Name: The Danube from Romania to Germany
Brand: Avalon Waterways
Rating: 4 (1 reviews)

Overview

Discover Northern Europe and Baltic Sea over 14 nights aboard the Avalon Illumination - sail with Avalon Waterways from Amsterdam. You'll step ashore at 3 ports across Northern Europe and Baltic Sea, with standout stops at Cologne and Bamberg along the way. This is a cruise that combines the thrill of discovering new destinations with the comfort and luxury of life aboard the Avalon Illumination. Secure your place from just £3,500 per person on this exceptional Avalon Waterways cruise.

Avalon Waterways

Avalon's suite ships in Europe and Southeast Asia boast wall-to-wall windows that transform cabins into open-air balconies, and there are also river-facing beds to make the most of passing views.

The line’s Active & Discovery sailings have optional action-packed experiences alongside traditional shore tours.

Avalon Waterways also offers short-break cruises of three and four nights.

Cruise Itinerary

Days 1-2

Amsterdam

Amsterdam is the Netherlands’ lively capital, famous for its historic canals and art museums. Cruising into the city reveals a network of waterways lined with tall, narrow houses with ornate gables, a hallmark of Dutch Golden Age architecture. The city’s past as a busy trading city can be seen in its harbour and historic buildings.Exploring on foot or by bike, visitors can check out world-class museums such as the Van Gogh Museum and the Rijksmuseum, alongside the poignant Anne Frank House. The city’s compact centre makes it easy to wander through charming neighbourhoods like Jordaan with its boutique shops, cafés and galleries.Despite its popularity, Amsterdam maintains a relaxed vibe with leafy canals and parks offering a peaceful break from the busy centre.

Day 3

Cologne

Cologne has roots going back to Roman times. Dominating the skyline is the Cologne Cathedral, a UNESCO World Heritage site and one of Europe’s largest Gothic churches. Don’t miss a visit to see its soaring spires, intricate façades and stained-glass windows.Beyond the cathedral, Cologne’s Old Town features cobbled streets lined with colourful medieval houses, cosy beer halls and cafés where the local Kölsch beer is served. The city has a vibrant cultural scene, with museums dedicated to Roman history, modern art and chocolate.The Rhine promenade is a good option for a relaxed walk and a chance to check out the city’s bridges.

Day 4

Rüdesheim

Day 5

Miltenberg

Day 6

Würzburg

Day 7

Volkach

Day 8

Bamberg

Day 9

Roth

Day 10

Regensburg

This pretty German city is remarkably well-preserved, with landmarks including a notable cathedral and a bridge that has inspired fascinating local lore. It’s also a beer lover’s paradise, with atmospheric spots to try the local varieties, complemented by traditional sausage and sauerkraut.

Day 11

Passau

Owing to its position at the confluence of the Danube, the Inn and the Ilz, this German city has enjoyed a long history as a religious and commercial centre. Today, you can peer into its storied past and learn about its prince bishops' courts and mysterious guilds. Also, St Stephen's Cathedral is home to the biggest organ outside of the USA.

Day 12

Melk

This city is full of historical treasures, but Melk Abbey, renowned for its Baroque architecture, makes it a must-visit destination on the Danube.

Day 13

Vienna

The Austrian capital is full of old-world charm. Art lovers marvel at the works of the old masters while the musically inclined head to a gilded concert hall to listen to a world-class orchestra or a ballroom for a Viennese Waltz workshop. For foodies, there's plenty to surprise and delight, from the high-ceilinged coffeehouses to the traditional wine bars that embody gemütlichkeit (the Austrian answer to hygge).

Days 14-15

Budapest

Many Danube cruises start or end in Budapest, and the Hungarian capital remains a highlight for passengers. It’s a crowd-pleaser of a city, with something for everyone – muscle-melting thermal spas for those seeking relaxation, museums packed with artefacts for the culturally curious and ruin bars for travellers searching for an offbeat adventure.

Days 1-2

Amsterdam

Day 3

Cologne

Day 4

Rüdesheim

Day 5

Miltenberg

Day 6

Würzburg

Day 7

Volkach

Day 8

Bamberg

Day 9

Roth

Day 10

Regensburg

Day 11

Passau

Day 12

Melk

This city is full of historical treasures, but Melk Abbey, renowned for its Baroque architecture, makes it a must-visit destination on the Danube.

Day 13

Vienna

Days 14-15

Budapest

166

Passengers

Crew

2014

Launched

2775t

Tonnage

135m

Length

12m

Width

12kts

Speed

Decks

EUR

Currency

Avalon Illumination

Shining bright in Avalon's award-winning fleet of Suite Ships, the Avalon Illumination features two full decks of Panorama Suites with wall-to-wall, floor-to-ceiling panoramic windows that transform your living space into river cruising's only Open-Air Balcony.

All Prices

Customer reviews

Reviews

Great service and cabin

Panorama Suite was great although really a good sized room, not a suite. Service was excellent, room cleaned twice a day. Food delicious though slightly better at the start of the trip. Would have liked a few more activity options so will be back for an Active and discovery cruise next time.

Avalon Waterways Avalon Poetry II

Reviews

2023-06-02 15:06:50

First time doing a river cruise - Amsterdam to Basel -, it was quite a different experience from the mid-size ships ocean cruises. I enjoyed the cozy atmosphere without loosing your privacy, the attention to detail by the staff small team, the fine dining from breakfast to diner to snacks. The surprised from a less romantic Rhine River than I was expecting was largely compensated by the thrill at each gate crossing (and there are many!) that makes this cruise so special. A marvellous way to see my beloved Europe from a different angle!

Avalon Waterways Avalon Vista

Reviews

2023-03-28 14:56:18

Avalon Waterways Avalon Impression

Reviews

2023-02-15 19:11:22

Avalon Waterways Avalon Expression

Reviews

2022-10-24 19:07:40

Had a super river cruise through Provence in the searing heat of the summer. We were worried that the river might be too low but it was fine. All the excursions were wonderful, not too long or arduous and l would never have thought that ld be inspired to emulate Van Gogh's Starry Night. What a brilliant trip, everything was wonderful, the only down side was the long transfer back to Lyons to fly home. With hindsight l would have chosen a rail option Thanks

Avalon Waterways Avalon Poetry II

Reviews