Overview
In Austria, visit its lovely towns along the Danube, including Linz, Dürnstein—from where you can take a visit to Melk Abbey, and Vienna. See the gilded sights and indulge in Austrian specialties and sweets. read more Explore picturesque vineyards and ancient castles of the “Blue Danube” with a Viennese Waltz lilting in the air. Explore the incredible Habsburg Empire and see the royal family’s Imperial Palace, the historic Opera House, and St. Stephen’s Cathedral in Vienna.
Visit Budapest—the “Pearl of the Danube,” and experience the beauty and history of the Balkan States of Croatia, Serbia, Bulgaria, and Romania—from ancient archaeological sites to amazing architecture and art. Your cruise ends in Oltenita. We look forward to sharing this fantastic journey with you on the Danube River from Germany to Romania.
Itinerary
Welcome to Germany. Your Suite Ship® is Ready for Boarding. Flights into Munich must arrive by 2pm. Guests must be on board ship by 5pm.
Explore your ship and enjoy dinner on your first evening onboard.
EVENING CRUISE TO PASSAU
Where the Danube, Inn, and Ilz Rivers Meet
- Active: Follow your Avalon Adventure Host for Hiking from Oberhaus along a trail down to the valley and along Ilz River, OR:
- Classic: Join a Guided City Walk to learn more about this beautiful “City of Three Rivers"
Before sailing to Linz, take a little free time to explore Passau's cobblestone streets and galleries of Artists' Alley. Maybe stop at St. Stephen's Cathedral to catch a concert rehearsal. This afternoon, cruise to Linz through the Danube's dramatic horseshoe bend called Schlögen Oxbow. Later, enjoy live entertainment onboard.
OVERNIGHT DOCKING IN LINZ
Legendary and Lovely Linz.
Visit the Adventure Center for today's activities with your Adventure Host.
- Active: Join your Adventure Host for a bike ride along the Danube, OR:
- Classic: Take a Guided Walk through the city's historic and beautiful sites along the shore of the Danube and see Hauptplatz—Austria's largest medieval square—and the towering white-marble Trinity Column.
Consider a full-day Guided Optional Excursion to Salzburg—the city of Mozart, or to the picturesque Bohemian town of Cesky Krumlov. You may otherwise spend the afternoon on a biking picnic along the banks of the Danube or hike through Linz's beautiful nature trails to Pöstlingberg for a bird's - eye view of the city and river below.
OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO YBBS
Frescoes Above and Vineyards Below.
- Discovery: Join a guided visit to two family - owned farms and discover how they produce delicious traditional specialties and products, OR:
- Classic: Visit the Lower Austrian little town of Ybbs. Walk through the doors of Austrian history with a guided sightseeing tour of Artstetten Castle, OR:
- Classic: Take a Guided Tour of Melk's magnificent Benedictine Abbey to marvel at its frescoed ceilings, statues, incredible library, and ornate pipe organ.
Later, stretch out on the Sky Deck as you sail through the Wachau Valley past vineyards, castles, and charming villages on your way to Dürnstein.
- Active: Alternatively, experience the Wachau Valley from a unique perspective, join your Adventure Host for a bike ride along some of Wachau's bike trails.
DÜRNSTEIN: A King's Ransom and Castle Ruins.
- Active: Join 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 during the Crusades.
Later, enjoy live entertainment on board your ship.
OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO VIENNA
Viennese Waltzes on the Blue Danube.
- 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 grand historic Vienna Opera House, and stunning St. Stephen's Cathedral.
You may decide to take a Guided Optional Excursion to Schönbrunn Palace—the former imperial summer home of the Habsburg monarchy. Spend free time strolling in the pedestrian Kärntnerstrasse—the most famous shopping avenue in central Vienna. Take a bike ride through the city and stop in a local café to enjoy Sachertorte or Apfelstrudel. This evening, enjoy an unforgettable musical performance with an Optional Excursion to attend a Royal Waltz Concert in an elegant hall.
OVERNIGHT SAILING TO BRATISLAVA
Cathedral Coronations and a Crowning Castle
- Active: Follow your Avalon Adventure Host on a hike to lofty Bratislava Castle, OR:
- Classic: Take a Guided City Walk, including the quaint streets of Old Town, Town Hall, and the sight of royal coronations at St. Martin's Cathedral.
Enjoy free time to discover on your own Bratislava, the beautiful capital of Slovakia, rich in history and culture, but also a green city with its forests and parks just a hop away from the city center.
EVENING/OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO BUDAPEST
War Heroes and Hot Water.
- 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.
This afternoon, choose from a wide range of Optional Guided Excursions. Spend free time exploring famous sights like the Chain Bridge or Fisherman's Bastion. Linger in one of the city's beautiful cafés, browse the Central Market Hall, or hike the hills above the Danube.
OVERNIGHT DOCKING IN BUDAPEST
The Pearl of the Danube in the Heart of Europe
Take free time to enjoy Budapest's famed thermal baths. You can also take a scenic hike in the hills above the Danube. Take time to explore the city's cafés and restaurants.
OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO VUKOVAR
History and Beer.
Visit the Adventure Center for today's activities with your Adventure Host.
- Discovery: Join a Guided Walking Tour to discover the heritage, culture, and tradition of Vukovar and enjoy a beer tasting, OR:
- Classic: Join a Guided City Tour to discover the captivating culture and tradition of Vukovar and learn about its rich history and heritage.
Enjoy a brief cruise to Novi Sad while having lunch onboard. ILOK, CROATIA History and Culture in Croatia.
- Classic: Join a Guided tour of Ilok, with its 1,000-year-old wine making traditions still thriving and its medieval fortress protected for its Croatian cultural heritage. Refresh your spirit with a wine tasting in a local cellar and hear the stories of culture and tradition in the natural beauty of Eastern Croatia, OR:
- Active: Explore more of Croatia on a Guided Bike Tour along Ilok's city walls, into the central church, and the towns' museum on your way to Principovac Castle and Estate.
OVERNIGHT DOCKING IN NOVI SAD
The Athens of Serbia
- 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.
- Active: Enjoy a Guided Hike Tour to the Petrovaradin part of the town. Located on the right bank of the Danube, across from the main part of Novi Sad, this area will amaze you for its scenic views, OR:
- Discovery: Get to learn more about the beekeeper profession on this Guided Tour of Novi Sad by stopping at the Honey Museum and by tasting local honey specialties.
Later, enjoy live entertainment on board.
OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO BELGRADE
Fortresses and Folklore.
- Active: Discover 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.
- Discovery: Attend an onboard Lecture to learn about the rich history, destinations, and culture of the Balkan states.
Spend your free time exploring the city on your own this afternoon on Knez Mihailova Street—Belgrade's central pedestrian thoroughfare with many lively cafés, shops, and cultural spots. This evening, you might like to join an Optional authentic Bohemian Dinner in the Quarter of Skadarlija.
OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO GOLUBAČ
Ancient Artifacts and the Iron Gates.
- 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. Continue to the Mesolithic archaeological site of Lepenski Vir—with unique views of the Danube Gorge.
Sail through the spectacular and narrow Iron Gates Gorge—a natural border between Serbia and Romania.
AFTERNOON/OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO VIDIN
Rocks, Ruins and Balkan Beauty
- Active: Join your Adventure Host for a bike tour around the city, OR:
- Classic: Join Guided Sightseeing to Baba Vida Fortress, followed by a Guided Tour of Belogradchik. Marvel at the remarkable rock formations on the western slopes of the Balkan Mountains, sculpted by 200 million years of natural elements, OR:
- Discovery: Discover more than two centuries of a proud family history of Bulgarian winemaking with a tour and tasting at a local winery. Here, you'll enjoy a wine tasting in the cellars.
AFTERNOON/OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO ROUSSE
Fortresses and Folklore.
- Active: Explore Rousse's old town by bike with your Adventure Host, 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 the Bulgarian Revival architecture in the 15th-century town of Arbanassi, OR:
- Classic: Join a Guided Sightseeing Tour of Bulgaria's largest inland port and visit its impressive Holy Trinity Church. Later, enjoy a short scenic drive to explore the rock - hewn churches of Ivanovo, a UNESCO World Heritage.
Later, enjoy live entertainment on board with a Bulgarian folklore show.
OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO OLTENITA
Your cruise ends with breakfast this morning.
Flights should not leave Bucharest airport before noon.
Life On Board
Just imagine gliding away down the world’s most spectacular rivers, all while enjoying a unique vantage point from your own private oasis. Our floor-to-ceiling panoramic windows in our suites blur the line between where the world ends, and your suite begins; allowing you to experience the world less seen from the comfort of your bed. This is river cruising from a unique point of view.
Float along Europe's most famous waterways in relaxed luxury aboard one of Avalon's award-winning Suite Ships. Read more
With the only Open-Air Balconies in river cruising, experience Europe with a view like no other in a Panorama Suite. Read more
Avalon features all the right inclusions which compliment your luxurious river cruise experience. Read more
Personalise your cruise to make it your own with Avalon Choice. Select whichever included excursions interest you the most. Read more
Avalon's Active & Discovery river cruises offer activities for travellers with varying interests & for all energy and fitness levels. Read more
Savour regional cuisine and familiar favourites using the freshest local ingredients throughout your river cruise. Read more
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Avalon River Cruises (2026)
or rushed schedules, just immersive journeys that keep you in the heart of each destination. Our modern Suite Ships sail
the world’s legendary rivers and waterways, placing you just steps from vibrant cities, charming villages, more and breathtaking scenery. Wake to Vienna at your doorstep, watch Budapest sparkle at night, or take in 360-degree views of the Rhine Gorge and Wachau Valley from the Sky Deck. Cycle through Cologne or Paris, savour fine cuisine in Lyon, or sample sweets in Linz, then retreat to your spacious suite without missing a moment.
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Tour & cruises prices are per person. Prices shown have savings applied, are subject to availability and may be withdrawn at any time without notice. Pricing and trip details are correct at this point in time, however are subject to confirmation at the time of booking and are subject to change by Avalon. For cruise itineraries, cabin images are sourced from the cruise-line and should be treated as indicative only. Cabin inclusions, upholsteries and room layout may differ to the image(s) shown depending on the ship selected and your sailing dates.
