AVALON WATERWAYS
POST-FAM CRUISE
(7 NIGHTS)
POST-FAM CRUISE
(7 NIGHTS)
2025 ASTA River Cruise Expo
8 Days, 7 Nights | Vienna to Belgrade
March 16 - 23, 2025
Onboard the Avalon Passion Suite Ship
Onboard the Avalon Passion Suite Ship
CRUISING, ELEVATED
Itinerary and ship overview
Your cruise at a glance
A diverse range of hands-on adventures - that also engage your heart and mind - await you on this 7-night Danube River cruise. After enjoying your final day of the ASTA River Cruise Expo in Vienna, board the Avalon Passion on Sunday, March 16. The next morning, sail to Bratislava, and choose from excursions like a "Create Your Own Masterpiece" painting class or a hike to Bratislava castle. Continue to Budapest, and see the city on two wheels, wander through must-see sites, or simply enjoy free time. Sail on to Mohacs, Vukovar, and Ilok, enjoying a variety of excursions along the way. Next up: Novi Sad. See the city, enjoy a "Day of Wine and Honey," or hit the trail and see the Petrovaradin Fortress. End your incredible journey with sightseeing in Belgrade, where you will disembark on Sunday, March 23.
Breakfast; lunch; afternoon tea, coffee & cake; happy hour; and dinner are included onboard daily. Expert local guides will lead all excursions.
Excursions will be available to book online 30-45 days in advance of your cruise; you will be notified via email when excursion options open.
Itinerary & excursions subject to change
Your ship: The Avalon Passion
Take one step aboard our modern, luxurious Suite Ship with the grandest views in cruising, and you’ll see how the tides are changing.
See photos of the Avalon Passion and learn more here:
Cruise Rates
- Rates are per person; based on double occupancy
- Includes prepaid gratuities for your crew and cruise director, port charges, and airport transfers (embarkation (Vienna) & disembarkation (Belgrade) days/airports only)
- Does NOT include gratuities for your guides and drivers
- 50% single supplement
Avalon Passion Panorama Suite
$1,319 pp
(200 sq. ft.)
Avalon Passion Deluxe Stateroom
$949 pp
(172 sq. ft.)
Your onboard experience
YOUR ITINERARY
Day 1
Sunday, March 16
Sunday, March 16
Vienna (Embarkation)
- Embark any time after 9am.
- Please note, staterooms may not be available until 4pm. All public spaces and restrooms will be accessible throughout the day.
- "All aboard time" is 5pm.
- Arrival transfers from the Vienna airport are available at no charge (embarkation day only).
- Transfers are individual, based on each guest's flight arrival time. We will collect your flight information in February 2025; your transfer details will be provided after that time.
Day 2
Monday, March 17
Monday, March 17
Bratislava
Choice of included morning excursions:
Bratislava, Jewel of Slovakia
Embark on a short walk along the cobblestone streets of the Old Town. See hilltop Bratislava Castle; onion-domed Michael's Gate; the Old Town Hall; St. Martin’s Cathedral; and more. Afterward, there’s free time to explore on your own.
"Create Your Own Masterpiece" Painting Class
Stroll through the city center and be treated to a painting workshop in the downtown district. Learn the techniques of artist Andy Warhol to create your own masterpiece!
Hit The Trail: Slovakian Wine Traditions & Tastes
Explore traditional and modern winemaking with a drive to the 17th century Raca Winehouse. Enjoy a scenic hike through the forest and vineyards of Raca, followed by a wine tasting.
Day 3
Tuesday, March 18
Tuesday, March 18
Budapest
Enjoy free time this afternoon. Your choice of morning excursions includes:
Wonders of Budapest
Explore Buda and Pest, including the fascinating Castle District and Fishermen's Bastion for incredible views; enjoy an orientation drive that stops at Heroes’ Square; visit the neo-Renaissance Opera House; and learn about famous Hungarian kings and dukes.
Budapest on Two Wheels: City Highlights
Explore Budapest's hidden gems and treasures by bike! See monumental cathedrals and castles, elegant shopping streets, bustling historic squares, and so much more.
Meet Fabulous Budapest
Join a local Hungarian to meet local shop owners, collectors, and everyday people. Ride local transportation, including a scenic tram line; check out fresh products at a bustling market; admire stunning local scenery, and taste local specialties. An incredible way to meet fabulous Budapest and its people!
Hike to Budapest's Citadel with your Adventure Host
Witness a breathtaking view of Budapest, and see all of the bridges that cross the Danube.
Day 4
Wednesday, March 19
Wednesday, March 19
Mohács → Vukovar
Choice of included morning excursions:
Marvels of Mohács
See fascinating Old Town, starting with a visit to the medieval Saint Nicholas Watermill, where the creek flows through the building. Then, visit the interactive Busó House museum, dedicated to the town’s very unique Carnival event!
Pécs, Cultural Pearl of Hungary
With its historical buildings and fascinating culture, Pécs is rightly called Hungary’s “Cultural Pearl”. From the 15th-century circular Barbican defensive bastion, see the magnificent Saints Peter and Paul Cathedral. Enjoy an organ concert, then on to Cella Septichora, the archaeological ruins of an ancient Christian burial site. Continue downtown to the main square, with its Trinity Column and lovely baroque buildings. Stop at the Pasha Gazi Kassim Mosque, then stroll to the Barbacan for your return to Mohács.
Day 5
Thursday, March 20
Thursday, March 20
Vukovar → Ilok → Novi Sad
Included excursions:
Highlights of Vukovar (morning)
Discover the captivating culture and tradition of this welcoming town. This walking tour visits the Baroque-style Eltz manor, which houses the Vukovar City Museum. Take in the views from its wide park surrounding the castle, which reflects on the waters of the Danube in a resplendent green.
Tastes and Traditions in Ilok (afternoon)
Enjoy a walking tour with delightful wine tasting in the elegant Croatian town of Ilok. Discover the rich history and cultural contrasts woven into this marvelous medieval city. Refresh your spirit with a wine tasting in a local cellar and hear the stories of culture and tradition in the natural beauty of Eastern Croatia.
Day 6
Friday, March 21
Friday, March 21
Novi Sad
See the highlights of Novi Sad during an included excursion this morning, and enjoy a choice of included afternoon excursions.
Highlights of Novi Sad (morning)
Explore the sights of Novi Sad, where the Petrovaradin fortress stands as “the Gibraltar of the Danube.” See the Town Hall, House of Albert and Mileva Einstein, the Regional Assembly, and other local sights. Take a walk through the old Town Park and picturesque pedestrian area to the main square for lovely views and shops.
Days of Wine & Honey in Serbia (afternoon choice #1)
Learn about the art of beekeeping and traditional honey production, as well as the famous local Bermet wine, at the Museum of Beekeeping and Živanović Wine Cellar in Sremski Karlovci. Enjoy a honey and wine tasting in this beautiful locale.
Hit The Trail Hike: Petrovaradin Fortress (afternoon choice #2)
Enjoy a scenic walking tour in Novi Sad along the narrow streets that climb slowly to the top of the hill above the city. Take in the panoramic views of modern day Novi Sad from the picturesque vantage point of this ancient stronghold. (Note: terrain is moderately challenging.)
Day 7
Saturday, March 22
Saturday, March 22
Novi Sad → Belgrade
Enjoy an included morning excursion, noted below, followed by free time in Belgrade this afternoon.
Belgrade, Pride of the Balkans
Get a proper introduction to Belgrade, capital of the Serbs since 1403. Stroll past its impressive palaces, squares, and cathedrals, and through its atmospheric Bohemian neighborhoods. Admire the very diverse Habsburg, Ottoman, and Tito-era buildings, as well as a growing collection of exciting modern architectural gems!
Day 8
Sunday, March 23
Sunday, March 23
Belgrade (Disembarkation)
Disembarkation details are forthcoming. Staterooms must be vacated by 9am; you are welcome to store your luggage, and access public areas and restrooms, after that time.
Departure transfers to the Belgrade airport are available at no charge (disembarkation day only).
Transfers are individual, based on each guest's flight departure time. We will collect your flight information in February 2025; your transfer details will be provided after that time.
Cruising, elevated
No other fleet of river cruise ships offers you a view of the world like Avalon's Suite Ships.
Learn more about the Avalon difference, and get your questions answered, here.
