As we all experience this unconventional “layover,” Avalon Waterways has revealed details of its 2021 season, including six new ports and three new itineraries.
The new ports are situated along the Danube River, which winds and bends through 10 countries to carve a historic path through fairytale villages, capital cities, cliffside castles and forested slopes. While the three new European river cruise vacations feature Croatia, Serbia, Romania and Bulgaria.
“On our all-new Balkan Odyssey cruise, travelers will embark on an adventure along the Danube and Drava rivers for an unforgettable journey through time and tradition,” said Pam Hoffee, managing director of Avalon Waterways in a press release statement. “This itinerary is perfectly book-ended with two nights in both Bucharest and Zagreb and represents our Danube expansion, giving travelers more ports and more possibilities for their river cruise exploration.”
The Danube River ports include Ilok, the easternmost town in Croatia, surrounded by wine growing hills and protected by a medieval fortress. Travelers can delve into the town’s 1,000-year-old wine-making tradition and explore its cultural heritage.
Golubac in Serbia is home to the medieval Golubac fortress, one of the best-preserved fortresses in Europe. Future guests can learn about the area’s tumultuous history, its ties to the Habsburg Monarchy and Ottoman Empire.
Constanza in Romania is situated on the Black Sea and offers sweeping views and a seaside getaway. Travelers will be able to explore the city’s Natural History & Archeological Museum for a glimpse into early Romanian cultures.
Established in the 1300s, Ybbs in Austria was an important port for trade in the Middle Ages. Today it serves as the entry point for the Danube to lower Austria. Avalon Waterways will be the first international cruise operator to stop in this village and invite guests to experience the area.
New itineraries for 2021 will include the 9-day Balkan Odyssey (from Bucharest to Zagreb); the 9-day The Danube from Croatia to the Black Sea (from Zagreb to Bucharest) itinerary; and the 16-day The Danube from Germany to the Black Sea (from Deggendorf to Bucharest) itinerary.
All cruise itineraries sail on Avalon Waterways’ signature Suite Ships, which feature two full decks of 200-sq.-ft., one-of-a-kind Panorama Suites, boasting the industry’s only open-air balconies.
For more information, visit avalonwaterways.com.
