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Panoramic view of a castle on a riverside with autumn foliage and a passing boat at sunset.

Istanbul to Amsterdam Grand River Cruise Adventure

26 Day Fly, Stay & River Cruise Holiday with $3500 Bonus Value Including City Stay, Exclusive Package Savings & More

  • Low Deposit Available
  • $3500 Bonus Value
  • Sail | May 2026

Book By 30 April 2025

Set Sail on 8 May 2026

Product Code: MC-35040

Istanbul to Amsterdam Grand River Cruise Adventure

26 Day Fly, Stay & River Cruise Holiday with $3500 Bonus Value Including City Stay, Exclusive Package Savings & More

  • Low Deposit Available
  • $3500 Bonus Value
  • Sail | May 2026

Package Inclusions Open All

Economy flights to Istanbul returning from Amsterdam

BONUS 2 Night hotel stay to explore the city of Istanbul at your leisure
One way flight from Istanbul to Bucharest
BONUS Airport to hotel transfer in Bucharest

BONUS 1 Night hotel stay with Avalon Illumination to explore the city of Bucharest at your leisure
BONUS Hotel to cruise port transfer

Enjoy a 23 day river cruise from Romania to Amsterdam onboard Avalon Waterways in a deluxe Riverview Stateroom
Cruise along the historic Danube, Main, and Rhine Rivers
Enjoy overnight stays onboard in Budapest & Amsterdam

Seasonal & locally sourced A La Carte menus across flexible dining venues
Regional wine & beer served with lunch & dinner + daily happy hour
Specialty onboard entertainment
BONUS Wifi onboard & prepaid gratuities
BONUS Daily on shore excursions with expert guides

Take advantage of this exclusive bonus-packed cruise deal, without breaking the bank.

Your Itinerary

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Istanbul, Turkey

Welcome to Istanbul, the cultural capital of Turkey and meeting place of East and West. This vibrant city is filled with iconic sites, including Hagia Sophia, the Blue Mosque, Topkapi Palace and Galata Tower. Shop for ceramics, lamps and rugs at the Grand Bazaar and be sure to sample some sweet Turkish delight. Enjoy a 2-night hotel stay to explore this exciting city.

 
Bucharest, Romania

Take a one way flight from Istanbul to Bucharest. The ‘Paris of the East’. Romania’s hip capital is a city of contrasts, blending Belle Epoque architecture with utilitarian communist-era blocks. Learn more about Romania’s storied past at the Palace of Parliament, wander the cobbled alleyways of Lipscani and relax in the sun at one of Bucharest’s many parks. Enjoy a 1-night hotel stay to explore this exciting city.

 
Bucharest - Oltenita (Embarkation)

Embark your 23 day river cruise from Romania to Amsterdam onboard Avalon Waterways today.

 
Rousse, Bulgaria. (Excursion to Veliko târnovo & Arbanassi)

Explore the historic charm of Rousse, Bulgaria, with two excursion options: a bike tour with your Avalon Adventure Host or a guided sightseeing tour, featuring the Holy Trinity Church. For a deeper journey, visit Veliko Târnovo, Bulgaria’s ancient capital, and Arbanassi’s stunning 15th-century Bulgarian Revival architecture.

 
Vidin, Bulgaria

Welcome to Vidin. As one of Bulgaria’s oldest towns, Vidin is the place to visit if you’re interested in the architectural relics of the nation’s historic empires. Baba Vida Fortress is the best-preserved medieval castle in the country, where you can see incredible views across the Danube. Nearby is the small town of Belogradchik, famed for its formidable ancient fortress and incredible rock formations.

 
Donji Milanovic, Serbia–iron gates gorge. (Excursion to Lepenski Vir - Golubač)

Welcome to Donji Milanovac. This tiny town sits on the picturesque banks of Lake Djerdap in the Djerdap National Park. Nearby is the incredible Lepenski Vir, a significant Mesolithic archaeological site that chronicles prehistoric cultures, settlements and art. Also worth visiting is the magnificent Golubac Fortress, known as the guardian of the Danube.

 
Belgrade, Serbia

Welcome to Belgrade. The ‘White City’ is a reflection of Serbia’s storied past, blending Habsburg and Ottoman architectural relics with grids of socialist-era blocks. Take a stroll through Kalemegdan Park, explore the imposing Belgrade Fortress, admire the Orthodox architecture of Saint Sava and uncover the nation’s tumultuous history at the Museum of Yugoslavia.

 
Novi Sad, Serbia

Welcome to Novi Sad. This vibrant city is teeming with bustling pedestrian laneways, colourful buildings and café-lined squares. Novi Sad’s finest architecture can be found at Freedom Square, while Petrovaradin Fortress is one of Serbia’s most impressive monuments and a must-see during your visit.

 
Ilok, Croatia - Vukovar, Croatia

Start your day with a walking tour of Ilok, known for its rich Croatian heritage, followed by hilltop vintages—a wine tasting in a local cellar where you’ll hear stories of the region’s winemaking traditions. Afterward, enjoy a scenic sail to Vukovar, Croatia’s largest river port. Here, embark on a walking tour to explore the city’s resilience and history. In the evening, unwind with live entertainment on board. Then, enjoy an overnight cruise to Mohács.

 
Mohács, Hungary (Excursion to Pécs)

Welcome to Mohacs. Here you can relive the watershed moment when the Hungarian army was defeated by the Turks in 1526 at the Historical Memorial Park. Don’t miss a visit to the nearby city of Pecs, where you can explore 4th-century Christian underground tombs, murals and Turkish architecture.

 
Budapest, Hungary

Welcome to Budapest, the classically stunning capital of Hungary. Journey up Castle Hill to Buda’s Old Town, where the countless museums trace city life from Roman times onward. Don’t miss Trinity Square, home to the 13th century Matthias Church and the fairy tale turrets of the Fisherman’s Bastion. Enjoy an overnight onboard stay to explore this exciting city.

 
Bratislava, Slovakia

Welcome to Bratislava! This Central European city is full of character and beloved for its folk culture, history, and lively dining scene. Must-sees on your stay in Bratislava include the Gothic old town, the storybook Bratislava Castle, and the whimsical Blue Church. 

 
Vienna, Austria

Welcome to Vienna, the famed capital city of Austria! Home to Mozart, Beethoven and Freud, this opulent city is known for its palaces, museums and architecture. Don’t forget to have a taste of the city’s delectable cuisine and visit the theatre to experience the music Vienna is revered for.

 
Dürnstein–Wachau valley - Melk

Welcome to Durnstein! While exploring this charming town, don’t miss the chance to hike to the ruined medieval castle that once imprisoned English King Richard the Lionheart, which offers breathtaking views of the Danube. Later, sail through the Wachau Valley, a region known for its rolling hills, vineyards, and imposing fortresses. 

 
Passau, Germany

Welcome to Passau! This German city is home to Europe’s largest church organ, with more than 17,000 pipes, found inside St. Stephen’s Cathedral. Wander the narrow cobblestone streets, admire the stunning baroque architecture and explore the Oberhaus Fortress that looms above the town.

 
Regensburg, Germany

Welcome to Regensburg, one of Germany’s best-preserved medieval cities. Home to the oldest bridge that crosses the Danube, some of the highlights of Regensburg include the Old Town Hall, Weltenburg Abbey and St. Peter’s Cathedral.

 
Roth - (Excursion to Nuremberg, Germany)

Welcome to Roth! Visiting this charming town is like taking a step back in time. Join an excursion to nearby Nuremberg, home to medieval architecture, gilded fountains, Gothic cathedrals and imperial castles.  

 
Bamberg, Germany

Welcome to Bamberg, a traditional Bavarian township. Discover the burial place of Emperors at the 11th-century Romanesque Cathedral, wander the UNESCO World Heritage-listed medieval city centre, or visit a tavern to taste the town’s signature smoke-flavoured beer.

 
Würzburg, Germany

Welcome to Wurzburg, the heart of Franconian wine country. During your stay, be sure to explore UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Bishops’ Residenz, the nearby town of Rothenburg and taste the local wine in their characteristic Bocksbeutel bottles.

 
Miltenberg, Germany

Welcome to Miltenberg, a tiny German town tucked away in the bends of the Main River. Check out historic landmarks, like Mildenburg Castle and Zum Riesen Inn, or simply wander amongst the quaint alleyways lined with half-timbered houses, some dating back as far as 1339.

 
Rüdesheim – Rhine gorge, Germany

Welcome to Rudesheim, a true Rhine wine town surrounded by vineyards, whose fruits can be sampled in the many taverns around town. Later, sailing through the picturesque Rhine Gorge, sure to be one of the highlights of your river cruise. Pass rocky outcrops and cruise around twisting bends to the famous Lorelai or ‘murmuring rock’, where legend claims that enchanting maidens lured unsuspecting sailors to their watery graves.

 
Cologne, Germany

Cruise into Cologne, home to one of Germany’s most revered Gothic masterpieces, the Cologne Cathedral. Enjoy a guided tour through the Old Town and to the Cologne Rathaus, Germany’s oldest town hall, the Old Market and the Heumarkt. You’ll also get to taste the city’s famous Kölsch beer, made only in Cologne.

 
Amsterdam, Netherlands

Welcome to Amsterdam, the 17th century capital of Holland, famed for its picturesque canals, vibrant culture, and architectural delights. Meander through charming neighbourhoods, take a bike ride or explore historic gems like the Anne Frank House and the Hague. Enjoy an overnight stay onboard to explore this exciting city.

 
Amsterdam, Netherlands

Disembark Avalon Illumination in Amsterdam today. Farewell Netherlands as you board your flight home, or ask us about our flexible flights and extend your stay.

See full itinerary

Important Info Open All

Price based on cruise sail date 8 May 2026

Price based on departing from Auckland

Extra charges apply for:

  • Christchurch ($199pp)

Based on Deluxe Stateroom (D)view stateroom

Upgrade to Panorama Suite (B) from $5199 per personview stateroom

Upgrade to Panorama Suite (A) from $5399 per personview stateroom

Upgrade to Panorama Suite (P) from $5699 per personview stateroom

 

Prices are per person twin share in NZD, and subject to availability and currency fluctuations.
Pricing is subject to change until reservation is confirmed. Please note – Accommodation, itinerary and inclusions are subject to change and availability.
Seasonal and/or flight routing surcharges may apply. Flights may not be direct or operate daily.  Disruptions to cruising and itinerary may occur.

Important – if your cruise holiday package is made up of consecutive back to back sailings, there is a chance that you may be allocated different cabin numbers on each voyage and may be required to change cabins throughout your journey.

Please note upgrade amounts advertised may be based on lead in obstructed view staterooms.

Please note – onboard benefits valued at has been converted into New Zealand Dollars from the onboard currency. Details of the onboard currency can be provided by your consultant at the time of enquiry.  Shore excursions and other items such as alcoholic beverages & laundry are an additional cost. Should onboard gratuities or hotel service charges not already be included in your package, these are mandatory and charged by the cruise line to your onboard account on a day by day basis.
Itineraries are subject to change at any time without notice.

Due to security reasons, all guests must be on board 2 hours before sailing.
Disembarkation usually begins 2 hours after docking.

Please note: Flight deviations requested by the traveller incur a fee of $150NZD per person plus any additional airfare and or tax charges.  These will be advised by our Cruise After Sales / Air Department at the time of selecting your flights

Please note that a majority of US based (including Hawaii) hotels impose a daily mandatory additional charge that is automatically added to your bill by the hotel. There are various inclusions provided for these resort fees. These fees are separate from, cannot be prepaid prior to arrival and are in addition to our advertised package.
Please note many European hotels charge a nominal daily City Tourist Tax which is utilised locally for tourism-related purposes and to improve the local infrastructure in the area. This tax is collected by the hotels directly from the customer and the amount can vary by region, hotel size or type. Local regulations state this must be collected by the hotel and cannot be prepaid.

It is your responsibility to ensure that you have checked the Visa requirements for all countries visited on this itinerary.
China, Russia, India, Canada, and the USA require visas to be arranged prior to sailing for all New Zealand passport holders.
For Non-New Zealand passport holders please check with the appropriate embassy.

** Low Deposit Policy
Some cruise lines may charge a higher deposit if upgrading from an interior stateroom or adding additional benefits. Your consultant will advise at time of booking. A second deposit (part payment) will be required/date & amount will be supplied by the consultant at the time of booking.


*
price is per person twin share

Product Code: MC-35040

From $18,990 *pp
Valued at $20740
Book By 30 April 2025

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Your Enquiry.

Istanbul to Amsterdam Grand River Cruise Adventure


Enquiry Details.

Nights 25

Adults 2

Children 0

Departure Point Auckland

Preferred Departure Date 08-05-2026

Cabin Type Deluxe Stateroom (D)


From $0.00

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