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Overview

From the Gypsy violins of Budapest to the romantic sounds of Vienna, the “City of Music,” this European river cruise highlights the natural beauty of Austria’s Wachau Valley, and the fascinating capital cities of Hungary, Slovakia, and Austria. Before your cruise, spend two nights in Budapest, where guided sightseeing shows you the highlights of this vibrant capital. Also, enjoy plenty of time to explore Budapest on your own. Take pictures from Fishermen’s Bastion, walk across Chain Bridge, or enjoy a cream cake in the renowned Gerbeaud Café.

Board your Avalon Suite Ship® and head upriver to Bratislava. For a 58-mile stretch, the middle of the Danube forms the border between Hungary and Slovakia, and guided sightseeing awaits you in Slovakia’s capital. In Melk, you will visit Austria’s majestic Benedictine Abbey, one of Europe’s largest monasteries, sitting high above the breathtaking views of the Danube River and surrounding countryside. Cruise through the picturesque Wachau Valley and spend free time in Dürnstein, known for the striking blue façade of its baroque Stiftskirche below the castle ruins where England’s King Richard the Lionheart was imprisoned in 1192. Disembark your river cruise for two nights in the Austrian capital of Vienna. Enjoy guided sightseeing as well as free time on your own to relax, perhaps visit the famous Sacher Hotel for a taste of Sachertorte (a special chocolate cake), and stroll along the famous pedestrian street of Kärntnerstrasse.

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 BUDAPEST, HUNGARY

Two Nights in Beautiful Budapest! A Day to Discover, Dine, and Unwind in Historic Hungary’s Captivating Capital

Day 2 BUDAPEST

Meals included:
Breakfast

Hungarian Dishes, Healing Waters, and Historic Wonders

Take a Guided Sightseeing Tour to see majestic Heroes’ Square and Budapest’s classic sites.

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.

Day 3 BUDAPEST (EMBARKATION)

Meals included:
Breakfast
Dinner

Time for Cobblestones, Coffee, and Confections
Spend free time strolling along the cobblestone streets, browsing art galleries, sipping coffee, and sampling sweets before boarding your Danube cruise for a welcome dinner this evening.

EVENING/OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO BRATISLAVA

Day 4 BRATISLAVA, SLOVAKIA

Meals included:
Breakfast
Lunch
Dinner

Castles, Vineyards, and Cosmopolitan Culture
Visit the Adventure Center for today’s activities with your Adventure Host.

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 on a hike to Bratislava Castle.

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

AFTERNOON/OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO MELK

Day 5 MELK, AUSTRIA–WACHAU VALLEY

Meals included:
Breakfast
Lunch
Dinner

Ornate Architecture and Scenic Splendors Awaken the Imagination and the Senses

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 surrounding Dürnstein.

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 on board entertainment by local musicians.

OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO VIENNA

Day 6 VIENNA (DISEMBARKATION)

Meals included:
Breakfast

A Feast for the Soul in Vienna—Music, Food, Art, and Architecture

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 you may choose to set out earlier as Vienna awakens:

Take an Early Riser Walking Tour that includes breakfast at a Viennese café 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.

Day 7 VIENNA

Meals included:
Breakfast

Vienna Favorites—Sachertorte and Apfelstrudel
Enjoy a free day to explore the city at your own pace.
Or perhaps take a tram ride to discover the adventure, tradition, and Viennese charm of The Prater amusement park. You may also consider to visiting one of Vienna’s marvelous museums. Or indulge your sweet tooth with authentic Austrian pastries in a local bakery.

Day 8 VIENNA

Meals included:
Breakfast

Your vacation ends with breakfast this morning.

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.