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:
NEED TO KNOW
Excursion selection is now available! Please log into your MyAvalon account, enter your reservation number, and navigate to "My Excursions" to register for your desired option.
- Advance excursion registration closes 3 days prior to the excursion date; you may register for excursions onboard after that.
Travel e-documents are now available! Please log into your MyAvalon account, enter your reservation number, and navigate to "My Documentation".
Your e-documents feature important information, including:
- Your reservation number (Page 3 -> “Booking Reference number”)
- Your cabin number (Page 3 -> “Accommodations”)
- Your bed configuration (Page 3 -> “Accommodations”)
- If your bed configuration is incorrect, you may change it in MyAvalon -> after logging in and entering your reservation number, navigate to “Passenger Registration.” Scroll down to “Bed Preference,” click the appropriate setup option, and click the blue “Save this Passenger’s Data” button .
- Ship contact information (Page 5)
- Please note, you should only contact the ship directly if you have an issue on arrival day; the ship will not be in port prior to that, and will not be able to address general event or cruise questions
- Ship docking location/address (Pages 5 & 6)
- Your airport departure transfer details (Page 8 -> “Departure Information”)
- If you have a departure transfer, your flight details will be listed here. Your cruise director will confirm your departure transfer time and specifics onboard.
- If your documents say, “Your departure transfer is not included” – you do not have a departure transfer. We are unable to add new transfers at this point, but you may speak with the cruise director onboard to see if arrangements can be made.
- In addition to the itinerary, the remainder of the document includes tips on everything from dress code to laundry services, embarkation day details to our fitness center, electricity to room service, and so much more – be sure to review your e-documents and keep them handy!
The AvalonGO app will be available soon. We appreciate your patience in the meantime!
Your onboard experience
YOUR ITINERARY
Day 1
Sunday, March 16
Sunday, March 16
Vienna (Embarkation)
- Embark any time after 9am.
- No post-cruise excursions are planned for this day. Please refer to the ship you are staying on during the ASTA River Cruise Expo for "city sightseeing tour" options on March 16.
- 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.
Day 2
Monday, March 17
Monday, March 17
Bratislava
Choice of included morning excursions, followed by free time to explore Bratislava this afternoon:
Bratislava, Off the Beaten Path
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:
Breathtaking 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.
Chef for a Day: Hungarian Specialties
Learn to prepare authentic Hungarian dishes - and savor your delicious handiwork afterward - at this fun and interactive cooking class!
Day 4
Wednesday, March 19
Wednesday, March 19
Mohács → Vukovar
Choice of included morning excursions, followed by a relaxing afternoon of sailing along the Danube:
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
Your choice of included excursions are:
Highlights of Vukovar (morning)
Discover the captivating culture and tradition of this welcoming town. This walking tour include a visit to the Baroque-style Eltz manor, which houses the Vukovar City Museum.
Vukovar Beer Experience (morning)
Discover the heritage, culture, and tradition of Vukovar on a walking tour of this amazing city. Visit Craft Pivovara Vukovar for a beer tasting, and taste the brewery pleasures in this magnificent city.
Museum of Vučedol Culture & Wine Tasting (morning)
Your day starts with an exploration of the Museum of Vučedol Culture which flourished between 3000 and 2200 BC. Continue on a scenic drive towards the Goldschmidt Winery; its rustic style in combination with a rhapsody of tastes and scents will make you feel the true Slavonian spirit thru a glass of fine wine!
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.
Ilok on two Wheels (afternoon)
Roll through the medieval town of Ilok on a guided bike tour along the city walls, into the central church, and the town's museum towards Principovac Castle and Estate. Take in the glorious views of Slavonia, and enjoy refreshments with insights into the history of this captivating Croatian jewel.
Day 6
Friday, March 21
Friday, March 21
Novi Sad
See the highlights of Novi Sad during an included excursion this morning, and enjoy free time to explore this afternoon.
Highlights of Novi Sad
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
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
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.
Your ship will be docked in Belgrade overnight; flights may depart at any time the following morning.
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!
Serbia on Two Wheels
Explore the nooks and crannies of Belgrade on a guided bike tour. Led by an expert guide, you will follow the Danube and experience the natural beauty and the diversity of the local area. Highlights include the sights of the Belgrade Waterfront, the statue at Staro Sajmiste (former concentration camp), and the Ada island. Your exciting cycling tour of Belgrade includes a refreshment break along the way. Note: This bicycle tour covers 16km over a 3-hour period.
Bites & Highlights of Belgrade
Explore the tastes, culture, and history of Serbia on a walking food tour of Belgrade. Indulge in a variety of domestic dishes, tempting snacks, and refreshing beverages served in authentic places along the way. Experience the full flavor of Serbian life and heritage with the hospitality of hometown Serbia—with the culinary customs preserved through generations.
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.
Your departure transfer to the Belgrade airport (if you requested one) will be reconfirmed onboard.
Cruise Rates
- Rates are per person; based on double occupancy
- Includes prepaid gratuities for your crew & cruise director as well as local guides and drivers, port charges, and airport transfers (embarkation (Vienna) & disembarkation (Belgrade) days/airports only)
- Does NOT include travel insurance (which must be purchased on your own)
- 50% single supplement
Avalon Passion Panorama Suite
$1,319 pp
(200 sq. ft.)
Avalon Passion Deluxe Stateroom
$949 pp
(172 sq. ft.)
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.