Start this incredible journey with an excursion from Bucharest into Transylvania. Sail to the mouth of the Danube where it flows into the Black Sea, explore the Danube Delta, and visit many exciting cities along the Danube River. From Budapest to Nuremberg, this river cruise focuses on wine, and you’ll be joined on board by a Master of Wine who will share his knowledge and expertise at lectures, wine tastings, and an exclusive food and wine-pairing dinner. A visit to a cellar in Mĕlník introduces you to some of the wines of the Czech Republic.

From Bucharest, Romania’s capital, journey into Transylvania to visit Dracula’s Bran Castle and Peles Castle in the Carpathians. Bucharest is known for its wide, tree-lined boulevards and historical treasures. During guided sightseeing, you’ll see the Arc de Triomphe and historical Royal Palace Square. Travel to Fetesti and sail to the mouth of the Danube River, then visit the serene Danube Delta, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. There’s guided sightseeing in Constanta; Bulgaria’s ancient capital, Veliko Tarnovo; and Arbanassi; take pictures of Belogradchik’s eclectic rock formations and the spectacular scenery of the Iron Gates. A local expert introduces you to Serbia’s capital of Belgrade; and in Pecs, Hungary, visit the Underground Tombs, another UNESCO World Heritage Site. In lively Budapest, guided sightseeing shows you all the must-see sights. In Austria’s magical capital of Vienna, revel in the sights of Hofburg Palace, the Vienna Opera House, and much more. Your Europe river cruise continues to charming Dürnstein and Melk for a visit of the magnificent 11th-century Benedictine Abbey. Later, enjoy a tasting of the Wachau Valley’s famous wines. There’s guided sightseeing in Passau, Regensburg, and Nuremberg.

Your Danube river cruise vacation concludes in Prague, one of Europe’s best-preserved cities. See the many historical treasures with a local expert and join an excursion to nearby Mĕlník for a visit to the Lobkowicz family vineyards and wine cellars for a perfect ending to a memorable river cruise vacation!

City Highlights

Day 1 Bucharest. welcome to BucharestDay 2 Bucharest. Excursion to Transylvania-Brasov: guided visit of Dracula’s Bran CastleDay 3 Brasov–Bucharest: guided sightseeing in Brasov and Peles CastleDay 4 Bucharest–Fetesti (Embarkation): guided sightseeing in Bucharest; onboard welcome receptionDay 5 St. Gheorghe: excursion to Danube Delta; Km 0 celebration; onboard lectureDay 6 Cernavodă: excursion to Constanta; guided sightseeing, visit the National History & Archaeological MuseumDay 7 Rousse. Excursion to Veliko Târnovo & Arbanassi: guided sightseeing, visit Tsarevets Fortress in Veliko Târnovo, and the Ethnographical Museum and Church of the Nativity in Arbanassi; or guided sightseeing of RousseDay 8 Vidin–Belogradchik: guided sightseeing to Vidin’s fortress; excursion to Belogradchik to see the rock formationsDay 9 Iron Gates: cruise through the Iron Gates gorge; visit Lepenski Vir archaeological exhibitionDay 10 Belgrade: guided sightseeingDay 11 Mohács: Excursion to Pécs, organ concertDay 12 Budapest: guided sightseeing, see Fishermen’s Bastion Day 13 Budapest–Vienna: cruising; onboard wine tasting and lecture by our Master of Wine Day 14 Vienna: guided sightseeing; onboard Food and Wine pairing dinner Day 15 Dürnstein–Melk: guided walk in Dürnstein, see the Stiftskirche; guided visit of the Benedictine Abbey; wine tastingDay 16 Passau: guided walk Day 17 Regensburg: guided walk; enjoy a snack at the Historische Wurstküche; Day 18 Nuremberg: choice of guided sightseeing, or Nuremberg Rally Grounds tour Day 19 Nuremberg (Disembarkation)–Prague: travel to Prague Day 20-21 Prague: guided sightseeing, see the Astronomical Clock and visit Hradčany Castle grounds; excursion to Melnik; free time Day 22 Prague: your vacation ends this morning

Notes

In the event of water level problems or any problems of a technical nature, it may be necessary to operate the itinerary by motorcoach or to alter the program. Included visits and special features are subject to change. If a change is necessary, a substitute will be offered. Please check visa requirements with your local consulate(s); responsibility for obtaining visas rests with the traveler.

PRODUCT_LINE: AVALON-WONE-T1-2018