Grand Danube Cruise - Westbound

18 days
Save this trip to your favorites or other list
Additional images not provided by operator
Video not provided by operator
4.7/5 Excellent
100+ reviews  
97%
Save this trip to your favorites or other list
none

USTOA

Cancellation Policy
River Cruise
Discover some of the Continent’s best-kept secrets on this river cruise through Eastern and Central Europe, from Bucharest to Prague. Guided sightseeing with Certified Local Guides in each city shows you the highlights, with inside visits of the Tsarevet’s Fortress in Veliko Târnovo, Kalemegdan Fortress in Belgrade, and Melk’s awe-inspiring Benedictine Abbey....

Overview

Trip type
River Cruise
Lodging level
Luxury - 5 star
Physical level
Easy
Trip pace
Flexible schedule

Highlights

    • Opportunity to Cruise: deluxe 13-night cruise in an outside stateroom with Avalon’s exclusive Comfort Collection
    • Explore Bucharest
    • Visit Vidin’s fortress excursion to Belogradchik to see the rock formations
    • Explore Belgrade, visit Kalemegdan Fortress
    • Discover Budapest and experience the fascinating Vienna cruising
    • Explore Nuremberg have a pleasant visit to the Industrial Museum

What's this trip about?

    Discover some of the Continent’s best-kept secrets on this river cruise through Eastern and Central Europe, from Bucharest to Prague. Guided sightseeing with Certified Local Guides in each city shows you the highlights, with inside visits of the Tsarevet’s Fortress in Veliko Târnovo, Kalemegdan Fortress in Belgrade, and Melk’s awe-inspiring Benedictine Abbey. Also visit the diverse rock formations of Belogradchik, the Lepenski Vir archaeological site on the banks of the Danube in Serbia, enjoy an organ concert in Pécs, wine tasting in the Wachau Valley and beer tasting in Regensburg. Cruise through the dramatic Iron Gates gorge and Main Danube Canal. Visit Hungary’s vibrant capital, Budapest, Austria’s Vienna and delightful Dürnstein and many more. Enjoy three overnights in Prague, with guided sightseeing of the city’s main sights, plenty of free time, and the conclusion of your incredible cruise vacation.

Compare to similar trips

Details

Itinerary focusClassic Highlights
Group sizeIntimate group - 12 max
Age rangeNo age restrictions
Flights and transportN/A
Start CityBucharest
End CityPrague

Travel Themes

  • 50 plus
  • Cultural
  • Small Ship Cruise

Destinations

  • Europe
  • Austria
  • Germany
  • Czechia
  • Hungary
  • Romania

Attractions

  • Belgrade
  • Bucharest
  • Budapest
  • Český Krumlov
  • Vienna

Activities

  • Culture
  • Historic sightseeing
  • Nature
  • River cruise
  • Ruins & Archaeology
  • Wine Tasting

Trip includes

    • Accommodation for 18 days
    • Most of the meals as mentioned in the itinerary
    • Internal transportation
    • Wi-Fi accessibility
    • Sightseeing with Certified Local Guides

View Similar Trips

Itinerary

Travel Map

Day 1: Bucharest, Romania

Welcome to Bucharest! The remainder of the day is free to start exploring this intriguing city.

Day 2: Bucharest–Oltenita (Embarkation)

Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Much recent history has taken place in Romania’s capital city, and its wide, tree-lined boulevards and Arc de Triomphe—built in 1922 to honor the bravery of Romanian soldiers who fought in WWI—have gained it the name “Paris of the East....

Day 3: Rousse, Bulgaria. Excursion to Veliko Târnovo & Arbanassi–Svistov

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

In Rousse this morning you may choose to join a Certified Local Guide for an included CITY TOUR, rejoining your ship in time for lunch and enjoying a pleasant afternoon of cruising to Svistov. Alternatively, you may take a full d...

Day 4: Vidin. Excursion to Belogradchik

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

After breakfast today a Local Guide shows you Vidin, an important Danube port in northwestern Bulgaria. Its medieval FORTRESS, known as “Baba Vidin,” served as Vidin’s main defensive installation during the Middle Ages and is the...

Day 5: Iron Gates. Excursion to Lepinski Vir

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

The TRAJAN TABLE marking the Roman conquest of Dacia and the Serbian fortresses of Golubac and Smederevo are impressive sights on the left bank of the Danube. The most spectacular scenery must surely be the dramatic gorge of the ...

Day 6: Belgrade, Serbia

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

The capital of Serbia is situated at the confluence of the Danube and Sava Rivers. A Local Guide will be proud to show you its main sights, which include St. Sava, the world’s largest Orthodox Church; and Marshal Tito’s tomb and ...

Day 7: Mohács, Hungary. Excursion to Pécs

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

This morning, a GUIDED EXCURSION takes you to Pécs, Hungary’s fifth-largest city. Established by the Romans in the 2nd century, this was a flourishing and important town for Christianity by the 4th century. Pécs is also rich in t...

Day 8: Budapest

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Spanning the banks of the Danube, Budapest is one of Eastern Europe’s liveliest cities. Whether you’re seeing the sights, shopping for handcrafted embroidery or Herend porcelain, or basking in the coffee house culture over a rich...

Day 9: Budapest–Vienna, Austria

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Enjoy a day of relaxation on board and marvel at the beautiful scenery on both banks of the Danube. Hungary is on your left as you cruise upriver and Slovakia is on your right. The two countries share the Danube for a 58-mile str...

Day 10: Vienna

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Once the center of the mighty Habsburg Empire, Austria’s magical capital on the blue Danube is a showcase of gilded architecture. This is home to the lavish Hofburg Imperial Palace complex with its Vienna Boy’s Choir and dazzling...

Day 11: Dürnstein–Melk

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Dürnstein, known for the magnificent baroque, blue Stiftskirche built in the 1700s, is situated right in the heart of the Wachau wine region. The main street of this small town—with a population of less than 1,000 people—is lined...

Day 12: Passau, Germany

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Today you can choose from several full-day optional excursions: to Salzburg, taking in some of the Sound of Music sights; the popular “Romantic Austria” tour; or to Český Krumlov in the Czech Republic, a UNESCO World Heritage Sit...

Day 13: Regensburg

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Dating back to the time of the Celts around 500 BC, Regensburg is one of Germany’s best preserved medieval cities. Established during the Holy Roman Empire and the only German city not bombed during WWII, Regensburg has at least ...

Day 14: Nuremberg

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Today, spend a relaxing morning of cruising, then, before lunch, attend a fascinating ONBOARD LECTURE about the engineering marvel that is the Main-Danube Canal. The afternoon is dedicated to Nuremberg. Although 90% of Nuremberg’...

Day 15: Nuremberg (Disembarkation)–Prague, Czech Republic

Meals: Breakfast

After breakfast, say goodbye to your crew and travel by motorcoach to Prague, the “Golden City.”

Day 16: Prague

Meals: Breakfast

Prague is a 1,200-year-old city preserved in time, and, unlike other Central European capitals, it was not bombed during the 20th-century wars. A Local Guide shows you its best-known treasures such as the Old Town’s Astronomical Clock, built in...

Day 17: Prague

Meals: Breakfast

Enjoy a free day to explore the city at your own pace. Perhaps visit the Communist Museum or take an optional excursion around the Jewish Quarter. Sample the local plum dumplings and Pilsner; stroll along the Vltava River; or wander around Prague’s medieval Old Town, dating from the 10th century. Your Cruise Director will have other suggestions for things to do.

Day 18: Prague

Meals: Breakfast

Your vacation ends with breakfast this morning.

Want a tailor-made trip instead?

Your trip, your way, planned by an expert:

  • You choose budget, destinations, activities, transport & lodging type
  • Expert designs the itinerary for you, and once approved, takes care of logistics
Design custom trip

Dates & Availability

Price From $5,709
Price per day$317
Last Updated: 8/2/2018

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
1,450
Great
134
Average
45
Disappointing
15
Terrible
41
Write a Review

Other Avalon Waterways Reviews

D

DEBBIE

Dec 2023

Written on

From favorite cruise line to Never Again!!!

My first Avalon cruise/land tour to Vietnam/Cambodia was the best experience of my 80 plus cruises. We recently took the Avalon Egypt/Jordan cruise/land tour and it ...

c

customer

Dec 2023

Written on

Avalon waterways went out of their way to accommodate our early morning arrival.

We booked an Egyptian cruise with Avalon months ago that included airport transfers, but we did not book our flights through them. Ten days before departure we had ...

R

Robert

Nov 2023

Written on

It was the Paris to Normandy then to…

It was the Paris to Normandy then to Marseille 14 day cruise. The whole cruise was terrible, ports were bypassed, crew was very inexperienced, the restaurant was uno...

Write a Review

Travelers also viewed

Tour Operator

Avalon Waterways

none
View Profile

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.

Associations

About Travelstride

Find your perfect trip

An epic selection of pre-planned trips on every continent, for every style. Thousands of itineraries from over 1,000 trusted travel companies.

Save time

Use simple search and comparison tools to easily find the best trip. Don't sweat the logistics — travel providers plan for you.

Save money

Book directly with the operator. See inclusive packages for the best values, and get access to amazing deals.

Travel confidently

Read unbiased user reviews, pick the operator that suits your needs, and connect with them directly.

Logistics

What's excluded

    • Airfare
    • Airport transfers
    • Alcohol & beverages outside of the contracted menu
    • Additional excursions and activities not listed as 'included' in the itinerary
    • Travel Protection premiums
    • Applicable cruise taxes, fees, fares and port charges
    • Other items of a personal nature
Cancellation policy

Booking Cancellations & Cancellation Fees:

If a booking cancellation is received by Avalon prior to the final payment date of your vacation, your non-refundable land deposit and Travel Protection payments will be retained in addition to your Flex-Air deposit, Instant Purchase Air payment and service fee, and/or intra-vacation air deposit. For individual reservations, the following per person cancellation fees apply. Total price does not include discounts, promotions, or special incentives. (For group reservations, refer to the Group Policy.)

Standard Cancellation Fees:

90-60 days prior to commencement of services: 35% of total price* plus Travel Protection payments

59-30 days prior to commencement of services: 50% of total price* plus Travel Protection payments

29-1 days prior to commencement of services: 80% of total price* plus Travel Protection payments

On departure day and later: 100% of total price* plus Travel Protection payments

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 .
Meals Included

17 Breakfasts, 12 Lunches and 13 Dinners

Age Requirements
No age restrictions
Additional Information
Meals Captain’s welcome & farewell receptions with sparkling wine and canapés Welcome dinner Daily Afternoon Tea Daily Night Fare Farewell dinner Complimentary sparkling wine with breakfast; soft drinks with lunch; and wine, beer, or soft drinks with dinner are included daily on board your vessel Notes: Departure October 28 is offered as an exclusive Wine Appreciation Cruise, including special lectures and tastings at no additional cost. Your palate will applaud as you learn what to look for in a good wine. A distinguished wine authority will teach you the ropes as you visit a wine village and attend tastings to test your newfound talent. In the event of water level problems or any problems of a technical nature, it may be necessary to operate the itinerary by motorcoach or to alter the program. Included visits and special features are subject to change. If a change is necessary, a substitute will be offered. Please check visa requirements with your local consulate(s); responsibility for obtaining visas rests with the traveler.
Trip ID
AVALON-GraCruAva

Become a member

(it's free)
  • Save up to $700 per person
  • Access members-only specials
  • Personalize trip recommendations
Sign up and save
Top Tour Companies on Travelstride:
All 1,600+ companies >