Duration: 8 Days
Discover the fascinating and scenic Danube with its charming small towns and exciting cities on this European river cruise vacation. Begin with a guided sightseeing tour and a 2-night city stay in Vienna, the “City of Music.” Savor Sachertorte in a local café, spend time in one of the many marvelous museums, shop along the Kärntnerstrasse, or stroll along the historic streets.
You’ll board your ship and begin exploring the natural beauty of Austria’s Wachau Valley. Enjoy the serene atmosphere as you glide along the river, passing quaint villages and scenic beauty of your Danube River cruise.
Visit Melk’s impressive and breathtaking Benedictine Abbey, see Dürnstein’s baroque Stiftskirche, and enjoy guided sightseeing in Slovakia’s vibrant capital of Bratislava. Your journey concludes with two overnights in exciting Budapest, including guided sightseeing and time to explore on your own. Enjoy Hungarian cuisine, explore the famous produce market—Central Market Hall, wander around the former Royal Palace grounds, explore Budapest’s famous churches, or just sit back and relax. It’s all available on this grand holiday!
Welcome to Vienna. Spend free time today by relaxing, exploring, or strolling through the streets of Vienna.
A Feast for the Soul in Vienna.
CLASSIC - Venture into 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 historic Vienna Opera House and stunning St. Stephen's Cathedral, OR DISCOVERY - Take an Early Riser Walking Tour that includes breakfast at a Viennese cafe followed by an exclusive viewing of the Habsburg family's private art collection at the Museum of Fine Arts-the perfect start to your stay in Vienna. You may also choose to attend an Optional Excursion to a Royal Waltz Concert for an unforgettable evening of music in an elegant hall. (B)
Vienna Favourites-Sachertorte and Apfelstrudel.
Enjoy a free day to explore the city at your own pace before boarding your Avalon Suite Ship Choose an Optional Guided Hiking or Biking Tour through the vineyards for an active city and countryside excursion. Or perhaps take a tram ride to discover the adventure, tradition, and Viennese charm of The Prater amusement park. You may also consider visiting one of Vienna's marvelous museums. Or indulge your sweet tooth with authentic Austrian pastries in a local bakery. EVENING/OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO MELK (B,D)
Ornate Architecture and Scenic Splendors Awaken the Imagination and the Senses.
CLASSIC - Join a morning Guided Sightseeing Tour of Melk's 11th-century Benedictine Abbey. Explore its frescoes, statues, library, and spectacular pipe organ in the monastery's lofty perch above the Danube.
Take a relaxing break on the Sky Deck as you sail through awe-inspiring views through the Wachau Valley and the wine region surrounding Durnstein.
DURNSTEIN: Idyllic Vistas and Vineyards Beyond the Blue Stiftskirche.
Spend free time in Durnstein at your leisure, biking through the vineyards in the Wachau Valley, or hiking up the hillside to castle ruins and breathtaking views. OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO BRATISLAVA (B,L,D)
Castles, Vineyards, and Cosmopolitan Culture.
CLASSIC - Join a Guided Sightseeing Tour of Old Town's cobblestone streets to Town Hall. Visit the gothic halls of St. Martin's Cathedral-Hungary's centuries-old coronation church.
Alternatively, in your free time take a bicycle and a picnic from the ship to explore the local sights along the Danube. Later, enjoy onboard entertainment by local musicians. EVENING/OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO BUDAPEST (B,L,D)
Time for Cobblestones, Coffee, and Confections.
CLASSIC - Take a Guided Sightseeing Tour to see majestic Heroes' Square and Budapest's classic sites. (B)
Hungarian Dishes, Healing Waters, and Historic Wonders.
With plenty of free time this afternoon, experience the curative waters of Budapest's thermal baths, or set out for a hike to explore the countryside on either side of the Danube. Take time to shop for treasures, including handcrafted embroidery, Herend porcelain, or Budapest's best baked goods. (B)
Your holiday ends with breakfast this morning. (B)
