From Romania to the North Sea with 1 Night in Bucharest and 2 Nights in Transylvania 2025

Begin your journey in the vibrant city of Bucharest, often referred to as the 'Paris of the East.' Spend your day leisurely exploring the city's chic boutiques, cozy cafés, and impressive museums. Stroll along Victory Avenue to admire the stunning architecture and immerse yourself in the local culture. Enjoy the freedom to discover Bucharest's hidden gems at your own pace.

Embark on a scenic drive through the Carpathian Mountains to the enchanting town of Sinaia. Here, you'll visit the magnificent Peles Castle, a masterpiece of German Renaissance architecture. Enjoy a delightful local lunch before continuing your journey to Brasov, where you'll spend the night in comfort at a charming hotel (or similar).

Start your day with a guided tour of Brasov, a city rich in history and culture. Afterward, enjoy some free time to explore the charming streets and local attractions. In the evening, delve into the legend of Dracula with a visit to the iconic Bran Castle, followed by a delightful dinner. Rest comfortably in Brasov for the night.

Return to Bucharest for a guided excursion that includes a visit to the Royal Palace Square, a site of historical significance. In the afternoon, embark on your Avalon Suite Ship® in Oltenita, where you'll begin your river cruise adventure. Enjoy a delightful dinner onboard as you set sail for Rousse.

Explore the city of Rousse, known as 'Little Vienna,' with a guided tour that includes a visit to the impressive Holy Trinity Church. Alternatively, embark on a full-day excursion to Veliko Tarnovo, the former Bulgarian capital, to explore its ancient stone houses and Bulgarian Revival architecture. Rejoin your ship in Svistov and enjoy a relaxing evening cruise to Vidin.

Discover the natural beauty of Vidin with a guided tour of the Belogradchik Rocks, a stunning natural formation sculpted over millions of years. Visit the historic Baba Vida Fortress, a symbol of the region's rich history. In the evening, enjoy a captivating Bulgarian folklore show onboard as you cruise toward Donji Milanovac.

Sail through the breathtaking Iron Gates Gorge, a natural wonder that forms a border between Serbia and Romania. Visit the Lepenski Vir archaeological site to explore its prehistoric artifacts. Continue to Golubac, where you'll tour the formidable Golubac Fortress, one of Europe's best-preserved medieval fortresses. Enjoy a peaceful evening onboard as you cruise to Belgrade.

Discover the vibrant city of Belgrade with a guided tour that includes a visit to the magnificent Saint Sava Church, one of the largest Orthodox churches in the world. Stroll along Knez Mihailova Street, the city's bustling pedestrian thoroughfare, and enjoy the lively atmosphere. In the evening, relax onboard as you cruise to Novi Sad.

Explore the cultural capital of Novi Sad with a guided tour of its Austro-Hungarian old town and the impressive Petrovaradin Fortress. Alternatively, visit the Museum of Beekeeping and Živanović Wine Cellar in Sremski Karlovci for a taste of local flavors. Enjoy a relaxing evening onboard as you dock in Ilok.

Discover the rich Croatian heritage of Ilok with a guided walking tour and wine tasting in a local cellar. Sail to Vukovar during lunch and explore this heroic town on the Danube with a guided walking tour. Enjoy live entertainment onboard as you cruise to Mohács.

Explore the quiet town of Mohács with a guided tour of its historical sites, including the medieval St. Nicholas Watermill. Alternatively, take a guided tour to Pécs to see its 4th-century Christian underground tombs and enjoy an organ concert. Relax onboard as you cruise to Budapest.

Experience the captivating capital of Hungary with a guided city tour that includes the iconic Heroes' Square. Enjoy a free afternoon to explore Budapest's famous sights, such as the Chain Bridge, or relax in one of the city's charming cafés. Spend the night docked in Budapest.

Spend your day exploring Budapest at your leisure. Visit the Royal Palace grounds for stunning photo opportunities or indulge in the city's famous thermal baths. In the evening, enjoy a delightful dinner in a garden or rooftop eatery. Cruise overnight to Bratislava.

In Dürnstein, hike up to the castle ruins for breathtaking views of the Wachau Valley or enjoy a guided walk to learn about King Richard the Lionheart's imprisonment. Sail to Melk and tour the magnificent Melk Abbey with its frescoed ceilings and stunning library. Enjoy a wine tasting onboard as you cruise to Passau.

Discover the medieval wonders of Regensburg with a guided city walk, visiting the Altes Rathaus and Porta Pretoria. Consider an optional excursion to the Benedictine Monastery in Weltenburg. Spend your afternoon exploring Regensburg's charming streets before enjoying live entertainment onboard as you cruise to Roth.

Explore the Bavarian town of Roth with a guided tour of its half-timbered houses and Schloss Ratibor. Alternatively, visit Nuremberg to discover its medieval architecture and historic rally grounds. Enjoy live entertainment onboard as you cruise to Bamberg.

Discover the historic city of Bamberg with a guided walking tour of its Romanesque cathedral, Old Town Hall, and seven hills crowned with churches. Alternatively, enjoy a bike ride along the canals with your Adventure Host. Attend an onboard lecture to learn about European history and culture. Cruise to Volkach in the afternoon.

Explore the quaint town of Volkach with a guided walking tour of its half-timbered houses and cobblestoned streets. Consider an optional excursion to the beautiful Bavarian town of Rothenburg to experience its fairytale atmosphere. Enjoy a relaxing afternoon onboard as you cruise to Kitzingen.

Discover the beauty of Würzburg with a guided sightseeing tour of its Old Main Bridge, towering fortress, and baroque Bishop's Residenz. Enjoy a leisurely afternoon sailing along the river as you cruise to Miltenberg.

Explore the medieval town of Miltenberg with a guided walking tour of its half-timber homes and Germany's oldest inn. Enjoy onboard entertainment as you cruise to Rüdesheim.

Explore Cologne with a guided city walk, visiting its soaring Gothic cathedral. Alternatively, discover the city's Jewish heritage sites or enjoy a bike ride with your Adventure Host. Spend free time savoring a glass of Kölsch pale lager. Cruise overnight to Amsterdam.

Discover the beauty of Amsterdam with a guided canal cruise or explore the city's cobblestone streets on a walking tour. Consider an optional culinary walk to sample Dutch specialties or a biking tour to explore the countryside. Spend your afternoon exploring Amsterdam's vibrant cafés, galleries, and bridges. Dock overnight in Amsterdam.