River Cruise Itinerary

From Prague to vibrant Budapest, this Danube River cruise vacation takes you to four countries—each with its own beauty, history, and cultural treasures. Enjoy two nights in the “golden city” of Prague, one of Europe’s most beautiful cities. Stand in front of Old Town’s medieval Astronomical Clock, which amazes as an intricate timepiece and piece of art piece unlike anything else in the world. Travel to Nuremberg, Germany, to board your Avalon Suite Ship® on the Main Danube Canal and visit the 1000-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. Passau, known for its narrow, winding streets, offers 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, with guided sightseeing and free time to explore this vibrant city on your own.

1. Day 1
   PRAGUE, CZECH REPUBLIC

   Fri, Dec 13, 2024

   Welcome to the Golden City of Prague—Explore the City of 100 SpiresEnjoy free time to explore the Golden City and its surrounding countryside. Consider sampling delicious plum dumplings and traditional Pilsner lager beside the Vltava River.PRAGUE-TOWN-HALL.jpg
2. Day 2
   PRAGUE

   Sat, Dec 14, 2024

   Gothic Cathedrals, Grand Castles, and Great Cuisine CLASSIC Take a Guided City Walk to visit Hrad?any 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.(B)PRAGUE-CHARLES-BRIDGE.jpg
3. Day 3
   PRAGUE–NUREMBERG, GERMANY (EMBARKATION)

   Sun, Dec 15, 2024

   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.This afternoon, board your Suite Ship® in Nuremberg and enjoy a dinner on board.OVERNIGHT DOCKING IN NUREMBERG(B,D)PRAGUE-CLOCK.jpg
4. Day 4
   NUREMBERG

   Mon, Dec 16, 2024

   Legends and History LessonsVisit the Adventure Center for today’s activities with your Adventure Host.ACTIVE Start your day with a bike ride together with your Adventure Host around the port area of Nuremberg, OR:CLASSIC Choose a Guided Tour of Nuremberg—with its medieval architecture, gilded fountain, Gothic cathedral, and Kaiserburg Castle, OR:CLASSIC Take a Guided Tour of the historic Nuremberg Rally Grounds—used by the Third Reich.DISCOVERY 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, enjoy live entertainment on board. AFTERNOON/OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO REGENSBURG (B,L,D)NUREMBERG-SCENIC.jpg
5. Day 5
   REGENSBURG

   Tue, Dec 17, 2024

   Bavaria’s Medieval MiracleCLASSIC Join a Guided City Walk and see 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.EVENING/OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO PASSAU(B,L,D)REGENSBURG.jpg
6. Day 6
   PASSAU

   Wed, Dec 18, 2024

   Where the Danube, Inn, and Ilz Rivers MeetCLASSIC Join a Guided City Walk to learn more about this beautiful “City of Three Rivers”.Alternatively, 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, AUSTRIALegendary Lovely LinzEnjoy 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.Later, enjoy live entertainment on board.OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO MELK(B,L,D)PASSAU.jpg
7. Day 7
   MELK–WACHAU VALLEY

   Thu, Dec 19, 2024

   Frescoes Above and Vineyards BelowACTIVE Join your Avalon Adventure Host for a walk along the Danube river and around Melk, 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.Enjoy a coffee or a cocktail on the Sky Deck as you sail through the picturesque Wachau Valley to Vienna.VIENNAViennese Waltzes on 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 (B,L,D)MELK-ABBEY.jpg
8. Day 8
   VIENNA

   Fri, Dec 20, 2024

   Royal Collections, and Amusing Attractions Ask about today’s energizing or relaxing Adventure Host activities.ACTIVE Explore Vienna's Danube Island by bike with your Adventure Host, OR:CLASSIC Explore 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 iconic Vienna Opera House and stunning St. Stephen’s Cathedral, OR:CLASSIC After a short walk of Vienna, join a Guided Visit of Austria’s largest museum, the legendary Kunsthistorisches Museum (Museum of Fine Arts).Join a Guided Optional Excursion to Schönbrunn Palace— summer home of the Habsburg Empire. Enjoy free time this afternoon to take a tram to visit Vienna’s Prater amusement park or one of the many museums nearby. You may also borrow a bike from ship to explore Vienna’s square or the banks of the Danube. Later, relax on board with live entertainment as you sail to Budapest. EVENING/OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO BUDAPEST(B,L,D)VIENNA-HOFBURG-PALACE.jpg
9. Day 9
   BUDAPEST, HUNGARY

   Sat, Dec 21, 2024

   War Heroes and Hot WaterACTIVE Hike up to a magnificent viewpoint in Budapest with your Adventure Host, OR:CLASSIC Enjoy a Guided City Sightseeing, including the iconic Heroes’ Square.This afternoon, select from a variety of Guided Optional or spend free time soaking in one of Budapest’s famous thermal baths. Consider a scenic hike above the Danube, or enjoy Budapest’s cafés, pubs or nightlife. OVERNIGHT DOCKING IN BUDAPEST(B,L,D)BUDAPEST-HEROS-SQUARE.jpg
10. Day 10
    BUDAPEST (DISEMBARKATION)

    Sun, Dec 22, 2024

    Your vacation ends with breakfast this morning. (B)BUDAPEST-CITY-VIEW.jpg

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

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

Please call for single accommodation price. Triples not available.

Ship Information

Cabins

Life on Board

Questions & Answers