Feel relaxed with the stunning views on your Main and Danube River cruise from the Balkans to Germany. Travel through the majestic landscapes of the Balkans, and visit Rousse, Bulgaria’s largest inland port, or join a full-day guided tour of the Bulgarian capital of Veliko Târnovo, where ancient stone houses cling to the Yantra River cliffs. In Serbia, take a guided tour of Belgrade, and see the most preserved Croatian fortress in Osijek. Don't forget to visit the charming Dürnstein and Melk—in the vineyard-rich Wachau Valley. Also, be amazed by the Nymphenburg Palace as you move from Nuremberg to Munich.
Highlights
Explore Vidin’s fortress, see the rock formations in Belogradchik
Enjoy the tour of Belgrade and see the city’s many fascinating sights
Feel relaxed in a musical concert at Franjo Kuhac.
Appreciate the beauty of the iconic Heroes’ Square.
Go to Schönbrunn Palace which is a Habsburg Empire summer home
Involves minimal physical effort and is typically associated with leisurely activities. Activities are low-intensity or last less than a few hours each day.
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.
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
Explore your ship this evening and enjoy a dinner on board.
Discovery: After dinner, attend an onboard Lecture to learn about the Danube Delta.
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.
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.
Classic: Join a guided sightseeing tour of Bulgaria’s largest inland port and visit its impressive Holy Trinity Church, OR:
Active: Join a walk through the park with your Avalon Adventure Host.
Sail to Svistov
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.
Classic: Join guided sightseeing in Vidin, followed by a guided tour of Belogradchik. Marvel at 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Classic: Enjoy a guided city sightseeing, including the iconic Heroes’ Square.
The afternoon is free to enjoy Budapest on your own. Be sure to savor a piece of cream cake in the world-famous Gerbeaud Café. Consider a scenic hike in the hills above the Danube.
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.
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 city tour 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.
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, OR:
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.
Classic: Join a guided optional excursion 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.
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 tour 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.
Classic: Take a full-day guided tour of the highlights of fascinating Munich. See Nymphenburg Palace—a former residence of German monarchs, along with the old and new Town Halls of Marienplatz.
Classic: Take a guided walking tour of the former home to imperial dynasties, and see its Romanesque cathedral, Old Town Hall, and seven hills crowned with churches.
Enjoy free time this afternoon strolling through the city.
Discovery: Later, indulge in a Beer Tasting on board.
Classic: Join a walking tour of the quaint town of Volkach with its half-timbered houses and cobblestoned streets.
During lunchtime enjoy a relaxing cruise to Kitzingen.
KITZINGEN Classic: Enjoy a guided sightseeing tour and hear about the legend of a Countess, a shepherd, and a monastery. Explore Bavaria’s largest wine-producing area.
Classic: Take a guided sightseeing tour of Würzburg—”Pearl of the Romantic Road”— with its Old Main Bridge, towering fortress, and baroque Bishop’s Residenz—with the largest known ceiling fresco, OR:
Active: Enjoy incredible views over the northern Bavaria city of Wurzburg on a hike up to mighty hilltop Marienberg Castle.
You may choose to join a guided optional excursion to the beautiful Bavarian town of Rothenburg. See the local sights and enjoy the fairytale atmosphere that has inspired artists. Alternatively, you may enjoy free time to take in the charm and culinary specialties of Würzburg.
This itinerary is no longer available. For other trip ideas, please visit Danube River Cruises.
Apologies for the inconvenience. Prices for not yet published. Below per person rate based on previous season. Contact us to confirm upcoming season pricing.
Prices for are estimated based on inflation. Contact us to confirm pricing and availability for your desired departure date.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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
Initial deposit is $450, and most travelers will call our office and pay the deposit with a credit card.
Final payment is due 100 days prior to departure by check, money order, Visa, MasterCard, Discover/Novus, and American Express. All final payments by credit card may be subject to a surcharge and maximum of $20,000 charge
For full cancellation policy details, please contact us for a quote.
Included
22 Breakfasts, 19 Lunches, 20 Dinners
21 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
Prices do not include airfare, taxes and other government-imposed fees
Our guide and driver were very good with their knowledge and were very helpful with our questions. It was a very pleasant visit that would have been impossible to do on our own. Hotels and restaurants were fantastic. The special places we got to go to, like the kitchens, were great. Enjoyed the entire trip!
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