Sail from Romania to Hungary’s capital of Budapest through the Balkans, Hungary, and Austria on your European river cruise. Begin with an overnight stay in Bucharest for a guided sightseeing tour, including the Royal Palace Square. Travel to Oltenita to embark on your Danube River cruise, sail through the striking landscapes of the Balkans—Rousse, Bulgaria, Veliko Târnovo, and Arbanassi, one of the oldest towns in Bulgaria. Guided sightseeing in Vidin is followed by a guided tour of Belogradchik, with its ancient fortress and tremendous rock formations on the Balkan Mountains. After cruising through the narrow Iron Gates Gorge, visit Lepenski Vir for a guided tour with ancient archaeological finds. In Serbia, take a guided tour of Belgrade, including one of the world’s largest Orthodox churches, and see the most preserved Croatian fortress in Osijek. You’ll also attend a stirring performance by young students of the Franjo Kuhač music school. Tour the historic town of Pécs before sightseeing in the Hungarian capital of Budapest—the “Pearl of the Danube.” You’ll take a guided walk through Bratislava, Slovakia before cruising to Vienna—the “City of Music.” Enjoy guided sightseeing in Vienna’s historic Habsburg Empire—including the Imperial Palace, Vienna Opera House, and stunning St. Stephen’s Cathedral. Visit delightful Dürnstein and Melk—charming towns in the vineyard-rich Wachau Valley. Take a guided tour and hear the legendary tale of King Richard the Lionheart in Dürnstein, and tour the magnificent Benedictine Abbey high above Melk. Visit Austria’s lovely city of Linz with a tour of the city’s historic sites, then pass through the horseshoe bend of the Danube—the beautiful Schlögen Oxbow—on your way to Passau. Enjoy a guided walking tour of Germany’s “City of Three Rivers before cruising to Vilshofen, Germany, for the conclusion of your Danube River cruise.

1. Day 1
   BUCHAREST, ROMANIA

   Mon, Aug 09, 2027

   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

   Tue, Aug 10, 2027

   Beautiful Boulevards and Bold History
   
   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.
   
   Travel to Oltenita to board your Avalon Suite Ship® this afternoon.
   
   OLTENITA (EMBARKATION)
   
   Your Balkan Adventure Begins
   
   Explore your Avalon Suite Ship® this evening and enjoy a dinner on board.
   
   EVENING/OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO ROUSSE
   
   (B,D)
   
   
3. Day 3
   ROUSSE, BULGARIA. VELIKO TÂRNOVO & ARBANASSI EXCURSION

   Wed, Aug 11, 2027

   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. 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, as well as Bulgarian revival architecture in the 15th-century town of Arbanassi.
   
   Sail to Svistov or join your ship there if you opted for the full-day tour.
   
   EVENING/OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO VIDIN
   
   (B,L,D)
   
   
4. Day 4
   VIDIN

   Thu, Aug 12, 2027

   Rocks, Ruins, and Balkan Beauty
   
   Ask about today’s energizing or relaxing Adventure Host activities.
   
   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. Following, explore the nearby port town Vidin on a Guided Sightseeing.
   
   This evening, enjoy live entertainment on board with a Bulgarian folklore show.
   
   OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO DONJI MILANOVAC
   
   (B,L,D)
   
   
5. Day 5
   IRON GATES GORGE–GOLUBAČ, SERBIA. EXCURSION TO LEPENSKI VIR

   Fri, Aug 13, 2027

   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)
   
   
6. Day 6
   BELGRADE

   Sat, Aug 14, 2027

   Fortresses and Folklore
   
   Join your Adventure Host for today’s special activities.
   
   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 sites, including Saint Sava—one of the world’s largest Orthodox churches.
   
   You may choose to spend 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.
   
   OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO NOVI SAD
   
   (B,L,D)
   
   
7. Day 7
   NOVI SAD

   Sun, Aug 15, 2027

   A Capital of Culture
   
   ACTIVE Join your Adventure Host on a Guided Hike Tour to the Petrovaradin part of the town, 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, 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.
   
   OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO ILOK
   
   (B,L,D)
   
   
8. Day 8
   ILOK, CROATIA

   Mon, Aug 16, 2027

   Croatian Heritage and Hilltop Vintages
   
   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, OR:
   
   DISCOVERY 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.
   
   Enjoy a short sailing to Vukovar during lunchtime
   
   VUKOVAR, CROATIA
   
   The Heroic Town on the Danube
   
   DISCOVERY Join a Guided Walking Tour to discover the heritage, culture, and tradition of Vukovar and enjoy a beer tasting, OR:
   
   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)
   
   
9. Day 9
   MOHÁCS, HUNGARY. EXCURSION TO PÉCS

   Tue, Aug 17, 2027

   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, 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)
   
   
10. Day 10
    BUDAPEST

    Wed, Aug 18, 2027

    Hungary’s Captivating Capital
    
    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 through the hills above the Danube.
    
    OVERNIGHT DOCKING IN BUDAPEST
    
    (B,L,D)
    
    
11. Day 11
    BUDAPEST

    Thu, Aug 19, 2027

    The Pearl of the Danube
    
    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)
    
    
12. Day 12
    BRATISLAVA, SLOVAKIA

    Fri, Aug 20, 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 site of royal coronations at fantastic St. Martin’s Cathedral.
    
    This afternoon, 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.
    
    This evening, enjoy live entertainment on board your ship.
    
    OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO VIENNA
    
    (B,L,D)
    
    
13. Day 13
    VIENNA, AUSTRIA

    Sat, Aug 21, 2027

    Strauss, Schnitzel, Strudel, and Sachertorte
    
    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—Winter residence of the Imperial Family, the iconic 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 Kärntnerstrasse—the most famous shopping avenue in central Vienna or take a bike ride to 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 DÜRNSTEIN
    
    (B,L,D)
    
    
14. Day 14
    DÜRNSTEIN–WACHAU VALLEY

    Sun, Aug 22, 2027

    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.
    
    Later, stretch out on the Sky Deck as you sail through the Wachau Valley past vineyards, castles, and charming villages on your way to Ybbs.
    
    ACTIVE Alternatively join your Adventure Host for a bike along the river.
    
    YBBS. EXCURSION TO MELK
    
    Frescoes Above and Vineyards Below
    
    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.
    
    This evening, enjoy live entertainment on board.
    
    EVENING/OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO LINZ
    
    (B,L,D)
    
    
15. Day 15
    LINZ

    Mon, Aug 23, 2027

    Legendary, Lovely Linz
    
    Ask about today’s energizing or relaxing Adventure Host activities.
    
    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, OR:
    
    ACTIVE Experience Danube's cycle path, follow your Adventure Host for a bike ride around the area of Linz.
    
    Alternatively, consider a full-day Guided Optional Excursion to Salzburg-the city of Mozart-or to the picturesque Bohemian town of Cesky Krumlov.
    
    OVERNIGHT DOCKING IN LINZ
    
    (B,L,D)
    
    
16. Day 16
    SCHLÖGEN OXBOW–PASSAU, GERMANY

    Tue, Aug 24, 2027

    Where the Danube, Inn, and Ilz Rivers Meet
    
    This morning, cruise through the Schlögen Oxbow, a particularly beautiful horseshoe-shaped bend of the river.
    
    ACTIVE Join your Avalon Adventure Host for Hiking from Oberhaus along a trail down to the valley and along Ilz River, OR:
    
    CLASSIC Take a Guided City Walk into Passau, the beautiful “City of Three Rivers.”
    
    Before sailing to Vilshofen, 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.
    
    Enjoy a short sailing to Vilshofen
    
    OVERNIGHT DOCKING IN VILSHOFEN
    
    (B,L,D)
    
    
17. Day 17
    VILSHOFEN (DISEMBARKATION)

    Wed, Aug 25, 2027

    Your vacation ends with breakfast this morning.
    
    Flights should not leave Munich airport before 8 am.
    
    (B)