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Overview

Embark on a 22-day journey from Germany to Romania, beginning with two nights in Berlin and two nights in dazzling Prague. After your cruise, experience the mysterious beauty of Transylvania for a 2-night stay. Your escorted tour of these three incredible destinations include superior accommodations, sightseeing, and complimentary transfer to and from your Avalon Suite Ship®.

Begin your Danube River cruise in Deggendorf, 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 from your Suite Ship® and enter the beautiful Romanian region of Transylvania. This amazing odyssey through history and legendary beauty on a European river cruise, including a guided vacation in Berlin, Prague, and Transylvania is the trip of a lifetime!

Book your cruise with or without flights

Cruise prices are shown without flights included in case you wish to book them separately, or aren't ready to return home when you disembark! Or we can book your flights for you from most UK airports, with overseas transfers and ATOL protection included. The choice is yours!

Book your cruise with or without flights

Itinerary

Avalon has designed included activities with a choice of experiences. We invite you to select the tours, activities, and events that interest you most, so you can experience your cruise your way. There are three types of included shore excursion on every Europe cruise:

Your local expert is ready to guide you through the history and heritage of local destinations. You’ll marvel at the legends, lore, and spectacular architecture of iconic and historic sites.

Embark on energetic excursions to keep you in motion and on the go - from a guided jogging tour of Amsterdam, to biking, paddling, and hiking your way through scenic locales.

We’ve found inspiring and interactive activities to speak to your interests - from cooking classes, to painting workshops - to immerse yourself in each culture you explore.

Classic

<p>Embark on energetic excursions to keep you in motion and on the go - from a guided jogging tour of Amsterdam, to biking, paddling, and hiking your way through scenic locales.</p>

Active

Embark on energetic excursions to keep you in motion and on the go - from a guided jogging tour of Amsterdam, to biking, paddling, and hiking your way through scenic locales.

Discovery

We’ve found inspiring and interactive activities to speak to your interests - from cooking classes, to painting workshops - to immerse yourself in each culture you explore.

Day 1 BERLIN, GERMANY

Willkommen in Berlin!
Enjoy free time to rest or explore Germany’s capital city.

Day 2 BERLIN

Meals included:
Breakfast

Willkommen in Berlin!
Today’s sightseeing with a local expert includes the city’s notable sights. Visit the Kaiser Wilhelm Memorial Church, see the restored Reichstag building and the elegant avenue of Kurfurstendamm. You’ll also see the powerful Holocaust Memorial, as well as the historic Brandenburg Gate. The afternoon is free.

Day 3 BERLIN–DRESDEN–PRAGUE, CZECH REPUBLIC

Meals included:
Breakfast

Take a morning trip to Dresden to see its post-WWII restored baroque architecture; visit the courtyard of Zwinger Palace, and see the magnificent 1841 Semperoper, Dresden’s opera house standing restored after being destroyed by both fire and war. You’ll also marvel at the glorious Dresden Frauenkirche before enjoying free time for lunch in the city before setting out for a late afternoon arrival in Prague.

Day 4 PRAGUE

Meals included:
Breakfast

Gothic Cathedrals, Grand Castles, and Great Cuisine

Take a Guided City Walk to visit Hradčany 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.

Day 5 REGENSBURG, GERMANY—DEGGENDORF (EMBARKATION)

Meals included:
Breakfast
Dinner

Bavaria’s Medieval Miracle

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 Deggendorf to board your Avalon Suite Ship® for a welcome reception.

EVENING CRUISE TO PASSAU

Day 6 PASSAU–SCHLÖGEN OXBOW

Meals included:
Breakfast
Lunch
Dinner

Where the Danube, Inn, and Ilz Rivers Meet

Join a Guided City Walk to learn more about this beautiful “City of Three Rivers," OR:

Follow your Avalon Adventure Host for Hiking from Oberhaus along a trail down to the valley and along Ilz River.

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 on board.

OVERNIGHT DOCKING IN LINZ

Day 7 LINZ, AUSTRIA

Meals included:
Breakfast
Lunch
Dinner

Legendary and Lovely Linz
Visit the Adventure Center for today’s activities with your Adventure Host.

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

Day 8 YBBS. EXCURSION TO MELK–WACHAU VALLEY

Meals included:
Breakfast
Lunch
Dinner

Frescoes Above and Vineyards Below

Visit the Lower Austrian little town of Ybbs. Admire the fine architecture of the Babenberger and its romantic old town, OR:

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

Join a Guided Walk, and hear the legendary tale of King Richard the Lionheart—who was imprisoned in the castle during the Crusades, OR:

Join a Guided Hike up to the castle ruins to take in the spectacular view of the village, Danube, and the Wachau Valley below.

Later, enjoy live entertainment on board your ship.

OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO VIENNA

Day 9 VIENNA

Meals included:
Breakfast
Lunch
Dinner

Viennese Waltzes on the Blue Danube

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

Day 10 HAINBURG, AUSTRIA

Meals included:
Breakfast
Lunch
Dinner

Enjoy some free time in the village of Hainburg or take a Guided Optional Excursion to discover the natural beauties of this area.
During lunchtime enjoy a short cruise to Bratislava

BRATISLAVA, SLOVAKIA

Cathedral Coronations and a Crowning Castle

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.

OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO BUDAPEST

Day 11 BUDAPEST, HUNGARY

Meals included:
Breakfast
Lunch
Dinner

War Heroes and Hot Water

Enjoy a Guided City Sightseeing, including the iconic Heroes’ Square.

This afternoon, select from a variety of Guided Optional 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

Day 12 BUDAPEST

Meals included:
Breakfast

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

Day 13 MOHÁCS

Meals included:
Breakfast
Lunch
Dinner

Hungarian History in a Harbor Town
Visit the Adventure Center for today’s activities with your Adventure Host.

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:

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

Day 14 ILOK, CROATIA

Meals included:
Breakfast
Lunch
Dinner

History and Culture in Croatia

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.

Enjoy a brief cruise to Novi Sad while having lunch onboard.

NOVI SAD, SERBIA

Heritage and Hilltop Vintages

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

Day 15 BELGRADE

Meals included:
Breakfast
Lunch
Dinner

Fortresses and Folklore

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.

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.
This evening, you might like to join an Optional authentic Bohemian Dinner in the Quarter of Skadarlija.

OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO GOLUBAČ

Day 16 GOLUBAČ–DONJI MILANOVAC. EXCURSION TO LEPENSKI VIR–IRON GATES GORGE

Meals included:
Breakfast
Lunch
Dinner

Ancient Artifacts and the Iron Gates

Visit the Fortress of Golubač, 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.

Join a Guided Tour to the Mesolithic archaeological site of Lepenski Vir—with unique vies 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

Day 17 VIDIN, BULGARIA

Meals included:
Breakfast
Lunch
Dinner

Rocks, ruins and Balkan Beauty
Join your Adventure Host for today’s special activities.

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

Day 18 ROUSSE. VELIKO TÂRNOVO & ARBANASSI EXCURSION

Meals included:
Breakfast
Lunch
Dinner

Fortresses and Folklore

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:Join a Guided Sightseeing Tour of Bulgaria’s largest inland port and visit its impressive Holy Trinity Church, OR:

Join a walk through the park with your Avalon Adventure Host.

Later, enjoy live entertainment on board with a Bulgarian folklore show.

OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO OLTENITA

Day 19 OLTENITA, ROMANIA (DISEMBARKATION)–BUCHAREST

Meals included:
Breakfast

Disembark your Ship and transfer to Bucharest

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.

Day 20 BRASOV

Meals included:
Breakfast
Dinner

Enjoy a Guided Tour of Brasov and admire its gothic, baroque and renaissance architecture.

In the evening, depart for Bran Castle of Dracula lore.

Take a Guided Tour of Bran Castle—the 1377 legendary home of the famed Romanian vampire, followed by a dinner in this amazing location.

Day 21 BRASOV–SINAIA–BUCHAREST

Meals included:
Breakfast

The “Paris of the East”

Enjoy a Guided Tour of Visit Peles Castle, the summer residence of the royal family until 1947.

Drive out the Carpathians to Bucharest and 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.

Day 22 BUCHAREST

Meals included:
Breakfast

Your vacation ends with breakfast this morning.

Questions? Our travel specialists can help with any queries, quotes or special requirements. Request a callback or email us.

Notes

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.