2021 River Cruises | Avalon Waterways® River Cruising From A Unique Point Of View

Highlights of Croatia with the Danube from Croatia to the Black Sea 2021

14 days Dubrovnik to Bucharest

2021 Information. Switch to 2022 »

Discover the beauty of Croatia with a Danube River cruise to the Black Sea. Before embarking on your Avalon cruise, begin with a 6-day Globus vacation to explore Croatia. Begin in Dubrovnik, and visit fascinating and beautiful Croatian cities of Ston, Split, and Zagreb. Your Globus escorted tour of Croatia includes guided sightseeing, including Krka National Park; transportation, superior hotels, and delicious meals, including a special welcome dinner.

Join your Avalon Suite Ship® in Osijek for an 8-day river cruise through the Balkans. Cruise to Belgrade, Serbia to explore the city where the Danube and Sava Rivers meet. Cruise through the Iron Gates Gorge after visiting the fascinating Fortress of Golubač. Visit the amazing archaeological site of Lepenski Vir. Sail to Vidin Bulgaria to marvel at the remarkable rock formations of the Balkan Mountains. See the incredible ancient architecture in Veliko Târnovo and Arbanassi, and take a guided tour of Constanta on Romania’s Black Sea—with a wealth of Roman history. Disembark your Suite Ship® and spend the night in Bucharest—the “Paris of the East.” See the WWI Arc de Triomphe and the Royal Palace Square, and spend free time browsing the shops and cafes of Victory Boulevard. A fascinating Danube River cruise through the beautiful Balkans.


Dates & Prices Get a Quote Book Online

Cruise at-a-Glance

Day 1 Dubrovnik:Welcome to Dubrovnik; dinner at hotelDay 2 Dubrovnik:Guided walking tour, visit Rector's PalaceDay 3 Dubrovnik-Ston-Split:Ston city sightseeing; dinner at local restaurantDay 4 Split:Guided city sightseeingDay 5 Split-Krka-Zagreb:Krka National Park guided walking tourDay 6 Zagreb:City sightseeing, visit the Cathedral; dinner at your hotelDay 7 Zagreb-Osijek (Embarkation):Transfer to Osijek; onboard welcome receptionDay 8 Belgrade:Guided tour; lecture on boardDay 9 Golubac-Donji Milanovac-Iron Gates:Visit to Golubac fortress; visit Lepenski Vir archaeological site; scenic cruise through the Iron Gates GorgeDay 10 Vidin. Excursion to Belogradchik:Guided tour in Vidin, excursion to Belogradchik, see the rock formationsDay 11 Rousse-Excursion to Veliko Târnovo and Arbanassi:Choice of full-day excursion, visit to Tsarevet's Fortress in Veliko Târnovo and to the Ethnographical Museum and the Church of the Nativity in Arbanassi, or a guided sightseeing in Rousse, or a walk in the park with your Adventure HostDay 12 Constanta:Guided sightseeing, visit the National History and Archaeological MuseumDay 13 Cernavoda (Disembarkation)-Bucharest:Guided sightseeing in BucharestDay 14 Bucharest:Your vacation ends this morning

Cruise YourWay

Avalon makes it easy to experience vacation your way with seamless extension options before and after your cruise. Your Way offers added nights in a selection of locales. From Budapest to Barcelona, you can spend a little or a lot more time getting to know more on shore with Your Way custom itineraries.

View 1 Your Way Cruise Option »

Avalon has designed included activities with a choice of experiences. We invite you to select the tours, activities, and events that interest you most, so you can experience your cruise your way. There are 3 types of included shore excursion on every Europe cruise:

Classic
Your local expert is ready to guide you through the history and heritage of local destinations. You’ll marvel at the legends, lore, and spectacular architecture of iconic and historic sites.
Discovery
We’ve found inspiring and interactive activities to speak to your interests - from cooking classes, to painting workshops - to immerse yourself in each culture you explore.
Active
Embark on energetic excursions to keep you in motion and on the go - from a guided jogging tour of Amsterdam, to biking, paddling, and hiking your way through scenic locales.
  • Plus independent exploration options and use of our exclusive AvalonGO APP.

Day-By-Day Itinerary

(B) = Breakfast   (L) = Lunch   (D) = Dinner

Day 1

(D)

DUBROVNIK, CROATIA

Welcome to Croatia!

The day is yours to explore Dubrovnik. This evening meet your Tour Director and travelling companions for a welcome dinner at your hotel.

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Day 2

(B)

DUBROVNIK

Enjoy a Guided Walking Tour of the city and visit Rector’s Palace

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Day 3

(B, D)

DUBROVNIK-STON-SPLIT

Leave Dubrovnik after breakfast and stop in Ston for a city sightseeing on your way to Split.

Enjoy dinner at a local restaurant.

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Day 4

(B)

SPLIT

Enjoy a Guided city sightseeing

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Day 5

(B)

ZAGREB

On your way to Zagreb, stop for a Guided Walking Tour at Krka National Park.

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Day 6

(B, D)

ZAGREB

Roman History in the Croatian Capital

Classic
Take a Guided Tour of the Croatian capital city of Zagreb and discover its rich history dating from the Roman times to the present day.

Tonight enjoy a dinner at the hotel

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Day 7

(B, D)

ZAGREB–OSIJEK (EMBARKATION)

Your Balkan Adventure Begins

The morning is yours to relax and enjoy Zagreb. Spend some free time exploring this fascinating city on your own to discover its Austro-Hungarian architecture. Do not miss pedestrian-friendly Tkalčićeva Street, lined with outdoor cafes.

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

This evening and enjoy a dinner on board.


EVENING/OVERNIGHT CRUISE BELGRADE
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Day 8

(B, L, D)

BELGRADE, SERBIA

Fortresses and Folklore

Join your Adventure Host for today’s special activities.

Classic
Join a Guided Sightseeing Tour of Belgrade—where the Danube and Sava Rivers converge—and see the city’s many fascinating sights, including Saint Sava, one of the world’s largest Orthodox churches.


Spend free time in Belgrade exploring Knez Mihailova Street—Belgrade’s central pedestrian thoroughfare with many lively cafés, shops, and cultural spots.

Discovery
Before dinner, attend an onboard Lecture to learn about the Danube Delta.

This evening, you might like to join an Optional Excursion for an authentic Bohemian Dinner in the Quarter of Skadarlija.

OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO GOLUBAČ
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Day 9

(B, L, D)

GOLUBAČ–DONJI MILANOVAC. EXCURSION TO LEPENSKI VIR–IRON GATES GORGE

A Formidable Fortress

Classic
Visit the Fortress of Golubač, one of the best-preserved medieval fortresses in Europe. You’ll hear about its tumultuous history as a border control defense in the Middle Ages, and a source of conflict between Serbia, the Habsburg Monarchy and the Ottoman Empire.

Enjoy a brief sailing to Donji Milanovac.

DONJI MILANOVAC

Prehistoric Stones and Iron Gates Gorge

Classic
Join a Guided Tour to Lepenski Vir—an important Mesolithic archaeological site chronicling prehistoric cultures, settlements, and art. Marvel at the ancient discoveries and artifacts, as well as the unique views the site affords of the Danube Gorge.

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

AFTERNOON/OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO VIDIN
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Day 10

(B, L, D)

VIDIN, BULGARIA

Rocks, Ruins and Beauty in Bulgaria

Join your Adventure Host for today’s special activities.

Classic
Join Guided Sightseeing in Vidin, followed by a Guided Tour of Belogradchik. Marvel at the remarkable rock formations on the western slopes of the Balkan Mountains, sculpted by 200 million years of natural elements.
AFTERNOON/OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO ROUSSE
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Day 11

(B, L, D)

ROUSSE. VELIKO TÂRNOVO & ARBANASSI EXCURSION

Cliff Houses and Revival Architecture

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, OR:
Classic
Join a Guided Sightseeing Tour of Bulgaria’s largest inland port and visit its impressive Holy Trinity Church, OR:
Active
Join a walk through the park with your Avalon Adventure Host.

OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO CONSTANTA
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Day 12

(B, L, D)

CONSTANTA, ROMANIA

Natural History at Black Sea

Visit the Adventure Center for today’s activities with your Adventure Host.

Enjoy a leisurely sailing morning.

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.
EVENING/OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO CERNAVODA
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Day 13

(B)

CERNAVODA (DISEMBARKATION)–BUCHAREST

A Night in Bucharest—the “Paris of the East”

Disembark your ship this morning and travel to Bucharest.

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.

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.

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Day 14

(B)

BUCHAREST

Your vacation ends with breakfast this morning.

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  • In the event of technical or water level issues, it may be necessary to operate the itinerary by motorcoach or alter the program, including hotel overnight when necessary.
  • Guided Tours, Optional Excursions, activities, sailing and docking schedules may be contingent on weather conditions or other issues outside of our control and could therefore be subject to change at any time.
  • Please check visa requirements with your local consulate(s); responsibility for obtaining visas rests with the traveler.

YourWay Logo

The Danube from Croatia to the Black Sea

Start Sooner, Stay Longer

Start your vacation earlier or stay longer with destination options before or after your Avalon cruise.

Ship Details

Passion

Passion

We're so passionate about our Suite Ships, we christened one the Avalon Passion. Joining our fleet of Suite Ships in 2016, the Passion graces Europe's waterways with style and relaxed luxury as only Avalon can deliver. Passengers board their home-away-from-home to find two full decks of Panorama Suites, featuring wall-to-wall, floor-to-ceiling panoramic windows that create river cruising's only Open-Air Balcony. Spanning 200 square feet, the Passion's Panorama Suites are 30% larger than the industry standard. It's the perfect place to stretch out on your window-facing Comfort Collection bed with the world at your feet. Host a private cocktail party in the spacious sitting area-comfortably accommodating six guests. On board, passengers enjoy free Wi-Fi access, complimentary computer use in public areas, a Fitness Center with state-of-the-art equipment, an elevator, and an expansive Sky Deck with shade system, premium lounge chairs, whirlpool, deck games, and the delightful Sky Bistro for al fresco lunches of light grill fare. Pack your own passions and cruise your way on the Avalon Passion.

Included Amenities

Avalon Suite Fleet

  • Complimentary Wi-Fi throughout the ship
  • Panoramic windows throughout the ship
  • Elegant, contemporary design & decor
  • Friendly, English-speaking crew & Cruise Director
  • Sky Deck with whirlpool, shade awnings, game area and premium lounges
  • Covered Observation Lounge
  • Club Lounge with 24-hour self-serve beverage station with complimentary cappuccinos, lattes, tea, hot chocolate & premium coffees, as well as treats throughout the day
  • Elevator
  • Non-smoking interior and staterooms

Fitness & Wellness

  • Fitness Center
  • Avalon Adventure Center
    Your place for active gear and excursions, including
    • Bikes
    • Canoe, kayak and jogging excursions
    • Maps for hiking, biking and jogging routes
    • Fitness and wellness activities
    • Fitbits®
    All through your Avalon Adventure HostSM
  • Active shore excursions, both included and optional

Avalon Panorama Suites & Staterooms

  • Open-Air BalconiesSM and Wall-to-Wall Panoramic Windows in all Panorama Suites
  • Comfort Collection BedsSM with choice of mattress firmness
  • Egyptian super-combed cotton linens
  • Bathrobes & slippers
  • Premium L'Occitane bath products & hairdryer
  • Large bathroom featuring shower with glass door
  • Wide selection of free movie channels and English-speaking TV
  • Individual climate control and in-room safe
  • Full-size closet and mirror
  • Additional under-bed storage
  • Complimentary bottled water daily

Staterooms & Suites

Avalon Deluxe Stateroom (Cat. D, E) - 172 sq. ft.
Avalon Deluxe Stateroom (Cat. D, E)
Features
  • Comfort Collection Beds
  • Egyptian super-combed cotton linens
  • Soft & firm pillows
  • Choice of bed configuration
  • Bedside tables with reading lamps
  • L'Occitane bath products
  • Easy under-bed luggage storage
  • Alarm clock
  • Bathrobes & slippers
  • Complimentary water
  • Individual climate control
  • Large mirror in bathroom
  • USB Ports
  • Full shower with glass door
  • Vanity and lighted makeup mirror
  • Luxurious mattress toppers
  • European-style duvets
  • Extra blankets
  • Nightly turn-down service
  • Hairdryer
  • Spacious 3-door closets with shelves for ample storage
  • Flatscreen satellite TV with English-speaking channels & over 100 free movie options
  • Direct-dial telephone
  • Well-stocked minibar
  • In-room safe
  • Elegant, contemporary design
  • Complimentary Wi-Fi
  • Two windows
  • Writing desk and chair
Panorama Suite (Cat. A, B, P) - 200 sq. ft.
Panorama Suite (Cat. A, B, P)
Features
  • Comfort Collection Beds
  • Egyptian super-combed cotton linens
  • Soft & firm pillows
  • Choice of bed configuration
  • Bedside tables with reading lamps
  • L'Occitane bath products
  • Easy under-bed luggage storage
  • Alarm clock
  • Direct-dial telephone
  • Well-stocked minibar
  • In-room safe
  • Elegant, contemporary design
  • Marble countertops in bathroom
  • USB Ports
  • 6-person sitting area
  • Writing desk and chair
  • Sofa
  • Luxurious mattress toppers
  • European-style duvets
  • Extra blankets
  • Nightly turn-down service
  • Hairdryer
  • Spacious 3-door closets with shelves for ample storage
  • Flatscreen satellite TV with English-speaking channels & over 100 free movie options
  • Make-up mirror
  • Bathrobes & slippers
  • Complimentary water
  • Individual climate control
  • Large mirror in bathroom
  • Complimentary Wi-Fi
  • Wall-to-Wall Panoramic Window with Open-Air Balcony
  • Full shower with glass door
  • Vanity and lighted makeup mirror
  • Coffee table
Royal Suite - 300 sq. ft.
Royal Suite
Features
  • Comfort Collection Beds
  • Egyptian super-combed cotton linens
  • Soft & firm pillows
  • Choice of bed configuration
  • Bedside tables with reading lamps
  • L'Occitane bath products
  • Easy under-bed luggage storage
  • Alarm clock
  • Direct-dial telephone
  • Well-stocked minibar
  • In-room safe
  • Elegant, contemporary design
  • Marble countertops in bathroom
  • USB Ports
  • 6-person sitting area
  • Writing desk and chair
  • Sofa
  • Double sinks
  • Luxurious mattress toppers
  • European-style duvets
  • Extra blankets
  • Nightly turn-down service
  • Hairdryer
  • Spacious 3-door closets with shelves for ample storage
  • Flatscreen satellite TV with English-speaking channels & over 100 free movie options
  • Make-up mirror
  • Bathrobes & slippers
  • Complimentary water
  • Individual climate control
  • Large mirror in bathroom
  • Complimentary Wi-Fi
  • Wall-to-Wall Panoramic Window with Open-Air Balcony
  • Full shower with glass door
  • Vanity and lighted makeup mirror
  • Coffee table
DECK PLANS

Hotels

 Optional Excursions

No matter what you’re into: food, wine, history, art, music or anything else, we give you the freedom to personalize your vacation with optional excursions that speak to your interests.

When you book your excursions with us, you can be assured that every optional excursion that we offer coordinates with the free time that you'll have in your destination, so you'll never have conflicts between included and optional activities. Our team of travel experts carefully selects each optional excursion that we offer to ensure that you receive the highest quality at a great value. Our tried-and-true partners have a finger on the pulse of the city in which they operate so they deliver the very best experiences. We offer experiences you cannot create on your own and because you’re booking with us, we coordinate all your transportation and timing needs.

The following optional excursions are examples only for this vacation. These may or may not be offered, and availability is subject to days of operation and seasonality. Please select a departure date to view optional excursions and pricing for a specific date (due to currency fluctuation, pricing shown is subject to change until purchased). Optional excursions are available for purchase on our MyAvalon site 90 days prior to the tour start date.

Price Ranges

$ ($50 CAD and under)
$$ ($51 - $100 CAD)
$$$ ($101 - $150 CAD)
$$$$ (Over $150)

No Excursions are available at this time.

The “Starting at” or listed price is based on the lowest price available to book. Price is per person based on twin occupancy and any applicable port charges, non-commissionable taxes and fees and intra-vacation flight are included in the price shown. Any included overnight stay in Canada, applicable GST/HST is also included in the price shown. International airfare, however, is not included. If price is crossed out, the new price shown includes a limited time promotional offer(s). Please review current promotions or deals for additional information.