Duration: 8 Days
Cruise along the peaceful Danube River through Hungary, Slovakia, Austria, and Germany—discovering some of Central Europe’s most splendid capitals and charming towns along the way. Begin this timeless European river cruise in Budapest, where guided sightseeing acquaints you with the highlights of the vibrant capital of Hungary. Set sail on the Danube, take pictures of the impressive Parliament Building as you leave Budapest, and head for Bratislava, the capital of Slovakia. Here, enjoy a guided walk through the delightful Old Town and visit the Gothic St. Martin’s Cathedral.
Vienna, Austria, the “City of Music,” makes an immediate impression with its lavish Habsburg Imperial Palace and neo-renaissance Vienna Opera House. Enjoy the magnificent views as your river cruise takes you through the picturesque wine region of the Wachau Valley, with stops for a guided walk in Dürnstein and a visit of the impressive Benedictine Abbey of Melk. In Linz, walk around the Hauptplatz— Austria’s largest medieval square, which forms the center of the city, and be sure to photograph the splendid Trinity Column. Passau, Germany, the “City of Three Rivers,” is uniquely located where the Inn, Ilz, and Danube rivers converge. See its maze of narrow cobblestone streets lined with beautiful Patrician houses, and marvel at St. Stephen’s Cathedral, a masterpiece of baroque architecture. A memorable last stop on this delightful Danube River cruise holiday
Welcome to Hungary. Your Suite Ship is Ready for Boarding.
Flights into Budapest must arrive by 3:30 pm.
Guests must be on board ship by 5 pm.
The day is yours to relax and enjoy the city with time for photographs, cafes, and confections.
OVERNIGHT DOCKING IN BUDAPEST (D)
The Pearl of the Danube in the Heart of Europe
Visit the Adventure Centre for today's activities with your Adventure Host.
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 choose among a wide selection of Optional Guided Excursions or take in the beauty of Budapest while enjoying some free time exploring such famous sights as the Chain Bridge. Get to know the city's cafes and pubs, or take a hike through the hills above the Danube.
EVENING/OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO BRATISLAVA (B,L,D)
Cathedral Coronations and a Crowning Castle
ACTIVE Follow your Avalon Adventure Host on a hike to lofty Bratislava Castle, OR:
CLASSIC Take a Guided City Walk, including the quaint streets of Old Town, Town Hall, and the sight of royal coronations at St. Martin's Cathedral.
This afternoon, enjoy free time to discover on your own Bratislava, the beautiful capital of Slovakia, rich in history and culture, but also a green city with its forests and parks just a hop away from the city centre.
OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO VIENNA (B,L,D)
Strauss, Schnitzel, Strudel, and Sachertorte
ACTIVE Explore Vienna's Danube Island by bike with your Adventure Host, OR:
CLASSIC Explore the Habsburg empire with a morning Guided City Tour of Vienna's gilded landmarks. See the Imperial Palace complex-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).
You may decide to take a Guided Optional Excursion to Schonbrunn Palace-the former imperial summer home of the Habsburg monarchy.
Spend free time strolling in the pedestrian Karntnerstrasse-the most famous shopping avenue in central Vienna, or take a bike ride through the city and stop in a local cafe to enjoy of Sachertorte or Apfelstrudel.
This evening, enjoy an unforgettable musical performance with an Optional Excursion to attend a Royal Waltz Concert in an elegant hall.
OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO DURNSTEIN (B,L,D)
A King's Ransom and Castle Ruins
ACTIVE Join a Guided Hike up to the castle ruins to take in the spectacular view of the village, Danube, and the Wachau Valley below, OR:
CLASSIC Join a Guided Walk, and hear the legendary tale of King Richard the Lionheart-who was imprisoned in the castle during the Crusades.
Later, stretch out on the Sky Deck as you sail through the Wachau Valley past vineyards, castles, and charming villages on your way to Ybbs.
ACTIVE Alternatively join your Adventure Host for a bike along the river.
YBBS. EXCURSION TO MELK
Frescoes Above and Vineyards Below
CLASSIC Visit the Lower Austrian little town of Ybbs. Walk through the doors of Austrian history with a guided sightseeing tour of Artstetten Castle, 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.
EVENING/OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO LINZ (B,L,D)
Legendary, Lovely Linz
Ask about today's energizing or relaxing Adventure Host activities.
CLASSIC Take a Guided Walk through the city's historic and beautiful sites along the shore of the Danube and see Hauptplatz-Austria's largest medieval square-and the towering white-marble Trinity Column.
ACTIVE Experience Danube's cycle path, follow your Adventure Host for a bike ride around the area of Linz
Alternatively, consider a full-day Guided Optional Excursion to Salzburg-the city of Mozart-or to the picturesque Bohemian town of Cesky Krumlov.
OVERNIGHT DOCKING IN LINZ (B,L,D)
Where the Danube, Inn, and Ilz Rivers Meet
This morning, cruise through the Schlogen Oxbow, a particularly beautiful horseshoe-shaped bend of the river.
ACTIVE Join your Avalon Adventure Host for Hiking from Oberhaus along a trail down to the valley and along Ilz River, OR:
CLASSIC Take a Guided City Walk into Passau, the beautiful "City of Three Rivers."
Before sailing to Vilshofen, take a little free time to explore Passau's cobblestone streets and galleries of Artists' Alley. Maybe stop at St. Stephen's Cathedral to catch a concert rehearsal.
EVENING/OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO VILSHOFEN (B,L,D)
Your cruise ends with breakfast this morning.
Flights should not leave Munich airport before 8 am. (B)
