Danube Dreams – Westbound

12 days
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4.7/5 Excellent
100+ reviews  
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Cancellation Policy
River Cruise
On this magnificent cruise vacation, enjoy seeing some of Central Europe’s splendid capitals—Budapest, Bratislava, Vienna, and Prague—as well as many small towns that dot the landscape along the way. Shop for paprika in Budapest, visit St. Martin’s Cathedral in Bratislava, savor a Sachertorte in Vienna, and explore the grounds of majestic Hradcany Castle in P...

Overview

Trip type
River Cruise
Lodging level
Premium - 4 star
Physical level
Moderate
Trip pace
Flexible schedule

Highlights

    • Opportunity to Cruise: deluxe 7-night cruise in an outside stateroom with Avalon’s exclusive Comfort Collection Beds
    • Explore Budapest
    • Visit Vienna museum
    • Discover Prague, visit Hradčany Castle grounds

What's this trip about?

    On this magnificent cruise vacation, enjoy seeing some of Central Europe’s splendid capitals—Budapest, Bratislava, Vienna, and Prague—as well as many small towns that dot the landscape along the way. Shop for paprika in Budapest, visit St. Martin’s Cathedral in Bratislava, savor a Sachertorte in Vienna, and explore the grounds of majestic Hradcany Castle in Prague. In addition to these amazing and fun cities, there’s even more...visit Austria’s oldest theater still holding regular performances in the resort town of Grein, explore Germany’s Passau, located at the confluence of three rivers, and Linz, Austria’s third-largest city. Guided sightseeing with Certified Local Guides is sure to heighten your experience.

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Details

Itinerary focusClassic Highlights
Group sizeIntimate group - 12 max
Age rangeNo age restrictions
Flights and transportN/A
Start CityBudapest
End CityPrague

Travel Themes

  • Cultural
  • Nature & Wildlife
  • 50 Plus
  • National Parks

Destinations

Activities

  • Culture
  • Historic Sightseeing
  • Nature
  • River Cruise
  • Wine Tasting

Trip includes

    • Accommodation
    • Most of the meals as mentioned in the itinerary
    • Internal transportation
    • Wi-Fi accessibility
    • Sightseeing with Certified Local Guides

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Itinerary

Travel Map

Day 1: Arrive In Budapest, Hungary

Welcome to Budapest, Hungary’s lively capital. The remainder of the day is free to start exploring this exciting city.

Day 2: Budapest

Meals: Breakfast

Spanning the banks of the Danube, Budapest is one of Eastern Europe’s liveliest cities. Whether you’re seeing the sights, shopping for handcrafted embroidery or Herend porcelain, or basking in the coffee house culture over a rich cream cake in ...

Day 3: Budapest (Embarkation)

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Today you can explore this vibrant city at your own pace. Shop at the Great Market Hall and purchase paprika or embroidery at one of its 180 vendor stalls, or wander around the Royal Palace grounds. In the afternoon, transfer to your river cruise vessel and meet your crew at a welcome reception. (Breakfast, Dinner)

Day 4: Bratislava, Slovakia

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

This morning, enjoy the beautiful scenery on both banks of the Danube. As you cruise upriver, Hungary is on your left and Slovakia is on your right. The two countries share the Danube for a 58-mile stretch, with the border in ...

Day 5: Vienna, Austria

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

A morning of cruising allows you to relax on board before reaching Vienna around lunchtime. This afternoon, enjoy an included visit to the KUNSTKAMMER MUSEUM. An optional concert is available tonight. (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)

Day 6: Vienna

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Known as the “City of Music,” Vienna inspired the creative genius of Mozart, Beethoven, and Strauss. Once the center of the mighty Habsburg Empire, Austria’s magical capital on the blue Danube is a showcase of gilded architect...

Day 7: Weissenkirchen–Grein

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

This morning, sail into the picturesque Wachau Valley, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Pass the magnificent baroque Stiftskirche with its blue façade, the landmark of Dürnstein, before arriving in Weissenkirchen (White Church). ...

Day 8: Mauthausen–Linz

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

This morning, arrive in Mauthausen and join a local expert for a GUIDED WALK. This afternoon arrive in Linz, Austria’s third-largest city and explore on your own., Linz is an important river port where culture plays a signific...

Day 9: Passau, Germany

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

This afternoon, arrive in Passau, located at the confluence of the Rivers Inn, Ilz, and Danube. This is a city of graceful arcades and cobblestone streets. St. Stephen’s Cathedral houses one of the world’s largest church organ...

Day 10: Passau (Disembarkation)–Prague, Czech Republic

Meals: Breakfast

Today, say goodbye to your crew and to Bavaria, then travel by motorcoach to Prague, also known as the “Golden City” and capital of the Czech Republic.

Day 11: Prague

Meals: Breakfast

Prague is a 1,200-year-old city preserved in time, and, unlike other Central European capitals, it was not bombed during the 20th-century wars. A Local Guide will show you its best-known treasures, such as the Old Town’s Astronomical Clock, bui...

Day 12: Prague

Meals: Breakfast

Your vacation ends with breakfast this morning.

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Dates & Availability

Price From $3,518
Price per day$293
Single supplement (single occupancy)$240
Last Updated: 8/2/2018

Extra nights per person in Budapest: in single room from $240 to $295, in twin room from $140 to $170 Extra nights per person in Prague: in single room from $205 to $315 in twin room from $120 to $175 Prices shown above include cruise in Category E in a deluxe outside stateroom on Indigo Deck. To upgrade to a higher category, add per person: Category / Decks / Price D / Indigo Deck / $199 B / Sapphire Deck / $1,049 A / Sapphire Deck / $1,099 P / Royal Deck / $1,199 Royal Suite / Royal Deck / $1,899 Note: Departure April 6 is offered as an exclusive Jewish Heritage Cruise, including lectures and special features at no additional cost. Explore sites important to Jewish history, like the world’s second-largest synagogue in Budapest, the WWII Terezin ghetto, Prague’s Jewish Museum & Cemetery, and more. (NOTE: Kosher foods not available.)

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.

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

4.7/5  Excellent
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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

What's excluded

    • Meals: Captain’s welcome & farewell receptions with sparkling wine and canapés
    • Welcome dinner
    • Daily Afternoon Tea
    • Daily Night Fare
    • Farewell dinner
    • Complimentary sparkling wine with breakfast; soft drinks with lunch; and wine, beer, or soft drinks with dinner are included daily on board your vessel Notes: In the event of water level problems or any problems of a technical nature, it may be necessary to operate the itinerary by motor coach or to alter the program.
    • Included visits and special features are subject to change. If a change is necessary, a substitute will be offered.
    • Please check visa requirements with your local consulate(s); the responsibility for obtaining a visa rests with the traveller.

Accommodation

Hotel Sofitel Chain Bridge Hotel as shown or similar Deluxe 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. Pool Restaurant On-Site Spa Services Dry Cleaning Fitness Room Bar/Lounge Business Center Concierge desk Elevator Parking/Valet Hot Tub Free WiFi Luggage Storage Iron/Ironing Board Desk Smoking Rooms Internet Access Complimentary Newspaper Air Conditioning (Seasonal) Mini-bar In-Room Safe Wake-Up Calls Voicemail Room Service Alarm Clock Air Conditioning Coffee Maker Television Window Opens Cable/Satellite Disabled Access / Rooms Hair Dryer Complimentary Toiletries Phone Non-smoking Rooms Climate Control
Cancellation policy

Booking Cancellations & Cancellation Fees:

If a booking cancellation is received by Avalon prior to the final payment date of your vacation, your non-refundable land deposit and Travel Protection payments will be retained in addition to your Flex-Air deposit, Instant Purchase Air payment and service fee, and/or intra-vacation air deposit. For individual reservations, the following per person cancellation fees apply. Total price does not include discounts, promotions, or special incentives. (For group reservations, refer to the Group Policy.)

Standard Cancellation Fees:

90-60 days prior to commencement of services: 35% of total price* plus Travel Protection payments

59-30 days prior to commencement of services: 50% of total price* plus Travel Protection payments

29-1 days prior to commencement of services: 80% of total price* plus Travel Protection payments

On departure day and later: 100% of total price* plus Travel Protection payments

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 .
Meals Included

11 Breakfasts, 5 Lunches and 5 Dinners

Age Requirements
No age restrictions
Additional Information
Important Notes Vacation departures, itineraries and prices are subject to change. The following charges are not included in the land/cruise vacation price unless otherwise noted: airfare to and from the start of your vacation; intra-vacation air, unless specified in the itinerary; airline baggage fees including checked and/or excess baggage fees; Federal inspection fees for the Federal U.S. Customs and Immigrations; International Air Transportation tax; agricultural tax; other per person taxes imposed by government entities; airport taxes and fees, including the September 11th Security fee up to $10 per person, passenger facility charges up to $18 per person, Federal domestic flight segment fees up to $3.70 per segment, and U.S. and international arrival and departure and other government-imposed added by the airline and applicable at time of booking; port taxes; passports; visas and vaccinations; tips to your Cruise Director, Local Host, driver, Local Guides, and/or ship's crew; gratuities on ferries, trains, and cruise ships; laundry; telephone; minibar; alcohol, beverages, and food outside of the contracted Avalon menu as presented at a hotel or restaurant or onboard your vessel (these extra items will be billed to you before leaving the hotel, ship, or restaurant); airport transfers on non-qualifying flights; optional excursions; additional activities and excursions purchased online; porterage at airports and train stations; Travel Protection; and all other items of a personal nature. In the event of water level problems or any problems of a technical nature, it may be necessary to operate the itinerary by motorcoach or to alter the program. Included visits and special features are subject to change. If a change is necessary, a substitute will be offered. Please check visa requirements with your local consulate(s); the responsibility for obtaining a visa rests with the traveler. Meals: Captain’s welcome & farewell receptions with sparkling wine and canapés Welcome dinner Daily Afternoon Tea Daily Night Fare Farewell dinner Complimentary sparkling wine with breakfast; soft drinks with lunch; and wine, beer, or soft drinks with dinner are included daily on board your vessel
Trip ID
AVALON-CapCenAva

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