The Danube From Romania To Germany
16 Days
Tour Description
Sail from Romania to Hungary’s capital of Budapest through the Balkans, Hungary, and Austria on your European river cruise. Begin your adventure in 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 fortress and tremendous 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.” You’ll take a guided walk through Bratislava, Slovakia before cruising to Vienna—the “City of Music.”
Enjoy guided sightseeing in Vienna’s historic Habsburg Empire—including the Imperial Palace, Vienna Opera House, and stunning St. Stephen’s Cathedral. Visit delightful Dürnstein and Melk—charming towns in the vineyard-rich Wachau Valley. Take a guided tour and hear the legendary tale of King Richard the Lionheart in Dürnstein, and tour the magnificent Benedictine Abbey high above Melk. Visit Austria’s lovely city of Linz with a tour of the city’s historic sites, then pass through the horseshoe bend of the Danube—the beautiful Schlögen Oxbow—on your way to Passau. Enjoy a guided walking tour of Germany’s “City of Three Rivers before cruising to Vilshofen, Germany, for the conclusion of your Danube River cruise.
Guided sightseeing in Vidin is followed by a guided tour of Belogradchik, with its ancient fortress and tremendous 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.” You’ll take a guided walk through Bratislava, Slovakia before cruising to Vienna—the “City of Music.”
Enjoy guided sightseeing in Vienna’s historic Habsburg Empire—including the Imperial Palace, Vienna Opera House, and stunning St. Stephen’s Cathedral. Visit delightful Dürnstein and Melk—charming towns in the vineyard-rich Wachau Valley. Take a guided tour and hear the legendary tale of King Richard the Lionheart in Dürnstein, and tour the magnificent Benedictine Abbey high above Melk. Visit Austria’s lovely city of Linz with a tour of the city’s historic sites, then pass through the horseshoe bend of the Danube—the beautiful Schlögen Oxbow—on your way to Passau. Enjoy a guided walking tour of Germany’s “City of Three Rivers before cruising to Vilshofen, Germany, for the conclusion of your Danube River cruise.
Priced From:
$ 14743pp *
Start Location: Oltenita, Romania
End Location: Vilshofen, Slovakia
Major Destinations: Belgrade ,Budapest,Budapest,Vienna
Breakfast Meals Included:
15
Lunch Meals Included:
14
Dinner Meals Included:
15
Itinerary
Day
1
OLTENITA, ROMANIA (EMBARKATION)
Your Balkan Adventure Begins
Flights into Bucharest must arrive by 2 pm.
Guests must be on board ship by 5 pm.
Explore your Avalon Suite Ship this evening and enjoy a dinner onboard.
EVENING/OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO ROUSSE (D)
Day
2
ROUSSE, BULGARIA. VELIKO TARNOVO & ARBANASSI EXCURSION
Fortresses and Fountains in "Little Vienna"
ACTIVE Join a bike tour 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, 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, as well as Bulgarian revival architecture in the 15th-century town of Arbanassi.
Sail to Svistov or join your ship there if you opted for the full-day tour.
EVENING/OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO VIDIN (B,L,D)
Day
3
VIDIN
Rocks, Ruins and Balkan Beauty
Ask about today's energizing or relaxing Adventure Host activities.
ACTIVE Wander and discover this town, join your Adventure Host for a bike ride, OR:
CLASSIC Take 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. Then, visit mighty Baba Vida Fortress in nearby Vidin.
This evening, enjoy live entertainment on board with a Bulgarian folklore show.
EVENING/OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO DONJI MILANOVAC (B,L,D)
Day
4
DONJI MILANOVAC, SERBIA-IRON GATES GORGE. EXCURSION TO LEPENSKI VIR
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 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 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 defence 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)
Day
5
BELGRADE
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 cafes, 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)
Day
6
NOVI SAD
A Capital of Culture
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 Zivanovic Wine Cellar in Sremski Karlovci.
OVERNIGHT DOCKING IN ILOK (B,L,D)
Day
7
ILOK, CROATIA
Croatian Heritage and Hilltop Vintages
DISCOVERY Take a walking tour of Ilok with a wine tasting in a local cellar with stories of Croatian tradition.
Enjoy a short sailing to Vukovar during lunchtime.
VUKOVAR, CROATIA
The Heroic Town on the Danube
CLASSIC Enjoy a walking tour of Vukovar, the city the largest river port in Croatia.
This evening, enjoy live entertainment on board.
EVENING/OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO MOHACS (B,L,D)
Day
8
MOHACS, HUNGARY. EXCURSION TO PECS
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, 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)
Day
9
BUDAPEST
Hungary's Captivating Capital
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 through the hills above the Danube.
OVERNIGHT DOCKING IN BUDAPEST (B,L,D)
Day
10
BUDAPEST
The Pearl of the Danube
ACTIVE Hike up to a magnificent viewpoint in Budapest with your Adventure Host.
Alternatively, 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)
Day
11
BRATISLAVA, SLOVAKIA
Cathedral Coronations and a Crowning Castle
ACTIVE 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 site of royal coronations at fantastic 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 centre.
OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO VIENNA (B,L,D)
Day
12
VIENNA, AUSTRIA
Strauss, Schnitzel, Strudel, and Sachertorte
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-Winter residence of the Imperial Family, the iconic Vienna Opera House, and stunning St. Stephen's Cathedral, OR:
CLASSIC Join a Guided Tour to explore Freiburg's medieval city centre, sheltered by the Black Forest amid vineyards and gardens of the Upper Rhine Valley.
You may decide to take a Guided Optional Excursion to Schonbrunn Palace-summer home of the Habsburg Empire.
Spend free time strolling in the Karntnerstrasse-the most famous shopping avenue in central Vienna or take a bike ride to a local cafe 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 DURNSTEIN (B,L,D)
Day
13
DURNSTEIN-WACHAU VALLEY
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, stretch out on the Sky Deck as you sail through the Wachau Valley past vineyards, castles, and charming villages on your way to Ybbs.
ACTIVE Alternatively join your Adventure Host for a bike along the river.
YBBS. EXCURSION TO MELK
Frescoes Above and Vineyards Below
CLASSIC 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)
Day
14
LINZ
Legendary, Lovely Linz
Ask 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.
ACTIVE Experience Danube's cycle path, follow your Adventure Host for a bike ride around the area of Linz.
Alternatively, consider a full-day Guided Optional Excursion to Salzburg-the city of Mozart-or to the picturesque Bohemian town of Cesky Krumlov.
OVERNIGHT DOCKING IN LINZ (B,L,D)
Day
15
SCHLOGEN OXBOW-PASSAU, GERMANY
Where the Danube, Inn, and Ilz Rivers Meet
This morning, cruise through the Schlogen 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 CRUISE TO VILSHOFEN (B,L,D)
Day
16
VILSHOFEN (DISEMBARKATION)
Your holiday ends with breakfast this morning.
Flights should not leave Munich airport before 8 am. (B)
Dates & prices
Dates
Prices
Status
Departure Date :
2025-10-26
Return Date :
2025-11-10
Single :
22180 NZD
Twin :
14743 NZD
Sold Out
Departure Date :
2025-05-29
Return Date :
2025-06-13
Single :
22929 NZD
Twin :
15226 NZD
Sold Out