The Blue Danube Discovery – Cruise Only

8 days
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4.7/5 Excellent
100+ reviews  
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River Cruise
Begin this timeless Europe river cruise vacation in vibrant Budapest, Hungary, sail along the Danube River with exciting stops in Austria and Germany, and conclude in historical Nuremberg, Germany. As you leave Budapest, you’ll sail past the splendid Parliament Building, and along Danube River, you’ll have Hungary on your left and Slovakia on your right as ...

Overview

Trip type
River Cruise
Lodging level
Standard - 3 star
Physical level
Very Easy
Trip pace
Flexible schedule

Highlights

    • Onboard welcome reception
    • Cruising
    • Guided sightseeing
    • Choice of guided walktour, see the Stiftskirche; or hike up to the castle ruins in Dürnstein; scenic cruiseing through the Wachau Valley, see the Stiftskirche; guided visitguided tour of the Benedictine Abbey in Melk; and wine tasting on board
    • Guided walk
    • Guided walk; enjoy a snack at the Historische Wurstküche; beer tasting on board
    • Choice of guided sightseeing, or Nuremberg Rally Grounds tour
    • Begin this timeless Europe river cruise vacation in vibrant Budapest, Hungary, sail along the Danube River with exciting stops in Austria and Germany, and conclude in historical Nuremberg, Germany
    • As you leave Budapest, you’ll sail past the splendid Parliament Building, and along Danube River, you’ll have Hungary on your left and Slovakia on your right as the river runs between both countries for a 58-mile stretch

What's this trip about?

    Begin this timeless Europe river cruise vacation in vibrant Budapest, Hungary, sail along the Danube River with exciting stops in Austria and Germany, and conclude in historical Nuremberg, Germany. As you leave Budapest, you’ll sail past the splendid Parliament Building, and along Danube River, you’ll have Hungary on your left and Slovakia on your right as the river runs between both countries for a 58-mile stretch. Vienna, Austria, offers stunning St. Stephen’s Cathedral, the Habsburg Palace, the Vienna Opera House, and much more. In the heart of the Wachau wine region is Dürnstein, a 16th-century town with charming cobblestone streets and the baroque Stiftskirche with its luminous blue façade. In the beautiful town of 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. You’ll love a guided walk through Passau, with its narrow streets, beautiful Patrician houses, and baroque architecture. Sail further up the Danube River, and you’ll come to the medieval walls of Regensburg, the only German city not bombed during WWII. Here, we’ll introduce you to 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. And in your free time, be sure to make a wish at the striking fountain on the Hauptmarkt (Main Square)—a perfect ending to a memorable river cruise vacation!

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Details

Itinerary focusClassic Highlights
Group sizeOperator does not provide
Age rangeNo age restrictions
Flights and transportN/A
Start CityBUDAPEST
End CityNUREMBERG (DISEMBARKATION) Your vacation ends with breakfast this morning

Travel Themes

  • 50 plus
  • Cultural
  • Small Ship Cruise

Destinations

  • Europe
  • Austria
  • Germany
  • Czechia
  • Hungary

Attractions

  • Budapest
  • Nuremberg
  • Passau
  • Prague
  • Vienna

Activities

  • Culture
  • River cruise

View Similar Trips

Itinerary

Travel Map

Day 1

BUDAPEST, HUNGARY Welcome to Budapest—Hungary’s Captivating Capital 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 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 a...

Day 3

VIENNA Royal Collections, Amusing Attractions, and Culinary Confections 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 histo...

Day 4

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 Join a Hike up to ...

Day 5

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,” OR: Join a full day Guided Optional Excursion to Salzburg–the city of Mozart–or a full day...

Day 6

REGENSBURG Magical 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 ...

Day 7

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 Choose a Guided Sightse...

Day 8

NUREMBERG (DISEMBARKATION) Your vacation ends with breakfast this morning. (B)

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Dates & Availability

Price From $2,699
Price per day$337
Last Updated: 5/24/2019

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 went out of their way to accommodate our early morning arrival.

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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

Travel Insurance
We strongly recommend purchasing travel insurance alongside your travel package to safeguard against unforeseen circumstances such as medical expenses, trip cancellations, and other contingencies. It offers you peace of mind and ensures you are prepared for unexpected events that may occur before or during your journey
Visa requirements
Visa requirements vary depending on your country of origin and your country of destination. It is your responsibility to familiarize yourself with the relevant requirements. For a handy tool that can help you quickly find the requirements, please visit this link .
Age Requirements
No age restrictions
Optional Activities
WBN|Take this cruise with land stays WBN0-T1|Festive Time Departure WBN0-T2|Golf Cruise Departure WBN0-T3|Canadian Entertainer Jan Arden Departure WBN0-T4|Jewish Heritage Departure WBN0-T5|Wine Lovers Departure
Trip ID
AVALON-WBN0

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