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2027 Balkan Adventure

Lower Danube · Bucharest to Budapest · Aboard the Avalon Illumination

Ship deck lounge overlooking the Danube in Budapest
Peleș Castle, Romania — included on the pre-cruise land tour

Sailing Dates

Oct 23–31, 2027

Route

Bucharest → Budapest

Ship

Avalon Illumination

Max Capacity

166 Guests

Everything You Need to Know

See Photos, Destinations & Full Trip Details

Browse stunning destination photos, day-by-day highlights, and everything about the 2027 Balkan Adventure — all on Erin's dedicated trip page.

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The Balkan Adventure

This time, we're sailing the spectacular Lower Danube aboard the Avalon Illumination. Starting in Romania and journeying through breathtaking Balkan countries — Bulgaria, Serbia, and Croatia — before finishing in Hungary. Marvel at breathtaking scenery, explore rich traditions, and uncover historic wonders.

8-Night Sailing Only

Board in Oltenita on October 23 and disembark in Budapest on October 31. Fly into Bucharest no later than 2 PM on October 23.

Starting from $3,837 per person

Pre-Cruise Tour + Sailing

Arrive October 19 for 4 extra nights — 2 nights in Bucharest & 2 nights in Transylvania — including Erin's private hosted day out, dinner, and a private party!

An additional $1,149 per person

Why River Cruising?

Your floating hotel moves to a new destination each night — no packing and unpacking. Avalon ships have a maximum capacity of 166 guests, creating an intimate, relaxed atmosphere. Meals, beverages, excursions, and gratuities are all included.

What's Included

Everything you need for an unforgettable journey

8-night sailing on the Avalon Illumination
Breakfast, lunch, high tea & dinner daily
House wine & beer with lunch and dinner
Nightly happy hour (night 2 onward)
24-hour self-serve beverage station
Choice of included excursions at every port
Pre-paid gratuities for Avalon crew ($180 savings)
Evening entertainment: live music, karaoke & more
Bikes & e-bikes available on board
Morning stretching classes & fitness center

Cabin Pricing

Per person, double occupancy · 8-night sailing

Waitlist

Indigo Deck

Deluxe Stateroom (D & E)

$3,837

Small window, perfect for travelers always on the go

Sapphire Deck

Panoramic Suite B

$5,893

Wall-to-wall sliding window, beds facing the view

Sapphire Deck

Panoramic Suite A

$6,008

Forward of ship, stunning panoramic views

Royal Deck

Panoramic Suite P

$6,065

Closest to the club lounge, highest panoramic suite

Waitlist

Royal Deck

Royal Suite S

$8,065

100 sq ft larger, 2 sliding glass doors, living area, 1.5 baths

Pre-Cruise Add-On: Add $1,149 per person for 4 additional nights (Oct 19–22) including Bucharest, Transylvania, Peles Castle, Bran Castle & Erin's private hosted events.

Deposit: $250 per person (nonrefundable). Insurance must be purchased at time of deposit.

Final Payment: Due on or before July 19, 2027. Pay along the way or in one lump sum.

Insurance: Highly recommended. D&E cabins: $479/person (sailing only: $359). All other cabins: $519/person.

Gratuities: Pre-paid for the entire Avalon crew — a $180 savings per person.

Airfare: Not included. Fly into Bucharest; depart from Budapest. Flights from the U.S. depart Oct 22 (cruise only) or Oct 18 (pre-cruise).

Airport Shuttle: $55 per person each way (Erin covers the difference for cruise-only passengers arriving in Bucharest).

Passport: Must be valid through end of April 2028.

Limited Availability

Ready to Reserve Your Spot?

Rates are valid for our group until April 2027, but inventory is limited. Contact Erin directly to receive your reservation form via DocuSign.

Email: [email protected] · Phone: 719-694-5454

Anyone is welcome to join! Share this page with friends and family who love adventure travel.