River Cruise Itinerary

Cruise along the peaceful Danube River through Hungary, Slovakia, Austria, and Germany—stopping at some of Central Europe’s most splendid capitals and charming towns along the way. Begin in Budapest, where guided sightseeing acquaints you with the highlights of the vibrant capital of Hungary. See Heroes’ Square, and all the famous sights that make this city come to life! Set sail on the Danube, take pictures of the impressive views of the Parliament Building as you leave Budapest, and head for Bratislava, the capital of Slovakia. Here, enjoy a guided walk through the delightful Old Town and visit the Gothic St. Martin’s Cathedral. Vienna, Austria, makes an immediate impression with its lavish Hofburg Imperial Palace and neo-renaissance Vienna Opera House. Enjoy the magnificent views as your river cruise takes you through the picturesque wine region of the Wachau Valley. Visit the impressive Benedictine Abbey of Melk and enjoy a tasting of some of the renowned local wines. In Linz, walk around the Hauptplatz, Austria’s largest medieval square, which forms the center of the city. Take a guided walk around Passau, Germany, known for its maze of narrow cobblestone streets and St. Stephen’s Cathedral—a masterpiece of baroque architecture. Enjoy guided sightseeing in Regensburg, before heading to beautiful Prague, capital of the Czech Republic. Here, you’ll be amazed at St. Vitus Cathedral and Old Town’s Astronomical Clock, a unique and intricate piece of art unlike anything else in the world.

1. Day 1
   BUDAPEST, HUNGARY (EMBARKATION)

   Tue, Oct 17, 2023

   Welcome to Hungary. Your Suite Ship® is Ready for Boarding. Flights into Budapest must arrive by 3:30 pm. Guests must be on board ship by 5 pm.The day is yours to relax and enjoy the city with time for photographs, cafés, and confections.OVERNIGHT DOCKING IN BUDAPEST(D)
2. Day 2
   BUDAPEST

   Wed, Oct 18, 2023

   The Pearl of the Danube in the Heart of EuropeACTIVE Hike up to a magnificent viewpoint in Budapest with your Adventure Host, OR:CLASSIC Enjoy a Guided City Sightseeing, including the iconic Heroes’ Square.Take in the beauty of Budapest while enjoying a free afternoon exploring such famous sights as the Chain Bridge. Get to know the city’s cafés and pubs, or take a hike through the hills above the Danube.EVENING/OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO BRATISLAVA(B,L,D)
3. Day 3
   BRATISLAVA, SLOVAKIA

   Thu, Oct 19, 2023

   Cathedral Coronations and a Crowning Castle ACTIVE Follow your Avalon Adventure Host on a short 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.This afternoon, 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 center. OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO VIENNA(B,L,D)
4. Day 4
   VIENNA

   Fri, Oct 20, 2023

   Strauss, Schnitzel, Strudel, and Sachertorte 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 iconic Vienna Opera House and stunning St. Stephen’s Cathedral.You may decide to take a Guided Optional Excursion to Schönbrunn Palace—the former imperial summer home of the Habsburg monarchy. Spend free time strolling in the pedestrian Kärntnerstrasse—the most famous shopping avenue in central Vienna, or take a bike ride through the city and stop in a local café to enjoy of Sachertorte or Apfelstrudel.This evening, enjoy an unforgettable musical performance with an Optional Excursion to attend a Royal Waltz Concert in an elegant hall.OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO DÜRNSTEIN(B,L,D)
5. Day 5
   DÜRNSTEIN–WACHAU VALLEY

   Sat, Oct 21, 2023

   A King’s Ransom and Castle RuinsACTIVE 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 during the Crusades. Later, stretch out on the Sky Deck as you sail through the Wachau Valley past vineyards, castles, and charming villages on your way to Ybbs.YBBS. EXCURSION TO MELKFrescoes 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. EVENING/OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO LINZ(B,L,D)
6. Day 6
   LINZ

   Sun, Oct 22, 2023

   Legendary, Lovely LinzCLASSIC 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 Pöstlingberg for a bird’s-eye view of the city and river below.OVERNIGHT DOCKING IN LINZ(B,L,D)
7. Day 7
   SCHLÖGEN OXBOW–PASSAU, GERMANY

   Mon, Oct 23, 2023

   Where the Danube, Inn, and Ilz Rivers Meet This morning, cruise through the Schlögen Oxbow, a particularly beautiful horseshoe-shaped bend of the river. ACTIVE Join your Avalon Adventure Host for Hiking from Oberhaus along a trail down to the valley and along Ilz River, OR:CLASSIC Take a Guided City Walk into Passau, the beautiful “City of Three Rivers,”. Before sailing to Vilshofen, 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. EVENING/OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO VILSHOFEN(B,L,D)
8. Day 8
   VILSHOFEN (DISEMBARKATION)–REGENSBURG–PRAGUE, CZECH REPUBLIC

   Tue, Oct 24, 2023

   Magical Regensburg—Bavaria’s Medieval MiracleCLASSIC Join a Guided City Walk in Regensburg and see Altes Rathaus (Old Town Hall) and Porta Pretoria—built in 179 AD as the entrance to Castra Regina fortress. Take free time to enjoy a hearty lunch and a local beer, then step back in time through historic lanes and squares of today’s modern and vibrant Regensburg. Continue on to the Golden City of Prague.(B)
9. Day 9
   PRAGUE

   Wed, Oct 25, 2023

   Gothic Cathedrals, Grand Castles, and Great CuisineCLASSIC Take a Guided City Walk to visit Hrad?any Castle Grounds; see St. Vitus Cathedral and Old Town’s Astronomical Clock. Consider sampling delicious plum dumplings and traditional Pilsner lager beside the Vltava River.Mingle with the locals and be mesmerized by street performers in Wenceslas Square, or browse the market stalls at Charles Bridge.(B)
10. Day 10
    PRAGUE

    Thu, Oct 26, 2023

    Your vacation ends with breakfast this morning.(B)

Inclusions

• 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.

Port charges:
$210

Gratuities to Local Guides & Excursion Drivers are included.

Avalon offers the opportunity for solo travelers to sail with no single supplement (subject to availability).

Please call for single accommodation details and prices. Triples not available.

Health and Safety Protocols for Avalon Waterways

Ship Information

Cabins

Life on Board

Questions & Answers