North Sea- Black Sea Cruise - Westbound

24 days
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4.7/5 Excellent
100+ reviews  
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River Cruise
The Black Sea, the North Sea, and the rivers in between are the focus of this memorable river cruise along the magnificent Danube, Main, and Rhine Rivers. Spend a night in Romania’s lively capital, Bucharest, then relax and enjoy as you cruise past cities and quaint villages, taking in the scenery and learning about the history. Enjoy included guided sightsee...

Overview

Trip type
River Cruise
Lodging level
Premium - 4 star
Physical level
Easy
Trip pace
Flexible schedule

Highlights

    • Experience Cruise: deluxe 22-night cruise in an outside stateroom with Avalon’s exclusive Comfort Collection
    • Explore Bucharest
    • Opportunity to visit St. Gheorghe: excursion to Danube Delta
    • Guided tour through Belgrade, visit Kalemegdan Fortress
    • Enjoy travel through Bamberg see the Old Town
    • Explore Würzburg and Nuremberg
    • Discover Cologne or Jewish Heritage walk

What's this trip about?

    The Black Sea, the North Sea, and the rivers in between are the focus of this memorable river cruise along the magnificent Danube, Main, and Rhine Rivers. Spend a night in Romania’s lively capital, Bucharest, then relax and enjoy as you cruise past cities and quaint villages, taking in the scenery and learning about the history. Enjoy included guided sightseeing in each city, with inside visits of the Natural History & Archaeological Museum in Constanta, Belgrade’s Kalemegdan Fortress, and the stunning Bishop’s Residenz in Würzburg. Take small boats to explore the fascinating Danube Delta, a UNESCO World Heritage Site; cruise through the dramatic gorge of the Iron Gates, along the Main Danube Canal, and past the legendary rock of the Lorelei. Visit the archaeological site of Lepenski Vir, attend an icon-painting demonstration in Bulgaria, sample Hungary’s wines in Villány, and taste local specialties in Wertheim. Your trip ends with a cruise through Amsterdam’s lovely canals—a wonderful way to conclude this marvelous vacation!

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Details

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

Travel Themes

  • 50 plus
  • Cultural
  • Small Ship Cruise

Destinations

  • Europe
  • Austria
  • Germany
  • Netherlands
  • Hungary
  • Romania
  • Croatia
  • Serbia

Attractions

  • Amsterdam
  • Bratislava
  • Bucharest
  • Nuremberg
  • Vienna

Activities

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

Trip includes

    • Accommodation
    • 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: Arrive In Bucharest, Romania

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

Day 2: Bucharest–Fetesti (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: St. Gheorghe. Danube Delta Excursion

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

This morning during breakfast, dock in St. Gheorghe, from where the excursion into the DELTA will start. A UNESCO World Heritage Site and the best preserved of Europe’s deltas, this area hosts over 300 species of birds as well as...

Day 4: Cernavoda. Excursion To Constanta

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

From Cernavoda this morning, a full-day excursion takes you to Constanta, the most important commercial center in Romania, situated on the Black Sea. A CERTIFIED LOCAL GUIDE shows you the highlights of this city and a visit of th...

Day 5: Rousse, Bulgaria. Excursion To Veliko Târnovo & Arbanassi–Svistov

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Dock this morning in Rousse, Bulgaria’s largest inland port. A comfortable motorcoach ride away is the ancient Bulgarian capital of Veliko Târnovo. Situated on three hills surrounding the Yantra River, the city was a natural fort...

Day 6: Cetate

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Today, enjoy a leisurely day of sailing. At first, the river separates Romania on the right bank from Bulgaria on the left and is relatively wide. Then, it carves a path through the lower Carpathian Mountains to the north and the...

Day 7: Iron Gates. Excursion To Lepenski Vir, Serbia

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

The most spectacular scenery must surely be the dramatic gorge of the IRON GATES, a narrow and formerly very dangerous passage dividing Europe’s Alps in the northwest from the Carpathians in the southeast and forming a natural bo...

Day 8: Belgrade, Serbia

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Early today, arrive in Belgrade. One of the oldest cities in Europe, 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, including St. Sava, ...

Day 9: Vukovar & Osijek, Croatia

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Today, learn more about the complex history of Croatia and the events that led to the Croatian War of Independence as you explore Vukovar and Osijek accompanied by your Local Guide. Vukovar, Croatia’s largest river port, is locat...

Day 10: Mohács, Hungary. Excursion To Villány Wine District

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

In the early morning, arrive in Mohács. Then, after breakfast, an excursion takes you to the Villány district, where some of Hungary’s best red wines are produced. As you enjoy a WINE TASTING, learn more about which varietals are...

Day 11: 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 12: Bratislava, Slovakia–Vienna, Austria

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

During breakfast this morning, dock in Bratislava, capital of Slovakia and situated at the foothills of the Carpathian Mountains. Join your Local Guide for a tour of the city, including a GUIDED WALK of its fascinating Old Town, ...

Day 13: Vienna

Meals: Breakfast

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 Lipizzaner sta...

Day 14: Dürnstein–Grein

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Early this morning, arrive in Dürnstein. Standing on the banks of the Danube, the magnificent baroque Stiftskirche with its blue façade is without a doubt the landmark of this small town which lies right in the heart of the Wacha...

Day 15: Linz

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

After breakfast this morning your Local Guide will introduce you to Linz, Austria’s third-largest city and an important river port during an included WALKING TOUR. See the 13th-century Hauptplatz, Austria’s largest medieval squar...

Day 16: Regensburg, Germany

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 17: Nuremberg

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Today, enjoy a relaxing morning on board, perhaps taking in an ONBOARD LECTURE about the engineering marvel that is the Main Danube Canal. The afternoon is dedicated to Nuremberg. Although 90% of Nuremberg’s Old Town suffered ext...

Day 18: Bamberg

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

This morning, arrive in medieval Bamberg, former residence of one of Germany’s most powerful imperial dynasties and today a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Your GUIDED WALKING TOUR takes in its historic center, including the great 13...

Day 19: Würzburg

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Surrounded by verdant hillside vineyards, Würzburg, the “Pearl of the Romantic Road,” makes an immediate impression with imposing Fortress Marienberg perched above town and the 15th-century Alte Mainbrucke (Old Main Bridge). On y...

Day 20: Wertheim

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Today, relax on board until you arrive this afternoon in Wertheim. The town is situated at the confluence of the Tauber and Main Rivers, and a GUIDED WALK shows you its medieval center. Later, enjoy an included TASTING of local specialties and some free time before departing for Rüdesheim on the Rhine.

Day 21: Rüdesheim–Rhine Gorge

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Rüdesheim is the quintessential Rhine Valley wine town. Visit SIEGFRIED’S MECHANICAL MUSICAL INSTRUMENT MUSEUM, where you’ll see and hear a large collection of self-playing calliopes and music boxes from the 18th to the early 20t...

Day 22: Cologne, Germany

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

In the early morning hours, arrive in Cologne. One of Germany’s largest cities and capital of the Rhineland, Cologne straddles both sides of the Rhine, and is known for its soaring, twin-steepled gothic cathedral. Choose between ...

Day 23: Amsterdam, Holland

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

This morning you arrive in Amsterdam! Holland’s sophisticated, modern capital has a rich and fascinating history. This delightful 700-year-old city with its elegant and classic architecture, cafés, and restaurants has a distinct ...

Day 24: Amsterdam (Disembarkation)

Meals: Breakfast

Your vacation ends with breakfast this morning. 

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Dates & Availability

Price From $8,429
Price per day$351
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
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Dec 2023

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customer

Dec 2023

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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 ...

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Nov 2023

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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...

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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

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
Ship & cabin information
Passion
Yet another beautiful Suite Ship graces the rivers of Europe in 2016. The Avalon Passion welcomes passengers to their home-away-from-home with two full decks of Panorama Suites, featuring Wall-to-Wall Panoramic Windows that transform into a unique Open-Air Balcony. With 200 square feet, Panorama Suites are more than 30% larger than industry standard and ideal for stretching out and relaxing-or even throwing a private cocktail party for up to six adults in the spacious sitting area. On board, passengers enjoy free Wi-Fi access, complimentary computer use at the Internet Corner, a Fitness Center with state-of-the-art equipment, a hair salon, elevator, and an expansive Sky Deck with shade system, premium lounge chairs, whirlpool, deck games, and the delightful Sky Bistro for al fresco lunches of light grill fare.
Wall-to-Wall Panoramic Windows Sky Deck with shade awnings Non-smoking interior Elegant, contemporary design Headsets for all guided shore excursions in Europe Sightseeing with Certified Local Guides Onboard lectures, activities & nightly entertainment Room service for Continental breakfast & beverages (service fee applies) Internet Corner Complimentary Wi-Fi access Biking excursions available in Amsterdam and Durnstein Behind-the-scenes ship tour Use of Nordic walking sticks English-speaking TV channels with over 100 free movie options Panorama Bistro Self-serve beverage station with complimentary tea, hot chocolate & premium coffees Complimentary maps Selection of Local Favorites to bring the customs, cultures, and tastes of your destination to life Sky Deck with premium lounge chairs Expanded Fitness Center Elevator Outside viewing deck Friendly, English-speaking crew Cruise Director Revolutionary engineering Sky Deck whirlpool Hair salon (manicures available) Onboard movie nights Alternate light lunch and dinner in the Panorama Bistro Choice of Leisurely, Traditional or Independent sightseeing options Local Favorites onboard experiences with local chefs, entertainers, artisans & experts Onboard assistance is available to recommend, reserve and further personalize your cruise Sky Deck game area Well-stocked library Fresh fruit available throughout the day
Deck Plans: CAT.E
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

23 Breakfasts, 19 Lunches and 20 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: 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); the responsibility for obtaining a visa rests with the traveler.
Trip ID
AVALON-NorBlaAva

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