AVALON 2026: From Romania to the North Sea with 1 Night in Bucharest and 2 Nights in Transylvania (WOAQ)
26 days from Bucharest to Amsterdam
This enchanting European river cruise from Bucharest to Amsterdam is truly an adventure. In beautiful and mysterious Transylvania visit Peles Castle in Sinaia-considered one of the most beautiful in Europe. Enjoy guided sightseeing of Brasov and a visit to Bran Castle of Dracula fame. In Romania's lively capital, Bucharest, you'll see the Arc de Triomphe, and the historical Royal Palace Square. Explore with guided sightseeing in Bulgaria's ancient capital of Veliko Tarnovo. 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 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 Durnstein, and later visit Melk's famous Benedictine Abbey. In Germany, enjoy guided sightseeing in Passau, Regensburg, Nuremberg, Bamberg, and Wurzburg. 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.
Call (866) 489-4889 for more information or to book today! Mention code 18781360
- Tour Operator
- Globus
- Duration
- 26 Days
- Escorted
- Escorted - Yes
| Day | Destination | Description |
| Day 1 | Bucharest | 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, cafes, museums, beautiful homes, and churches along Victory Avenue. |
| Day 2 | Brasov | Romanian Royalty Drive into the Carpathians to Sinaia to visit Peles Castle. On the way, enjoy a local lunch. This afternoon continue to Brasov for the night. (B,L) |
| Day 3 | Brasov | Transylvania Tales 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. (B,D) |
| Day 4 | Oltenita | Historic BucharestCLASSIC 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(B,D) |
| Day 5 | 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, 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 (circa 4300 BC), as well as Bulgarian Revival architecture in the 15th-century town of Arbanassi. Later, join your ship in Svistov. Sail to Svistov or join your ship there if you opted for the full-day tour.EVENING/OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO VIDIN(B,L,D) |
| Day 6 | Vidin | 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.This evening, enjoy live entertainment on board with a Bulgarian folklore show. EVENING/OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO DONJI MILANOVAC(B,L,D) |
| Day 7 | Vir | 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 FortressCLASSIC 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. OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO BELGRADE(B,L,D) |
| Day 8 | Belgrade | 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.You may choose to join an Optional Guided Biking Tour or spend your remaining 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.EVENING/OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO NOVI SAD(B,L,D) |
| Day 9 | Novi Sad | A Capital of CultureACTIVE Enjoy a relaxing walk in Novi Sad with your Adventure Host, 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 CRUISE TO ILOK(B,L,D) |
| Day 10 | Ilok | Croatian Heritage and Hilltop VintagesDISCOVERY 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 lunchtimeVUKOVAR, CROATIAThe Heroic Town on the DanubeCLASSIC 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) |
| Day 11 | Mohacs | Underground Tombs and Heavenly MusicCLASSIC 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, murals, and Turkish architecture. You'll also enjoy an organ concert on your tour.AFTERNOON/OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO BUDAPEST(B,L,D) |
| Day 12 | Budapest | Budapest-Hungary's Captivating CapitalACTIVE 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 above the Danube.OVERNIGHT DOCKING IN BUDAPEST (B,L,D) |
| Day 13 | Budapest | War Heroes and Hot WaterVisit the Adventure Center for today's activities with your Adventure Host.This afternoon 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) |
| Day 14 | Bratislava | 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.Alternatively, in your free time take a bicycle and a picnic from the ship to explore the local sights along the Danube. Later, enjoy live entertainment onboard. OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO VIENNA(B,L,D) |
| Day 15 | Vienna | Royal Collections and Amusing AttractionsACTIVE 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.Join a Guided Optional Excursion to Schonbrunn Palace- summer home of the Habsburg empire.You may also take a tram to Vienna's Prater amusement park or to one of the many museums nearby. Later, consider joining an Optional Excursion to attend a Royal Waltz Concert in an elegant hall. OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO DURNSTEIN(B,L,D) |
| Day 16 | Wachau Valley | A King's Ransom and Castle RuinsACTIVE 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. Later, stretch out on the Sky Deck as you sail through the Wachau Valley past vineyards, castles, and charming villages on your way to Melk.MELK Frescoes Above and Vineyards Below 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(B,L,D) |
| Day 17 | Passau | 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.' Alternatively, you may join a full day Guided Optional Excursion to Salzburg, the city of Mozart, or a full day Guided Optional Excursion to the picturesque Bohemian town of Cesky Krumlov.EVENING/OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO REGENSBURG (B,L,D) |
| Day 18 | Regensburg | Bavaria's Medieval MiracleACTIVE 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. You may choose to join a Guided Optional Excursion to visit the Benedictine Monastery in Weltenburg. Spend a free afternoon exploring Regensburg on foot or by bike through its charming streets. This evening, enjoy live entertainment after dinner as you cruise toward Roth. EVENING/OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO ROTH(B,L,D) |
| Day 19 | Roth | Legends and History LessonsDISCOVERY 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(B,L,D) |
| Day 20 | Bamberg | 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 VOLKACH(B,L,D) |
| Day 21 | Wurzburg | 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 Wurzburg with its Old Main Bridge, towering fortress, and baroque Bishop's Residenz-with the largest known ceiling fresco. This afternoon, enjoy leisurely sailing.AFTERNOON/OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO MILTENBERG(B,L,D) |
| Day 22 | Miltenberg | Beauty on the Main River Join your Adventure Host for today's special activities.CLASSIC Join a Guided Walking Tour of Miltenberg, a showcase of medieval half-timber homes and home to Germany's oldest inn.Later, enjoy onboard entertainment as you cruise to Rudesheim. AFTERNOON/OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO RUDESHEIM (B,L,D) |
| Day 23 | Rhine Gorge | Eat, Drink, and Be Merry in Wine Country ACTIVE Enjoy a hike with your Avalon Adventure Host through the picturesque vineyards of Rudesheim, OR:DISCOVERY Tour the incredible Mechanical Music Museum for a one-of-a-kind instrumental experience; enjoy a tasting of the authentic Rudesheimer coffee.This afternoon cruise through the dramatic Rhine Gorge and see the famous rock of the Lorelei-where mythological siren lured ill-fated sailors to shore. 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(B,L,D) |
| Day 24 | Cologne | Prost! Celebrate in the RhinelandAsk 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.Spend free time over a glass of Kolsch pale lager-locally brewed for over 100 years! AFTERNOON/OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO AMSTERDAM(B,L,D) |
| Day 25 | Amsterdam | Colorful Canals of AmsterdamACTIVE Start your day joining your Adventure Host on an early morning walk in Amsterdam, OR:DISCOVERY 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.' In the afternoon you may join an Optional Culinary Walk through Amsterdam to sample savory and sweet Dutch specialties. Or choose an Optional Biking Tour to discover the countryside. You might also consider a Guided Optional Excursion to Zaanse Schans to see historic windmills and charming Dutch houses. Spend free time on your own to explore the colorful cafes, galleries, bridges, and canals of Amsterdam. OVERNIGHT DOCKING IN AMSTERDAM(B,L,D) |
| Day 26 | Amsterdam | Your vacation ends with breakfast this morning. (B) |
- Dates/Pricing
- Disclaimer
- US$ Price Details
Port charges:$726 are included.Avalon offers the opportunity for solo travelers to sail with no single supplement (subject to availability).Please call for single accommodation price. Triples not available.Travel Terms & Conditions
The purchase of any travel services offered by Avalon Waterways, constitutes a contractual arrangement between you (the Traveler) and Avalon Waterways, and represents your acceptance of the Terms & Conditions. Please ensure that you read carefully and understand the Terms & Conditions prior to booking. These Terms & Conditions cover Deposit & Final Payment information, Air-Inclusive Deposits & Final Payment, Revisions & Revision Fees, Air Arrangements, Participation, Travelers Who Need Special Assistance, Young Travelers, Smoking, Price Policy, Visas and Passports, Hotels & Accommodations, Baggage Allowance, Travel Documents, Not Included in the Land Price, Refunds, Service Inquires After the Vacation, Holidays, Safety, Photos & Pictures, Optional Excursions, and Responsibility.
Important Notes- Vacation departures, itineraries and prices are subject to change.
- A non-refundable, non-transferable deposit is required for Avalon Waterways to reserve space for you. View Terms & Conditions for limited exceptions.
- The hotels and accommodations listed are provisional and subject to change and may be substituted with properties of similar standard. Hotels are confirmed approximately 30 days prior to departure and can be found in your travel documents, but are not guaranteed until check-in.
- Additional airline-imposed fees for seat assignments may apply and are not included in your total package cost. Please refer to carrier websites for seat assignment policies and applicable pricing.
Booking your Vacation with Air
Our volume buying power saves you money. We may be able to provide you with flight arrangements from your gateway city. Avalon Waterways offers 2 air options: Flex Air and Instant Purchase Air. Early Airfare Price Guarantee locks in a price that is guaranteed not to increase. Air pricing and schedules are available approximately 330 days prior to last travel date in the itinerary. At that time the best air price will be utilized and a new invoice with the air cost and confirmed schedule will be sent. The identity of the carrier, which may include the carrier?s codeshare partner, will be assigned and disclosed at this time. If the guaranteed price is the lowest, the schedule with the lowest fare per contracted classes of service will be booked. Any voluntary change to the confirmed flights negates the guaranteed price and is subject to air pricing at the time of the change.
Guaranteed air-inclusive prices - air is only available to passengers traveling from the United States and only available when booked in conjunction with a land vacation. An additional non-refundable air deposit of $300 per person is required for Flex Air booked in conjunction with any land vacation (i.e. air-inclusive vacation). Air can only be booked by Avalon in conjunction with a vacation package. Instant Purchase Air requires air payment in full at time of booking (i.e. air-inclusive vacation) plus a non-refundable per person service fee of $30 (North/Central America), $50 (Europe/Middle East) or $80 (all other international destinations). Once booked, Instant Purchase Air is non-refundable, and non-changeable. Some vacations may only offer one Air type option. However, once your airfare is confirmed and Avalon has received your full air and land deposit, your air-inclusive vacation price is guaranteed.
Air-Inclusive Vacations - Applicable Taxes & Fees
Air-inclusive vacations include government-imposed taxes and fees applicable at the time of booking and will be shown as a Total Amount. Additional airline fees for baggage may apply. At the time of booking your air-inclusive vacation online, carrier Websites will be provided to check baggage fees, or you can visit www.iflybags.com for up-to-date baggage pricing/restrictions. For return travel from some countries, international travelers are required to pay entry and/or exit fees at the airport. These fees will be collected by the local government and are payable by the traveler at time of travel. Your confirmation booking information will contain information about these fees.
'Starting at' Disclaimer
'Starting at' or 'From' price is per person (double occupancy) and includes cruise taxes and port charges, but does not include airfare to or from your vacation.