich history, destinations, and culture of the Balkan states.

This evening, you might like to join an Optional Excursion for an authentic Bohemian Dinner in the Quarter of Skadarlija.

OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO GOLUBAČ

(Breakfast,Lunch,Dinner)

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Day 3: GOLUBAČ—DONJI MILANOVAC. EXCURSION TO LEPENSKI VIR—IRON GATES GORGE

A Formidable Fortress

CLASSIC 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 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.

DONJI MILANOVAC

Prehistoric Stones and Iron Gates Gorge

ACTIVE Enjoy this scenic hike through Djerdap National Park and stop along the way to taste some local specialties before returning to your Avalon ship, OR:

DISCOVERY 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, OR:

CLASSIC Join a guided tour of Donji Milanovac and learn the basic of the Cyrillic Serbian alphabet inside the local primary school. Meet locals and get to know the art of crocheting while learning about the history of this little Serbian town.

Sail through the spectacular and narrow Iron Gates Gorge—a natural border between Serbia and Romania.

AFTERNOON/OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO VIDIN

(Breakfast,Lunch,Dinner)

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Day 4: VIDIN, BULGARIA

Rocks, Ruins and Beauty in Bulgaria

Join your Adventure Host for today’s special activities.

ACTIVE Enjoy a panoramic trek on the rocky landscape of Belogradchik. OR:

DISCOVERY Get to learn everything about the production technologies of the Bulgarian wines and enjoy a tasting of the various labels produced by a local well-known winery. All accompanied by local snacks and symphonic music. OR:

CLASSIC Join Guided Sightseeing in Vidin, visit to Baba Vida Fortress, Bulgaria’s only completely preserved medieval castle

AFTERNOON/OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO ROUSSE

(Breakfast,Lunch,Dinner)

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Day 5: ROUSSE. VELIKO TÂRNOVO & ARBANASSI EXCURSION

Cliff Houses and Revival Architecture

ACTIVE Join your expert local guide on this spectacular hike to Ivanovo Rock Church. Marvel at the monolithic churches, chapels and monasteries built inside the mountains will surprise you with their fascinating and unique style. OR:

DISCOVERY 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.

EVENING/ OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO CERNAVODA

(Breakfast,Lunch,Dinner)

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Day 6: CERNAVODA, ROMANIA. EXCURSION TO CONSTANTA

Natural History at Black Sea

Visit the Adventure Center for today’s activities with your Adventure Host.

Enjoy a leisurely sailing morning.

ACTIVE Explore the extraordinary natural beauty of Fantanita Nature Reserve with a hike and wine tasting at nearby Murfatlar vineyards, OR:

DISCOVERY Enjoy a visit to a local winery to learn about traditional Romanian wines with a tasting, OR:

CLASSIC Join a Guided Tour to Constanta, the most important commercial center in Romania, situated on the Black Sea. Visit the Natural History and Archeological Museum to discover the fascinating history of early Romanian cultures.

EVENING/OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO OLTENITA

(Breakfast,Lunch,Dinner)

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Day 7: OLTENITA (DISEMBARKATION)–BUCHAREST–BRASOV

A Night in Bucharest—the “Paris of the East”

Disembark your ship this morning and travel to Bucharest.

ACTIVE Pedal your way through some of the most picturesque parks and spacious boulevards of Bucharest on this guided bike tour of the Romanian capital’s northern district, OR:

DISCOVERY Discover the joie de vivre of Romanian cuisine -- a tasty hodge-podge of Balkan, Ottoman, French, and Russian influences. OR:

CLASSIC 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.

After the visit drive to Brasov for the night.

(Breakfast)

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Day 8: BRASOV

CLASSIC Enjoy a Guided Tour of Brasov and admire its Gothic, Baroque and Renaissance architecture.

In the evening, depart for Bran Castle of Dracula lore.

CLASSIC Take a Guided Tour of Bran Castle—the 1377 inspiration of the legendary Romanian vampire, followed by a dinner in this amazing location.

(Breakfast,Dinner)

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Day 9: BRASOV–SINAIA–BUCHAREST

The “Paris of the East.”

CLASSIC Enjoy a Guided Tour of Visit Peles Castle, the summer residence of the royal family until 1947.

Drive out the Carpathians to Bucharest; On the way, enjoy a local lunch.

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.

(Breakfast,Lunch)

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Day 10: BUCHAREST

Your vacation ends with breakfast this morning.

(Breakfast)

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Day 1 Belgrade

Welcome to Serbia! Your adventure begins in Belgrade, the cosmopolitan capital. An Intrepid representative will meet you at the airport and you’ll be transferred to your hotel. Tonight you’ll meet your local leader and fellow travellers at 6 pm for an important welcome meeting. If you arrive with time to spare, check out the city’s many museums – including the one dedicated to Nikola Tesla, the Serbian-American inventor known for transforming our understanding of electricity; or get a caffeine fix with a Turkish coffee at a kafana – traditional coffee houses date back to the Ottoman era. Tonight you’ll join the group for dinner at one of the city’s fantastic local restaurants and learn about Serbian produce and cuisine.

Day 2 Timisoara

This morning you’ll travel by private vehicle to Timisoara, crossing the Serbia-Romania border en route. Timisoara is a pretty park-filled city with a remarkable past. It was here that an uprising of local people sparked the Romanian Revolution in 1989, which saw the fall of the country’s Communist regime – reflecting the broader political change seen across Eastern Europe at the time. On a guided walking tour you’ll take in some of Timisoara’s most significant sights – including the grand and aptly named Victory, Liberty and Union Squares – and learn more about the city’s history.

Day 3 Sibiu

Today you’ll make your way to Sibiu, stopping on the way to visit Sarmizegetusa Regia, the capital of the ancient Kingdom of Dacia. Romania’s answer to Stonehenge, Sarmizegetusa Regia was a centre of religious, military and political significance until it was invaded by the Romans in 102AD, and is now UNESCO World Heritage Site, and one of the oldest and mysterious historical sites in Romania. Your local guide will you show you around and help uncover the secrets of this fascinating place. Upon arrival in Sibiu, you’ll get acquainted with the city’s cobbled streets and historic squares on a guided walking tour. Sibiu is something of a cultural heavyweight, known for its creative, bohemian atmosphere, rich history and eye-catching architecture. Explore what remains of the city’s medieval walls and towers, cross the legend-shrouded Bridge of Lies and take in the grandeur of Brukenthal National Museum, comprising numerous ornate palaces.

Day 4 Sibiu

This morning you’ll head to the outskirts of the city to explore ASTRA Village Museum. Set across 96 acres surrounding a sparkling lake, this open air living museum seeks to preserve, showcase and celebrate Romanian folk culture and traditional ways of life. Wander the grounds to discover reconstructed old dwellings, windmills and workshops and learn how Romanian people of centuries past grew food, raised families and made a living. The afternoon is yours to explore. You could gaze at the incredible interiors and towering dome of the Orthodox Cathedral, or admire the slightly less imposing (but equally magnificent) Gothic Lutheran church. Alternatively, grab a covrigi (a tasty Romanian pretzel), wander the old town and snap photos of the colourful, Wes Anderson-style architecture.

Day 5 Coltesti Village

Depart Sibiu and head to Alba Lulia, one of the oldest cities in Romania. It is home to an 18th-century citadel with a history that dates back to Roman times. Shaped like a seven-point star, the fortress features a collection of ornate gates and vantage points, as well as numerous museums and cafes. Wander the cobbled streets with an expert guide to hear more about what went on within these ancient walls over the last two millennia. Next, take a drive into the Trascău Mountains to reach Coltesti and check in to Szekler Mansion, your exclusive feature stay. Freshen up in your room – decked out with local textiles and hand-painted decorative furniture – before enjoying a traditional dinner, which could feature hearty bowls of borsch or goulash, locally-made cheese and sarmale (smoky, meat-filled cabbage rolls).

Day 6 Sighisoara

Prepare for an unforgettable underground experience as you make your way to Turda Salt Mine. The gargantuan subterranean space was renovated and opened to the public in the early 1990s and resembles an alien planet or a Bond villain’s lair. Don’t forget to pack a sweatshirt – it gets chilly 119 metres down. Once you resurface, you’ll discover plenty of choices when it comes to your optional lunch – including a nearby winery. This afternoon, travel to Unesco-listed Sighisoara – your home for the next two nights, and birthplace of Vlad the Impaler, the historical figure and inspiration behind Bram Stoker’s Dracula.

Day 7 Sighisoara

This morning, explore the colourful streets of Sighisoara’s old town on a guided walk. You’ll visit the 14th-century Clock Tower that dominates the skyline (and offers 360 views from the top), and climb the 176 creaking covered steps that connect the upper and lower parts of town to reach the so-called Church on the Hill. Drive to Malancrav to share lunch in a bucolic setting. The Saxon village was once owned by one family, the Apafis, and populated with German farmers. Highlights here include Apafi Mansion and a 14th-century church with the largest Gothic fresco in Transylvania. After your meal you’ll swing by the neighbouring World Heritage site of Biertan and its spectacular fortified church before heading to Medias – known for its medieval fortifications and wine (‘Golden Mediasch’ is even mentioned in the novel Dracula). Enjoy some free time before making your way back to Sighisoara for the evening.

Day 8 Brasov

After breakfast you’ll make your way to Brasov, making a pitstop at hilltop Rupea Fortress. The restored citadel’s steep and rocky pathways spiral up to the highest point, offering broad sweeping views over the surrounding green fields. Next, you'll visit Bran Castle, perhaps Romania’s most famous attraction, given its associations with the tale of Count Dracula. Vampire myths aside (it was never actually host to Vlad the Impaler or Bram Stoker) the forested surroundings and lofty location of this 14th-century castle will have you hypnotised. This evening you’ll reach Brasov and will enjoy dinner together at a quality local restaurant.

Day 9 Brasov

Your tour of Romanian castles continues with Peles, but this one is somewhat more modern. Built in the late 19th century, the neo-Renaissance creation is even more extravagant on the inside than it is on the outside. Return to Brasov, and in the afternoon join your guide for a guided walking tour to learn about the city’s most notable sights – including what’s left of the old medieval fortifications, the Black Church that was charred in the Great Fire of 1689 but since restored, and the wedge-shaped Council Square, lined with historic buildings. Round the day off with the traditionally Romanian sweet treat of chimney cake, or kurtoskolacs as the locals call it. Your leader will find you the best example in Brasov and explain how its popularity spread across Central Europe.

Day 10 Bucharest

Enjoy a free morning in Brasov. Perhaps seek out tiny String Street, which is 44 inches at its narrowest point or indulge in some Romanian sweet treats such as kurtoskalacs, a cinnamon-sprinkled delight known as chimney cake, or papanasi, a sweet cream doughnut topped with blueberry jam. Depart the city and head for lunch in the Prahova Valley, where you’ll tour a local winery – known for its sparkling rose – in the mountain town of Azuga. Hit the road one last time, reaching Bucharest in the late afternoon.

Day 11 Bucharest

Your adventure comes to an end after breakfast this morning. If you’d like to spend some more time in Bucharest, let us know in advance – we would be happy to organise additional accommodation for you (subject to availability).