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 bike with your Adventure Host
  • In Dürnstein choice of guided tour or a hike up to the castle ruins with your Adventure Host; 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
End City NUREMBERG (DISEMBARKATION) Your cruise ends with breakfast this morning

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

(D)

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

(B,L,D)

Day 3

VIENNA Royal Collections and Amusing Attractions

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.

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

(B,L,D)

Day 4

DÜRNSTEIN A King’s Ransom and Castle Ruins

ACTIVE Join a Hike up to the castle ruins with your Adventure Host 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

(B,L,D)

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

(B,L,D)

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

(B,L,D)

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

(B,L,D)

Day 8

NUREMBERG (DISEMBARKATION) Your cruise ends with breakfast this morning.

(B)

Availability

Checking price
Price From $ 3,599
Price Per Day: $ 450 per day
Checking price
Start DateFinish DateBase PriceDeparture GuaranteedAvailability 
Jun-13-2023Jun-20-2023$ 3,899YesAvailable Reserve
Jun-20-2023Jun-27-2023$ 3,899YesAvailable Reserve
Jun-22-2023Jun-29-2023$ 3,899YesAvailable Reserve
Jul-14-2023Jul-21-2023$ 3,899YesAvailable Reserve
Aug-27-2023Sep-03-2023$ 4,199YesAvailable Reserve
Sep-19-2023Sep-26-2023$ 4,199YesAvailable Reserve
Sep-29-2023Oct-06-2023$ 4,199YesAvailable Reserve
Oct-11-2023Oct-18-2023$ 4,099YesAvailable Reserve
Dec-03-2023Dec-10-2023$ 3,599YesPlease Call Reserve
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
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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.

1,595 Avalon Waterways Travel Reviews & Ratings

97%
4.7 out of 5 (100+ reviews)
Excellent 1,371
Great 131
Average 44
Disappointing 14
Terrible 35
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

South of France

5.0
Details
Value5.0
Guide5.0
Activities5.0
Lodging5.0
Transportation5.0
Meals5.0
My mom, cousin and I had the best time sailing through the south of France with Avalon. Everything about the ship was incredible from the Cruise Director to the local guides who took us around their home towns, from the gourmet meals to the cheese tasting on board, and the stunning cabins with the beds that face the window. My favorite thing was going to a truffle farm and watching the dogs hunt for truffles, then eating them in the farm's tasting room. I can't wait for my next cruise with Avalon!
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We had a fabulous cruise

5.0
Details
Value5.0
Guide5.0
Activities5.0
Lodging5.0
Transportation5.0
Meals5.0
We had a fabulous cruise. We love Avalon. Everything was perfect from the food, to the service, to the state room. We did the active in discovery Holland and Belgium, which featured lots of great excursions. Our cruise Director Bram and our hotel manager Akos were just amazing. It was such a great time.
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Avalon Waterways cannot be trusted

1.0
Details
Value1.0
Guide1.0
Activities1.0
Lodging1.0
Transportation1.0
Meals1.0
Avalon Waterways cannot be trusted! We had a horrible experience with the company recently on a trip to Egypt, the Nile River along with Cairo, on what we’re supposed to be their riverboat, MS Farah. After we had paid for the trip in full we were sent an email saying the boat “is unavailable and you will now be sailing instead on the MS Movenpick Hamees. There was nothing we could do because of a disclaimer saying they could change the boat at any time. The boat we ended up traveling on, was in horrible shape, old and run down. We had traveled with Avalon previously, on one of their beautiful newer boats, which is why we decided to use them again. Also, the trip was supposed to be adult only and ended up having many families with babies and children on board. This was a completely different experience than we expected. To add insult to injury while we were going down the Nile, the boat we were supposed to be on floated by us, MS Farah. Our whole Avalon group of 28 passengers were irate. Please heed my warning.
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Awesome Cruise

5.0
Details
Value5.0
Guide5.0
Activities5.0
Lodging5.0
Transportation5.0
Meals5.0
We just took our second Avalon river cruise, the Tulip Cruise thru Netherlands and Belgium, which was a beautiful experience. It didnt hurt that the weather was great. Prior one and still my favorite was the Rhine Cruise.
Wife loves the experience. Food and service were great with many options and the kitchen/serving staff went out of their way to accommodate some special dietary needs. They had an hour long free happy hour every day before dinner and a cookie/coffee bar all day. Rooms were cleaned on a daily basis. Tour options were very good, especially the tour to the medieval city Bruges and the Keukenhof gardens. Their bed placement facing the outside windows is a winner. We highly recommend Avalon.
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Amazing tulip river cruise

5.0
Details
Value5.0
Guide5.0
Activities5.0
Lodging5.0
Transportation5.0
Meals5.0
Did a tulip cruise with Avalon this spring and it was an amazing experience. The ship was beautiful, the crew were fantastic and the food was delicious. If you haven't taken a river cruise before, this is the way to travel. I can't imagine going back on a ship with 3000 people. I'll stick with Avalon. Can't wait to go again!
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dO nOt BoOk ThEsE tRiPs

1.0
Details
Value1.0
Guide1.0
Activities1.0
Lodging1.0
Transportation1.0
Meals1.0
Honest, helpful, and conSTRUCTIVE?!?!?!?! NO! NUH UH!!!!!!!!! I spent sooooooooooooooooooooo much money on this that I had to go to that place to get that credit card because I couldn't afford my daily gallon of wine. this site makes absolutely no sense and I just want you to know that it's a scam. I clicked on the amazon one and it led me to some off-brand version of amazon called," nozama". I bought 8 "nuggets" (no further explanation needed) For $40,000 and they were never delivered. I gave them some of my personal information that didn't really matter; social security, phone number, exact location, etc. I even emailed them back when they said I could get a coupon UP TO $999,999,999,999, but when I gave them MORE of my info, I only got a $0.01 coupon. Like, WHAT THE FIGS?!?!?! WHAT IS WRONG WITH PEOPLE?? WHY DID MY WIFE LEAVE ME? WHY DID MY SON DIE IN A CAR CRASH??? Why am I here...?
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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

Accommodations










Trip ID#:

AVALON-WBN

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