Illuminations on the Danube (Eastbound)

10 days
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4.7/5 Excellent
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River Cruise
Cruise along the peaceful Danube River through Germany, Austria, Slovakia, and Hungary—stopping at some of Central Europe’s most splendid capitals and charming towns along the way. Visit Passau, Germany—called the “City of Three Rivers” at the confluence of the Danube, Inn, and Ilz rivers. Take a guided walking tour to admire the Patrician houses and baroque ...
From$4,699
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Overview

Trip type
River Cruise
Lodging level
Standard - 3 star
Physical level
Very Easy
Trip pace
Flexible schedule

Highlights

    • Onboard welcome reception
    • Choice of guided walk or hike with your Adventure Host; Schlögen Oxbow scenic cruising
    • Guided sightseeing, see Hauptplatz and the Trinity Column
    • Guided tour of the Benedictine Abbey in Melk or walk with your Adventure Host; scenic cruise through the Wachau Valley; guided tour in Krems
    • Choice of bike tour, or Insider’s tour of Vienna, or guided tour, visit to Belvedere Palace
    • Choice of early risers walking tour with breakfast at a Viennese café, or guided tour, see Habsburg private art collection and the Italian or Dutch masters works, or guided tour, see Habsburg private art collection and the Military Museum
    • Choice of guided sightseeing in Bratislava, visit St. Martin’s Cathedral or hike to Bratislava Castle with your Adventure Host
    • Choice of visit of the ancient Esztergom Basilica with Palinka tasting or e-bike tour; choice of medieval knights tournament, or guided hike in the Danube-Ipoly National Park, or canoe tour in Visegrád; scenic cruising into Budapest
    • Choice of guided tour, see Heroes’ Square or hike with your Adventure Host
    • Cruise along the peaceful Danube River through Germany, Austria, Slovakia, and Hungary—stopping at some of Central Europe’s most splendid capitals and charming towns along the way

What's this trip about?

    Cruise along the peaceful Danube River through Germany, Austria, Slovakia, and Hungary—stopping at some of Central Europe’s most splendid capitals and charming towns along the way. Visit Passau, Germany—called the “City of Three Rivers” at the confluence of the Danube, Inn, and Ilz rivers. Take a guided walking tour to admire the Patrician houses and baroque St. Stephen’s Cathedral. In Linz, Austria, walk around the Hauptplatz, Austria’s largest medieval square. Enjoy the magnificent views as your Danube River cruise takes you through the picturesque wine region of the Wachau Valley. Stops include Melk to visit the magnificent Benedictine Abbey and Krems. Vienna, the “City of Music,” makes an immediate impression with its lavish Hofburg Imperial Palace and neo-renaissance Vienna Opera House. Enjoy a guided tour of this magical city and take time to explore on your own. In Bratislava, the capital of Slovakia, take a guided walk through the delightful Old Town and to the Gothic St. Martin’s Cathedral. Sail to Esztergom for a visit to its Basilica and a Palinka tasting, then continue to Visegrad for a canoe excursion along the Danube river or a hike in the Danube-Ipoly National Park. In Budapest, the vibrant capital of Hungary, a local expert shows you all the must-see sights. Then to round out this timeless European river cruise, take a stroll along Váci utca—the main shopping street, or take pictures from Fishermen’s Bastion for the best panoramic views of Budapest. This Danube River cruise explores the legendary beauty and remarkable destinations you’ll never forget.

Details

Itinerary focusClassic Highlights
Group sizeStandard Group - 25 + people
Age range6 years and up
Flights and transportN/A
Start CityVILSHOFEN, GERMANY (EMBARKATION)
End CityBUDAPEST (DISEMBARKATION)

Travel Themes

  • 50 plus
  • Cultural
  • Small Ship Cruise

Destinations

  • Europe
  • Austria
  • Germany
  • Hungary
  • Slovakia
  • Asia

Attractions

  • Bagan
  • Bratislava
  • Budapest
  • Linz
  • Mandalay
  • Passau
  • Vienna
  • Yangon

Activities

  • Culture
  • River cruise

Itinerary

Travel Map

Day 1: VILSHOFEN, GERMANY (EMBARKATION)

Welcome to Germany. Your Suite Ship® is Ready for Boarding.

Flights into Munich must arrive by 2 pm.

Guests must be on board ship by 5 pm.

Explore your ship and enjoy dinner on your first evening on board.

EVENING CRUISE TO PASSAU

(Dinner)

VILSHOFEN.jpg

Day 2: PASSAU–SCHLÖGEN OXBOW

Where the Danube, Inn, and Ilz Rivers Meet

ACTIVE Follow your Avalon Adventure Host for Hiking from Oberhaus along a trail down to the valley and along Ilz River, OR: CLASSIC Join a Guided City Walk to learn more about this beautiful “City of Three Rivers". B...

Day 3: LINZ, AUSTRIA

Legendary and Lovely Linz

Visit the Adventure Center for today’s activities with your Adventure Host.

CLASSIC 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 squ...

Day 4: MELK–WACHAU VALLEY

Frescoes Above and Vineyards Below

CLASSIC Take a Guided Tour of Melk’s magnificent Benedictine Abbey to marvel at its frescoed ceilings, statues, incredible library, and ornate pipe organ. Later, stretch out on the Sky Deck as you sail through the Wachau Vall...

Day 5: VIENNA, AUSTRIA

Strauss, Schnitzel, Strudel and Sachertorte Viennese Waltzes on the Blue Danube

ACTIVE Take a Guided Bike Tour along the famed Ringstrasse and pedestrian avenues of Vienna to see the city’s highlights from a unique perspective, OR: DISCOVERY Take an Insider’s ...

Day 6: VIENNA

Feast for the Soul

DISCOVERY Enjoy a morning Guided Walking Tour to see the city in her best light, along with breakfast at a Viennese café, OR: CLASSIC Dive into one of the world’s most important museums with a Guided Tour of the Habsburg family’s private art...

Day 7: BRATISLAVA, SLOVAKIA

Cathedral Coronations and a Crowning Castle

Join your Adventure Host for today’s special activities.

ACTIVE Follow your Avalon Adventure Host on a hike to lofty Bratislava Castle, OR: CLASSIC Take a Guided City Walk, including the quaint streets of Old T...

Day 8: ESZTERGOM, HUNGARY

Mountains Views and Pàlinka

ACTIVE Take an E-bike Guided Tour and explore the surroundings of the Pilis Mountains Region. Enjoy the view from the lockout point at Dobogókő, OR:

CLASSIC Join a Guided Tour into the scenic Carpathian Basin for a visit of the ...

Day 9: BUDAPEST, HUNGARY

War Heroes and Hot Water

ACTIVE 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 choose among a wide offer of Optional Guided Excursio...

Day 10: BUDAPEST (DISEMBARKATION)

Your cruise ends with breakfast this morning.

(Breakfast)

BUDAPEST-CITY-VIEW.jpg

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Dates & Availability

Price From $4,699
Price per day$470
Last Updated: 7/3/2024
Departure Date
Finish Date
Base Price
Availability
18 Apr 2025
27 Apr 2025
$4,699
18 May 2025
27 May 2025
$5,299
15 Jun 2025
24 Jun 2025
$5,199
17 Jul 2025
26 Jul 2025
$5,199
12 Aug 2025
21 Aug 2025
$5,199
16 Sep 2025
25 Sep 2025
$5,699
07 Oct 2025
16 Oct 2025
$5,599

Check Current Availability, prices, specials with Avalon Waterways.

The total tour cost includes the tour price (regular or promotional) and the compulsory local payment. The promotional price is subject to change. Check directly with the operator for the latest price offer. The tour operator requires you to pay only the tour price to purchase your travel. The compulsory local payment will be paid when you join the trip. All prices are based on double, twin or triple share occupancy. Solo passengers will be accommodated in a double, twin or triple room according to availability with a passenger(s) of the same gender. Single supplement only needs to be paid if the passenger does not want to share and requests their own room. Discounts can only be applied at the time of booking and cannot be added at a later date, regardless of any changes made to the original booking.

Prices may vary due to local taxes and trip seasonality. Click "Request Info" to inquire directly with the tour operator for the final trip price.

Avalon Waterways Reviews & Ratings

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Tour Operator

Avalon Waterways

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CRUISING ELEVATED.
Innovative, transformative, original. Avalon Waterways has redefined cruising by going against the current and
away from the ordinary. Delivering unparalleled experiences and boundless exploration, Avalon puts you in the captain’s seat to navigate your journey, fuel your passions and steer clear of the unexpected as you cruise down the world’s most memorable and mesmerizing waterways. One step aboard our modern, luxurious Suite Ships with the grandest views in cruising and you’ll see how the tides they are a-changin’. 

Welcome to a new wave in cruising. Welcome aboard Avalon Waterways.

IT DOESN’T GET ANY SUITER.
Enjoy the perfect blend of elegance and ease – where little touches are bold, gestures are grand and the views even grander. There’s a reason our ships are the critics’ darlings and favorites among our most discerning guests. Our boutique-hotel-inspired Panorama Suites feature the industry’s only Open-Air Balconies with the widest-opening windows in cruising and decadent Comfort Collection beds that face the ever-changing scenery.

PACK YOUR PASSIONS.
As you set sail down the world’s most legendary waters, we’ve curated a collection of the most intriguing experiences to immerse yourself in – both on board and off.

SEE MORE THAN THE SEA/
On a typical cruise, you see waves, water and more water. On an Avalon cruise, legendary landmarks and postcard-perfect landscapes are always in view. Dock to discovery takes mere minutes. 

LET’S DISH.
While we naturally present the signature delicacies of the regions you visit, we enrich the gastronomic journey by offering multiple dining venues, bringing unexpected culinary experiences to the table.

What they’re known for
River cruises to classic and exotic destinations with a luxury flair and personalization options.

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Logistics

Accommodation

Budapest Marriott

This modern 364 room property enjoys a prime downtown location and offers convenience blended with style. Free Wi-Fi access is available in the lobby and the hotel has a fitness center with sauna and Jacuzzi. The trendy Mediterranean Grill restaurant serves tasty Hungarian dishes and the stylish lounge bar offers tapas style food and cocktails.

Budapest

Hungary

Apaczai Csere Janos U.4

Travel Insurance
We strongly recommend purchasing travel insurance alongside your travel package to safeguard against unforeseen circumstances such as medical expenses, trip cancellations, and other contingencies. It offers you peace of mind and ensures you are prepared for unexpected events that may occur before or during your journey
Visa requirements
Visa requirements vary depending on your country of origin and your country of destination. It is your responsibility to familiarize yourself with the relevant requirements. For a handy tool that can help you quickly find the requirements, please visit this link .
Age Requirements
6 years and up
Additional Information
Trip ID
AVALON-WKB

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