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23 Day Avalon Waterways River Cruise from Amsterdam to Bucharest 2025(WAOB)
Iconic Rivers of Europe - the Rhine, Main & Danube with 1 Night in Bucharest
Starting from $12,827
Ship(s): Avalon Expression
River Cruise Description
From Holland to Romania, with a host of exciting stops along the way, this river cruise vacation across Eu-rope is truly an adventure! Amsterdam, Holland's lively capital, is set amongst sophisticated architecture and classic squares and canals with countless museums, cafés, shops, and restaurants to explore. See the treasures of this 700-year-old city on a canal cruise along the elegant grachten. On to Germany for a guided city walk in the 2,000-year-old Cologne. Sail through the dramatic Rhine Gorge-the most beautiful view of the Rhine River where ancient castles stand on cliffs 400 feet above the water and stop in delightful Rüdesheim. There's guided sightseeing in Würzburg, Bamberg, and Nuremberg, and you'll sail the Main Danube Canal connecting the Main and Danube Rivers. In Melk, Austria, visit the magnificent Benedictine Abbey, then sail through the picturesque Wachau Valley. Guided sightseeing in each city introduces you to two capitals: Vienna, Austria; and Budapest, Hungary. Continue your river cruise adventure on the Lower Danube with a guided sightseeing in Vukovar and discover Ilok with its 1,000-year-old winemaking tradition. Stop in Serbia's Belgrade and cruise through the dramatic Iron Gates Gorge. In Bulgaria, visit Belogradchik's eclectic rock formations, the ancient capital of Veliko Tarnovo, and Arbanassi-with its Church of the Nativity housing an outstanding col-lection of frescoes. To round out this timeless European River Cruise, a stay in Romania's vibrant capital of Bucharest-known as the "Paris of the East" -is a must. A local expert will show you many of its historical treasures.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 8, 2025 | Avalon Expression | Waitlist | Call Us! |
| Sep 1, 2025 | Avalon Expression | $12,827 | 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 AMSTERDAM, HOLLAND (EMBARKATION)
Welcome to Holland. Your Suite Ship® is Ready for Boarding
Flights into Amsterdam must arrive by 3:30 pm. Guests must be on board ship by 5 pm.During tulip season, you may take a Guided Optional Excursion to the gardens at Keukenhof—with more than seven million tulips, daffodils and hyacinths as well as other bulbs, planted each year. Outside of tulip season, consider joining a Guided Optional Excursion to Zaanse Schans to see historic windmills and charming Dutch houses. Spend free time exploring the colorful streets, bridges, and canals of Amsterdam—with its many cafés and art galleries. OVERNIGHT DOCKING IN AMSTERDAM
(D)
Day 2 AMSTERDAM
Canals of Colorful Amsterdam
Classic
Explore the iconic waterways of Amsterdam with a Guided Canal Cruise past stately homes of Amsterdam’s “Golden Age.”
AFTERNOON/OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO COLOGNE
(B,L,D)
Day 3 COLOGNE, GERMANY
Prost! Celebrate in the Rhineland
Join your Adventure Host for today’s special 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.
OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO RÜDESHEIM
(B,L,D)
Day 4 RHINE GORGE–RÜDESHEIM
Eat, Drink, and Be Merry in Wine Country
En route to Rüdesheim, sail through the Rhine Gorge (a UNESCO World Heritage site). Take in the breathtaking views of ancient castles perched on cliffs 400 feet above the water, and pass the legendary Rock of the Lorelei—where the mythological siren’s songs lured ill-fated sailors.Active
Take an open-air cable car ride to the Niederwald Monument. Ride or walk back down through the vineyards; enjoy a tasting of the authentic Rüdesheimer, OR:
Discovery
Tour the incredible Mechanical Music Museum for a one-of-a-kind instrumental experience; enjoy a tasting of the authentic Rüdesheimer.
AFTERNOON/OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO MILTENBERG
(B,L,D)
Day 5 MILTENBERG
Beauty on the Main River
Ask about today’s energizing or relaxing Adventure Host activities.Classic
Join a Guided Walking Tour of Miltenberg, a showcase of medieval half-timber homes and home to Germany’s oldest inn.
EVENING/OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO WÜRZBURG
(B,L,D)
Day 6 WÜRZBURG
A Perfect Day in the Pearl of the Romantic Road
Classic
Take a Guided Sightseeing Tour of Würzburg with its Old Main Bridge, towering fortress, and baroque Bishop’s Residenz—with the largest known ceiling fresco.
OVERNIGHT DOCKING IN WÜRZBURG
(B,L,D)
Day 7 VOLKACH
Storybook Settings
You may choose to join a Guided Optional Excursion to the beautiful Bavarian town of Rothenburg. See the local sights and enjoy the fairytale atmosphere that has inspired artists. Sail to Volkach and get ready for your afternoon activity. Active
Bike along the Main Danube Canal with your Adventure Host, OR:
Classic
Join a Walking Tour of the quaint town of Volkach with its half-timbered houses and cobblestoned streets.
EVENING/OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO BAMBERG
(B,L,D)
Day 8 BAMBERG
The City of Seven Hills
Active
Your bike is ready! Hop on and bike along the canals in Bamberg with your Adventure Host, OR:
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.
AFTERNOON/OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO ROTH
(B,L,D)
Day 9 ROTH. EXCURSION TO NUREMBERG
Legends and History Lessons
Visit the Adventure Center for today’s activities with your Adventure Host.Active
Explore Roth's Lauter valley with your Adventure Host, OR:
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.
Discovery
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.
AFTERNOON/OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO REGENSBURG
(B,L,D)
Day 10 REGENSBURG
Bavaria’s Medieval Miracle
Active
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.
EVENING/OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO PASSAU
(B,L,D)
Day 11 PASSAU
Where the Danube, Inn, and Ilz Rivers Meet
Classic
Join a Guided City Walk to learn more about this beautiful “City of Three Rivers.”
LINZ, AUSTRIA
Legendary, Lovely Linz
This evening, feel free to explore Linz on your own. Later, enjoy live entertainment on board.OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO MELK
(B,L,D)
Day 12 MELK—WACHAU VALLEY
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.
VIENNA
Viennese Waltzes on the Blue Danube
Consider joining a Guided Optional Excursion to attend a Royal Waltz Concert in an elegant hall this evening.OVERNIGHT DOCKING IN VIENNA
(B,L,D)
Day 13 VIENNA
Royal Collections and Amusing Attractions
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—the winter residence of the Imperial Family, the iconic Vienna Opera House and stunning St. Stephen’s Cathedral.
EVENING/OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO BUDAPEST
(B,L,D)
Day 14 BUDAPEST, HUNGARY
The Pearl of the Danube
Active
Hike up to a magnificent viewpoint in Budapest with your Adventure Host, OR:
Classic
Enjoy a Guided City Sightseeing tour of Budapest, including the iconic Heroes’ Square.
OVERNIGHT DOCKING IN BUDAPEST
(B,L,D)
Day 15 BUDAPEST
Time to Capture Photographs, Coffee, and Confections
Take free time to shop in the Great Market Hall, take photos on the Royal Palace grounds, or visit Budapest’s famous thermal bath spas. OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO VUKOVAR
(B,L,D)
Day 16 VUKOVAR
History and Beer
Visit the Adventure Center for today’s activities with your Adventure Host.Discovery
Join a Guided Walking Tour to discover the heritage, culture, and tradition of Vukovar and enjoy a beer tasting, OR:
Classic
Join a Guided City Tour to discover the captivating culture and tradition of Vukovar and learn about its rich history and heritage.
ILOK, CROATIA
History and Culture in Croatia
Classic
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, OR:
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.
OVERNIGHT DOCKING IN NOVI SAD
(B,L,D)
Day 17 NOVI SAD, SERBIA
The Athens of Serbia
Active
Enjoy a Guided Hike Tour to the Petrovaradin part of the town. Located on the right bank of the Danube, across from the main part of Novi Sad, this area will amaze you for its scenic views, OR:
Discovery
Get to learn more about the beekeeper profession on this Guided Tour of Novi Sad by stopping to the Honey Museum and by tasting local honey specialties. 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
Get your daily dose of exercise, join your Adventure Host on this walk in and around town.
OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO BELGRADE
(B,L,D)
Day 18 BELGRADE
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 sights, 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 GOLUBAČ
(B,L,D)
Day 19 GOLUBAČ—DONJI MILANOVAC. EXCURSION TO LEPENSKI VIR—IRON GATES GORGE
Ancient Artifacts and the Iron Gates
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 , OR:
Classic
Join a Guided Tour to the Mesolithic archaeological site of Lepenski Vir with unique views of the Danube Gorge.
AFTERNOON/OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO VIDIN
(B,L,D)
Day 20 VIDIN, BULGARIA
Rocks, ruins and Balkan Beauty
Active
Join your Adventure Host for a bike tour around the city, OR:
Classic
Join Guided Sightseeing to Baba Vida Fortress, followed by a Guided Tour of Belogradchik. Marvel at the remarkable rock formations on the western slopes of the Balkan Mountains, 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. Here, you’ll enjoy a wine tasting in the cellars.
AFTERNOON/OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO ROUSSE
(B,L,D)
Day 21 ROUSSE. VELIKO TÂRNOVO & ARBANASSI EXCURSION
Fortresses and Folklore
Active
Explore Rousseuse's old town by bike with your Adventure Host, 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 (circa 4300 BC), as well as the Bulgarian Revival architecture in the 15th-century town of Arbanassi, OR:
Classic
Join a Guided Sightseeing Tour of Bulgaria’s largest inland port and visit its impressive Holy Trinity Church.
OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO OLTENITA
(B,L,D)
Day 22 OLTENITA, ROMANIA (DISEMBARKATION)–BUCHAREST
The Paris of the East
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.
(B)
Day 23 BUCHAREST
Your vacation ends with breakfast this morning.(B)
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