Duration: 8 Days
From the rich history of Germany to the unique culture of Hungary, this Danube River cruise travel through three countries rich in scenic beauty, charming towns, and historical locales. In Nuremberg, Germany, board your river cruise vessel docked on the Main Danube Canal and visit this thousand-year-old city with a Local Guide. Next, reach Regensburg, the only German city not bombed during WWII. Lovers of architecture will enjoy the many buildings recognized as having historic interest, including Porta Pretoria, the gates to an ancient Roman fort built in 179 AD.
Next stop is Passau, known for its narrow winding streets lined with Patrician houses, and the magnificent Italian baroque St. Stephen’s Cathedral. In Melk, you’ll visit Austria’s majestic Benedictine Abbey, one of Europe’s largest monasteries, which sits high on a bluff. Take in the breathtaking views before continuing through the picturesque Wachau Valley to Vienna, the “City of Music.” Your European river cruise holiday ends in the Hungarian capital of Budapest—“The Pearl of the Danube.” A legendary European river cruise to remember for a lifetime!
Welcome to Germany. Your Suite Ship is Ready for Boarding.
Flights into Nuremberg must arrive by 3:30 pm.
Guests must be on board ship by 5 pm.
Explore your ship this evening and enjoy dinner on board.
OVERNIGHT DOCKING IN NUREMBERG (D)
Legends and History Lessons
Visit the Adventure Centre for today's activities with your Adventure Host.
ACTIVE Start your day with a bike ride together with your Adventure Host around the port area of Nuremberg, OR:
CLASSIC Choose a Guided Tour of Nuremberg-with its medieval architecture, gilded fountain, Gothic cathedral, and Kaiserburg Castle, OR:
CLASSIC Take a Guided Tour of the historic Nuremberg Rally Grounds-used by the Third Reich.
DISCOVERY 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.
Later, enjoy live entertainment on board.
AFTERNOON/OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO REGENSBURG (B,L,D)
Bavaria's Medieval Miracle
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 a free afternoon exploring Regensburg on foot or by bike through its charming streets.
EVENING/OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO PASSAU (B,L,D) Q
Where the Danube, Inn, and Ilz Rivers Meet
CLASSIC Join a Guided City Walk to learn more about this beautiful "City of Three Rivers".
Alternatively, join a full-day Guided Optional Excursion to Salzburg-the city of Mozart-or to the picturesque Bohemian town of Cesky Krumlov.
Sail to Linz this afternoon, or join your ship after your selected full-day excursion.
LINZ, AUSTRIA
Legendary, Lovely Linz
Enjoy a free afternoon to linger in Linz. Take a bicycle from the ship and cycle along the Danube, or follow one of Linz's many nature trails for a bird's-eye view of the city and river below.
Later, enjoy live entertainment on board.
OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO MELK (B,L,D)
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 Melk's magnificent Benedictine Abbey to marvel at its frescoed ceilings, statues, incredible library, and ornate pipe organ.
Enjoy a coffee or a cocktail on the Sky Deck as you sail through the picturesque Wachau Valley to Vienna.
VIENNA
Viennese Waltzes on the Beautiful Blue Danube
This evening, you may choose to attend an Optional Excursion to a Royal Waltz Concert for an unforgettable evening of music in an elegant hall.
OVERNIGHT DOCKING IN VIENNA (B,L,D)
Royal Collections, and Amusing Attractions
Ask about today's energizing or relaxing Adventure Host activities.
ACTIVE Explore Vienna's Danube Island by bike with your Adventure Host, OR:
CLASSIC Explore the Habsburg empire this morning on a 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, OR:
CLASSIC After a short walk of Vienna, join a Guided Visit of Austria's largest museum, the legendary Kunsthistorisches Museum (Museum of Fine Arts).
Join a Guided Optional Excursion to Schonbrunn Palace-summer home of the Habsburg Empire.
Enjoy free time this afternoon to take a tram to visit Vienna's Prater amusement park or one of the many museums nearby. You may also borrow a bike from ship to explore Vienna's square or the banks of the Danube.
Later, relax on board with live entertainment as you sail to Budapest.
EVENING/OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO BUDAPEST (B,L,D)
War Heroes and Hot Water
ACTIVE Hike up to a magnificent viewpoint in Budapest with your Adventure Host, OR:
CLASSIC Enjoy a Guided City Sightseeing, including the iconic Heroes' Square.
This afternoon, select from a variety of Guided Optional or spend free time soaking in one of Budapest's famous thermal baths. Consider a scenic hike above the Danube, or enjoy Budapest's cafes, pubs, or nightlife.
OVERNIGHT DOCKING IN BUDAPEST (B,L,D)
Your cruise ends with breakfast this morning. (B)
