Style : River cruise
The Blue Danube Discovery tour
Budapest Nuremberg The Blue Danube Discovery Trip

The Blue Danube Discovery

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*)
8 days
From: $ 3,599 $ 450 / day
Checking price

Overview

Highlights (Bullets)

  • Onboard welcome reception
  • Scenic sailing, pass through Bratislava; free time in Vienna in the evening
  • Choice of guided sightseeing, or Künsthistorisches Museum visit, or bike with your Adventure Host
  • In Dürnstein choice of guided tour or a hike up to the castle ruins; scenic cruise through the Wachau Valley; choice of guided tour of the Benedictine Abbey in Melk or walk with your Adventure Host; onboard wine tasting
  • Guided walk
  • Choice of guided walk, see Altes Rathaus (Old Town Hall) and Porta Pretoria or bike with your Adventure Host
  • Onboard lecture; choice of guided sightseeing in Roth, or hike with your Adventure Host or guided tour in Nuremberg, or Nuremberg Rally Grounds tour
  • Begin this timeless European river cruise vacation in vibrant Budapest, Hungary, sail along the Danube River with exciting stops in Austria and Germany, and conclude in historic Nuremberg, Germany
  • As you leave Budapest, you’ll sail past the splendid Parliament Building and, along the Danube River, you’ll see Hungary on your left and Slovakia on your right as a 58-mile stretch of the river runs between both countries

Short Description

Begin this timeless European river cruise vacation in vibrant Budapest, Hungary, sail along the Danube River with exciting stops in Austria and Germany, and conclude in historic Nuremberg, Germany. As you leave Budapest, you’ll sail past the splendid Parliament Building and, along the Danube River, you’ll see Hungary on your left and Slovakia on your right as a 58-mile stretch of the river runs between both countries. Enjoy an amazing view of the landscapes of Bratislava while sailing. Vienna, Austria, offers stunning St. Stephen’s Cathedral, the Habsburg Palace, the Vienna Opera House, and much more. In the heart of the Wachau Valley wine region is Dürnstein, a 16th-century town with charming cobblestone streets and the baroque Stiftskirche with its luminous blue façade. In Melk, visit Austria’s majestic Benedictine Abbey, one of Europe’s largest monasteries, and enjoy a tasting of some of the Wachau Valley’s famous wines. Join in a guided walk through Passau, with its narrow streets, beautiful Patrician houses, and baroque architecture. Sail further up the Danube River to discover the medieval walls of Regensburg—the only German city not bombed during WWII. Here, you can become acquainted with some of Germany’s famous beers! The last stop on this memorable river cruise vacation is the thousand-year-old city of Nuremberg. During guided sightseeing, marvel at the medieval fortifications, extraordinary Gothic churches, and the Imperial Castle. Take free time to make a wish at the striking fountain on the Hauptmarkt (Main Square)—a perfect ending to a memorable Danube River cruise vacation!

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 N/A
Start City BUDAPEST, HUNGARY (EMBARKATION)
End City NUREMBERG (DISEMBARKATION)

Attractions & Cities Visited

Budapest Nuremberg Passau Prague Salzburg Vienna

Activities & Interests

Culture River cruise

N/A
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Itinerary

Day 1: BUDAPEST, HUNGARY (EMBARKATION)

Welcome to Hungary. Your Suite Ship® is Ready for Boarding.

Flights into Budapest must arrive by 2 pm.

Guests must be on board ship by 5 pm.

The day is yours to relax and enjoy the city with time for photographs, cafés, and confections.

EVENING/OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO VIENNA

(Dinner)

BUDAPEST-PARLIAMENT.jpg

Day 2: VIENNA, AUSTRIA

Vienna Waltzes on the Beautiful Blue Danube

Visit the Adventure Center for today’s activities with your 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 and red-rooftops of the Slovakian capital of Bratislava come into view.

This evening in Vienna, you may choose to join an Optional Excursion to attend a Royal Waltz Concert for an unforgettable evening of music in an elegant hall.

OVERNIGHT DOCKING IN VIENNA

(Breakfast,Lunch,Dinner)

VIENNA-OPERAHOUSE.jpg

Day 3: VIENNA

Royal Collections and Amusing Attractions

ACTIVE Explore Vienna's Danube Island by bike with your Adventure Host, 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), 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.

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

Enjoy free time this afternoon 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 the ship to explore Vienna’s square or the banks of the Danube.

Later, enjoy live entertainment on board.

OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO DÜRNSTEIN

(Breakfast,Lunch,Dinner)

VIENNA-HOFBURG-PALACE.jpg

Day 4: DÜRNSTEIN

A King’s Ransom and Castle Ruins

ACTIVE Join a Guided Hike up to the castle ruins for a spectacular view of the village, Danube, and the Wachau Valley below, OR:

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.

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

MELK

Frescoes Above and Vineyards Below

ACTIVE Join your Avalon Adventure Host for a walk along the Danube river and around Melk, 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.

DISCOVERY Enjoy the flavors of the Wachau Valley with a Wine Tasting on board.

EVENING/OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO PASSAU

(Breakfast,Lunch,Dinner)

DURNSTEIN.jpg

Day 5: PASSAU, GERMANY

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.

Meet your ship back in Passau after your full-day selected activity for sailing.

EVENING/OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO REGENSBURG

(Breakfast,Lunch,Dinner)

PASSAU.jpg

Day 6: REGENSBURG

Bavaria’s Medieval Miracle

Join your Adventure Host for today’s special activities.

ACTIVE Explore Walhalla by bike with your Adventure Host, OR:

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.

This evening, enjoy live entertainment after dinner.

EVENING/OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO ROTH

(Breakfast,Lunch,Dinner)

REGENSBURG.jpg

Day 7: ROTH. EXCURSION TO NUREMBERG

Legends 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.

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 Sightseeing of Nuremberg—with its 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.

EVENING CRUISE TO NUREMBERG

(Breakfast,Lunch,Dinner)

NUREMBERG-SCENIC.jpg

Day 8: NUREMBERG (DISEMBARKATION)

Your cruise ends with breakfast this morning.

(Breakfast)

NUREMBERG-SCENIC.jpg

Availability

Checking price
Price From $ 3,599
Price Per Day: $ 450 per day
Checking price
Start DateFinish DateBase PriceDeparture GuaranteedAvailability 
Jun-11-2024Jun-18-2024$ 3,999YesAvailable Reserve
Jul-12-2024Jul-19-2024$ 3,899YesAvailable Reserve
Aug-01-2024Aug-08-2024$ 3,899YesAvailable Reserve
Oct-24-2024Oct-31-2024$ 3,899YesAvailable Reserve
Nov-18-2024Nov-25-2024$ 3,599YesAvailable Reserve
Dec-04-2024Dec-11-2024$ 3,699YesAvailable Reserve
Jun-12-2025Jun-19-2025$ 3,999YesAvailable Reserve
Aug-09-2025Aug-16-2025$ 3,899YesAvailable Reserve
Oct-16-2025Oct-23-2025$ 3,999YesAvailable Reserve
Oct-22-2025Oct-29-2025$ 3,999YesAvailable Reserve
Dec-01-2025Dec-08-2025$ 3,699YesAvailable Reserve
Dec-15-2025Dec-22-2025$ 3,699YesAvailable Reserve
See more

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

The Blue Danube Discovery

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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
Details
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
Details
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

WBN|The Blue Danube Discovery
WBNE|With 2 Nights in Prague
WBNQ|With 2 Nights in Budapest
WBNY|With 2 Nights in Budapest & 2 Nights in Prague

Group Size

Standard Group - 25 + people

Accommodations

Trip ID#:

AVALON-WBN

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