From Romania to the North Sea with 1 Night in Bucharest and 2 Nights in Transylvania

26 days
Save this trip to your favorites or other list
Additional images not provided by operator
Video not provided by operator
4.7/5 Excellent
100+ reviews  
97%
Save this trip to your favorites or other list
River Cruise
This enchanting European river cruise from Bucharest to Amsterdam is truly an adventure. In beautiful and mysterious Transylvania visit Peles Castle in Sinaia—considered one of the most beautiful in Europe. Enjoy guided sightseeing of Brasov and a visit to Bran Castle of Dracula fame. In Romania’s lively capital, Bucharest, you’ll see the Arc de Triomphe, and...
27% OFF
$17,748
From$12,987
See departure dates

Member Savings

Save up to $700!

Sign in to see which companies give additional
savings to Travelstride Members (it’s free)

Unlock Savings

Overview

Trip type
River Cruise
Lodging level
Standard - 3 star
Physical level
Very Easy

Highlights

    • Welcome to Bucharest
    • Visit Peles Castle
    • Guided tour of Brasov; guided visit of Dracula’s Bran Castle
    • Guided sightseeing in Bucharest; transfer to ship; onboard welcome reception
    • Choice of full-day excursion, visit to Tsarevets Fortress in Veliko Târnovo and to the Ethnographical Museum and Church of the Nativity in Arbanassi, or guided sightseeing in Rousse, or bike with your Adventure Host
    • Choice of guided sightseeing to Baba Vida fortress, see the rock formations in Belogradchik or bike with your Adventure Host
    • Scenic cruise through the Iron Gates gorge; choice of visit Lepenski Vir archaeological site or walk with your Adventure Host; visit to Golubač fortress
    • Choice of guided sightseeing or walk with your Adventure Host; onboard lecture
    • Novi Sad guided tour; choice of honey and wine tasting or hike to the Petrovaradin Fortress
    • Ilok guided tour with wine tasting; Vukovar guided tour

What's this trip about?

    This enchanting European river cruise from Bucharest to Amsterdam is truly an adventure. In beautiful and mysterious Transylvania visit Peles Castle in Sinaia—considered one of the most beautiful in Europe. Enjoy guided sightseeing of Brasov and a visit to Bran Castle of Dracula fame. In Romania’s lively capital, Bucharest, you’ll see the Arc de Triomphe, and the historical Royal Palace Square. Explore with guided sightseeing in Bulgaria’s ancient capital of Veliko Târnovo. Visit the Ethnographical Museum and Church of the Nativity in Arbanassi and take pictures of Belogradchik’s eclectic group of rock formations and the spectacular views of the Iron Gates. Your Danube River cruise takes you to the capitals of three countries: Belgrade, Serbia; Budapest, Hungary; and Vienna, Austria, where Local Guides will show you the highlights with time to explore on your own. In the heart of the Wachau wine region, take a guided walk in charming Dürnstein, and later visit Melk’s famous Benedictine Abbey. In Germany, enjoy guided sightseeing in Passau, Regensburg, Nuremberg, Bamberg, and Würzburg. Cruise the Main Danube Canal and pass through the dramatic Rhine Gorge—the most beautiful view of the Rhine River where ancient castles stand on cliffs 400 feet above the water. This extraordinary European river cruise concludes in Holland’s popular, modern capital of Amsterdam. Get a unique perspective of the city on a canal cruise along the elegant Grachten lined with homes dating back to the city’s “Golden Age.” Experience the Danube River like never before, with the special experiences and discoveries revealed from Romania to the North Sea.

Compare to similar trips

Details

Itinerary focusClassic Highlights
Group sizeStandard Group - 25 + people
Age range6 years and up
Flights and transport
Start CityBUCHAREST, ROMANIA
End CityAMSTERDAM (DISEMBARKATION)

Travel Themes

  • Cultural
  • 50 Plus
  • Small Ship Cruise

Destinations

Attractions

  • Amsterdam
  • Bamberg
  • Belgrade
  • Belogradchik
  • Brasov
  • Bratislava
  • Bucharest
  • Budapest
  • Croatia
  • Heidelberg
  • Koblenz
  • Nuremberg
  • Passau
  • Romania
  • Rudesheim
  • Salzburg
  • Transylvania
  • Vienna

Activities

  • Culture
  • River Cruise

View Similar Trips

Itinerary

Travel Map

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.

Day 2: BUCHAREST–SINAIA–BRASOV

Romanian Royalty

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)

Day 3: BRASOV

Transylvania Tales

CLASSIC Join a morning Guided Sightseeing Tour of Brasov followed by free time.

CLASSIC In the evening enjoy a tour of Bran Castle of Dracula lore followed by dinner.

(Breakfast,Dinner)

Day 4: BRASOV–BUCHAREST–OLTENITA (EMBARKATION)

Historic Bucharest

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 ROUSSE (Breakfast,Dinner)

Day 5: 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, OR: CLASSIC Join a full-d...

Day 6: 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 fo...

Day 7: 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 Adve...

Day 8: 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 ...

Day 9: NOVI SAD

A Capital of Culture

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 c...

Day 10: 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

...

Day 11: 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 fe...

Day 12: 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...

Day 13: BUDAPEST

War Heroes and Hot Water

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

This afternoon take a free day to explore, with time to take photographs on the Royal Palace grounds in this treasure trove of historical architecture. Try...

Day 14: 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 Cat...

Day 15: 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 wint...

Day 16: 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...

Day 17: 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 G...

Day 18: 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 choo...

Day 19: 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 t...

Day 20: BAMBERG

The City of Seven Hills.

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)

Day 21: 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—wit...

Day 22: 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)

Day 23: 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:

DISCOVERY Tour the incredible Mechanical Music Museum for a one-of-a-kind instrumental experience; enjoy a tas...

Day 24: 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...

Day 25: AMSTERDAM, HOLLAND

Colorful Canals of Amsterdam

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

DISCOVERY Discover the true beauty of Amsterdam with an off-the-beaten-path Guided Walking Tour through its cobblestone streets for a ...

Day 26: AMSTERDAM (DISEMBARKATION)

Your vacation ends with breakfast this morning.

(Breakfast)

Want a tailor-made trip instead?

Your trip, your way, planned by an expert:

  • You choose budget, destinations, activities, transport & lodging type
  • Expert designs the itinerary for you, and once approved, takes care of logistics
Design custom trip

Dates & Availability

Price From $12,987
Price per day$500
Last Updated: 3/12/2025
Departure Date
Finish Date
Base Price
Availability
02 May 2025
28 May 2025
$13,247
29 Jun 2025
25 Jul 2025
$13,147
06 Aug 2025
01 Sep 2025
$13,147
26 Aug 2025
21 Sep 2025
$13,747
04 Oct 2025
30 Oct 2025
$13,347
05 May 2026
30 May 2026
$12,987

Port charges: $726 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.

Check Current Availability, prices, specials with Avalon Waterways.

The total tour cost includes the tour price (regular or promotional) and the compulsory local payment. The promotional price is subject to change. Check directly with the operator for the latest price offer. The tour operator requires you to pay only the tour price to purchase your travel. The compulsory local payment will be paid when you join the trip. All prices are based on double, twin or triple share occupancy. Solo passengers will be accommodated in a double, twin or triple room according to availability with a passenger(s) of the same gender. Single supplement only needs to be paid if the passenger does not want to share and requests their own room. Discounts can only be applied at the time of booking and cannot be added at a later date, regardless of any changes made to the original booking.

Prices may vary due to local taxes and trip seasonality. Click "Request Info" to inquire directly with the tour operator for the final trip price.

Travelstride Gift Card
One card, thousands of extraordinary trips
Gifts Card

Avalon Waterways Reviews & Ratings

4.7/5  Excellent
Excellent
1,559
Great
145
Average
48
Disappointing
16
Terrible
47
Write a Review

Other Avalon Waterways Reviews

c

crezet kickartz

Feb 2025

Written on

My husband and I went on our first trip from Amsterdam to Basel. It was so great and as it was my first big OE the sights were very breath-taking.

The Avalon was so wonderful and all staff were very helpful in many ways, we couldn't fault the ship or staff. Would recommend Avalon river cruises. The rooms are lo...

J

James Allen

Jan 2025

Written on

Great Staff

The staff was interactive, polite, and memorable. We were lucky enough to have met and interacted with the staff on 2 different boats. Avalon handled the necessary c...

J

Janis Lloyd

Jan 2025

Written on

Avalon consistency—good!

Cabins always great. Food very good. I wish there were semi-dry white wine offered at dinner. (Rieslings, not dry). Christmas market in Colmar was not enjoyable, way...

Write a Review

Travelers also viewed

Tour Operator

About Travelstride

Find your perfect trip

An epic selection of pre-planned trips on every continent, for every style. Thousands of itineraries from over 1,000 trusted travel companies.

Save time

Use simple search and comparison tools to easily find the best trip. Don't sweat the logistics — travel providers plan for you.

Save money

Book directly with the operator. See inclusive packages for the best values, and get access to amazing deals.

Travel confidently

Read unbiased user reviews, pick the operator that suits your needs, and connect with them directly.

Logistics

Accommodation

Intercontinental Athenee Palace

Explore Bucharest from the glorious Athenee Palace Hilton Bucharest hotel, one of the city's most sophisticated and prestigious landmarks. The hotel is conveniently located in the heart of the city and enjoys views of Revolution Square and is close to Bucharest's many local attractions.

Bucharest

Romania

1-3 Episcopiei

Kronwell Brasov Hotel

The Kronwell hotel in Brasov boasts stylishly luxurious guestrooms equipped with state-of-the art facilities, as well as free of charge wireless internet access that will satisfy the hotel's most exclusive guests. This centrally located hotel offers a stylish à la carte restaurant, a casual bar, a sleek European/Asian bistro and formal dining with a terrace. The spa has an indoor pool, a fitness studio and sauna.

Brasov

Romania

Bulevardul Garii Nr 7A

Qosmo Brasov Hotel

Perfect for travelers seeking a modern and comfortable stay in Brasov, Qosmo Brasov Hotel offers an informal atmosphere with understated elegance in its rooms. Each space features a minimalist aesthetic, allowing the contemporary hospitality services to take center stage. An ideal location for exploring Transylvania, Qosmo Brasov caters to your needs with amenities such as Free Wi-Fi and in-room TVs. For a relaxing evening, unwind at the hotel's restaurant, or socialize with a handcrafted cocktail at the on-site bar.

Brasov

Romania

5 Turnului Street

Westcord Jakarta

A unique sustainable hotel in Amsterdam, where two worlds connect. At the former location where ships left for Jakarta, lies a green oasis in the centre of the city. Hotel offers 200 luxurious rooms with a Indonesian influenced style. Enjoy breakfast, lunch and dinner at Café Jakarta or get a drink at the Malabar. Be pampered in luxury and relax in our wellness and swimming pool with views towards the river IJ.

Amsterdam

Netherlands

Javakade 766

Movenpick Amsterdam City

A stylish 408-room hotel in the perfect location, this waterfront property offers Free Wi-Fi internet access throughout. The chic restaurant serves creative international cuisine and there is a fabulous bar serving drinks and light snacks which is also a great spot for a nightcap. For relaxation there is a Lifestyle Studio featuring a gym, Finnish sauna, bio sauna & ice fountain.

Amsterdam

Netherlands

Piet Heinkade 11

Travel Insurance
We strongly recommend purchasing travel insurance alongside your travel package to safeguard against unforeseen circumstances such as medical expenses, trip cancellations, and other contingencies. It offers you peace of mind and ensures you are prepared for unexpected events that may occur before or during your journey
Visa requirements
Visa requirements vary depending on your country of origin and your country of destination. It is your responsibility to familiarize yourself with the relevant requirements. For a handy tool that can help you quickly find the requirements, please visit this link .
Age Requirements
6 years and up
Optional Activities
[object Object]
Additional Information
[object Object]
Trip ID
AVALON-WOAQ

Become a member

(it's free)
  • Save up to $700 per person
  • Access members-only specials
  • Personalize trip recommendations
Sign up and save
Top Tour Companies on Travelstride:
All 1,600+ companies >
Sign in to reveal savings up to $700 per person!