Iconic Rivers of Europe - the Rhine, Main & Danube with 1 Night in Bucharest 2027
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From Holland to Romania, with a host of exciting stops along the way, this river cruise vacation across Europe is truly an adventure! Amsterdam, Holland’s lively capital, is set amongst sophisticated architecture and classic squares and canals with countless museums, cafés, shops, and restaurants to explore. See the treasures of this 700-year-old city on a canal cruise along the elegant grachten. On to Germany for a guided city walk in the 2,000-year-old Cologne. Sail through the dramatic Rhine Gorge—the most beautiful view of the Rhine River where ancient castles stand on cliffs 400 feet above the water and stop in delightful Rüdesheim. There’s guided sightseeing in Würzburg, Bamberg, and Nuremberg, and you’ll sail the Main Danube Canal connecting the Main and Danube Rivers. In Melk, Austria, visit the magnificent Benedictine Abbey, then sail through the picturesque Wachau Valley. Guided sightseeing in each city introduces you to two capitals: Vienna, Austria; and Budapest, Hungary. Continue your river cruise adventure on the Lower Danube with guided sightseeing in Vukovar and discover Ilok with its 1,000-year-old winemaking tradition. Stop in Serbia’s Belgrade and cruise through the dramatic Iron Gates Gorge. In Bulgaria, visit Belogradchik’s eclectic rock formations, the ancient capital of Veliko Tarnovo, and Arbanassi—with its Church of the Nativity housing an outstanding collection of frescoes. To round out this timeless European River Cruise, a stay in Romania’s vibrant capital of Bucharest—known as the “Paris of the East” —is a must. A local expert will show you many of its historical treasures.
- Day 1AMSTERDAM, HOLLAND (EMBARKATION)Thu, May 06, 2027Welcome to Holland. Your Suite Ship® is Ready for BoardingFlights into Amsterdam must arrive by 3:30 pm. Guests must be on board ship by 5 pm.During tulip season, you may take a Guided Optional Excursion to the gardens at Keukenhof—with more than seven million tulips, daffodils, and hyacinths as well as other bulbs, planted each year. Outside of tulip season, consider joining a Guided Optional Excursion to Zaanse Schans to see historic windmills and charming Dutch houses. Spend free time exploring the colorful streets, bridges, and canals of Amsterdam—with its many cafés and art galleries. OVERNIGHT DOCKING IN AMSTERDAM(D)
- Day 2AMSTERDAMFri, May 07, 2027Canals of Colorful AmsterdamCLASSIC Discover the true beauty of Amsterdam with an off-the-beaten-path Guided Walking Tour through its cobblestone streets for a captivating look at this legendary city, OR:CLASSIC Explore the iconic waterways of Amsterdam with a Guided Canal Cruise past stately homes of Amsterdam’s “Golden Age.” This afternoon, choose among the Guided Optional Excursions available. AFTERNOON/OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO COLOGNE(B,L,D)
- Day 3COLOGNE, GERMANYSat, May 08, 2027Prost! Celebrate in the RhinelandJoin your Adventure Host for today’s special activities.ACTIVE Enjoy a bike ride like the locals in Cologne with your Adventure Host, OR:CLASSIC Join a Guided Walking Tour of Cologne’s important Jewish heritage sites, OR;CLASSIC Take a Guided City Walk of Cologne—explore the Old City and see its soaring twin-steepled gothic cathedral.Don’t miss the chance to enjoy free time over a glass of Kölsch pale lager—locally brewed for over 100 years! This evening, enjoy live entertainment on board your ship.OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO RÜDESHEIM(B,L,D)
- Day 4RHINE GORGE–RÜDESHEIMSun, May 09, 2027Eat, Drink, and Be Merry in Wine CountryEn route to Rüdesheim, sail through the Rhine Gorge (a UNESCO World Heritage site). Take in the breathtaking views of ancient castles perched on cliffs 400 feet above the water and pass the legendary Rock of the Lorelei—where the mythological siren’s songs lured ill-fated sailors.ACTIVE Enjoy a hike with your Avalon Adventure Host through the picturesque vineyards of Rüdesheim, followed by a tasting of the authentic Rüdesheimer coffee, OR:CLASSIC Tour the incredible Mechanical Music Museum for a one-of-a-kind instrumental experience; enjoy a tasting of the authentic Rüdesheimer coffee, OR: DISCOVERY Take a Guided Visit to the historic 18th-century wooden-barrel cellar of Johannisberg Castle and enjoy a delicious wine tasting.Later, local musicians will join us on board for live entertainment.AFTERNOON/OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO MILTENBERG(B,L,D)
- Day 5MILTENBERGMon, May 10, 2027Beauty on the Main River Ask about today’s energizing or relaxing Adventure Host activities.ACTIVE Enjoy a Bike Tour with your Adventure Host to explore this charming medieval town and surrounding area, OR:CLASSIC Join a Guided Walking Tour of Miltenberg, a showcase of medieval half-timber homes and home to Germany’s oldest inn.EVENING/OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO WÜRZBURG (B,L,D)
- Day 6WÜRZBURGTue, May 11, 2027A Perfect Day in the Pearl of the Romantic RoadCLASSIC Take a Guided Sightseeing Tour of Würzburg with its Old Main Bridge, towering fortress, and baroque Bishop’s Residenz—with the largest known ceiling fresco. Enjoy the city on your own or visit a local winery. This evening, enjoy on board for live entertainment.OVERNIGHT DOCKING IN WÜRZBURG (B,L,D)
- Day 7VOLKACHWed, May 12, 2027Storybook Settings 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. Sail to Volkach and get ready for your afternoon activity. ACTIVE Bike along the Main Danube Canal with your Adventure Host, OR:CLASSIC Join a Walking Tour of the quaint town of Volkach with its half-timbered houses and cobblestoned streets.EVENING/OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO BAMBERG(B,L,D)
- Day 8BAMBERGThu, May 13, 2027The City of Seven HillsACTIVE Your bike is ready! Hop on and bike along the canals in Bamberg with your Adventure Host, OR: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. DISCOVERY Attend an onboard lecture to learn about European history and culture.Later, enjoy live entertainment performance while sailing this evening. AFTERNOON/OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO NUREMBERG(B,L,D)
- Day 9NUREMBERGFri, May 14, 2027Legends and History LessonsVisit the Adventure Center for today’s activities with your Adventure Host.ACTIVE Join your Adventure Host for a walk to discover the surrounding neighboring, OR: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:CLASSIC Choose a Guided Tour of Nuremberg’s medieval architecture, gilded fountain, gothic cathedral, and Kaiserburg Castle, OR:CLASSIC Join a Guided Tour of the historic Nuremberg Rally Grounds—used by the Third Reich.CLASSIC 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. AFTERNOON/OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO REGENSBURG(B,L,D)
- Day 10REGENSBURGSat, May 15, 2027Bavaria’s Medieval MiracleACTIVE Explore Walhalla by bike with your Adventure Host, OR:CLASSIC Explore Regensburg’s rich Jewish history with a guided tour of the Old Jewish Quarter, synagogue, and museum, uncovering centuries of culture, resilience, and heritage in this UNESCO city, OR:CLASSIC Join a Guided City Walk and see 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 free time exploring Regensburg on foot or by bike through its charming streets.EVENING/OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO PASSAU(B,L,D)
- Day 11PASSAUSun, May 16, 2027Where the Danube, Inn, and Ilz Rivers MeetACTIVE Join your Avalon Adventure Host for Hiking down to the valley and along Ilz River, OR:CLASSIC Join a Guided City Walk to learn more about this beautiful “City of Three Rivers.”You may join a full-day Guided Optional Excursion to Salzburg, the city of Mozart, or a full-day Guided Optional Excursion to the picturesque Bohemian town of Cesky Krumlov. Alternatively, cruise to the lovely town of Linz. LINZ, AUSTRIALegendary, Lovely LinzThis evening, feel free to explore Linz on your own. Later, enjoy live entertainment on board.OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO MELK(B,L,D)
- Day 12MELK–WACHAU VALLEYMon, May 17, 2027Frescoes Above and Vineyards Below ACTIVE Join your Avalon Adventure Host for a walk along the Danube River and around Melk, OR:CLASSIC Take a Guided Tour of the frescoed ceilings, statues, incredible library, and ornate pipe organ of Melk’s Benedictine Abbey. Enjoy a coffee or cocktail on the Sky Deck as you sail through the picturesque Wachau Valley to wonderful Vienna this afternoon. VIENNAViennese Waltzes on the Blue DanubeConsider joining a Guided Optional Excursion to attend a Royal Waltz Concert in an elegant hall this evening.OVERNIGHT DOCKING IN VIENNA (B,L,D)
- Day 13VIENNATue, May 18, 2027Royal Collections and Amusing AttractionsACTIVE Explore Vienna's Danube Island by bike with your Adventure Host, OR:CLASSIC Enjoy a Guided Visit to House of Strauss and embark on an interactive journey through Vienna's illustrious past at an immersive audio-visual experience. After the tour, enjoy a coffee and homemade cake, OR:CLASSIC Explore the Habsburg Empire with a morning Guided City Tour of Vienna’s gilded landmarks. See the Imperial Palace complex—the winter residence of the Imperial Family, the iconic Vienna Opera House, and stunning St. Stephen’s Cathedral.You may choose to join a Guided Optional Excursion to Schönbrunn Palace—summer home of the Habsburg family.Consider a tram ride to Vienna’s Prater amusement park or to one of the many museums nearby. Later, enjoy live entertainment as you sail to Budapest. EVENING/OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO BUDAPEST(B,L,D)
- Day 14BUDAPEST, HUNGARYWed, May 19, 2027The Pearl of the Danube This morning, while sailing into Budapest, enjoy beautiful views of the city from the Sky Deck.ACTIVE Hike up to a magnificent viewpoint in Budapest with your Adventure Host, OR:CLASSIC Enjoy a Guided City Sightseeing tour of Budapest, including the iconic Heroes’ Square.This afternoon, choose among the Optional Guided Excursions available or enjoy Budapest on your own. Indulge in a piece of cream cake in one of the many cafés. Consider a scenic hike above the Danube. OVERNIGHT DOCKING IN BUDAPEST(B,L,D)
- Day 15BUDAPESTThu, May 20, 2027Time to Capture Photographs, Coffee, and ConfectionsTake free time to shop in the Great Market Hall, take photos on the Royal Palace grounds, or visit Budapest’s famous thermal bath spas. OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO VUKOVAR(B,L,D)
- Day 16VUKOVARFri, May 21, 2027History and BeerVisit the Adventure Center for today’s activities with your Adventure Host.DISCOVERY Join a Guided Walking Tour to discover the heritage, culture, and tradition of Vukovar and enjoy a beer tasting, OR:CLASSIC Join a Guided City Tour to discover the captivating culture and tradition of Vukovar and learn about its rich history and heritage.Enjoy a brief cruise to Ilok while having lunch onboard.ILOK, CROATIA History and Culture in CroatiaCLASSIC Join a Guided tour of Ilok, with its 1,000-year-old wine making traditions still thriving and its medieval fortress protected for its Croatian cultural heritage. Refresh your spirit with a wine tasting in a local cellar and hear the stories of culture and tradition in the natural beauty of Eastern Croatia, OR:ACTIVE Explore more of Croatia on a Guided Bike Tour along Ilok’s city walls, into the central church, and the towns’ museum on your way to Principovac Castle and Estate.OVERNIGHT DOCKING IN NOVI SAD(B,L,D)
- Day 17NOVI SAD, SERBIASat, May 22, 2027The Athens of SerbiaACTIVE Join your Adventure Host on a Hike to the Petrovaradin part of the town. Located on the right bank of the Danube, across from the main part of Novi Sad, this area will amaze you for its scenic views, OR:DISCOVERY Get to learn more about the beekeeper profession on this Guided Tour of Novi Sad by stopping at the Honey Museum and by tasting local honey specialties, OR:CLASSIC Join a Guided Tour of Novi Sad, the second largest town in Serbia. Admire its Austro-Hungarian old town, with its baroque buildings, and ancient fortifications.Later, enjoy live entertainment on board.OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO BELGRADE(B,L,D)
- Day 18BELGRADESun, May 23, 2027Fortresses and FolkloreACTIVE Join a Guided Bike Tour along the Danube and explore the nooks and crannies of Belgrade, OR: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. DISCOVERY Attend an onboard Lecture to learn about the rich history, destinations, and culture of the Balkan states. Spend your free time exploring the city on your own this afternoon on Knez Mihailova Street—Belgrade’s central pedestrian thoroughfare with many lively cafés, shops, and cultural spots. This evening, you might like to join an Optional Excursion for an authentic Bohemian Dinner in the Quarter of Skadarlija.OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO GOLUBAČ(B,L,D)
- Day 19GOLUBAČ–DONJI MILANOVAC. EXCURSION TO LEPENSKI VIR–IRON GATES GORGEMon, May 24, 2027Ancient Artifacts and the Iron GatesCLASSIC Visit the Fortress of Golubač, one of the best-preserved medieval fortresses in Europe. You’ll hear about its tumultuous history as a border control defense in the Middle Ages, and a source of conflict between Serbia, the Habsburg Monarchy, and the Ottoman Empire. Continue to the Mesolithic archaeological site of Lepenski Vir with unique views of the Danube Gorge.Sail through the spectacular and narrow Iron Gates Gorge—a natural border between Serbia and Romania. AFTERNOON/OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO VIDIN(B,L,D)
- Day 20VIDIN, BULGARIATue, May 25, 2027Rocks, Ruins, and Balkan BeautyACTIVE Join your Adventure Host on a hike to Baba Vida Fortress, OR:CLASSIC Join Guided Sightseeing Tour to the western slopes of the Balkan Mountains and marvel at Belogradchik’s stunning rock formations, sculpted by 200 million years of natural elements, OR:DISCOVERY Discover more than two centuries of a proud family history of Bulgarian winemaking with a tour and tasting at a local winery. Continue exploring the nearby port town Vidin on a Guided Sightseeing.AFTERNOON/OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO ROUSSE(B,L,D)
- Day 21ROUSSE. VELIKO TÂRNOVO & ARBANASSI EXCURSIONWed, May 26, 2027Fortresses and FolkloreACTIVE Explore the old town in Rousse old town by bike with your Adventure Host, 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, OR:CLASSIC Join a Guided Sightseeing Tour of Bulgaria’s largest inland port and visit its impressive Holy Trinity Church. Later, enjoy a short scenic drive to explore the rock-hewn churches of Ivanovo, a UNESCO World Heritage. Later, enjoy live entertainment on board with a Bulgarian folklore show. OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO OLTENITA(B,L,D)
- Day 22OLTENITA, ROMANIA (DISEMBARKATION)–BUCHARESTThu, May 27, 2027The Paris of the EastCLASSIC 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. Spend some free time exploring on your own to visit shops and museums. See the beautiful home and churches along Victory Avenue. You might consider partaking one of the Optional Excursion available.(B)
- Day 23BUCHARESTFri, May 28, 2027Your vacation ends with breakfast this morning.(B)
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Inclusions
•In the event of technical or water level issues, it may be necessary to operate the itinerary by motorcoach or alter the program, including hotel overnight when necessary.
•Guided Tours, Optional Excursions, activities, sailing and docking schedules may be contingent on weather conditions or other issues outside of our control and could therefore be subject to change at any time.
•Please check visa requirements with your local consulate(s); responsibility for obtaining visas rests with the traveler.
Accommodation Information
Port charges:
$$$
Avalon offers the opportunity for solo travelers to sail with no single supplement (subject to availability).
Please call for single accommodation details and prices. Triples not available.
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Ship Information
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Avalon Passion had the intimate atmosphere of small ship cruising. By the end of the trip there was a good family atmosphere on the boat. The ship was in great condition, crew and staff were pleasant and attentive and the Tour Director was great. Local guides were all passionate about their destinations, and since we were in four different countries in a week, we got interesting, and sometime startling, perspectives on Balkan history. The weather was very hot, and this made some of the walking tours rather grueling, but the Tour director and guides did their best to adapt tours to the heat, and make sure there was plenty of water, rest and shade. The shore based last three days were fascinating but tiring. All in all, a great experience.
Was a fabulous experience. Avalon, the boat, the staff, the tours, the airfare. Perfect!
This tour /cruise was fantastic. The pre-cruise extension in Transylvania was for me the highlight and anyone considering the cruise should definitely include this. Our Avalon cruise director and the entire crew were outstanding as were the local guides who were extremely knowledgeable and spoke perfect English.
I would travel on valon only in the future. Cleaner, newer, more comfortable ships with a great stafff. Better than my previous river cruises with a high end ship! And the cruise director has to be the absolutely best in the industry!!!
Outstanding cruise,ship and crew were excellent.Cruise Director Simona is a delight,extremely knowledgeable and helpful. Will travel again with Avalon.
The ship is beautiful and the rooms very comfortable. Avalon seems to attract a very friendly and social group of travelers. It is also welcoming to the solo traveler.
This was probably the best cruise we have ever taken and we travel a lot. Autumn from Affordable is the best. She was always there when I needed her and so accommodating. The ship Passion was a 10 plus in every way from the rooms to the tours, food and staff. I liked that they had healthy choices at every meal.
Our Avalon cruise exceeded our expections. We had a great staff, great tours, and met wonderful people.
This river cruise to see the Christmas Markets and tour parts of Austria, Germany, and the Czech Republic was a dream come true. Every part of it was amazing. From the organization of Affordable Tours pre-cruise to Avalon Waterways beautiful ship, great crew (especially cruise director Gusta) and the spectacular meals. The tours were marvelous and informative. Cant say enough about the great time we had.
As always the service on Avalon was excellent and the rooms wonderful. Missed the allergy notifications cards on buffet as my daughter had celiacs Did appriciate that after the third day the had made gluten fee desserts that she was able to have and the snacks provided at captains cocktail time. Would have been perfect if these items had been available the first few days also, as not having them made me feel my daughter was left out and me also feel guilty if I ate in front of her.
It was a wonderful trip and the person who made it really great was our Cruise Director, Monika. She was friendly, helpful and extremely kind. When I had a severe asthma attack in Venice, she made arrangements to get me to a hospital for necessary treatment and throughout the rest of the trip continued to check on me and make sure that I had whatever was needed to be comfortable. It can be a scary experience to be ill in a foreign country, but with Monika's help I made it through the rest of the trip without any more worries.
I thought the dinner meals were not as good as past cruise. Breakfast and lunch were fine. Service from staff was excellent
We had a great trip. This is our second river cruise with Avalon through Affordable Tours. We knew what to expect from our previous trip (Romantic Rhine a year ago). The day excursions are well-led, with lots of information from our capable guides. The food on board is very good, with buffet style (our preference) for breakfast and lunch. We're not gourmet food aficionados, honestly two-hour dinners every night are not our style, but we knew they were part of the package, so we weren't surprised.
Avalon staff and tours were excellent - enjoyed the many excursions.
The attention to detail is incredible. The tour director left nothing on the table. Everything was perfectly organized and described. The cruise was great and I would, and will, recommend this to all my friends and family. If you find yourself on this cruise, you are in for a great adventure. All arranged/included tours at each port were top notch.
The trip was an educational trip about the Balkan Region. It was wonderful!
The trip planning met expectations but we did encounter a few unexpected changes along the way. Our ship had to be docked before we could continue due to low water level in the Danube. Avalon did their utmost to schedule us a transfer to another ship with transportation to it with financial compensation. This worked out well and we were minimally inconvenienced by this. We are grateful that this was coordinated before we even knew what was going on. Even though we received a new crew aboard the Avalon Expression, we were able to maintain our activities coordinator, Michala, who went out of her way to make sure that we were taken care of and informed every step of the way.