The Danube - Black Sea to Germany
18 Day River Cruise
Sail from the Danube Delta of the Black Sea to Hungary’s capital of Budapest through the Balkans, Hungary, and Austria on your European river cruise. Begin with an overnight stay in Bucharest for a guided sightseeing tour, including the Royal Palace Square. Travel to Cernavodă to embark on your Danube River cruise, beginning with the Danube Delta preserve. 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 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 Deggendorf, Germany, for the conclusion of your Danube River cruise.
Countries: Austria, Bulgaria, Croatia, Germany, Hungary, Romania, Serbia, Slovakia
River(s): Danube
Pricing:
River cruise starting at $10,852* CAD per person, based on double occupancy
18 Days – Bucharest to Deggendorf (reverse itinerary available)
Your stateroom includes
- Comfort Collection Beds with choice of mattress firmness
- Egyptian super-combed cotton linens
- Bathrobes & slippers
- Premium L’Occitane bath products
- Large bathroom featuring shower with glass door
- Flatscreen satellite TV with free movie channels
- Individual climate control and in-room safe
- USB Ports
Onboard amenities
- Complimentary Wi-Fi
- Panoramic windows
- Elegant, contemporary design & décor
- Friendly, English-speaking crew & Cruise Director
- Sky Deck with whirlpool, shade awnings, game area and premium lounges
- Covered Observation Lounge
- Club Lounge with 24-hour self-serve beverage station with complimentary cappuccinos, lattes, tea, hot chocolate & premium coffees, as well as treats throughout the day
Excursions
- CLASSIC – Your local expert is ready to guide you through the history and heritage of local destinations. You’ll marvel at the legends, lore, and spectacular architecture of iconic and historic sites.
- DISCOVERY – We’ve found inspiring and interactive activities to speak to your interests – from cooking classes, to painting workshops – to immerse yourself in each culture you explore.
- ACTIVE – Embark on energetic excursions to keep you in motion and on the go!
Health & Fitness
- Bikes
- Canoe, kayak and jogging excursions
- Maps for hiking, biking and jogging routes
- Fitness and wellness activities
- Fitbits®
Day
Day 1
Location(s)
Bucharest, Romania
Meals
Description
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.
Day 2
Bucharest – Cernavoda (embarkation)
Breakfast, Dinner
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 Cernavoda to board your ship this afternoon.
Discovery – After dinner aboard the ship, attend an onboard Lecture to learn about the Danube Delta.
Evening/overnight cruise to St. Gheorghe
Day 3
St. Gheorghe – excursion to the Danube delta
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
A River’s Entrance into the Sea – Visit the Adventure Center for today’s activities with your Adventure Host.
Classic – Join a small-boat Guided Tour of the best preserved of Europe’s deltas -2,200 square miles of rivers, canals, marshes, tree-fringed lakes and reed islands.
Discovery – Enjoy a Special Celebration to mark Kilometer “0”—the end of the Danube River’s 2,845 km journey—from the source in the Black Forest to its delta at the Black Sea.
Afternoon/overnight cruise to Hârșova
Day 4
Hârșova – excursion to Constanta
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Romania’s Cultural Legacies
Classic – Join a Guided Tour to Constanta, the most important commercial center in Romania, situated on the Black Sea. Visit the Natural History and Archaelogical Museum to discover the history of early Romanian cultures.
Afternoon/overnight cruise to Rousse
Day 5
Rousse, Bulgaria – excursion to Veliko Târnovo & Arbanassi
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Fortresses and Fountains in “Little Vienna”
Active – Join a walk through the park 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.
Active – Sail to Svistov, 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.
Later, join your ship in Svistov.
Evening/overnight cruise to Vidin
Day 6
Vidin
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Rocks, ruins and Balkan Beauty – Ask about today’s energizing or relaxing Adventure Host activities.
Active – Enjoy an easy hiking experience in Vidin with your Adventure Host, OR:
Classic – Take a Guided Sightseeing Tour in Vidin before joining 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.
This evening, enjoy live entertainment on board with a Bulgarian folklore show.
Evening/overnight cruise to Donji Milanovac
Day 7
Donji Milanovac, Serbia – Iron Gates Gorge – excursion to Lepenski Vir – Golubač
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.
Active – Explore Donji Milanovac by bike with 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 Golubač, a formidable fortress
Classic – Visit the Fortress of Golubač, 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
Day 8
Belgrade, Serbia
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 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
Day 9
Novi Sad – Ilok, Croatia
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
A Capital of Culture
Active – 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.
Enjoy a brief cruise to Ilok while having lunch onboard.
Classic – Join a Guided Tour of Ilok, with its 1,000-year-old winemaking tradition still thriving and its medieval fortress protected for its Croatian cultural heritage.
Evening/overnight cruise to Mohács
Day 10
Mohács, Hungary – excursion to Pécs
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Underground Tombs and Heavenly Music
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
Day 11
Budapest
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
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 cafés and pubs, or take a hike through the hills above the Danube.
Overnight docking in Budapest
Day 12
Budapest
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
The Pearl of the Danube – Visit the Adventure Center 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
Day 13
Bratislava, Slovakia – Hainburg, Austria
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Cathedral Coronations and a Crowning Castle
Active – Follow your 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.
During lunch time enjoy a short sailing to Hainburg.
Enjoy some free time in the village of Hainburg or take a Guided Optional Excursion to discover the natural beauties of this area.
Overnight cruise to Vienna
Day 14
Vienna
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
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 for Sachertorte or Apfelstrudel. Later this evening, you may choose to attend an Optional Excursion to a Royal Waltz Concert.
Overnight cruise to Dürnstein
Day 15
Dürnstein – Wachau Valley – Ybbs. – excursion To Melk
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
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.
Ybbs. excursion to Melk – Frescoes Above and Vineyards Below
Classic – Visit the Lower Austrian little town of Ybbs. Admire the fine architecture of the Babenberger and its romantic old town, 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
Day 16
Linz
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
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 Český Krumlov.
Borrow a bicycle with a picnic from ship, or hike the nature trails to Pöstlingberg for a bird’s-eye view of Linz and the Danube.
Overnight docking in Linz
Day 17
Schlögen Oxbow – Passau, Germany
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
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 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.”
Spend free time strolling on Passau’s cobblestone streets and Artists’ Alley or maybe catch a concert rehearsal at St. Stephen’s Cathedral.
Evening/overnight cruise to Deggendorf
Day 18
Deggendorf
Breakfast
Your cruise ends with breakfast this morning.
Flights should not leave Munich airport before Noon.
Reverse Itinerary
This trip also runs in reverse from Deggendorf to Bucharest.
Interested in the itinerary above? Click on the “START PLANNING” button below and reference “The Danube – Black Sea to Germany” in the form, or give us a call at 587.997.5969 to book.
An adventure designed specifically for you
Let us work with you to tailor a journey based on your travel style and interests. We can use the existing itinerary above as a foundation, or build one from scratch to create your ideal vacation. Connect with us to start the conversation.
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*Prices are per person, based on double occupancy and subject to change and availability.