River Cruise Itinerary

Follow the graceful waterways from the Danube Delta through the Balkans, Hungary, and Austria with stunning views along your Danube River cruise. Sail from the Danube Delta at the Black Sea to Hungary’s capital of Budapest to experience river views like no other. Begin your European vacation before your cruise in Transylvania. Drive into the Carpathian Mountains to visit Peles Castle, visit Dracula’s Bran Castle by night, spend two nights in Brasov and enjoy a guided tour by day. Enjoy sightseeing in Bucharest, including the Royal Palace Square and Romanian soldier remembrances. Travel to Oltenita to embark on your Danube River cruise. Sail through the striking landscapes of the Balkans—Rousse, Bulgaria, Veliko Târnovo, and Arbanassi, one of the oldest towns in Bulgaria. Guided sightseeing in Vidin is followed by a guided tour of Belogradchik, with its ancient rock formations on the Balkan Mountains. After cruising through the narrow Iron Gates Gorge, visit Lepenski Vir for a guided tour with ancient archaeological finds. In Serbia, take a guided tour of Belgrade, including one of the world’s largest Orthodox churches, and see the most preserved Croatian fortress in Osijek. You’ll also attend a stirring performance by young students of the Franjo Kuhač music school. Tour the historic town of Pécs before sightseeing in the Hungarian capital of Budapest—the “Pearl of the Danube.” Enjoy guided sightseeing of Vienna’s historic Habsburg Empire—including the Imperial Palace, Vienna Opera House, and stunning St. Stephen’s Cathedral. Take a guided tour of delightful Dürnstein and explore Melk’s Benedictine Abbey above the vineyard-rich Wachau Valley. Visit Austria’s lovely city of Linz, then pass through the beautiful Schlögen Oxbow river bend on your way to Passau—Germany’s “City of Three Rivers.” Your Danube River cruise concludes in Vilshofen, Germany.

1. Day 1
   BUCHAREST, ROMANIA

   Thu, Oct 12, 2023

   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, cafés, museums, beautiful homes, and churches along Victory Avenue.
2. Day 2
   BUCHAREST–SINAIA–BRASOV

   Fri, Oct 13, 2023

   Drive into the Carpathians to Sinaia to visit Peles Castle. On the way, enjoy a local lunch. This afternoon continue to Brasov for the night.(B,L)
3. Day 3
   BRASOV

   Sat, Oct 14, 2023

   Join a morning Guided Sightseeing Tour of Brasov followed by free time. In the evening enjoy a tour of Bran Castle of Dracula lore followed by dinner.(B,D)
4. Day 4
   BRASOV–BUCHAREST–OLTENITA (EMBARKATION)

   Sun, Oct 15, 2023

   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.DISCOVERY After dinner, attend an onboard Lecture to learn about the Danube Delta. EVENING/OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO CERNAVODA(B,D)
5. Day 5
   CERNAVODA. EXCURSION TO CONSTANTA

   Mon, Oct 16, 2023

   Romania’s Cultural LegaciesCLASSIC Join a Guided Tour to Constanta, the most important commercial center in Romania, situated on the Black Sea. Visit the Natural History and Archeological Museum to discover the history of early Romanian cultures. DISCOVERY Enjoy a visit to a local winery to learn about traditional Romanian wines with a tasting.AFTERNOON/OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO ROUSSE(B,L,D)
6. Day 6
   ROUSSE, BULGARIA. VELIKO TÂRNOVO & ARBANASSI EXCURSION

   Tue, Oct 17, 2023

   Fortresses and Fountains in “Little Vienna”ACTIVE Join a walk through the park in Rousse 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 Târnovo—with its ancient stone houses clinging to the cliffs above the Yantra River. Discover one of the oldest towns in Bulgaria, 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)
7. Day 7
   VIDIN

   Wed, Oct 18, 2023

   Rocks, ruins and Balkan BeautyAsk about today’s energizing or relaxing Adventure Host activities.ACTIVE Wander and discover this town, join your Adventure Host for a walk, OR: CLASSIC Take a Guided Sightseeing Tour in Vidin before joining a Guided Tour to 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)
8. Day 8
   DONJI MILANOVAC, SERBIA–IRON GATES GORGE. EXCURSION TO LEPENSKI VIR

   Thu, Oct 19, 2023

   Ancient Artifacts and the Iron GatesBefore lunch on board, you’ll sail through the spectacular and narrow Iron Gates Gorge—a natural border between Serbia and Romania.ACTIVE Stretch your legs, ease your mind and enjoy a walk lead by 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 Goluba?.GOLUBA?A Formidable FortressCLASSIC 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.AFTERNOON/OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO BELGRADE(B,L,D)
9. Day 9
   BELGRADE

   Fri, Oct 20, 2023

   Fortresses and Folklore Join your Adventure Host for today’s special activities. ACTIVE 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 sites, 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 Attend an onboard Lecture to learn about the rich history, destinations, and culture of the Balkan states.OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO NOVI SAD(B,L,D)
10. Day 10
    NOVI SAD

    Sat, Oct 21, 2023

    A Capital of CultureACTIVE 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.ACTIVE Enjoy a walking tour in Novi Sad along the narrow streets that climb slowly to the top of the hill above the city to Petrovaradin Fortress, OR:DISCOVERY Experience the sweet life in Serbia with a visit and tasting at the Museum of Beekeeping and Živanovi? Wine Cellar in Sremski Karlovci.This evening, enjoy live entertainment on board. OVERNIGHT DOCKING IN ILOK(B,L,D)
11. Day 11
    ILOK, CROATIA

    Sun, Oct 22, 2023

    Croatian Heritage and Hilltop VintagesDISCOVERY Take a walking tour of Ilok with a wine tasting in a local cellar with stories of Croatian tradition.VUKOVAR, CROATIAThe Heroic Town on the DanubeCLASSIC Enjoy a walking tour of Vukovar, the city the largest river port in Croatia.EVENING/OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO MOHÁCS(B,L,D)
12. Day 12
    MOHÁCS, HUNGARY. EXCURSION TO PÉCS

    Mon, Oct 23, 2023

    Underground Tombs and Heavenly MusicCLASSIC 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 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(B,L,D)
13. Day 13
    BUDAPEST

    Tue, Oct 24, 2023

    Hungary’s Captivating CapitalACTIVE 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 cafés and pubs, or take a hike through the hills above the Danube.OVERNIGHT DOCKING IN BUDAPEST(B,L,D)
14. Day 14
    BUDAPEST

    Wed, Oct 25, 2023

    The Pearl of the Danube in the Heart of EuropeVisit the Adventure Center for today’s activities with your Adventure Host.This afternoon choose among a wide offer of Optional Guided Excursions 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)
15. Day 15
    BRATISLAVA, SLOVAKIA

    Thu, Oct 26, 2023

    Cathedral Coronations and a Crowning CastleACTIVE Follow your Avalon Adventure Host on a short 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.This afternoon, 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 VIENNA(B,L,D)
16. Day 16
    VIENNA, AUSTRIA

    Fri, Oct 27, 2023

    Strauss, Schnitzel, Strudel, and SachertorteACTIVE 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—Winter residence of the Imperial Family, the iconic Vienna Opera House and stunning St. Stephen’s Cathedral.You may decide to take a Guided Optional Excursion to Schönbrunn Palace—summer home of the Habsburg Empire. Spend free time strolling in the Kärntnerstrasse—the most famous shopping avenue in central Vienna, or take a bike ride to a local café for 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 CRUISE TO DÜRNSTEIN(B,L,D)
17. Day 17
    DÜRNSTEIN–WACHAU VALLEY

    Sat, Oct 28, 2023

    A King’s Ransom and Castle RuinsACTIVE 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, stretch out on the Sky Deck as you sail through the Wachau Valley past vineyards, castles, and charming villages on your way to Ybbs.YBBS. EXCURSION TO MELK 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.EVENING/OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO LINZ(B,L,D)
18. Day 18
    LINZ

    Sun, Oct 29, 2023

    Legendary, Lovely LinzAsk about today’s energizing or relaxing Adventure Host activities.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. OVERNIGHT DOCKING IN LINZ(B,L,D)
19. Day 19
    SCHLÖGEN OXBOW–PASSAU, GERMANY

    Mon, Oct 30, 2023

    Where the Danube, Inn, and Ilz Rivers MeetThis morning, cruise through the Schlögen Oxbow, a particularly beautiful horseshoe-shaped bend of the river.ACTIVE Join your Avalon Adventure Host for Hiking from Oberhaus along a trail down to the valley and along Ilz River, OR:CLASSIC Take a Guided City Walk into Passau, the beautiful “City of Three Rivers".Before sailing to Vilshofen, 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. EVENING/OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO VILSHOFEN(B,L,D)
20. Day 20
    VILSHOFEN (DISEMBARKATION)

    Tue, Oct 31, 2023

    Your vacation ends with breakfast this morning.Flights should not leave Munich airport before 8 am.(B)

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.

Gateway city for departures is Munich.

Port charges:
$480

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 price. Triples not available.

Health and Safety Protocols for Avalon Waterways

Ship Information

Cabins

Life on Board

Questions & Answers