Balkan Discovery
September 2 - 9, 2027
Balkan Discovery: Europe as Few Ever See It
8 DAY RIVER CRUISE BUDAPEST TO OLTENITA
Five Countries • One Legendary River • Escorted by Blue Skies Travel
This is not the Danube you think you know. From the grandeur of Budapest to the wild beauty of the Iron Gates Gorge, this unforgettable river journey carries you deep into the heart of the Balkans — a region rich in history, culture, and raw, untouristed beauty. Sail through Hungary, Croatia, Serbia, Bulgaria, and Romania, where medieval fortresses cling to cliffs, ancient wine traditions endure, and empires once collided along the riverbanks.
Begin in Budapest aboard your elegant Avalon Suite Ship®, then venture to Croatia to explore Vukovar and Ilok, home to a 1,000-year-old winemaking heritage. Discover Belgrade — one of Europe’s oldest cities — dramatically positioned at the confluence of the Danube and Sava Rivers. Cruise through the jaw-dropping Iron Gates Gorge, a natural wonder forming the border between Serbia and Romania. In Bulgaria, marvel at the surreal rock formations of Belogradchik and step back in time in Veliko Târnovo, the former medieval capital, crowned by fresco-filled churches and hillside villages.
This is Europe unfiltered — powerful, beautiful, and profoundly memorable.
Call 302-893-4571
or email: margo@blueskiestravelcenter.com
DAY-BY-DAY
Itinerary
Day 1: 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
Dinner included.
Day 2: Vukovar - Ilok, Croatia
History and Beer
Discovery Excursion: Join a Guided Walking Tour to discover the heritage, culture, and tradition of Vukovar and enjoy a beer tasting
OR:
Classic Excursion: 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 Croatia
Classic 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
OR:
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.
OVERNIGHT DOCKING IN NOVI SAD
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner included this day.
Day 3: Novi Sad, Serbia
The Athens of Serbia
Active Excursion: Join your Adventure Host on a Hike 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 Excursion: 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
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.
Later, enjoy live entertainment on board.
OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO BELGRADE
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner included this day.
Day 4: Belgrade, Serbia
Fortresses and Folklore
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.
Discovery Excursion: 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 GOLUBAČ
Optional Tour: Bohemian Dinner in Skadarlija
Enjoy a feast of hearty local dishes and live music during this dinner excursion in Belgrade's historic, bohemian Skadarlija district.
Optional Tour: Serbia on Two Wheels
Explore the nooks and crannies of Belgrade on a guided bike tour.
Optional Tour: The House of Jevrem Grujic
Welcome to the House of Jevrem Grujic! It is here that the beloved Queen Natalia Obrenovic was often a guest in this private villa in Belgrade!
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner included this day.
Day 5: Golubač, Serbia & Iron Gates
Classic Excursion: 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 for defense in the Middle Ages, and a source of conflict between Serbia, the Habsburg Monarchy, and the Ottoman Empire.
Continue 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
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner included this day.
Day 6: Vidin, Bulgaria
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. Continue exploring the nearby port town Vidin on a Guided Sightseeing.
AFTERNOON/OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO ROUSSE
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner included this day.
Day 7: Rousse, Bulgaria
Active Excursion: Explore Rousse's old town by bike with your Adventure Host
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 the Bulgarian Revival architecture in the 15th-century town of Arbanassi
OR:
Classic Excursion: 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.
Later, enjoy live entertainment on board with a Bulgarian folklore show.
OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO OLTENITA
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner included this day.
Day 8: Oltentia, Romania (Disembarkation)
Your cruise ends with breakfast this morning.
Flights should not leave Bucharest airport before 10am.
Breakfast included this day.
Pricing
Deluxe Staterooms: Prices starting at $4,401 per person, cruise only based on double occupancy.
Panorama Suites: Prices starting at $6,400 per person, cruise only based on double occupancy.
Solo occupancy staterooms and suites available upon request. Book early for best solo pricing.
A deposit of $250 per person is due upon reservation. Space is limited and reservations are made on a first-come, first-serve basis.
Ask me about airfare as well as extra nights in Hungary or Romania.
Rates, availability and all terms and conditions subject to change until booking is confirmed.
Don't miss out; contact Margo McDonough at Blue Skies Travel Center today.
302-893-4571 or margo@blueskiestravelcenter.com.
Your Host
About Your Group Trip Coordinator
Margo McDonough started Blue Skies Travel Center in 2016, after earlier work in the travel industry for such companies as J.P. Morgan Chase. She has planned and escorted numerous trips, both domestically and internationally, for local organizations, including University of Delaware’s Osher Lifelong Learning Institute, Food Bank of Delaware, Kennett Area Community Service, and Traditions at Longwood community.
McDonough is a member of the American Society of Travel Advisors, is fully insured, and is supported by host agency Uniglobe Travel Center and Virtuoso, a luxury travel consortium.
