From Romania to the North Sea with 1 Night in Bucharest and 2 Nights in Transylvania 2026
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Save $4000 per couple on select 2026 Europe river cruises
Save $4000 per couple on select 2026 Europe river cruises
Promotion Details
*Book a select 2026 Avalon Waterways Europe river cruise to receive $2000 off per person on the cruise/land or cruise only price. Booking must be made, under deposit, and discount applied between August 5, 2024 and June 30, 2025 for travel for select cruises in 2026. Not applicable to custom tours and charters. Not applicable on TBA space. Promotional discount will apply to Groups of 8 or more who provide their Group Block Deposit within the promotion's booking dates and will apply to all individual members of the Group until the due date of the passenger names/non-refundable individual deposits. Offer reliant on space availability at time of booking and may be withdrawn at any time. Combinable with Welcome Back Credit and select account specific offers only. Applies to new 2026 bookings only and offer will not be applied to pre-existing bookings. Full cancellation penalties will apply. Additional restrictions may apply; see Travel Terms & Conditions for details. May be withdrawn at any time. Offer applies to participating GFOB offices only. PRMW1140 PRMW1140

Save $3,000 on 2025 Avalon Waterways Mekong River Cruises
Save $3,000 on 2025 Avalon Waterways Mekong River Cruises
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*Book a select 2025 Avalon Waterways Mekong river cruise to receive $1500 off per person on the cruise/land or cruise only price. Offer available on select dates in 2025 and on select cruises ONLY. Booking must be made, under deposit and discount applied between May 9, 2024 and JUne 30, 2025 for travel at select times in 2025. Not applicable to custom tours. Not applicable on TBA space. Combinable only with the Welcome Back Credit. Promotional discount will apply to Groups of 8 or more who provide their Group Block Deposit within the promotion's booking dates and will apply to all individual members of the Group until the due date of the passenger names/non-refundable individual deposits. Applies to new bookings only and offer will not be applied to pre-existing bookings. Offer reliant on space availability at time of booking and may be withdrawn at any time. This promotion is inventory managed and subject to availability. Full cancellation penalties will apply. Additional restrictions may apply; see Travel Terms & Conditions for details. Offer applies to participating GFOB offices only. PRMW1115 PRMW1146
This enchanting European river cruise from Bucharest to Amsterdam is truly an adventure. In beautiful and mysterious Transylvania visit Peles Castle in Sinaia—considered one of the most beautiful in Europe. Enjoy guided sightseeing of Brasov and a visit to Bran Castle of Dracula fame. In Romania’s lively capital, Bucharest, you’ll see the Arc de Triomphe, and the historical Royal Palace Square. Explore with guided sightseeing in Bulgaria’s ancient capital of Veliko Târnovo. Visit the Ethnographical Museum and Church of the Nativity in Arbanassi and take pictures of Belogradchik’s eclectic group of rock formations and the spectacular views of the Iron Gates. Your Danube River cruise takes you to the capitals of three countries: Belgrade, Serbia; Budapest, Hungary; and Vienna, Austria, where Local Guides will show you the highlights with time to explore on your own. In the heart of the Wachau wine region, take a guided walk in charming Dürnstein, and later visit Melk’s famous Benedictine Abbey. In Germany, enjoy guided sightseeing in Passau, Regensburg, Nuremberg, Bamberg, and Würzburg. Cruise the Main Danube Canal and pass through the dramatic Rhine Gorge—the most beautiful view of the Rhine River where ancient castles stand on cliffs 400 feet above the water. This extraordinary European river cruise concludes in Holland’s popular, modern capital of Amsterdam. Get a unique perspective of the city on a canal cruise along the elegant Grachten lined with homes dating back to the city’s “Golden Age.” Experience the Danube River like never before, with the special experiences and discoveries revealed from Romania to the North Sea.
- Day 1BUCHAREST, ROMANIATue, May 05, 2026Welcome to Bucharest—the “Paris of the East” 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 2BUCHAREST–SINAIA–BRASOVWed, May 06, 2026Romanian Royalty CLASSIC Drive into the Carpathians to Sinaia to visit Peles Castle. On the way, visit the legendary Cantacuzino Castle and enjoy a local lunch. This afternoon, continue to Brasov for the night. (B,L)
- Day 3BRASOVThu, May 07, 2026Transylvania Tales CLASSIC Join a morning Guided Sightseeing Tour of Brasov followed by free time. CLASSIC In the evening enjoy a tour of Bran Castle of Dracula lore followed by dinner. (B,D)
- Day 4BRASOV–BUCHAREST–OLTENITA (EMBARKATION)Fri, May 08, 2026Historic BucharestCLASSIC Join a Guided Excursion in Bucharest, see the Royal Palace Square—the scene of the city's 1989 riots to overthrow the communist dictator Nicolae Ceausescu. Join your Avalon Suite Ship® this afternoon, for embarkation in Oltenita.EVENING/OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO ROUSSE(B,D)
- Day 5ROUSSE, BULGARIA. VELIKO TÂRNOVO & ARBANASSI EXCURSIONSat, May 09, 2026Fortresses and Fountains in “Little Vienna” ACTIVE Join a bike tour in Rousse with your Avalon Adventure Host, 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, 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 Bulgarian Revival architecture in the 15th-century town of Arbanassi. Later, join your ship in Svistov. Sail to Svistov or join your ship there if you opted for the full-day tour.EVENING/OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO VIDIN(B,L,D)
- Day 6VIDINSun, May 10, 2026Rocks, Ruins, and Balkan Beauty Ask about today’s energizing or relaxing Adventure Host activities.ACTIVE Wander and discover this town, join your Adventure Host for a bike ride, OR:CLASSIC Join a Guided Tour of Belogradchik. See the remarkable rock formations on the slopes of the Balkan Mountains, sculpted by 200 million years of nature’s elements. Then, visit the mighty Baba Vida Fortress in nearby Vidin.This evening, enjoy live entertainment on board with a Bulgarian folklore show. OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO DONJI MILANOVAC(B,L,D)
- Day 7IRON GATES GORGE–GOLUBAČ, SERBIA. EXCURSION TO LEPENSKI VIRMon, May 11, 2026Ancient Artifacts and the Iron Gates 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. Continue to the Fortress of Golubač, one of the best preserved medieval fortresses in Europe. OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO BELGRADE(B,L,D)
- Day 8BELGRADE, SERBIATue, May 12, 2026Fortresses and Folklore Join your Adventure Host for today’s special activities. ACTIVE See Belgrade's central walkway with your Adventure Host, 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.You may choose to join an Optional Guided Biking Tour or spend your remaining free time in Belgrade exploring Knez Mihailova Street—Belgrade’s central pedestrian thoroughfare with many lively cafés, shops, and cultural spots.DISCOVERY Attend an onboard Lecture to learn about the rich history, destinations, and culture of the Balkan states.EVENING/OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO NOVI SAD(B,L,D)
- Day 9NOVI SADWed, May 13, 2026A Capital of CultureCLASSIC 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.ACTIVE Enjoy a walking tour in Novi Sad along the narrow streets that climb slowly to the top of the hill above the city to Petrovaradin Fortress, OR:DISCOVERY Experience the sweet life in Serbia with a visit and tasting at the Museum of Beekeeping and Živanović Wine Cellar in Sremski Karlovci.OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO ILOK(B,L,D)
- Day 10ILOK, CROATIAThu, May 14, 2026Croatian Heritage and Hilltop VintagesDISCOVERY Take a walking tour of Ilok with a wine tasting in a local cellar with stories of Croatian tradition.Enjoy a short sailing to Vukovar during lunchtimeVUKOVAR, CROATIAThe Heroic Town on the DanubeCLASSIC Enjoy a walking tour of Vukovar, the city the largest river port in Croatia.This evening, enjoy live entertainment on board.OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO MOHÁCS(B,L,D)
- Day 11MOHÁCS, HUNGARY. EXCURSION TO PÉCSFri, May 15, 2026Underground Tombs and Heavenly MusicCLASSIC Join a morning Guided Sightseeing Tour of Mohács—the quiet Danube harbor town with its historical memorial parks, statues, and distinctive churches. Tour the remarkable medieval St. Nicholas Watermill—one of only a few remaining watermills performing stone-ground grain processing, OR: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.AFTERNOON/OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO BUDAPEST(B,L,D)
- Day 12BUDAPESTSat, May 16, 2026Welcome to Budapest—Hungary’s Captivating CapitalCLASSIC Enjoy a Guided City Sightseeing, including the iconic Heroes’ Square. Take in the beauty of Budapest while enjoying a free afternoon exploring such famous sights as the Chain Bridge. Get to know the city’s cafés and pubs or take a hike above the Danube.OVERNIGHT DOCKING IN BUDAPEST (B,L,D)
- Day 13BUDAPESTSun, May 17, 2026War Heroes and Hot WaterVisit the Adventure Center for today’s activities with your Adventure Host.ACTIVE Hike up to a magnificent viewpoint in Budapest with your Adventure Host.Alternatively, take a free day to explore, with 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. EVENING/OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO BRATISLAVA(B,L,D)
- Day 14BRATISLAVA, SLOVAKIAMon, May 18, 2026Cathedral Coronations and a Crowning Castle ACTIVE Follow your Avalon Adventure Host on a short hike to lofty Bratislava Castle, OR: CLASSIC Join a Guided Walking Tour of Old Town’s cobblestone streets to Town Hall. Visit the Gothic halls of St. Martin’s Cathedral—Hungary’s centuries-old coronation church.Alternatively, in your free time take a bicycle and a picnic from the ship to explore the local sights along the Danube. Later, enjoy live entertainment onboard. OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO VIENNA(B,L,D)
- Day 15VIENNA, AUSTRIATue, May 19, 2026Royal Collections and Amusing AttractionsACTIVE Explore Vienna's Danube Island by bike with your Adventure Host, 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.Join a Guided Optional Excursion to Schönbrunn Palace— summer home of the Habsburg empire.You may also take a tram to Vienna’s Prater amusement park or to one of the many museums nearby. Later, consider joining an Optional Excursion to attend a Royal Waltz Concert in an elegant hall. OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO DÜRNSTEIN(B,L,D)
- Day 16DÜRNSTEIN–WACHAU VALLEYWed, May 20, 2026A King’s Ransom and Castle RuinsACTIVE Take a Guided Hike up to the castle ruins to take in the spectacular view of the village, Danube, and the Wachau Valley below, OR: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. Later, stretch out on the Sky Deck as you sail through the Wachau Valley past vineyards, castles, and charming villages on your way to Melk.MELK Frescoes 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.DISCOVERY Later, enjoy a Wine Tasting on board as you prepare to sail to Passau.EVENING/OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO PASSAU(B,L,D)
- Day 17PASSAU, GERMANYThu, May 21, 2026Where the Danube, Inn, and Ilz Rivers Meet CLASSIC Join an afternoon Guided City Walk to learn more about this beautiful “City of Three Rivers.” Alternatively, 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.EVENING/OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO REGENSBURG (B,L,D)
- Day 18REGENSBURGFri, May 22, 2026Bavaria’s Medieval MiracleACTIVE Explore Walhalla by bike with your Adventure Host, 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. 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. EVENING/OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO ROTH(B,L,D)
- Day 19ROTH. EXCURSION TO NUREMBERGSat, May 23, 2026Legends and History LessonsCLASSIC 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: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. Tonight, relax onboard with live entertainment as you sail to Bamberg.EVENING/OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO BAMBERG(B,L,D)
- Day 20BAMBERGSun, May 24, 2026The City of Seven Hills.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.AFTERNOON/OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO WÜRZBURG (B,L,D)
- Day 21WÜRZBURGMon, May 25, 2026A Perfect Day in the Pearl of the Romantic Road ACTIVE Enjoy an easy bike ride along the river with your Adventure Host, OR:CLASSIC 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. This afternoon, enjoy leisurely sailing.AFTERNOON/OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO MILTENBERG(B,L,D)
- Day 22MILTENBERGTue, May 26, 2026Beauty on the Main River Join your Adventure Host for today’s special activities.ACTIVE Discover Miltenberg by bike with your Adventure Host, OR:CLASSIC Join a Guided Walking Tour of Miltenberg, a showcase of medieval half-timber homes and home to Germany’s oldest inn.Later, enjoy onboard entertainment as you cruise to Rüdesheim. AFTERNOON/OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO RÜDESHEIM (B,L,D)
- Day 23RÜDESHEIM–RHINE GORGEWed, May 27, 2026Eat, Drink, and Be Merry in Wine Country ACTIVE Enjoy a hike with your Avalon Adventure Host through the picturesque vineyards of Rüdesheim, OR:DISCOVERY Take a Guided Visit to the historic 18th-century wooden-barrel cellar of Johannisberg Castle and enjoy a delicious wine tasting, OR:CLASSIC Tour the incredible Mechanical Music Museum for a one-of-a-kind instrumental experience; enjoy a tasting of the authentic Rüdesheimer coffee.This afternoon cruise through the dramatic Rhine Gorge and see the famous rock of the Lorelei—where mythological siren lured ill-fated sailors to shore. DISCOVERY Enjoy a remarkable classical music concert in a lovely baroque venue at Engers Castle, home to the Villa Musica Rhineland-Palatinate National Foundation, one of Germany’s largest music institutions.OVERNIGHT DOCKING IN ENGERS(B,L,D)
- Day 24COLOGNEThu, May 28, 2026Prost! Celebrate in the RhinelandAsk about today’s energizing or relaxing Adventure Host activities.ACTIVE Enjoy a bike ride like the locals in Cologne with your Adventure Host, OR:DISCOVERY 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.Spend free time over a glass of Kölsch pale lager—locally brewed for over 100 years! AFTERNOON/OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO AMSTERDAM(B,L,D)
- Day 25AMSTERDAM, HOLLANDFri, May 29, 2026Colorful Canals of AmsterdamACTIVE Start your day joining your Adventure Host on an early morning walk in Amsterdam, OR:CLASSIC 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.” In the afternoon you may join an Optional Culinary Walk through Amsterdam to sample savory and sweet Dutch specialties. Or choose an Optional Biking Tour to discover the countryside. You might also consider a Guided Optional Excursion to Zaanse Schans to see historic windmills and charming Dutch houses. Spend free time on your own to explore the colorful cafés, galleries, bridges, and canals of Amsterdam. OVERNIGHT DOCKING IN AMSTERDAM(B,L,D)
- Day 26AMSTERDAM (DISEMBARKATION)Sat, May 30, 2026Your 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:
$726 are included.
Avalon offers the opportunity for solo travelers to sail with no single supplement (subject to availability).
Please call for single accommodation price. Triples not available.
OR Call Us For a Free Quote 1-800-342-0019
Ship Information
Cabins
Life on Board
Questions & Answers Ask A Question
Question: Will the day-by-day itinerary change?
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I can not say enough to praise the hospitality and professional service aboard the Avalon Illumination! Everyone was so helpful and engaging from our tour guide to our housekeeper. the food and food service staff were equally amazing!
Don't be afraid to try the active excursions. They were amazing and they were honest if they felt a guest wouldn't be comfortable with the level of difficulty.
The overall dining experience was ok, not great
We enjoyed the Avalon Magnificent Europe River Cruise very much. It was everything we expected and more. The crew and staff on the ship were outstanding.
Avalon was wonderful to us. The staff was extremely friendly and willing to help in anyway. Very positive experience. The food also was delicious.
Great Food, Great Room, Great Tour Guide and Crew! Outstanding to all that worked so hard and always presented a smile!
Nico, Cruise director, made this trip extra special. He is very organized and knows the history of the areas we traveled.
This was our first river cruise and our first experience with Avalon. The entire trip was very enjoyable and we look forward to traveling on another river cruise with Avalon. Our tour included the Christmas Markets along the Danube and it would be fun to return to the same places during the spring and summer months. It was very nice to unpack only once.
The changes to my itinerary, due to the low water level of the Danube, were well beyond acceptable and made my trip that much more enjoyable. Mother Nature has a mind of her own and Avalon kept me informed prior to and on the trip. I highly recommend Avalon.
This trip covers a longer stretch of the Danube and many of the tours off the ship are an hour or more by bus. Average age on this trip was older than many other European river cruises. It was a fascinating trip.
Affordable Tours and Avalon did a great job. Everything perfect.
Aga was extremely helpful in booking our trip and in providing valuable information about the excursions and Amsterdam. We would like to work with her again in the future.
Everything was wonderful! The Avalon Illumination river boat was beautiful and our cabin was nice with a panoramic view. The tour director and staff were super. The places we visited for the Christmas markets were beyond description -- absolutely fabulous! Very relaxing trip aboard the river boat.
The cruise was just as advertised - even better.
My 1st river cruise. It was handled professional and smoothly. My consultant and her team did a great job. I will definitively book again.
A truly wonderful vacation. Everything was first class - the hotel in Prague, the Avalon Illumination, and all the excursions. Our cruise director was outstanding.
Once we were booked, everything was seemless.
My only comment of concern was that when on ship we were asked to leave dining room rather abruptly when it was closing and the bar would be closed during all performances. And bar drinks were super expensive other than happy hours...I felt like we had to conform more than was necessary...could have been more customer sensitive...it was the cruise director who at times treated us this way. Otherwise excellent and I would encourage others to use Avalon.
I couldn't have asked for more with Avalon. The whole staff and crew were so friendly and helpful. The trip was a trip of a lifetime thanks to Avalon!
Every aspect of this trip was top notch!
The trip was fine, but we wished we would have had more 'side trip' choices, or actually, transportation choices. We wanted to take the tour bus places, but once there we would have rather gone in a different direction, I mean, it seems every tour brought us to a church/cathedral, and once you have seen 3 or 4, it got real old. The tour to the winery in Serbia (I think - maybe Bulgaria) was terrible, the wine was awful, I did not see a single person buy any of it. This is one tour where we wanted to go elsewhere but could not. Same with the tour to Tera Nova in Bulgaria - we wanted to wander the town, instead we had to follow the tour to yet another church. But this was OUR thoughts, for many others I am sure it was fine.
The agent was a delight to work with because of her top of the line service. Had a wonderful trip on Avalon Waterways up the Danube and Rhine Rivers from Vienna, and Salzburg was great! Thanks again for a wonderful trip.
We had a wonderful time and are very grateful to our agent for her professional assistance