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Old town passau, Danube

Danube Symphony - Cruise Only Eastbound

Avalon Waterways Premier
Has very high quality customer experiences and demonstrated commitment to responsible travel practices. read more
4.8 . Excellent
97%
Travel Style: Array Relaxed
Physical Level: Walking or physical activity half to most of day - no carrying equipment. Easy
Lodging Level: The highest level of comfort and service. All accomodations are in four or five star hotels, boutique lodges or high-end homestays. Luxury (5*)
6 days
From: $ 2,784 $ 464 / day
Checking price

Overview

Highlights (Bullets)

  • Visit large churches like St. Stephen’s Cathedral and Neo-gothic New Cathedral.
  • Explore the cities Vienna and Linz
  • Enjoy the cruise through the Dhanube River
  • Visit the Wachau wine region

Short Description

Board your river cruise vessel in Passau and sail down the Danube, stopping to visit Grein’s quaint historical theater, magnificent Melk Abbey, and the small town of Krems in the Wachau Valley. End your cruise in Austria’s capital, Vienna, with guided sightseeing and plenty of time to explore this “City of Music” on your own.

 

Style River cruise
See all the highlights and popular spots on a classic tour.
Itinerary Focus Classic Highlights
The highest level of comfort and service. All accomodations are in four or five star hotels, boutique lodges or high-end homestays.
Lodging Level Luxury (5*)
Flight & Transport Inclusions All internal transport included (including local flights)
Start City Passau
End City Vienna

Itinerary

Day 1: Passau, Germany (Embarkation)

Meals: Dinner

This afternoon board your river cruise vessel and meet your crew at a welcome reception this evening.

Day 2: Passau–Linz, Austria

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Passau is a maze of narrow cobblestone streets lined with beautiful patrician houses. St. Stephen’s Cathedral, a masterpiece of Italian baroque architecture, houses one of the world’s largest church organs with 17,774 pipes. Join your Local Guide for a WALKING TOUR through this charming town, and find out much more about the “City of Three Rivers.” (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)

Day 3: Linz

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Linz is Austria’s third-largest city and an important river port where culture plays a significant role in everyday life. A guided tour of the city shows you the 13th-century Hauptplatz, Austria’s largest medieval square, and the Trinity Column, built in 1723 as thanks for the city escaping the ravages of the plague, war, and fire. Perhaps wander around the old castle grounds and take in the beautiful views of the river, or visit the neo-gothic New Cathedral, Austria’s largest church, with capacity for 20,000 visitors. This afternoon relax on board enjoying the views of the peaceful riverscapes from the comfort of the Sky Deck or join an optional excursion.

Day 4: Melk–Dürnstein

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

A day of charming towns and magical scenery awaits you today! In Melk, you may choose between a GUIDED VISIT of the magnificent 11th-century BENEDICTINE ABBEY, one of Europe’s largest monasteries, or renaissance SCHALLABURG CASTLE. Melk’s abbey towers over the town and its church houses stunning frescoed ceilings and an ornate library with a large collection of medieval manuscripts. Schallaburg Castle was built as a defensive stronghold 900 years ago, but was later redesigned as a magnificent princely home. Next, head into the heart of the Wachau wine region to Dürnstein known for its magnificent baroque Stiftskirche with its blue façade, - and join a Certified Local Guide for a guided walk.

Day 5: Vienna

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Wake up this morning in Vienna, known as the “City of Music” and the place that 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 architecture. This is home to the lavish Hofburg Imperial Palace complex with its Vienna Boy’s Choir and dazzling Lipizzaner stallions; the neo-renaissance Vienna Opera House; and awe-inspiring St. Stephen’s Cathedral—plus, countless other sights you’ll see on your GUIDED SIGHTSEEING TOUR. Stroll through the pedestrian Kärntnerstrasse, and be sure to take a break and enjoy a piece of decadent Sachertorte or Apfelstrudel in a neighborhood café.

Day 6: Vienna (Disembarkation)

Meals: Breakfast

Your vacation ends with breakfast this morning.

Availability

Checking price
Price From $ 2,784
Price Per Day: $ 464 per day
  • Deposit Price: $ 250

Check Current Availability, prices, specials with Avalon Waterways .

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.

1,586 Avalon Waterways Travel Reviews & Ratings

97%
4.8 out of 5 (100+ reviews)
Excellent 1,364
Great 131
Average 44
Disappointing 14
Terrible 33
Value
4.8
Guide
4.8
Activities
4.8
Lodging
4.8
Transportation
4.8
Meals
4.8

Danube Symphony - Cruise Only Eastbound

No reviews yet for this trip. Be the first one to write a review

Company Reviews

Memorable cruise on the Mekong

5.0
Details
Value5.0
Guide5.0
Activities5.0
Lodging5.0
Transportation5.0
Meals5.0
The Vietnam/Cambodia Mekong cruise on the Avalon Saigon was our First river cruise and overall it was fantastic. Excellent service on board and outstanding guides for the shore excursions. The Crew/staff were friendly and professional. All of it conducted like a symphony by our excellent Cruise director, Khan. The only thing we would like to see improved is a two nights stay at the Vinpearl, Halong bay (one night is not adequate). Thank you Avalon and the Crew of the Saigon for making our trip memorable.
Read more

World Class Experience

5.0
Details
Value5.0
Guide5.0
Activities5.0
Lodging5.0
Transportation5.0
Meals5.0
This was my first cruise, and I wasn’t sure what to expect. I was delighted at all the off-boat activities available to us, and I was gratified to experience so much of the country’s culture from the locally hired guides. The meals, drinks, and service on the boat were exceptional—and delivered in an approachable and welcoming way. The experience was world class!
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Trip Insurance late but satisfactory payment

4.0
Details
Value4.0
Guide4.0
Activities4.0
Lodging4.0
Transportation4.0
Meals4.0
We submitted a critical review in January of the insurance payout delay due to contracting COVID at the beginning of the trip. We did acknowledge and wish to confirm that the crew and the cruise director, John did everything thing possible to make our confinement bearable. Since our critical review was based largely upon the slow 6 month delay did finally pay a satisfactory amount, we wish to amend our review up to 4 stars. We filed in August, 2022 and were paid what we expected but not until February, 2023.
Read more

Terrible customer service

1.0
Details
Value1.0
Guide1.0
Activities1.0
Lodging1.0
Transportation1.0
Meals1.0
Terrible customer service

Buyer BEWARE …

2.0
Details
Value2.0
Guide2.0
Activities2.0
Lodging2.0
Transportation2.0
Meals2.0
If you are use to Avalon in Europe BEWARE of Egypt. First it is not an Avalon boat - this was not made clear prior to arriving. In fact you share a boat with other non- Avalon cruises. The quality is significantly below the standard we were expecting based on our two prior Avalon experiences in France and The Danube - but the price remains just as high. The people (staff/guides) try hard and are sweet but the level of disorganization is monumental. itinerary continual changes, which would be OK if there was a process in place to have app match what gets sent via email, or there were paper schedules left in a defined place at hotels. We were told about the schedule for the first two days in Cairo verbally (after an 11 flight) as we were driving from airport to hotel - no hand out, no Avalon desk at hotel that we were told about to check back in, then schedule changed again and only found out accidentally.
The hotel in Cairo was lovely - but once on the boat on the Nile, it was so tacky, tired, smelly old carpet - the complete opposite of the Avalon boats we had been on. The worst part was that we introduced our friends to Avalon on this trip - and we are sooo embarrassed that this is the experience they are having. They certainly won’t become Avalon travelers.
My favorite was when we found out about the boat NOT being an Avalon boat - the guide said ‘don’t expect this to be like the European Avalon experiences - this will be good for Egypt’ WHAT!!!!?!?! Are you kidding. Maybe Avalon and Egypt need to get their act together. This has so damaged my view of Avalon we are not sure we will ever use them again - and we loved them prior to this experience. Deceptive, over rated, really so very disappointing.
Read more

The trip insurance failed us and Avalon

2.0
Details
Value2.0
Guide2.0
Activities2.0
Lodging2.0
Transportation2.0
Meals2.0
We bought the expensive trip insurance through one of the sponsored companies. After being in Switzerland for 9 days where nobody was wearing masks we did not feel well on the bus ride from Zurich to Basel to board the boat. We immediately took precaution by asking for a Covid test. The man who gave the test was very quick with the steps and did not wait the prescribed time to test. The results were negative and we were invited to be part of the bon voyage celebration and dinner. The next day my wife felt worse and we asked for another Covid test. This time a woman took the time to do it correctly and my wife was positive. I was there also positive the next day. We agreed to stay in our cabin for the 8 day duration of the trip. The staff treated us well and room service food was appreciated. The Cruise director, Robert was kind thoughtful and generously upgraded our room. Unfortunately, 6 months since then insurance company has yet to pay for our loss of all the attributes of cruising on the Rhine. We would give it a second try but are leery of the lack of service by the insurance company.
Read more

Details

Ship Name

Panorama

Ship Description

A brand new kind of ship, the Avalon Panorama set sail in 2011, taking inspired design to a whole new level. A unique Suite Ship®, the Avalon Panorama was the first of its kind in the industry with two full decks of suites featuring a Wall-to-Wall Panoramic Window that transforms the living space into a unique Open-Air Balcony®. As you cruise along Europe's finest rivers, enjoy the fresh breeze and enchanting scenery from the comfort of your suite. With 200 square feet, the Panorama Suite is more than 30% larger than the industry standard, and it gives you the unparalleled opportunity to wake up each morning facing the magnificent passing scenery. Exciting onboard amenities include a complimentary Internet Corner and Wi-Fi access, a well-stocked library, an expanded Fitness Center, and a spacious Sky Deck with premium lounge chairs, shade system, whirlpool, and delightful Sky Bistro. There's no better way to cruise in Europe than in the spacious comfort offered on the Avalon Panorama.

Deck & Cabin Plans

All Deck & Cabin Plans (affiliate link)

Optional Activities

The following list of optional excursions and on-board packages are examples only for this vacation. These optional excursions might or might not be offered. Whether it's a special dinner, a local show or a special behind-the-scenes glimpse into an historical site, optional excursions are a wonderful way to enrich your vacation even further. Plus, they give you flexibility. We include the must-see sites and experiences, and we also understand that people take interest in different activities and may want to craft a more personal vacation by hand-picking optional excursions that appeal to them.

We know that many times travelers celebrate special occasions on vacation and you can now pre-purchase celebration packages before your cruise departure. We offer special birthday, anniversary and wedding vow packages. These packages include all the elements you need to celebrate with family & friends.

Availability of optional excursions is subject to sufficient participation, weather conditions, seasonal suitability, days of operation, group interests, and general feasibility for your vacation. The approximate value listed gives you a good, general idea of what you can expect to pay but may vary once you are on your vacation. Some information provided might be in a foreign currency; to get an estimated price, use a currency converter for exchange rate information (pricing may vary at the time of booking).

Once you have booked your vacation, Avalon Waterways provides the ability to pre-purchase excursions and packages, register for your cruise and provide emergency contact information online.

Linz

Cesky Krumlov - A Sleeping Beauty Awakes

Romantic Austria - A Countryside Excursion To The Salzkammergut Lake District

Vienna

A Visit Of Schonbrunn Imperial Palace

Royal Waltz Concert

Flight & Transport Inclusions

All internal transport included (including local flights)

Group Size

Standard Group - 25 + people

Cancellation policy

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

Additional Information

  • 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 becomes necessary, a substitute will be offered.
  • Arrival transfers are not included and are not offered for purchase with this cruise-only itinerary.

Trip ID#:

DanSymAva

What's excluded

  • International Flights
  • Passport and Visa Charges
  • Personal Expenses

Meals Included

5 Breakfasts, 4 Lunches and 5 Dinners

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