The delightful Danube sets the stage for this incredible journey. Begin in Budapest where you board your river cruise vessel and sail westward, with guided sightseeing in magical Vienna, Passau, and medieval Regensburg. Also take a guided walk in Durnstein that shows off the baroque Stiftskirche, visit the Benedictine Abbey and enjoy a wine tasting in Melk, and participate in a guided tour of charming Nuremberg where your river cruise journey ends.
CRUISE:
Deluxe 7-night cruise from Budapest to Nuremberg in an outside stateroom with hotel-style beds
BUDAPEST:
Welcome reception
VIENNA:
Guided sightseeing
DURNSTEIN:
Guided walk, see the Stiftskirche
MELK:
Guided visit of the Benedictine Abbey; wine tasting
PASSAU:
Guided sightseeing
REGENSBURG:
Guided sightseeing
MAIN DANUBE CANAL:
Cruise in the canal
NUREMBERG:
Guided sightseeing; beer tasting
Meals - (B) Breakfast (L) Lunch (D) Dinner
Superb dining with all meals on board daily featuring full breakfast (B), lunch (L), and dinner (D), including a welcome reception, Captain's reception, and farewell dinner; one sitting with open seating arrangements; complimentary regional wine, beer, or soft drinks with all onboard dinners; complimentary coffee and tea available throughout the day
Wine Cruise
july 14 departure is offered as an exclusive Wine Cruise, including special lectures and tastings available at no additional cost.
Notes:
In the event of water level problems on stretches of any river, it may be necessary to operate part of the itinerary by motorcoach.Please check visa requirements with your local consulate(s); responsibility for obtaining visas rests with the traveler.Included visits and special features are subject to change. If a change is necessary, a substitute will be offered.
TRANSFER TIMES:
Transfers available for purchase:
Budapest on Arrival between 6 am and 3 pmNuremberg on Departure between 5 am and 12 noon Always Included
It's about you. You are the reason we've used our 80-plus years of travel expertise to design the very best river cruise experience. Inspired by you, we've taken everything special about river cruising and made it even better. Here are some of the features and amenities you'll experience with Avalon.
Panoramic windows throughout every ship.Spacious designs provide you with your own personal space.Included shore excursions with an expert Local Guide.Headsets for shore excursions.Highest-quality craftsmanship.Enjoy premium coffee,cappuccino, latte and espresso at the self-serve beverage station.Relax in the lounge and enjoy a cocktail from the bar serving premium spirits.Maintain your fitness routine in the fitness center.Get a good night's rest with the Comfort Collection by AvalonSM.Premium L'Occitane bath amenities.Daily early- and late-riser breakfast options.Full buffet breakfast with sparkling wine and made-to-order egg station is available.Chef-inspired regional recipes using local ingredients.Four-course dinners with choice of appetizers, soups, salads, entrees & desserts and cheese.Complimentary regional wines, beer or soft drinks with dinner.Night Fare served at 10:30 p.m.Remarkable service and English-speaking crew.Non-smoking interior.Large bathrooms feature full showers with glass doors.Enjoy your own flatscreen satellite TV with movie channels.Spacious 3-door closets with shelves for ample storage.Stay in touch with family & friends with Internet access.And, much more.Day 1 Arrive in Budapest, Hungary (Embarkation)
Today arrive in Hungary's capital and embark your luxurious river cruise vessel . Flights into Budapest must arrive by 2 pm. Before dinner, meet your crew at a welcome reception. (Dinner)
Day 2 Budapest-Vienna, Austria
A day to relax on board and marvel at the beautiful scenery on both banks of the Danube. Hungary is on your left as you cruise upriver and Slovakia is on your right. The two countries share the Danube for a 58-mile stretch, with the border in the middle of the river. Vienna, Austria's capital, is known as the "City of Music" and inspired the creative genius of Mozart, Beethoven, and Strauss. (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)
Day 3 Vienna
Once the center of the mighty Habsburg Empire, Vienna has much to offer: lavish Hofburg Palace, the impressive Vienna Opera House, the majestic Ring Boulevard, and awe-inspiring St. Stephen's Cathedral, to name just a few of the sights you will enjoy during your city tour. You do not rush through Vienna; you waltz, taking your time to savor each classic sight and sound. Shop in the Karntnerstrasse and enjoy Sachertorte or Apfelstrudel in a neighborhood cafe. An optional concert is available during your stay. (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)
Day 4 Durnstein-Melk
Durnstein, known for the magnificent baroque Stiftskirche with its blue facade, lying right in the heart of the Wachau wine region. Above town are the ruins of the castle where England's King Richard the Lionheart was imprisoned in 1192. This afternoon: Melk, whose magnificent BENEDICTINE ABBEY dominates the town from its commanding hill site and is one of Europe's largest monasteries. The view you have from the terrace over the Danube and surrounding countryside is breathtaking! This evening you'll be able to sample some of the Wachau Valley's FAMOUS WINES. (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)
Day 5 Linz-Passau, Germany
Linz, Austria's third-largest city, lies on both banks of the Danube and is an important industrial town and busy river port. An optional full-day excursion to Salzburg takes in the popular Sound of Music sights. Passau, ideally located at the confluence of the Rivers Inn, Ilz, and Danube, is a city of graceful arcades and cobblestone streets. St. Stephen's Cathedral houses the world's largest church organ with more than 17,000 pipes. (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)
Day 6 Regensburg
Regensburg is one of Germany's best preserved medieval cities. Architectural highlights on your guided tour include the Old Town Hall and Porta Pretoria-gates to an ancient Roman fort built in 179 AD. The city is the capital of Upper Palatinate, a bustling university town, and one of Bavaria's cultural centers. It is here you will find Germany's oldest restaurant, the 12th-century Historische Wurstkuche (Old Sausage Kitchen). (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)
Day 7 Nuremberg
Although Nuremberg suffered extensive damage during WWII, much of it was restored to its original style. Marvel at this historic city with its fabulous gothic churches and elegant patrician houses-all explained by a local expert. Nuremberg's traditions include famous Lebkuchen, toy making, and metal working. After dinner we'll introduce you to some of Germany's FAMOUS BEERS. (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)
Day 8 Nuremberg (Disembarkation)
Your vacation ends with breakfast this morning. Departure flights should not leave before 7 am. (Breakfast)
