From the Black Sea to the North Sea – Cruise Only Westbound

23 days
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River Cruise
This enchanting European river cruise from the Danube Delta to Amsterdam is truly an adventure. Glide past quaint towns, beautiful scenery, and historic buildings along the Danube, Main, and Rhine Rivers—and onshore enjoy guided sightseeing and free time to explore. From Romania’s capital of Bucharest, travel to Fetesti and set sail for the mouth of the Danub...

Overview

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

Highlights

    • Onboard welcome reception
    • Excursion to Danube Delta; Km 0 celebration
    • 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
    • Guided tour and organ concert in Pécs
    • Day at leisure
    • Guided tour, see Heroes’ Square

What's this trip about?

    This enchanting European river cruise from the Danube Delta to Amsterdam is truly an adventure. Glide past quaint towns, beautiful scenery, and historic buildings along the Danube, Main, and Rhine Rivers—and onshore enjoy guided sightseeing and free time to explore. From Romania’s capital of Bucharest, travel to Fetesti and set sail for the mouth of the Danube River and the exquisite Delta, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. There’s guided sightseeing in Constanta and Bulgaria’s ancient capital of Veliko Târnovo. Visit the Ethnographical Museum, 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. A local expert will introduce you to Serbia’s capital of Belgrade, home of the world’s largest Orthodox Church. In Pecs, Hungary, visit the Underground Tombs, another UNESCO World Heritage Site. On this fabulous river cruise, you’ll visit the capitals of three countries: Budapest, Hungary; Bratislava, Slovakia; and Vienna, Austria. Located in the heart of the Wachau wine region is charming Dürnstein, where you’ll go on a guided walk, and later visit Melk’s famous Benedictine Abbey. In Germany, there is 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. 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.”

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Details

Itinerary focusClassic Highlights
Group sizeOperator does not provide
Age rangeNo age restrictions
Flights and transportN/A
Start CityBUCHAREST Travel to Fetesti to board your Avalon Suite Ship® this afternoon
End CityAMSTERDAM (DISEMBARKATION) Your vacation ends with breakfast this morning

Travel Themes

  • 50 plus
  • Cultural
  • Small Ship Cruise

Destinations

  • Europe
  • Austria
  • Germany
  • Netherlands
  • Bulgaria
  • Hungary
  • Romania
  • Slovakia
  • Serbia

Attractions

  • Amsterdam
  • Bamberg
  • Belgrade
  • Belogradchik
  • Brasov
  • Bratislava
  • Bucharest
  • Budapest
  • Linz
  • Nuremberg
  • Passau
  • Romania
  • Rudesheim
  • Vienna

Activities

  • Culture
  • River cruise

View Similar Trips

Itinerary

Travel Map

Day 1

BUCHAREST Travel to Fetesti to board your Avalon Suite Ship® this afternoon. FETESTI (EMBARKATION) Your Balkan Adventure Begins Explore your Avalon Suite Ship® this evening and enjoy a dinner on board. DISCOVERY After dinner, attend an onboard Lecture to learn about the Danube Delta. EVENING/OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO ST. GHEORGHE (D)

Day 2

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 3

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 4

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 5

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 6

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 7

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 8

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 9

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 10

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 11

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 12

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 13

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 14

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 15

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 16

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 17

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 18

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 19

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 20

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 21

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 22

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 23

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

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Dates & Availability

Price From $10,048
Price per day$437
Last Updated: 5/24/2019

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

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Avalon Waterways

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CRUISING ELEVATED.
Innovative, transformative, original. Avalon Waterways has redefined cruising by going against the current and
away from the ordinary. Delivering unparalleled experiences and boundless exploration, Avalon puts you in the captain’s seat to navigate your journey, fuel your passions and steer clear of the unexpected as you cruise down the world’s most memorable and mesmerizing waterways. One step aboard our modern, luxurious Suite Ships with the grandest views in cruising and you’ll see how the tides they are a-changin’. 

Welcome to a new wave in cruising. Welcome aboard Avalon Waterways.

IT DOESN’T GET ANY SUITER.
Enjoy the perfect blend of elegance and ease – where little touches are bold, gestures are grand and the views even grander. There’s a reason our ships are the critics’ darlings and favorites among our most discerning guests. Our boutique-hotel-inspired Panorama Suites feature the industry’s only Open-Air Balconies with the widest-opening windows in cruising and decadent Comfort Collection beds that face the ever-changing scenery.

PACK YOUR PASSIONS.
As you set sail down the world’s most legendary waters, we’ve curated a collection of the most intriguing experiences to immerse yourself in – both on board and off.

SEE MORE THAN THE SEA/
On a typical cruise, you see waves, water and more water. On an Avalon cruise, legendary landmarks and postcard-perfect landscapes are always in view. Dock to discovery takes mere minutes. 

LET’S DISH.
While we naturally present the signature delicacies of the regions you visit, we enrich the gastronomic journey by offering multiple dining venues, bringing unexpected culinary experiences to the table.

What they’re known for
River cruises to classic and exotic destinations with a luxury flair and personalization options.

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Logistics

Accommodation

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,
Travel Insurance
We strongly recommend purchasing travel insurance alongside your travel package to safeguard against unforeseen circumstances such as medical expenses, trip cancellations, and other contingencies. It offers you peace of mind and ensures you are prepared for unexpected events that may occur before or during your journey
Visa requirements
Visa requirements vary depending on your country of origin and your country of destination. It is your responsibility to familiarize yourself with the relevant requirements. For a handy tool that can help you quickly find the requirements, please visit this link .
Age Requirements
No age restrictions
Optional Activities
WOA|Take this cruise with land stays
Trip ID
AVALON-WOA0

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