October 4, 2023 - What am I Working On? River Cruise on the Danube
I just planned this amazing itinerary on short notice for a client, and I got real FOMO from it. Wish I could've joined!
Croatia, Serbia, Bulgaria & Romania
This client had recently had her position eliminated at her job and wanted to capitalize on her time away from work to see some of the world. The one catch was that it was very short notice - less than 2 months of planning time! Her wishes were: to be somewhere that she would not have to speak another language to survive, not to pack up her suitcase too often during the trip, and for beautiful landscape and scenery. An Avalon river cruise along the lower Danube was just the ticket!
Itinerary
Day 1 - Arrival in Zagreb, Croatia
This itinerary had some parts on land instead of just a cruise. The tour started in Zagreb (where the Danube most definitely does not go) and had a transfer to Osijek for embarkation.
Day 2 - Osijek, Croatia
Embarkation today onto the Avalon Impression. The nice thing about river cruises is that your meals are included so you can decide if you'd like to go into the cities for lunch or dinner, or can just rely on the meals you'll receive onboard.
Day 3 - Belgrade, Serbia
The lower Danube is rich with destinations less often traveled. Belgrade has tons of history, with impressive palaces, squares, and cathedrals, and atmospheric Bohemian neighborhoods. Architecture lovers will enjoy it too, as there are Ottoman, Habsburg, and Tito-era buildings!
Day 4 - Donji Milanovac, Serbia
Today my client got to experience Djerdap National Park with a short drive and hike through the forest to stand at one of the park’s most stunning lookouts. She visited Kapetan Mišin hill estate to try traditional specialties, including fried nettle and Serbian honey brandy!
Day 5 - Vidin, Bulgaria
The cruise docked today in Bulgaria, and my client went on another hike. This time she enjoyed a 2km trek on the rocky landscape of Belogradchik, a panoramic path 600 feet above the beautiful Bulgarian views.
Day 6 - Rousse, Bulgaria
Today she explored two fascinating cities: Arbanassi and Veliko Tarnovo. Arbanassi has many historic churches including the 15th-century Nativity Church and Veliko Tarnovo has a unique Old Town set high atop the steep gorge carved by the Yantra River.
Day 7 - Constanta, Romania
Today's first foray into Romania did not disappoint. As Romania's oldest constantly inhabited city, there was much for her to see and do. She was able to explore the National History & Archaeology Museum to learn more about Romania's past.
Day 8 - Bucharest, Romania
After disembarkation in Oltenita, she headed onward to Bucharest where she toured the impressive Parliament building, the second-largest building in the world after the Pentagon, and Royal Palace Square, scene of riots in 1989 that led to the collapse of the communist dictatorship.
Day 9 - Brasov, Romania
One of my favorite aspects of the tour to quote was the tour to Prejmer Fortress with a special dinner event there. If you're not familiar with it, think the castle of Dracula because it inspired Bram Stoker to write that classic piece of horror literature.
Day 10 - Bucharest, Romania
One more night in Bucharest to enjoy the bustling city and it's unique flair before she headed home in the morning.
Does this type of trip appeal to you?
Remember, each of the trips I plan I curate to meet my traveler's specifications, so if this type of trip appeals to you, I can duplicate it, or I can find another tour or cruise to that may be more appealing to you!