Embark on an 18-day journey from Germany to Romania, concluding with two nights in mysterious Transylvania. Spend time exploring the beauty of this area with expert Local Guides after your cruise, including superior accommodations, sightseeing, and complimentary transfer from your Avalon Suite Ship®. Begin your Danube River cruise in Vilshofen, Germany and sail to Passau—the “City of Three Rivers.” In Austria, visit its lovely towns along the Danube, including Linz, Dürnstein, Ybbs—from where you can take a visit to Melk Abbey, and Vienna. See the gilded sights and indulge in Austrian specialties and sweets. Explore picturesque vineyards and ancient castles of the “Blue Danube” with a Viennese Waltz lilting in the air. Explore the incredible Habsburg Empire and see the royal family’s Imperial Palace, the historic Opera House, and St. Stephen’s Cathedral in Vienna. Visit Budapest—the “Pearl of the Danube,” and experience the beauty and history of the Balkan States of Croatia, Serbia, Bulgaria, and Romania—from ancient archaeological sites to amazing architecture and art. Your cruise concludes with a visit to the Romanian capital of Bucharest. Called the “Paris of the East,” its lovely tree-lined boulevards include the Arc de Triomphe and the Royal Palace Square. This amazing odyssey through history and legendary beauty on a European river cruise, concluding with an escorted tour of Transylvania, is the trip of a lifetime!

1. Day 1
   VILSHOFEN, GERMANY (EMBARKATION)

   Sat, Jun 12, 2027

   Welcome to Germany. Your Suite Ship® is Ready for Boarding.
   
   Flights into Munich must arrive by 2 pm.
   
   Guests must be on board ship by 5 pm.
   
   Explore your ship and enjoy dinner on your first evening onboard.
   
   EVENING CRUISE TO PASSAU
   
   (D)
   
   
2. Day 2
   PASSAU–SCHLÖGEN OXBOW

   Sun, Jun 13, 2027

   Where the Danube, Inn, and Ilz Rivers Meet
   
   ACTIVE Follow your Avalon Adventure Host for Hiking from Oberhaus along a trail 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".
   
   Before sailing to Linz, take a little free time to explore Passau’s cobblestone streets and galleries of Artists’ Alley. Maybe stop at St. Stephen’s Cathedral to catch a concert rehearsal.
   
   This afternoon, cruise to Linz through the Danube’s dramatic horseshoe bend called Schlögen Oxbow.
   
   Later, enjoy live entertainment onboard.
   
   OVERNIGHT DOCKING IN LINZ
   
   (B,L,D)
   
   
3. Day 3
   LINZ, AUSTRIA

   Mon, Jun 14, 2027

   Legendary and Lovely Linz
   
   Visit the Adventure Center for today’s activities with your Adventure Host.
   
   ACTIVE Join your Adventure Host for a bike ride along the Danube, OR:
   
   CLASSIC Take a Guided Walk through the city’s historic and beautiful sites along the shore of the Danube and see Hauptplatz—Austria’s largest medieval square—and the towering white-marble Trinity Column.
   
   Consider a full-day Guided Optional Excursion to Salzburg—the city of Mozart, or to the picturesque Bohemian town of Cesky Krumlov.
   
   You may otherwise spend the afternoon on a biking picnic along the banks of the Danube or hike through Linz’s beautiful nature trails to Pöstlingberg for a bird’s-eye view of the city and river below.
   
   OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO YBBS
   
   (B,L,D)
   
   
4. Day 4
   YBBS. EXCURSION TO MELK–WACHAU VALLEY

   Tue, Jun 15, 2027

   Frescoes Above and Vineyards Below
   
   DISCOVERY Join a guided visit to two family-owned farms and discover how they produce delicious traditional specialties and products, OR:
   
   CLASSIC Walk through the doors of Austrian history with a guided sightseeing tour of Artstetten Castle, OR:
   
   CLASSIC Take a Guided Tour of Melk’s magnificent Benedictine Abbey to marvel at its frescoed ceilings, statues, incredible library, and ornate pipe organ.
   
   Later, stretch out on the Sky Deck as you sail through the Wachau Valley past vineyards, castles, and charming villages on your way to Dürnstein.
   
   ACTIVE Alternatively, experience the Wachau Valley from a unique perspective, join your Adventure Host for a bike ride along some of Wachau’s bike trails.
   
   DÜRNSTEIN
   
   A King’s Ransom and Castle Ruins
   
   ACTIVE Join 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 during the Crusades.
   
   DISCOVERY Join an onboard lecture to learn about Austrian winemaking traditions.
   
   Later, enjoy live entertainment on board your ship.
   
   OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO VIENNA
   
   (B,L,D)
   
   
5. Day 5
   VIENNA

   Wed, Jun 16, 2027

   Viennese Waltzes on the Blue Danube
   
   ACTIVE 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 grand historic Vienna Opera House, and stunning St. Stephen’s Cathedral.
   
   You may decide to take a Guided Optional Excursion to Schönbrunn Palace—the former imperial summer home of the Habsburg monarchy.
   
   Spend free time strolling in the pedestrian Kärntnerstrasse—the most famous shopping avenue in central Vienna. Take a bike ride through the city and stop in a local café to enjoy Sachertorte or Apfelstrudel.
   
   This evening, enjoy an unforgettable musical performance with an Optional Excursion to attend a Royal Waltz Concert in an elegant hall.
   
   OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO BRATISLAVA
   
   (B,L,D)
   
   
6. Day 6
   BRATISLAVA, SLOVAKIA

   Thu, Jun 17, 2027

   Cathedral Coronations and a Crowning Castle
   
   ACTIVE Follow your Avalon Adventure Host on a hike to lofty Bratislava Castle, OR:
   
   CLASSIC Take a Guided City Walk, including the quaint streets of Old Town, Town Hall, and the sight of royal coronations at St. Martin’s Cathedral.
   
   Enjoy free time to discover on your own Bratislava, the beautiful capital of Slovakia, rich in history and culture, but also a green city with its forests and parks just a hop away from the city center.
   
   EVENING/OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO BUDAPEST
   
   (B,L,D)
   
   
7. Day 7
   BUDAPEST, HUNGARY

   Fri, Jun 18, 2027

   War Heroes and Hot Water
   
   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.
   
   This afternoon, choose from a wide range of Optional Guided Excursions. Spend free time exploring famous sights like the Chain Bridge or Fisherman’s Bastion. Linger in one of the city’s beautiful cafés, browse the Central Market Hall, or hike the hills above the Danube.
   
   OVERNIGHT DOCKING IN BUDAPEST
   
   (B,L,D)
   
   
8. Day 8
   BUDAPEST

   Sat, Jun 19, 2027

   The Pearl of the Danube in the Heart of Europe
   
   Take free time to enjoy Budapest’s famed thermal baths. You can also take a scenic hike in the hills above the Danube. Take time to explore the city’s cafés and restaurants.
   
   OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO VUKOVAR
   
   (B,L,D)
   
   
9. Day 9
   VUKOVAR

   Sun, Jun 20, 2027

   History and Beer
   
   Visit 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 Novi Sad while having lunch onboard.
   
   ILOK, CROATIA
   
   History and Culture in Croatia
   
   CLASSIC 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)
   
   
10. Day 10
    NOVI SAD, SERBIA

    Mon, Jun 21, 2027

    The Athens of Serbia
    
    ACTIVE Join your Adventure Host on a Hike Tour 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)
    
    
    
11. Day 11
    BELGRADE

    Tue, Jun 22, 2027

    Fortresses and Folklore
    
    ACTIVE 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 authentic Bohemian Dinner in the Quarter of Skadarlija.
    
    OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO GOLUBAČ
    
    (B,L,D)
    
    
12. Day 12
    GOLUBAČ–DONJI MILANOVAC. EXCURSION TO LEPENSKI VIR–IRON GATES GORGE

    Wed, Jun 23, 2027

    Ancient Artifacts and the Iron Gates
    
    CLASSIC 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)
    
    
13. Day 13
    VIDIN, BULGARIA

    Thu, Jun 24, 2027

    Rocks, Ruins and Balkan Beauty
    
    ACTIVE 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)
    
    
14. Day 14
    ROUSSE. VELIKO TÂRNOVO & ARBANASSI EXCURSION

    Fri, Jun 25, 2027

    Fortresses and Folklore
    
    ACTIVE Explore Rousse's 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)
    
    
15. Day 15
    OLTENITA, ROMANIA (DISEMBARKATION)–BUCHAREST

    Sat, Jun 26, 2027

    Disembark your Ship and transfer to Bucharest.
    
    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.
    
    After the visit drive to Brasov for the night.
    
    (B,D)
    
    
16. Day 16
    BRASOV

    Sun, Jun 27, 2027

    Dracula Bites & Castle Sights
    
    CLASSIC Enjoy a Guided Tour of Brasov and admire its gothic, baroque and renaissance architecture.
    
    In the evening, depart for Bran Castle of Dracula lore.
    
    CLASSIC Take a Guided Tour of Bran Castle—the 1377 legendary home of the famed Romanian vampire, followed by a dinner in this amazing location.
    
    (B,D)
    
    
17. Day 17
    BRASOV–SINAIA–BUCHAREST

    Mon, Jun 28, 2027

    The “Paris of the East”
    
    CLASSIC Enjoy a Guided Tour of Visit Peles Castle, the summer residence of the royal family until 1947.
    
    Drive out the Carpathians to Bucharest; On the way, enjoy a local lunch.
    
    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.
    
    (B,L)
    
    
18. Day 18
    BUCHAREST

    Tue, Jun 29, 2027

    Your vacation ends with breakfast this morning.
    
    (B)