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16 Day Avalon Waterways River Cruise from Oltenita to Vilshofen 2025(WOD)
The Danube from Romania to Germany
Starting from $8,348
Ship(s): Avalon Expression, Avalon Passion
River Cruise Description
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 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 Kuha? 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.Thanks for your interest!
We'll be in touch soon.Error
I'm sorry, but an error has occurred. Try Again| Departure Date | Ship | Priced From (per person) | |
|---|---|---|---|
| May 29, 2025 | Avalon Expression | Waitlist | Call Us! |
| Oct 26, 2025 | Avalon Passion | $8,348 | Call Us! |
Avalon has designed included activities with a choice of experiences. We invite you to select the tours, activities, and events that interest you most, so you can experience your cruise your way. There are 3 types of included shore excursion on every Europe cruise:
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 — from a guided jogging tour of Amsterdam, to biking, paddling, and hiking your way through scenic locales.
- Plus independent exploration options and use of Avalon's exclusive AvalonGO APP.
River Cruise Itinerary
Day 1 OLTENITA, ROMANIA (EMBARKATION)
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)
Day 2 ROUSSE, BULGARIA. VELIKO TÂRNOVO & ARBANASSI EXCURSION
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.
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)
Day 3 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
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.
EVENING/OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO DONJI MILANOVAC
(B,L,D)
Day 4 DONJI MILANOVAC, SERBIA–IRON GATES GORGE. EXCURSION TO LEPENSKI 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.
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
(B,L,D)
Day 5 BELGRADE
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.
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)
Day 6 NOVI SAD
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 Živanović Wine Cellar in Sremski Karlovci.
OVERNIGHT DOCKING IN ILOK
(B,L,D)
Day 7 ILOK, CROATIA
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.
VUKOVAR, CROATIA
The Heroic Town on the Danube
Classic
Enjoy a walking tour of Vukovar, the city the largest river port in Croatia.
EVENING/OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO MOHÁCS
(B,L,D)
Day 8 MOHÁCS, HUNGARY. EXCURSION TO PÉCS
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)
Day 9 BUDAPEST
Hungary’s Captivating Capital
Classic
Enjoy a Guided City Sightseeing, including the iconic Heroes’ Square.
OVERNIGHT DOCKING IN BUDAPEST
(B,L,D)
Day 10 BUDAPEST
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)
Day 11 BRATISLAVA, SLOVAKIA
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)
Day 12 VIENNA, AUSTRIA
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 center, sheltered by the Black Forest amid vineyards and gardens of the Upper Rhine Valley.
OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO DÜRNSTEIN
(B,L,D)
Day 13 DÜRNSTEIN–WACHAU VALLEY
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.
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)
Day 14 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.
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)
Day 15 SCHLÖGEN OXBOW–PASSAU, GERMANY
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.”
EVENING CRUISE TO VILSHOFEN
(B,L,D)
Day 16 VILSHOFEN (DISEMBARKATION)
Your vacation ends with breakfast this morning.Flights should not leave Munich airport before 8 am.(B)
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