Please note the tour price reflected on the brochure is subject to change. Due to seasonality, and taxes prices of the tour are subject to change without due notice. Please consult with the operator directly for the recent price.
A Taste of the Danube with 2 Nights in Budapest (Westbound)
Overview
Highlights (Bullets)
- Welcome to Budapest
- Guided tour, see Heroes' Square
- Onboard welcome reception
- Choice of a guided sightseeing, visit St. Martin's Cathedral; or hike to Bratislava Castle with your Adventure Host
- Choice of guided visit of the Benedictine Abbey in Melk or walk with your Adventure Host; scenic cruise through the Wachau Valley; free time in Dürnstein
- From the Gypsy violins of Budapest to the romantic sounds of Vienna, the “City of Music,” this European river cruise highlights the natural beauty of Austria’s Wachau Valley, and the fascinating capital cities of Hungary and Slovakia
- Before your cruise, spend two nights in Budapest, with guided sightseeing in the vibrant capital
Short Description
From the Gypsy violins of Budapest to the romantic sounds of Vienna, the “City of Music,” this European river cruise highlights the natural beauty of Austria’s Wachau Valley, and the fascinating capital cities of Hungary and Slovakia. Before your cruise, spend two nights in Budapest, with guided sightseeing in the vibrant capital. Enjoy plenty of time to explore Budapest on your own. Take pictures from Fishermen’s Bastion, walk across Chain Bridge, or enjoy a cream cake in the renowned Gerbeaud Café. Board your Avalon Suite Ship® and head upriver to Bratislava. For a 58-mile stretch, the middle of the Danube forms the border between Hungary and Slovakia, and guided sightseeing awaits you in Slovakia’s capital. In Melk, you will visit Austria’s majestic Benedictine Abbey, one of Europe’s largest monasteries, sitting high above the breathtaking views of the Danube River and surrounding countryside. Cruise through the picturesque Wachau Valley and spend free time in Dürnstein, known for the striking blue façade of its baroque Stiftskirche below the castle ruins where England’s King Richard the Lionheart was imprisoned in 1192. Your Danube River cruise concludes in Vienna.
Itinerary
Day 1
BUDAPEST, HUNGARY Welcome to Budapest—Hungary’s Captivating CapitalThe day is yours to relax and enjoy Eastern Europe’s shining city on the Danube.
Day 2
BUDAPEST War Heroes and Hot Water CLASSIC Take a Guided Sightseeing Tour to see majestic Heroes’ Square and Budapest’s classic sites.With plenty of free time this afternoon, experience the curative waters of Budapest’s thermal baths, or set out for a hike to explore the countryside on either side of the Danube. Take time to shop for treasures, including handcrafted embroidery, Herend porcelain, or Budapest’s best-baked goods. (B)
Day 3
BUDAPEST (EMBARKATION) Time for Cobblestones, Coffee, and Confections Spend free time strolling along the cobblestone streets, browsing art galleries, sipping coffee, and sampling sweets before boarding your Danube cruise for a welcome dinner this evening.EVENING/OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO BRATISLAVA (B,D)
Day 4
BRATISLAVA, SLOVAKIA Cathedral Coronations and a Crowning Castle Visit the Adventure Center for today’s activities with your Adventure Host.ACTIVE Follow your Avalon Adventure Host on a short hike to lofty Bratislava Castle, OR: CLASSIC Join a Guided Sightseeing Tour of Old Town’s cobblestone streets to Town Hall. Visit the Gothic halls of St. Martin’s Cathedral—Hungary’s centuries-old coronation church.Alternatively take a bicycle and a picnic from the ship to explore the local sights along the Danube. AFTERNOON/OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO MELK (B,L,D)
Day 5
MELK, AUSTRIA–WACHAU VALLEY Frescoes Above and Vineyards BelowACTIVE Join your Avalon Adventure Host for a walk along the Danube river and around Melk, OR:CLASSIC Join a morning Guided Sightseeing Tour of Melk’s 11th-century Benedictine Abbey. Explore its frescoes, statues, library, and spectacular pipe organ in the monastery’s lofty perch above the Danube.Take a relaxing break on the Sky Deck as you sail through awe-inspiring views of the Wachau Valley and the wine region surrounding Dürnstein. DÜRNSTEIN A King’s Ransom and Castle Ruins Spend free time at your leisure, perhaps biking through the vineyards in the Wachau Valley.Later, enjoy on board entertainment by local musicians.OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO VIENNA(B,L,D)
Day 6
VIENNA (DISEMBARKATION) Your vacation ends with breakfast this morning.Flights should not leave Vienna airport before 8 am.(B)
Availability
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1,595 Avalon Waterways Travel Reviews & Ratings
A Taste of the Danube with 2 Nights in Budapest (Westbound)
Company Reviews
South of France
We had a fabulous cruise
Avalon Waterways cannot be trusted
Awesome Cruise
Wife loves the experience. Food and service were great with many options and the kitchen/serving staff went out of their way to accommodate some special dietary needs. They had an hour long free happy hour every day before dinner and a cookie/coffee bar all day. Rooms were cleaned on a daily basis. Tour options were very good, especially the tour to the medieval city Bruges and the Keukenhof gardens. Their bed placement facing the outside windows is a winner. We highly recommend Avalon.
Amazing tulip river cruise
dO nOt BoOk ThEsE tRiPs
Details
Deck & Cabin Plans

Optional Activities
WBV|A Taste of the Danube (Westbound)
WBVE|With 2 Nights in Vienna
WBVQ|With 2 Nights in Budapest
WBVY|With 2 Nights in Budapest & 2 Nights in Vienna
WVB|A Taste of the Danube (Eastbound)
Accommodations
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
InterContinental Budapest
Few would argue the InterContinental Budapest is in the city's best location: right on the Danube across from Castle Hill and the Royal Palace. With the Chain Bridge and the Parliament just steps away, there's no shortage of superb sightseeing opportunities. The Váci Utca shopping street, Central Market Hall and the Gellért Baths are also nearby.
Budapest
Hungary
Apaczai Csere Janos utca 12-14
Hotel Sofitel Chain Bridge
This elegant upscale property is located on the left bank of the river Danube, right in the heart of Budapest with Free Wi-Fi internet access throughout the property. The show kitchen restaurant serves refined French-Hungarian cuisine and the vibrant bar offers the chance to sip cocktails overlooking the illuminated Chain Bridge. Leisure facilities include an indoor pool, well-being & fitness center.
Budapest
Hungary
Szechenyi Istvan ter 2
Trip ID#:
AVALON-WBVQ
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