From the Black Sea to the North Sea with 2 Nights Transylvania

26 days
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River Cruise
This enchanting European river cruise from Bucharest to Amsterdam is truly an adventure. In Transylvania, visit Bran Castle of Dracula fame. Then, enjoy guided sightseeing of Brasov and visit Peles Castle in Sinaia—considered one of the most beautiful in Europe. In Romania’s lively capital, Bucharest, you’ll see the Arc de Triomphe, and the historical Royal P...

Overview

Trip type
River Cruise
Lodging level
Standard - 3 star
Physical level
Very Easy
Trip pace
Flexible schedule

Highlights

    • Welcome to Bucharest
    • Guided visit of Dracula’s Bran Castle
    • Guided sightseeing in Brasov and Peles Castle
    • Guided sightseeing in Bucharest; onboard welcome reception
    • Excursion to Danube Delta; Km 0 celebration; onboard lecture
    • Guided sightseeing, visit the National History and Archaeological Museum in Constanta
    • Guided sightseeing, visit Tsarevets Fortress in Veliko Târnovo, and the Ethnographical Museum and Church of the Nativity in Arbanassi; or guided sightseeing of Rousse
    • Guided sightseeing to Vidin’s fortress; and see the rock formations in Belogradchik
    • Cruise through the Iron Gates gorge; visit Lepenski Vir archaeological site
    • Guided sightseeing; lecture on board

What's this trip about?

    This enchanting European river cruise from Bucharest to Amsterdam is truly an adventure. In Transylvania, visit Bran Castle of Dracula fame. Then, enjoy guided sightseeing of Brasov and visit Peles Castle in Sinaia—considered one of the most beautiful in Europe. In Romania’s lively capital, Bucharest, you’ll see the Arc de Triomphe, and the historical Royal Palace Square. Travel to Fetesti and set sail for the mouth of the Danube River. Visit the exquisite Delta, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and enjoy guided sightseeing in Constanta and 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 scenery of the Iron Gates. Your Danube River cruise takes you to the capitals of four countries: Belgrade, Serbia; Budapest, Hungary; Bratislava, Slovakia; and Vienna, Austria, where Local Guides will show you the highlights and you’ll have time to explore on your own. In the heart of the Wachau wine region, go on a guided walk of charming Dürnstein, and later visit Melk’s famous Benedictine Abbey. In Germany, there’s guided sightseeing in Passau, Regensburg, Nuremberg, Bamberg, and Würzburg. Cruise the Main Danube Canal, and pass through the dramatic Rhine Gorge—the most beautiful stretch of the Rhine River where ancient castles stand on cliffs 400 feet above the water. This river cruise vacation concludes in Holland’s popular, modern capital of Amsterdam where you 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 awaiting from the Black Sea to the North Sea—beginning with the legendary landscape and stories of mysterious and beautiful Transylvania.

Details

Itinerary focusClassic Highlights
Group sizeOperator does not provide
Age rangeNo age restrictions
Flights and transport
Start CityBUCHAREST
End CityAMSTERDAM (DISEMBARKATION) Your vacation ends with breakfast this morning

Travel Themes

  • Cultural
  • 50 Plus
  • Small Ship Cruise

Destinations

Activities

  • Culture
  • River Cruise

Popular Trips

Itinerary

Travel Map

Day 1

BUCHAREST, ROMANIA 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.

Day 2

BUCHAREST. EXCURSION TO TRANSYLVANIA–BRASOV Depart Bucharest for Bran Castle of Dracula lore. Take a Guided Tour of the 1377 legendary home of the famed Romanian vampire. Continue to Brasov for the night. (B,L,D)

Day 3

BRASOV–BUCHAREST Join a morning Guided Sightseeing Tour of Brasov, followed by an afternoon drive into the Carpathians to Sinaia to visit Peles Castle. (B,L)

Day 4

BUCHAREST 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 o...

Day 5

ST. GHEORGHE. EXCURSION TO THE DANUBE DELTA From the Black Forest to the Black Sea CLASSIC Join a small-boat Guided Tour of the best preserved of Europe’s deltas—2,200 square miles of rivers, canals, marshes, tree-fringed lakes and reed islands. DISCOVERY Enjoy a Sp...

Day 6

CERNAVODĂ. EXCURSION TO CONSTANTA Romanian Commerce and Cultural Legacies on the Black Sea CLASSIC Join a Guided Tour to Constanta, the most important commercial center in Romania, situated on the Black Sea. Visit the Natural History and Archeological Museum to discover the history of early Romanian cultures. AFTERNOON/OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO ROUSSE (B,L,D)

Day 7

ROUSSE, BULGARIA Fortresses and Fountains in Bulgaria’s “Little Vienna” CLASSIC Join a Guided Sightseeing Tour of Bulgaria’s largest inland port and visit its impressive Holy Trinity Church, OR: ACTIVE Join a Jog through the park with your Avalon Adventure Host. Sa...

Day 8

VIDIN Rocks and Ruins—Things of Beauty in Bulgaria CLASSIC Join a Guided Tour to Belogradchik to see the remarkable rock formations on the western slopes of the Balkan Mountains, sculpted by 200 million years of nature’s elements. EVENING/OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO DONJI MILANOVAC (B,L,D)

Day 9

DONJI MILANOVAC, SERBIA–IRON GATES GORGE. EXCURSION TO LEPENSKI VIR Ancient Art, Archaeological Artifacts, and Gauntlet of the Iron Gates Sail through the spectacular Iron Gates Gorge—a natural border between Serbia and Romania. CLASSIC Join a Guided Tour to Lepensk...

Day 10

BELGRADE, SERBIA Fortresses and Folklore of Serbia Past and Present CLASSIC Join a Guided Sightseeing Tour of Belgrade—where the Danube and Sava Rivers converge. DISCOVERY Attend an onboard Lecture about the rich history and culture of the Balkan states. Later, enjoy live entertainment on board your ship before dinner. EVENING/OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO MOHÁCS (B,L,D)

Day 11

MOHÁCS, HUNGARY Archaeological Tombs and Turkish Architecture 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)

Day 12

BUDAPEST The Pearl of the Danube in the Heart of Europe The day is yours to relax and enjoy Eastern Europe’s shining city on the Danube. OVERNIGHT DOCKING IN BUDAPEST (B,L,D)

Day 13

BUDAPEST The Danube’s Shining Pearl and Heroes’ Pride CLASSIC Enjoy a Guided City Sightseeing, including the iconic Heroes’ Square. The afternoon is free to enjoy Budapest on your own. Be sure to savor a piece of cream cake in the world-famous Gerbeaud Café. Consider a scenic hike in the hills above the Danube. OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO BRATISLAVA (B,L,D)

Day 14

BRATISLAVA, SLOVAKIA Castles, Vineyards, and Cosmopolitan Culture CLASSIC Join a Guided Sightseeing Tour of Old Town’s cobblestone streets to Town Hall. Visit the gothic halls of St. Martin’s Cathedral—Kingdom of Hungary’s centuries-old coronation church, OR: ACTIVE...

Day 15

VIENNA, AUSTRIA Royal Collections, Amusing Attractions, and Culinary Confections CLASSIC Step into the legendary 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,...

Day 16

DÜRNSTEIN —WACHAU VALLEY Fairytale Castles, Kings, and Cobblestones CLASSIC Join a Guided Walk, and hear the legendary tale of King Richard the Lionheart—who was imprisoned in the castle above the village, OR: ACTIVE Take a Guided Hike up to the castle ruins for a s...

Day 17

PASSAU, GERMANY The Three Rivers of Medieval Passau CLASSIC Join an afternoon Guided City Walk to learn more about this beautiful “City of Three Rivers.” Alternatively, consider a Guided Optional Excursion such as a full day in Salzburg—the city of Mozart. EVENING/OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO REGENSBURG (B,L,D)

Day 18

REGENSBURG Magical Regensburg—Bavaria’s Medieval Miracle CLASSIC Join a Guided City Walk and see the Altes Rathaus (Old Town Hall) and Porta Pretoria—built in 179 AD as the entrance to Castra Regina fortress. You may join a Guided Optional Excursion to the Benedicti...

Day 19

ROTH. EXCURSION TO NUREMBERG Living Heritage and History Lessons DISCOVERY While sailing to Roth, 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 E...

Day 20

BAMBERG One Thousand Years of History in the 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. Enjoy live entertainment onboard while sailing this evening. EVENING/OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO WÜRZBURG (B,L,D)

Day 21

WÜRZBURG A Pearl, a Painting, and a Glass of Wine for the Perfect Afternoon CLASSIC Take a Guided Sightseeing Tour of the “Pearl of the Romantic Road” with its Old Main Bridge, towering fortress, and baroque Bishop’s Residenz—with the largest known ceiling fresco. O...

Day 22

MAIN RIVER VILLAGE Hidden Gems and Bavarian Beauty of a Main River Village Start the day with a Morning Stretch with your Avalon Adventure Host. CLASSIC Join a Guided Walking Tour of a picturesque Main River village. Spend free time riding a bike through the beauti...

Day 23

RÜDESHEIM—RHINE GORGE Eat, Drink, and Be Merry in Wine Country DISCOVERY Tour the incredible Mechanical Music Museum for a one-of-a-kind instrumental experience, OR: ACTIVE Take a Hike up to the Niederwald Monument with your Avalon Adventure Host. DISCOVERY Based o...

Day 24

COLOGNE Prost! Celebrate in the Rhineland’s Capital City Start the day with a Morning Stretch with your Avalon Adventure Host. CLASSIC Take a Guided City Walk of Cologne—explore the Old City and see its soaring twin-steepled Gothic cathedral, OR: DISCOVERY Join a G...

Day 25

AMSTERDAM, HOLLAND Colorful Amsterdam—with Canals, Crooked Houses, and Cuisine of a Golden Age CLASSIC Explore the iconic waterways of Amsterdam with a Guided Canal Cruise past stately homes of Amsterdam’s “Golden Age.” 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 26

AMSTERDAM (DISEMBARKATION) Your vacation ends with breakfast this morning. (B)

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Dates & Availability

Price From $10,800
Price per day$415
Last Updated: 5/24/2019

Port charges: $572 Gratuities to Local Guides & Excursion Drivers 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. Extra nights per person in Bucharest: in single room from $153 to $240, in twin room from $82 to $139 Extra nights per person in Amsterdam: in single room from $204 to $387, in twin room from $132 to $227 All prices per person based on double occupancy. Cruise price based on Category E in a deluxe outside stateroom on Indigo Deck. See below for upgrade pricing. To upgrade to a higher category, add per person: Category / Decks / Price D / Indigo Deck / $625 B / Sapphire Deck / $3611 A / Sapphire Deck / $3768 P / Royal Deck / $4083 Royal Suite / Royal Deck / $6911

Prices may vary due to local taxes and trip seasonality. Click "Request Info" to inquire directly with the tour operator for the final trip price.

Check Current Availability, prices, specials with Avalon Waterways.

The total tour cost includes the tour price (regular or promotional) and the compulsory local payment. The promotional price is subject to change. Check directly with the operator for the latest price offer. The tour operator requires you to pay only the tour price to purchase your travel. The compulsory local payment will be paid when you join the trip. All prices are based on double, twin or triple share occupancy. Solo passengers will be accommodated in a double, twin or triple room according to availability with a passenger(s) of the same gender. Single supplement only needs to be paid if the passenger does not want to share and requests their own room. Discounts can only be applied at the time of booking and cannot be added at a later date, regardless of any changes made to the original booking.

Prices may vary due to local taxes and trip seasonality. Click "Request Info" to inquire directly with the tour operator for the final trip price.

Avalon Waterways Reviews & Ratings

4.7/5  Excellent
Excellent
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145
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48
Disappointing
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Other Avalon Waterways Reviews

c

crezet kickartz

Feb 2025

Written on

My husband and I went on our first trip from Amsterdam to Basel. It was so great and as it was my first big OE the sights were very breath-taking.

The Avalon was so wonderful and all staff were very helpful in many ways, we couldn't fault the ship or staff. Would recommend Avalon river cruises. The rooms are lo...

J

James Allen

Jan 2025

Written on

Great Staff

The staff was interactive, polite, and memorable. We were lucky enough to have met and interacted with the staff on 2 different boats. Avalon handled the necessary c...

J

Janis Lloyd

Jan 2025

Written on

Avalon consistency—good!

Cabins always great. Food very good. I wish there were semi-dry white wine offered at dinner. (Rieslings, not dry). Christmas market in Colmar was not enjoyable, way...

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Logistics

Accommodation

Athenee Palace Hilton Explore Bucharest from the glorious Athenee Palace Hilton Bucharest hotel, one of the city's most sophisticated and prestigious landmarks. The hotel is conveniently located in the heart of the city and enjoys views of Revolution Square and is close to Bucharest's many local attractions. Bucharest Romania 1-3 Episcopiei Moevenpick Amsterdam City A stylish 408-room hotel in the perfect location, this waterfront property offers Free Wi-Fi internet access throughout. The chic restaurant serves creative international cuisine and there is a fabulous bar serving drinks and light snacks which is also a great spot for a nightcap. For relaxation there is a Lifestyle Studio featuring a gym, Finnish sauna, bio sauna & ice fountain. Amsterdam Netherlands Piet Heinkade 11
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Age Requirements
No age restrictions
Optional Activities
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Additional Information
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Trip ID
AVALON-WOAE

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