Compare The Danube from Romania to Germany with 1 Night in Bucharest, 2 Nights in Transylvania & 2 Nights in Prague by Avalon Waterways vs From the Black Sea to the Blue Danube by CroisiEurope
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Trip |
The Danube from Romania to Germany with 1 Night in Bucharest, 2 Nights in Transylvania & 2 Nights in Prague
by
Avalon Waterways
5 | Excellent
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4.5 | Great
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Duration | 22 days | 12 days |
Price From | $ 9,976 | $ 2,592 |
Price Per Day | $ 453 | $ 216 |
Highlights |
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CRUISE HIGHLIGHTS
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Trip Style | River cruise | River cruise |
Lodging Level | Standard | Premium |
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Travel Themes |
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Countries Visited | ||
Cities and Attractions |
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Flights & Transport | No | Internal airfare and ground transport included |
Activities |
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Meals Included | N/A | N/A |
Description | From the legend of Dracula’s castle, to the “Paris of the East” in Bucharest, you’ll embark on an odyssey of new discoveries to treasure. You’ll begin driving into the soaring Carpathian Mountains to Sinaia to visit Peles Castle. Continue to Brasov for a guided tour and a visit to Bran Castle, inspiration of legendary Romanian vampire of folklore—Dracula. In Bucharest, enjoy a tour of the capital’s boulevards, Arc de Triomphe, Royal Palace Square, and historic sites from a dramatic history. Embark your Avalon Suite Ship® and cruise through the Balkans and Budapest to Vienna and Austria. Seeing such a variety of landscapes, languages, cultures, and historic sites is an experience not to be missed. Join us on this great adventure for exclusive views, from Romania to the Golden City of Prague. |
Admire the majestic blue river, crossing 8 countries and stopping in 4 capitals. You will discover tremendous landscapes of striking beauty where nature is queen. From Vienna to Belgrade via Bratislava and Budapest, discover unique architecture, history, and culture all along the beautiful Danube. |
Day 1: BUCHAREST, ROMANIA
Welcome to Bucharest—The “Paris of the East”
The day is yours to relax and enjoy Bucharest. 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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Day 2: BUCHAREST–SINAIA–BRASOV
Drive into the Carpathians to Sinaia to visit Peles Castle. On the way, enjoy a local lunch. This afternoon continue to Brasov for the night.
(Breakfast,Lunch)
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Day 3: BRASOV
Join a morning Guided Sightseeing Tour of Brasov followed by free time. In the evening enjoy a tour of Bran Castle of Dracula lore followed by dinner.
(Breakfast,Dinner)
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Day 4: BRASOV–BUCHAREST–OLTENITA (EMBARKATION)
CLASSIC Join a Guided Excursion in Bucharest, see the Royal Palace Square—the scene of the city's 1989 riots to overthrow the communist dictator Nicolae Ceausescu.
Join your Avalon Suite Ship® this afternoon, for embarkation in Oltenita.EVENING/OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO CERNAVODA
(Breakfast,Dinner)
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Day 5: CERNAVODA. EXCURSION TO CONSTANTA
Romania’s Cultural Legacies
CLASSIC Join a Guided Tour to Constanta, the most important commercial center in Romania, situated on the Black Sea. Visit the Natural History and Archaelogical Museum to discover the history of early Romanian cultures.
DISCOVERY Enjoy a visit to a local winery to learn about traditional Romanian wines with a tasting.
AFTERNOON/OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO ROUSSE
(Breakfast,Lunch,Dinner)
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Day 6: ROUSSE, BULGARIA. VELIKO TÂRNOVO & ARBANASSI EXCURSION
Fortresses and Fountains in “Little Vienna” ACTIVE Join a walk through the park 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, 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 7: 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 walk, OR:CLASSIC Take a Guided Sightseeing Tour in Vidin before joining a Guided Tour to Belogradchik. See the remarkable rock formations on the slopes of the Balkan Mountains, sculpted by 200 million years of nature’s elements.
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 8: 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.
AFTERNOON/OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO BELGRADE(Breakfast,Lunch,Dinner)
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Day 9: BELGRADE
Fortresses and Folklore
Join your Adventure Host for today’s special activities.
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 sites, including Saint Sava—one of the world’s largest Orthodox churches.
You may choose to spend 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. OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO NOVI SAD
(Breakfast,Lunch,Dinner)
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Day 10: NOVI SAD
A Capital of Culture
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.
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.
This evening, enjoy live entertainment on board.OVERNIGHT DOCKING IN ILOK(Breakfast,Lunch,Dinner)
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Day 11: 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.
VUKOVAR, CROATIA
The Heroic Town on the Danube
CLASSIC Enjoy a walking tour of Vukovar, the city the largest river port in Croatia.EVENING/OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO MOHÁCS(Breakfast,Lunch,Dinner)
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Day 12: 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, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, with fascinating murals. You’ll also enjoy an organ concert on your tour.
AFTERNOON/OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO BUDAPEST
(Breakfast,Lunch,Dinner)
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Day 13: 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 through the hills above the Danube.
OVERNIGHT DOCKING IN BUDAPEST(Breakfast,Lunch,Dinner)
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Day 14: BUDAPEST
The Pearl of the Danube
Visit the Adventure Center for today’s activities with your Adventure Host.
This afternoon choose among a wide selection of Optional Guided Excursions 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 15: 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 site of royal coronations at fantastic St. Martin’s Cathedral.
This afternoon, 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 VIENNA
(Breakfast,Lunch,Dinner)
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Day 16: VIENNA, AUSTRIA
Strauss, Schnitzel, Strudel, and Sachertorte
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—Winter residence of the Imperial Family, the iconic Vienna Opera House and stunning St. Stephen’s Cathedral.CLASSIC Join A Guided Tour to explore Freiburg’s medieval city center, sheltered by the Black Forest amid vineyards and gardens of the Upper Rhine Valley.You may decide to take a Guided Optional Excursion to Schönbrunn Palace— summer home of the Habsburg Empire.
Spend free time strolling in the Kärntnerstrasse—the most famous shopping avenue in central Vienna, or take a bike ride to a local café for 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 CRUISE TO DÜRNSTEIN
(Breakfast,Lunch,Dinner)
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Day 17: DÜRNSTEIN–WACHAU VALLEY
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, stretch out on the Sky Deck as you sail through the Wachau Valley past vineyards, castles, and charming villages on your way to Ybbs.ACTIVE Alternatively join your Adventure Host for a bike along the river.YBBS. EXCURSION TO MELK
Frescoes Above and Vineyards BelowCLASSIC 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.EVENING/OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO LINZ
(Breakfast,Lunch,Dinner)
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Day 18: LINZ
Legendary, Lovely Linz
Ask about today’s energizing or relaxing Adventure Host activities.
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 DOCKING IN LINZ
(Breakfast,Lunch,Dinner)
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Day 19: SCHLÖGEN OXBOW–PASSAU, GERMANY
Where the Danube, Inn, and Ilz Rivers Meet
This morning, cruise through the Schlögen Oxbow, a particularly beautiful horseshoe-shaped bend of the river.
ACTIVE Join your Avalon Adventure Host for Hiking from Oberhaus along a trail down to the valley and along Ilz River, OR:
CLASSIC Take a Guided City Walk into Passau, the beautiful “City of Three Rivers.”
Before sailing to Vilshofen, 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.
EVENING/OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO VILSHOFEN
(Breakfast,Lunch,Dinner)
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Day 20: VILSHOFEN (DISEMBARKATION)–REGENSBURG–PRAGUE, CZECH REPUBLIC
Bavaria’s Medieval Miracle
CLASSIC Join a Guided City Walk in Regensburg and see Altes Rathaus (Old Town Hall) and Porta Pretoria—built in 179 AD as the entrance to Castra Regina fortress.
Take free time to enjoy a hearty lunch and a local beer, then step back in time through historic lanes and squares of today’s modern and vibrant Regensburg.
(Breakfast)
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Day 21: PRAGUE, CZECH REPUBLIC
Gothic Cathedrals, Grand Castles, and Great Cuisine
CLASSIC Take a Guided City Walk to visit the Hradčany Castle Grounds; see St. Vitus Cathedral and Old Town’s Astronomical Clock.
Sample plum dumplings or Pilsner lager by the Vltava River, meet the locals, and see street performers in Wenceslas Square.
(Breakfast)
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Day 22: PRAGUE
Your vacation 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.