The Danube from Germany to Romania (Illumination)
The Danube from Germany to Romania (Illumination)
The Danube from Germany to Romania (Illumination)
15 Days
Visiting: Vilshofen, Germany (Embarkation), Passau, Schlögen Oxbow, Linz, Austria, Wachau Valley, Dürnstein, Vienna, Bratislava, Slovakia, Budapest, Hungary, Ilok, Croatia, Novi Sad, Serbia, Belgrade, Golubač, Donji Milanovac. Excursion To Lepenski Vir, Iron Gates Gorge, Vidin, Bulgaria, Rousse. Veliko Târnovo & Arbanassi Excursion, Oltenita, Romania (Disembarkation), Europe
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Tour Overview
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 Schlogen Oxbow. In Austria, visit its lovely towns along the Danube, including Linz, Durnstein—from where you can take a visit to Melk Abbey, 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.
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1: Vilshofen,Germany (Embarkation)
Location: Vilshofen, Germany (Embarkation)
Meals Included: Dinner
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(D)VILSHOFEN.jpg
Day 2: Passau,Schlögen Oxbow
Location: Passau, Schlögen Oxbow
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Join a Guided City Walk to learn more about this beautiful “City of Three Rivers".
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 (B,L,D)PASSAU.jpg
Day 3: Linz,Austria
Location: Linz, Austria
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
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.
LINZ, AUSTRIA Legendary and Lovely LinzVisit 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. OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO DÜRNSTEIN (B,L,D)LINZ.jpg
Day 4: Wachau Valley,Dürnstein
Location: Wachau Valley, Dürnstein
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Take a Guided Tour of Melk’s magnificent Benedictine Abbey to marvel at its frescoed ceilings, statues, incredible library, and ornate pipe organ.
WACHAU VALLEY–DÜRNSTEIN A King’s Ransom and Castle RuinsThis morning, stretch out on the Sky Deck as you sail through the Wachau Valley past vineyards, castles, and charming villages on your way to Dürnstein.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, 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, enjoy live entertainment on board your ship. . OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO VIENNA (B,L,D)
Day 5: Vienna
Location: Vienna
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
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.
VIENNA Viennese Waltzes on the Blue DanubeACTIVE 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.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 SAILING TO BRATISLAVA(B,L,D)VIENNA-HOFBURG-PALACE.jpg
Day 6: Bratislava,Slovakia
Location: Bratislava, Slovakia
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
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.
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(B,L,D)BRATISLAVA.jpg
Day 7: Budapest,Hungary
Location: Budapest, Hungary
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Enjoy a Guided City Sightseeing, including the iconic Heroes’ Square.
BUDAPEST, HUNGARY War Heroes and Hot WaterACTIVE 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(B,L,D)BUDAPEST-HEROS-SQUARE.jpg
Day 8: Budapest
Location: Budapest
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
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(B,L,D)BUDAPEST-COFFEE-PASTRY.jpg
Day 9: Ilok,Croatia
Location: Ilok, Croatia
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Join a Guided Walking Tour to discover the heritage, culture, and tradition of Vukovar and enjoy a beer tasting, OR:
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:
VUKOVAR History and BeerVisit 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 CroatiaCLASSIC 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)ILOK.jpg
Day 10: Novi Sad,Serbia
Location: Novi Sad, Serbia
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Get to learn more about the beekeeper profession on this Guided Tour of Novi Sad by stopping at the Honey Museum and by tasting local honey specialties.
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.
NOVI SAD, SERBIA The Athens of Serbia 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 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 at the Honey Museum and by tasting local honey specialties. Later, enjoy live entertainment on board.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)NOVI-SAD.jpg
Day 11: Belgrade
Location: Belgrade
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Attend an onboard Lecture to learn about the rich history, destinations, and culture of the Balkan states.
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.
BELGRADE Fortresses and FolkloreACTIVE 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(B,L,D)BELGRADE-SAINT-SAVA.jpg
Day 12: Golubač,Donji Milanovac. Excursion To Lepenski Vir,Iron Gates Gorge
Location: Golubač, Donji Milanovac. Excursion To Lepenski Vir, Iron Gates Gorge
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Join a Guided Tour to the Mesolithic archaeological site of Lepenski Vir—with unique views of the Danube Gorge.
GOLUBAČ–DONJI MILANOVAC. EXCURSION TO LEPENSKI VIR–IRON GATES GORGE Ancient Artifacts and the Iron GatesCLASSIC 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(B,L,D)IRON-GATES-GORGE.jpg
Day 13: Vidin,Bulgaria
Location: Vidin, Bulgaria
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
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.
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:
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)VIDIN-BELOGRADSHICK.jpg
Day 14: Rousse. Veliko Târnovo & Arbanassi Excursion
Location: Rousse. Veliko Târnovo & Arbanassi Excursion
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Join a Guided Sightseeing Tour of Bulgaria’s largest inland port and visit its impressive Holy Trinity Church.
ROUSSE. VELIKO TÂRNOVO & ARBANASSI EXCURSION Fortresses and FolkloreACTIVE Explore Rousse'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.Later, enjoy live entertainment on board with a Bulgarian folklore show.OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO OLTENITA(B,L,D)VELIKO-TARNOVO.jpg
Day 15: Oltenita,Romania (Disembarkation)
Location: Oltenita, Romania (Disembarkation)
Meals Included: Breakfast
OLTENITA, ROMANIA (DISEMBARKATION) Your cruise ends with breakfast this morning.Flights should not leave Bucharest airport before noon.(B)BUCHAREST-ARC-DE-TRIOMPHE.jpg
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.
Check out our Q&As
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Cuisine
All meals on board are prepared by accomplished chefs who prepare regional specialties as well as familiar favorites with only the freshest, local ingredients. Our Suite Ships® feature daily buffet-style breakfast and lunch with your choice of soups, main courses with starter, salad, or sandwich, and, of course, dessert. Complimentary room service is also available with Continental breakfast, lunch, and dinner. On the Mekong and Ganges, a mix of Western and local dishes is offered; in the Galápagos, you'll be able to taste some Ecuadorian specialties; and in the Amazon, you will be able to sample Peruvian specialties along with Western dishes.
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Cruise Director
A professional, experienced, English-speaking Cruise Director accompanies every departure. Naturalists are on board in the Amazon and Galápagos. Special Interest cruises typically include an expert specific to the cruise theme—from Wine Masters to History Experts.
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What about young travellers and children?
In our many years of cruising experience, we have found that children under the age of eight typically are too young to fully enjoy a cruise vacation. Because of this and for the safety and enjoyment of all passengers, we do not accept children under eight years of age. In addition, please note that there are no special arrangements or activities for children on our ships.
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What are single room supplements?
For single travellers who prefer the privacy of their own room and stateroom, single accommodation can, of course, be requested.
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Clothing & Dress Code
Your comfort is our first concern. Onboard and onshore dress codes are casual. Please bring comfortable walking shoes for sightseeing. Dinner attire is casual—open-neck shirts and slacks for men; slacks, skirts, or dresses for ladies. Coats and ties may be worn if preferred. The Welcome and Farewell Dinners in Europe are dressy, but not formal. On the Mekong, Ganges, Amazon, and Galápagos, dress attire, including coats and ties, is not recommended due to the warm, humid climate.
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When will I receive my digital travel documents?
Avalon will email you a set of travel documents, which includes a copy of your itinerary and, where applicable, information on your hotels and optional excursions. Electronic Travel documents, including applicable eTicket receipts, itineraries, and other information are sent approximately 2-3 weeks prior to departure, provided full payment has been received.
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Where can I find the docking location for my cruise ship?
Avalon Waterways strives to bring you the best docking locations along Europe’s rivers. In many cities, this includes multiple docking sites. Docking positions at each port are assigned by local authorities, and may vary depending upon the number of ships in port on any given day. This can sometimes result in double-docking with more than one ship assigned to the same dock and the ships “rafted” together, temporarily obstructing some views from on board the ships. Exact docking locations will be available 24-72 hours prior to embarkation. Before your cruise’s docking location is available, you can download a map of all possible docking sites for your embarkation city at www.AvalonWaterwaysPorts.com. Once your ship’s docking assignment is available, you can download a map that shows only that specific location, including address.
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Are Avalon River Cruises Handicap Accessible?
Avalon Waterways makes reasonable attempts to accommodate the special needs of disabled and mobility impaired travellers but is not responsible in the event it is unable to do so. Because we cannot provide individual assistance to travellers in many situations, and most of our transportation services are not equipped with wheelchair ramps, we recommend that you view our terms and conditions for details or contact us to learn more.
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Internet Access
All Avalon ships in Europe have complimentary Wi-Fi available. On the Mekong and Ganges, complimentary Wi-Fi access is available in the Panorama Lounge. The signal is not always reliable, as you will be cruising through remote areas. To access the ship's Wi-Fi Internet network, you will be given a PIN number at reception to use on your laptop, tablet, or mobile device. Wi-Fi is not available in the Amazon or Galápagos.
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Onboard Language
The language on board is English. All staff, crew, and tour guides speak English. All announcements and commentary will be in English.
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1 Select your preferred date
Friday - Friday
Apr 24, 2026 - May 08, 2026Book with Confidence
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Low Deposit
Avalon Waterways requires a minimum deposit of 200 GBP per person or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 90 days before departure.
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Cancellation Policy
We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of avalon waterways charges.
Up to 91 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.
At 90 days before tour starts: Forfeit 35% of booking price.
At 59 days before tour starts: Forfeit 50% of booking price.
At 29 days before tour starts: Forfeit 80% of booking price.
At 1 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.