Avalon Waterways has revealed six new ports and three new itinaries for their 2021 European season.

The new destinations will feature ports in Croatia, Serbia, Romania and Bulgaria.

The Danube, which is one of the most popular rivers in Europe, snakes through 10 countries where passengers will see fairy-tale villages, cliffside castles and forested landscapes.

“On our all-new Balkan Odyssey cruise, travellers 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.

“This itinerary is perfectly book-ended with two nights in both Bucharest and Zagreb and represents our Danube expansion, giving travellers more ports and more possibilities for their river cruise exploration.”

The new ports include:

Ilok, Croatia: Surrounded by wine-growing hills, Ilok is the easternmost town in Croatia. Here, Avalon Waterways will invite travellers to delve into the town’s 1,000-year-old wine-making tradition and explore Ilok’s cultural heritage, protected by a medieval fortress

Golubac, Serbia: Sitting high above the Danube River, just outside the Iron Gates, is the medieval Golubac fortress – one of the best-preserved fortresses in Europe. Here, guests will soon be invited to learn about the area’s tumultuous history and its ties to the Habsburg Monarchy and Ottoman Empire

Constanta, Romania: An incredible port city on the Black Sea, Constanta offers sweeping views and a seaside getaway. Here, travellers can soon explore the city’s Natural History & Archaeological Museum for a glimpse into early Romanian cultures

Ybbs, Austria: Established in the 1300s, Ybbs acted as 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

Hainburg, Austria: This beautiful Austrian village sits 32 kilometres outside Bratislava and has a strong Habsburg history. Here, Avalon guests will have the opportunity to experience the area’s wetlands, castle and even its strong, Roman past

 

Avalon Waterways’ new 2021 Danube itineraries – including those that feature new ports are:

New 9-Day Balkan Odyssey (from Bucharest to Zagreb)

New 9-Day The Danube from Croatia to the Black Sea (from Zagreb to Bucharest)

New 16-Day The Danube from Germany to the Black Sea (from Deggendorf to Bucharest)