The Danube from Germany to Romania 2025 - 15 Day River Cruise Vilshofen to Oltenita

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The Danube from Germany to Romania 2025

15 Day River Cruise Vilshofen to Oltenita



Tour Description:

Embark on a 15-day Danube River cruise from Germany to Romania. This amazing odyssey through the history and beauty of Germany, Austria, Slovakia, Hungary, Croatia, Serbia, Bulgaria, and Romania is the trip of a lifetime! Begin in Vilshofen, Germany and sail to Passau—the “City of Three Rivers.” On your way to Linz cruise through the Danube’s dramatic horseshoe bend called Schlögen Oxbow. In Austria, visit its lovely towns along the Danube, including Linz, Melk, Dürnstein, and Vienna. See the gilded sights and indulge in Austrian specialties and sweets. Explore picturesque vineyards and ancient castles of the “Blue Danube” with a Viennese Waltz lilting in the air. Explore the incredible Habsburg Empire and see the royal family’s Imperial Palace, the historic Opera House and St. Stephen’s Cathedral in Vienna. Visit Budapest—the “Pearl of the Danube,” and experience the beauty and history of the Balkan States of Croatia, Serbia, Bulgaria, and Romania—from ancient archaeological sites to amazing architecture and art. Your cruise ends in Oltenita. We look forward to sharing this fantastic journey with you on the Danube River from Germany to Romania.

Map for The Danube from Germany to Romania 2025 - 15 Day River Cruise Vilshofen to Oltenita
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Dates & Pricing

Sunday 20 Apr 25 — Monday 05 May 25Starting at $6,496Check Mark Icon SPECIALGet a Quote
Tuesday 17 Jun 25 — Wednesday 02 Jul 25Starting at $6,698Check Mark Icon SPECIALGet a Quote
Friday 25 Jul 25 — Saturday 09 Aug 25Starting at $7,898Check Mark Icon SPECIALGet a Quote
Thursday 14 Aug 25 — Friday 29 Aug 25Starting at $6,798Check Mark Icon SPECIALGet a Quote
Saturday 11 Oct 25 — Sunday 26 Oct 25Starting at $6,998Check Mark Icon SPECIALGet a Quote
Check Mark Icon Disclaimer: Prices listed are per person, based on double occupancy, and in USD. All promotions are valid for new bookings only, capacity controlled and valid on select dates and departures. Individual Terms and Conditions will apply to all promotions. Any promotion can be withdrawn at any time without notice. Please speak with your Pavlus Travel Planner for complete vendor terms and conditions, including eligible tour and cruise dates.


Destination & Sightseeing

Day 1 Vilshofen (Embarkation): Onboard welcome reception
Day 2 Passau: Choice of guided walk or hike with your Adventure Host; Schlögen Oxbow scenic cruising
Day 3 Linz: Guided sightseeing, see Hauptplatz and the Trinity Column
Day 4 Ybbs. Excursion to Melk-Wachau Valley-Dürnstein: Choice of guided visit of the Benedictine Abbey in Melk or guided tour in Ybbs with Artstetten Castle visit; cruise through the Wachau Valley; choice of guided walk or hike up to the castle ruins in Dürnstein
Day 5 Vienna: Choice of guided sightseeing, or Künsthistorisches Museum visit, or bike with your Adventure Host
Day 6 Bratislava: Choice of guided sightseeing in Bratislava, visit St. Martin’s Cathedral or hike to Bratislava Castle with your Adventure Host
Day 7 Budapest: Scenic cruising into Budapest; choice of guided tour, see Heroes’ Square or hike with your Adventure Host
Day 8 Budapest: Free time
Day 9 Vukovar-Ilok-Novi Sad: Choice of beer experience or guided tour in Vukovar; choice of guided tour with wine tasting or guided bike tour in Ilok
Day 10 Novi sad: Choice of Novi Sad guided tour with hike to Petrovaradin Fortress or honey and wine tasting
Day 11 Belgrade: Choice of guided tour or walk with your Adventure Host; onboard lecture
Day 12 Golubac-Donji Milanovac-Iron Gates: Visit to Golubač fortress; choice of visit Lepenski Vir archaeological site; scenic cruise through the Iron Gates Gorge
Day 13 Vidin. Excursion to Belogradchik: Choice of guided tour in Vidin, excursion to Belogradchik, see the rock formations or walk with your Adventure Host
Day 14 Rousse-Excursion to Veliko Târnovo and Arbanassi: Choice of full-day excursion, visit to Tsarevet's Fortress in Veliko Târnovo and to the Ethnographical Museum and the Church of the Nativity in Arbanassi, or a guided sightseeing in Rousse
Day 15 Oltenita (Disembarkation): Your cruise ends this morning
Notes:
•In the event of technical or water level issues, it may be necessary to operate the itinerary by motorcoach or alter the program, including hotel overnight when necessary.
•Guided Tours, Optional Excursions, activities, sailing and docking schedules may be contingent on weather conditions or other issues outside of our control and could therefore be subject to change at any time.
•Please check visa requirements with your local consulate(s); responsibility for obtaining visas rests with the traveler.

ITINERARY

Day 1
VILSHOFEN, GERMANY (EMBARKATION) Welcome to Germany. Your Suite Ship® is Ready for Boarding. Flights into Munich must arrive by 2 pm. Guests must be on board ship by 5 pm. Explore your ship and enjoy dinner on your first evening onboard. EVENING CRUISE TO PASSAU VILSHOFEN.jpg

Day 2
PASSAU–SCHLÖGEN OXBOW Where the Danube, Inn, and Ilz Rivers Meet ACTIVE Follow your Avalon Adventure Host for Hiking from Oberhaus along a trail down to the valley and along Ilz River, OR: CLASSIC Join a Guided City Walk to learn more about this beautiful “City of Three Rivers". Before sailing to Linz, take a little free time to explore Passau’s cobblestone streets and galleries of Artists’ Alley. Maybe stop at St. Stephen’s Cathedral to catch a concert rehearsal. This afternoon, cruise to Linz through the Danube’s dramatic horseshoe bend called Schlögen Oxbow. Later, enjoy live entertainment onboard. OVERNIGHT DOCKING IN LINZ PASSAU.jpg
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Day 3
LINZ, AUSTRIA Legendary and Lovely Linz Visit the Adventure Center for today’s activities with your Adventure Host. 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 Cesky Krumlov. You may otherwise spend the afternoon on a biking picnic along the banks of the Danube or hike through Linz’s beautiful nature trails to Pöstlingberg for a bird’s-eye view of the city and river below. EVENING/OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO YBBS LINZ.jpg
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Day 4
YBBS. EXCURSION TO MELK–WACHAU VALLEY 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. Later, stretch out on the Sky Deck as you sail through the Wachau Valley past vineyards, castles, and charming villages on your way to Dürnstein. DÜRNSTEIN 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, enjoy live entertainment on board your ship. OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO VIENNA YBBS.jpg
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Day 5
VIENNA Viennese Waltzes on the Blue Danube 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 grand historic Vienna Opera House and stunning St. Stephen’s Cathedral, OR: CLASSIC After a short walk of Vienna, join a Guided Visit of Austria’s largest museum, the legendary Kunsthistorisches Museum (Museum of Fine Arts). 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 pedestrian Kärntnerstrasse—the most famous shopping avenue in central Vienna. Take a bike ride through the city and stop in a local café to enjoy Sachertorte or Apfelstrudel. This evening, enjoy an unforgettable musical performance with an Optional Excursion to attend a Royal Waltz Concert in an elegant hall. OVERNIGHT DOCKING IN VIENNA VIENNA-HOFBURG-PALACE.jpg
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Day 6
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 sight of royal coronations at St. Martin’s Cathedral. Enjoy free time to discover on your own Bratislava, the beautiful capital of Slovakia, rich in history and culture, but also a green city with its forests and parks just a hop away from the city center. OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO BUDAPEST BRATISLAVA.jpg
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Day 7
BUDAPEST, HUNGARY War Heroes and Hot Water 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. This afternoon, select from a variety of Guided Optional or spend free time soaking in one of Budapest’s famous thermal baths. Consider a scenic hike above the Danube, or enjoy Budapest’s cafés, pubs and nightlife. OVERNIGHT DOCKING IN BUDAPEST BUDAPEST-HEROS-SQUARE.jpg
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Day 8
BUDAPEST The Pearl of the Danube in the Heart of Europe Take free time to enjoy Budapest’s famed thermal baths. You can also take a scenic hike in the hills above the Danube. Take time to explore the city’s cafés and restaurants. OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO VUKOVAR BUDAPEST-COFFEE-PASTRY.jpg
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Day 9
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. Enjoy a brief cruise to Novi Sad while having lunch onboard. 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 ILOK.jpg
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Day 10
NOVI SAD, SERBIA Heritage and Hilltop Vintages 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. Later, enjoy live entertainment on board. OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO BELGRADE NOVI-SAD.jpg
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Day 11
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. Spend your free time exploring the city on your own this afternoon on Knez Mihailova Street—Belgrade’s central pedestrian thoroughfare with many lively cafés, shops, and cultural spots. Alternatively, enjoy one of the Optional Excursions on offer. This evening, you might like to join an Optional authentic Bohemian Dinner in the Quarter of Skadarlija. OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO GOLUBAČ BELGRADE-SAINT-SAVA.jpg
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Day 12
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. Sail through the spectacular and narrow Iron Gates Gorge—a natural border between Serbia and Romania. AFTERNOON/OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO VIDIN IRON-GATES-GORGE.jpg
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Day 13
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 VIDIN-BELOGRADSHICK.jpg
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Day 14
ROUSSE. VELIKO TÂRNOVO & ARBANASSI EXCURSION Fortresses and Folklore 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. Later, enjoy live entertainment on board with a Bulgarian folklore show. OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO OLTENITA VELIKO-TARNOVO.jpg
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Day 15
OLTENITA, ROMANIA (DISEMBARKATION) Your cruise ends with breakfast this morning. Flights should not leave Bucharest airport before noon. BUCHAREST-ARC-DE-TRIOMPHE.jpg

Check Mark Disclaimer: Prices listed are per person, based on double occupancy, and in USD. All promotions are valid for new bookings only, capacity controlled and valid on select dates and departures. Individual Terms and Conditions will apply to all promotions. Any promotion can be withdrawn at any time without notice. Please speak with your Pavlus Travel Planner for complete vendor terms and conditions, including eligible tour and cruise dates.

Pavlus Travel tells you there's a wide World out there just waiting to be explored on river cruises by you, and Avalon Waterways like Pavlus Travel knows there is more than a river cruise for you and your family to see it all. Why not experience local cities, villages, and countrysides your way with a wide selection of active excursions and activities brought to you by Avalon River Cruises that put you right in the middle of it all. Borrow a bike to ride through the streets of Amsterdam, grab a Nordic walking stick to capture the castle with a hike up the vineyard off the Rhine River, or paddle a canoe along Austria’s river shores. Pavlus makes it easy to turn sightseeing into doing your adventure in real time. You’ll find all the guidance and gear you from Avalon Waterways staff to embark on an expedition of your own. From a complimentary yoga class aboard your Avalon River Cruise to a jogging tour of Vienna or an optional kayaking excursion. Know that Pavlus Travel discounts Avalon River Cruises be they in Europe or the Far East. You'll enjoy every Avalon River Cruises Ship.