Avalon Waterways/Avalon Expression

21 Night Amsterdam, Holland (Embarkation) Cruise on Avalon Expression

Amsterdam, Holland (Embarkation), Amsterdam, and Cologne, Germany

21 nightsThu, Jul 9, 2026Avalon ExpressionCruiseOnly
Itinerary map

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$16,532 pp

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Quick facts

  • Duration21 nights
  • DepartsThu, Jul 9, 2026
  • ReturnsThu, Jul 30, 2026
  • Departure portAmsterdam, Holland (Embarkation)
  • TypeCruiseOnly
  • ShipAvalon Expression

Itinerary

Itinerary map
  1. Day 1 — Amsterdam, Holland (Embarkation)

    Port guide
    Day details

    AMSTERDAM, HOLLAND (EMBARKATION) Welcome to Holland. Your Suite Ship® is Ready for BoardingFlights into Amsterdam must arrive by 3:30 pm. Guests must be on board ship by 5 pm.During tulip season, you may take a Guided Optional Excursion to the gardens at Keukenhof—with more than seven million tulips, daffodils, and hyacinths as well as other bulbs, planted each year. Spend free time exploring the colorful streets, bridges, and canals of Amsterdam—with its many cafés and art galleries. OVERNIGHT DOCKING IN AMSTERDAM(D)

  2. Day 2 — Amsterdam

    Port guide
    Day details

    AMSTERDAM Canals of Colorful AmsterdamCLASSIC Discover the true beauty of Amsterdam with an off-the-beaten-path Guided Walking Tour through its cobblestone streets for a captivating look at this legendary city, OR:CLASSIC Explore the iconic waterways of Amsterdam with a Guided Canal Cruise past stately homes of Amsterdam’s “Golden Age.” This afternoon, choose among the Guided Optional Excursions available. AFTERNOON/OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO COLOGNE(B,L,D)

  3. Day 3 — Cologne, Germany

    Port guide
    Day details

    COLOGNE, GERMANY Prost! Celebrate in the RhinelandJoin your Adventure Host for today’s special activities.ACTIVE Enjoy a bike ride like the locals in Cologne with your Adventure Host, OR:DISCOVERY Join a Guided Walking Tour of Cologne’s important Jewish heritage sites, OR;CLASSIC Take a Guided City Walk of Cologne—explore the Old City and see its soaring twin-steepled gothic cathedral.Don’t miss the chance to enjoy free time over a glass of Kölsch pale lager—locally brewed for over 100 years! This evening, enjoy live entertainment on board your ship.OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO RÜDESHEIM(B,L,D)

  4. Day 4 — Rhine Gorge-Rudesheim

    Port guide
    Day details

    RHINE GORGE–RÜDESHEIM Eat, Drink, and Be Merry in Wine CountryEn route to Rüdesheim, sail through the Rhine Gorge (a UNESCO World Heritage site). Take in the breathtaking views of ancient castles perched on cliffs 400 feet above the water and pass the legendary Rock of the Lorelei—where the mythological siren’s songs lured ill-fated sailors.ACTIVE Enjoy a hike with your Avalon Adventure Host through the picturesque vineyards of Rüdesheim, OR:CLASSIC Tour the incredible Mechanical Music Museum for a one-of-a-kind instrumental experience; enjoy a tasting of the authentic Rüdesheimer coffee, OR: DISCOVERY Take a Guided Visit to the historic 18th-century wooden-barrel cellar of Johannisberg Castle and enjoy a delicious wine tasting.Later, local musicians will join us on board for live entertainment.AFTERNOON/OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO MILTENBERG(B,L,D)

  5. Day 5 — Miltenberg

    Port guide
    Day details

    MILTENBERG Beauty on the Main River Ask about today’s energizing or relaxing Adventure Host activities.ACTIVE Enjoy a Bike Tour with your Adventure Host to explore this charming medieval town and surrounding area, OR:CLASSIC Join a Guided Walking Tour of Miltenberg, a showcase of medieval half-timber homes and home to Germany’s oldest inn.EVENING/OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO WÜRZBURG (B,L,D)

  6. Day 6 — Wurzburg

    Port guide
    Day details

    WÜRZBURG A Perfect Day in the Pearl of the Romantic RoadCLASSIC Take a Guided Sightseeing Tour of Würzburg with its Old Main Bridge, towering fortress, and baroque Bishop’s Residenz—with the largest known ceiling fresco. Enjoy the city on your own or visit a local winery. This evening, enjoy on board for live entertainment.OVERNIGHT DOCKING IN WÜRZBURG (B,L,D)

  7. Day 7 — Volkach

    Port guide
    Day details

    VOLKACH Storybook Settings You may choose to join a Guided Optional Excursion to the beautiful Bavarian town of Rothenburg. See the local sights and enjoy the fairytale atmosphere that has inspired artists. Sail to Volkach and get ready for your afternoon activity. ACTIVE Bike along the Main Danube Canal with your Adventure Host, OR:CLASSIC Join a Walking Tour of the quaint town of Volkach with its half-timbered houses and cobblestoned streets.EVENING/OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO BAMBERG(B,L,D)

  8. Day 8 — Bamberg

    Port guide
    Day details

    BAMBERG The City of Seven HillsACTIVE Your bike is ready! Hop on and bike along the canals in Bamberg with your Adventure Host, OR:CLASSIC Take a Guided Walking Tour of the former home to imperial dynasties, and see its Romanesque cathedral, Old Town Hall, and seven hills crowned with churches. DISCOVERY Attend an onboard lecture to learn about European history and culture.Later, enjoy live entertainment performance while sailing this evening. AFTERNOON/OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO NUREMBERG(B,L,D)

  9. Day 9 — Nuremberg

    Port guide
    Day details

    NUREMBERG Legends and History LessonsVisit the Adventure Center for today’s activities with your Adventure Host.ACTIVE Join your Adventure Host for a walk to discover the surrounding neighboring, OR:CLASSIC Enjoy a Guided Sightseeing Tour of the Bavarian town of Roth—with its half-timbered houses, market square, and 1535 hunting lodge Schloss Ratibor, OR:CLASSIC Choose a Guided Tour of Nuremberg’s medieval architecture, gilded fountain, gothic cathedral, and Kaiserburg Castle, OR:CLASSIC Join a Guided Tour of the historic Nuremberg Rally Grounds—used by the Third Reich.CLASSIC Enjoy an Onboard Lecture about the Main-Danube Canal—linking these two rivers to make a vital connection enabling navigation between the North and Black Seas. AFTERNOON/OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO REGENSBURG(B,L,D)

  10. Day 10 — Regensburg

    Port guide
    Day details

    REGENSBURG Bavaria’s Medieval MiracleACTIVE Explore Walhalla by bike with your Adventure Host, OR:CLASSIC Join a Guided City Walk and see Altes Rathaus (Old Town Hall) and Porta Pretoria—built in 179 AD as the entrance to Castra Regina fortress.You may choose to join a Guided Optional Excursion to visit the Benedictine Monastery in Weltenburg. Alternatively, spend free time exploring Regensburg on foot or by bike through its charming streets.EVENING/OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO PASSAU(B,L,D)

  11. Day 11 — Passau

    Port guide
    Day details

    PASSAU Where the Danube, Inn, and Ilz Rivers MeetACTIVE Join your Avalon Adventure Host for Hiking from Oberhaus along a trail down to the valley and along Ilz River, OR:CLASSIC Join a Guided City Walk to learn more about this beautiful “City of Three Rivers.”You may join a full-day Guided Optional Excursion to Salzburg, the city of Mozart, or a full-day Guided Optional Excursion to the picturesque Bohemian town of Cesky Krumlov. Alternatively, cruise to the lovely town of Linz. LINZ, AUSTRIALegendary, Lovely LinzThis evening, feel free to explore Linz on your own. Later, enjoy live entertainment on board.OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO MELK(B,L,D)

  12. Day 12 — Melk-Wachau Valley

    Port guide
    Day details

    MELK–WACHAU VALLEY Frescoes Above and Vineyards Below ACTIVE Join your Avalon Adventure Host for a walk along the Danube River and around Melk, OR:CLASSIC Take a Guided Tour of the frescoed ceilings, statues, incredible library, and ornate pipe organ of Melk’s Benedictine Abbey. Enjoy a coffee or cocktail on the Sky Deck as you sail through the picturesque Wachau Valley to wonderful Vienna this afternoon. VIENNAViennese Waltzes on the Blue DanubeConsider joining a Guided Optional Excursion to attend a Royal Waltz Concert in an elegant hall this evening.OVERNIGHT DOCKING IN VIENNA (B,L,D)

  13. Day 13 — Vienna

    Port guide
    Day details

    VIENNA Royal Collections and Amusing AttractionsACTIVE Explore Vienna's Danube Island by bike with your Adventure Host, OR:CLASSIC Enjoy a Guided Visit to House of Strauss and embark on an interactive journey through Vienna's illustrious past at an immersive audio-visual experience. After the tour, enjoy a coffee and homemade cake, OR: CLASSIC Explore the Habsburg Empire with a morning Guided City Tour of Vienna’s gilded landmarks. See the Imperial Palace complex—the winter residence of the Imperial Family, the iconic Vienna Opera House, and stunning St. Stephen’s Cathedral.You may choose to join a Guided Optional Excursion to Schönbrunn Palace—summer home of the Habsburg family.Consider a tram ride to Vienna’s Prater amusement park or to one of the many museums nearby. Later, enjoy live entertainment as you sail to Budapest. EVENING/OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO BUDAPEST(B,L,D)

  14. Day 14 — Budapest, Hungary

    Port guide
    Day details

    BUDAPEST, HUNGARY The Pearl of the Danube This morning, while sailing into Budapest, enjoy beautiful views of the city from the Sky Deck.ACTIVE Hike up to a magnificent viewpoint in Budapest with your Adventure Host, OR:CLASSIC Enjoy a Guided City Sightseeing tour of Budapest, including the iconic Heroes’ Square.This afternoon choose among the Optional Guided Excursions available or enjoy Budapest on your own. Indulge in a piece of cream cake in one of the many cafés. Consider a scenic hike above the Danube. OVERNIGHT DOCKING IN BUDAPEST(B,L,D)

  15. Day 15 — Budapest

    Port guide
    Day details

    BUDAPEST Time to Capture Photographs, Coffee, and ConfectionsTake free time to shop in the Great Market Hall, take photos on the Royal Palace grounds, or visit Budapest’s famous thermal bath spas. OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO VUKOVAR(B,L,D)

  16. Day 16 — Vukovar

    Port guide
    Day details

    VUKOVAR History and BeerVisit the Adventure Center for today’s activities with your Adventure Host.DISCOVERY Join a Guided Walking Tour to discover the heritage, culture, and tradition of Vukovar and enjoy a beer tasting, OR:CLASSIC Join a Guided City Tour to discover the captivating culture and tradition of Vukovar and learn about its rich history and heritage.Enjoy a brief cruise to Ilok while having lunch onboard.ILOK, CROATIA History and Culture in CroatiaCLASSIC Join a Guided tour of Ilok, with its 1,000-year-old wine making traditions still thriving and its medieval fortress protected for its Croatian cultural heritage. 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, OR:ACTIVE Explore more of Croatia on a Guided Bike Tour along Ilok’s city walls, into the central church, and the towns’ museum on your way to Principovac Castle and Estate.OVERNIGHT DOCKING IN NOVI SAD(B,L,D)

  17. Day 17 — Novi Sad, Serbia

    Port guide
    Day details

    NOVI SAD, SERBIA The Athens of SerbiaCLASSIC 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 Guided Hike Tour to the Petrovaradin part of the town. Located on the right bank of the Danube, across from the main part of Novi Sad, this area will amaze you for its scenic views, OR:DISCOVERY Get to learn more about the beekeeper profession on this Guided Tour of Novi Sad by stopping at the Honey Museum and by tasting local honey specialties. Later, enjoy live entertainment on board.OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO BELGRADE(B,L,D)

  18. Day 18 — Belgrade

    Port guide
    Day details

    BELGRADE Fortresses and FolkloreACTIVE 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 sights, including Saint Sava—one of the world’s largest Orthodox churches. DISCOVERY Attend an onboard Lecture to learn about the rich history, destinations, and culture of the Balkan states. Spend your free time exploring the city on your own this afternoon on Knez Mihailova Street—Belgrade’s central pedestrian thoroughfare with many lively cafés, shops, and cultural spots. This evening, you might like to join an Optional Excursion for an authentic Bohemian Dinner in the Quarter of Skadarlija.OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO GOLUBAČ(B,L,D)

  19. Day 19 — Golubac-Donji Milanovac Excursion To Lepenski Vir-Iron Gates Gorge

    Port guide
    Day details

    GOLUBAČ–DONJI MILANOVAC. EXCURSION TO LEPENSKI VIR–IRON GATES GORGE Ancient Artifacts and the Iron GatesCLASSIC 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. Continue to the Mesolithic archaeological site of Lepenski Vir with unique views of the Danube Gorge.Sail through the spectacular and narrow Iron Gates Gorge—a natural border between Serbia and Romania. AFTERNOON/OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO VIDIN(B,L,D)

  20. Day 20 — Vidin, Bulgaria

    Port guide
    Day details

    VIDIN, BULGARIA Rocks, Ruins, and Balkan BeautyACTIVE Join your Adventure Host for a bike tour around the city, OR:CLASSIC Join Guided Sightseeing to Baba Vida Fortress, followed by a Guided Tour of Belogradchik. Marvel at the remarkable rock formations on the western slopes of the Balkan Mountains, sculpted by 200 million years of natural elements, OR:DISCOVERY Discover more than two centuries of a proud family history of Bulgarian winemaking with a tour and tasting at a local winery. Here, you’ll enjoy a wine tasting in the cellars.AFTERNOON/OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO ROUSSE(B,L,D)

  21. Day 21 — Rousse Veliko Tarnovo & Arbanassi Excursion

    Port guide
    Day details

    ROUSSE. VELIKO TÂRNOVO & ARBANASSI EXCURSION Fortresses and FolkloreACTIVE Explore the old town in Rousse old town by bike with your Adventure Host, 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 (circa 4300 BC), as well as the Bulgarian Revival architecture in the 15th-century town of Arbanassi, OR:CLASSIC Join a Guided Sightseeing Tour of Bulgaria’s largest inland port and visit its impressive Holy Trinity Church. Later, enjoy a short scenic drive to explore the rock-hewn churches of Ivanovo, a UNESCO World Heritage. Later, enjoy live entertainment on board with a Bulgarian folklore show. OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO OLTENITA(B,L,D)

  22. Day 22 — Oltenita, Romania (Disembarkation)

    Port guide
    Day details

    OLTENITA, ROMANIA (DISEMBARKATION) Your cruise ends with breakfast this morning.Flights should not leave Bucharest airport before noon.(B)

Why book this sailing

  • Extended voyage

    More sea days and port time — great when you want a deeper itinerary.

  • Suite & club options

    This ship offers upgraded categories when you want more space and perks.

  • Tax-inclusive pricing shown

    Lead prices include taxes and port fees where available — fewer surprises at checkout.

Cabins & suites

From

$16,532pp

$787 / night avg

Including taxes & port fees

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Prices shown are per person, based on double occupancy, and include taxes and port fees where available. Gratuities and optional extras are not included. All fares are subject to availability and may change. Final pricing will be confirmed at time of booking. Questions?

Ship experience

About this ship

Part of Avalon's award-winning fleet of Suite Ships, the Avalon Expression features two full decks of Panorama Suites with wall-to-wall, floor-to-ceiling panoramic windows that transform the living space into river cruising's only Open-Air Balcony. With 200 square feet, Panorama Suites are more than 30% larger than the industry standard, affording you the incomparable opportunity to wake each morning to splendid passing scenery from your window-facing bed. Stretch out on your Comfort Collection bed and cruise with the world at your feet.

Ports of call

What's included & extra

Included

  • Main dining rooms Traditional complimentary dining
  • Pools & fitness Ship amenities vary by vessel

Extra cost

  • Specialty dining Reservations and cover charges may apply
  • Spa & salon Treatments at additional cost

Policies & FAQ

Summaries only — read full policies on our policy pages.

Ship specifications

Bars / Lounges
6
Dining / Restaurants
2
Fitness Center
Yes
Kids Friendly
No
Number of Crew
47
Number of Staterooms
83
Number of Suites
67
Pool
Yes
Registry
Germany
Ship Length
443 ft (135 m)
Year Built
2013

Prices shown are per person, based on double occupancy, and include taxes and port fees where available. Gratuities and optional extras are not included. All fares are subject to availability and may change. Final pricing will be confirmed at time of booking.