From Romania to the North Sea 2026
Description
Summary
Description
Embark on an extraordinary 23-day multi-day tour through the heart of Europe, where history, culture, and natural beauty converge. From the vibrant streets of Bucharest to the charming canals of Amsterdam, this journey offers a perfect blend of guided tours, leisure activities, and cultural experiences. Sail along iconic rivers, explore medieval fortresses, and indulge in local delicacies as you traverse through Romania, Bulgaria, Serbia, Croatia, Hungary, Slovakia, Austria, Germany, and the Netherlands. Each day promises new adventures and unforgettable memories, making this tour a once-in-a-lifetime experience.
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 Illumination or similar
Open–Air Balconies® and Wall-to-Wall Panoramic Windows in all Panorama SuitesSM
Comfort Collection BedsSM with choice of mattress firmness
Egyptian super-combed cotton linens
Bathrobes & slippers
Premium L'Occitane® bath products & hairdryer
Large bathroom featuring shower with glass door
Wide selection of free movie channels and English-speaking TV
Individual climate control and in-room safe
Full-size closet and mirror
Additional under-bed storage
Well-stocked mini-bar
Avalon Illumination: 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
Map
Attractions
Daily Itinerary
Day 1 – Your Balkan Adventure Begins
- Bucharest - Arrival day
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- Vacaresti Park Nature Reserve
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Arrive in the vibrant city of Bucharest by 2 pm and embark on your luxurious Avalon Suite Ship by 5 pm. As the evening unfolds, explore the ship's amenities and indulge in a delightful dinner onboard. Settle in for an overnight cruise to Rousse, where your Balkan journey truly begins.
Day 2 – Fortresses and Fountains in 'Little Vienna'
Fortresses and Fountains in 'Little Vienna'
- Maryan Winery
- Ivanili Waterfall
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Begin your day in Rousse, often referred to as 'Little Vienna,' with a choice of activities. Opt for a guided bike tour or explore the city's historical sites, including the Holy Trinity Church. Alternatively, embark on a full-day excursion to Veliko Târnovo, the ancient Bulgarian capital, and the charming village of Arbanassi. Rejoin your ship in Svistov for an overnight cruise to Vidin.
Day 3 – Rocks, Ruins, and Balkan Beauty
Rocks, Ruins, and Balkan Beauty
- Belogradchik Fortress
- Baba Vida Fortress
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Discover the natural and historical wonders of Vidin. Choose between a leisurely exploration of the town or a guided tour of the Belogradchik Rocks, a stunning natural formation. Visit the formidable Baba Vida Fortress, a testament to the region's rich history. Conclude your day with a captivating Bulgarian folklore show onboard as you cruise towards Donji Milanovac.
Day 4 – Ancient Artifacts and the Iron Gates
Ancient Artifacts and the Iron Gates
- Lepenski vir
- National Park Djerdap
- Golubac Fortress
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Sail through the breathtaking Iron Gates Gorge, a natural marvel marking the border between Serbia and Romania. Visit Lepenski Vir, an archaeological site showcasing prehistoric cultures. Continue to Golubac to explore its medieval fortress, steeped in history. Enjoy a serene evening cruise to Belgrade.
Day 5 – Fortresses and Folklore
Fortresses and Folklore
- St Mark Orthodox Church
- Prince Mihailo Monument
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Explore Belgrade, where the Danube and Sava Rivers meet. Choose between a guided city tour, highlighting the majestic Saint Sava Church, or a leisurely stroll along Knez Mihailova Street. Attend an onboard lecture to delve into Balkan history and culture. As night falls, cruise towards Novi Sad.
Day 6 – A Capital of Culture
A Capital of Culture
- Museum of Srem
- Petrovaradin Fortress's Clock
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Immerse yourself in the cultural charm of Novi Sad. Explore the Austro-Hungarian old town and ascend to Petrovaradin Fortress for panoramic views. Alternatively, visit the Museum of Beekeeping and Živanović Wine Cellar in Sremski Karlovci for a taste of local traditions. Cruise to Ilok as the day concludes.
Day 7 – Croatian Heritage and Hilltop Vintages
- Grad Vukovar
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- Vukovar water tower
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Stroll through Ilok and savor a wine tasting experience, enriched with tales of Croatian heritage. Sail to Vukovar, Croatia's largest river port, for a guided walking tour. Enjoy an evening of onboard entertainment as you cruise to Mohács.
Day 8 – Underground Tombs and Heavenly Music
- Pécs
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- Sugovica part - sétány
- Pécs Zoo
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Explore Mohács, a serene Danube harbor town, and visit the historic St. Nicholas Watermill. Alternatively, journey to Pécs to discover its ancient Christian tombs and Turkish architecture, accompanied by an organ concert. Cruise to Budapest in the afternoon.
Day 9 – Welcome to Budapest—Hungary's Captivating Capital
- Budapest
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- Heroes' Square
- Széchenyi Chain Bridge
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Discover Budapest's iconic landmarks on a guided city tour, including Heroes' Square. Spend your afternoon exploring the city's vibrant cafés and pubs or take a scenic hike above the Danube. Enjoy an overnight stay in Budapest.
Day 10 – War Heroes and Hot Water
- Budapest
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- Gödöllő Palace
- Rudas Baths
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Spend a leisurely day in Budapest, capturing photographs at the Royal Palace and indulging in the city's renowned thermal bath spas. Dine in a garden or rooftop eatery before setting sail for Bratislava.
Day 11 – Cathedral Coronations and a Crowning Castle
- Bratislava
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- St. Martin's Cathedral, Bratislava
- Bratislava Castle
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Explore Bratislava's rich history with a guided tour of the Old Town and St. Martin's Cathedral. Alternatively, hike to the majestic Bratislava Castle for stunning views. Enjoy an evening of live entertainment onboard as you cruise to Vienna.
Day 12 – Royal Collections and Amusing Attractions
- Vienna
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- Imperial Treasury Vienna
- Vienna Music Society
- St. Stephen's Cathedral
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Delve into 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 explore the city's museums and amusement parks. Cruise to Dürnstein in the evening.
Day 13 – A King's Ransom and Castle Ruins
- Melk
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- Kunsthalle Krems
- Wachau
- Melk Abbey
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Embark on a guided hike to the castle ruins in Dürnstein, where King Richard the Lionheart was once imprisoned. Sail through the picturesque Wachau Valley to Melk, where you can tour the stunning Melk Abbey. Enjoy a wine tasting onboard as you cruise to Passau.
Day 14 – Where the Danube, Inn, and Ilz Rivers Meet
- Passau
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Explore Passau, known as the 'City of Three Rivers,' on a guided city walk. Alternatively, opt for a full-day excursion to Salzburg or Cesky Krumlov. Cruise to Regensburg in the evening.
Day 15 – Bavaria's Medieval Miracle
- Regensburg
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- Porta Praetoria
- Old Town Hall
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Discover Regensburg's medieval charm with a guided city walk, visiting Altes Rathaus and Porta Pretoria. Consider an optional excursion to the Weltenburg Monastery. Enjoy a free afternoon exploring the city's quaint streets before cruising to Roth.
Day 16 – Legends and History Lessons
- Bamberg
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- Schloss Spielberg
- Nuremberg lock
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Explore Roth's historical sites, including Schloss Ratibor, or venture to Nuremberg for a guided tour of its medieval architecture and rally grounds. Enjoy an onboard lecture about the Main-Danube Canal before cruising to Bamberg.
Day 17 – The City of Seven Hills
- Bamberg
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- Monster Park
- Bamberg Cathedral
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Take a guided walking tour of Bamberg, exploring its Romanesque cathedral and Old Town Hall. Attend an onboard lecture to learn about European history and culture. Cruise to Volkach in the afternoon.
Day 18 – A Perfect Day in the Pearl of the Romantic Road
A Perfect Day in the Pearl of the Romantic Road
- Würzburg Residence
- Old Main Bridge
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Explore Würzburg's historical landmarks, including the Old Main Bridge and Bishop's Residenz. Enjoy a leisurely afternoon sailing to Miltenberg.
Day 19 – Beauty on the Main River
Beauty on the Main River
- Old Centre of the European Union
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Join a guided walking tour of Miltenberg, showcasing its medieval half-timber homes and Germany's oldest inn. Enjoy onboard entertainment as you cruise to Rüdesheim.
Day 20 – Eat, Drink, and Be Merry in Wine Country
Eat, Drink, and Be Merry in Wine Country
- Gutenberg Museum
- Welterbe Kulturlandschaft Oberes Mittelrheintal
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Explore Rüdesheim's vineyards with a guided hike or visit the Mechanical Music Museum. Cruise through the dramatic Rhine Gorge and enjoy a classical music concert at Engers Castle. Overnight docking in Engers.
Day 21 – Prost! Celebrate in the Rhineland
- Cologne
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- Old Market
- Cologne Cathedral
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Explore Cologne's rich heritage with a guided city walk, visiting the iconic Cologne Cathedral and Old City. Enjoy a glass of Kölsch pale lager before cruising to Amsterdam.
Day 22 – Colorful Canals of Amsterdam
- Amsterdam
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- Amsterdam Museum
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Discover Amsterdam's charm with a guided canal cruise or explore its cobblestone streets on foot. Consider an optional culinary walk or biking tour. Spend free time exploring the city's vibrant cafés and galleries. Overnight docking in Amsterdam.
Day 23 – Farewell to Amsterdam
- Amsterdam - Departure day
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Conclude your unforgettable journey with a delightful breakfast onboard before disembarking in the enchanting city of Amsterdam.
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