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26 Day Avalon Waterways River Cruise from Bucharest to Amsterdam 2026(WOAQ)
From Romania to the North Sea with 1 Night in Bucharest and 2 Nights in Transylvania
Starting from $10,713Ship(s): Avalon Illumination
River Cruise Description
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 Târnovo. 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 Dürnstein, and later visit Melk's famous Benedictine Abbey. In Germany, enjoy guided sightseeing in Passau, Regensburg, Nuremberg, Bamberg, and Würzburg. 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.Thanks for your interest!
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I'm sorry, but an error has occurred. Try Again| Departure Date | Ship | Priced From (per person) | |
|---|---|---|---|
| May 5, 2026 | Avalon Illumination | $10,713 | 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 BUCHAREST, ROMANIA
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–SINAIA–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 BRASOV–BUCHAREST–OLTENITA (EMBARKATION)
Historic Bucharest
Classic
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.
EVENING/OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO ROUSSE
(B,D)
Day 5 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, 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 Bulgarian Revival architecture in the 15th-century town of Arbanassi.
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.
EVENING/OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO DONJI MILANOVAC
(B,L,D)
Day 7 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.
OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO BELGRADE
(B,L,D)
Day 8 BELGRADE, SERBIA
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.
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 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.
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)
Day 10 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 11 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, 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
Welcome to Budapest—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.
OVERNIGHT DOCKING IN BUDAPEST
(B,L,D)
Day 13 BUDAPEST
War Heroes and Hot Water
Visit 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, SLOVAKIA
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.
OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO VIENNA
(B,L,D)
Day 15 VIENNA, AUSTRIA
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.
OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO DÜRNSTEIN
(B,L,D)
Day 16 DÜRNSTEIN–WACHAU VALLEY
A King’s Ransom and Castle Ruins
Active
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.
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, GERMANY
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.”
EVENING/OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO REGENSBURG
(B,L,D)
Day 18 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 ROTH
(B,L,D)
Day 19 ROTH. EXCURSION TO NUREMBERG
Legends and History Lessons
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.
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.
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 WÜRZBURG
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 Würzburg with its Old Main Bridge, towering fortress, and baroque Bishop’s Residenz—with the largest known ceiling fresco.
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.
AFTERNOON/OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO RÜDESHEIM
(B,L,D)
Day 23 RÜDESHEIM–RHINE GORGE
Eat, Drink, and Be Merry in Wine Country
Active
Enjoy a hike with your Avalon Adventure Host through the picturesque vineyards of Rüdesheim, OR:
Discovery
Tour the incredible Mechanical Music Museum for a one-of-a-kind instrumental experience; enjoy a tasting of the authentic Rüdesheimer coffee.
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 Rhineland
Ask 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.
AFTERNOON/OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO AMSTERDAM
(B,L,D)
Day 25 AMSTERDAM, HOLLAND
Colorful Canals of Amsterdam
Active
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.”
OVERNIGHT DOCKING IN AMSTERDAM
(B,L,D)
Day 26 AMSTERDAM (DISEMBARKATION)
Your vacation ends with breakfast this morning.(B)
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