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Explore the countryside surrounding Belgrade

The Complete Danube

Example 18 Day Cruise aboard Avalon Artistry II
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Never miss the chance to see the colorful worlds on your complete Danube River cruise from the Black Sea to Bavaria. Travel to Fetesti to embark on your Danube River cruise, beginning with the Danube Delta preserve. Sail through the striking landscapes of Balkans—Rousse, Bulgaria, Veliko Târnovo, and Arbanassi, one of the oldest towns in Bulgaria. Visit the delightful Dürnstein and hear the legendary tale of King Richard the Lionheart in Dürnstein and take a tour in the magnificent Benedictine Abbey high above Melk.
Wander the streets of ViennaRomanian Athenaeum Of Bucharest, RomaniaCruise through the Iron GatesFisherman's Bastion in Budapest, HungaryEnjoy a quiet moment on the banks of the DanubeExplore the countryside surrounding Belgrade
Highlights
  • Explore Constanta, the most important commercial center in Romania
  • Discover the former Bulgarian capital of Veliko Târnovo
  • See the rock formations on the western slopes of the Balkan Mountains
  • Visit the city of Osijek at the confluence of the Danube and Drava Rivers
  • Appreciate the beauty of Vienna’s gilded landmarks
Activities
Activity Level: Relaxed
Involves minimal physical effort and is typically associated with leisurely activities. Activities are low-intensity or last less than a few hours each day.
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Full Itinerary

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Day 1: Bucharest, Romania

  • 1 Dinner
The day is yours to relax and enjoy Bucharest. Spend some free time exploring this fascinating city on your own to discover its trendy shops, cafés, museums, beautiful homes, and churches along Victory Avenue.

Day 2: Bucharest | Embark

  • Ship
  • 1 Breakfast, 1 Dinner
Classic: Take a guided tour of the Romanian capital city of Bucharest with its tree-lined boulevards and Arc de Triomphe—honoring WWI Romanian soldiers. See the Royal Palace Square—the scene of the city’s 1989 riots to overthrow the communist dictator Nicolae Ceausescu.

Travel to Fetesti to board your Avalon Suite Ship this afternoon.

Fetesti | Embark

Your Balkan Adventure Begins

Explore your Avalon Suite Ship this evening and enjoy a dinner on board.

Discovery: After dinner, attend an onboard Lecture to learn about the Danube Delta.

Day 3: St. Gheorghe

  • Ship
  • 1 Breakfast, 1 Lunch, 1 Dinner
Classic: Join a small-boat guided tour of the best preserved of Europe’s deltas-2,200 square miles of rivers, canals, marshes, tree-fringed lakes and reed islands.

Discovery: Enjoy a special celebration to mark Kilometer “0”—the end of the Danube River’s 2,845 km journey—from the source in the Black Forest of Bavaria to its delta into the Black Sea.

Day 4: Cernavodă | Constanta

  • Ship
  • 1 Breakfast, 1 Lunch, 1 Dinner
Start the day with a morning stretch with your Avalon Adventure Host.

Classic: Join a guided tour to Constanta, the most important commercial center in Romania, situated on the Black Sea. Visit the Natural History and Archaeological Museum to discover the history of early Romanian cultures.

Day 5: Rousse

  • Ship
  • 1 Breakfast, 1 Lunch, 1 Dinner
Classic: Join a guided sightseeing tour of Bulgaria’s largest inland port and visit its impressive Holy Trinity Church.

Active: Join a walk through the park with your Avalon Adventure Host.

Sail to Svistov, OR:

Classic: Join a full-day guided tour to the former Bulgarian capital of Veliko Târnovo—with its ancient stone houses clinging to the cliffs above the Yantra River. Discover one of the oldest towns in Bulgaria (circa 4300 BC), as well as the Bulgarian Revival architecture in the 15th-century town of Arbanassi.

Later, join your ship in Svistov.

Day 6: Vidin | Belogradchik

  • Ship
  • 1 Breakfast, 1 Lunch, 1 Dinner
Classic: Join a guided tour to Belogradchik to see the remarkable rock formations on the western slopes of the Balkan Mountains, sculpted by 200 million years of natural elements.

This evening, enjoy live entertainment on board with a Bulgarian folklore show.

Day 7: Iron Gates | Donji Milanovac

  • Ship
  • 1 Breakfast, 1 Lunch, 1 Dinner
Before lunch on board, you’ll sail through the spectacular and narrow Iron Gates Gorge—forming a natural border between Serbia and Romania.

Classic: Join a guided tour to Lepenski Vir—an important Mesolithic archaeological site chronicling prehistoric cultures, settlements, and art. Marvel at the ancient discoveries and artifacts, as well as the unique views the site affords of the Danube Gorge.

Day 8: Belgrade, Serbia

  • Ship
  • 1 Breakfast, 1 Lunch, 1 Dinner
Classic: Join a guided sightseeing tour of Belgrade—where the Danube and Sava Rivers converge— and see the city’s many fascinating sights, including Saint Sava, one of the world’s largest Orthodox churches.

You may choose to join an optional guided biking tour or spend remaining free time in Belgrade exploring Knez Mihailova Street—Belgrade’s central pedestrian thoroughfare with many lively cafés, shops, and cultural spots.

Day 9: Osijek, Croatia

  • Ship
  • 1 Breakfast, 1 Lunch, 1 Dinner
Enjoy a leisurely sailing morning or join an optional excursion to the city of Vukovar, Croatia's undiscovered pearl.

Classic: Join a morning guided walking tour of the city of Osijek, located at the confluence of the Danube and Drava Rivers. Visit Tvrđa, the most well preserved fortress of Croatia, home of many educational institutions.

Discovery: Attend a musical concert performed by the talented young artists of the music school of Osijek at Franjo Kuhac.

Day 10: Mohács

  • Ship
  • 1 Breakfast, 1 Lunch, 1 Dinner
Start the day with a morning stretch with your Avalon Adventure Host.

Classic: Take a guided tour to nearby Pécs to see its 4th-century Christian underground tombs, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, with fascinating murals. You’ll also enjoy an organ concert on your tour.

Day 11: Budapest

  • Ship
  • 1 Breakfast, 1 Lunch, 1 Dinner
Classic: Enjoy a guided city sightseeing, including the iconic Heroes’ Square.

Take time to take photographs on the Royal Palace grounds in this treasure trove of historical architecture. Try Budapest’s famous thermal bath spas, then dine in a garden or rooftop eatery.

Day 12: Vienna, Austria

  • Ship
  • 1 Breakfast, 1 Lunch, 1 Dinner
Start the day with a morning stretch with your Avalon Adventure Host.

Enjoy sailing the Danube, which shares dozens of miles with Hungary and Slovakia. Relax on the Sky Deck to see the rolling landscape and red-rooftops of the Slovakian capital of Bratislava come into view.

This evening in Vienna, you may choose to join an Optional Excursion to attend a Royal Waltz Concert for an unforgettable evening of music in an elegant hall.

Day 13: Vienna

  • Ship
  • 1 Breakfast, 1 Lunch, 1 Dinner
Classic: Venture into the Habsburg empire this morning on a guided city tour of Vienna’s gilded landmarks. See the Imperial Palace complex—the winter residence of the Imperial Family, the historic Vienna Opera House and stunning St. Stephen’s Cathedral.

Join a guided optional excursion to Schönbrunn Palace—a Habsburg Empire summer home for 300 years.

This afternoon, enjoy free time to take a tram to visit Austria’s Prater amusement park or one of the many museums nearby. You may also decide to borrow a bike from the ship to explore the streets and squares of Vienna, or ride along the banks of the Danube at your leisure.

Later, enjoy live entertainment on board.

Day 14: Dürnstein | Wachau Valley | Melk

  • Ship
  • 1 Breakfast, 1 Lunch, 1 Dinner
Classic: Join a guided walk, and hear the legendary tale of King Richard the Lionheart—who was imprisoned in the castle above the village during the Crusades.

Active: Join a hike up to the castle ruins with your Adventure Host for a spectacular view of the village, Danube, and the Wachau Valley below.

Enjoy coffee or a cocktail on the Sky Deck as you sail through the picturesque Wachau Valley to Melk.

MELK
Classic: Take a guided tour of Melk’s magnificent Benedictine Abbey to marvel at its frescoed ceilings, statues, incredible library, and ornate pipe organ.

Discovery: Enjoy the flavors of the Wachau Valley with a Wine Tasting on board.

Day 15: Passau, Germany

  • Ship
  • 1 Breakfast, 1 Lunch, 1 Dinner
Classic: Join a guided city walk to learn more about this beautiful “City of Three Rivers”.

Alternatively, join a full-day guided optional excursion to Salzburg—the city of Mozart—or to the picturesque Bohemian town of Cesky Krumlov.

Meet your ship back in Passau for sailing after your full-day selected activity.

Day 16: Regensburg

  • Ship
  • 1 Breakfast, 1 Lunch, 1 Dinner
Classic: Join a guided city walk and see the Altes Rathaus (Old Town Hall) and Porta Pretoria—built in 179 AD as the entrance to Castra Regina fortress.

You may choose to join a guided optional excursion to visit the Benedictine Monastery in Weltenburg.

Alternatively spend a free afternoon exploring Regensburg on foot or by bike through its charming streets.

This evening, enjoy live entertainment after dinner as you cruise toward Roth.

Day 17: Nuremberg

  • Ship
  • 1 Breakfast, 1 Lunch, 1 Dinner
strong>Discovery: Enjoy an onboard lecture about the Main-Danube Canal—linking these two rivers to make a vital connection enabling navigation between the North and Black Seas.

Classic: Enjoy a guided sightseeing tour of the Bavarian town of Roth—with its half-timbered houses, market square, and 1535 hunting lodge Schloss Ratibor OR choose a guided sightseeing of Nuremberg—with its medieval architecture, gilded fountain, gothic cathedral, and Kaiserburg Castle OR take a guided tour of the historic Nuremberg Rally Grounds—used by the Third Reich.

Discovery: Later, indulge in a beer tasting on board.

Day 18: Nuremberg | Disembark

  • 1 Breakfast
Your vacation ends with breakfast this morning.

Ship/Hotel

Avalon Artistry II

Avalon Artistry II Bar
Avalon Artistry II Panorama Lounge
Avalon Artistry II Club Lounge

Dates & Prices

My Preferred Start Date

Per person starting at
Avalon Artistry II Deluxe Staterooms
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Cat. E
Avalon Deluxe Stateroom: 172 SQ. FT. Comfort Collection Beds, Bedside tables with reading lamps, L'Occitane bath products, Under-bed luggage storage, Complimentary bottled water, Individual climate control, Mirror in the bathroom, Full shower with glass door, Vanity, Memory foam mattress, European-style duvets, Extra blankets, Hairdryer, and Spacious 3-door closets.
Avalon Artistry II Deluxe Staterooms
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Cat. D
Avalon Deluxe Stateroom: 172 SQ. FT. Comfort Collection Beds, Bedside tables with reading lamps, L'Occitane bath products, Under-bed luggage storage, Complimentary bottled water, Individual climate control, Mirror in the bathroom, Full shower with glass door, Vanity, Luxurious mattress, European-style duvets, Extra blankets, Hairdryer, and Spacious 3-door closets.
Avalon Artistry II Panorama SuiteAvalon Artistry II Panorama Suite
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Cat. B
Panorama Suite: 200 SQ. FT. Comfort Collection Beds, Bedside tables with reading lamps, L'Occitane bath products, Under-bed luggage storage, Telephone, In-room safe, Contemporary design, Marble countertops in the bathroom, 6-person sitting area, Writing desk, Sofa, Memory foam mattress, European-style duvets.
Avalon Artistry II Panorama SuiteAvalon Artistry II Panorama Suite
Select a Date
Cat. A
Panorama Suite: 200 SQ. FT. Comfort Collection Beds, Bedside tables with reading lamps, L'Occitane bath products, Under-bed luggage storage, Telephone, In-room safe, contemporary design, Marble countertops in the bathroom, 6-person sitting area, Writing desk, Sofa, Luxurious mattress, European-style duvets
Avalon Artistry II Panorama SuiteAvalon Artistry II Panorama Suite
Select a Date
Cat. P
Panorama Suite: 200 SQ. FT. Comfort Collection Beds, Bedside tables with reading lamps, L'Occitane bath products, Under-bed luggage storage, Telephone, Well-stocked minibar, In-room safe, Contemporary design, Marble countertops in the bathroom, 6-person sitting area, Writing desk, Sofa, Memory foam mattress, European-style duvets.
Avalon Artistry II Royal Suite
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Royal Suite
Royal Suite: 300 SQ. FT. Comfort Collection Beds,Bedside tables with reading lamps, L'Occitane bath products, Under-bed luggage storage, Telephone, Well-stocked minibar, Marble countertops in bathroom, Wall-to-Wall Panoramic Window with Open-Air Balcony, Full shower with glass door, Luxurious mattress toppers, European-style duvets.
Included
  • 17 Breakfasts, 15 Lunches, 17 Dinners
  • 16 Nights Accommodations
  • Accommodations as listed
  • Ground transportation as listed
  • Activities as listed
  • Meals as listed
  • Access to a 24-7 Emergency line while traveling
  • Onboard Adventure Center with active gear, bikes, maps, canoe, kayak and jogging excursions
  • Wifi
  • Complimentary fresh fruit available daily
  • Captain’s Welcome and Farewell Receptions
  • 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
  • Panoramic windows
  • Friendly, English-speaking crew & Cruise Director
  • Sky Deck with whirlpool, shade awnings, game area and premium lounges
  • Complimentary sparkling wine with breakfast; wine, beer, or soft drinks with every lunch and dinner
Excluded
  • Gratuities
  • Travel Insurance
  • Personal Expenses
  • Flight costs (please request a quote)
  • Additional excursions during free time
  • Fuel and transportation surcharges (when applicable)
  • Alcohol, beverages, and food outside of the contracted menu as presented at a hotel or restaurant or on board your vessel
  • Port Fees
  • Porterage
  • Passport or Visa fees

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The trip might have been the absolute best of our lifetime (thus far). We particularly want to commend our guide Peter in the Guilin area-he was so incredibly attentive, energetic, enthusiastic-and absolutely dedicated to ensuring that our meals were 100% vegetarian.
Jack Charney
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