Welcome to Bucharest - The "Paris of the East"

The day is yours to explore this fascinating city on your own to discover its trendy shops, cafes, museums, beautiful homes, and churches along Victory Avenue.

Beautiful Boulevards and Bold History

• Classic: Take a Guided Tour of the Romanian capital city of Bucharest with its tree-lined boulevards and Arc de Triomphe - honoring WWI Romanian soldiers. See the Royal Palace Square - the scene of the city's 1989 riots to overthrow the communist dictator Nicolae Ceausescu.

Travel to Oltenita to board your Avalon Suite Ship this afternoon.

OLTENITA (EMBARKATION): Your Balkan Adventure Begins

Explore your Avalon Suite Ship this evening and enjoy a dinner on board.

EVENING/OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO ROUSSE (B/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.

Sail to Svistov, OR:

• Classic: Join a full-day Guided Tour to the former Bulgarian capital of Veliko Tarnovo - 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.

Later, join your ship in Svistov.

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 mighty Baba Vida Fortress in nearby Vidin.

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

EVENING/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.

• Active: Stretch your legs, ease your mind and enjoy a walk lead by 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 Golubac.

GOLUBAC: A Formidable Fortress

• Classic: Visit the Fortress of Golubac, 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.

AFTERNOON/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 cafes, 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

• Active: Get your daily dose of exercise, join your Adventure Host on this walk in and around town, 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.
• 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 Zivanovic Wine Cellar in Sremski Karlovci.

OVERNIGHT DOCKING IN 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.

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

Underground Tombs and Heavenly Music

• Classic: Join a morning Guided Sightseeing Tour of Mohacs - 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 Pecs 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

• 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 cafes and pubs, or take a hike through the hills above the Danube.

OVERNIGHT DOCKING IN BUDAPEST (B/L/D)

The Pearl of the Danube

Visit the Adventure Centre for today's activities with your Adventure Host.

This afternoon choose among a wide selection of Optional Guided Excursions 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)

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 centre.

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, OR:
• Classic: Join a Guided Tour to explore Freiburg's medieval city centre, sheltered by the Black Forest amid vineyards and gardens of the Upper Rhine Valley.

You may decide to take a Guided Optional Excursion to Schonbrunn Palace - summer home of the Habsburg Empire. Spend free time strolling in the Karntnerstrasse - the most famous shopping avenue in central Vienna, or take a bike ride to a local cafe for 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 DURNSTEIN (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

• 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.

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 Postlingberg for a bird's-eye view of the city and river below.

OVERNIGHT DOCKING IN LINZ (B/L/D)

Where the Danube, Inn, and Ilz Rivers Meet

This morning, cruise through the Schlogen 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.

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

Bavaria's Medieval Miracle

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

Take free time to enjoy a hearty lunch and a local beer, then step back in time through historic lanes and squares of today's modern and vibrant Regensburg. (B)

Gothic Cathedrals, Grand Castles, and Great Cuisine

• Classic: Take a Guided City Walk to visit the Hradcany Castle Grounds; see St. Vitus Cathedral and Old Town's Astronomical Clock.

Sample plum dumplings or Pilsner lager by the Vltava River, meet the locals, and see street performers in Wenceslas Square. (B)

Your holiday ends with breakfast this morning. (B)

Welcome to Bucharest—The “Paris of the East”

Beautiful Boulevards and Bold History.

• Classic: Take a Guided Tour of the Romanian capital city of Bucharest with its tree-lined boulevards and Arc de Triomphe—honoring WWI Romanian soldiers. See the Royal Palace Square—the scene of the city's 1989 riots to overthrow the communist dictator Nicolae Ceausescu.

EVENING/OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO ROUSSE (B/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.

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

Rocks, Ruins, and Balkan Beauty

• 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.

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

Ancient Artifacts and the Iron Gates

• 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

• 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.

• 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.

• Classic: Enjoy a walking tour of Vukovar, the city the largest river port in Croatia.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

• Active: Alternatively join your Adventure Host for a bike along the river.

• 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.

• 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.

OVERNIGHT DOCKING IN LINZ (B/L/D)

Where the Danube, Inn, and Ilz Rivers Meet.

• 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.”

OVERNIGHT DOCKING IN VILSHOFEN (B/L/D)

Bavaria's Medieval Miracle.

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

Gothic Cathedrals, Grand Castles, and Great Cuisine.

• Classic: Take a Guided City Walk to visit the Hradčany Castle Grounds; see St. Vitus Cathedral and Old Town's Astronomical Clock.

Your vacation ends with breakfast this morning. (B)