Compare From the Black Sea to the North Sea with 2 Nights Transylvania by Avalon Waterways vs Budapest to Prague Adventure by Explore!

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. EXCURSION TO TRANSYLVANIA–BRASOV Depart Bucharest for Bran Castle of Dracula lore. Take a Guided Tour of the 1377 legendary home of the famed Romanian vampire. Continue to Brasov for the night.

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Day 3

BRASOV–BUCHAREST Join a morning Guided Sightseeing Tour of Brasov, followed by an afternoon drive into the Carpathians to Sinaia to visit Peles Castle.

(B,L)

Day 4

BUCHAREST Beautiful Boulevards and Bold History

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.

Travel to Fetesti to board your Avalon Suite Ship® this afternoon.

FETESTI (EMBARKATION)

Your Balkan Adventure Begins

Explore your Avalon Suite Ship® this evening and enjoy a dinner on board.

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

EVENING/OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO ST. GHEORGHE

(B,D)

Day 5

ST. GHEORGHE. EXCURSION TO THE DANUBE DELTA From the Black Forest to the Black Sea

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 of Bavaria to its delta into the Black Sea.

AFTERNOON/OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO CERNAVODĂ

(B,L,D)

Day 6

CERNAVODĂ. EXCURSION TO CONSTANTA Romanian Commerce and Cultural Legacies on the Black Sea

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 7

ROUSSE, BULGARIA Fortresses and Fountains in Bulgaria’s “Little Vienna”

CLASSIC Join a Guided Sightseeing Tour of Bulgaria’s largest inland port and visit its impressive Holy Trinity Church, OR:

ACTIVE Join a Jog through the park with your Avalon Adventure Host.

Sail to Svistov, 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. Later, join your ship in Svistov.

This evening, enjoy live entertainment on board with a Bulgarian folklore show.

EVENING/OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO VIDIN

(B,L,D)

Day 8

VIDIN Rocks and Ruins—Things of Beauty in Bulgaria

CLASSIC Join a Guided Tour to Belogradchik to see the remarkable rock formations on the western slopes of the Balkan Mountains, sculpted by 200 million years of nature’s elements.

EVENING/OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO DONJI MILANOVAC

(B,L,D)

Day 9

DONJI MILANOVAC, SERBIA–IRON GATES GORGE. EXCURSION TO LEPENSKI VIR Ancient Art, Archaeological Artifacts, and Gauntlet of the Iron Gates

Sail through the spectacular Iron Gates Gorge—a natural border between Serbia and Romania.

CLASSIC Join a Guided Tour to Lepenski Vir—an important Mesolithic archaeological site chronicling prehistoric cultures, settlements, and art.

AFTERNOON/OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO BELGRADE

(B,L,D)

Day 10

BELGRADE, SERBIA Fortresses and Folklore of Serbia Past and Present

CLASSIC Join a Guided Sightseeing Tour of Belgrade—where the Danube and Sava Rivers converge.

DISCOVERY Attend an onboard Lecture about the rich history and culture of the Balkan states.

Later, enjoy live entertainment on board your ship before dinner.

EVENING/OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO MOHÁCS

(B,L,D)

Day 11

MOHÁCS, HUNGARY Archaeological Tombs and Turkish Architecture

CLASSIC Take a Guided Tour to nearby Pécs to see its 4th-century Christian underground tombs, murals, and Turkish architecture. You’ll also enjoy an organ concert on your tour.

AFTERNOON/OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO BUDAPEST

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Day 12

BUDAPEST The Pearl of the Danube in the Heart of Europe

The day is yours to relax and enjoy Eastern Europe’s shining city on the Danube.

OVERNIGHT DOCKING IN BUDAPEST

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Day 13

BUDAPEST The Danube’s Shining Pearl and Heroes’ Pride

CLASSIC Enjoy a Guided City Sightseeing, including the iconic Heroes’ Square.

The afternoon is free to enjoy Budapest on your own. Be sure to savor a piece of cream cake in the world-famous Gerbeaud Café. Consider a scenic hike in the hills above the Danube.

OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO BRATISLAVA

(B,L,D)

Day 14

BRATISLAVA, SLOVAKIA Castles, Vineyards, and Cosmopolitan Culture

CLASSIC Join a Guided Sightseeing Tour of Old Town’s cobblestone streets to Town Hall. Visit the gothic halls of St. Martin’s Cathedral—Kingdom of Hungary’s centuries-old coronation church, OR:

ACTIVE Follow your Avalon Adventure Host on a hike to lofty Bratislava Castle.

Alternatively, in your free time take a bicycle and a picnic from the ship to explore the local sights along the Danube. Later, enjoy live entertainment onboard.

OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO VIENNA

(B,L,D)

Day 15

VIENNA, AUSTRIA Royal Collections, Amusing Attractions, and Culinary Confections

CLASSIC Step into the legendary 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 historic Vienna Opera House and stunning St. Stephen’s Cathedral.

Join a Guided Optional Excursion to Schönbrunn Palace—the Habsburg empire summer home for 300 years.

You may also take a tram to Austria’s Prater amusement park or to one of the many museums nearby. Consider joining an Optional Excursion to attend a Royal Waltz Concert in an elegant hall.

OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO DÜRNSTEIN

(B,L,D)

Day 16

DÜRNSTEIN —WACHAU VALLEY Fairytale Castles, Kings, and Cobblestones

CLASSIC Join a Guided Walk, and hear the legendary tale of King Richard the Lionheart—who was imprisoned in the castle above the village, OR:

ACTIVE Take a Guided Hike up to the castle ruins for a spectacular view of the Wachau Valley.

Later, stretch out on the Sky Deck as you sail through the Wachau Valley past vineyards, castles, and charming villages on your way to Melk.

MELK

Striking Frescoes and Breathtaking Views of the Wachau Valley

CLASSIC Take a Guided Tour of Melk’s magnificent Benedictine Abbey to marvel at its frescoed ceilings, statues, incredible library, and ornate pipe organ.

DISCOVERY Later, enjoy a Wine Tasting on board as you prepare to sail to Passau.

EVENING/OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO PASSAU

(B,L,D)

Day 17

PASSAU, GERMANY The Three Rivers of Medieval Passau

CLASSIC Join an afternoon Guided City Walk to learn more about this beautiful “City of Three Rivers.”

Alternatively, consider a Guided Optional Excursion such as a full day in Salzburg—the city of Mozart.

EVENING/OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO REGENSBURG

(B,L,D)

Day 18

REGENSBURG Magical Regensburg—Bavaria’s Medieval Miracle

CLASSIC Join a Guided City Walk and see the Altes Rathaus (Old Town Hall) and Porta Pretoria—built in 179 AD as the entrance to Castra Regina fortress.

You may join a Guided Optional Excursion to the Benedictine Monastery in Weltenburg. This evening, enjoy live entertainment after dinner as you cruise toward Roth.

EVENING/OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO ROTH

(B,L,D)

Day 19

ROTH. EXCURSION TO NUREMBERG Living Heritage and History Lessons

DISCOVERY While sailing to Roth, 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 town of Roth—with its half-timbered houses, market square, and 1535 hunting lodge, Schloss Ratibor, OR:

CLASSIC Choose a Guided Tour of Nuremberg’s medieval architecture, gilded fountain, gothic cathedral, and Kaiserburg Castle, OR:

CLASSIC Join a Guided Tour of the historic Nuremberg Rally Grounds—used by the Third Reich.

Tonight, relax on board with live entertainment as you sail to Bamberg.

EVENING/OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO BAMBERG

(B,L,D)

Day 20

BAMBERG One Thousand Years of History in 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.

Enjoy live entertainment onboard while sailing this evening.

EVENING/OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO WÜRZBURG

(B,L,D)

Day 21

WÜRZBURG A Pearl, a Painting, and a Glass of Wine for the Perfect Afternoon

CLASSIC Take a Guided Sightseeing Tour of the “Pearl of the Romantic Road” with its Old Main Bridge, towering fortress, and baroque Bishop’s Residenz—with the largest known ceiling fresco.

On your own you may explore the city or enjoy a smoked beer. Later, enjoy onboard entertainment.

EVENING/OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO MAIN RIVER VILLAGE

(B,L,D)

Day 22

MAIN RIVER VILLAGE Hidden Gems and Bavarian Beauty of a Main River Village

Start the day with a Morning Stretch with your Avalon Adventure Host.

CLASSIC Join a Guided Walking Tour of a picturesque Main River village.

Spend free time riding a bike through the beautiful villages on the Main River shores. Later, enjoy onboard entertainment as you cruise to Rüdesheim.

EVENING/OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO RÜDESHEIM

(B,L,D)

Day 23

RÜDESHEIM—RHINE GORGE Eat, Drink, and Be Merry in Wine Country

DISCOVERY Tour the incredible Mechanical Music Museum for a one-of-a-kind instrumental experience, OR:

ACTIVE Take a Hike up to the Niederwald Monument with your Avalon Adventure Host.

DISCOVERY Based on your departure date, enjoy either a Coffee Tasting or a Wine Tasting.

This afternoon cruise through the dramatic Rhine Gorge and see the famous rock of The Lorelei—where the mythological siren lured ill-fated sailors to shore.

OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO COLOGNE

(B,L,D)

Day 24

COLOGNE Prost! Celebrate in the Rhineland’s Capital City

Start the day with a Morning Stretch with your Avalon Adventure Host.

CLASSIC Take a Guided City Walk of Cologne—explore the Old City and see its soaring twin-steepled Gothic cathedral, OR:

DISCOVERY Join a Guided Walking Tour of Cologne’s important Jewish heritage sites.

Enjoy free time over a glass of Kölsch pale lager—locally brewed for over 100 years! Local musicians will join us on board for live entertainment.

AFTERNOON/OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO AMSTERDAM

(B,L,D)

Day 25

AMSTERDAM, HOLLAND Colorful Amsterdam—with Canals, Crooked Houses, and Cuisine of a Golden Age

CLASSIC Explore the iconic waterways of Amsterdam with a Guided Canal Cruise past stately homes of Amsterdam’s “Golden Age.”

Spend free time on your own to explore the colorful cafés, galleries, bridges, and canals of Amsterdam.

OVERNIGHT DOCKING IN AMSTERDAM

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Day 26

AMSTERDAM (DISEMBARKATION) Your vacation ends with breakfast this morning.

(B)

Day 1 Join trip in Budapest, Hungary; orientation walk of the city

Our adventure begins in the Hungary's capital city, Budapest, where we spend the night. Situated on a beautiful stretch of the Danube River, the city consists of two parts: Buda and Pest. Buda is the older, more graceful part, with cobbled streets and medieval buildings, whilst the latter is the modern business centre. For those arriving on time our Leader plans to meet you in the hotel reception at 4:30pm for the welcome meeting and, utilising local transport, they will to take us on an orientation walking tour of the main sights of this impressive city. We'll see the Basilica of Saint Stephen and the Parliament buildings before crossing the Chain Bridge to the Castle District and Watertown. Here lie Buda's most ancient gems - Castle Hill with the Old Town, Fisherman's Bastion and the Royal Palace. After the tour for those that wish there will be the chance to go for dinner. If you would like an airport transfer today, you'll need to arrive into Budapest Airport (BUD). There is a lot to see and do in Budapest; if you can spare the time, we suggest arriving a day early to make the most of this fascinating city. Alternatively, you could consider combining this holiday with the Krakow to Budapest Adventure to make a two-week holiday. Please note that if you wish to join the orientation tour today, you must arrive at the hotel by 4.30pm. If you are booking your own flights, we recommend giving yourself at least one hour to clear the airport. It's around 45 minutes' drive from the airport to the hotel, so therefore the latest your flight can arrive is 2.30pm. Should you miss the meeting, your Leader will leave you information giving the meeting time for the next day in the hotel reception and will inform you of any essential information as soon as you catch up.

Meals Provided : None

Day 2 Drive to Bratislava, Slovakia with a walking tour on arrival

After the journey from Budapest we will spend a nice leisurely afternoon in historical Bratislava, the capital city of Slovakia. It used to be the capital of the former Hungarian Kingdom and was known as 'Pressburg' and went through tough times at war with the Ottoman Empire. We will walk through the Old Town's maze of pretty Medieval streets and squares surrounded by numerous cafes and trendy bistros. We pass by Michael's Gate which is the only remaining old entrance to the city, the pretty Main Square, Neoclassical Primate's Palace and Cathedral of Saint Martin. After the walk you can continue your discovery by visiting one of the oldest castles in Slovakia or by enjoying a birds eye view from city's most famous landmark, the so-called UFO bridge, which affords views over the 'panelaky' typical communist era blocks of flats and various other fairly radical urban projects.

Meals Provided : Breakfast

Day 3 Train to Vienna, Austria; chance to travel back by boat

This morning we take a short train ride (about 1 hour) to Austria's capital, Vienna, where we enjoy a walking tour of the Old City with a local guide. This should offer a good initial overview of the history and the structure of the city. Sights during the walk will include the Karlsplatz, Heroes Square, Hofburg (Imperial Palace Complex), Imperial Treasury, National Library, Spanish Riding School, Vienna's ancient housing estates, Saint Stephens Church and the Opera. We won't have time to enter any of these places on our tour but afterwards you will be free to return to visit any that you wish. You can choose to return to Bratislava by train at your leisure (we will provide a return ticket) or you may prefer to book a boat trip back along the Danube River (taking approximately 2 hours).

Meals Provided : Breakfast

Day 4 Visit to Lednice-Valtice and wine tasting in Mikulov, Czechia

We start our day with a train trip (taking around 1 hour), followed by a short bus journey to the beautiful town of Mikulov. Filled with history embodied in architectural monuments, this small town offers something for everyone. Situated in the very heart of the wine region, it has plenty of walking paths with local and family run wine cellars or wine tasting centres along the way. En route to Mikulov we stop at Lednice-Valtice Cultural Landscape, which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It's one of the largest artificial landscapes in Europe and here we will take a walk around the castle park of Chateau Lednice. In the afternoon we visit the Jewish Cemetery in Mikulov with centuries old tombs and it is the final resting place of many prominent rabbis. Following our visit we'll enjoy a wine tasting of Mikulov's local produce.

Meals Provided : Breakfast

Day 5 Train to Prague and explore on foot

A train journey takes us to our final destination of Prague, the capital city of the Czechia. Our train travel today will involve a change of trains and take approximately 4.5 hours in total. Twelve centuries have adorned it with a labyrinth of old streets and wonderful palaces and bridges. We enjoy a guided city tour, which will take in some of the main highlights including the Old Town Square and City Hall, set amid antique houses and arcades. Other sites include the Astronomical Clock, Powder Tower and Prague Ghetto, which includes the Jewish Cemetery and Synagogues. We also see Charles Bridge, the most handsome bridge over the Vltava River and the area of Hradcany which contains the castle of the Bohemian Kings.

Meals Provided : Breakfast

Day 6 Free day in Prague with the option to visit Konopiste Castle

On our second day in Prague you are free to enjoy the city at your leisure. You may wish to head by local train to the 700 year old Konopiste Castle. The castle was once owned by Archduke Ferdinand, whose assassination in Sarajevo triggered the start of World War I. A boat trip on the Vltava River is another possibility. There are also many classical music concerts to be found. If the timing is right, you may be lucky to see a performance in one of the old atmospheric churches. There the option of visiting the Bunker Museum, where a range of Cold War relics are on display from an age when paranoia and spying was at an all-time high, which is housed in a former communist bunker underneath the city.

Meals Provided : Breakfast

Day 7 Trip ends in Prague

The trip ends after breakfast at our hotel in Prague. There are no activities planned today, so you are free to depart from Prague at any time. If your flight is departing later in the day, luggage storage facilities are available at our hotel. If you would like an airport transfer today, you need to depart from Prague Airport (PRG).

Meals Provided : Breakfast