Travel with Erin

River cruising is a wonderful way to travel, your floating hotel moves to a new location each night, so there’s no need to pack and unpack multiple times.

• Avalon ships have a maximum capacity of 166 guests, creating an intimate and relaxed atmosphere.
• Meals included: breakfast, lunch, high tea, and dinner.
• Beverages included: house wine and beer with lunch and dinner, an included nightly happy hour (except the first night) featuring select spirits, cocktails & mocktails. A 24-hour self-serve beverage station with cappuccinos, lattes, teas, sparkling or still water.
• Evening entertainment: live music, performers, karaoke, dancing, and more.
• Onboard: bikes and e-bikes available for use with the adventure host or on your own to explore at your leisure. Morning stretching classes and a small fitness center.
• Excursions: included in every port so you can fully experience each destination.
• Gratuities: Prepaid and included for our group, a special perk not included for independent travelers.
• Your cruise, your way! Relax on board like it’s a floating hotel, or dive into exciting excursions at every stop, the choice is yours. Enjoy endless inclusions, delicious dining, and unforgettable experiences, all at your own pace!

The Itinerary

• If you would like to do the pre cruise tour in Bucharest, and Transylvania you will arrive to Bucharest on October 19, 2027.
• If you are not interested in that portion of the trip, please scroll down to October 23, 2027 this is the day the sailing starts.

October 19, 2027

Welcome to Bucharest – the “Paris of the East”!

Flights from the U.S. depart on October 18, 2027, with most schedules arriving in Bucharest in the evening. Avalon can pick you up and take you to the pre-cruise hotel, see cost below. There are no planned activities today so you can rest and recover from your journey, we have a full day of exploration planned for tomorrow. Should you like to come in before the 19th to rest after the long journey, please inquire with Erin. Rates start from $130+ per person, per night. Meals included: None today, as arrivals will vary. Enjoy dinner at your leisure, there are plenty of options at and around the hotel. Accommodation: We are currently scheduled to stay at the InterContinental Athénée Palace. Take advantage of the pool, and sauna, open until 8 PM, to relax and shake off jet lag. Optional massages at the spa are also available.

October 20, 2027

Please join me for an included day out with Travel by Erin, just for you as a thank you for joining me on the pre-cruise tour!!!! Proposed Itinerary (Subject to Change).

• 7:30 AM – Our tour guide, Adrian, will pick us up from the hotel.
• Bucharest City Highlights – We’ll start with a guided drive through Bucharest. Along the way, Adrian will share stories and historical insights about Romania.
• Snagov Monastery – Founded in the 14th century, this monastery sits on a small island and features beautiful medieval frescoes. According to local legend, it is the burial site of Vlad the Impaler (Dracula) giving the location an air of mystery.
• Slănic Prahova Salt Mine (Mina Unirea) – One of Europe’s largest salt mines, now a museum. We’ll explore vast underground chambers, admire impressive salt formations, and experience the cool, mineral-rich atmosphere known for its health benefits.
• Lunch & Wine Tasting – A relaxing countryside lunch, along with wine tasting. Romania has one of the world’s oldest winemaking traditions, dating back over 6,000 years, and ranks among the top 6 wine producers in Europe, and 10th in the world.
• Return to Bucharest – We expect to arrive back at the hotel around 6:30- 7 PM.

Evening Plans I’d like to treat everyone to dinner this evening, tentatively around 7:30 or 8:00 PM (to be confirmed). We plan to meet at the hotel restaurant JORJ, which looks excellent and is very convenient after a full day of exploring. After dinner, we’ll take a short walk back to our rooms to rest. For those with energy left, feel free to head out and explore Bucharest on your own. Everything is optional, if you’d like to rest or skip any of the included activities, you are under no obligation to join. These inclusions are for your enjoyment, not a requirement. Meals included: breakfast included at the hotel. Lunch and dinner will be provided by Erin.

October 21, 2027

Today we will join our Avalon host or cruise director on a motorcoach and leave Bucharest. We will drive into the Carpathians to Sinaia to visit Peles Castle. On the way, visit the legendary Cantacuzino Castle and enjoy a local lunch. This afternoon, continue to Brasov a city in Transylvania for a 2 night stay. Meals included: Breakfast included at the hotel. Lunch is provided by Avalon. Dinner, bowling, and a private party provided by Travel by Erin- details below. Accommodation: TBD, either Kronwell Brasov or Qosmo Brasov Hotel.

After a full day of sightseeing, join me for a private Travel with Erin evening featuring dinner, bowling, pool tables, music, and more. A lively mix-and-mingle—all in one fun, private EVENT for our group.

Private Event 7-10 pm at Dash Kronwell with dinner and drinks included:

• 🎳 3 Bowling Lanes open and included
• 🎱 15 Pool Tables  open and included
• 🏓 Multiple Ping Pong Tables  open and included
• 🎱 1 Snooker Table  open and included
• 🍸 Open Bar Soft drinks, cocktails, wine & more
• 🍽️ Buffet Dinner Included, catered by the Kronwell Hotel and served in the event space. Meats, rice, vegetables, salad, breads, and desserts.

No cost to you – this event is hosted by me! Bowling is not required; eat, relax, chat with your travel companions.

• 🎳 Bowling shoes are available and included.
• 🧦 Please bring your own socks!
• 📍 Private event exclusively for our group. Mix and mingle with our fellow travel companions in a relaxed and fun atmosphere after a long day of sightseeing.

October 22, 2027

Transylvania Tales

• Classic Excursion Join a morning Guided Sightseeing Tour of Brasov followed by free time in the afternoon.
• Classic Excursion In the evening enjoy a tour of Bran Castle of Dracula lore followed by dinner.

Meals included: Breakfast at the hotel, Dinner by Avalon. Lunch on your own.

October 23, 2027

FOr those on the pre-cruise tour

• Classic Excursion Join a Guided Excursion in Bucharest, see the Royal Palace Square, the scene of the city 's 1989 riots to overthrow the communist dictator Nicolae Ceausescu.
• Join your Avalon Suite Ship® this afternoon, for embarkation in Oltenita.
• Explore the ship and unpack. After our safety briefing dinner will be available on the ship.
• EVENING/OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO ROUSSE

Meals: Breakfast at the hotel. Dinner on the Illumination. Lunch will be on your own.

For those doing the 8 night cruise only this is your arrival day.

• Depart from the U.S. on October 22, 2027 to land on October 23, 2027 in Bucharest.
• Please land no later than 2 pm. Avalon can pick you up at the airport and bring you to the ship, see cost below. The drive time is approx 1-1.5 hours.
• Welcome aboard your Avalon Suite Ship the Illumination.
• Everyone needs to be on the ship by 5 pm today to make the mandatory safety briefing.
• Explore the ship and unpack. After our safety briefing dinner will be available on the ship.
• EVENING/OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO ROUSSE

Meals: Dinner on board the Illumination.

October 24, 2027

Fortresses and Fountains in “Little Vienna”

• Active Excursion Join a bike tour in Rousse with your Avalon Adventure Host. 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 Site, 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 Bulgarian Revival architecture in the 15th-century town of Arbanassi. Sail to Svistov or join your ship there if you opted for the full-day tour.

EVENING/OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO VIDIN Meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner

October 25, 2027

Rocks, Ruins, and Balkan Beauty

• 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. Following, explore the nearby port town Vidin on a Guided Sightseeing.

This evening, enjoy live entertainment on board with a Bulgarian folklore show. OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO DONJI MILANOVAC Meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner

October 26, 2027

Ancient Artifacts and the Iron Gates

Before lunch on board, you’ll sail through the spectacular and narrow Iron Gates Gorge—forming a natural border between Serbia and Romania.

• Classic Excursion: Join a Guided Tour to Lepenski Vir—an important Mesolithic archaeological site chronicling prehistoric cultures, settlements, and art. Marvel at the ancient discoveries and artifacts, as well as the unique views the site affords of the Danube Gorge. Continue to the Fortress of Golubač, one of the best-preserved medieval fortresses in Europe.

OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO BELGRADE Meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner

October 27, 2027

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.
• You may choose to spend free time in Belgrade exploring Knez Mihailova Street—Belgrade’s central pedestrian thoroughfare with many lively cafés, shops, and cultural spots.
• Discovery Excursion Attend an onboard Lecture to learn about the rich history, destinations, and culture of the Balkan states.

Optional excursions for an additional cost ($). Avalon's optional excursions are always unique and give you more of an in depth experience.

1. 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.
2. Serbia on Two Wheels: Belgrade's Sea on the Sava: Explore the nooks and crannies of Belgrade on a guided bike tour.
3. The House of Jevrem Grujic and the Legend of Queen Natalija: 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!

OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO NOVI SAD Meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner

October 28, 2027

A Capital of Culture

• Active Excursion Join your Adventure Host on a Hike to the Petrovaradin part of the town, OR:
• Discovery Excursion Experience the sweet life in Serbia with a visit and tasting at the Museum of Beekeeping and Živanović Wine Cellar in Sremski Karlovci, OR:
• Classic ExcursionJoin 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.

OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO ILOK Meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner

OCTOBER 29, 2027

Croatian Heritage and Hilltop Vintages

• 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, OR:
• Discovery 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.

Enjoy a short sailing to Vukovar during lunchtime.

VUKOVAR, CROATIA. The Heroic Town on the Danube

• Discovery Excursion Join a Guided Walking Tour to discover the heritage, culture, and tradition of Vukovar and enjoy a beer tasting, OR:
• Classic Excursion Enjoy a walking tour of Vukovar, the city the largest river port in Croatia.

This evening, enjoy live entertainment on board.

• OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO MOHÁCS

Meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner

October 30, 2027

Underground Tombs and Heavenly Music

• Classic Excursion Join a morning Guided Sightseeing Tour of Mohács—the quiet Danube harbor town with its historical memorial parks, statues, and distinctive churches. Tour the remarkable medieval St. Nicholas Watermill—one of only a few remaining watermills performing stone-ground grain processing, OR:
• Classic Excursion Take a Guided Tour to nearby Pécs to see its 4th-century Christian underground tombs, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, with fascinating murals. You’ll also enjoy an organ concert on your tour.

AFTERNOON/OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO BUDAPEST Meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner

October 31, 2027

• Your vacation ends with breakfast this morning.
• Flights should not leave Budapest airport before 8 am.
• Please know that Budapest is where we disembark there is not any planned tours or stops in Budapest. It is only used as a finishing spot for the cruise.

OR:

• Stay on your own in Budapest and explore the Capital of Hungary.
• Maybe take the train to Vienna and visit this elegant city where imperial history, classical music, and grand architecture come together.
• Avalon Waterways offers laundry service for a fee, so you can start your next journey with some freshly laundered clothes.
• You can also use today to spring board to another European country with common nonstop flights to one of the below cities.

United Kingdom: London, Edinburgh Europe: Paris, Amsterdam, Brussels, Zurich, Copenhagen, Oslo, Helsinki, Berlin, Munich, Frankfurt, Madrid, Barcelona, Rome, Milan, Athens, Lisbon, Prague, and Warsaw. I will need to head home to my family however I am more than happy to brainstorm some ideas with you should you like to stay in Europe after our trip!

Cabin overview

The ship has 3 decks with cabins.

• Indigo deck is the lower deck where the Deluxe cabins D and E are located. Perfect for the traveler who doesn’t spend any time in their room as they are always on the go, or for the person looking to save some money on their accommodation and splurge elsewhere. Your cabin will have a small window but pleas don't worry there many windows and panoramic views around the ships common areas.
• Sapphire deck offers Panorama Suites where the beds face the wall to wall sliding window. This is perfect for those that love a nice view to drink their coffee or wine and watch the world sail by as we are moving. This deck offers cabins A and B. Cabins A are more forward of the ship and B cabins are more aft.
• Royal deck offers the same panoramic suite that is on the Sapphire deck but on a higher deck and closest to the club lounge for coffee, cookies and seating at the back of the ship. On this deck the Panoramic Suite is Cabin P. This deck also offers 2 Royal Suites Cabin S which are 100 sqft larger than a panoramic suite offering 2 sliding glass doors, a living area, and 1.5 bathrooms.

Sounds great, but what does it cost?

I know the cost might seem a bit surprising at first glance, but here’s why this 2027 trip is an exceptional value! This itinerary includes more upfront: multiple countries, longer sailing distances, and a wide range of excursions and experiences that would normally add up quickly. While the initial price is higher, it significantly reduces out-of-pocket expenses during the trip, giving you a more inclusive, hassle-free experience. For perspective, our 2024 Switzerland 7-night motorcoach tour was priced around $3,300 per person, not including the pre-night stay. That trip offered fewer excursions and fewer included meals. Many travelers spent an additional $1,000+ on optional excursions and extra meals. This 2027 journey provides more experiences, more convenience, and greater overall value!

8-night sailing only

What’s Included

• Choice of included excursions as described in the itinerary.
• Port fees and pre-paid gratuities.
• 8 night sailing including breakfast, lunch, high tea, included happy hour starting on night 2, nightly dinner. Soft drinks, teas, coffee, wine and beer included at lunch and dinner.
• Our river cruise is so inclusive I won't be hosting any Travel by Erin inclusions during the sailing however I will do my best to spoil you somehow!

Per person rate when sharing a room with a travel companion. Single travelers please reach out for single occupancy rates.   Deluxe Stateroom

• D & E: $3,837 per person

  Panoramic Suites

• B: $5,893  per person
• A: $6,008  per person
• P: $6,065  per person

  Royal Suite:

• S: $8,065  per person

Pre-cruise Tour & the 8-night sailing

For an additional $1,149 per person to the 8 night sailing rate, join me for 4 additional nights.

• 1 pre-night in Bucharest to rest before your adventure.
• Travel by Erin inclusions as described in the itinerary.
• 1 additional night in Bucharest
• 2 nights in Transylvania
• Meals as outlined (you’ll need 1–2 dinners on your own and 2 lunches).

Traveling solo? Please reach out for pricing. The above rates are valid for our group until April 2027; however, we do not have guaranteed inventory. I highly recommend securing your space sooner rather than later, as inventory and availability are subject to change.

Insurance

Highly recommended as life is unpredictable! The insurance allows you to cancel any time for any reason and either receive a future travel credit to use within 2 years of cancelation, or if you are cancelling for a covered reason a cash back refund would be available. The full details of the insurance policy will be listed in the reservation form.

• Cabin D&E insurance would cost $479 per person. 8 nights sailing only the cost is $359
• All other cabins would cost $519 per person.

Flights

• Airfare is not included. You can book airfare on your own which I highly recommend so you have control over your seat assignment and any flight changes. Alternatively we can book this with Avalon. You are never alone, I am here to help anyone not familiar with booking a multi-city international ticket.

Shuttle

• For your convenience, Avalon can pick you up and drop you off at the airport. The arrival shuttle is $55 per person in Bucharest and departure shuttle is $55 per person in Budapest.
• Cruise only passengers, the arrival shuttle would be $90 due to the long distance from the airport however I will cover the difference for you, your cost will remain $55.

Gratuities

• Pre-paid gratuities for the cruise director and entire Avalon crew will included for everyone joining this trip=$180 savings per person.
• Local tour guides do not work for Avalon, so they are not included in the pre-paid gratuity. It’s customary though not required to leave a small tip, a simple way to show appreciation for their expertise and care.

Deposit to book your Spot

• $250 per person, nonrefundable deposit.
• If you are accepting insurance, you will need to purchase and pay for the insurance at the time of your deposit.

Final payment

• Due on or before July 19, 2027
• You can make payments along the way or in one lump sum. We have a lot of time until next summer to get your trip fully paid for.

Welcome Back Credits

• If you currently have or will have a Globus or Avalon Waterways Welcome Back Credit that is not expired, you can also apply it to your reservation. Everyone traveling on the 2026 group trip with me will earn a $250 per person Welcome Back Credit with Avalon.

Who is invited?

• Anyone that wants to join is welcome and invited!! This is a fun way to travel with a great group of people. If you or someone you know has been wanting to travel on a unique adventure share this link with them, this is going to be an incredible experience! Please contact me directly to join the group where you will receive all of the group benefits and pricing.

I'm in, how do I reserve my spot?

• Please let me if you would like a reservation form sent to secure your spot! All forms will come via DocuSign. Email: erin@travelbyerin.com or call 719-694-5454

Travel documentation

• Avalon requires that you have a full 6 months on your passport prior to expiration. For this trip you will need your passport to be valid through the end of April 2028.
• New biometric scanning at airports in Europe, to strengthen border control.
• Additionally there will be a new form that will be required to enter Europe- ETIAS. It works like a travel authorization. The cost will be around 20 Euro. When the system goes live in the final quarter of 2026 I will have more details on this for you.

More videos

We will not be seeing every place they stop but you can see how scenic Romania is!

Not our exact sailing but this will give you an idea of some of the stops.

Rick Steves visits Bucharest, Peles Castle and Transylvania in the first half of the below episode.