Compare From Romania to the North Sea by Avalon Waterways vs From the Black Sea to the Blue Danube by CroisiEurope

Day 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

(Dinner)

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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

(Breakfast,Lunch,Dinner)

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Day 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

(Breakfast,Lunch,Dinner)

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Day 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

(Breakfast,Lunch,Dinner)

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Day 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

(Breakfast,Lunch,Dinner)

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Day 6: 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 DOCKING IN ILOK

(Breakfast,Lunch,Dinner)

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Day 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

(Breakfast,Lunch,Dinner)

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Day 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

(Breakfast,Lunch,Dinner)

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Day 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

(Breakfast,Lunch,Dinner)

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Day 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

(Breakfast,Lunch,Dinner)

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Day 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

(Breakfast,Lunch,Dinner)

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Day 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

(Breakfast,Lunch,Dinner)

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Day 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

(Breakfast,Lunch,Dinner)

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Day 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

(Breakfast,Lunch,Dinner)

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Day 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

(Breakfast,Lunch,Dinner)

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Day 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

(Breakfast,Lunch,Dinner)

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Day 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

(Breakfast,Lunch,Dinner)

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Day 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

(Breakfast,Lunch,Dinner)

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Day 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

(Breakfast,Lunch,Dinner)

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Day 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

(Breakfast,Lunch,Dinner)

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Day 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.

AFTERNOON CRUISE TO ENGERS

(Breakfast,Lunch,Dinner)

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Day 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

(Breakfast,Lunch,Dinner)

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Day 23: AMSTERDAM, HOLLAND

Colorful Canals of Amsterdam

ACTIVE Start your day joining your Adventure Host on an early morning walk in Amsterdam, 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

(Breakfast,Lunch,Dinner)

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Day 24: AMSTERDAM (DISEMBARKATION)

Your cruise ends with breakfast this morning.

(Breakfast)

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Day 1 OLTENITA (Romania)

Passengers are welcome to board our ship at 6:00 p.m. After comfortably settling into your cabins, we'll introduce our crew at a welcome cocktail. Dinner. Our ship will cruise through the night towards Cernavoda.

Day 1 OLTENITA (Romania)

Passengers are welcome to board our ship at 6:00 p.m. After comfortably settling into your cabins, we'll introduce our crew at a welcome cocktail. Dinner. Our ship will cruise through the night towards Cernavoda.

Day 2 CERNAVODA - Danube-Black Sea Canal - CONSTANTA (Romania)

Morning sailing on the Danube-Black Sea Canal. The completion of the Danube-Black Sea Canal is a colossal work in the history of Communism in Romania and Eastern Europe. In the late morning, arrival in Constanta. Excursion for both packages: guided tour of Constanta and local wine tasting. Enjoy dinner and a traditional folklore evening.

Day 2 CERNAVODA - Danube-Black Sea Canal - CONSTANTA (Romania)

Morning sailing on the Danube-Black Sea Canal. The completion of the Danube-Black Sea Canal is a colossal work in the history of Communism in Romania and Eastern Europe. In the late morning, arrival in Constanta. Excursion for both packages: guided tour of Constanta and local wine tasting. Enjoy dinner and a traditional folklore evening.

Day 3 CONSTANTA - Danube-Black Sea Canal - CERNAVODA - OLTENITA

A day's sailing on the Danube-Black Sea Canal. Construction began in the 1950s and the canal was inaugurated in 1984, making it the third longest in the world after the Suez and Panama canals. Take advantage of this day to relax on the sun deck and take part in the activities on board.Gala evening on board. Our ship will cruise through the night  towards Oltenita.

Day 3 CONSTANTA - Danube-Black Sea Canal - CERNAVODA - OLTENITA

A day's sailing on the Danube-Black Sea Canal. Construction began in the 1950s and the canal was inaugurated in 1984, making it the third longest in the world after the Suez and Panama canals. Take advantage of this day to relax on the sun deck and take part in the activities on board.Gala evening on board. Our ship will cruise through the night  towards Oltenita.

Day 4 OLTENITA (Romania) - GIURGIU (Romania) - RUSE (Bulgaria)

Join us on an excursion for both packages: Guided visit of Bucharest. Bucharest offers a striking combination of architectural styles: orthodox churches, Empire-style manor houses, Communist-inspired architecture, and the Parliament (outside only - entrance fees not included.)We'll cruise to Ruse, one of the biggest ports in Bulgaria. Enjoy an evening of traditional entertainment.

Day 4 OLTENITA (Romania) - GIURGIU (Romania) - RUSE (Bulgaria)

Join us on an excursion for both packages: Guided visit of Bucharest. Bucharest offers a striking combination of architectural styles: orthodox churches, Empire-style manor houses, Communist-inspired architecture, and the Parliament (outside only - entrance fees not included.)We'll cruise to Ruse, one of the biggest ports in Bulgaria. Enjoy an evening of traditional entertainment. 

Day 5 RUSE (Bulgaria)

Join us on an excursion for both packages: Tour of Ruse. The city is impressive with its broad avenues, large squares and wonderful buildings which pay tribute to the architecture of the national Renaissance. After our tour, we'll return to the ship and begin to cruise all afternoon. We will pass through two countries, Romania on the left bank and Bulgaria on the right bank. Our ship will cruise through the night.

Day 6 THE IRON GATES

The day will be spent cruising on the Danube sailing through Romania, Bulgaria and Serbia. Our ship will pass through the Iron Gates, the gorge on the Danube between the Carpathians and the Balkans. On the Serbian bank of the river, we'll catch a glimpse of the Tabula Traiana - a marble plaque honoring the Roman Road that once linked Rome to the province of Dacia.

Day 7 BELGRADE (Serbia) - NOVI SAD (Serbia)

We'll arrive in Belgrade. Join us for the excursions proposed:CLASSIC: Guided tour of the Serbian capital.DISCOVERY: Biking in Belgrade. You'll cycle along the history-filled streets with your guide, who'll explain the city's recent past from World War II to current times.After our tour, we'll return to the ship. Join us on an excursion for both packages: Guided tour of Novi Sad and the Krusedol monastery. We'll start cruising in the direction of Mohacs.

Day 8 MOHACS - KALOCSA

We'll arrive in Mohacs. In the afternoon, join us on an excursion for both packages: The Puszta. We'll return on board in Kalocsa and cruise to Budapest. Enjoy a Hungarian dinner this evening. Our ship will cruise through the night.

Day 9 BUDAPEST (Hungary)

Join us on an excursion for both packages: Guided tour of Budapest.Enjoy a free afternoon in Budapest. Join us on an excursion proposed: Discover the Gellert Baths and Spa (not included in the packages) or Budapest Market Halls (2)  (not included in the packages). After our visits, we'll begin to cruise to Bratislava. Our ship will cruise through the night.

Day 9 BUDAPEST (Hungary)

Join us on an excursion for both packages: Guided tour of Budapest.Enjoy a free afternoon in Budapest. Join us on an excursion proposed: Discover the Gellert Baths and Spa (not included in the packages) or Budapest Market Halls (2) (not included in the packages). After our visits, we'll begin to cruise to Bratislava. Our ship will cruise through the night.

Day 10 BRATISLAVA (Slovakia)

We'll arrive in Bratislava. Join us for the excursions proposed: CLASSIC: Guided Tour of Bratislava and Tasting of Local Delights.DISCOVERY: Hiking in Bratislava: The Little Carpathians. From Devin Castle, we'll take in the splendid view of Bratislava. We'll then return on board.Gala evening.Our ship will cruise to Vienna.

Day 11 VIENNA (Austria)

Join us for the excursions proposed: CLASSIC: Visit to Schoenbrunn Palace, former summer residence of the imperial family, and panoramic tour of Vienna.DISCOVERY: The high art of Viennese living: Music and Viennese cafes. We'll stroll through the city and visit back stage in the Konzerthaus concert hall(1). After our tour, enjoy a steaming cup of Vienna Coffee and a delicious pastry.We'll then return on board. You'll be free to explore the city on your own in the afternoon. Join us on an excursion proposed: Horse-drawn carriage ride though Vienna.In the evening, join us on an excursion for both packages: Concert of Viennese music (subject to availability.)  

Day 12 VIENNA (Austria)

Enjoy one last buffet breakfast on board before disembarking at 9:00 a.m. End of our services.