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. 

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!