The Danube from Romania to Germany with 1 Night in Bucharest (Illumination)
The Danube from Romania to Germany with 1 Night in Bucharest (Illumination)
The Danube from Romania to Germany with 1 Night in Bucharest (Illumination)
18 Days
Visiting: Bucharest, Romania, Oltenita (Embarkation), Cernavoda. Excursion To Constanta, Rousse, Bulgaria. Veliko Târnovo & Arbanassi Excursion, Vidin, Golubač, Belgrade, Novi Sad, Vukovar, Croatia, Mohács, Hungary. Excursion To Pécs, Budapest, Bratislava, Slovakia, Vienna, Austria, Ybbs. Excursion To Melk, Linz, Schlögen Oxbow, Passau, Germany, Vilshofen (Disembarkation), Europe
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Tour Overview
Sail from Romania to Hungary’s capital of Budapest through the Balkans, Hungary, and Austria on your European river cruise. Begin with an overnight stay in Bucharest for a guided sightseeing tour, including the Royal Palace Square. Travel to Oltenita to embark on your Danube River cruise, sail through the striking landscapes of the Balkans—Rousse, Bulgaria, Veliko Târnovo, and Arbanassi, one of the oldest towns in Bulgaria. Guided sightseeing in Vidin is followed by a guided tour of Belogradchik, with its ancient fortress and tremendous rock formations on the Balkan Mountains. After cruising through the narrow Iron Gates Gorge, visit Lepenski Vir for a guided tour with ancient archaeological finds. In Serbia, take a guided tour of Belgrade, including one of the world’s largest Orthodox churches, and see the most preserved Croatian fortress in Osijek. You’ll also attend a stirring performance by young students of the Franjo Kuhac music school. Tour the historic town of Pécs before sightseeing in the Hungarian capital of Budapest—the “Pearl of the Danube.” You’ll take a guided walk through Bratislava, Slovakia before cruising to Vienna—the “City of Music.” Enjoy guided sightseeing in Vienna’s historic Habsburg Empire—including the Imperial Palace, Vienna Opera House, and stunning St. Stephen’s Cathedral. Visit delightful Durnstein and Melk—charming towns in the vineyard-rich Wachau Valley. Take a guided tour and hear the legendary tale of King Richard the Lionheart in Durnstein, and tour the magnificent Benedictine Abbey high above Melk. Visit Austria’s lovely city of Linz with a tour of the city’s historic sites, then pass through the horseshoe bend of the Danube—the beautiful Schlogen Oxbow—on your way to Passau. Enjoy a guided walking tour of Germany’s “City of Three Rivers before cruising to Vilshofen, Germany, for the conclusion of your Danube River cruise.
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1: Bucharest,Romania
Location: 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.
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.BUCHAREST-PARLIAMENT.jpg
Day 2: Oltenita (Embarkation)
Location: Oltenita (Embarkation)
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
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.
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 Oltenita to board your Avalon Suite Ship® this afternoon.OLTENITA (EMBARKATION)Your Balkan Adventure BeginsExplore your Avalon Suite Ship® this evening and enjoy a dinner on board.EVENING/OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO CERNAVODA(B,D)BUCHAREST-ARC-DE-TRIOMPHE.jpg
Day 3: Cernavoda. Excursion To Constanta
Location: Cernavoda. Excursion To Constanta
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Enjoy a visit to a local winery to learn about traditional Romanian wines with a tasting.
Join a Guided Tour to Constanta, the most important commercial center in Romania, situated on the Black Sea. Visit the Natural History and Archaelogical Museum to discover the history of early Romanian cultures.
CERNAVODA. EXCURSION TO CONSTANTA Romania’s Cultural LegaciesCLASSIC Join a Guided Tour to Constanta, the most important commercial center in Romania, situated on the Black Sea. Visit the Natural History and Archaelogical Museum to discover the history of early Romanian cultures.DISCOVERY Enjoy a visit to a local winery to learn about traditional Romanian wines with a tasting.AFTERNOON/OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO ROUSSE(B,L,D)CONSTANTA.jpg
Day 4: Rousse,Bulgaria. Veliko Târnovo & Arbanassi Excursion
Location: Rousse, Bulgaria. Veliko Târnovo & Arbanassi Excursion
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
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, as well as Bulgarian revival architecture in the 15th-century town of Arbanassi.
ROUSSE, BULGARIA. VELIKO TÂRNOVO & ARBANASSI EXCURSION Fortresses and Fountains in “Little Vienna” ACTIVE Join a walk through the park in Rousse with your Avalon Adventure Host, OR:CLASSIC Join a Guided Sightseeing Tour of Bulgaria’s largest inland port and visit its impressive Holy Trinity Church.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, as well as Bulgarian revival architecture in the 15th-century town of Arbanassi.Later, join your ship in Svistov.EVENING/OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO VIDIN(B,L,D)VELIKO-TARNOVO.jpg
Day 5: Vidin
Location: Vidin
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Take a Guided Sightseeing Tour in Vidin before joining a Guided Tour to Belogradchik. See the remarkable rock formations on the slopes of the Balkan Mountains, sculpted by 200 million years of nature’s elements.
VIDIN Rocks, ruins and Balkan Beauty Ask about today’s energizing or relaxing Adventure Host activities.ACTIVE Wander and discover this town, join your Adventure Host for a walk, OR:CLASSIC Take a Guided Sightseeing Tour in Vidin before joining a Guided Tour to Belogradchik. See the remarkable rock formations on the slopes of the Balkan Mountains, sculpted by 200 million years of nature’s elements.This evening, enjoy live entertainment on board with a Bulgarian folklore show.EVENING/OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO DONJI MILANOVAC(B,L,D)VIDIN-BELOGRADSHICK.jpg
Day 6: Golubač
Location: Golubač
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
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.
DONJI MILANOVAC, SERBIA–IRON GATES GORGE. EXCURSION TO LEPENSKI VIR Ancient Artifacts and the Iron Gates Before lunch on board, you’ll sail through the spectacular and narrow Iron Gates Gorge—forming a natural border between Serbia and Romania.ACTIVE Stretch your legs, ease your mind and enjoy a walk lead by your Adventure Host, OR: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.Enjoy a brief sailing to Golubač.GOLUBAČA Formidable FortressCLASSIC 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.AFTERNOON/OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO BELGRADE(B,L,D)IRON-GATES-GORGE.jpg
Day 7: Belgrade
Location: Belgrade
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Attend an onboard Lecture to learn about the rich history, destinations, and culture of the Balkan states.
Join a Guided Sightseeing Tour of Belgrade—where the Danube and Sava Rivers converge—and see the city’s many fascinating sites, including Saint Sava—one of the world’s largest Orthodox churches.
BELGRADE Fortresses and Folklore Join your Adventure Host for today’s special activities.ACTIVE Discover Belgrade's central walkway with your Adventure Host, OR:CLASSIC Join a Guided Sightseeing Tour of Belgrade—where the Danube and Sava Rivers converge—and see the city’s many fascinating sites, including Saint Sava—one of the world’s largest Orthodox churches.You may choose to spend free time in Belgrade exploring Knez Mihailova Street—Belgrade’s central pedestrian thoroughfare with many lively cafés, shops, and cultural spots.DISCOVERY Attend an onboard Lecture to learn about the rich history, destinations, and culture of the Balkan states. OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO NOVI SAD(B,L,D)BELGRADE-SAINT-SAVA.jpg
Day 8: Novi Sad
Location: Novi Sad
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Experience the sweet life in Serbia with a visit and tasting at the Museum of Beekeeping and Živanović Wine Cellar in Sremski Karlovci.
Join a Guided Tour of Novi Sad, the second largest town in Serbia. Admire its Austro-Hungarian old town, with its baroque buildings, and ancient fortifications.
NOVI SAD A Capital of CultureACTIVE Get your daily dose of exercise, join your Adventure Host on this walk in and around town, OR:CLASSIC Join a Guided Tour of Novi Sad, the second largest town in Serbia. Admire its Austro-Hungarian old town, with its baroque buildings, and ancient fortifications.ACTIVE Enjoy a walking tour in Novi Sad along the narrow streets that climb slowly to the top of the hill above the city to Petrovaradin Fortress, OR:DISCOVERY Experience the sweet life in Serbia with a visit and tasting at the Museum of Beekeeping and Živanović Wine Cellar in Sremski Karlovci.This evening, enjoy live entertainment on board.OVERNIGHT DOCKING IN ILOK(B,L,D)NOVI-SAD.jpg
Day 9: Vukovar,Croatia
Location: Vukovar, Croatia
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Take a walking tour of Ilok with a wine tasting in a local cellar with stories of Croatian tradition.
Enjoy a walking tour of Vukovar, the city the largest river port in Croatia.
ILOK, CROATIA Croatian Heritage and Hilltop VintagesDISCOVERY Take a walking tour of Ilok with a wine tasting in a local cellar with stories of Croatian tradition.VUKOVAR, CROATIA The Heroic Town on the DanubeCLASSIC Enjoy a walking tour of Vukovar, the city the largest river port in Croatia.EVENING/OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO MOHÁCS(B,L,D)ILOK.jpg
Day 10: Mohács,Hungary. Excursion To Pécs
Location: Mohács, Hungary. Excursion To Pécs
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Take a Guided Tour to nearby Pécs to see its 4th-century Christian underground tombs, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, with fascinating murals. You’ll also enjoy an organ concert on your tour.
MOHÁCS, HUNGARY. EXCURSION TO PÉCS Underground Tombs and Heavenly MusicCLASSIC Join a morning Guided Sightseeing Tour of Mohács—the quiet Danube harbor town with its historical memorial parks, statues, and distinctive churches. Tour the remarkable medieval St. Nicholas Watermill—one of only a few remaining watermills performing stone-ground grain processing, OR:CLASSIC Take a Guided Tour to nearby Pécs to see its 4th-century Christian underground tombs, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, with fascinating murals. You’ll also enjoy an organ concert on your tour.AFTERNOON/OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO BUDAPEST(B,L,D)PECS.jpg
Day 11: Budapest
Location: Budapest
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Enjoy a Guided City Sightseeing, including the iconic Heroes’ Square.
BUDAPEST Hungary’s Captivating CapitalACTIVE Hike up to a magnificent viewpoint in Budapest with your Adventure Host, OR:CLASSIC Enjoy a Guided City Sightseeing, including the iconic Heroes’ Square.Take in the beauty of Budapest while enjoying a free afternoon exploring such famous sights as the Chain Bridge. Get to know the city’s cafés and pubs, or take a hike through the hills above the Danube.OVERNIGHT DOCKING IN BUDAPEST(B,L,D)BUDAPEST-HEROS-SQUARE.jpg
Day 12: Budapest
Location: Budapest
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
BUDAPEST The Pearl of the DanubeVisit the Adventure Center for today’s activities with your Adventure Host.This afternoon choose among a wide selection of Optional Guided Excursions or take a free day to explore, with time to take photographs on the Royal Palace grounds in this treasure trove of historical architecture. Try Budapest’s famous thermal bath spas, then dine in a garden or rooftop eatery.EVENING/OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO BRATISLAVA(B,L,D)BUDAPEST-COFFEE-PASTRY.jpg
Day 13: Bratislava,Slovakia
Location: Bratislava, Slovakia
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Take a Guided City Walk, including the quaint streets of Old Town, Town Hall, and the site of royal coronations at fantastic St. Martin’s Cathedral.
BRATISLAVA, SLOVAKIA Cathedral Coronations and a Crowning CastleACTIVE Follow your Avalon Adventure Host on a hike to lofty Bratislava Castle, OR: CLASSIC Take a Guided City Walk, including the quaint streets of Old Town, Town Hall, and the site of royal coronations at fantastic St. Martin’s Cathedral.This afternoon, enjoy free time to discover on your own Bratislava, the beautiful capital of Slovakia, rich in history and culture, but also a green city with its forests and parks just a hop away from the city center. OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO VIENNA(B,L,D)BRATISLAVA.jpg
Day 14: Vienna,Austria
Location: Vienna, Austria
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Join A Guided Tour to explore Freiburg’s medieval city center, sheltered by the Black Forest amid vineyards and gardens of the Upper Rhine Valley.
VIENNA, AUSTRIA Strauss, Schnitzel, Strudel, and SachertorteACTIVE Explore Vienna's Danube Island by bike with your Adventure Host, OR:CLASSIC Explore the Habsburg empire with a morning Guided City Tour of Vienna’s gilded landmarks. See the Imperial Palace complex—Winter residence of the Imperial Family, the iconic Vienna Opera House and stunning St. Stephen’s Cathedral, OR:CLASSIC Join A Guided Tour to explore Freiburg’s medieval city center, sheltered by the Black Forest amid vineyards and gardens of the Upper Rhine Valley.You may decide to take a Guided Optional Excursion to Schönbrunn Palace—summer home of the Habsburg Empire. Spend free time strolling in the Kärntnerstrasse—the most famous shopping avenue in central Vienna, or take a bike ride to a local café for Sachertorte or Apfelstrudel.This evening, enjoy an unforgettable musical performance with an Optional Excursion to attend a Royal Waltz Concert in an elegant hall.OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO DÜRNSTEIN(B,L,D)VIENNA-HOFBURG-PALACE.jpg
Day 15: Ybbs. Excursion To Melk
Location: Ybbs. Excursion To Melk
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Take a Guided Tour of Melk’s magnificent Benedictine Abbey to marvel at its frescoed ceilings, statues, incredible library, and ornate pipe organ.
DÜRNSTEIN–WACHAU VALLEY A King’s Ransom and Castle RuinsACTIVE Join a Guided Hike up to the castle ruins to take in the spectacular view of the village, Danube, and the Wachau Valley below, OR: CLASSIC Join a Guided Walk, and hear the legendary tale of King Richard the Lionheart—who was imprisoned in the castle during the Crusades.Later, stretch out on the Sky Deck as you sail through the Wachau Valley past vineyards, castles, and charming villages on your way to Ybbs.ACTIVE Alternatively join your Adventure Host for a bike along the river.YBBS. EXCURSION TO MELK Frescoes Above and Vineyards BelowCLASSIC Visit the Lower Austrian little town of Ybbs. Walk through the doors of Austrian history with a guided sightseeing tour of Artstetten Castle, OR:CLASSIC Take a Guided Tour of Melk’s magnificent Benedictine Abbey to marvel at its frescoed ceilings, statues, incredible library, and ornate pipe organ.EVENING/OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO LINZ (B,L,D)DURNSTEIN.jpg
Day 16: Linz
Location: Linz
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Take a Guided Walk through the city’s historic and beautiful sites along the shore of the Danube and see Hauptplatz—Austria’s largest medieval square—and the towering white-marble Trinity Column.
LINZ Legendary, Lovely LinzAsk about today’s energizing or relaxing Adventure Host activities.CLASSIC Take a Guided Walk through the city’s historic and beautiful sites along the shore of the Danube and see Hauptplatz—Austria’s largest medieval square—and the towering white-marble Trinity Column.Consider a full-day Guided Optional Excursion to Salzburg-the city of Mozart-or to the picturesque Bohemian town of Cesky Krumlov.You may otherwise spend the afternoon on a biking picnic along the banks of the Danube, or hike through Linz’s beautiful nature trails to Pöstlingberg for a bird’s-eye view of the city and river below. OVERNIGHT DOCKING IN LINZ(B,L,D)LINZ.jpg
Day 17: Schlögen Oxbow,Passau,Germany
Location: Schlögen Oxbow, Passau, Germany
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Take a Guided City Walk into Passau, the beautiful “City of Three Rivers.”
SCHLÖGEN OXBOW–PASSAU, GERMANY Where the Danube, Inn, and Ilz Rivers MeetThis morning, cruise through the Schlögen Oxbow, a particularly beautiful horseshoe-shaped bend of the river.ACTIVE Join your Avalon Adventure Host for Hiking from Oberhaus along a trail down to the valley and along Ilz River, OR:CLASSIC Take a Guided City Walk into Passau, the beautiful “City of Three Rivers.” Before sailing to Vilshofen, take a little free time to explore Passau’s cobblestone streets and galleries of Artists’ Alley. Maybe stop at St. Stephen’s Cathedral to catch a concert rehearsal. EVENING/OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO VILSHOFEN(B,L,D)PASSAU.jpg
Day 18: Vilshofen (Disembarkation)
Location: Vilshofen (Disembarkation)
Meals Included: Breakfast
VILSHOFEN (DISEMBARKATION) Your vacation ends with breakfast this morning.Flights should not leave Munich airport before 8 am.(B)VILSHOFEN-SUNRISE.jpg
Notes
- 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.
Rivers
Danube
Accommodation
Bucharest:Radisson Blu
Check out our Q&As
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Cuisine
All meals on board are prepared by accomplished chefs who prepare regional specialties as well as familiar favorites with only the freshest, local ingredients. Our Suite Ships® feature daily buffet-style breakfast and lunch with your choice of soups, main courses with starter, salad, or sandwich, and, of course, dessert. Complimentary room service is also available with Continental breakfast, lunch, and dinner. On the Mekong and Ganges, a mix of Western and local dishes is offered; in the Galápagos, you'll be able to taste some Ecuadorian specialties; and in the Amazon, you will be able to sample Peruvian specialties along with Western dishes.
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Cruise Director
A professional, experienced, English-speaking Cruise Director accompanies every departure. Naturalists are on board in the Amazon and Galápagos. Special Interest cruises typically include an expert specific to the cruise theme—from Wine Masters to History Experts.
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What about young travellers and children?
In our many years of cruising experience, we have found that children under the age of eight typically are too young to fully enjoy a cruise vacation. Because of this and for the safety and enjoyment of all passengers, we do not accept children under eight years of age. In addition, please note that there are no special arrangements or activities for children on our ships.
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What are single room supplements?
For single travellers who prefer the privacy of their own room and stateroom, single accommodation can, of course, be requested.
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Clothing & Dress Code
Your comfort is our first concern. Onboard and onshore dress codes are casual. Please bring comfortable walking shoes for sightseeing. Dinner attire is casual—open-neck shirts and slacks for men; slacks, skirts, or dresses for ladies. Coats and ties may be worn if preferred. The Welcome and Farewell Dinners in Europe are dressy, but not formal. On the Mekong, Ganges, Amazon, and Galápagos, dress attire, including coats and ties, is not recommended due to the warm, humid climate.
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When will I receive my digital travel documents?
Avalon will email you a set of travel documents, which includes a copy of your itinerary and, where applicable, information on your hotels and optional excursions. Electronic Travel documents, including applicable eTicket receipts, itineraries, and other information are sent approximately 2-3 weeks prior to departure, provided full payment has been received.
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Where can I find the docking location for my cruise ship?
Avalon Waterways strives to bring you the best docking locations along Europe’s rivers. In many cities, this includes multiple docking sites. Docking positions at each port are assigned by local authorities, and may vary depending upon the number of ships in port on any given day. This can sometimes result in double-docking with more than one ship assigned to the same dock and the ships “rafted” together, temporarily obstructing some views from on board the ships. Exact docking locations will be available 24-72 hours prior to embarkation. Before your cruise’s docking location is available, you can download a map of all possible docking sites for your embarkation city at www.AvalonWaterwaysPorts.com. Once your ship’s docking assignment is available, you can download a map that shows only that specific location, including address.
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Are Avalon River Cruises Handicap Accessible?
Avalon Waterways makes reasonable attempts to accommodate the special needs of disabled and mobility impaired travellers but is not responsible in the event it is unable to do so. Because we cannot provide individual assistance to travellers in many situations, and most of our transportation services are not equipped with wheelchair ramps, we recommend that you view our terms and conditions for details or contact us to learn more.
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Internet Access
All Avalon ships in Europe have complimentary Wi-Fi available. On the Mekong and Ganges, complimentary Wi-Fi access is available in the Panorama Lounge. The signal is not always reliable, as you will be cruising through remote areas. To access the ship's Wi-Fi Internet network, you will be given a PIN number at reception to use on your laptop, tablet, or mobile device. Wi-Fi is not available in the Amazon or Galápagos.
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Onboard Language
The language on board is English. All staff, crew, and tour guides speak English. All announcements and commentary will be in English.
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Friday - Monday
Oct 11, 2024 - Oct 28, 2024Book with Confidence
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Low Deposit
Avalon Waterways requires a minimum deposit of 200 GBP per person or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 90 days before departure.
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Cancellation Policy
We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of avalon waterways charges.
Up to 91 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.
At 90 days before tour starts: Forfeit 35% of booking price.
At 59 days before tour starts: Forfeit 50% of booking price.
At 29 days before tour starts: Forfeit 80% of booking price.
At 1 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.