Duration: 8 Days
HOOKED ON OUTLANDER? BOOK A CRUISE WITH ITS AUTHOR, CELEBRITY STORYTELLER DIANA GABALDON!
A NOVEL HOLIDAY… Bound to be the most memorable trip of 2024 (or a lifetime), author of the No. 1 New York Times-bestselling OUTLANDER series, Diana Gabaldon, is personally hosting a Storyteller cruise with Avalon Waterways on the Danube River in 2024. It’s your once-in-a-lifetime chance to sail with a small group of fellow fans and get exclusive OUTLANDER insights, with your favourite author… FOR A WEEK!
Diana Gabaldon has added to the rich tapestry of our lives while also inspiring travel with her stories. In her OUTLANDER series of novels and novellas – now an award-winning series on STARZ – she has brought to life the backdrops of Scotland, North America, France, and Germany as well as dozens of fascinating historical sites across the globe. OUTLANDER can be found in 114 countries and 38 languages, with millions of copies in print worldwide.
On board your Suite Ship, this renowned storyteller will share an inspired cruise – and daily excursions – with an intimate group of her fans, including conducting a book-signing, Q&A, plus countless opportunities to interact at dinners, Happy Hours and while sailing through the winding, bending, picturesque landscapes of Europe.
Cruise along the peaceful Danube River through Germany, Austria, Slovakia, and Hungary—stopping at some of Central Europe’s most splendid capitals and charming towns along the way. Visit Passau, Germany—called the “City of Three Rivers” at the confluence of the Danube, Inn, and Ilz rivers. Explore the city with a Local Guide and admire the patrician houses and baroque St. Stephen’s Cathedral. In Linz, Austria, see the Hauptplatz, Austria’s largest medieval square that forms the centre of the city. Enjoy the magnificent views as your river cruise takes you through the picturesque wine region of the Wachau Valley.
In Dürnstein, see the famous blue and white Stiftskirche and taste some of the local wines. Vienna, the “City of Music,” makes an immediate impression with its lavish Hofburg Imperial Palace and neo-renaissance Vienna Opera House. In Bratislava, the capital of Slovakia, a guided walk takes you through the delightful Old Town and to the Gothic St. Martin’s Cathedral. In Budapest, the vibrant capital of Hungary, see the most famous sights with a local expert. In your free time stroll along the main shopping street of Váci utca, or take pictures from Fisherman’s Bastion, for the best panoramic views of Budapest. This Danube River cruise explores the legendary beauty and remarkable destinations you’ll never forget.
Welcome to Germany. Your Suite Ship is Ready for Boarding.
Flights into Munich must arrive by 2 pm.
Guests must be on board ship by 5 pm.
Explore your ship and enjoy dinner on your first evening on board.
EVENING CRUISE TO PASSAU (D)
Where the Danube, Inn, and Ilz Rivers Meet
ACTIVE Follow 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".
Before sailing to Linz, 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.
This afternoon, cruise to Linz through the Danube's dramatic horseshoe bend called Schlogen Oxbow.
DISCOVERY Enjoy an exclusive book-signing with your Storyteller Host Diana Gabaldon.
Later, enjoy live entertainment on board.
OVERNIGHT DOCKING IN LINZ (B,L,D)
Legendary and Lovely Linz
Visit the Adventure Centre for today's activities with your Adventure Host.
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.
Consider a full-day Guided Optional Excursion to Salzburg-the city of Mozart, or to the picturesque Bohemian town of Cesky Krumlov.
You may otherwise spend the afternoon on a biking picnic along the banks of the Danube or hike through Linz's beautiful nature trails to POstlingberg for a bird's-eye view of the city and river below.
EVENING/OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO YBBS (B,L,D)
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.
Later, stretch out on the Sky Deck as you sail through the Wachau Valley past vineyards, castles, and charming villages on your way to Durnstein.
ACTIVE Alternatively, experience the Wachau Valley from a unique perspective, join your Adventure Host for a bike ride along some of Wachau's bike trails.
DURNSTEIN
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 here during the Crusades.
Later, enjoy live entertainment on board your ship.
OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO VIENNA (B,L,D)
Viennese Waltzes on the Blue Danube
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 grand 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. Take a bike ride through the city and stop in a local cafe to enjoy Sachertorte or Apfelstrudel.
OVERNIGHT DOCKING IN VIENNA (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.
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.
DISCOVERY Enjoy a Q&A session delivered by your Storyteller Host Diana Gabaldon.
OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO BUDAPEST (B,L,D)
War Heroes and Wonderful Hills
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 offer 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.
OVERNIGHT DOCKING IN BUDAPEST (B,L,D)
Your cruise ends with breakfast this morning. (B)
