The Danube from Romania to Germany with Bucharest and Transylvania

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.

Castle in the Clouds.

• Classic: Drive into the Carpathians to Sinaia to visit Peles Castle. On the way, visit the legendary Cantacuzino Castle and enjoy a local lunch. This afternoon, continue to Brasov for the night.

Legendary Bites in Brasov.

• Classic: Join a morning Guided Sightseeing Tour of Brasov followed by free time.
• Classic: In the evening, enjoy a tour of Bran Castle of Dracula lore followed by dinner.

Your Suite Ship Awaits.

• 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.

Join your Avalon Suite Ship® this afternoon for embarkation in Oltenita.

EVENING/OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO ROUSSE

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

Rocks, Ruins, and Balkan Beauty

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

• Active: Join your Adventure Host on a hike to Baba Vida Fortress, OR:
• Classic: Join Guided Sightseeing Tour to the western slopes of the Balkan Mountains and marvel at Belogradchik's stunning rock formations, 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. Following, explore the nearby port town Vidin on a Guided Sightseeing.

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

OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO DONJI MILANOVAC

Ancient Artifacts and the Iron Gates

This morning, 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

Fortresses and Folklore

Join your Adventure Host for today's special activities.

• Active: Join a Guided Bike Tour along the Danube and explore the nooks and crannies of Belgrade, 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

A Capital of Culture.

• Active: Join your Adventure Host on a Hike to the Petrovaradin part of the town, 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, 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.

OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO ILOK

Croatian Heritage and Hilltop Vintages.

• 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, OR:
• Discovery: 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.

Enjoy a short sailing to Vukovar during lunchtime.

VUKOVAR, CROATIA The Heroic Town on the Danube.

• Discovery: Join a Guided Walking Tour to discover the heritage, culture, and tradition of Vukovar and enjoy a beer tasting, OR:
• Classic: Enjoy a walking tour of Vukovar, the city the largest river port in Croatia.

This evening, enjoy live entertainment on board.

EVENING CRUISE TO BAJA

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/EVENING CRUISE TO BUDAPEST

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

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

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.

Later, 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

Strauss, Schnitzel, Strudel, and Sachertorte.

• Active: Explore Vienna's Danube Island by bike with your Adventure Host, OR:
• Classic: Enjoy a Guided Visit to House of Strauss and embark on an interactive journey through Vienna's illustrious past at an immersive audio - visual experience. After the tour, enjoy a coffee and homemade cake, 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

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.

• Classic: 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.

This evening, enjoy live entertainment on board.

EVENING/OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO LINZ

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, OR:
• 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

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

Your vacation ends with breakfast this morning.

Flights should not leave Munich airport before 8 am.