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From Romania to the North Sea 2025
24 days from Oltenita to Amsterdam
Tour Description:
This enchanting European river cruise from Romania to Amsterdam is truly an adventure. Glide past quaint towns, beautiful views, and historic buildings along the Danube, Main, and Rhine Rivers—and onshore enjoy guided sightseeing and free time to explore. 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.
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Dates & Pricing
| Tuesday 01 Jul 25 — Friday 25 Jul 25 | Starting at $11,698 |  SPECIAL | Get a Quote |
| Friday 08 Aug 25 — Monday 01 Sep 25 | Starting at $11,698 | SPECIAL | Get a Quote |
| Thursday 28 Aug 25 — Sunday 21 Sep 25 | Starting at $12,298 | SPECIAL | Get a Quote |
| Monday 06 Oct 25 — Thursday 30 Oct 25 | Starting at $11,898 | SPECIAL | Get a Quote |
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 Any promotion can be withdrawn at any time without notice.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
Destination & Sightseeing| Day 1 Oltenita (Embarkation): | Onboard welcome reception |
| Day 2 Rousse. Excursion to Veliko Târnovo & Arbanassi: | Choice of full-day excursion, visit to Tsarevets Fortress in Veliko Târnovo and to the Ethnographical Museum and Church of the Nativity in Arbanassi, or guided sightseeing in Rousse, or bike with your Adventure Host |
| Day 3 Vidin–Excursion to Belogradchik: | Choice of guided sightseeing to Baba Vida fortress, see the rock formations in Belogradchik or bike with your Adventure Host |
| Day 4 Iron Gates–Donji Milanovac–Golubač: | Scenic cruise through the Iron Gates gorge; choice of visit Lepenski Vir archaeological site or walk with your Adventure Host; visit to Golubač fortress |
| Day 5 Belgrade: | Choice of guided sightseeing or walk with your Adventure Host; onboard lecture |
| Day 6 Novi Sad: | Guided tour; choice of honey and wine tasting or hike to the Petrovaradin Fortress |
| Day 7 Ilok-Vukovar: | Ilok guided tour with wine tasting; Vukovar guided tour |
| Day 8 Mohács. Excursion to Pécs: | Choice of guided tour and organ concert in Pécs or sightseeing in Mohács, visit St. Nicolas watermill |
| Day 9 Budapest: | Choice of guided tour, see Heroes’ Square or hike with your Adventure Host |
| Day 10 Budapest: | Day at leisure in Budapest |
| Day 11 Bratislava: | Choice of guided tour, visit St. Martin’s Cathedral, or hike up to Bratislava Castle with your Adventure Host |
| Day 12 Vienna: | Choice of guided tour or bike with your Adventure Host |
| Day 13 Dürnstein–Wachau Valley–Melk: | Choice of guided tour or hike up to the castle ruins in Dürnstein; scenic cruise through the Wachau Valley; choice of guided tour of the Benedictine Abbey in Melk or walk with your Adventure Host; onboard wine tasting |
| Day 14 Passau: | Guided tour |
| Day 15 Regensburg: | Choice of guided tour or bike with your Adventure Host |
| Day 16 Roth. Excursion to Nuremberg: | Onboard lecture; choice of guided sightseeing of Roth, or guided sightseeing in Nuremberg, or Nuremberg Rally Grounds tour |
| Day 17 Bamberg: | Choice of guided tour, see the Old Town Hall or bike with your Adventure Host; onboard lecture |
| Day 18 Volkach—Kitzingen: | Choice of walking tour in Volkach or bike with your Adventure Host; free time in Kitzingen |
| Day 19 Würzburg: | Choice of guided sightseeing, visit the Bishop’s Residenz or bike with your Adventure Host |
| Day 20 Miltenberg: | Guided walk |
| Day 21 Rüdesheim–Rhine Gorge: | Choice of visit to Siegfried’s Mechanical Musical Instrument Museum or hike in the vineyards with your Adventure Host; scenic cruise through the Rhine Gorge; classical concert |
| Day 22 Cologne: | Choice of Cologne highlights walking tour, or Jewish Heritage walking tour or bike with your Adventure Host |
| Day 23 Amsterdam: | Choice of canal cruise or walk with your Adventure Host |
| Day 24 Amsterdam (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
ITINERARYDay 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
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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.
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 (circa 4300 BC), as well as Bulgarian Revival architecture in the 15th-century town of Arbanassi.
Later, join your ship in Svistov.
EVENING/OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO VIDIN
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BreakfastLunch Dinner
BreakfastLunch
DinnerDay 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 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 mighty Baba Vida Fortress in nearby Vidin.
This evening, enjoy live entertainment on board with a Bulgarian folklore show.
EVENING/OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO DONJI MILANOVAC
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BreakfastLunch Dinner
BreakfastLunch DinnerDay 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.
Enjoy a brief sailing to Golubač.
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
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BreakfastLunch Dinner
BreakfastLunch DinnerDay 5
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.
You may choose to join an Optional Guided Biking Tour or spend remaining 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.
EVENING/OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO NOVI SAD
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BreakfastLunch Dinner
BreakfastLunch DinnerDay 6
NOVI SAD A Capital of Culture
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
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BreakfastLunch Dinner
BreakfastLunch DinnerDay 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.
Enjoy a short sailing to Vukovar during lunchtime
VUKOVAR, CROATIA
The Heroic Town on the Danube
CLASSIC Enjoy a walking tour of Vukovar, the city the largest river port in Croatia.
This evening, enjoy live entertainment on board.
EVENING/OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO MOHÁCS
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BreakfastLunch Dinner
BreakfastLunch DinnerDay 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, murals, and Turkish architecture. You’ll also enjoy an organ concert on your tour.
AFTERNOON/OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO BUDAPEST
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BreakfastLunch Dinner
BreakfastLunch DinnerDay 9
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.
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 above the Danube.
OVERNIGHT DOCKING IN BUDAPEST
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BreakfastLunch Dinner
BreakfastLunch DinnerDay 10
BUDAPEST War Heroes and Hot Water
Visit the Adventure Center for today’s activities with your Adventure Host.
This afternoon choose among the Optional Guided Excursions available 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
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BreakfastLunch Dinner
BreakfastLunch DinnerDay 11
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.
Alternatively, in your free time take a bicycle and a picnic from the ship to explore the local sights along the Danube.
Later, enjoy live entertainment onboard.
OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO VIENNA
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BreakfastLunch Dinner
BreakfastLunch DinnerDay 12
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.
Join a Guided Optional Excursion to Schönbrunn Palace— summer home of the Habsburg empire.
You may also take a tram to Vienna’s Prater amusement park or to one of the many museums nearby. Later, consider joining an Optional Excursion to attend Royal Waltz Concert in an elegant hall.
OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO DÜRNSTEIN
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BreakfastLunch Dinner
BreakfastLunch DinnerDay 13
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.
Later, stretch out on the Sky Deck as you sail through the Wachau Valley past vineyards, castles, and charming villages on your way to Melk.
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
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BreakfastLunch Dinner
BreakfastLunch DinnerDay 14
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.”
Alternatively, you may join a full day Guided Optional Excursion to Salzburg, the city of Mozart, or a full day Guided Optional Excursion to the picturesque Bohemian town of Cesky Krumlov.
EVENING/OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO REGENSBURG
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BreakfastLunch Dinner
BreakfastLunch DinnerDay 15
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.
You may choose to join a Guided Optional Excursion to visit the Benedictine Monastery in Weltenburg.
Spend a free afternoon exploring Regensburg on foot or by bike through its charming streets.
This evening, enjoy live entertainment after dinner as you cruise toward Roth.
EVENING/OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO ROTH
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BreakfastLunch Dinner
BreakfastLunch DinnerDay 16
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.
Tonight, relax onboard with live entertainment as you sail to Bamberg.
EVENING/OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO BAMBERG
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BreakfastLunch Dinner
BreakfastLunch DinnerDay 17
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.
DISCOVERY Attend an onboard lecture to learn about European history and culture.
AFTERNOON/OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO VOLKACH
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BreakfastLunch Dinner
BreakfastLunch DinnerDay 18
VOLKACH Storybook Settings
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.
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.
Alternatively, enjoy a relaxing afternoon while cruising to Kitzingen.
OVERNIGHT DOCKING IN KITZINGEN
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BreakfastLunch Dinner
BreakfastLunch DinnerDay 19
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.
This afternoon enjoy a leisurely sailing afternoon.
AFTERNOON/OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO MILTENBERG
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BreakfastLunch Dinner
BreakfastLunch DinnerDay 20
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.
Later, enjoy onboard entertainment as you cruise to Rüdesheim.
AFTERNOON/OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO RÜDESHEIM
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BreakfastLunch Dinner
BreakfastLunch DinnerDay 21
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:
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 coffee, OR:
DISCOVERY Tour the incredible Mechanical Music Museum for a one-of-a-kind instrumental experience; enjoy a tasting of the authentic Rüdesheimer coffee.
This afternoon cruise through the dramatic Rhine Gorge and see the famous rock of the Lorelei—where mythological siren lured ill-fated sailors to shore.
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
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BreakfastLunch Dinner
BreakfastLunch DinnerDay 22
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.
Spend free time over a glass of Kölsch pale lager—locally brewed for over 100 years!
AFTERNOON/OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO AMSTERDAM
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BreakfastLunch Dinner
BreakfastLunch DinnerDay 23
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.”
In the afternoon you may join an Optional Culinary Walk through Amsterdam to sample savory and sweet Dutch specialties. Or choose an Optional Biking Tour to discover the countryside. You might also consider a Guided Optional Excursion to Zaanse Schans to see historic windmills and charming Dutch houses.
Spend free time on your own to explore the colorful cafés, galleries, bridges, and canals of Amsterdam.
OVERNIGHT DOCKING IN AMSTERDAM
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BreakfastLunch Dinner
BreakfastLunch DinnerDay 24
AMSTERDAM (DISEMBARKATION) Your cruise ends with breakfast this morning.
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Accommodations
Accommodations| Amsterdam | Amsterdam |
Westcord Jakarta
Superior First-Class
Hotel as shown or similar
Javakade 766 Amsterdam Netherlands
A unique sustainable hotel in Amsterdam, where two worlds connect. At the former location where ships left for Jakarta, lies a green oasis in the centre of the city. Hotel offers 200 luxurious rooms with a Indonesian influenced style. Enjoy breakfast, lunch and dinner at Café Jakarta or get a drink at the Malabar. Be pampered in luxury and relax in our wellness and swimming pool with views towards the river IJ.
Superior First-Class
Hotel as shown or similar
Javakade 766 Amsterdam Netherlands
A unique sustainable hotel in Amsterdam, where two worlds connect. At the former location where ships left for Jakarta, lies a green oasis in the centre of the city. Hotel offers 200 luxurious rooms with a Indonesian influenced style. Enjoy breakfast, lunch and dinner at Café Jakarta or get a drink at the Malabar. Be pampered in luxury and relax in our wellness and swimming pool with views towards the river IJ.
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.
