River Cruise Itinerary

Embark on a 20-day journey from Czech Republic to Romania, beginning with two nights in dazzling Prague. Explore the “Golden City” of Prague before your cruise. After your cruise, enjoy two nights in the mysteriously beautiful Transylvania. Your stays in Prague and Transylvania include superior accommodations, sightseeing with expert Local Guides, and complimentary transfer to and from your Avalon Suite Ship®.Begin your Danube River cruise in Vilshofen, Germany and sail to Passau—the “City of Three Rivers.” In Austria, visit its lovely towns along the Danube, including Linz, Melk, Dürnstein, and Vienna. See the gilded sights and indulge in Austrian specialties and sweets. Explore picturesque vineyards and ancient castles of the “Blue Danube” with a Viennese Waltz lilting in the air. Explore the incredible Habsburg Empire and see the royal family’s Imperial Palace, the historic Opera House and St. Stephen’s Cathedral in Vienna. Visit Budapest—the “Pearl of the Danube,” and experience the beauty and history of the Balkan States of Croatia, Serbia, Bulgaria, and Romania—from ancient archaeological sites to amazing architecture and art. Your cruise concludes with a visit to the Romanian capital of Bucharest. Called the “Paris of the East,” its lovely tree-lined boulevards include the Arc de Triomphe and the Royal Palace Square. Disembark your Suite Ship® and spend two nights in Transylvania. This amazing odyssey from Germany to Romania is the trip of a lifetime—especially with a guided vacation in Prague and escorted tour of Transylvania!

1. Day 1
   PRAGUE, CZECH REPUBLIC

   Sat, Aug 03, 2024

   Welcome to the Golden City of Prague—Explore the City of 100 SpiresEnjoy free time to explore the Golden City and its surrounding countryside at your leisure.PRAGUE-TOWN-HALL.jpg
2. Day 2
   PRAGUE

   Sun, Aug 04, 2024

   Gothic Cathedrals, Grand Castles, and Great CuisineCLASSIC Take a Guided City Walk to visit Hrad?any Castle Grounds; see St. Vitus Cathedral and Old Town’s Astronomical Clock. Consider sampling delicious plum dumplings and traditional Pilsner lager beside the Vltava River. Mingle with the locals and be mesmerized by street performers in Wenceslas Square, or browse the market stalls at Charles Bridge.(B)PRAGUE-CHARLES-BRIDGE.jpg
3. Day 3
   REGENSBURG, GERMANY–VILSHOFEN (EMBARKATION)

   Mon, Aug 05, 2024

   Bavaria’s Medieval MiracleAfter breakfast this morning, you’ll drive to Regensburg.CLASSIC Join a Guided City Walk in Regensburg and see Altes Rathaus (Old Town Hall) and Porta Pretoria—built in 179 AD as the entrance to Castra Regina fortress. Take free time to enjoy a hearty lunch and a local beer, then step back in time through historic lanes and squares of today’s modern and vibrant Regensburg. Continue on to Vilshofen to board your Avalon Suite Ship® for a welcome reception.EVENING CRUISE TO PASSAU(B,D)REGENSBURG.jpg
4. Day 4
   PASSAU–SCHLÖGEN OXBOW

   Tue, Aug 06, 2024

   Where the Danube, Inn, and Ilz Rivers meet ACTIVE Follow your Avalon Adventure Host for Hiking from Oberhaus along a trail down to the valley and along Ilz River, OR:CLASSIC Join a Guided City Walk to learn more about this beautiful “City of Three Rivers".Before sailing to Linz, take a little free time to explore Passau’s cobblestone streets and galleries of Artists’ Alley. Maybe stop at St. Stephen’s Cathedral to catch a concert rehearsal. This afternoon, cruise to Linz through the Danube’s dramatic horseshoe bend called Schlögen Oxbow. Later, enjoy live entertainment onboard. OVERNIGHT DOCKING IN LINZ (B,L,D)PASSAU.jpg
5. Day 5
   LINZ, AUSTRIA

   Wed, Aug 07, 2024

   Legendary and Lovely LinzVisit the Adventure Center for today’s activities with your Adventure Host.CLASSIC Take a Guided Walk through the city’s historic and beautiful sites along the shore of the Danube and see Hauptplatz—Austria’s largest medieval square—and the towering white-marble Trinity Column. Consider a full-day Guided Optional Excursion to Salzburg—the city of Mozart, or to the picturesque Bohemian town of Cesky Krumlov. You may otherwise spend the afternoon on a biking picnic along the banks of the Danube or hike through Linz’s beautiful nature trails to Pöstlingberg for a bird’s-eye view of the city and river below. EVENING/OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO YBBS (B,L,D)LINZ.jpg
6. Day 6
   YBBS. EXCURSION TO MELK–WACHAU VALLEY

   Thu, Aug 08, 2024

   Frescoes Above and Vineyards BelowCLASSIC Visit the Lower Austrian little town of Ybbs. Walk through the doors of Austrian history with a guided sightseeing tour of Artstetten Castle, OR:CLASSIC Take a Guided Tour of Melk’s magnificent Benedictine Abbey to marvel at its frescoed ceilings, statues, incredible library, and ornate pipe organ.Later, stretch out on the Sky Deck as you sail through the Wachau Valley past vineyards, castles, and charming villages on your way to Dürnstein.DÜRNSTEIN A King’s Ransom and Castle Ruins ACTIVE Join 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 during the Crusades.Later, enjoy live entertainment on board your ship. OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO VIENNA (B,L,D)YBBS.jpg
7. Day 7
   VIENNA

   Fri, Aug 09, 2024

   Viennese Waltzes on the Blue DanubeACTIVE 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 grand historic Vienna Opera House and stunning St. Stephen’s Cathedral.You may decide to take a Guided Optional Excursion to Schönbrunn Palace—the former imperial summer home of the Habsburg monarchy. Spend free time strolling in the pedestrian Kärntnerstrasse—the most famous shopping avenue in central Vienna. Take a bike ride through the city and stop in a local café to enjoy Sachertorte or Apfelstrudel.This evening, enjoy an unforgettable musical performance with an Optional Excursion to attend a Royal Waltz Concert in an elegant hall.OVERNIGHT DOCKING IN VIENNA(B,L,D)VIENNA-HOFBURG-PALACE.jpg
8. Day 8
   BRATISLAVA, SLOVAKIA

   Sat, Aug 10, 2024

   Cathedral Coronations and a Crowning CastleACTIVE Follow your Avalon Adventure Host on a hike to lofty Bratislava Castle, OR:CLASSIC Take a Guided City Walk, including the quaint streets of Old Town, Town Hall, and the sight of royal coronations at St. Martin’s Cathedral.Enjoy free time to discover on your own Bratislava, the beautiful capital of Slovakia, rich in history and culture, but also a green city with its forests and parks just a hop away from the city center. OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO BUDAPEST(B,L,D)BRATISLAVA.jpg
9. Day 9
   BUDAPEST, HUNGARY

   Sun, Aug 11, 2024

   War Heroes and Hot WaterACTIVE Hike up to a magnificent viewpoint in Budapest with your Adventure Host, OR:CLASSIC Enjoy a Guided City Sightseeing, including the iconic Heroes’ Square.Or spend free time soaking in one of Budapest’s famous thermal baths. Consider a scenic hike above the Danube, or enjoy Budapest’s cafés, pubs and nightlife. OVERNIGHT DOCKING IN BUDAPEST(B,L,D)BUDAPEST-HEROS-SQUARE.jpg
10. Day 10
    BUDAPEST

    Mon, Aug 12, 2024

    The Pearl of the Danube in the Heart of Europe Take free time to enjoy Budapest’s famed thermal baths. You can also take a scenic hike in the hills above the Danube. Take time to explore the city’s cafés and restaurants. OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO MOHÁCS(B,L,D)BUDAPEST-COFFEE-PASTRY.jpg
11. Day 11
    MOHÁCS

    Tue, Aug 13, 2024

    Hungarian History in a Harbor TownVisit the Adventure Center for today’s activities with your Adventure Host.ACTIVE Explore Mohacs by foot as you follow the lead of your Adventure Host, OR:CLASSIC 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 Take a Guided Tour of 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. EVENING/OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO ILOK(B,L,D)PECS.jpg
12. Day 12
    ILOK, CROATIA

    Wed, Aug 14, 2024

    History and Culture in CroatiaEnjoy a brief cruise to Novi Sad while having lunch onboard.NOVI SAD, SERBIA Heritage and Hilltop VintagesACTIVE Get your daily dose of exercise, join your Adventure Host on this walk in and around town, 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.OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO BELGRADE(B,L,D)NOVI-SAD.jpg
13. Day 13
    BELGRADE

    Thu, Aug 15, 2024

    Fortresses and FolkloreACTIVE Discover 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. DISCOVERY Attend an onboard Lecture to learn about the rich history, destinations, and culture of the Balkan states. Spend your free time exploring the city on your own this afternoon on Knez Mihailova Street—Belgrade’s central pedestrian thoroughfare with many lively cafés, shops, and cultural spots. Alternatively, enjoy one of the Optional Excursions on offer.This evening, you might like to join an Optional authentic Bohemian Dinner in the Quarter of Skadarlija.OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO GOLUBA?(B,L,D)BELGRADE-SAINT-SAVA.jpg
14. Day 14
    GOLUBA?–DONJI MILANOVAC. EXCURSION TO LEPENSKI VIR–IRON GATES GORGE

    Fri, Aug 16, 2024

    Ancient Artifacts and the Iron Gates CLASSIC Visit the Fortress of Goluba?, 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. Enjoy a brief sailing to Donji Milanovac.ACTIVE Stretch your legs, ease your mind and enjoy a walk led by your Adventure Host, OR:CLASSIC Join a Guided Tour to the Mesolithic archaeological site of Lepenski Vir—with unique views of the Danube Gorge.Sail through the spectacular and narrow Iron Gates Gorge—a natural border between Serbia and Romania. AFTERNOON/OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO VIDIN(B,L,D)IRON-GATES-GORGE.jpg
15. Day 15
    VIDIN, BULGARIA

    Sat, Aug 17, 2024

    Rocks, ruins and Balkan Beauty Join your Adventure Host for today’s special activities.ACTIVE Wander and discover this town, join your Adventure Host for a walk, OR:CLASSIC Join Guided Sightseeing in Vidin, followed by a Guided Tour of Belogradchik. Marvel at the remarkable rock formations on the western slopes of the Balkan Mountains, sculpted by 200 million years of natural elements.AFTERNOON/OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO ROUSSE(B,L,D)VIDIN-BELOGRADSHICK.jpg
16. Day 16
    ROUSSE. VELIKO TÂRNOVO & ARBANASSI EXCURSION

    Sun, Aug 18, 2024

    Fortresses and Folklore ACTIVE Join a walk in the park in Rousse with your Avalon Adventure Host, OR:CLASSIC 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 the Bulgarian Revival architecture in the 15th-century town of Arbanassi, OR:CLASSIC Join a Guided Sightseeing Tour of Bulgaria’s largest inland port.Later, enjoy live entertainment on board with a Bulgarian folklore show. OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO OLTENITA(B,L,D)VELIKO-TARNOVO.jpg
17. Day 17
    OLTENITA, ROMANIA (DISEMBARKATION)–BUCHAREST

    Mon, Aug 19, 2024

    Disembark your Ship and transfer to BucharestCLASSIC 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. After the visit drive to Brasov for the night. (B,D)BUCHAREST-ARC-DE-TRIOMPHE.jpg
18. Day 18
    BRASOV

    Tue, Aug 20, 2024

    CLASSIC Enjoy a Guided Tour of Brasov and admire its gothic, baroque and renaissance architecture. In the evening, depart for Bran Castle of Dracula lore. CLASSIC Take a Guided Tour of Bran Castle—the 1377 legendary home of the famed Romanian vampire, followed by a dinner in this amazing location. (B,D)BRASOV-BRAN-CASTLE.jpg
19. Day 19
    BRASOV–SINAIA–BUCHAREST

    Wed, Aug 21, 2024

    The “Paris of the East” CLASSIC Enjoy a Guided Tour of Visit Peles Castle, the summer residence of the royal family until 1947.Drive out the Carpathians to Bucharest; On the way, enjoy a local lunch.Spend some free time exploring this fascinating city on your own to discover its trendy shops, cafés, museums, beautiful homes, and churches along Victory Avenue. (B,L)SINAIA.jpg
20. Day 20
    BUCHAREST

    Thu, Aug 22, 2024

    Your vacation ends with breakfast this morning.(B)BUCHAREST-SUNRISE.jpg

Inclusions

• In the event of technical or water level issues, it may be necessary to operate the itinerary by motorcoach or alter the program, including hotel overnight when necessary.
• Guided Tours, Optional Excursions, activities, sailing and docking schedules may be contingent on weather conditions or other issues outside of our control and could therefore be subject to change at any time.
• Please check visa requirements with your local consulate(s); responsibility for obtaining visas rests with the traveler.

Port charges:
$420

Gratuities to Local Guides & Excursion Drivers are included.

Avalon offers the opportunity for solo travelers to sail with no single supplement (subject to availability).

Please call for single accommodation details and prices. Triples not available.

Health and Safety Protocols for Avalon Waterways

Ship Information

Cabins

Life on Board

Questions & Answers