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 Arba-nassi 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.

1. Day 1
   BUCHAREST, ROMANIA

   Tue, Aug 26, 2025

   Welcome 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.
   
   
2. Day 2
   BUCHAREST–SINAIA–BRASOV

   Wed, Aug 27, 2025

   Drive into the Carpathians to Sinaia to visit Peles Castle. On the way, enjoy a local lunch. This afternoon continue to Brasov for the night.
   
   (B,L)
   
   
3. Day 3
   BRASOV

   Thu, Aug 28, 2025

   Join a morning Guided Sightseeing Tour of Brasov followed by free time. In the evening enjoy a tour of Bran Castle of Dracula lore followed by dinner.
   
   (B,D)
   
   
4. Day 4
   BRASOV–BUCHAREST–OLTENITA (EMBARKATION)

   Fri, Aug 29, 2025

   
   
   CLASSIC 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)
   
   
5. Day 5
   ROUSSE, BULGARIA. VELIKO TÂRNOVO & ARBANASSI EXCURSION

   Sat, Aug 30, 2025

   Fortresses 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.
   
   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 Bulgarian Revival architecture in the 15th-century town of Arbanassi.
   
   Later, join your ship in Svistov.
   
   EVENING/OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO VIDIN
   
   (B,L,D)
   
   
6. Day 6
   VIDIN

   Sun, Aug 31, 2025

   Rocks, 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 mighty Baba Vida Fortress in nearby Vidin.
   
   This evening, enjoy live entertainment on board with a Bulgarian folklore show.
   
   EVENING/OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO DONJI MILANOVAC
   
   (B,L,D)
   
   
7. Day 7
   IRON GATES GORGE. EXCURSION TO LEPENSKI VIR, SERBIA

   Mon, Sep 01, 2025

   Ancient 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)
   
   
8. Day 8
   BELGRADE, SERBIA

   Tue, Sep 02, 2025

   Fortresses 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 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)
   
   
9. Day 9
   NOVI SAD

   Wed, Sep 03, 2025

   A Capital of Culture
   
   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.
   
   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 DOCKING IN ILOK
   
   (B,L,D)
   
   
10. Day 10
    ILOK, CROATIA

    Thu, Sep 04, 2025

    Croatian Heritage and Hilltop Vintages
    
    DISCOVERY 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 lunchtime
    
    VUKOVAR, CROATIA
    
    The Heroic Town on the Danube
    
    CLASSIC 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)
    
    
11. Day 11
    MOHÁCS, HUNGARY. EXCURSION TO PÉCS

    Fri, Sep 05, 2025

    Underground Tombs and Heavenly Music
    
    CLASSIC 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, murals, and Turkish architecture. You’ll also enjoy an organ concert on your tour.
    
    AFTERNOON/OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO BUDAPEST
    
    (B,L,D)
    
    
12. Day 12
    BUDAPEST

    Sat, Sep 06, 2025

    Welcome to Budapest—Hungary’s Captivating Capital
    
    ACTIVE Hike up to a magnificent viewpoint in Budapest with your Adventure Host, OR:
    
    CLASSIC 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)
    
    
13. Day 13
    BUDAPEST

    Sun, Sep 07, 2025

    War Heroes and Hot Water
    
    Visit the Adventure Center for today’s activities with your Adventure Host.
    
    This afternoon choose among the Optional Guided Excursions available or 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)
    
    
14. Day 14
    BRATISLAVA, SLOVAKIA

    Mon, Sep 08, 2025

    Cathedral 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)
    
    
15. Day 15
    VIENNA, AUSTRIA

    Tue, Sep 09, 2025

    Royal Collections and Amusing Attractions
    
    ACTIVE 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 Royal Waltz Concert in an elegant hall.
    
    OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO DÜRNSTEIN
    
    (B,L,D)
    
    
16. Day 16
    DÜRNSTEIN–WACHAU VALLEY

    Wed, Sep 10, 2025

    A King’s Ransom and Castle Ruins
    
    ACTIVE 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)
    
    
17. Day 17
    PASSAU, GERMANY

    Thu, Sep 11, 2025

    Where 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)
    
    
18. Day 18
    REGENSBURG

    Fri, Sep 12, 2025

    Bavaria’s Medieval Miracle
    
    ACTIVE 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)
    
    
19. Day 19
    ROTH. EXCURSION TO NUREMBERG

    Sat, Sep 13, 2025

    Legends and History Lessons
    
    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:
    
    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)
    
    
20. Day 20
    BAMBERG

    Sun, Sep 14, 2025

    The City of Seven Hills.
    
    ACTIVE 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.
    
    AFTERNOON/OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO VOLKACH
    
    (B,L,D)
    
    
21. Day 21
    VOLKACH

    Mon, Sep 15, 2025

    Storybook Settings
    
    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.
    
    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.
    
    EVENING/OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO WÜRZBURG
    
    (B,L,D)
    
    
22. Day 22
    WÜRZBURG

    Tue, Sep 16, 2025

    A 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 a leisurely sailing afternoon.
    
    AFTERNOON/OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO MILTENBERG
    
    (B,L,D)
    
    
23. Day 23
    MILTENBERG

    Wed, Sep 17, 2025

    Beauty on the Main River
    
    Join your Adventure Host for today’s special activities.
    
    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)
    
    
24. Day 24
    RÜDESHEIM–RHINE GORGE

    Thu, Sep 18, 2025

    Eat, Drink, and Be Merry in Wine Country
    
    ACTIVE Enjoy a hike with your Avalon Adventure Host through the picturesque vineyards of Rüdesheim, OR:
    
    ACTIVE Take an open-air cable car ride to the Niederwald Monument. Ride or walk back down through the vineyards; enjoy a tasting of the authentic Rüdesheimer coffee, OR:
    
    DISCOVERY 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)
    
    
25. Day 25
    COLOGNE

    Fri, Sep 19, 2025

    Prost! Celebrate in the Rhineland
    
    Ask 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)
    
    
26. Day 26
    AMSTERDAM, HOLLAND

    Sat, Sep 20, 2025

    Colorful Canals of Amsterdam
    
    ACTIVE Start your day joining your Adventure Host on an early morning walk in Amsterdam, OR:
    
    DISCOVERY 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)
    
    
27. Day 27
    AMSTERDAM (DISEMBARKATION)

    Sun, Sep 21, 2025

    Your vacation ends with breakfast this morning.
    
    (B)