From Romania to the North Sea 2025
Description
Summary
Description
Embark on an unforgettable 24-day journey through the heart of Europe, exploring the rich history, vibrant cultures, and stunning landscapes of the Balkans and beyond. This multi-day tour takes you from the bustling streets of Bucharest to the colorful canals of Amsterdam, with stops in iconic cities like Belgrade, Vienna, and Budapest. Discover ancient fortresses, medieval towns, and breathtaking natural wonders as you cruise along the Danube, Rhine, and Main Rivers. Enjoy guided tours, cultural experiences, and onboard entertainment, all while savoring delicious meals and comfortable accommodations. Whether you're exploring the cobblestone streets of Bratislava, tasting wine in Ilok, or marveling at the Gothic architecture of Cologne, this tour promises an adventure of a lifetime. Join us for a captivating exploration of Europe's most enchanting destinations.
Included
Chef-prepared onboard meals with regional cuisine and familiar favorites
Seasonal cuisine featuring the freshest local ingredients
Avalon Fresh® healthy cuisine options at every meal
Spacious, open-seating Panorama Dining Room
Daily breakfast buffet with full range of classic breakfast items, healthy Avalon Fresh® options and daily a la carte specials
Complimentary room service for Continental breakfast, lunch, and dinner
Daily lunch buffet featuring regional specialties, classic dishes, healthy Avalon Fresh® options and rotating chef’s features including carving & pasta stations. Alternatively, you may dine al fresco at our Sky Grill on the Sky Deck (weather and itinerary permitting) or enjoy a light lunch in the Panorama Lounge.
Afternoon Tea featuring tea, coffee, and sweet treats
Four-course dinners with choice of appetizers, soups, salads, entrées and desserts or cheese
Linger over several selections from the Panorama Bistro's tasting menu for a less formal "sit-down" atmosphere
Complimentary wine, beer, or soft drinks with lunch and dinner
Avalon FlexDining® flexible dining times with menu & venue options
Vegetarian options at every meal, as well as vegan, low calorie, low fat, high fiber, low cholesterol, high energy and allergy-free selections
Panorama Lounge & Bar with premium spirits, cozy seating, panoramic windows & dance floor
Welcome & farewell cocktails with sparkling wine & canapés
New in 2023 - included Happy Hour every evening featuring house beer, wine, cocktails and a drink of the day
Cocktails with a view on the Sky Deck
Specialty coffees, espresso drinks and beWell Essence flavored and infused water available throughout each day
Avalon Waterways cruise ship
23 nights onboard cruise ship
Avalon Passion: Avalon Deluxe Stateroom ,Panorama Suite ,Royal Suite, Avalon Illumination: Avalon Deluxe Stateroom ,Panorama Suite ,Royal Suite, Avalon Expression: Avalon Deluxe Stateroom ,Panorama Suite ,Royal Suite
Friendly, English-speaking crew & Cruise Director
Complimentary Wi-Fi throughout the ship
Panoramic windows throughout the ship
Elegant, contemporary design & decor
Sky Deck with whirlpool, shade awnings, game area and premium lounges
Covered Observation Lounge
Club Lounge with 24-hour self-serve beverage station with complimentary cappuccinos, lattes, tea, hot chocolate & premium coffees, as well as treats throughout the day
Elevator
Non-smoking interior and staterooms
Avalon Waterways offers a selection of included excursions in every port of call, with something for everyone within their "Classic", "Discovery" and "Active" collections
Destinations
Map
Attractions
Daily Itinerary
Day 1 – Day 1: Bucharest
- Bucharest - Arrival day
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Begin your Balkan adventure in the vibrant city of Bucharest. Arrive by 2 pm and settle into your Avalon Suite Ship® by 5 pm. Spend the evening exploring the ship and enjoy a delightful dinner onboard as you prepare for your overnight cruise to Rousse.
Day 2 – Day 2: Rousse and Beyond
Day 2: Rousse and Beyond
- Maryan Winery
- Ivanili Waterfall
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Explore the charming city of Rousse, known as 'Little Vienna,' with a guided bike tour or a visit to the Holy Trinity Church. Later, sail to Svistov or take a full-day excursion to Veliko Târnovo, the ancient Bulgarian capital, and the picturesque village of Arbanassi. Return to your ship in Svistov for an overnight cruise to Vidin.
Day 3 – Day 3: Vidin and Belogradchik
Day 3: Vidin and Belogradchik
- Belogradchik Fortress
- Baba Vida Fortress
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Discover the natural beauty of the Belogradchik Rocks and the historical Baba Vida Fortress in Vidin. Choose between a leisurely exploration or an invigorating bike ride. In the evening, enjoy a Bulgarian folklore show onboard as you cruise to Donji Milanovac.
Day 4 – Day 4: The Iron Gates and Golubač
Day 4: The Iron Gates and Golubač
- Lepenski vir
- Trajan's Plaque
- Golubac Fortress
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Sail through the breathtaking Iron Gates Gorge, a natural border between Serbia and Romania. Visit the archaeological site of Lepenski Vir and marvel at its ancient artifacts. Continue to Golubač to explore its formidable medieval fortress. Enjoy an overnight cruise to Belgrade.
Day 5 – Day 5: Belgrade's Charms
Day 5: Belgrade's Charms
- St Mark Orthodox Church
- Prince Mihailo Monument
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Explore the vibrant city of Belgrade, where the Danube and Sava Rivers meet. Visit the impressive Saint Sava Church and stroll along Knez Mihailova Street. Enjoy an onboard lecture about the Balkans' rich history and culture. Cruise overnight to Novi Sad.
Day 6 – Day 6: Cultural Capital Novi Sad
Day 6: Cultural Capital Novi Sad
- Museum of Srem
- Petrovaradin Fortress's Clock
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Discover Novi Sad, Serbia's second-largest city, with its Austro-Hungarian architecture and Petrovaradin Fortress. Experience the sweet life with a visit to the Museum of Beekeeping and Živanović Wine Cellar in Sremski Karlovci. Dock overnight in Ilok.
Day 7 – Day 7: Croatian Heritage in Ilok and Vukovar
- Grad Vukovar
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- Vukovar water tower
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Explore Ilok with a wine tasting and learn about Croatian traditions. Sail to Vukovar, Croatia's largest river port, for a walking tour. Enjoy live entertainment onboard as you cruise to Mohács.
Day 8 – Day 8: Mohács and Pécs
- Pécs
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- Sugovica part - sétány
- Pécs Zoo
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Visit Mohács, a tranquil Danube harbor town, and tour the medieval St. Nicholas Watermill. Alternatively, explore Pécs with its 4th-century Christian tombs and Turkish architecture, accompanied by an organ concert. Cruise to Budapest in the afternoon.
Day 9 – Day 9: Budapest's Splendor
- Budapest
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- Heroes' Square
- Széchenyi Chain Bridge
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Discover Budapest, Hungary's captivating capital, with a guided city tour including Heroes' Square. Enjoy a free afternoon exploring iconic sights like the Chain Bridge, or relax in the city's charming cafés and pubs. Overnight docking in Budapest.
Day 10 – Day 10: Budapest's Hidden Gems
- Budapest
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- Gödöllő Palace
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Explore Budapest at your leisure, with options for guided excursions or a relaxing day in the city's famous thermal baths. Capture stunning photographs at the Royal Palace and enjoy a delightful dinner before cruising to Bratislava.
Day 11 – Day 11: Bratislava's Rich History
- Bratislava
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- St. Martin's Cathedral, Bratislava
- Bratislava Castle
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Explore Bratislava's Old Town with a guided walking tour, visiting the Gothic halls of St. Martin's Cathedral. Alternatively, hike to the majestic Bratislava Castle for panoramic views. Enjoy live entertainment onboard as you cruise to Vienna.
Day 12 – Day 12: Vienna's Imperial Grandeur
- Vienna
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- Imperial Treasury Vienna
- Vienna Music Society
- St. Stephen's Cathedral
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Discover Vienna's imperial past with a guided city tour, visiting the Imperial Palace, Vienna Opera House, and St. Stephen's Cathedral. Consider an optional excursion to Schönbrunn Palace or enjoy a Royal Waltz Concert. Cruise overnight to Dürnstein.
Day 13 – Day 13: Dürnstein and Melk
- Melk
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- Kunsthalle Krems
- Wachau
- Melk Abbey
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Hike to the castle ruins in Dürnstein and enjoy the stunning views of the Wachau Valley. Sail to Melk and tour the magnificent Melk Abbey with its frescoed ceilings and ornate library. Enjoy a wine tasting onboard as you cruise to Passau.
Day 14 – Day 14: Passau's Confluence
- Passau
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Explore Passau, the 'City of Three Rivers,' with a guided city walk. Alternatively, opt for a full-day excursion to Salzburg or Cesky Krumlov. Enjoy an evening cruise to Regensburg.
Day 15 – Day 15: Regensburg's Medieval Charm
- Regensburg
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- Porta Praetoria
- Old Town Hall
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Discover Regensburg's medieval wonders with a guided city walk, visiting Altes Rathaus and Porta Pretoria. Consider an optional excursion to the Weltenburg Monastery. Enjoy live entertainment onboard as you cruise to Roth.
Day 16 – Day 16: Roth and Nuremberg
- Bamberg
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- Schloss Spielberg
- Nuremberg lock
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Explore Roth with its charming market square and Schloss Ratibor. Alternatively, visit Nuremberg's medieval architecture or the historic Nuremberg Rally Grounds. Enjoy live entertainment onboard as you sail to Bamberg.
Day 17 – Day 17: Bamberg's Seven Hills
- Bamberg
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- Monster Park
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Explore Bamberg, a city of seven hills crowned with churches. Take a guided walking tour to see the Romanesque cathedral and Old Town Hall. Attend an onboard lecture about European history and culture. Cruise to Volkach in the afternoon.
Day 18 – Day 18: Volkach's Storybook Charm
Day 18: Volkach's Storybook Charm
Stroll through Volkach's cobblestoned streets and half-timbered houses with a guided walking tour. Consider an optional excursion to Rothenburg, a fairytale Bavarian town. Cruise to Kitzingen for overnight docking.
Day 19 – Day 19: Würzburg's Romantic Road
Day 19: Würzburg's Romantic Road
- Würzburg Residence
- Old Main Bridge
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Discover Würzburg with a guided sightseeing tour, visiting the Old Main Bridge and the baroque Bishop's Residenz. Enjoy a leisurely afternoon sailing to Miltenberg.
Day 20 – Day 20: Miltenberg's Medieval Beauty
Day 20: Miltenberg's Medieval Beauty
- Old Centre of the European Union
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Explore Miltenberg, a town known for its medieval half-timbered homes and Germany's oldest inn. Enjoy onboard entertainment as you cruise to Rüdesheim.
Day 21 – Day 21: Rüdesheim's Wine Country
Day 21: Rüdesheim's Wine Country
- Loreley-linie port
- Roemerhalle Bad Kreuznach
- Gutenberg Museum
- Welterbe Kulturlandschaft Oberes Mittelrheintal
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Explore Rüdesheim's vineyards with a hike or cable car ride to the Niederwald Monument. Visit the Mechanical Music Museum and cruise through the Rhine Gorge, passing the legendary Lorelei Rock. Enjoy a classical music concert at Engers Castle.
Day 22 – Day 22: Cologne's Gothic Grandeur
- Cologne
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- Cologne Cathedral
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Discover Cologne with a guided city walk, visiting the iconic twin-steepled Gothic cathedral. Alternatively, explore the city's Jewish heritage sites. Enjoy a glass of Kölsch pale lager before cruising to Amsterdam.
Day 23 – Day 23: Amsterdam's Colorful Canals
- Amsterdam
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- Amsterdam Museum
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Explore Amsterdam with a guided canal cruise or a walking tour through its cobblestone streets. Consider an optional culinary walk or biking tour. Spend free time discovering the city's vibrant cafés and galleries. Overnight docking in Amsterdam.
Day 24 – Day 24: Farewell to Amsterdam
- Amsterdam - Departure day
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Conclude your extraordinary journey with a final breakfast onboard in Amsterdam. Reflect on the unforgettable experiences and memories made during your multi-day tour through the heart of Europe.
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