The Danube from Romania to Germany with 1 Night in Bucharest, 2 Nights in Transylvania & 2 Nights in Prague

21 days
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River Cruise
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 B...
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Overview

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

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 Tsarevet's Fortress in Veliko Târnovo and to the Ethnographic Museum and the Church of the Nativity in Arbanassi, or a guided sightseeing in Rousse, or bike with your Adventure Host
    • Guided sightseeing to Baba Vida fortress and see the rock formations in Belogradchik or walk with your Adventure Host
    • Cruise through the Iron Gates Gorge; choice of visit Lepenski Vir archaeological site or bike 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?

    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.

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Details

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

Travel Themes

  • Cultural
  • 50 Plus
  • Small Ship Cruise

Destinations

Attractions

  • Belgrade
  • Belogradchik
  • Brasov
  • Bratislava
  • Bucharest
  • Budapest
  • Croatia
  • Linz
  • Passau
  • Prague
  • Romania
  • 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

Castle in the Clouds

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

Legendary Bites in Brasov

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)

Your Suite Ship Awaits

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-day Gu...

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 Take a Guided Tour to 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 Advent...

Day 8: 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—a...

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 t...

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 Dan...

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 f...

Day 12: BUDAPEST

Hungary’s Captivating Capital

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)

Day 13: BUDAPEST

The Pearl of the Danube

ACTIVE Hike up to a magnificent viewpoint in Budapest with your Adventure Host. Alternatively, take a free day to explore, with time to take photographs on the Royal Palace grounds in this treasure trove of historical architecture. Try B...

Day 14: 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 fantas...

Day 15: 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—Wint...

Day 16: DÜRNSTEIN. EXCURSION TO MELK–WACHAU VALLEY

A King’s Ransom and Castle Ruins

CLASSIC Take a Guided Tour of Melk’s magnificent Benedictine Abbey to marvel at its frescoed ceilings, statues, incredible library, and ornate pipe organ, OR: CLASSIC Join a Guided Walk, and hear the legendary tale of King Richa...

Day 17: 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 th...

Day 18: 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 a...

Day 19: 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)

Day 20: 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, meet the locals, and see street performers in Wenceslas Square.

(Breakfast)

Day 21: PRAGUE

Your vacation ends with breakfast this morning.

(Breakfast)

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Dates & Availability

Price From $9,976
Price per day$475
Last Updated: 3/12/2025
Departure Date
Finish Date
Base Price
Availability
26 May 2025
15 Jun 2025
$10,276
23 Oct 2025
12 Nov 2025
$9,976
12 Jul 2026
01 Aug 2026
$10,436

Port charges: $495 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.

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Avalon Waterways Reviews & Ratings

4.7/5  Excellent
Excellent
1,559
Great
145
Average
48
Disappointing
16
Terrible
47
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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...

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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

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

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

Hilton Prague Old Town

A contemporary 303 room hotel offering classic art deco inspired luxury. Free Wi-Fi internet access is available in the lobby, access in the rooms is subject to a fee (payable locally). There is also an indoor swimming pool and fitness center and the stylish restaurant offers an innovative mix of European cuisine with Asian flavors. Snacks, drinks and cocktails are served throughout the day in the lounge bar.

Prague 1

Czech Republic

V Celnici 7

Prague Marriott

Located in the heart of Prague, just a short stroll away from the Old Town Square and Charles Bridge, this sophisticated 239-room hotel combines a great location with top notch service. A smart grill restaurant serves both Czech and international cuisine, the relaxed hipster-styled Bourbon bar offers a great range of wines, cocktails and BBQ dishes. There is also an on-site Italian style café, fitness center, and free Wi-Fi connection is available throughout the property.

Prague

Czech Republic

V Celnici 8

Art Deco Imperial Hotel

An historic 126-room ornate property oozing old world glamour with architecture dating back to 1913. Free Wi-Fi access is available throughout the property. This hotel is home to the famous Cafe Imperial which specializes in traditional Czech cuisine with a modern twist and there is also a fashionable bar for drinks and snacks. The Spa offers a sauna, steam room as well as a fitness center.

Prague

Czech Republic

Na Porici 15, 110 00

Cosmopolitan Hotel Prague

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.

Prague 1

Czech Republic

Zlatnicka 3/1126

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Age Requirements
6 years and up
Optional Activities
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Additional Information
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Trip ID
AVALON-WODE

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