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The Danube from Germany to Romania with 2 Nights in Transylvania 2024
18 Day River Cruise Vilshofen to Bucharest
Tour Description:
Embark on an 18-day journey from Germany to Romania, concluding with two nights in mysterious Transylvania. Spend time exploring the beauty of this area with expert Local Guides after your cruise, including superior accommodations, sightseeing, and complimentary transfer from your Avalon Suite Ship®. Begin your Danube River cruise in Vilshofen, Germany and sail to Passau—the “City of Three Rivers.” 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 concludes with a visit to the Romanian capital of Bucharest. Called the “Paris of the East,” its lovely tree-lined boulevards include the Arc de Triomphe and the Royal Palace Square. This amazing odyssey through history and legendary beauty on a European river cruise, concluding with an escorted tour of Transylvania, is the trip of a lifetime!
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Destination & Sightseeing
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 Mohács. Excursion to Pécs: | Choice of guided tour in Pécs, visit the underground tombs, or sightseeing in Mohács, visit St. Nicolas watermill or walk with your Adventure Host |
| Day 10 Ilok-Novi Sad: | Ilok guided tour; choice of Novi Sad guided tour or walk with your Adventure Host |
| Day 11 Belgrade: | Guided 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 or walk with your Adventure Host; 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, or a walk in the park with your Adventure Host |
| Day 15 Oltenita (Disembarkation)-Brasov: | Transfer to Bucharest, guided sightseeing |
| Day 16 Brasov: | Brasov guided tour; visit Bran Castle |
| Day 17 Brasov-Sinaia-Bucharest: | Visit Peles Castle |
| Day 18 Bucharest: | Your vacation 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
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 on board.
EVENING CRUISE TO PASSAU
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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
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BreakfastLunch Dinner
BreakfastLunch
DinnerDay 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
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BreakfastLunch Dinner
BreakfastLunch DinnerDay 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
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BreakfastLunch Dinner
BreakfastLunch DinnerDay 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
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BreakfastLunch Dinner
BreakfastLunch DinnerDay 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
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BreakfastLunch Dinner
BreakfastLunch DinnerDay 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
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BreakfastLunch Dinner
BreakfastLunch DinnerDay 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 MOHÁCS
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BreakfastLunch Dinner
BreakfastLunch DinnerDay 9
MOHÁCS Hungarian History in a Harbor Town
Visit the Adventure Center for today’s activities with your Adventure Host.
ACTIVE Explore Mohacs by foot as you follow the lead of your Adventure Host, OR:
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 of 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.
EVENING/OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO ILOK
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BreakfastLunch Dinner
BreakfastLunch DinnerDay 10
ILOK, CROATIA History and Culture in Croatia
CLASSIC Join a Guided Tour of Ilok, with its 1,000-year-old winemaking tradition still thriving and its medieval fortress protected for its Croatian cultural heritage.
Enjoy a brief cruise to Novi Sad while having lunch onboard.
NOVI SAD, SERBIA
Heritage and Hilltop Vintages
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.
OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO BELGRADE
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BreakfastLunch Dinner
BreakfastLunch DinnerDay 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
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BreakfastLunch Dinner
BreakfastLunch DinnerDay 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
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BreakfastLunch Dinner
BreakfastLunch DinnerDay 13
VIDIN, BULGARIA Rocks, ruins and Balkan Beauty
Join your Adventure Host for today’s special activities.
ACTIVE Wander and discover this town, join your Adventure Host for a walk, 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
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BreakfastLunch Dinner
BreakfastLunch DinnerDay 14
ROUSSE. VELIKO TÂRNOVO & ARBANASSI EXCURSION Forteresses and Folklore
ACTIVE Join a walk in the park in Rousse with your Avalon 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.
Later, enjoy live entertainment on board with a Bulgarian folklore show.
OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO OLTENITA
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BreakfastLunch Dinner
BreakfastLunch DinnerDay 15
OLTENITA, ROMANIA (DISEMBARKATION)–BUCHAREST Disembark your Ship and transfer to Bucharest.
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.
After the visit drive to Brasov for the night.
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Day 16
BRASOV Dracula Bites & Castle Sights
CLASSIC Enjoy a Guided Tour of Brasov and admire its gothic, baroque and renaissance architecture.
In the evening, depart for Bran Castle of Dracula lore.
CLASSIC Take a Guided Tour of Bran Castle—the 1377 legendary home of the famed Romanian vampire, followed by a dinner in this amazing location.
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Breakfast Dinner
Breakfast DinnerDay 17
BRASOV–SINAIA–BUCHAREST The “Paris of the East”
CLASSIC Enjoy a Guided Tour of Visit Peles Castle, the summer residence of the royal family until 1947.
Drive out the Carpathians to Bucharest; On the way, enjoy a local lunch.
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.
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BreakfastLunch
BreakfastLunchDay 18
BUCHAREST Your vacation ends with breakfast this morning.
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Breakfast
Breakfast Accommodations
Accommodations| Brasov | Bucharest |
Kronwell Brasov Hotel
Superior First-Class
Hotel as shown or similar
Bulevardul Garii Nr 7A Brasov Romania
The Kronwell hotel in Brasov boasts stylishly luxurious guestrooms equipped with state-of-the art facilities, as well as free of charge wireless internet access that will satisfy the hotel's most exclusive guests. This centrally located hotel offers a stylish à la carte restaurant, a casual bar, a sleek European/Asian bistro and formal dining with a terrace. The spa has an indoor pool, a fitness studio and sauna.
Superior First-Class
Hotel as shown or similar
Bulevardul Garii Nr 7A Brasov Romania
The Kronwell hotel in Brasov boasts stylishly luxurious guestrooms equipped with state-of-the art facilities, as well as free of charge wireless internet access that will satisfy the hotel's most exclusive guests. This centrally located hotel offers a stylish à la carte restaurant, a casual bar, a sleek European/Asian bistro and formal dining with a terrace. The spa has an indoor pool, a fitness studio and sauna.
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.
