Overview

Through the natural beauty of Austria’s Wachau Valley, with stops in quaint towns and iconic cities, you’ll fall in love with this river cruise along the Danube River. Board your ship in Vienna and set sail for Melk, where you will visit Austria’s majestic Benedictine Abbey, one of Europe’s largest, and where Benedictine monks still stroll amidst the sacred walls. From the Abbey’s terrace, you can take in the breathtaking views of the Danube River, and the surrounding countryside. Dürnstein lies in the heart of the picturesque Wachau Valley and is best known for its beautiful Stiftskirche with its blue façade. Above the town are the ruins of the castle where England’s Richard the Lionheart was imprisoned. Continue your European river cruise to Bratislava, the capital of Slovakia. This dynamic city lies at the foothills of the Carpathian Mountains. There’s sightseeing with a local expert and a visit to the gothic St. Martin’s Cathedral, the coronation church for Hungary during the 16th to 19th centuries. Then it’s on to Budapest, Hungary, where your Danube river cruise vacation ends. This Danube River cruise is a must to see Austria’s striking beauty, Budapest’s shining city, and all the splendid spots between on your European river cruise vacation of a lifetime.

Book your cruise with or without flights

Cruise prices are shown without flights included in case you wish to book them separately, or aren't ready to return home when you disembark! Or we can book your flights for you from most UK airports, with overseas transfers and ATOL protection included. The choice is yours!

Book your cruise with or without flights

Itinerary

Avalon has designed included activities with a choice of experiences. We invite you to select the tours, activities, and events that interest you most, so you can experience your cruise your way. There are three types of included shore excursion on every Europe cruise:

Your local expert is ready to guide you through the history and heritage of local destinations. You’ll marvel at the legends, lore, and spectacular architecture of iconic and historic sites.

Embark on energetic excursions to keep you in motion and on the go - from a guided jogging tour of Amsterdam, to biking, paddling, and hiking your way through scenic locales.

We’ve found inspiring and interactive activities to speak to your interests - from cooking classes, to painting workshops - to immerse yourself in each culture you explore.

Classic

<p>Embark on energetic excursions to keep you in motion and on the go - from a guided jogging tour of Amsterdam, to biking, paddling, and hiking your way through scenic locales.</p>

Active

Embark on energetic excursions to keep you in motion and on the go - from a guided jogging tour of Amsterdam, to biking, paddling, and hiking your way through scenic locales.

Discovery

We’ve found inspiring and interactive activities to speak to your interests - from cooking classes, to painting workshops - to immerse yourself in each culture you explore.

Day 1 VIENNA, AUSTRIA (EMBARKATION)

Meals included:
Dinner

Welcome to Austria. Your Suite Ship® is Ready for Boarding
Flights into Vienna must arrive by 3:30 pm.
Guests must be on board ship by 5 pm.
Spend free time today by relaxing, exploring, or strolling through the streets of Vienna before boarding.

EVENING/OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO MELK

Day 2 MELK

Meals included:
Breakfast
Lunch
Dinner

Ornate Architecture and Scenic Splendors Awaken the Imagination and the Senses
Visit the Adventure Center for today’s activities with your Adventure Host.

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 of the Wachau Valley and the wine region.

DÜRNSTEIN

Idyllic Vistas and Vineyards Beyond the Blue Stiftskirche
Spend free time at your leisure, perhaps biking through the vineyards in the Wachau Valley.
Later, enjoy onboard entertainment by local musicians.

OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO BRATISLAVA

Day 3 BRATISLAVA, SLOVAKIA

Meals included:
Breakfast
Lunch
Dinner

Castles, Vineyards, and Cosmopolitan Culture

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, OR:

Join your Avalon Adventure Host for a scenic walk to Bratislava Castle.

Alternatively, take a bicycle and a picnic from the ship to explore the local sights along the Danube.

EVENING/OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO BUDAPEST

Day 4 BUDAPEST, HUNGARY (DISEMBARKATION)

Meals included:
Breakfast

Your cruise ends with breakfast this morning.
Flights should not leave Budapest airport before 10 am.

Questions? Our travel specialists can help with any queries, quotes or special requirements. Request a callback or email us.

Notes

In the event of technical or water level issues, it may be necessary to operate the itinerary by motorcoach or alter the program, including hotel overnight when necessary.
Guided Tours, Optional Excursions, activities, sailing and docking schedules may be contingent on weather conditions or other issues outside of our control and could therefore be subject to change at any time.
Please check visa requirements with your local consulate(s); the responsibility for obtaining a visa rests with the traveler.