Style : River cruise
Enchanted Europe (Eastbound) tour
Bamberg Basel Enchanted Europe (Eastbound) Trip

Enchanted Europe (Eastbound)

Avalon Waterways
4.7 . Excellent
97%
Travel Style: Array Relaxed
Physical Level: Normal generally flat walking in urban or suburban environments. Very Easy
Lodging Level: Mid-range budget with accommodations ranging from comfortable lodges, guesthouses, and homestays to three star hotels. Value (3*)
16 days
From: $ 7,898 $ 494 / day
Checking price

Overview

Highlights (Bullets)

  • Onboard welcome reception
  • Choice of excursion to Black Forest or visit to Freiburg or bike with your Adventure Host
  • Guided tour, visit to La Petite France district and the Gothic cathedral or bike with your Adventure Host
  • Choice of visit to Siegfried's Mechanical Musical Instrument Museum, cable-car ride to the Niederwald Monument in Rüdesheim, or a hike in the vineyards with your Adventure Host; scenic cruising through the Rhine Gorge; time at leisure in Boppard
  • Choice of guided tour in Frankfurt, or guided tour in Seligenstadt
  • Guided walking tour
  • Choice of guided tour, visit to the Bishop's Residence or bike with your Adventure Host
  • Choice of guided tour, see the Old Town Hall or bike with your Adventure Host
  • Full day guided tour in Munich
  • Choice of guided sightseeing in Roth or hike with your Adventure Host or guided tour in Nuremberg, or Nuremberg Rally Grounds tour; onboard lecture
  • Guided walk, see Altes Rathaus (Old Town Hall) and Porta Pretoria
  • Guided walk in Passau; free time in Linz
  • Guided tour of the Benedictine Abbey in Melk or hike with your Adventure Host; scenic cruising through the Wachau Valley; free time in Vienna
  • Choice of guided sightseeing, or Künsthistorisches Museum visit, or bike with your Adventure Host
  • Choice of guided tour, see Heroes' Square or hike with your Adventure Host
  • Your breathtaking river cruise begins on the Rhine River in Basel, Switzerland
  • You’ll sail to Breisach, your starting point for a Black Forest excursion, and to the city of Strasbourg, France, along the way

Short Description

Your breathtaking river cruise begins on the Rhine River in Basel, Switzerland. You’ll sail to Breisach, your starting point for a Black Forest excursion, and to the city of Strasbourg, France, along the way. Sail to Rüdesheim and through the spectacular Rhine Gorge. The modern and charming city of Frankfurt is also on your route along the Rhine, and you’ll sail on the Main River to visit an authentic village. Visit Würzburg, and take a guided tour of Bamberg, before reaching Nuremberg, from where you will take a full-day excursion to Munich. Sail from Nuremberg to Regensburg, the only German city not bombed during WWII. Cruise next to Passau, with its narrow streets and baroque St. Stephen’s Cathedral. In Melk, you will visit Austria’s majestic Benedictine Abbey. Take in the breathtaking views before continuing through the picturesque Wachau Valley to the romantic sights of Vienna, the “City of Music.” Your European river cruise ends in Budapest, the capital of Hungary, with guided sightseeing and free time to explore this vibrant city on your own.

Style River cruise
See all the highlights and popular spots on a classic tour.
Itinerary Focus Classic Highlights
Mid-range budget with accommodations ranging from comfortable lodges, guesthouses, and homestays to three star hotels.
Lodging Level Value (3*)
Flight & Transport Inclusions All internal ground transport
Start City BASEL, SWITZERLAND (EMBARKATION)
End City BUDAPEST (DISEMBARKATION)

Itinerary

Day 1: BASEL, SWITZERLAND (EMBARKATION)

Welcome to Switzerland! Your Suite Ship® is Ready for Boarding.

Flights into Zürich or Basel must arrive by 3 pm.

Guests must be on board ship by 5 pm.

Enjoy dinner and explore the ship on your first night on board as you sail to Breisach.

EVENING/OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO BREISACH

(Dinner)

BASEL-SUNSET.jpg

Day 2: BREISACH, GERMANY. EXCURSION TO BLACK FOREST

German Winemaking and the Beautiful Black Forest

DISCOVERY Join a full-day Guided Tour to the magical Black Forest to experience the Vogtsbauernohf open-air-museum, visit an authentic water mill, and see a traditional butter-making demonstration, OR:

CLASSIC Join A Guided Tour to explore Freiburg’s medieval city center, sheltered by the Black Forest amid vineyards and gardens of the Upper Rhine Valley.

You may choose to join a Guided Optional Excursion to visit the charming village of Colmar in the morning.

EVENING/OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO STRASBOURG

(Breakfast,Lunch,Dinner)

BLACK-FOREST-SCENIC.jpg

Day 3: STRASBOURG, FRANCE

A Grand Cathedral and La Petite France

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

CLASSIC Join a City Tour of Strasbourg’s sights, including Gothic, stained-glass cathedral with its celebrated ancient murals and astronomical clock, as well as the magical La Petite France District.

You may also choose to join a Guided Optional Excursion to the historic Maginot Line—the pre-WWII fortifications designed to protect the eastern border of France, or visit Alsace’s wine country today.

Alternatively, take some free time in Strasbourg to visit a museum, or stroll across the city center.

AFTERNOON/OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO RÜDESHEIM

(Breakfast,Lunch,Dinner)

STRASBOURG-PETIT-FRANCE.jpg

Day 4: RÜDESHEIM, GERMANY–RHINE GORGE

Eat, Drink, and Be Merry in Wine Country

ACTIVE Enjoy a hike with your Avalon Adventure Host through the picturesque vineyards of Rüdesheim, OR:

DISCOVERY Tour the incredible Mechanical Music Museum for a one-of-a-kind instrumental experience; enjoy a tasting of the authentic Rüdesheimer coffee, OR:

ACTIVE Take an open-air Cable Car Ride to the Niederwald Monument, then ride or walk back down through the vineyards; enjoy a tasting of the authentic Rüdesheimer coffee.

This afternoon, stretch out on the Sky Deck as you pass through the spectacular Rhine Gorge on your way to Boppard.

BOPPARD

A Peaceful Jewel in the Rhine Gorge

Enjoy some free time to relax, or explore the Rheinallee Promenade for delicatessen fare with a cup of German coffee or glass of Riesling wine.

Later, enjoy onboard entertainment while sailing to Frankfurt.

OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO FRANKFURT

(Breakfast,Lunch,Dinner)

RUDESHEIM-VINEYARDS.jpg

Day 5: FRANKFURT. EXCURSION TO SELIGENSTADT

Charm in Frankfurt

CLASSIC Join a Guided Sightseeing Tour of Frankfurt to see the city’s cultural landmarks and gleaming financial headquarters combined with the cozy ambience of quaint neighborhoods, OR:

DISCOVERY Take a Guided Tour to Seligenstadt—one of Germany’s oldest towns and home to the Einhard Basilika—dubbed “minor basilica” in 1925 by Pope Pius XI.

Later, enjoy live entertainment onboard.

AFTERNOON/OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO MAIN RIVER VILLAGE

(Breakfast,Lunch,Dinner)

FRANKFURT-OLD-TOWN.jpg

Day 6: MAIN RIVER VILLAGE

Beauty on the Main River

Join your Adventure Host for today’s special activities.

CLASSIC Join a Guided Walking Tour of a picturesque Bavarian village.

AFTERNOON/OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO WÜRZBURG

(Breakfast,Lunch,Dinner)

MAIN-RIVER-VILLAGE-DETAIL.jpg

Day 7: WÜRZBURG

A Perfect Day in the Pearl of the Romantic Road

CLASSIC Take a Guided Sightseeing Tour of Würzburg with its Old Main Bridge, towering fortress, and baroque Bishop’s Residenz—with the largest known ceiling fresco.

You may choose to join a Guided Optional Excursion to the beautiful Bavarian town of Rothenburg. See the local sights and enjoy the fairytale atmosphere that has inspired artists.

Enjoy live entertainment on board as you set sail for Bamberg.

AFTERNOON/OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO BAMBERG

(Breakfast,Lunch,Dinner)

WURZBURG.jpg

Day 8: BAMBERG

The City of Seven Hills

CLASSIC Take a Guided Walking Tour of the historic home to imperial dynasties, and see its Romanesque cathedral, Old Town Hall, and seven hills crowned with churches.

After the tour, spend free time with a glass of German-style Rauchbier (smoked beer).

EVENING/OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO NUREMBERG

(Breakfast,Lunch,Dinner)

BAMBERG-TOWN-HALL.jpg

Day 9: NUREMBERG. EXCURSION TO MUNICH

A King’s Palace and Town Halls

CLASSIC Take a full-day Guided Tour of the highlights of fascinating Munich. See Nymphenburg Palace—a former residence of German monarchs, along with the old and new Town Halls of Marienplatz.

OVERNIGHT DOCKING IN NUREMBERG

(Breakfast,Dinner)

MUNICH-MARIENPLATZ.jpg

Day 10: ROTH. EXCURSION TO NUREMBERG

Legends and History Lessons

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

ACTIVE Explore Roth's Lauter valley with your Adventure Host, OR:

CLASSIC Enjoy a Guided Sightseeing Tour of the Bavarian town of Roth—with its half-timbered houses, market square, and 1535 hunting lodge Schloss Ratibor, OR:

CLASSIC Choose a Guided Tour of Nuremberg’s medieval architecture, gilded fountain, Gothic cathedral, and Kaiserburg Castle, OR:

CLASSIC Take a Guided Tour of the historic Nuremberg Rally Grounds—used by the Third Reich.

DISCOVERY Enjoy an Onboard Lecture about the Main-Danube Canal—linking these two rivers to make a vital connection enabling navigation between the North and Black Seas.

Later, enjoy live entertainment on board.

AFTERNOON/OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO REGENSBURG

(Breakfast,Lunch,Dinner)

NUREMBERG-SCENIC.jpg

Day 11: REGENSBURG

Bavaria’s Medieval Miracle

CLASSIC Join a Guided City Walk and see Altes Rathaus (Old Town Hall) and Porta Pretoria—built in 179 AD as the entrance to Castra Regina fortress.

You may choose to join a Guided Optional Excursion to visit the Benedictine Monastery in Weltenburg.

Alternatively spend a free afternoon exploring Regensburg on foot or by bike through its charming streets.

EVENING/OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO PASSAU

(Breakfast,Lunch,Dinner)

REGENSBURG.jpg

Day 12: PASSAU

Where the Danube, Inn, and Ilz Rivers Meet

CLASSIC Join a Guided City Walk to learn more about this beautiful “City of Three Rivers.”

Alternatively, join a full day Guided Optional Excursion to Salzburg—the city of Mozart—or to the picturesque Bohemian town of Cesky Krumlov.

Sail to Linz this afternoon, or join your ship after your selected full-day excursion.

LINZ, AUSTRIA

Legendary, Lovely Linz

Enjoy a free afternoon to linger in Linz. Take a bicycle from the ship and cycle along the Danube, or follow one of Linz’s many nature trails for a bird’s-eye view of the city and river below.

Later, enjoy live entertainment onboard.

OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO MELK

(Breakfast,Lunch,Dinner)

PASSAU.jpg

Day 13: MELK–WACHAU VALLEY

Frescoes Above and Vineyards Below

ACTIVE Join your Avalon Adventure Host for a Morning Hike through Melk’s beautiful countryside, OR:

CLASSIC Take a Guided Tour of Melk’s magnificent Benedictine Abbey to marvel at its frescoed ceilings, statues, incredible library, and ornate pipe organ.

Enjoy a coffee or a cocktail on the Sky Deck as you sail through the picturesque Wachau Valley to Vienna.

VIENNA

Viennese Waltzes on the Blue DanubeThis evening, you may choose to attend an Optional Excursion to a Royal Waltz Concert for an unforgettable evening of music in an elegant hall.

OVERNIGHT DOCKING IN VIENNA

(Breakfast,Lunch,Dinner)

MELK-ABBEY.jpg

Day 14: VIENNA

Royal Collections, and Amusing Attractions

Ask about today’s energizing or relaxing Adventure Host activities

ACTIVE Explore Vienna's Danube Island by bike with your Adventure Host, OR:

CLASSIC Explore the Habsburg empire this morning on a Guided City Tour of Vienna’s gilded landmarks. See the Imperial Palace complex—the winter residence of the Imperial Family, the iconic Vienna Opera House and stunning St. Stephen’s Cathedral, OR:

CLASSIC After a short walk of Vienna, join a Guided Visit of Austria’s largest museum, the legendary Kunsthistorisches Museum (Museum of Fine Arts).

Join a Guided Optional Excursion to Schönbrunn Palace— summer home of the Habsburg Empire.

Enjoy free time to take a tram to visit Vienna’s Prater amusement park or one of the many museums nearby. You may also borrow a bike from ship to explore Vienna’s square or the banks of the Danube.

Later, relax on board with live entertainment as you sail to Budapest.

EVENING/OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO BUDAPEST

(Breakfast,Lunch,Dinner)

VIENNA-HOFBURG-PALACE.jpg

Day 15: 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, select from a variety of Guided Optional or spend free time soaking in one of Budapest’s famous thermal baths. Consider a scenic hike above the Danube, or enjoy Budapest’s cafés, pubs or nightlife.

OVERNIGHT DOCKING IN BUDAPEST

(Breakfast,Lunch,Dinner)

BUDAPEST-HEROS-SQUARE.jpg

Day 16: BUDAPEST (DISEMBARKATION)

Your cruise ends with breakfast this morning.

(Breakfast)

BUDAPEST-CITY-VIEW.jpg

Availability

Checking price
Price From $ 7,898
Price Per Day: $ 494 per day
Checking price
Start DateFinish DateBase PriceDeparture GuaranteedAvailability 
May-20-2024Jun-04-2024$ 8,498NoSold Out Reserve
Jul-03-2024Jul-18-2024$ 8,198YesAvailable Reserve
Sep-21-2024Oct-06-2024$ 8,798YesAvailable Reserve
Oct-25-2024Nov-09-2024$ 7,898YesAvailable Reserve
May-14-2025May-29-2025$ 8,498YesAvailable Reserve
Oct-07-2025Oct-22-2025$ 7,998YesAvailable Reserve

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.

1,683 Avalon Waterways Travel Reviews & Ratings

97%
4.7 out of 5 (100+ reviews)
Excellent 1,449
Great 134
Average 45
Disappointing 15
Terrible 40
Value
4.7
Guide
4.7
Activities
4.7
Lodging
4.7
Transportation
4.7
Meals
4.7

Enchanted Europe (Eastbound)

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

Company Reviews

It was the Paris to Normandy then to…

1.0
Details
Value1.0
Guide1.0
Activities1.0
Lodging1.0
Transportation1.0
Meals1.0
It was the Paris to Normandy then to Marseille 14 day cruise. The whole cruise was terrible, ports were bypassed, crew was very inexperienced, the restaurant was unorganized, wrong meals, dropped meals, not just once but numerous time for everybody, the drinking water in the room was terrible it smelled and tasted bad, our little coffee room at the end of our floor, the coffee and drink machines were broken all 14 days, we tried to use the bikes twice and both times they had to leave early from the city we were in. The weather was perfect so no excuses, none of the crew informed us of any changes.
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On a river cruise from Zagreb to Black…

1.0
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Value1.0
Guide1.0
Activities1.0
Lodging1.0
Transportation1.0
Meals1.0
On a river cruise from Zagreb to Black Sea on Avalon Impression there was little to fault the 4+ star boat, the food and the crew (with the notable exception of one quite senior member of the catering staff who occasionally forgot he is in a service capacity as he heatedly ordered passengers and fellow workers about, causing anger and distress in both groups - I am sure that those on the 9th September sailing will know of whom I make this comment and suspect this is not the first time that his behaviour has been noted). Cabins, public rooms, service, shore visits and food were all for the most part exemplary. Not so the hand dealt to those staff on the ground (boat and shore) - and passengers - by back office management. On a journey described on Avalon's website as a "9 day river cruise" and "inclusive of accommodation, meals and free wine with lunch and dinner" only 5 days were spent actually cruising on the river and on only 5 days were all meals provided (1-2 on the other 4). The same cruise sold as "From Croatia to the Black Sea (at Constanta)" stopped some 70 km short of the port and the sea with an optional 3 hour bus/ walking tour of Constanta - which is not what was expected (an Avalon map of the journey indeed showed the journey as completed via the Danube/Black Sea canal - an engineering marvel to which many were looking forward). Staff on board were left surprised at the expectation of mooring on Constanta, saying there "just wasn't time". Thus a £5000 (rack rate) "9 day river cruise to the Back Sea" offered morphed in reality into a "5 day river cruise way short of a promised destination" of questionable value for money. At best misleading and deeply disappointing. Enough to drop this from a 4 star experience to 1 star
Probably not consciously deceitful but perhaps Operations and Marketing should talk details before extravagant claims are made and the inevitable disappointment follows. Surely Operations sign off on advertising claims is the norm these days? Not it seems at Avalon. No big deal for most of our fellow passengers I guess. But, sadly, we will not be travelling with Avalon again, even though almost all their people shone. Ah yes. One more thing. The wines were indeed free and generously dispensed but the quality quite poor - and no choice other than "red or white". A feeling of penny pinching.
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the people were great i liked the size…

5.0
Details
Value5.0
Guide5.0
Activities5.0
Lodging5.0
Transportation5.0
Meals5.0
the people were great i liked the size of the ship

1st river cruise exceeded expectations

5.0
Details
Value5.0
Guide5.0
Activities5.0
Lodging5.0
Transportation5.0
Meals5.0
My wife and I were looking to do something special for our 50th anniversary so we booked a weeklong cruise on the Rhone. We had done many ocean cruises but this was our first river cruise and it was wonderful. The food, the entire staff, and the excursions were all first rate. We made many new friends during the cruise and I suspect we'll be back on a 2nd river cruise with Avalon in the not too distant future.
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The staff was very wonderful.

5.0
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Value5.0
Guide5.0
Activities5.0
Lodging5.0
Transportation5.0
Meals5.0
The staff was very wonderful.

Extraordinary hotel and central staff!

5.0
Details
Value5.0
Guide5.0
Activities5.0
Lodging5.0
Transportation5.0
Meals5.0
The hotel manager Mahai Stancui and his staff were fantastic. Went way above and beyond. Will be forever grateful. The food, beverages, tours and entertainment were all great too:)
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Details

Deck & Cabin Plans

Optional Activities

WZB|Enchanted Europe (Eastbound)
WZB1|With 2 Nights in Lucerne
WBZ|Enchanted Europe (Westbound)

Flight & Transport Inclusions

All internal ground transport

Group Size

Standard Group - 25 + people

Accommodations

Radisson Blu Airport

This modern, stylish hotel 330-room property conveniently offers direct access to the airport terminal, the perfect location for arrivals & departures. Dining options include an Italian restaurant specializing in fresh Italian dishes crafted with a modern twist and a Grill restaurant offering seafood and steaks dishes prepared in an open kitchen. The atrium bar has a 16m-high glass wine tower with over 4,000 bottles of wine and champagne and the outdoor terrace is the place for cocktails and light bites. Other amenities include two fitness centers (one on site and one at the airport), a hammam, as well as a sauna set in a plane's cockpit. Free internet access is available throughout the entire hotel.

Zurich

Switzerland

Zuerich Flughafen

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

Trip ID#:

AVALON-WZB

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