Magnificent Rivers of Europe with 2 Nights in Budapest (Westbound)

19 days
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Group Tour
Begin your European vacation your way with a two-night stay in the Pearl of the Danube—Budapest. Join in guided sightseeing, including iconic Heroes Square, with free time to explore and enjoy this beautiful and historic city. Amazing views on the Danube, Main, and Rhine Rivers await on your European River cruise. Embark in Budapest and sail to Vienna—the C...

Overview

Trip type
Group Tour
Lodging level
Standard - 3 star
Physical level
Very Easy

Highlights

    • Welcome to Budapest
    • Guided tour
    • Onboard welcome reception
    • Scenic sailing, pass through Bratislava
    • Guided tour
    • Choice of guided tour, or hike up to the castle ruins in Dürnstein; scenic cruise through the Wachau Valley; guided tour of the Benedictine Abbey in Melk; wine tasting on board
    • Guided walk
    • Guided walk
    • Lecture on board; choice of guided sightseeing in Nuremberg or Roth, or Nuremberg Rally Grounds tour; beer tasting on board
    • Guided sightseeing in Munich, see the Marienplatz

What's this trip about?

    Begin your European vacation your way with a two-night stay in the Pearl of the Danube—Budapest. Join in guided sightseeing, including iconic Heroes Square, with free time to explore and enjoy this beautiful and historic city. Amazing views on the Danube, Main, and Rhine Rivers await on your European River cruise. Embark in Budapest and sail to Vienna—the City of Music—to see the Imperial Palace, the world-famous opera house, and stunning St. Stephen’s Cathedral. Sail to Dürnstein where you may take a guided hike to the castle prison of Richard the Lionheart. Next, visit the magnificent Benedictine Abbey of Melk. Cruise to Passau for tour of Germany’s “City of Three Rivers.” Visit the Bavarian town of Regensburg to see medieval sights, and join us for a beer tasting on board. In Roth, take a guided tour of the town, a sightseeing excursion to Nuremberg, or a tour of the notorious Nuremberg Rally Grounds. Join a guided excursion to Munich to see Nymphenburg Palace. In Bamberg, tour its Romanesque cathedral amid the seven hills crowned with churches. Enjoy a beer tasting on board before sailing for the quaint Bavarian town of Volkach. Visit Kitzingen in Bavaria’s largest wine-producing area. Explore Würzburg along the Romantic Road, then visit a Main River Village. In Mainz, take an excursion to Heidelberg Castle, then cruise to the Rhine Valley village of Rüdesheim. Hear the sounds of oom-pah-pah in a Mechanical Musical Instrument Museum! Take a hike up the vineyard hills with a cable-car ride down, or enjoy a coffee or wine tasting (based on your departure). Cruise through the stunning Rhine Gorge on your way to Koblenz, then to Cologne—with its gothic cathedral and soaring twin steeples. Take a guided city tour or a walking tour of Cologne’s historical Jewish sites. This Avalon YourWay cruise through Germany concludes in Amsterdam with a guided canal cruise past stately homes of the city’s Golden Age.

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Details

Itinerary focusOperator does not provide
Group sizeOperator does not provide
Age rangeNo age restrictions
Flights and transportN/A
Start CityBUDAPEST
End CityAMSTERDAM (DISEMBARKATION) Your cruise ends with breakfast this morning

Travel Themes

  • 50 plus
  • Cultural

Destinations

  • Europe
  • Austria
  • Germany
  • Hungary

Attractions

  • Amsterdam
  • Bamberg
  • Budapest
  • Heidelberg
  • Koblenz
  • Munich
  • Nuremberg
  • Passau
  • Vienna

Activities

  • Culture

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Itinerary

Travel Map

Day 1

BUDAPEST, HUNGARY Welcome to Budapest—Hungary’s Captivating Capital The day is yours to relax and enjoy the city with time for photographs, cafés, and confections.

Day 2

BUDAPEST, HUNGARY The Pearl of the Danube in the Heart of Europe CLASSIC Enjoy a Guided City Sightseeing, including the iconic Heroes’ Square. Take in the beauty of Budapest while enjoying a free afternoon exploring such famous sights as the Chain Bridge. Get to know the city’s cafés and pubs, or take a hike through the hills above the Danube. (B)

Day 3

BUDAPEST, HUNGARY (EMBARKATION) Time for Coffee, and Confections With a free day to explore before your cruise, take time to take photographs on the Royal Palace grounds in this treasure trove of historical architecture. Try Budapest’s famous thermal bath spas, then lunch in a garden or rooftop eatery before boarding your Suite Ship®. EVENING/OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO VIENNA (D)

Day 4

VIENNA, AUSTRIA Vienna Waltzes and the Beautiful Blue Danube Start the day with a Morning Stretch with your Avalon Adventure Host. Enjoy sailing the Danube, which shares dozens of miles with Hungary and Slovakia. Relax on the Sky Deck to see the rolling landscape ...

Day 5

VIENNA Royal Collections, and Amusing Attractions CLASSIC Venture into 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 historic Vienna Oper...

Day 6

DÜRNSTEIN Fairytale Castles, Kings, and Cobblestones of Delightful Dürnstein CLASSIC Join a Guided Walk, and hear the legendary tale of King Richard the Lionheart—who was imprisoned in the castle above the village during the Crusades, OR: ACTIVE Joi...

Day 7

PASSAU, GERMANY Go for Baroque in 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 Mo...

Day 8

REGENSBURG Magical Regensburg—Bavaria’s Medieval Miracle CLASSIC Join a Guided City Walk and see the 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 vi...

Day 9

ROTH. EXCURSION TO NUREMBERG Living Heritage and History Lessons 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. CLASSIC Enjoy a Guided Sightsee...

Day 10

NUREMBERG. EXCURSION TO MUNICH A King’s Palace and Town Halls Old and New in Modern Munich 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. EVENING/OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO BAMBERG (B,D)

Day 11

BAMBERG One Thousand Years of History in the City of Seven Hills CLASSIC Take a Guided Walking Tour of the former home to imperial dynasties, and see its Romanesque cathedral, Old Town Hall, and seven hills crowned with churches. Enjoy free time this afterno...

Day 12

VOLKACH Bavarian Beauty on the Main River CLASSIC Join a Walking Tour of the quaint town of Volkach with its half-timbered houses and cobblestoned streets. During lunch time enjoy a relaxing cruise to Kitzingen. KITZINGEN Bavarian Wines, Legends, and Myths ...

Day 13

WÜRZBURG A Pearl of a Day on the Romantic Road CLASSIC Take a Guided Sightseeing Tour of Würzburg—”Pearl of the Romantic Road”— with its Old Main Bridge, towering fortress, and baroque Bishop’s Residenz—with the largest known ceiling fresco, OR: ACTIVE Enjoy incred...

Day 14

MAIN RIVER VILLAGE Hidden Gems and Beauty of a Main River Village CLASSIC Join a Guided Walking Tour of a picturesque village. This afternoon relax on the Sky Deck while passing along the beautiful villages on the Main River shores. AFTERNOON/OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO MAINZ (B,L,D)

Day 15

MAINZ. EXCURSION TO HEIDELBERG Castle Walls and the World’s Biggest Barrel of Wine CLASSIC Take a half-day Guided Tour that includes themagnificent Heidelberg Castle and the Great Vat—the world’s largest wine barrel. Sail to Rüdesheim while having dinner on board. OVERNIGHT DOCKING IN RÜDESHEIM (B,D)

Day 16

RÜDESHEIM Eat, Drink, and Be Merry in Wine Country DISCOVERY Tour the incredible Mechanical Music Museum for a one-of-a-kind instrumental experience; based on your departure enjoy a local special treat, OR: ACTIVE Enjoy a hike with your Avalon Adventure Ho...

Day 17

COLOGNE Prost! Celebrate in the Rhineland Start the day with a Morning Stretch with your Avalon Adventure Host while cruising to Cologne. CLASSIC Take a Guided City Walk of Cologne—explore the Old City and see its soaring twin-steepled gothic cathedral, OR: ...

Day 18

AMSTERDAM, HOLLAND Canals of Colorful Amsterdam CLASSIC Explore the iconic waterways of Amsterdam with a Guided Canal Cruise past stately homes of Amsterdam’s “Golden Age.” You might consider an Optional Excursion to Zaanse Schans—a quintessential Dutch town ...

Day 19

AMSTERDAM (DISEMBARKATION) Your cruise ends with breakfast this morning. (B)

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Dates & Availability

Price From $7,627
Price per day$401
Last Updated: 12/9/2020

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

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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

Accommodation

Hilton Unwind at Hilton Budapest hotel, which boasts the beautiful Baroque façade of a 16th century Jesuit College and a 13th century Dominican Churchyard. Take in captivating views across historic Budapest - the Hungarian Parliament and River Danube - re-energize in the 24-hour fitness center, or keep fit on the jogging track. Luxuriate with a massage or unwind in the sauna. Marvel at ancient relics, situated in the hotel's restored Dominican cloister. Lounge in the lobby bar and admire breathtaking views, or savor authentic Hungarian and Mediterranean flavors in ICON Restaurant. Budapest Hungary Hess Andras Ter 1-3 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 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 Westcord Jakarta A unique sustainable hotel in Amsterdam, where two worlds connect. At the former location where ships left for Jakarta, lies a green oasis in the centre of the city. Hotel offers 200 luxurious rooms with a Indonesian influenced style. Enjoy breakfast, lunch and dinner at Café Jakarta or get a drink at the Malabar. Be pampered in luxury and relax in our wellness and swimming pool with views towards the river IJ. Amsterdam Netherlands Javakade 766,
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Age Requirements
No age restrictions
Optional Activities
WBH|Magnificent Rivers of Europe (Westbound) WBHQ|With 2 Nights in Budapest WHB|Magnificent Rivers of Europe (Eastbound)
Trip ID
AVALON-WBHQ

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