Duration: 26 Days
This enchanting European river cruise from Bucharest to Amsterdam is truly an adventure. Glide past quaint towns, beautiful views, and historic buildings along the Danube, Main, and Rhine Rivers—and onshore enjoy guided sightseeing and free time to explore. In Romania’s lively capital, Bucharest, you’ll see the Arc de Triomphe, and the historical Royal Palace Square. Travel to Cernavodă and set sail for the Danube River Delta, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Explore with guided sightseeing in Constanta and Bulgaria’s ancient capital of Veliko Târnovo. Visit the Ethnographical Museum and Church of the Nativity in Arbanassi and take pictures of Belogradchik’s eclectic group of rock formations and the spectacular views of the Iron Gates.
Your Danube River cruise takes you to the capitals of three countries: Belgrade, Serbia; Budapest, Hungary; and Vienna, Austria, where Local Guides will show you the highlights with time to explore on your own. In the heart of the Wachau wine region, take a guided walk in charming Dürnstein, and later visit Melk’s famous Benedictine Abbey. In Germany, enjoy guided sightseeing in Passau, Regensburg, Nuremberg, Bamberg, and Würzburg. Cruise the Main Danube Canal, and pass through the dramatic Rhine Gorge—the most beautiful view of the Rhine River where ancient castles stand on cliffs 400 feet above the water. This extraordinary European river cruise concludes in Holland’s popular, modern capital of Amsterdam. Get a unique perspective of the city on a canal cruise along the elegant Grachten lined with homes dating back to the city’s “Golden Age.” Experience the Danube River like never before, with the special experiences and discoveries revealed from the Black Sea to the North Sea.
Welcome to Bucharest-the "Paris of the East"
The day is yours to relax and enjoy Bucharest. Spend some free time exploring this fascinating city on your own to discover its trendy shops, cafes, museums, beautiful homes, and churches along Victory Avenue.
Beautiful Boulevards and Bold History
CLASSIC - Take a Guided Tour of the Romanian capital city of Bucharest with its tree-lined boulevards and Arc de Triomphe-honoring WWI Romanian soldiers. See the Royal Palace Square-the scene of the city's 1989 riots to overthrow the communist dictator Nicolae Ceausescu.
Travel to Fetesti to board your Avalon Suite Ship this afternoon.
FETESTI (EMBARKATION)
Your Balkan Adventure Begins
Explore your Avalon Suite Ship this evening and enjoy a dinner on board.
DISCOVERY - After dinner, attend an onboard Lecture to learn about the Danube Delta.
EVENING/OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO ST. GHEORGHE (B,D)
A River's Entrance into the Sea
Visit the Adventure centre for today's activities with your Adventure Host.
CLASSIC - Join a small-boat Guided Tour of the best preserved of Europe's deltas-2,200 square miles of rivers, canals, marshes, tree- fringed lakes and reed islands.
DISCOVERY - Enjoy a Special Celebration to mark "Kilometer 0"-the end of the Danube River's 2,845 km journey-from the source in the Black Forest of Bavaria to its delta at the Black Sea.
EVENING/OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO HARSOVA (B,L,D)
Romania's Cultural Legacies
CLASSIC - Join a Guided Tour to Constanta, the most important commercial centre in Romania, situated on the Black Sea. Visit the Natural History and Archeological Museum to discover the history of early Romanian cultures.
AFTERNOON/OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO ROUSSE (B,L,D)
Fortresses and Fountains in "Little Vienna"
ACTIVE - Join a walk through the park with your Avalon Adventure Host, OR:
CLASSIC - Join a Guided Sightseeing Tour of Bulgaria's largest inland port and visit its impressive Holy Trinity Church. Sail to Svistov, OR:
CLASSIC - Join a full-day Guided Tour to the former Bulgarian capital of Veliko Tarnovo-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. Later, join your ship in Svistov.
EVENING/OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO VIDIN (B,L,D)
Rocks, ruins and Balkan Beauty
Ask about today's energising or relaxing Adventure Host activities.
ACTIVE - Enjoy an easy hiking experience in Vidin with your Adventure Host, OR:
CLASSIC - Join Guided Sightseeing in Vidin, followed by a Guided Tour of Belogradchik. See the remarkable rock formations on the slopes of the Balkan Mountains, sculpted by 200 million years of nature's elements.
This evening, enjoy live entertainment on board with a BuLgarian folklore show.
EVENING/OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO DONJI MILANOVAC (B,L,D)
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.
ACTIVE - Explore Donji Milanovac by bike with your Adventure Host, OR:
CLASSIC - 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.
Enjoy a brief sailing to Golubac.
GOLUBAC: A Formidable Fortress
CLASSIC - Visit the Fortress of Golubac, one of the best preserved medieval fortresses in Europe. You'll hear about its tumultuous history as a border control defense in the Middle Ages, and a source of conflict between Serbia, the Habsburg Monarchy and the Ottoman Empire.
OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO BELGRADE (B,L,D)
Fortresses and Folklore
Join your Adventure Host for today's special activities.
ACTIVE - See Belgrade's central walkway with your Adventure Host, OR:
CLASSIC - 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 join an Optional Guided Biking Tour or spend remaining free time in Belgrade exploring Knez Mihailova Street- Belgrade's central pedestrian thoroughfare with many lively cafes, shops, and cultural spots.
DISCOVERY - Attend an onboard Lecture to learn about the rich history, destinations, and culture of the Balkan states.
EVENING/OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO NOVI SAD (B,L,D)
A Capital of Culture
ACTIVE - Enjoy a relaxing walk in Novi Sad with your Adventure Host, OR:
CLASSIC - Join 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.
Enjoy a brief cruise to Ilok while having lunch onboard.
ILOK, CROATIA: Croatian Heritage and Hilltop Vintages
CLASSIC - Join a Guided Tour of Ilok, with its 1,000-year-old winemaking tradition still thriving and its medieval fortress protected for its Croatian cultural heritage.
EVENING/OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO MOHACS (B,L,D)
Underground Tombs and Heavenly Music
CLASSIC - Join a morning Guided Sightseeing Tour of Mohacs-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 - Take a Guided Tour to nearby Pecs to see its 4th-century Christian underground tombs, murals, and Turkish architecture. You'll also enjoy an organ concert on your tour.
AFTERNOON/OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO BUDAPEST (B,L,D)
Welcome to Budapest-Hungary's Captivating Capital
ACTIVE - Hike up to a magnificent viewpoint in Budapest with your Adventure Host, OR:
CLASSIC - Enjoy a Guided City Sightseeing, including the iconic Heroes' Square.
Take in the beauty of Budapest while enjoying a free afternoon exploring such famous sights as the Chain Bridge. Get to know the city's cafes and pubs, or take a hike above the Danube.
OVERNIGHT DOCKING IN BUDAPEST (B,L,D)
War Heroes and Hot Water
Visit the Adventure centre for today's activities with your Adventure Host.
This afternoon choose among the Optional Guided Excursions available or take a free day to explore, with time to take photographs on the Royal Palace grounds in this treasure trove of historical architecture. Try Budapest's famous thermal bath spas, then dine in a garden or rooftop eatery.
EVENING/OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO BRATISLAVA (B,L,D)
Cathedral Coronations and a Crowning Castle
ACTIVE - Follow your Avalon Adventure Host on a hike to lofty Bratislava Castle., OR: CLASSIC - Join a Guided Walking Tour of Old Town's cobblestone streets to Town Hall. Visit the Gothic halls of St. Martin's Cathedral- Hungary's centuries-old coronation church.
Alternatively, in your free time take a bicycle and a picnic from the ship to explore the local sights along the Danube.
Later, enjoy live entertainment onboard.
OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO VIENNA (B,L,D)
Royal Collections and Amusing Attractions
ACTIVE - Explore Vienna's Danube Island by bike with your Adventure Host, OR:
CLASSIC - Explore the Habsburg Empire with a morning Guided City Tour of Vienna's gilded landmarks. See the Imperial Palace complex- the winter residence of the Imperial Family, the iconic Vienna Opera House and stunning St. Stephen's Cathedral.
Join a Guided Optional Excursion to Schonbrunn Palace- summer home of the the Habsburg empire.
You may also take a tram to Vienna's Prater amusement park or to one of the many museums nearby. Later, consider joining an Optional Excursion to attend Royal Waltz Concert in an elegant hall.
OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO DURNSTEIN (B,L,D)
A King's Ransom and Castle Ruins
ACTIVE - Take a Guided Hike up to the castle ruins to take in the spectacular view of the village, Danube, and the Wachau Valley below., OR:
CLASSIC - Join a Guided Walk, and hear the legendary tale of King Richard the Lionheart-who was imprisoned in the castle above the village during the Crusades.
Later, stretch out on the Sky Deck as you sail through the Wachau Valley past vineyards, castles, and charming villages on your way to Melk.
MELK: Frescoes Above and Vineyards Below
ACTIVE - Join your Avalon Adventure Host for a Hike through Melk's beautiful countryside, OR:
CLASSIC - Take a Guided Tour of the frescoed ceilings, statues, incredible library, and ornate pipe organ of Melk's Benedictine Abbey.
DISCOVERY - Later, enjoy a Wine Tasting on board as you prepare to sail to Passau.
EVENING/OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO PASSAU (B,L,D)
Where the Danube, Inn, and Ilz Rivers Meet
CLASSIC - Join an afternoon Guided City Walk to learn more about this beautiful "City of Three Rivers."
Alternatively, you may join a full day Guided Optional Excursion to Salzburg, the city of Mozart, or a full day Guided Optional Excursion to the picturesque Bohemian town of Cesky Krumlov.
EVENING/OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO REGENSBURG (B,L,D)
Bavaria's Medieval Miracle
ACTIVE - Explore Walhalla by bike with your Adventure Host, OR:
CLASSIC - Join a Guided City Walk and see Altes Rathaus (Old Town Hall) and Porta Pretoria-built in 179 AD as the entrance to Castra Regina fortress.
You may choose to join a Guided Optional Excursion to visit the Benedictine Monastery in Weltenburg.
Spend a free afternoon exploring Regensburg on foot or by bike through its charming streets.
This evening, enjoy live entertainment after dinner as you cruise toward Roth.
EVENING/OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO ROTH (B,L,D)
Legends and History Lessons
DISCOVERY - Enjoy an Onboard Lecture about the Main-Danube Canal-linking these two rivers to make a vital connection enabling navigation between the North and Black Seas.
CLASSIC - Enjoy a Guided Sightseeing Tour of the Bavarian town of Roth-with its half-timbered houses, market square, and 1535 hunting lodge, Schloss Ratibor, OR;
CLASSIC - Choose a Guided Tour of Nuremberg's medieval architecture, gilded fountain, gothic cathedral, and Kaiserburg Castle, OR;
CLASSIC - Join a Guided Tour of the historic Nuremberg Rally Grounds-used by the Third Reich.
Tonight, relax onboard with live entertainment as you sail to Bamberg.
EVENING/OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO BAMBERG (B,L,D)
The City of Seven Hills.
ACTIVE - Your bike is ready! Hop on and bike along the canals in Bamberg with your Adventure Host, OR:
CLASSIC - Take a Guided Walking Tour of the former home to imperial dynasties, and see its Romanesque cathedral, Old Town Hall, and seven hills crowned with churches.
DISCOVERY - Attend an onboard lecture to learn about European history and culture.
AFTERNOON/OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO VOLKACH (B,L,D)
Storybook Settings
ACTIVE - Bike along the Main Danube Canal with your Adventure Host, OR:
CLASSIC - Join a Walking Tour of the quaint town of Volkach with its half-timbered houses and cobblestoned streets.
You may choose to join a Guided Optional Excursion to the beautiful Bavarian town of Rothenburg. See the local sights and enjoy the fairytale atmosphere that has inspired artists.
Alternatively, enjoy a relaxing afternoon while cruising to Kitzingen.
OVERNIGHT DOCKING IN KITZINGEN (B,L,D)
A Perfect Day in the Pearl of the Romantic Road
ACTIVE - Enjoy an easy bike ride along the river with your Adventure Host, OR:
CLASSIC - Take a Guided Sightseeing Tour of Wurzburg with its Old Main Bridge, towering fortress, and baroque Bishop's Residenz-with the largest known ceiling fresco.
This afternoon enjoy a leisurely sailing afternoon.
AFTERNOON/OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO MAIN RIVER VILLAGE (B,L,D)
Beauty on the Main River
Join your Adventure Host for today's special activities.
CLASSIC - Join a Guided Walking Tour of a picturesque Bavarian village.
Later, enjoy onboard entertainment as you cruise to Rudesheim.
AFTERNOON/OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO RUDESHEIM (B,L,D)
Eat, Drink, and Be Merry in Wine Country
ACTIVE - Enjoy a hike with your Avalon Adventure Host through the picturesque vineyards of Rudesheim, OR
DISCOVERY - Tour the incredible Mechanical Music Museum for a one-of-a-kind instrumental experience; based on your departure enjoy a local special treat.
This afternoon cruise through the dramatic Rhine Gorge and see the famous rock of the Lorelei-where mythological siren lured ill-fated sailors to shore.
DISCOVERY - Enjoy a remarkable classical music concert in a lovely baroque venue at Engers Castle, home to the Villa Musica Rhineland-Palatinate National Foundation, one of Germany's largest music institutions.
AFTERNOON CRUISE TO ENGERS (B,L,D)
Prost! Celebrate in the Rhineland
Ask about today's energising or relaxing Adventure Host activities.
ACTIVE - Enjoy a bike ride like the locals in Cologne with your Adventure Host, OR:
DISCOVERY - Join a Guided Walking Tour of Cologne's important Jewish heritage sites, OR;
CLASSIC - Take a Guided City Walk of Cologne-explore the Old City and see its soaring twin-steepled Gothic cathedral.
Spend free time over a glass of Kolsch pale lager-locally brewed for over 100 years!
AFTERNOON/OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO AMSTERDAM (B,L,D)
Colourful Canals of Amsterdam
ACTIVE - Start your day joining your Adventure Host on an early morning walk in Amsterdam, OR:
CLASSIC - Explore the iconic waterways of Amsterdam with a Guided Canal Cruise past stately homes of Amsterdam's "Golden Age."
In the afternoon you may join an Optional Culinary Walk through Amsterdam to sample savory and sweet Dutch specialties. Or choose an Optional Biking Tour to discover the countryside. You might also consider a Guided Optional Excursion to Zaanse Schans to see historic windmills and charming Dutch houses.
Spend free time on your own to explore the colourful cafes, galleries, bridges, and canals of Amsterdam.
OVERNIGHT DOCKING IN AMSTERDAM (B,L,D)
Your cruise ends with breakfast this morning. (B)
