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Overview

What entices you most about a river cruise through Central Europe? Does visiting historical sites pique your interest? How about architecture preserved from the 14th century or cities virtually untouched since Roman times? Maybe it’s walking down narrow cobblestone streets lined with beautiful Patrician houses or enjoying Germany’s famous beers? From Prague to vibrant Budapest, this Danube river cruise vacation takes you to four countries. And the scenic beauty along the way as you cruise past quaint towns can be experienced right from your stateroom or while sipping wine atop the Sky Deck of your ship.

In Nuremberg, Germany, board your river cruise vessel docked on the Main Danube Canal and visit this thousand-year-old city with a Local Guide. Next, reach Regensburg, the only German city not bombed during WWII. Lovers of architecture will enjoy the many listed buildings of historic interest, and Porta Pretoria, gates to an ancient Roman fort built in 179 AD. And here you’ll taste local sausages at one of Germany’s oldest restaurants and we’ll introduce you to some of Germany’s famous beers.

Next stop is Passau, known for its narrow winding streets lined with Patrician houses, and the magnificent Italian baroque St. Stephen’s Cathedral. In Melk, you will visit Austria’s majestic Benedictine Abbey, one of Europe’s largest monasteries, which sits high on a bluff. Take in the breathtaking views before continuing through the picturesque Wachau Valley to the romantic sounds of Vienna, the “City of Music.” Your European river cruise vacation ends in Budapest, the capital of Hungary.

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 PRAGUE, CZECH REPUBLIC

Welcome to the Golden City of Prague—Explore the City of 100 Spires
Enjoy free time to explore the Golden City and its surrounding countryside. Consider sampling delicious plum dumplings and traditional Pilsner lager beside the Vltava River.

Day 2 PRAGUE

Meals included:
Breakfast

Gothic Cathedrals, Grand Castles, and Great Cuisine

Take a Guided City Walk to visit Hradčany Castle Grounds; see St. Vitus Cathedral, and Old Town’s Astronomical Clock.

Take time to mingle with the locals, watch street performers in Wenceslas Square, or browse the market stalls at Charles Bridge.
In the evening, you might like to attend an Optional Folklore Dinner Show, sampling traditional Czech cuisine in an authentic Prague setting.

Day 3 PRAGUE–NUREMBERG, GERMANY (EMBARKATION)

Meals included:
Breakfast
Dinner

The Secret Romance of Picturesque Prague
The morning is free to explore Prague on your own to enjoy the stunning architectural beauty of the city.
You may join a Guided Optional Excursion to experience Prague through the eyes of a local. Lose the crowds and discover the charming local spots that are part of everyday life in Prague.
This afternoon, board your Suite Ship® in Nuremberg and enjoy a dinner on board.

OVERNIGHT DOCKING IN NUREMBERG

Day 4 ROTH. EXCURSION TO NUREMBERG

Meals included:
Breakfast
Lunch
Dinner

Living Heritage and History Lessons
Start the day with a Morning Stretch with the Avalon Adventure Host, and dock in Roth for a day of fascinating excursions.

Enjoy a Guided Sightseeing Tour of the Bavarian town of Roth—with its half-timbered houses, market square, and 1535 hunting lodge Schloss Ratibor, OR:

Choose a Guided Tour of Nuremberg with its medieval architecture, gilded fountain, gothic cathedral, and Kaiserburg Castle, OR:

Take a Guided Tour of the historic Nuremberg Rally Grounds—used by the Third Reich.

Enjoy an Onboard Lecture about the Main-Danube Canal—linking these two rivers to make a vital connection enabling navigation between the North and Black Seas.

Later, indulge in a Beer Tasting on board.

Later, enjoy live entertainment on board.

AFTERNOON/OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO REGENSBURG

Day 5 REGENSBURG

Meals included:
Breakfast
Lunch
Dinner

Magical Regensburg—Bavaria’s Medieval Miracle

Join a Guided City Walk of Old Town to see the Altes Rathaus (Old Town Hall) and Porta Pretoria—built in 179 AD as the entrance to Castra Regina fortress.

You may choose to join a Guided Optional Excursion to visit the Benedictine Monastery in Weltenburg.
Alternatively spend a free afternoon exploring Regensburg on foot or by bike through its charming streets.

This evening, enjoy live entertainment after dinner as you cruise toward Passau. EVENING/OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO PASSAU

Day 6 PASSAU

Meals included:
Breakfast
Lunch
Dinner

Go for Baroque in Passau–Where the Danube, Inn, and Ilz Rivers meet

Join a Guided City Walk to learn more about this beautiful “City of Three Rivers,” OR:

Join a full-day Guided Optional Excursion to Salzburg—the city of Mozart—or to the picturesque Bohemian town of Cesky Krumlov.
Sail to Linz this afternoon, or join your ship after your selected full-day excursion.

LINZ, AUSTRIA

The Linzer Torte and a Legendary Love of Art and Music
Enjoy a free afternoon to linger in Linz. Take a bicycle from the ship and cycle along the Danube, or follow one of Linz’s many nature trails for a bird’s-eye view of the city and river below.

OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO MELK

Day 7 MELK–WACHAU VALLEY

Meals included:
Breakfast
Lunch
Dinner

Take a Guided Tour of Melk’s magnificent Benedictine Abbey to marvel at its frescoed ceilings, statues, incredible library, and ornate pipe organ, OR:

Join your Avalon Adventure Host for a Morning Hike through Melk’s beautiful countryside.

Enjoy a coffee or a cocktail on the Sky Deck as you sail through the picturesque Wachau Valley to Vienna.

VIENNA

Vienna Waltzes and the Beautiful Blue Danube
This evening, you may choose to attend an Optional Excursion to a Royal Waltz Concert for an unforgettable evening of music in an elegant hall.

OVERNIGHT DOCKING IN VIENNA

Day 8 VIENNA

Meals included:
Breakfast
Lunch
Dinner

Royal Collections, and Amusing Attractions

Venture into the Habsburg empire this morning on a 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.

Join a Guided Optional Excursion to Schönbrunn Palace—a Habsburg Empire summer home for 300 years.
This afternoon, enjoy free time to take a tram to visit Austria’s Prater amusement park or one of the many museums nearby. You may also decide to borrow a bike from ship to explore the streets and squares of Vienna, or ride along the banks of the Danube at your leisure.
Later, relax on board with live entertainment as you sail to Budapest.

EVENING/OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO BUDAPEST

Day 9 BUDAPEST, HUNGARY

Meals included:
Breakfast
Lunch
Dinner

The Pearl of the Danube in the Heart of Europe

Enjoy a Guided City Sightseeing, including the iconic Heroes’ Square.

Take free time to enjoy Budapest’s famed thermal baths. You can also take a scenic hike in the hills above the Danube. Take time to explore the city’s cafés, pubs, and nightlife at your leisure.

OVERNIGHT DOCKING IN BUDAPEST

Day 10 BUDAPEST (DISEMBARKATION)

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); responsibility for obtaining visas rests with the traveler.