Home > All River Cruises > Europe River Cruises > The Danube from Romania to Germany

The Danube from Romania to Germany

5.0/5 Based on 1 Reviews No Booking FeesDedicated Cruise Advisor
Our Price From
US$6,874
Save $3,264pp
Port charges, taxes and fees included
 Cruise Length
16 Days
 Cruise Starts
Oltenita
 Cruise Finishes
Vilshofen
16 Day The Danube from Romania to Germany Itinerary (Avalon)
Cruise Line
Avalon
Ship
Departures
Passengers
166
Crew
47
Launched
2014
Cruise Code
WOD

Overview

Sail from Romania to Hungary’s capital of Budapest through the Balkans, Hungary, and Austria on your European river cruise. Begin your adventure in Oltenita to embark on your Danube River cruise, sail through the striking landscapes of the Balkans—Rousse, Bulgaria, Veliko Târnovo, and Arbanassi, one of the oldest towns in Bulgaria.

Guided sightseeing in Vidin is followed by a guided tour of Belogradchik, with its ancient fortress and tremendous rock formations on the Balkan Mountains. After cruising through the narrow Iron Gates Gorge, visit Lepenski Vir for a guided tour with ancient archaeological read more finds. In Serbia, take a guided tour of Belgrade, including one of the world’s largest Orthodox churches, and see the most preserved Croatian fortress in Osijek. You’ll also attend a stirring performance by young students of the Franjo Kuhač music school. Tour the historic town of Pécs before sightseeing in the Hungarian capital of Budapest—the “Pearl of the Danube.” You’ll take a guided walk through Bratislava, Slovakia before cruising to Vienna—the “City of Music.”

Enjoy guided sightseeing in Vienna’s historic Habsburg Empire—including the Imperial Palace, Vienna Opera House, and stunning St. Stephen’s Cathedral. Visit delightful Dürnstein and Melk—charming towns in the vineyard-rich Wachau Valley. Take a guided tour and hear the legendary tale of King Richard the Lionheart in Dürnstein, and tour the magnificent Benedictine Abbey high above Melk. Visit Austria’s lovely city of Linz with a tour of the city’s historic sites, then pass through the horseshoe bend of the Danube—the beautiful Schlögen Oxbow—on your way to Passau. Enjoy a guided walking tour of Germany’s “City of Three Rivers before cruising to Vilshofen, Germany, for the conclusion of your Danube River cruise.

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 (D)

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, as well as Bulgarian revival architecture in the 15th-century town of Arbanassi.
Sail to Svistov or join your ship there if you opted for the full-day tour.

EVENING/OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO VIDIN (B/L/D)

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: Take a Guided Tour to 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.
This evening, enjoy live entertainment on board with a Bulgarian folklore show.

OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO DONJI MILANOVAC (B/L/D)

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 (B/L/D)

Fortresses and Folklore

Join your Adventure Host for today's special activities.

  • 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 sites, including Saint Sava—one of the world's largest Orthodox churches.
You may choose to spend 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.

OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO NOVI SAD (B/L/D)

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 (B/L/D)

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.
Enjoy a short sailing to Vukovar during lunchtime.

VUKOVAR, CROATIA The Heroic Town on the Danube.

  • Classic: Enjoy a walking tour of Vukovar, the city the largest river port in Croatia.
This evening, enjoy live entertainment on board.

OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO MOHÁCS (B/L/D)

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 (B/L/D)

Hungary's Captivating Capital

  • 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 through the hills above the Danube.

OVERNIGHT DOCKING IN BUDAPEST (B/L/D)

The Pearl of the Danube.

  • Active: Hike up to a magnificent viewpoint in Budapest with your Adventure Host.
Alternatively, 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)

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 site of royal coronations at fantastic St. Martin's Cathedral.
This afternoon, 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.

This evening, enjoy live entertainment on board your ship.

OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO VIENNA (B/L/D)

Strauss, Schnitzel, Strudel, and Sachertorte.

  • 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—Winter residence of the Imperial Family, the iconic 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 Kärntnerstrasse—the most famous shopping avenue in central Vienna or take a bike ride to 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 CRUISE TO DÜRNSTEIN (B/L/D)

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, stretch out on the Sky Deck as you sail through the Wachau Valley past vineyards, castles, and charming villages on your way to Ybbs.

  • Active: Alternatively join your Adventure Host for a bike along the river.
YBBS. EXCURSION TO MELK Frescoes Above and Vineyards Below.

  • Discovery: Enjoy sweet interactive experiences and tastings of local Austrian products as you visit a pastry - baking workshop and an Austrian bee farm, 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.

EVENING/OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO LINZ (B/L/D)

Legendary, Lovely Linz.

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

  • 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.
  • Active: Experience Danube's cycle path, follow your Adventure Host for a bike ride around the area of Linz.
Alternatively, consider a full-day Guided Optional Excursion to Salzburg - the city of Mozart - or to the picturesque Bohemian town of Cesky Krumlov.

OVERNIGHT DOCKING IN LINZ (B/L/D)

Where the Danube, Inn, and Ilz Rivers Meet.

This morning, cruise through the Schlögen Oxbow, a particularly beautiful horseshoe-shaped bend of the river.

  • Active: Join your Avalon Adventure Host for Hiking from Oberhaus along a trail down to the valley and along Ilz River, OR:
  • Classic: Take a Guided City Walk into Passau, the beautiful “City of Three Rivers.”
Before sailing to Vilshofen, 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.

Enjoy a short sailing to Vilshofen.

OVERNIGHT DOCKING IN VILSHOFEN (B/L/D)

Your vacation ends with breakfast this morning.

Flights should not leave Munich airport before 8 am. (B)

Life Onboard Avalon Illumination

Avalon Illumination
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.
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
Exclusive Meets Inclusive

Avalon features all the right inclusions which compliment your luxurious river cruise experience. Read more

Avalon Choice
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
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
From View to Table

Savour regional cuisine and familiar favourites using the freshest local ingredients throughout your river cruise. Read more

Play Youtube Video

Trip Reviews (1)

Avalon River Cruises Reviews
Reviews 1 Review
Average Rating 5.0 out of 5
5 Star
100%
4 Star
3 Star
2 Star
1 Star
Cruise went very well 1 , , Jul 2014
We joined the group in Bucharest after doing our own thing in Istanbul and going to Gallipoli , which the add on to the cruise didn't offer, also we had been to Istanbul previously and done all the tourist sites, Blue Mosque, Cistern, Topkapi Palace etc. Upon joining the group we were made very welcome. The cruise went very well, shore excursions very read more good, maybe a bit too much emphasis on the history of the countries, a lot of which is not absorbed at the time, and the many war's that they have been involved in. The main criticism that we have of Avalon and probably the Cruise Director is that there was no Wi-Fi available for the entire cruise which made it hard to keep in contact with family at home. Other than that the cruise experience in that region of the Danube was excellent, we have now seen from 'zero miles' to Amsterdam , which we did with 'Scenic', this was just as good.

Download Brochure

Avalon River Cruises (2025-26) Brochure

Avalon River Cruises (2025-26)

Avalon Waterways has redefined cruising by going against the current and away from the ordinary. Delivering unparalleled experiences and boundless exploration, Avalon puts guests in the captain’s seat to navigate their journey, fuel their passions, and steer clear of the usual while cruising on the world’s most memorable and mesmerizing waterways. One more 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.

Dates & Pricing USD USD

Welcome Back Credit

Traveled with Avalon before? We'll automatically apply any travel credits to your booking.

GJ Loyalty Discount

Save even more if you're a past client of Global Journeys!

Cabin Layout Options:

Select Cabin Preference:

From $6,874
From $10,781
From $14,689
Wednesday 15 Jul 2026 15 Jul 26 Oltenita
Thursday 30 Jul 2026 30 Jul 26 Vilshofen
Details
Avalon Passion & Avalon Expression
Exclusive Savings
River View
US$8,077
Save $1,316
Twin Share (Per Personpp)
Wednesday 12 May 2027 12 May 27 Oltenita
Thursday 27 May 2027 27 May 27 Vilshofen
Details
Avalon Illumination
Exclusive Savings
River View
US$8,410
Save $1,828
Twin Share (Per Personpp)
Friday 11 Jun 2027 11 Jun 27 Oltenita
Saturday 26 Jun 2027 26 Jun 27 Vilshofen
Details
Avalon Passion & Avalon Expression
Exclusive Savings
River View
US$7,450
Save $2,788
Twin Share (Per Personpp)
Tuesday 10 Aug 2027 10 Aug 27 Oltenita
Wednesday 25 Aug 2027 25 Aug 27 Vilshofen
Details
Avalon Passion & Avalon Impression
Exclusive Savings
River View
US$6,874
Save $3,264
Twin Share (Per Personpp)
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.

Similar River Cruises

17 Day Rhine & Rhône Revealed with French Riviera (Northbound) (Avalon)

17 Days Nice Amsterdam

Operated By: Avalon

From 8,485
Save 1,850
17 Day Rhine & Rhône Revealed with French Riviera (Southbound) (Avalon)

17 Days Amsterdam Nice

Operated By: Avalon

From 8,581
Save 1,838
22 Day European Masterpiece: the Rhine, Seine and Rhône Revealed (Avalon)

22 Days Basel Arles

Operated By: Avalon

From 11,889
Save 3,484