Iconic Rivers of Europe - the Rhine, Main & Danube 2025
Description
Summary
Description
Embark on an extraordinary 22-day voyage through Europe's most enchanting waterways, where history, culture, and natural beauty converge. This multi-day tour invites you to explore iconic cities, charming towns, and breathtaking landscapes from Amsterdam to Bucharest. Delight in guided excursions, savor local flavors, and immerse yourself in the rich heritage of each destination. With luxurious accommodations onboard your Suite Ship and a variety of activities tailored to your interests, this journey promises an unforgettable experience. From the vibrant tulip fields of the Netherlands to the majestic fortresses of the Balkans, discover the heart of Europe in unparalleled style and comfort.
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 Expression or similar
21 nights onboard
Comfort Collection BedsSM with choice of mattress firmness
Egyptian super-combed cotton linens
Bathrobes & slippers
Premium L'Occitane bath products
Large bathroom featuring shower with glass door
Flatscreen satellite TV with free movie channels
Individual climate control and in-room safe
USB Ports
And, much more
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 – Welcome to the Netherlands
- Amsterdam - Arrival day
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- Keukenhof Forest
- Castle de Haar
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Begin your enchanting journey in Amsterdam, where your luxurious Suite Ship awaits. Arrive by mid-afternoon to explore the vibrant city, with its iconic canals and charming streets. During tulip season, immerse yourself in the breathtaking beauty of Keukenhof Gardens, or visit the historic windmills of Zaanse Schans. As evening falls, enjoy a delightful dinner onboard while docked in Amsterdam.
Day 2 – Canals of Colorful Amsterdam
- Amsterdam
- Cologne
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- Amsterdam Museum
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Discover Amsterdam's hidden gems with a guided walking tour through its cobblestone streets or enjoy a canal cruise past the stately homes of the city's Golden Age. Spend the afternoon exploring optional excursions before setting sail for Cologne. Relish a day filled with Amsterdam's vibrant culture and history, accompanied by breakfast, lunch, and dinner onboard.
Day 3 – Prost! Celebrate in the Rhineland
- Cologne
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- Cologne Cathedral
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Experience Cologne like a local with a bike ride or delve into its rich Jewish heritage on a guided walking tour. Alternatively, explore the Old City and marvel at the gothic cathedral. Enjoy free time with a glass of Kölsch, a local brew, before evening entertainment onboard as you cruise to Rüdesheim.
Day 4 – Eat, Drink, and Be Merry in Wine Country
Eat, Drink, and Be Merry in Wine Country
- Roemerhalle Bad Kreuznach
- Gutenberg Museum
- Welterbe Kulturlandschaft Oberes Mittelrheintal
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Sail through the stunning Rhine Gorge, a UNESCO World Heritage site, and admire the ancient castles and the legendary Lorelei Rock. In Rüdesheim, choose between a vineyard hike, a cable car ride to the Niederwald Monument, or a visit to the Mechanical Music Museum. Savor local wines and enjoy live music onboard as you cruise to Miltenberg.
Day 5 – Beauty on the Main River
Beauty on the Main River
- Old Centre of the European Union
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Explore Miltenberg's medieval charm with a guided walking tour, featuring half-timbered homes and Germany's oldest inn. Spend your free time cycling along the scenic Main River shores before continuing your cruise to Würzburg. Enjoy onboard meals and the picturesque views as you sail.
Day 6 – A Perfect Day in the Pearl of the Romantic Road
A Perfect Day in the Pearl of the Romantic Road
- Würzburg Residence
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Discover Würzburg's architectural wonders on a guided sightseeing tour, including the Old Main Bridge, the fortress, and the baroque Bishop's Residenz. Enjoy leisure time to explore the city or visit a local winery. Relish the cultural richness of Würzburg with meals provided onboard.
Day 7 – Storybook Settings
- Bamberg
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- Japanese Garden
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Opt for a guided excursion to Rothenburg, a picturesque Bavarian town, or explore Volkach with a walking tour or bike ride along the Main Danube Canal. Experience the fairytale ambiance and enjoy the scenic cruise to Bamberg, with all meals provided onboard.
Day 8 – The City of Seven Hills
- Bamberg
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- Bamberg Cathedral
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Explore Bamberg's rich history with a guided walking tour, featuring its Romanesque cathedral and Old Town Hall. Alternatively, enjoy a bike ride along the canals. Attend an onboard lecture about European history and culture before enjoying live entertainment as you cruise to Roth.
Day 9 – Legends and History Lessons
- Bamberg
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- Schloss Spielberg
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Discover Roth's Lauter valley or explore its historical sites, including Schloss Ratibor. Alternatively, take a guided tour of Nuremberg's medieval architecture or the historic Nuremberg Rally Grounds. Learn about the Main-Danube Canal with an onboard lecture before cruising to Regensburg.
Day 10 – Bavaria's Medieval Miracle
- Regensburg
- Passau
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- Porta Praetoria
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Explore Regensburg with a guided city walk, featuring Altes Rathaus and Porta Pretoria. Alternatively, join an optional excursion to the Benedictine Monastery in Weltenburg. Spend leisure time exploring Regensburg before cruising to Passau, with meals provided onboard.
Day 11 – Where the Danube, Inn, and Ilz Rivers Meet
- Passau
- Linz
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- Sulzer Wasserfall
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Join a guided city walk in Passau, known as the City of Three Rivers. Opt for a full-day excursion to Salzburg or Cesky Krumlov, or cruise to Linz. Explore Linz at your leisure before enjoying live entertainment onboard as you sail to Melk.
Day 12 – Frescoes Above and Vineyards Below
- Melk
- Vienna
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- Melk Abbey
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Explore Melk with a guided tour of its Benedictine Abbey, featuring frescoed ceilings and an ornate pipe organ. Enjoy a scenic cruise through the Wachau Valley to Vienna. Consider an optional Royal Waltz Concert in Vienna this evening, with meals provided onboard.
Day 13 – Royal Collections and Amusing Attractions
- Vienna
- Budapest
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- Schönbrunn Palace
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Explore Vienna's iconic landmarks with a guided city tour, including the Imperial Palace and St. Stephen's Cathedral. Consider optional excursions to Schönbrunn Palace or Bratislava. Enjoy live entertainment onboard as you cruise to Budapest, with meals provided.
Day 14 – The Pearl of the Danube
- Budapest
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- Heroes' Square
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Discover Budapest with a guided city tour, including Heroes' Square. Enjoy optional excursions or explore the city at your leisure. Indulge in local pastries and consider a scenic hike above the Danube. Overnight docking in Budapest with meals provided onboard.
Day 15 – Time to Capture Photographs, Coffee, and Confections
- Budapest
- Grad Vukovar
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- Gellért Hill
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Spend your day in Budapest shopping at the Great Market Hall, capturing photos at the Royal Palace, or relaxing in the city's famous thermal baths. Enjoy onboard meals and prepare for your cruise to Vukovar.
Day 16 – History and Beer
- Grad Vukovar
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- Ilok Municipal Museum
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Explore Vukovar with a guided walking tour or city tour, learning about its rich heritage and culture. Enjoy a brief cruise to Ilok for a wine tasting and tour of its medieval fortress. Continue your journey to Novi Sad, with meals provided onboard.
Day 17 – The Athens of Serbia
The Athens of Serbia
- Petrovaradin Fortress's Clock
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Discover Novi Sad with a guided tour of its Austro-Hungarian old town or a hike to Petrovaradin Fortress. Alternatively, learn about beekeeping at the Honey Museum. Enjoy live entertainment onboard as you cruise to Belgrade, with meals provided.
Day 18 – Fortresses and Folklore
Fortresses and Folklore
- St Mark Orthodox Church
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Explore Belgrade with a guided sightseeing tour, featuring Saint Sava Church. Spend your free time exploring the city's vibrant streets or join an optional excursion for an authentic Bohemian dinner. Cruise to Golubac with meals provided onboard.
Day 19 – Ancient Artifacts and the Iron Gates
Ancient Artifacts and the Iron Gates
- Deliblatska Peščara
- Trajan's Plaque
- Golubac Fortress
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Visit Golubac Fortress or the archaeological site of Lepenski Vir. Sail through the breathtaking Iron Gates Gorge, a natural border between Serbia and Romania. Continue your cruise to Vidin, with meals provided onboard.
Day 20 – Rocks, Ruins and Balkan Beauty
Rocks, Ruins and Balkan Beauty
- Belogradchik Fortress
- Baba Vida Fortress
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Explore Vidin with a guided tour of Baba Vida Fortress or the remarkable Belogradchik Rocks. Alternatively, enjoy a wine tasting at a local winery. Continue your cruise to Rousse, with meals provided onboard.
Day 21 – Fortresses and Folklore
Fortresses and Folklore
- Maryan Winery
- Ivanili Waterfall
- National Transport Museum
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Explore Rousse's old town by bike or join a guided tour to Veliko Tarnovo and Arbanassi. Alternatively, discover Rousse's Holy Trinity Church. Enjoy a Bulgarian folklore show onboard as you cruise to Oltenita, with meals provided.
Day 22 – Farewell to the Danube
- Bucharest - Departure day
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Conclude your unforgettable journey with breakfast onboard before disembarking in Oltenita. Transfer to Bucharest for your onward journey, cherishing the memories of your extraordinary cruise along Europe's most captivating waterways.
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