The Danube from Romania to Germany 2025
Description
Summary
Description
Embark on a 16-day journey across the Balkans, a region rich in history, culture, and natural beauty. This multi-day tour takes you through the heart of Eastern Europe, from the bustling city of Bucharest to the tranquil waters of the Danube. Explore ancient fortresses, marvel at stunning rock formations, and immerse yourself in local folklore. Discover the captivating capitals of Serbia and Hungary, and indulge in the region's culinary delights. Whether you're hiking through picturesque landscapes, biking along the Danube, or simply soaking in the sights from your Avalon Suite Ship, this tour promises an unforgettable adventure.
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 Passion or Avalon Expression or similar
15 nights of accommodation onboard an Avalon Waterways River cruise ship
Avalon Passion: 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
Daily Itinerary
Day 1 – Day 1: Bucharest to Rousse
Day 1: Bucharest to Rousse
Your Balkan adventure begins in Bucharest. Arrive by 2 pm and board your Avalon Suite Ship. Spend the evening exploring the ship and enjoy a delightful onboard dinner. Overnight cruise to Rousse.
Day 2 – Day 2: Rousse to Vidin via Svistov
Day 2: Rousse to Vidin via Svistov
Start your day with a bike tour in Rousse or a guided sightseeing tour of Bulgaria's largest inland port and the impressive Holy Trinity Church. Then, embark on a full-day guided tour to the former Bulgarian capital of Veliko Tarnovo and the 15th-century town of Arbanassi. Rejoin your ship in Svistov and sail to Vidin.
Day 3 – Day 3: Vidin to Donji Milanovac
Day 3: Vidin to Donji Milanovac
Discover the town of Vidin, either by wandering on your own or joining a guided tour to Belogradchik to see the remarkable rock formations. Visit the mighty Baba Vida Fortress before enjoying a Bulgarian folklore show onboard. Overnight cruise to Donji Milanovac.
Day 4 – Day 4: Donji Milanovac to Belgrade
Day 4: Donji Milanovac to Belgrade
Sail through the spectacular Iron Gates Gorge, forming a natural border between Serbia and Romania. Take a guided tour to Lepenski Vir, an important Mesolithic archaeological site, before visiting the Fortress of Golubac, one of the best-preserved medieval fortresses in Europe. Overnight cruise to Belgrade.
Day 5 – Day 5: Belgrade to Novi Sad
Day 5: Belgrade to Novi Sad
Discover Belgrade's central walkway with your Adventure Host or join a guided sightseeing tour of the city, including Saint Sava, one of the world's largest Orthodox churches. Spend free time exploring Knez Mihailova Street before attending an onboard lecture about the rich history of the Balkan states. Overnight cruise to Novi Sad.
Day 6 – Day 6: Novi Sad to Ilok
Day 6: Novi Sad to Ilok
Join a guided tour of Novi Sad, Serbia's second-largest town, and admire its Austro-Hungarian old town and ancient fortifications. Enjoy a walking tour to Petrovaradin Fortress or visit the Museum of Beekeeping and Zivanovic Wine Cellar in Sremski Karlovci. Overnight docking in Ilok.
Day 7 – Day 7: Ilok to Mohacs via Vukovar
Day 7: Ilok to Mohacs via Vukovar
Take a walking tour of Ilok with a wine tasting in a local cellar. Enjoy a short sailing to Vukovar, the largest river port in Croatia, and take a walking tour of the city. Overnight cruise to Mohacs.
Day 8 – Day 8: Mohacs to Budapest via Pecs
Day 8: Mohacs to Budapest via Pecs
Join a morning guided sightseeing tour of Mohacs, visit the medieval St. Nicholas Watermill, or take a guided tour to nearby Pecs to see its 4th-century Christian underground tombs, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Enjoy an organ concert on your tour. Overnight cruise to Budapest.
Day 9 – Day 9: Budapest to Bratislava
Day 9: Budapest to Bratislava
Enjoy a guided city sightseeing tour, including the iconic Heroes' Square. Spend a free afternoon exploring Budapest's famous sights such as the Chain Bridge or take a hike through the hills above the Danube. Overnight cruise to Bratislava.
Day 10 – Day 10: Budapest to Bratislava
Day 10: Budapest to Bratislava
Hike up to a magnificent viewpoint in Budapest with your Adventure Host or take a free day to explore, with time to take photographs on the Royal Palace grounds. Try Budapest's famous thermal bath spas, then dine in a garden or rooftop eatery. Overnight cruise to Bratislava.
Day 11 – Day 11: Bratislava to Vienna
Day 11: Bratislava to Vienna
Follow your Avalon Adventure Host on a hike to lofty Bratislava Castle or 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. Enjoy free time to discover Bratislava, the beautiful capital of Slovakia. Overnight cruise to Vienna.
Day 12 – Day 12: Vienna to Dürnstein
Day 12: Vienna to Dürnstein
Explore Vienna's Danube Island by bike with your Adventure Host or join a guided city tour of Vienna's gilded landmarks. Visit Freiburg's medieval city center or take a guided optional excursion to Schönbrunn Palace. Spend free time strolling in the Kärntnerstrasse or take a bike ride to a local café for Sachertorte or Apfelstrudel. Overnight cruise to Dürnstein.
Day 13 – Day 13: Dürnstein to Linz via Ybbs
Day 13: Dürnstein to Linz via Ybbs
Join a guided hike up to the castle ruins in Dürnstein or join a guided walk and hear the legendary tale of King Richard the Lionheart. Sail through the Wachau Valley to Ybbs and visit the Lower Austrian little town of Ybbs or take a guided tour of Melk's magnificent Benedictine Abbey. Overnight cruise to Linz.
Day 14 – Day 14: Linz
Day 14: Linz
Take a guided walk through Linz's historic sites along the shore of the Danube and see Hauptplatz, Austria's largest medieval square, and the towering white-marble Trinity Column. Experience the Danube's cycle path with your Adventure Host for a bike ride around the area of Linz. Overnight docking in Linz.
Day 15 – Day 15: Linz to Vilshofen via Passau
Day 15: Linz to Vilshofen via Passau
Cruise through the Schlögen Oxbow, a particularly beautiful horseshoe-shaped bend of the river. Join your Avalon Adventure Host for a hike from Oberhaus along a trail down to the valley and along the Ilz River or take a guided city walk into Passau, the beautiful 'City of Three Rivers.' Overnight cruise to Vilshofen.
Day 16 – Day 16: Departure from Vilshofen
Day 16: Departure from Vilshofen
Your vacation ends with breakfast this morning. Flights should not leave Munich airport before 8 am.
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