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Avalon Waterways From the Black Sea to the North Sea (WOAB)

26 days from Bucharest to Amsterdam 
This enchanting European river cruise from Bucharest to Amsterdam is truly an adventure. Glide past quaint towns, beautiful views, and historic buildings along the Danube, Main, and Rhine Rivers—and onshore enjoy guided sightseeing and free time to explore. In Romania’s lively capital, Bucharest, you’ll see the Arc de Triomphe, and the historical Royal Palace Square. Travel to Cernavodă and set sail for the Danube River Delta, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Explore with 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 views of the Iron Gates. Your Danube River cruise takes you to the capitals of three countries: Belgrade, Serbia; Budapest, Hungary; and Vienna, Austria, where Local Guides will show you the highlights with time to explore on your own. In the heart of the Wachau wine region, take a guided walk in charming Dürnstein, and later visit Melk’s famous Benedictine Abbey. In Germany, enjoy guided sightseeing in Passau, Regensburg, Nuremberg, Bamberg, and Würzburg. Cruise the Main Danube Canal, and pass through the dramatic Rhine Gorge—the most beautiful view of the Rhine River where ancient castles stand on cliffs 400 feet above the water. This extraordinary European river cruise concludes in Holland’s popular, modern capital of Amsterdam. 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 revealed from the Black Sea to the North Sea.

Ships: Impression - View - Passion - Expression

Avalon Highlights & Sightseeing

Day 1 Bucharest: Welcome to Bucharest

Day 2 Bucharest–Fetesti (Embarkation): Guided sightseeing in Bucharest; transfer to ship; onboard welcome reception

Day 3 St. Gheorghe: Excursion to Danube Delta; Km 0 celebration; onboard lecture

Day 4 Hârșova. Excursion to Constanta: Guided sightseeing, visit the National History and Archaeological Mu-seum in Constanta

Day 5 Rousse. Excursion to Veliko Târnovo & Arbanassi: Choice of full-day excursion, visit to Tsarevets Fortress in Veliko Târnovo and to the Ethnographical Museum and Church of the Nativity in Arbanassi, or guided sightseeing in Rousse, or walk in the park with your Adventure Host

Day 6 Vidin–Belogradchik: Choice of guided sightseeing to Vidin’s fortress, see the rock formations in Belogradchik or bike with your Adventure Host

Day 7 Iron Gates–Donji Milanovac–Golubač: Scenic cruise through the Iron Gates gorge; choice of visit Lepenski Vir archaeological site or bike with your Adventure Host; visit to Golubač fortress

Day 8 Belgrade: Choice of guided sightseeing or walk with your Adventure Host; onboard lecture

Day 9 Novi Sad–Ilok: Choice of Novi Sad guided tour or walk with your Adventure Host; Ilok guided tour Day

10 Mohács. Excursion to Pécs: Choice of guided tour and organ concert in Pécs or sightseeing in Mohács, visit St. Nicolas watermill

Day 11 Budapest: Choice of guided tour, see Heroes’ Square or hike with your Adventure Host

Day 12 Budapest: Day at leisure in Budapest

Day 13 Bratislava: Choice of guided tour, visit St. Martin’s Cathedral, or hike up to Bratislava Castle with your Adventure Host

Day 14 Vienna: Choice of guided tour or bike with your Adventure Host

Day 15 Dürnstein–Wachau Valley–Melk: Choice of guided tour or hike up to the castle ruins in Dürnstein; scenic cruise through the Wachau Valley; choice of guided tour of the Benedictine Abbey in Melk or hike with your Adventure Host; onboard wine tasting

Day 16 Passau: Guided tour

Day 17 Regensburg: Choice of guided tour or bike with your Adventure Host

Day 18 Roth. Excursion to Nuremberg: Onboard lecture; choice of guided sightseeing of Roth, or guided sightseeing in Nuremberg, or Nuremberg Rally Grounds tour

Day 19 Bamberg: Choice of guided tour, see the Old Town Hall or bike with your Adventure Host; onboard lecture

Day 20 Volkach—Kitzingen: Choice of walking tour in Volkach or bike with your Adventure Host; free time in Kitzingen

Day 21 Würzburg: Choice of guided sightseeing, visit the Bishop’s Residenz or bike with your Adventure Host

Day 22 Main River Village: Guided walk

Day 23 Rüdesheim–Rhine Gorge: Choice of visit to Siegfried’s Mechanical Musical Instrument Museum or hike in the vineyards with your Adventure Host; scenic cruise through the Rhine Gorge; classical concert

Day 24 Cologne: Choice of Cologne highlights walking tour, or Jewish Heritage walking tour or bike with your Adventure Host

Day 25 Amsterdam: Choice of canal cruise or walk with your Adventure Host

Day 26 Amsterdam (Disembarkation): Your vacation ends this morning

Related Avalon Tours

WOAB - From the Black Sea to the North Sea
WOAQ - With 2 Nights in Transylvania

Itinerary (2024)

Day 1BUCHAREST, 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 2BUCHAREST
 Beautiful Boulevards and Bold History

CLASSIC Join a Guided Excursion in Bucharest, see the Royal Palace Square—the scene of the city 's 1989 riots to overthrow the communist dictator Nicolae Ceausescu.

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

(B,D)
Day 3ST. GHEORGHE. EXCURSION TO THE DANUBE DELTA
 A River’s Entrance into the Sea

Visit the Adventure Center for today’s activities with your Adventure Host.

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 Special Celebration to mark “Kilometer 0”—the end of the Danube River’s 2,845 km journey—from the source in the Black Forest of Bavaria to its delta at the Black Sea.

EVENING/OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO HÂRȘOVA

(B,L,D)
Day 4HÂRȘOVA. EXCURSION TO CONSTANTA
 Romania’s Cultural Legacies

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 5ROUSSE, BULGARIA. VELIKO TÂRNOVO & ARBANASSI EXCURSION
 Fortresses and Fountains in “Little Vienna”

ACTIVE Join a walk through the park 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.

Sail to Svistov, 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 (circa 4300 BC), as well as Bulgarian Revival architecture in the 15th-century town of Arbanassi.

Later, join your ship in Svistov.

EVENING/OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO VIDIN

(B,L,D)
Day 6VIDIN
 Rocks, ruins and Balkan Beauty

Ask about today’s energizing or relaxing Adventure Host activities.

ACTIVE Enjoy an easy hiking experience in Vidin with your Adventure Host, OR:

CLASSIC Join Guided Sightseeing in Vidin, followed by a Guided Tour of Belogradchik. See the remarkable rock formations on the slopes of the Balkan Mountains, sculpted by 200 million years of nature’s elements.

This evening, enjoy live entertainment on board with a Bulgarian folklore show.

EVENING/OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO DONJI MILANOVAC

(B,L,D)
Day 7DONJI MILANOVAC, SERBIA–IRON GATES GORGE. EXCURSION TO LEPENSKI VIR
 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.

ACTIVE Explore Donji Milanovac by bike with your Adventure Host, OR:

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.

Enjoy a brief sailing to Golubač.

GOLUBAČ

A Formidable Fortress

CLASSIC Visit the Fortress of Golubač, one of the best preserved medieval fortresses in Europe. You’ll hear about its tumultuous history as a border control defense in the Middle Ages, and a source of conflict between Serbia, the Habsburg Monarchy and the Ottoman Empire.

OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO BELGRADE

(B,L,D)
Day 8BELGRADE, SERBIA
 Fortresses and Folklore

Join your Adventure Host for today’s special activities.

ACTIVE See Belgrade's central walkway with your Adventure Host, OR:

CLASSIC Join a Guided Sightseeing Tour of Belgrade—where the Danube and Sava Rivers converge— and see the city’s many fascinating sights, including Saint Sava, one of the world’s largest Orthodox churches.

You may choose to join an Optional Guided Biking Tour or spend remaining 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.

EVENING/OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO NOVI SAD

(B,L,D)
Day 9NOVI SAD
 A Capital of Culture

ACTIVE Enjoy a relaxing walk in Novi Sad with your Adventure Host, 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.

Enjoy a brief cruise to Ilok while having lunch onboard.

ILOK, CROATIA

Croatian Heritage and Hilltop Vintages

CLASSIC Join a Guided Tour of Ilok, with its 1,000-year-old winemaking tradition still thriving and its medieval fortress protected for its Croatian cultural heritage.

EVENING/OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO MOHÁCS

(B,L,D)
Day 10MOHÁCS, HUNGARY. EXCURSION TO PÉCS
 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, murals, and Turkish architecture. You’ll also enjoy an organ concert on your tour.

AFTERNOON/OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO BUDAPEST

(B,L,D)
Day 11BUDAPEST
 Welcome to Budapest—Hungary’s Captivating Capital

ACTIVE Hike up to a magnificent viewpoint in Budapest with your Adventure Host, OR:

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 above the Danube.

OVERNIGHT DOCKING IN BUDAPEST

(B,L,D)
Day 12BUDAPEST
 War Heroes and Hot Water

Visit the Adventure Center for today’s activities with your Adventure Host.

This afternoon choose among the Optional Guided Excursions available or 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)
Day 13BRATISLAVA, SLOVAKIA
 Cathedral Coronations and a Crowning Castle

ACTIVE Follow your Avalon Adventure Host on a hike to lofty Bratislava Castle, OR:

CLASSIC Join a Guided Walking Tour of Old Town’s cobblestone streets to Town Hall. Visit the Gothic halls of St. Martin’s Cathedral—Hungary’s centuries-old coronation church.

Alternatively, in your free time take a bicycle and a picnic from the ship to explore the local sights along the Danube.

Later, enjoy live entertainment onboard.

OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO VIENNA

(B,L,D)
Day 14VIENNA, AUSTRIA
 Royal Collections and Amusing Attractions

ACTIVE Explore Vienna's Danube Island by bike with your Adventure Host, OR:

CLASSIC Explore the 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, the iconic Vienna Opera House and stunning St. Stephen’s Cathedral.

Join a Guided Optional Excursion to Schönbrunn Palace— summer home of the Habsburg empire.

You may also take a tram to Vienna’s Prater amusement park or to one of the many museums nearby. Later, consider joining an Optional Excursion to attend Royal Waltz Concert in an elegant hall.

OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO DÜRNSTEIN

(B,L,D)
Day 15DÜRNSTEIN—WACHAU VALLEY
 A King’s Ransom and Castle Ruins

ACTIVE Take 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 above the village 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 Melk.

MELK

Frescoes Above and Vineyards Below

ACTIVE Join your Avalon Adventure Host for a Hike through Melk’s beautiful countryside, OR:

CLASSIC Take a Guided Tour of the frescoed ceilings, statues, incredible library, and ornate pipe organ of Melk’s Benedictine Abbey.

DISCOVERY Later, enjoy a Wine Tasting on board as you prepare to sail to Passau.

EVENING/OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO PASSAU

(B,L,D)
Day 16PASSAU, GERMANY
 Where the Danube, Inn, and Ilz Rivers Meet

CLASSIC Join an afternoon Guided City Walk to learn more about this beautiful “City of Three Rivers.”

Alternatively, you may join a full day Guided Optional Excursion to Salzburg, the city of Mozart, or a full day Guided Optional Excursion to the picturesque Bohemian town of Cesky Krumlov.

EVENING/OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO REGENSBURG

(B,L,D)
Day 17REGENSBURG
 Bavaria’s Medieval Miracle

ACTIVE Explore Walhalla by bike with your Adventure Host, OR:

CLASSIC Join a Guided City Walk and see Altes Rathaus (Old Town Hall) and Porta Pretoria—built in 179 AD as the entrance to Castra Regina fortress.

You may choose to join a Guided Optional Excursion to visit the Benedictine Monastery in Weltenburg.

Spend a free afternoon exploring Regensburg on foot or by bike through its charming streets.

This evening, enjoy live entertainment after dinner as you cruise toward Roth.

EVENING/OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO ROTH

(B,L,D)
Day 18ROTH. EXCURSION TO NUREMBERG
 Legends and History Lessons

DISCOVERY 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 Enjoy a Guided Sightseeing Tour of the Bavarian town of Roth—with its half-timbered houses, market square, and 1535 hunting lodge, Schloss Ratibor, OR:

CLASSIC Choose a Guided Tour of Nuremberg’s medieval architecture, gilded fountain, gothic cathedral, and Kaiserburg Castle, OR:

CLASSIC Join a Guided Tour of the historic Nuremberg Rally Grounds—used by the Third Reich.

Tonight, relax onboard with live entertainment as you sail to Bamberg.

EVENING/OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO BAMBERG

(B,L,D)
Day 19BAMBERG
 The City of Seven Hills.

ACTIVE Your bike is ready! Hop on and bike along the canals in Bamberg with your Adventure Host, OR:

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.

DISCOVERY Attend an onboard lecture to learn about European history and culture.

AFTERNOON/OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO VOLKACH

(B,L,D)
Day 20VOLKACH
 Storybook Settings

ACTIVE Bike along the Main Danube Canal with your Adventure Host, OR:

CLASSIC Join a Walking Tour of the quaint town of Volkach with its half-timbered houses and cobblestoned streets.

You may choose to join a Guided Optional Excursion to the beautiful Bavarian town of Rothenburg. See the local sights and enjoy the fairytale atmosphere that has inspired artists.

Alternatively, enjoy a relaxing afternoon while cruising to Kitzingen.

OVERNIGHT DOCKING IN KITZINGEN

(B,L,D)
Day 21WÜRZBURG
 A Perfect Day in the Pearl of the Romantic Road

ACTIVE Enjoy an easy bike ride along the river with your Adventure Host, OR:

CLASSIC Take a Guided Sightseeing Tour of Würzburg with its Old Main Bridge, towering fortress, and baroque Bishop’s Residenz—with the largest known ceiling fresco.

This afternoon enjoy a leisurely sailing afternoon.

AFTERNOON/OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO MAIN RIVER VILLAGE

(B,L,D)
Day 22MAIN RIVER VILLAGE
 Beauty on the Main River

Join your Adventure Host for today’s special activities.

CLASSIC Join a Guided Walking Tour of a picturesque Bavarian village.

Later, enjoy onboard entertainment as you cruise to Rüdesheim.

AFTERNOON/OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO RÜDESHEIM

(B,L,D)
Day 23RÜDESHEIM—RHINE GORGE
 Eat, Drink, and Be Merry in Wine Country

ACTIVE Enjoy a hike with your Avalon Adventure Host through the picturesque vineyards of Rüdesheim, OR:

DISCOVERY Tour the incredible Mechanical Music Museum for a one-of-a-kind instrumental experience; based on your departure enjoy a local special treat.

This afternoon cruise through the dramatic Rhine Gorge and see the famous rock of the Lorelei—where mythological siren lured ill-fated sailors to shore.

DISCOVERY Enjoy a remarkable classical music concert in a lovely baroque venue at Engers Castle, home to the Villa Musica Rhineland-Palatinate National Foundation, one of Germany’s largest music institutions.

AFTERNOON CRUISE TO ENGERS

(B,L,D)
Day 24COLOGNE
 Prost! Celebrate in the Rhineland

Ask about today’s energizing or relaxing Adventure Host activities.

ACTIVE Enjoy a bike ride like the locals in Cologne with your Adventure Host, OR:

DISCOVERY Join a Guided Walking Tour of Cologne’s important Jewish heritage sites, OR:

CLASSIC Take a Guided City Walk of Cologne—explore the Old City and see its soaring twin-steepled Gothic cathedral.

Spend free time over a glass of Kölsch pale lager—locally brewed for over 100 years!

AFTERNOON/OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO AMSTERDAM

(B,L,D)
Day 25AMSTERDAM, HOLLAND
 Colorful Canals of Amsterdam

ACTIVE Start your day joining your Adventure Host on an early morning walk in Amsterdam, OR:

CLASSIC Explore the iconic waterways of Amsterdam with a Guided Canal Cruise past stately homes of Amsterdam’s “Golden Age.”

In the afternoon you may join an Optional Culinary Walk through Amsterdam to sample savory and sweet Dutch specialties. Or choose an Optional Biking Tour to discover the countryside. You might also consider a Guided Optional Excursion to Zaanse Schans to see historic windmills and charming Dutch houses.

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 26AMSTERDAM (DISEMBARKATION)
 Your cruise ends with breakfast this morning.

(B)

Avalon Pricing Details

Port charges:
$720

Gratuities to Local Guides & Excursion Drivers are included on Avalon portion only.

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.

Avalon Notes

  • In the event of technical or water level issues, it may be necessary to operate the itinerary by motorcoach or alter the program, including hotel overnight when necessary.
  • Guided Tours, Optional Excursions, activities, sailing and docking schedules may be contingent on weather conditions or other issues outside of our control and could therefore be subject to change at any time.
  • Please check visa requirements with your local consulate(s); responsibility for obtaining visas rests with the traveler.

Avalon Waterways Fleet

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Avalon Tour Dates

Tour Land StartAvalon RetailRequest Quote
*06/25/2024 $12,797.00
*05/04/2025 $12,197.00
*07/01/2025 $12,197.00
*08/08/2025 $12,197.00
*08/28/2025 $12,697.00
*10/06/2025 $12,247.00
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