Overview
Read 3 reviews and enjoy exclusive savings on Avalon's 23 Day From Romania to the North Sea. This enchanting European river cruise from Romania 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. Explore with guided sightseeing in 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 read more 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 Romania to the North Sea.
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 Romania to the North Sea.
Sold Out
There are currently no departures available on this trip. Either the season has ended and new dates will be released soon, or the itinerary has been updated and isn’t operating this season.
Cruise Line
Avalon
Cruise Ship
Avalon Illumination 
3 Trip Reviews
Avg. Rating: 5/5
Passengers
166
Crew
47
Launched
2014
Cruise Code
WOA
Itinerary
Your Balkan Adventure Begins. Flights into Bucharest must arrive by 2 pm. Guests must be on board ship by 5 pm. Explore your Avalon Suite Ship® this evening and enjoy a dinner onboard.
EVENING/OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO ROUSSE
Included Meals:
Dinner
Fortresses and Fountains in “Little Vienna”
- Active: Join a bike tour in Rousse 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. Later, enjoy a short scenic drive to explore the rock - hewn churches of Ivanovo, a UNESCO World Heritage, 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.
EVENING/OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO VIDIN
Included Meals:
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Rocks, Ruins, and Balkan Beauty
Ask about today's energizing or relaxing Adventure Host activities.- Active: Wander and discover this town, join your Adventure Host for a bike ride, OR:
- Classic: Join 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. Then, visit the mighty Baba Vida Fortress in nearby Vidin.
OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO DONJI MILANOVAC
Included Meals:
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
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.- 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. Continue to the Fortress of Golubač, one of the best preserved medieval fortresses in Europe.
OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO BELGRADE
Included Meals:
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
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.
- Discovery: Attend an onboard Lecture to learn about the rich history, destinations, and culture of the Balkan states.
EVENING/OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO NOVI SAD
Included Meals:
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
A Capital of Culture.
- 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 walking tour in Novi Sad along the narrow streets that climb slowly to the top of the hill above the city to Petrovaradin Fortress, OR:
- Discovery: Experience the sweet life in Serbia with a visit and tasting at the Museum of Beekeeping and Živanović Wine Cellar in Sremski Karlovci.
OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO ILOK
Included Meals:
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Croatian Heritage and Hilltop Vintages.
- Discovery: Take a walking tour of Ilok with a wine tasting in a local cellar with stories of Croatian tradition.
- Classic: Enjoy a walking tour of Vukovar, the city the largest river port in Croatia.
OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO MOHÁCS
Included Meals:
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
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, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, with fascinating murals. You'll also enjoy an organ concert on your tour.
AFTERNOON/OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO BUDAPEST
Included Meals:
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Welcome to Budapest—Hungary's Captivating Capital.
- Classic: Enjoy a Guided City Sightseeing, including the iconic Heroes' Square.
OVERNIGHT DOCKING IN BUDAPEST.
Included Meals:
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
War Heroes and Hot Water.
Visit the Adventure Center for today's activities with your Adventure Host.- Active: Hike up to a magnificent viewpoint in Budapest with your Adventure Host.
EVENING/OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO BRATISLAVA
Included Meals:
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Cathedral Coronations and a Crowning Castle
- Active: Follow your Avalon Adventure Host on a short 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.
OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO VIENNA
Included Meals:
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
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.
OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO DÜRNSTEIN
Included Meals:
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
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.
- Active: Join your Avalon Adventure Host for a walk along the Danube River and around Melk, 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
Included Meals:
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
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.”
EVENING/OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO REGENSBURG
Included Meals:
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
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.
EVENING/OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO ROTH
Included Meals:
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Legends and History Lessons.
- Classic: 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
Included Meals:
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
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.
- Discovery: Attend an onboard lecture to learn about European history and culture.
AFTERNOON/OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO WÜRZBURG
Included Meals:
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
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.
AFTERNOON/OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO MILTENBERG
Included Meals:
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Beauty on the Main River
Join your Adventure Host for today's special activities.- Active: Discover Miltenberg by bike with your Adventure Host, OR:
- Classic: Join a Guided Walking Tour of Miltenberg, a showcase of medieval half - timber homes and home to Germany's oldest inn.
AFTERNOON/OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO RÜDESHEIM
Included Meals:
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
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: Take a Guided Visit to the historic 18th-century wooden - barrel cellar of Johannisberg Castle and enjoy a delicious wine tasting, OR:
- Classic: Tour the incredible Mechanical Music Museum for a one-of-a-kind instrumental experience; enjoy a tasting of the authentic Rüdesheimer coffee.
- 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.
OVERNIGHT DOCKING IN ENGERS
Included Meals:
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
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.
AFTERNOON/OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO AMSTERDAM
Included Meals:
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Colorful Canals of Amsterdam.
- Active: Start your day joining your Adventure Host on an early morning walk in Amsterdam, OR:
- Classic: Discover the true beauty of Amsterdam with an off-the-beaten-path Guided Walking Tour through its cobblestone streets for a captivating look at this legendary city, OR:
- Classic: Explore the iconic waterways of Amsterdam with a Guided Canal Cruise past stately homes of Amsterdam's “Golden Age.”
OVERNIGHT DOCKING IN AMSTERDAM
Included Meals:
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Your cruise ends with breakfast this morning.
Included Meals:
Breakfast
Life On Board
One of our favourite sayings that describes Avalon Waterways is ‘the possibilities are as wide open as the views’. From Europe to the Galapagos and Asia, you can cruise in relaxed luxury with Avalon Waterways, with choices as unique as you. Avalon offers you a range of choices from excursions, dining options, activities more that help you tailor your experience.
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.
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.
Avalon Illumination
Float along Europe's most famous waterways in relaxed luxury aboard one of Avalon's award-winning Suite Ships. Read more
Our Vision. Your View.
With the only Open-Air Balconies in river cruising, experience Europe with a view like no other in a Panorama Suite. Read more
Exclusive Meets Inclusive
Avalon features all the right inclusions which compliment your luxurious river cruise experience. Read more
Avalon Choice
Personalise your cruise to make it your own with Avalon Choice. Select whichever included excursions interest you the most. Read more
Active & Discovery
Avalon's Active & Discovery river cruises offer activities for travelers with varying interests & for all energy and fitness levels. Read more
From View to Table
Savour regional cuisine and familiar favourites using the freshest local ingredients throughout your river cruise. Read more
Trip Reviews (3)
Black Sea to North Sea: A Wonderful Adventure Abroad 4
John & Heather, Queensland, Australia, Oct 2017
The "Avalon Passion" is a beautiful and comfortable ship. We were delighted with our cabin, the extremely comfortable bed, and the large ensuite. Storage space was more than adequate. The crew were excellent. We loved their friendliness and appreciated their willingness to meet our every need. Excursions were very good and very efficiently managed read more by the cruise director. We purchased several additional tours, and they were all very good value for money. We would love to repeat the cruise some time in the future. However, affordability will always be a factor that we will need to consider.
Very enjoyable and very relaxing 1
Gwendoline Salisbury, Australia, May 2014
This Avalon River Cruise was very enjoyable and very relaxing. Staff we excellent as was the tour director. Some little extras were included as well as day excursion to Bulgaria and a home dinner with a Croatian family to make the holiday special. Drinks included with dinner were generous and appreciated. Had the feeling it wasn't all about making money read more but rather providing a great holiday to their passengers. Certainly would recommend Avalon River Cruises.
We would definitely recommend an Avalon River Cruise 2
John & Janet Wells, Australia, Aug 2012
We thoroughly enjoyed our travel from North Sea to Black Sea but were amazed how low the waters were - sending lots of rain and snows during the coming european winter!! Our wonderfull singer Janos (tour guide) was a very informative part of our trip and his port talks were amusing and interesting. The food was plentiful and varied, and the catering read more staff and the housekeepers were very efficient - even when it came down to the Imagery Cruise show!! All in all we would definitely recommend an Avalon River Cruise with Global Journeys. Many Thanks.
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Avalon River Cruises (2025-26)
Avalon Waterways has redefined cruising by going against the current and away from the ordinary. One step aboard our modern, luxurious Suite Ships with the grandest views in cruising and it’s easy to see how the tides are changing. Welcome to a new wave in cruising. Welcome aboard Avalon Waterways.
Prices & Dates
There are currently no departures available on this cruise. Either it's the end of the season and new departures will be released shortly, or this itinerary has been changed and is not operating this season. Feel free to contact us for information about when next seasons dates will be released or click here to view general release dates for all destinations.
Note
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.
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.
