Compare From the Black Sea to the North Sea with 2 Nights Transylvania by Avalon Waterways vs European Whirl (Paris, Base) by Trafalgar

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.

(B,L,D)

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

(B,L,D)

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

(B,L,D)

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

(B,L,D)

Day 26

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

(B)

Day 1: Welcome to London

The vibrant British capital where you will spend the next two nights, enjoying the pomp and pageantry of a city that effortlessly combines old and new.

The Tower

Day 2: Discover Historic London

Join a Local Specialist this morning for a tour to see the iconic sites of London, including Big Ben, the imposing Houses of Parliament and Westminster Abbey. Spend a leisurely afternoon shopping on Carnaby Street, consider visiting one of London’s museums or wander along the Thames watching ambitious Londoners pound the pavements.

The Tower

Breakfast

Day 3: Eurostar™ to Brussels and on to Amsterdam

This morning we meet our Travel Director before traveling to London's St. Pancras International where we will board the Eurostar™ for a high-speed train journey to Brussels and a luxury coach journey to Amsterdam. Enjoy an orientation of this historic Dutch city before joining your fellow travelers and Travel Director for a dinner cruise on its canals.

Mercure City

Breakfast, Dinner

Day 4: Journey to the Rhineland and a Scenic Cruise

Driving through the lush landscapes of the Netherlands and Germany, we arrive in Boppard where we board a cruise along the Rhine to St. Goar, passing vineyard-clad hills and medieval castles perched above riverside towns. Arriving in the Baroque city of Heidelberg, we explore its unexpected highlights before traveling to our Rhineland hotel.

Sinsheim

Breakfast, Dinner

Day 5: Off to Innsbruck

Crossing the Swabian Alps on the edge of the Black Forest, we arrive in the Bavarian capital of Munich. Our orientation takes us past the Hofbrauhaus, reputedly the most famous Beerhall in the world, and the neo-Gothic Town Hall which dominates the Marienplatz. We cross the Austrian border next, arriving in Innsbruck, the capital of the Alps. Admire the Gothic, Renaissance and Baroque architecture of the Old Town, including Emperor Maximilian's famous Golden Roof with its ornate façade and consider an evening of traditional Tyrolean entertainment.

Tivoli Innsbruck

Breakfast

Day 6: Onwards to the Canals of Venice Make Travel Matter

Journey through the emerald-green landscape along the Brenner Pass into Italy and across the Dolomite Mountains to Venice. We cruise the beautiful Venetian lagoon by private launch to the gateway of Venice, St. Mark's Square. View the ornate Doge's Palace and the Bridge of Sighs, so named for the sound made by condemned prisoners as they took one last longing look at their beautiful city before meeting their fate. Enjoy a MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience where you’ll witness the centuries-old craft of Venetian glassblowing. You’ll learn how the master craftsmen shape the molten glass to make the exquisite and delicate works of art that adorn homes all over the world and perhaps be inspired to buy your own souvenir as a reminder of this special visit. There’s time later to enjoy the city your way. Get lost in Venice, cross bridges and discover hidden campi where locals share their daily stories over a glass of Venetian Spritz.

Novotel Mestre Castellana

Breakfast

Day 7: All Roads Lead to Rome Connect with Locals

Travel south across the Veneto Plain, passing Bologna and the dramatic Apennine Mountains as well as the green and golden fields of Lazio before reaching Rome, the 'Eternal City'. En route, we Connect With Locals over lunch at a Be My Guest experience and enjoy true Tuscan hospitality with a local family on their private estate in the Chianti countryside.

A. Roma Lifestyle

Breakfast, Lunch

Day 8: Discover Ancient Rome and the Vatican City

Our first stop today sees us discover the divine beauty of the Vatican City. We'll visit St. Peter's Basilica with a Local Specialist to view Michelangelo's Renaissance masterpiece, the Pietà. We continue to Ancient Rome to view Roman Forum, the walls of the iconic Colosseum and Circus Maximus, once the site of exhilarating chariot races centuries ago. The afternoon is yours to explore the city on your terms. Sit on the Spanish Steps savoring a tasty gelato, shop up a storm on the trendy Via Condotti or perhaps join an Optional Experience to see the magnificent frescoed ceiling of the Sistine Chapel.

A. Roma Lifestyle

Breakfast

Day 9: Continue to Renaissance Florence

From Rome, we travel north through the rolling countryside of Tuscany and along the Arno valley to the 'Cradle of the Renaissance', Florence. Delve into the rich Medici heritage of this beautiful medieval city with your Local Specialist. Visit the political hub of the city, Piazza della Signoria, with its impressive sculptures and stunning palazzi. View the imposing Duomo, crowned by Brunelleschi’s dome, and the Baptistery, renowned for its sculptured bronze doors.

Hilton Metropole

Breakfast

Day 10: Across the Alps to Lucerne

Drive via the scenic Italian Lakes District, across the Alps into beautiful Switzerland, where we'll spend the next two nights in the medieval lakeside city of Lucerne. View the mournful, mortally wounded lion hewn from rock to commemorate the Swiss Guards who lost their lives defending Louis XVI. Walk along the flower-lined 14th-century covered Chapel Bridge, crossing the river Reuss.

Grand Europe

Breakfast

Day 11: Explore Lucerne

This morning join an exciting Optional Experience to one of the surrounding peaks for breath taking views of the Swiss countryside. We have some time later to discover the best Swiss chocolates in town.

Grand Europe

Breakfast, Dinner

Day 12: On to Captivating Paris

Crossing the border into France this morning, we travel past the picturesque vineyards and country towns of Burgundy en route to the 'City of Lights'. Spend some time this evening strolling along the Seine and grand boulevards in search of a cozy bistro for fine French cuisine or consider an Optional Experience to a colorful Parisian cabaret.

Evergreen Laurel

Breakfast

Day 13: Discover the Sights of Paris

Join a Local Specialist today for a sightseeing tour of this romantic city. View the sophisticated Champs-Élysées, Place de la Concorde, the 19th-century Arc de Triomphe, honoring those who fought for France, and Notre Dame Cathedral, then enjoy a stroll through the Latin Quarter. Our European Whirl is almost at its end, we spend the evening with fellow travelers and our Travel Director, enjoying a Farewell Dinner in a local bistro.

Evergreen Laurel

Breakfast, Dinner

Day 14: Farewell Paris

Today bid adieu to your fellow travelers and Travel Director at the end of your memorable experience.

Breakfast