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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.
| TRAVEL DATE | PRICE | TYPE |
|---|---|---|
| October 9, 2024 | from $12,976 CAD - Compared to $14,576 CAD | Per Person |
| DAY | DATE | PLACE |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Wed Oct 9 | Bucharest |
| 2 | Thu Oct 10 | Bucharest |
| 3 | Fri Oct 11 | Brasov |
| 4 | Sat Oct 12 | Brasov |
| 5 | Sun Oct 13 | Cernavoda |
| 6 | Mon Oct 14 | Rousse, Bulgaria |
| 7 | Tue Oct 15 | Vidin |
| 8 | Wed Oct 16 | Donji Milanovac |
| 9 | Thu Oct 17 | Belgrade |
| 10 | Fri Oct 18 | Novi Sad |
| 11 | Sat Oct 19 | Ilok, Croatia |
| 12 | Sun Oct 20 | Mohács |
| 13 | Mon Oct 21 | Budapest, Hungary |
| 14 | Tue Oct 22 | Budapest, Hungary |
| 15 | Wed Oct 23 | Bratislava, Slovakia |
| 16 | Wed Oct 23 | Vienna, Austria |
| 17 | Thu Oct 24 | Dürnstein, Austria |
| 18 | Thu Oct 24 | Linz, Austria |
| 19 | Fri Oct 25 | Schlögen Oxbow, Germany |
| 20 | Sat Oct 26 | Vilshofen, Germany |
| 21 | Sun Oct 27 | Prague, Czech Republic |
| 22 | Mon Oct 28 | Prague, Czech Republic |
Day 1 – Bucharest
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.
Day 2 – Bucharest
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.
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.
Day 4 – Brasov
Join your Avalon Suite Ship® this afternoon, for embarkation in Oltenita.
EVENING/OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO CERNAVODA
Day 5 – Cernavoda
Romania’s Cultural Legacies
CLASSIC EXCURSION
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 EXCURSION
Enjoy a visit to a local winery to learn about traditional Romanian wines with a tasting.
Day 6 – Rousse, Bulgaria
Fortresses and Fountains in “Little Vienna”
ACTIVE EXCURSION
Join a walk through the park in Rousse with your Avalon Adventure Host, OR:
CLASSIC EXCURSION
Join a Guided Sightseeing Tour of Bulgaria’s largest inland port and visit its impressive Holy Trinity Church.
Sail to Svistov, OR:
CLASSIC EXCURSION
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
Day 7 – Vidin
Rocks, ruins and Balkan Beauty
Ask about today’s energizing or relaxing Adventure Host activities.
ACTIVE EXCURSION
Wander and discover this town, join your Adventure Host for a walk, OR:
CLASSIC EXCURSION
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
Day 8 – Donji Milanovac
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 EXCURSION
Stretch your legs, ease your mind and enjoy a walk lead by your Adventure Host, OR:
CLASSIC EXCURSION
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 EXCURSION
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
Day 9 – Belgrade
Fortresses and Folklore
Join your Adventure Host for today’s special activities.
ACTIVE EXCURSION
Discover Belgrade’s central walkway with your Adventure Host, OR:
CLASSIC EXCURSION
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 EXCURSION
Attend an onboard Lecture to learn about the rich history, destinations, and culture of the Balkan states.
OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO NOVI SAD
While we include your choice of many excursions on your trip, you may wish to explore other option on your free time. Below are a selection of excursions that may be available for purchase on your cruise.
While we include your choice of many excursions on your trip, you may wish to explore other option on your free time. Below are a selection of excursions that may be available for purchase on your cruise.
Day 10 – Novi Sad
A Capital of Culture
ACTIVE EXCURSION
Get your daily dose of exercise, join your Adventure Host on this walk in and around town,
OR:
CLASSIC EXCURSION
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 EXCURSION
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 EXCURSION
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
Day 11 – Ilok, Croatia
Croatian Heritage and Hilltop Vintages
DISCOVERY EXCURSION
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 EXCURSION
Enjoy a walking tour of Vukovar, the city the largest river port in Croatia.
EVENING/OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO MOHÁCS
Day 12 – Mohács
Underground Tombs and Heavenly Music
CLASSIC EXCURSION
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 EXCURSION
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
Day 13 – Budapest, Hungary
Hungary’s Captivating Capital
ACTIVE EXCURSION
Hike up to a magnificent viewpoint in Budapest with your Adventure Host, OR:
CLASSIC EXCURSION
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
While we include your choice of many excursions on your trip, you may wish to explore other option on your free time. Below are a selection of excursions that may be available for purchase on your cruise.
Day 14 – Budapest, Hungary
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
Day 15 – Bratislava, Slovakia
Cathedral Coronations and a Crowning Castle
ACTIVE EXCURSION
Follow your Avalon Adventure Host on a hike to lofty Bratislava Castle, OR:
CLASSIC EXCURSION
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
Day 16 – Vienna, Austria
Strauss, Schnitzel, Strudel, and Sachertorte
ACTIVE EXCURSION
Explore Vienna’s Danube Island by bike with your Adventure Host, OR:
CLASSIC EXCURSION
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 EXCURSION
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
While we include your choice of many excursions on your trip, you may wish to explore other option on your free time. Below are a selection of excursions that may be available for purchase on your cruise.
Dqy 17 – Dürnstein, Austria
A King’s Ransom and Castle Ruins
ACTIVE EXCURSION
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 EXCURSION
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 EXCURSION
Alternatively join your Adventure Host for a bike along the river.
EXCURSION TO MELK
Frescoes Above and Vineyards Below
CLASSIC EXCURSION
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 EXCURSION
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
Dqy 18 – Linz, Austria
Legendary, Lovely Linz
Ask about today’s energizing or relaxing Adventure Host activities.
CLASSIC EXCURSION
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
While we include your choice of many excursions on your trip, you may wish to explore other option on your free time. Below are a selection of excursions that may be available for purchase on your cruise.
Day 19 – Schlögen Oxbow, 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 EXCURSION
Join your Avalon Adventure Host for Hiking from Oberhaus along a trail down to the valley and along Ilz River, OR:
CLASSIC EXCURSION
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
Day 20 – Vilshofen, Germany
Bavaria’s Medieval Miracle
CLASSIC EXCURSION
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.
Day 21 – Prague, Czech Republic
Gothic Cathedrals, Grand Castles, and Great Cuisine
CLASSIC EXCURSION
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.
While we include your choice of many excursions on your trip, you may wish to explore other option on your free time. Below are a selection of excursions that may be available for purchase on your cruise.
Day 22 – Prague, Czech Republic
Your vacation ends with breakfast this morning.
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