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.
Enchanted Europe (Eastbound)
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.
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
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Prices may vary due to local taxes and trip seasonality. Click
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1,683 Avalon Waterways Travel Reviews & Ratings
Enchanted Europe (Eastbound)
Company Reviews
It was the Paris to Normandy then to…
On a river cruise from Zagreb to Black…
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.
the people were great i liked the size…
1st river cruise exceeded expectations
The staff was very wonderful.
Extraordinary hotel and central staff!
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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