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The Lower Danube
The Lower Danube
River Cruise / Bucharest - Budapest
Prices From
$16,110NZD
per person twin share
Travel Dates
Depart: Sun 03 Oct 2027
Return: Fri 22 Oct 2027
Duration: 19 nights
Enquire Now
Embark on a captivating river cruise tour through the heart of Eastern Europe, from Bucharest to Budapest aboard the luxurious Avalon Illumination. Discover the rich history, scenic beauty, and cultural treasures of Romania, Bulgaria, Serbia, Croatia and Hungary as you sail the storied waters of the Danube. Your adventure begins with two nights in Transylvania, home to medieval towns and Dracula’s castle, and concludes with three nights in Prague, one of Europe’s most enchanting cities. This tour blends river cruising with immersive land experiences, offering the perfect balance of relaxation and exploration. Don’t miss this unforgettable journey through five countries in one seamless, all-inclusive escorted tour.
Your travel itinerary
Monday 04 October
Auckland – Dubai
Depart in the evening on Emirates Airlines for a direct flight to Dubai.
Tuesday 05 October
Dubai – Bucharest, Romania
Dinner
Morning arrival into Dubai – change planes for the onward flight to Bucharest. Arrive in Romania’s capital and transfer to your inner-city hotel, light dinner this evening.
Wednesday 06 October
Bucharest – Sinaia – Brașov
Breakfast
Lunch
This morning, head into the Carpathian Mountains to Sinaia, visiting the fairy-tale turrets of Peleș Castle. En route, stop at the legendary Cantacuzino Castle before lunch. This afternoon, continue on to Brașov, your home for the next two nights.
Thursday 07 October
Brașov
Breakfast
Dinner
Spend the morning on a guided sightseeing tour of Brașov, followed by free time to explore its cobbled lanes and cafés at your own pace. This evening, journey into Transylvanian legend with a tour of Bran Castle — the storied home of Dracula — followed by dinner.
Saturday 09 October
Rousse, Bulgaria
Breakfast
Lunch
Dinner
Arrive this morning in Rousse, Bulgaria’s largest inland port, often called “Little Vienna” for its grand 19th-century architecture. Choose your pace today: join a cycle tour through the city, join a guided tour to the Holy Trinity Church and the UNESCO-listed rock-hewn churches of Ivanovo, or venture further afield on a full-day excursion to the ancient Bulgarian capital of Veliko Târnovo and the Revival-era town of Arbanassi. Rejoin the ship and cruise overnight to Vidin.
Friday 08 October
Brașov – Bucharest – Oltenița (Embarkation)
Breakfast
Dinner
Return to Bucharest this morning for a guided tour taking in Royal Palace Square, scene of the dramatic events that toppled the Ceaușescu regime in 1989. This afternoon, board Avalon Illumination in Oltenița and settle into your stateroom. Sail overnight for Rousse.
Sunday 10 October
Vidin, Bulgaria
Breakfast
Lunch
Dinner
Explore the Balkan borderlands today, with the choice of either a hike to Baba Vida Fortress, a guided tour to the striking rock formations of Belogradchik, or a visit to a family-run winery with two centuries of Bulgarian winemaking history. Tonight, sit back and enjoy a lively Bulgarian folklore show on board.
Monday 11 October
Iron Gates Gorge – Golubac, Serbia
Breakfast
Lunch
Dinner
This morning, cruise through the dramatic scenery of the Iron Gates Gorge, the spectacular natural border between Serbia and Romania. Ashore, visit Lepenski Vir, a remarkable Mesolithic archaeological site, before continuing to the beautifully preserved medieval Fortress of Golubac.
Tuesday 12 October
Belgrade, Serbia
Breakfast
Lunch
Dinner
Discover Belgrade, where the Sava and Danube Rivers meet, on a guided sightseeing tour or an active bike ride along the riverbank — either way, don’t miss Saint Sava, one of the world’s largest Orthodox churches. There’s free time to browse Knez Mihailova Street’s cafés and shops, with an optional onboard lecture on Balkan history and culture rounding out the day.
Wednesday 13 October
Novi Sad, Serbia
Breakfast
Lunch
Dinner
Novi Sad, Serbia’s “Capital of Culture,” offers something for everyone today — choose either a hike to the Petrovaradin part of town, a taste of local life at a beekeeping museum and wine cellar in Sremski Karlovci, or a guided tour of the Austro-Hungarian old town and its ancient fortifications.
Thursday 14 October
Ilok & Vukovar, Croatia
Breakfast
Lunch
Dinner
Today, choose either a guided bike tour along Ilok’s city walls to Principovac Castle and Estate, or learn about Ilok’s 1,000-year-old winemaking traditions with a wine tasting in a local cellar. Cruise to Vukovar during lunchtime, where an afternoon guided walking tour uncovers the heritage and heart of this resilient river town, with a beer tasting for those who’d like one. Enjoy live entertainment on board tonight.
Friday 15 October
Mohács, Hungary (excursion to Pécs)
Breakfast
Lunch
Dinner
Today, choose either a guided sightseeing tour of the historic harbour town of Mohács, with its memorial parks and the remarkable medieval St Nicholas Watermill, or take a guided excursion to nearby Pécs to admire its UNESCO-listed 4th-century Christian tombs, complete with an organ concert. This afternoon cruise on to Budapest.
Saturday 16 October
Budapest, Hungary (Disembarkation)
Breakfast
After breakfast, disembark in Budapest, the “Pearl of the Danube,” for a guided sightseeing tour taking in the grand Heroes’ Square. The rest of the day is yours to enjoy at leisure — stroll across the Chain Bridge, browse the cafés and pubs, or hike through the hills above the river.
Sunday 17 October
Budapest – Prague
Breakfast
This morning enjoy a scenic drive to Prague, the Czech Republic’s beautifully preserved capital. En route enjoy a stop in Brno and a guided sightseeing tour of the city. Check into your hotel, with the remainder of the afternoon and evening at leisure.
Monday 18 October
Prague
Breakfast
Set out on a guided city walking tour of Prague. Visit Hradcany Castle Grounds; see St. Vitus Cathedral and Old Town’s Astronomical Clock. The rest of the day is free to explore.
Tuesday 19 October
Prague
Breakfast
Dinner
A free day to explore Prague at your own pace - sample local delicacies including plum dumplings and Pilsner, or catch the entertaining street performers and admire the arches and statues decorating Charles Bridge.
Wednesday 20 October
Prague – Dubai
Breakfast
A day to relax before an evening transfer to the airport for your flight to Dubai, or continue with your European holiday.
Thursday 21 October
Dubai
Arrive in Dubai and change planes for your flight back to New Zealand.
Friday 22 October
Auckland
Arrive in Auckland mid-morning. Welcome home!
Inclusions
- Return economy Emirates flights Auckland – Bucharest // Prague – Auckland (via Dubai)
- 1 night in Bucharest pre cruise
- 2 nights in Brașov, Transylvania
- 7 night river cruise on board the ‘Avalon Illumination’
- Includes all gratuities on board
- Captain’s Welcome and Farewell Dinners
- All meals, afternoon teas and night fare on board
- Complimentary wine, beer and soft drinks at lunch and dinner on board
- Bonus! Happy hour drinks included one hour prior to each evening meal
- On board enriching activities: wine tastings, talks by experts, local artisan demonstrations, performances by local entertainers
- Included selected guided shore excursions
- 3 nights in Prague post cruise
- Panoramic Prague tour with guided walk-through of Prague Castle
- Meals as specified
- Most entrance fees
- All transfers on tour
- English-speaking guides throughout
- Airport and airline taxes $240
- Pukekohe Travel escort, subject to minimum 20 people travelling
Cost
|
ESTIMATED Cost Per Person * Auckland - Auckland | Twin Share | Single |
|---|---|---|
| Panorama Suite (P) – Royal Deck | $19,150 | $22,995 -2 Only |
| Panorama Suite (A) – Sapphire Deck | $18,930 | $22,815 -1 Only |
| Deluxe Oceanview (D) – Indigo Deck | $16,110 | N/A |
| Business Class Upgrade |
To be advised |
| Premium Economy Class Upgrade (Auckland / Dubai / Auckland Only) |
To be advised |
| Early Booking Discount (15 March 2027) | $150 |
| Previous International Pukekohe Travel Tour Discount | $100 |
*This is a cash price. Credit cards will incur a 1.5% fee
*Itinerary and costs subject to change, airline and fuel charges and currency fluctuations prior to final payment
Exclusions
- Travel insurance — compulsory, please ask us for a quote
- Gratuities for drivers, local guides (approx. EUR 5 per person, per day)
- Optional shore excursions and Adventure Host activities
- Items of a personal nature
- Items not specified as included
Booking Conditions
- A deposit of $1,250 per person secures your place on this tour
- Full payment is due no later than 15 June 2027
Cancellations
- From date of booking until 15 June 2027 — loss of deposit
- After 15 June 2027 — no refund
Travel Insurance
We strongly recommend all clients purchase travel insurance to protect against cancellations, lost items, and delays that could lead to unexpected costs. Please ask us for a quote.
General Information
Documentation
- A current passport is required, valid six months beyond the date of travel, with at least three blank pages
- No visa is required for New Zealand passport holders
- All other passport holders please ask
- Full passport details are required no later than final payment
Temperature Max °C. Min °C
- Bucharest 18 6
- Belgrade 17 7
- Budapest 15 6
- Prague 14 7
Currency
- Romanian Leu (Romania)
- Bulgarian Lev (Bulgaria)
- Serbian Dinar (Serbia)
- Euro (Croatia)
- Forint (Hungary)
- Czech Koruna (Czech Republic)
Clothing
- Daytime: comfortable touring clothes and walking shoes
- Evening: smart casual
Health and Mobility
A reasonable level of fitness and good health is required. Travellers should be able to walk on uneven surfaces and manage stairs comfortably. The ability to walk unaided for at least 30 minutes is essential. Please note that mobility frames and wheelchairs are not practical or permitted on our tours. It is expected you arrive fit, healthy, and ready to travel.
Ship Information
‘Avalon Illumination ’
- Custom Built For European Waterways
- Built 2014
- Length 135m
- Capacity 160
- Crew 47
Included for every Guest
- Large three-door closets and in-room safe
- Comfortable Collection Beds’ with Egyptian cotton linen
- Large desk and power outlets
- Individual climate control
- Well-stocked mini bar with complimentary bottled water
- Plush bathrobes and slippers
- Flatscreen TV
- L’Occitane bath products
- Complimentary WIFI throughout
- Regional wines and beer on board lunch and dinner
- Sparkling wine with breakfast
- High quality coffee / hot chocolate / tea available all day
- Fitness room with top quality equipment
- Included sightseeing with certified local guides
- Professional Cruise Director and staff to assist
Terms and Conditions
For full terms and conditions please visit our website Terms and Conditions or please ask our tour consultant for a copy.
Note:
Pukekohe Travel reserves the right to correct errors and omissions on our website without recourse.
* Itinerary subject to change
Prices From
$16,110NZD
per person twin share
Travel Dates
- Depart: Sun 03 Oct 2027
- Return: Fri 22 Oct 2027
- Duration: 19 nights
Early Booking Discount
Save $150 if your deposit is paid by 15 Mar 2027
Previous Client Discount
Our previous International Tour clients can save a further $100 per person
