AVALON 2024: The Danube from the Black Sea to Germany with 2 Nights in Transylvania & 2 Nights in Prague (WODE)

22 Day River Cruise Bucharest to Prague

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 sail overnight to St. Gheorghe for an excursion to the Danube Delta. 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 Black Sea Delta to the Golden City of Prague.

Call (916) 716-6365 for more information or to book today! Mention code 16635242

Tour Operator
Globus
Duration
22 Days
Escorted
Escorted - Yes
DayDestinationDescription
Day 1BucharestWelcome 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, cafes, museums, beautiful homes, and churches along Victory Avenue.
Day 2BrasovDrive into the Carpathians to Sinaia to visit Peles Castle. On the way, enjoy a local lunch. This afternoon continue to Brasov for the night.

(B,L)
Day 3BrasovJoin 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.

(B,D)
Day 4Oltenita

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.

DISCOVERY After dinner, attend an onboard Lecture to learn about the Danube Delta.

EVENING/OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO ST. GHEORGHE

(B,D)
Day 5St. GheorgheA River's Entrance into the Sea

Visit the Adventure Center for today's activities with your Adventure Host.

CLASSIC Join a small-boat Guided Tour of the best preserved of Europe's deltas -2,200 square miles of rivers, canals, marshes, tree-fringed lakes and reed islands.

DISCOVERY Enjoy a Special Celebration to mark Kilometer '0'-the end of the Danube River's 2,845 km journey-from the source in the Black Forest to its delta at the Black Sea.

AFTERNOON/OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO HARSOVA

(B,L,D)
Day 6HarsovaRomania'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 Archeological Museum to discover the history of early Romanian cultures.

AFTERNOON/OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO ROUSSE

(B,L,D)
Day 7RousseFortresses 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 Tarnovo-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

(B,L,D)
Day 8VidinRocks, 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

(B,L,D)
Day 9Donji MilanovacAncient Artifacts and the Iron Gates

Before lunch on board, you'll sail through the spectacular and narrow Iron Gates Gorge-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 Golubac.

GOLUBAC

A Formidable Fortress

CLASSIC Visit the Fortress of Golubac, 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

(B,L,D)
Day 10BelgradeFortresses 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 cafes, 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


(B,L,D)
Day 11Novi SadA 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.

Enjoy a brief cruise to Ilok while having lunch onboard.

ILOK, 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.

EVENING/OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO MOHACS

(B,L,D)
Day 12MohacsUnderground Tombs and Heavenly Music

CLASSIC Join a morning Guided Sightseeing Tour of Mohacs-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 Pecs 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

(B,L,D)
Day 13BudapestHungary'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 cafes and pubs, or take a hike through the hills above the Danube.

OVERNIGHT DOCKING IN BUDAPEST

(B,L,D)
Day 14BudapestThe Pearl of the Danube in the Heart of Europe.

Visit the Adventure Center for today's activities with your Adventure Host.

This afternoon choose among a wide offer 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

(B,L,D)
Day 15BratislavaCathedral 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.

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.

(B,L,D)
Day 16ViennaStrauss, 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.

You may decide to take a Guided Optional Excursion to Schonbrunn Palace- summer home of the Habsburg Empire.

Spend free time strolling in the Karntnerstrasse-the most famous shopping avenue in central Vienna, or take a bike ride to a local cafe 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 DURNSTEIN

(B,L,D)
Day 17Wachau ValleyA 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.

YBBS. EXCURSION TO MELK

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.

EVENING/OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO LINZ

(B,L,D)
Day 18LinzLegendary, 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 Postlingberg for a bird's-eye view of the city and river below.

OVERNIGHT DOCKING IN LINZ

(B,L,D)
Day 19PassauWhere the Danube, Inn, and Ilz Rivers Meet

This morning, cruise through the Schlogen 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

(B,L,D)
Day 20PragueBavaria'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.

(B)
Day 21PragueExplore the City of 100 Spires

CLASSIC Take a Guided City Walk to visit the Hradcany 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. This evening, you might join an Optional Folklore Dinner Show, sampling traditional Czech cuisine in an authentic Prague setting.

(B)
Day 22PragueYour vacation ends with breakfast this morning.

(B)
Dates/Pricing

Click Quote or call us to get additional information on your chosen travel date. Special offers or competitive pricing may be available!

DatePrice / DescriptionQuote
05/23/2024$10,586.00* (USD) / Land Only Price PassionQuote
08/01/2024$10,436.00* (USD) / Land Only Price IlluminationQuote
08/16/2024$10,736.00* (USD) / Land Only Price EnvisionQuote
09/09/2024$11,136.00* (USD) / Land Only Price PassionQuote
10/09/2024$10,536.00* (USD) / Land Only Price PassionQuote
Disclaimer
US$ Price Details

Port charges:
$480

Gratuities to Local Guides & Excursion Drivers are included.

Avalon offers the opportunity for solo travelers to sail with no single supplement (subject to availability).

Please call for single accommodation price. Triples not available.
Travel Terms & Conditions
The purchase of any travel services offered by Avalon Waterways, constitutes a contractual arrangement between you (the Traveler) and Avalon Waterways, and represents your acceptance of the Terms & Conditions. Please ensure that you read carefully and understand the Terms & Conditions prior to booking. These Terms & Conditions cover Deposit & Final Payment information, Air-Inclusive Deposits & Final Payment, Revisions & Revision Fees, Air Arrangements, Participation, Travelers Who Need Special Assistance, Young Travelers, Smoking, Price Policy, Visas and Passports, Hotels & Accommodations, Baggage Allowance, Travel Documents, Not Included in the Land Price, Refunds, Service Inquires After the Vacation, Holidays, Safety, Photos & Pictures, Optional Excursions, and Responsibility.

Important Notes
  • Vacation departures, itineraries and prices are subject to change.
  • A non-refundable, non-transferable deposit is required for Avalon Waterways to reserve space for you. View Terms & Conditions for limited exceptions.
  • The following charges are not included in the land/cruise vacation price unless otherwise noted: airfare to and from the start of your vacation; intra-vacation air, unless specified in the itinerary; airline baggage fees including checked and/or excess baggage fees; Federal inspection fees for the Federal U.S. Customs and Immigrations; International Air Transportation tax; agricultural tax; other per person taxes imposed by government entities; airport taxes and fees, including the September 11th Security fee up to $11.20 per person, passenger facility charges up to $18 per person, Federal domestic flight segment fees up to $4.10 per segment, and U.S. and international arrival and departure and other government-imposed added by the airline and applicable at time of booking; port taxes; passports; visas and vaccinations; tips to your Cruise Director, Local Host, driver, Local Guides, and/or ship's crew; gratuities on ferries, trains, and cruise ships; laundry; telephone; minibar; alcohol, beverages, and food outside of the contracted Avalon menu as presented at a hotel or restaurant or onboard your vessel (these extra items will be billed to you before leaving the hotel, ship, or restaurant); airport transfers on non-qualifying flights; optional excursions; additional activities and excursions purchased online; porterage at airports and train stations; Travel Protection; and all other items of a personal nature.
  • Additional airline-imposed fees for seat assignments may apply and are not included in your total package cost. Please refer to carrier websites for seat assignment policies and applicable pricing.

    Booking your Vacation with Air
    Our volume buying power saves you money. We may be able to provide you with flight arrangements from your gateway city. Avalon Waterways offers 2 air options: Flex Air and Instant Purchase Air. Early Airfare Price Guarantee locks in a price that is guaranteed not to increase. Air pricing and schedules are available approximately 330 days prior to last travel date in the itinerary. At that time the best air price will be utilized and a new invoice with the air cost and confirmed schedule will be sent. The identity of the carrier, which may include the carrier?s codeshare partner, will be assigned and disclosed at this time. If the guaranteed price is the lowest, the schedule with the lowest fare per contracted classes of service will be booked. Any voluntary change to the confirmed flights negates the guaranteed price and is subject to air pricing at the time of the change.

    Guaranteed air-inclusive prices - air is only available to passengers traveling from the United States and only available when booked in conjunction with a land vacation. An additional non-refundable air deposit of $300 per person is required for Flex Air booked in conjunction with any land vacation (i.e. air-inclusive vacation). Air can only be booked by Avalon in conjunction with a vacation package. Instant Purchase Air requires air payment in full at time of booking (i.e. air-inclusive vacation) plus a non-refundable per person service fee of $30 (North/Central America), $50 (Europe/Middle East) or $80 (all other international destinations). Once booked, Instant Purchase Air is non-refundable, and non-changeable. Some vacations may only offer one Air type option. However, once your airfare is confirmed and Avalon has received your full air and land deposit, your air-inclusive vacation price is guaranteed.

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    Air-inclusive vacations include government-imposed taxes and fees applicable at the time of booking and will be shown as a Total Amount. Additional airline fees for baggage may apply. At the time of booking your air-inclusive vacation online, carrier Websites will be provided to check baggage fees, or you can visit www.iflybags.com for up-to-date baggage pricing/restrictions. For return travel from some countries, international travelers are required to pay entry and/or exit fees at the airport. These fees will be collected by the local government and are payable by the traveler at time of travel. Your confirmation booking information will contain information about these fees.

    "Starting at" Disclaimer
    The "Starting at" or "From" listed price is based on the lowest price available to book. Price is per person based on double occupancy and any applicable non-commissionable taxes and fees and intra-vacation flight are included in the price shown. Any included overnight stay in Canada, applicable GST/HST is also included in the price shown. International airfare, however, is not included. If price is crossed out, the new price shown includes limited-time promotional offer(s). Please review current promotions or deals for additional information.
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