Last year, Anji – part of our Australian Sales team – sailed away on our Avalon Waterways ‘The Danube from Romania to Budapest’ cruise. Read on to hear about a whirlwind adventure on the Danube.
It’s not every day that you get to explore medieval castles, glide down the Danube River on a luxurious cruise, and immerse yourself in the vibrant cultures of Romania, Bulgaria, Serbia, and beyond. This journey with Avalon Waterways was a treasure trove of history, stunning landscapes, and a dash of Dracula flair. Here’s a recap of my 13-day adventure.
Day 1: Bucharest – A Hidden Gem That Will Steal Your Heart (and Maybe Your Breath)
Ah, Bucharest – where history and charm collide in the most spectacular way. I’m not kidding when I say this place has quickly climbed to the top of my list of favourite cities in Europe.
First impressions? A stunning city filled with cobblestone streets that beg you to wander aimlessly, and architecture so breathtaking that even the most seasoned traveller will be caught off guard. Picture this: ornate buildings, grand façades, and delicate details on every corner. But it’s not just about looks. Bucharest has some serious history to back it up. This city was the epicentre of the Romanian Revolution, where the people fought to overthrow Communism in 1989. That’s some heavy, significant history, and it makes the city feel even more alive.
Now, here’s a fun fact to drop at your next dinner party: the Parliament Palace in Bucharest is the second largest building in the world. Yep, just behind the Pentagon. So, if you’re feeling like a small fish in a massive sea, don’t worry; this building will put that all into perspective.
And speaking of dinner…if you’re in Bucharest and you don’t dine at Caru’cu Bere, have you really been to Bucharest? I think not. Known as the soul of the city, this Romanian restaurant is as much a feast for the eyes as it is for the stomach. Picture wood panelling, stained-glass windows, and a charming patio. The food here is as iconic as the decor, so go ahead and order everything.
Day 2: Castles and Lunches in the Carpathians
After a delicious local lunch that could have convinced me to move to Romania on the spot, we ventured into the Carpathian Mountains to visit Peleş Castle. Peles is a fairytale fortress with towers and turrets that look straight out of a dream. Even the trees surrounding it seem to stand a little straighter, just to keep up with the grandeur.
Next up was Brasov. The charming, cobbled streets and pastel buildings made it feel like I’d stepped onto the set of a period drama – one with excellent food and surprisingly good Wi-Fi.
Day 3: A Dark (and Exclusive) Evening at Bran Castle
The day started with a guided tour of Brasov, where I got the full dose of its historical charm. But as the sun began to set, things took a thrilling turn: we were off to Bran Castle. And no, this isn’t just a regular tour – it’s an exclusive Avalon experience. Imagine walking through the castle’s stone halls, hearing the whisper of legends, with no other tourists in sight. Spooky in the best way possible.
After soaking up the gothic atmosphere, we headed to Dracula’s Castle for dinner. Yes, you read that right. Dinner in Dracula’s Castle, complete with mysterious vibes and an unforgettable meal. I can’t confirm whether the food was ‘blood red’ delicious, but it was certainly satisfying.
Day 4: Bucharest’s History and the Start of the River Cruise
A whirlwind morning in Bucharest set the tone for the day – with stops at Royal Palace Square (the scene of the 1989 riots) and a glimpse into the complex history of Romania. After immersing ourselves in Bucharest’s history, we made our way to Oltenita for embarkation on our luxurious Avalon Suite Ship. I finished the day with an afternoon glass of stunning wine in my Panorama Suite, lying in bed, facing the views and soaking up the little villages as we cruised.
Day 5: From Constanta to Romanian Wines
We woke up to the beautiful coastline of Constanta, Romania’s most important commercial centre on the Black Sea. After a guided tour of the Natural History and Archaeological Museum, we headed to a local winery. Here’s where Avalon truly shines. Local music plays while you sip your wine, providing an authentic Romanian experience. It’s these moments – listening to folk tunes while tasting wines – that make the journey so memorable. And let’s not forget, Avalon’s commitment to responsible tourism means that the funds from such experiences go right back into the communities.
Day 6: Fortresses, Bikes, and Bulgarian Beauty
Arriving in Rousse, Bulgaria, we had the choice of biking through the Old Town or taking a guided sightseeing tour of Bulgaria’s largest inland port. Since I’m all about discovering new places in the most active way possible, I opted for the bike ride (which included ample stops for ice cream). For those with a deep love for history, a full-day tour to Veliko Tarnovo was available, taking you through ancient towns and 15th-century architecture. Whichever path you took, it was a day filled with history and heart.
Day 7: Rocks, Ruins, and a Folklore Show
The Balkan beauty continued in Vidin, where we explored remarkable rock formations at Belogradchik. These natural wonders, sculpted over millions of years, are the kind of thing that make you appreciate the sheer power of nature. That evening, we were treated to a Bulgarian folklore show on board, complete with lively dances and traditional music. Just another layer of the culture we were immersing ourselves in on this adventure.
Day 8: Through the Iron Gates and Beyond
Sailing through the Iron Gates Gorge was one of the highlights of the trip. The narrow, dramatic passageway between Serbia and Romania was like nature’s own masterpiece. After marvelling at the view, we visited Lepenski Vir, an archaeological site that is home to prehistoric artifacts and ancient art.
Then it was on to Golubac, Serbia’s impressive medieval fortress perched right on the Danube River. The fortress has a tumultuous history, and you can almost feel the weight of centuries of conflict when wandering through its towers.
Day 9-10: Exploring Belgrade and Novi Sad
We docked in Belgrade, Serbia, where we took a guided tour to see the stunning Saint Sava Church. There’s something about the merging of old and new in Belgrade that feels particularly captivating. After some free time to explore Knez Mihailova Street – the heart of the city – I indulged in a little people-watching and café hopping. Next stop; Novi Sad, Serbia’s cultural capital, where I enjoyed a mix of sightseeing and a visit to a local winery. The beautiful views from Petrovaradin Fortress didn’t hurt either.
Days 11-12: Croatian Heritage and Historical Wonders
Our Danube journey continued with stops in Ilok (Croatia), where we explored local traditions through walking tours and wine tastings. And of course, Vukovar, the heroic town on the Danube, where we learned about its tragic history and the resilience of its people. In Mohacs, Hungary, we visited the 4th-century Christian underground tombs – an extraordinary glimpse into early Christian history. The quiet serenity of the site was matched by the soul-stirring organ concert that followed.
Day 13: The Pearl of the Danube – Budapest
By the time we reached Budapest, we were ready for the final grand adventure. A guided sightseeing tour revealed the city’s most iconic spots, including Heroes’ Square and the majestic Chain Bridge. But what really stood out was the vibrant energy of the city – whether it was the buzzing cafes or the panoramic views from the hills above the Danube.
Day 14: Goodbye, Danube
All good things must come to an end, and after a hearty breakfast, we disembarked from our ship, already planning the next adventure. From the historic castles to the majestic fortresses, every day was packed with discovery, culture, and breathtaking beauty.
With Avalon Waterways, you don’t just cruise the Danube. You experience it in all its authentic, responsible, and culturally rich glory. Each day was a new chapter, each stop more fascinating than the last, and I’ll be carrying these memories with me for a long time.
