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Bucharest to Budapest
  • Carhmil

Bucharest to Budapest

A 16-day adventure by Carhmil Read more
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  • Trip start
    October 1, 2025
    CarhmilBucharest to BudapestTraveler

    Bucharest to Budapest

    October 1 in Canada ⋅ ☁️ 19 °C

    We’re on our way! Leaving YYC today, with a quick stop in Frankfurt before arriving in Bucharest. Excited to share our travels along the way.

  • CarhmilBucharest to BudapestTraveler
    Boarding plane to Bucharest
    Leaving FrankfurtArriving in BucharestOn our way to our hotelNice rain

    Frankfurt to Bucharest

    October 2 in Romania ⋅ 🌧 9 °C

    Fast Track in Frankfurt — let’s just say the ‘fast’ part is a bit optimistic! After 3 express carts, a train ride, and the full round of security & customs, we made it through. Still, having help along the way made a world of difference.”
    Arrived in Bucharest to rain.    Read more

  • CarhmilBucharest to BudapestTraveler
    Old Court Church
    Inside Old Court ChurchPaintings restored in the museumStavropoleos ConventStavropoleos Convent insideStavropoleos Convent CourtyardVan Gogh CafeEmpty Cafe in Old TownPlastic Dooms more inviting for lunch!

    Bucharest

    October 3 in Romania ⋅ 🌧 9 °C

    Bucharest

    Our first night’s hotel was right in the heart of Old Town. We had hoped to join a walking tour, but with steady rain we shifted plans and explored at our own pace.

    Just steps from the hotel stood Biserica Curtea Veche (Old Court Church), the oldest surviving church in Bucharest. Built around 1545–1554 by Mircea Ciobanul, it was once the princely chapel of Curtea Veche, the medieval residence of Wallachian rulers—including Vlad the Impaler himself.

    Only a short walk away was the Stavropoleos Convent, a peaceful spiritual and cultural hub. Beyond its active monastery life, the convent preserves thousands of historical manuscripts, Byzantine music, icons, and restored liturgical garments. Its courtyard, filled with rescued church fragments, feels like a miniature open-air museum of Romanian religious art.

    When the rain grew heavier, we ducked into the National Museum of Romanian History, housed in the elegant former Postal Services Palace. The vast museum includes treasures of gold, silver, coins, and royal jewelry, as well as the Romanian Crown Jewels. Among its most memorable sights is the life-size plaster copy of Trajan’s Column, stretching through a hall like a timeline carved in stone.

    We wrapped up our Old Town visit with lunch at the Van Gogh Café, then hopped in an Uber to change hotels and get ready for the next stage of our journey.    Read more

  • CarhmilBucharest to BudapestTraveler
    Danube River
    MosqueView from MinaretOvid SquareOvid SquareRestaurant cover for outside dinningOrthodox CurchCasinoAlong Harbour PromenadeEmpty BeachPebble BeachLamborghini at ResortGrain StorageFlat terrain

    Black Sea

    October 4 in Romania ⋅ ☁️ 11 °C

    We left Bucharest shortly after 7:00 a.m.—a perfect time to head out, as the traffic was light. It was about a 2½-hour drive to Constanța. The first couple of hours took us through flat farmland dotted with huge grain storage facilities. As we neared the Danube River, the landscape became more rolling, with a few vineyards scattered along the way.

    In Constanța, we began with a walking tour around Ovid Square, then visited the impressive Great Mahmudiye Mosque. We climbed all 440 steps to the top of the minaret for sweeping views of the city and the Black Sea. From there, it was a short walk to St. Peter & Paul Orthodox Cathedral, where a service was taking place—a family was receiving blessings of food for a loved one who had passed away.

    Next, we strolled along the promenade by the sea.
    TheCazinou, is located by the sea and recently restored to its former grandeur. We continued to the harbor for a relaxing lunch before driving to the Black Sea resort area. It was a quiet afternoon on the beach—the shore made up of small stones with a strip of sand at the waterline. Of course, I couldn’t resist collecting a few seashells!

    We then returned to Bucharest and ended the day with a dinner with our friends, Sylvia and Janet.    Read more

  • CarhmilBucharest to BudapestTraveler
    Wings Monument in Bucharest
    Church of St Andrew in SinaiaSnack of corn at the entrance of Peles CastlePeles CastleOrnate Spiral Stair CaseDecor in CastleRetractable glass ceilingArmorOne of many stained glassDinning table which opens in the centre for food from the kitchenJust outside the entrance to PeleCantacuzino Castle

    Brasov

    October 5 in Romania ⋅ ☁️ 13 °C

    Joined Avalon 3 day bus tour of Romain Today we joined Avalon for a bus tour before boarding our river cruise. There are 72 people on this portion of the trip.

    Leaving Bucharest — a city of 3 million people and over 1 million cars — on a Sunday had its advantages, as traffic was light. The first hour took us through flat countryside and several small towns, always interesting to see the variety of homes along the way. Soon, the Carpathian Mountains came into view, with a dusting of snow on the peaks and the first hints of fall color appearing in the trees.

    Our first stop was Peleș Castle, near the town of Sinaia — a true symbol of Romania’s culture. Built around 1873 as the royal summer retreat for King Carol I, the castle was far ahead of its time, equipped with modern conveniences like electricity and central heating. It features more than 170 rooms, each with its own decorative theme, including the impressive Hall of Weapons.

    Lunch was enjoyed at Cantacuzino Castle in the town of Bușteni. This castle was once the summer residence of Prince Cantacuzino, nicknamed The Nabob for his remarkable wealth.

    We then continued on to Brașov, where we’ll spend two nights at the Kronwell Hotel. A beautiful blue-sky day ended with dinner shared with our Avalon group.    Read more

  • CarhmilBucharest to BudapestTraveler
    Storck's nest
    Prejmer Fortified churchEntrance to the churchInside the fortificationAddress was not shown by numbers but by the design on the doorRing criminals were attached, too.Inside the churchThis used to make bread and also for washing clothesRoses in PrejmerAir B&B in PrejmerOld Town BrasovBakerySmallest street in BrasovCatherine GateSchei GateSylvia & Janet enjoying Dracula BeerBran CastleBran Castle BedroomBran Castle KnightsInside Bran CastleBran Castle decorBran Castle Armor

    Brasov-Bran Castle

    October 6 in Romania ⋅ 🌧 9 °C

    This morning, we set out for Prejmer, in the Transylvania region. Our visit began at the Lutheran Fortified Church, which originally started as a Catholic church. The circular defensive walls surrounding the church are impressive—up to 16 feet thick and 39 feet high. Within the walls are over 270 rooms, once able to shelter about 1,600 villagers during attacks.

    At the church entrance stands a stone with a ring attached, once used to punish those who committed crimes. Offenders would be chained to the stone so that townspeople attending church could witness their shame.

    Returning to Brașov, we joined a walking tour of the Historical Centre. The town features beautifully maintained buildings and, like most European towns, a charming central plaza. Highlights included Catherine’s Gate (built in 1559) and Schei Gate (1827), which was once the only main entrance for Romanians living outside the walls. Our final stop was the Black Church, dating back to medieval times. It earned its name after a devastating fire blackened its exterior.

    We enjoyed lunch at Dracula’s Restaurant before heading out again.

    At 5:30 p.m., we departed for Bran Castle, famed for its association with the legend of Count Dracula. The castle offered much to explore—grand rooms, winding staircases, secret passages, and even torture chambers. We ended the evening with dinner at the base of the castle, and the rain kindly held off for most of the day.    Read more

  • CarhmilBucharest to BudapestTraveler
    Morning view from our hotel
    Change colorRestaurant offered free dessertPalace of Parliament, heaviest building in the worldRain so hard you can't see the walkway to the ship

    Oltenita, Romania

    October 7 in Romania ⋅ 🌧 12 °C

    Today we joined our river cruise. The return trip to Bucharest followed the same route we took on the way to Brașov, but in just a couple of days the trees had noticeably changed color — a beautiful sign of autumn.

    Along the way, we passed Romania’s only oil facilities, which supply just 10% of the country’s needs.

    We made a stop in Bucharest’s Old Town, but since we had already explored the area and the rain was pouring down, we decided to simply enjoy a leisurely lunch instead.

    After another 1½-hour drive, we finally arrived at the Avalon Passion. It’s been a long day — we’re happy to be on board!    Read more

  • CarhmilBucharest to BudapestTraveler
    Ship docking beside ours
    Ship coming in to dock beside our boatView of Ruse, BulgariaRuseRuseRuseToo much rain

    Ruse, Bulgaria

    October 8 in Bulgaria ⋅ 🌧 13 °C

    We were looking forward to our first day in Bulgaria—but that didn’t happen. Pouring rain changed our plans, so we decided to enjoy a quiet day on board instead. In the afternoon, the ship moved from Ruse to Svistov.Read more

  • CarhmilBucharest to BudapestTraveler
    1Vidin Town cat
    Sylvia was runner up in bean bag challengeWelcome to VidinVidin greeneryVidin public telephoneIstanbul Gate in VidinMemorialFortressBelogradchik FortressBelogradchik Rock formationsLong walk up, didn't make it to the top.Bride & Groom on the way to the top of the rock formations for picturesChanging colorsGrain storageAbandoned buildingsAvalon Passion

    Vidin, Bulgaria

    October 9 in Bulgaria ⋅ 🌬 19 °C

    With our cruise ship docked just a block from the main square and the sun shining, we enjoyed a short walk into town in search of the Istanbul Gate—once the main entrance to the Vidin Fortress from the direction of Istanbul.

    In the afternoon, we joined a tour to the Belogradchik Fortress, an impressive site built directly into the surrounding rock formations. The climb to the top was quite challenging, so we didn’t make it all the way up, but the views of the striking rock formations were still beautiful.

    On the journey to the Fortress, the landscape was mainly farmland. Passed by an abandoned factory of the Soviet era. The factory included warehouses, offices, canteen, dormitories, and bomb shelters.

    That evening, the entertainment on board was provided by a talented local group of young performers.    Read more

  • CarhmilBucharest to BudapestTraveler
    Stone face carving of King DecebalusSerbian homeArcheological siteArtifactsArtifactsReplica of what dwelling may have looked likeGolubac FortressMetal plates used for vestPlates found for armor

    Donji Milanovac, Serbia

    October 10 in Serbia ⋅ ☁️ 12 °C

    The morning was spent cruising through the Iron Gates Gorge and lock. We were delayed about an hour while waiting for three barges to pass through. There is very little boat traffic between Bucharest and Budapest—mostly we meet or sail alongside other cruise ships.

    In the afternoon, we toured the Lepenski Vir archaeological site, dating back 12,000 years. It was discovered on the banks of the Danube and later relocated to an enclosed area for preservation. We then visited Golubac Fortress, a striking medieval fortified town on the river’s edge. The fortress is perched on the rock above the Danube River at the entrance to Central and Eastern Europe.

    Our ship sailed on to Golubac, so we didn’t have to return to our departure port by bus. This provided us the opportunity to view the Fortress in the evening light.    Read more

  • CarhmilBucharest to BudapestTraveler
    Temporary Church built until main church was finished. But never taken downSerbia's largest Orthodox ChurchParishioners stand for the hour or longer serviceNo main alterCrowDamage from the warNeed socksBelgrade FortressWhere the Sava and Danube mergeLots of tennis courts, home of Novak Djokovic

    Belgrade, Serbia

    October 11 in Serbia ⋅ ☁️ 12 °C

    The day was cool but dry. We took a slight detour off the Danube River and are now docked on the Sava River in Belgrade.

    Our morning tour began with a visit to Serbia’s largest Orthodox church, one of the largest in the world. Construction began in 1935, halted during the war, and resumed in 1985 before being completed in 2004. The interior is stunning, with no main altar or pews — worshippers stand throughout the hour-long services.

    After a brief stop at a shopping mall, we continued to the historic Belgrade Fortress. Dating back to Roman times, it offers impressive views over the confluence of the Sava and Danube rivers.

    The afternoon concluded with a guest speaker who gave an engaging talk on the history of Yugoslavia.    Read more

  • CarhmilBucharest to BudapestTraveler
    Mural
    View from our roomNeighbors catch of the dayWall honoring the Jewish CommunityMuralCatholic ChurchStreet in Novi SadFollowing pictures in Village of Sremski KarlovciOnly government buildings can be painted yellowFresh waterOf course another churchWreaths on most doorsCeramic storeAmazing treeNew friend at the bee keeping& wine tourBee hiveTasting wine

    Novi Sad, Serbia

    October 12 in Serbia ⋅ ☁️ 12 °C

    Our first tour began with a panoramic bus ride through the old city, where the impressive Petrovaradin Fortress stands overlooking the Danube. We continued with a walking tour of the main square, passing by the house of Albert and Mileva Einstein, and enjoyed the charming ambiance of the town as we made our way back to the ship. Several streets were closed off for a marathon, adding extra energy to the city.

    In the afternoon, we traveled by bus to the village of Sremski Karlovci, a quaint and picturesque place full of history. A guided walking tour introduced us to its highlights, followed by a delightful visit and tasting at the Museum of Beekeeping and Zivanović Wine Cellar.    Read more

  • CarhmilBucharest to BudapestTraveler
    Show 3 different eras of changing designThe front of the castle has been enclosedSite of the old wellCatholic ChurchOne piece of wood used to make this pulpitOriginal church was added onWine cellarWine tasting roomCroatian treatFall colorsCastle above the DanubeVukovar building damaged in seige, owner plants flowers as offered to repair not enoughTown Square VukovarVukovar damaged hotelBuilding only repaired on the outside. Inside is deterioratingVukovar one buildings repaired, other still waiting for repairs.MuseumStoveMuseum entrance

    Ilok-Vukovar, Croatia

    October 13 in Croatia ⋅ ⛅ 13 °C

    We had a delightful tour guide in Ilok who shared a bit of the town’s history and what everyday life is like in the region. Above the Danube, the hills were lined with many gently sloping vineyards. We stopped by Ilok Castle, where the Franciscan Monastery next to the Catholic Church can actually be rented through Airbnb. The guide pointed out a long mound outside the castle, said to be a burial site for soldiers who fell in medieval battles.

    Next, we visited the Old Cellar of Ilok for a wine tasting, accompanied by a traditional Croatian sweet — much like a donut. The wine cellar itself dates back to the 3rd century, adding to the charm of the experience.

    Afterward, we returned to the boat and continued down the Danube to Vukovar, where we enjoyed a walking tour and visited the Vukovar City Museum.

    Would you like me to make it a bit more polished for a travel blog post (slightly more descriptive and narrative), or keep it in this clean journal style?    Read more

  • CarhmilBucharest to BudapestTraveler
    Saints Peter and Paul Cathedral
    6000 pipe organInsideSide view of the churchBurial siteBurial siteLocksMain SqusreMain Square1Gary & Sylvia restingFall colors in the squareViews of countrysideCruising towards Budapest

    Mohacs, Hungary

    October 14 in Hungary ⋅ ☁️ 16 °C

    Today Avalon stopped at the town of Mohács. Our excursion took us to the city of Pécs, known as Hungary’s Cultural Pearl for its many festivals and vibrant arts scene. It’s also a major university center.

    We visited Saints Peter and Paul Cathedral, where we were treated to a magnificent organ concert — the instrument has over 6,000 pipes and the sound was truly breathtaking.

    Next, we toured Cella Septichora, an archaeological site featuring the remains of early Christian burial chambers. From there, we continued to the city’s main square, highlighted by the Trinity Column and surrounded by beautiful Baroque buildings.

    The 45-minute drive each way offered lovely views of the Hungarian countryside — a perfect backdrop to a day filled with history and culture.

    The afternoon was spent sailing towards Budapest    Read more

  • CarhmilBucharest to BudapestTraveler
    Liberty Bridge
    Across from MarketMarketMarketLady on the HillSt Gerard Sagredo StaturMurals on our walkCarl Lutz statue, saved 62,000 Hungarian Jews during HolocaustNew York CafeNew York CafeParliament BuildingAnger PalaceFerris wheelWhat you don't see on the streetsInside the La Bocca Restaurant

    Budapest, Hungary

    October 15 in Hungary ⋅ ⛅ 12 °C

    We were off the boat today. Since we couldn’t check into our hotel until 1:00, we were able to stay on board for lunch — we just had to vacate our room by 9:00. With the Central Market only a ten-minute walk away, we took the opportunity to do a bit of shopping.

    Once settled into our hotel, we headed out for another walk and revisited the New York Café, which we had enjoyed on our first visit. Later, we explored Budapest using the city’s trams and buses — a wonderful perk, as they’re free for those 65 and over.    Read more

  • CarhmilBucharest to BudapestTraveler
    Frankfurt
    Budapest

    Budapest-Frankfurt-Calgary

    October 16 in Hungary ⋅ ☁️ 10 °C

    Travel day!
    Arrived back to YYC. Along day.

    Trip end
    October 16, 2025
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