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The Danube from Germany to Romania with 2 Nights in Prague and 1 Night in Bucharest 2025
18 Day River Cruise Prague to Bucharest
Tour Description:
Embark on an 18-day journey from Czech Republic to Romania, beginning with two nights in dazzling Prague. Explore the “Golden City” of Prague with expert Local Guides before your cruise, including superior accommodations, sightseeing, and complimentary transfer to 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 the history and beauty of Germany, Austria, Slovakia, Hungary, Croatia, Serbia, Bulgaria, and Romania is the trip of a lifetime—especially with a guided vacation in Prague!
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Destination & Sightseeing
Destination & Sightseeing| Day 1 Prague: | Welcome to Prague |
| Day 2 Prague: | Guided sightseeing, see the Astronomical Clock and visit Hradcany Castle grounds |
| Day 3 Prague-Regensburg, Germany-Vilshofen (Embarkation): | Travel by motorcoach to Regensburg, guided sightseeing; transfer to Vilshofen; onboard welcome reception |
| Day 4 Passau: | Choice of guided walk or hike with your Adventure Host; Schlögen Oxbow scenic cruising |
| Day 5 Linz: | Guided sightseeing, see Hauptplatz and the Trinity Column |
| Day 6 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 or biking with your Adventure Host; choice of guided walk or hike up to the castle ruins in Dürnstein |
| Day 7 Vienna: | Choice of guided sightseeing, or Künsthistorisches Museum visit, or bike with your Adventure Host |
| Day 8 Bratislava: | Choice of guided sightseeing in Bratislava, visit St. Martin’s Cathedral or hike to Bratislava Castle with your Adventure Host |
| Day 9 Budapest: | Scenic cruising into Budapest; choice of guided tour, see Heroes’ Square or hike with your Adventure Host |
| Day 10 Budapest: | Free time |
| Day 11 Vukovar-Ilok-Novi Sad: | Choice of beer experience or guided tour in Vukovar; choice of guided tour with wine tasting or guided bike tour in Ilok |
| Day 12 Novi Sad: | Highlights of Novi Sad; choice of hike to Petrovaradin Fortress or honey and wine tasting |
| Day 13 Belgrade: | Choice of guided tour or walk with your Adventure Host; onboard lecture |
| Day 14 Golubac-Donji Milanovac-Iron Gates: | Visit to Golubač fortress and Lepenski Vir archaeological site; scenic cruise through the Iron Gates Gorge |
| Day 15 Vidin. Excursion to Belogradchik: | Choice of guided tour in Vidin, excursion to Belogradchik, see the rock formations or visit a local winery with wine tasting or biking in Vidin with your Adventure Host |
| Day 16 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 orbike with your Adventure Host |
| Day 17 Oltenita (Disembarkation)-Bucharest: | Guided sightseeing in Bucharest |
| 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
PRAGUE, CZECH REPUBLIC Welcome to the Golden City of Prague—Explore the City of 100 Spires
Enjoy free time to explore the Golden City and its surrounding countryside at your leisure
Day 2
PRAGUE Gothic Cathedrals, Grand Castles, and Great Cuisine
CLASSIC Take a Guided City Walk to visit Hradčany Castle Grounds; see St. Vitus Cathedral and Old Town’s Astronomical Clock.
Consider sampling delicious plum dumplings and traditional Pilsner lager.
Mingle with the locals and be mesmerized by street performers in Wenceslas Square, or admire the arches and statues decorating Charles Bridge
Breakfast
BreakfastDay 3
REGENSBURG, GERMANY–VILSHOFEN (EMBARKATION) Bavaria’s Medieval Miracle
After breakfast this morning, you’ll drive to Regensburg.
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.
Continue on to Vilshofen to board your Avalon Suite Ship® for a welcome reception.
EVENING CRUISE TO PASSAU
Day 4
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
BreakfastLunch Dinner
BreakfastLunch
DinnerDay 5
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
BreakfastLunch Dinner
BreakfastLunch DinnerDay 6
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.
ACTIVE Alternatively, experience the Wachau Valley from a unique perspective, join your Adventure Host for a bike ride along some of Wachau’s bike trails.
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
BreakfastLunch Dinner
BreakfastLunch DinnerDay 7
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 SAILING TO BRATISLAVA
BreakfastLunch Dinner
BreakfastLunch DinnerDay 8
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
BreakfastLunch Dinner
BreakfastLunch DinnerDay 9
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 a Budapest’s cafés, pubs and nightlife.
OVERNIGHT DOCKING IN BUDAPEST
BreakfastLunch Dinner
BreakfastLunch DinnerDay 10
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
BreakfastLunch Dinner
BreakfastLunch DinnerDay 11
VUKOVAR History and Beer
Visit 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 Croatia
CLASSIC 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
BreakfastLunch Dinner
BreakfastLunch DinnerDay 12
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 to the Honey Museum and by tasting local honey specialties.
Later, enjoy live entertainment on board.
OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO BELGRADE
BreakfastLunch Dinner
BreakfastLunch DinnerDay 13
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
BreakfastLunch Dinner
BreakfastLunch DinnerDay 14
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. Continue 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
BreakfastLunch Dinner
BreakfastLunch DinnerDay 15
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
BreakfastLunch Dinner
BreakfastLunch DinnerDay 16
ROUSSE. VELIKO TÂRNOVO & ARBANASSI EXCURSION Fortresses and Folklore
ACTIVE 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
BreakfastLunch Dinner
BreakfastLunch DinnerDay 17
OLTENITA, ROMANIA (DISEMBARKATION)–BUCHAREST The “Paris of the East"
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.
Spend some free time exploring on your own to visit shops and museums. See the beautiful home, and churches along Victory Avenue. You might consider partaking one of the Optional Excursions available
Day 18
BUCHAREST Your vacation ends with breakfast this morning
Breakfast
Breakfast Accommodations
Accommodations| Prague | Prague | Prague | Prague | Bucharest |
Cosmopolitan Hotel Prague
Deluxe
Hotel as shown or similar
Zlatnicka 3/1126 Prague 1 Czech Republic
A stunning 106-room boutique hotel set in an historic townhouse that dates back to 1889, perfectly located on a quiet street in the heart of Prague's Old Town. Modern Czech cuisine is served in a trendy bistro style setting with an open plan kitchen. For relaxation and connectivity, there is a 24-hour fitness studio, sauna, and free Wi-Fi internet access is available throughout the property. The hotel is ideally located on a quiet street of the Prague Old Town, only a few steps from all important shopping and sightseeing attractions.
Deluxe
Hotel as shown or similar
Zlatnicka 3/1126 Prague 1 Czech Republic
A stunning 106-room boutique hotel set in an historic townhouse that dates back to 1889, perfectly located on a quiet street in the heart of Prague's Old Town. Modern Czech cuisine is served in a trendy bistro style setting with an open plan kitchen. For relaxation and connectivity, there is a 24-hour fitness studio, sauna, and free Wi-Fi internet access is available throughout the property. The hotel is ideally located on a quiet street of the Prague Old Town, only a few steps from all important shopping and sightseeing attractions.
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.
