A Taste of the Danube 2012

4 days from £799 / 5 days from £1025

Overview

Danube river cruise holidays, between beautiful Budapest and Vienna, take in an eclectic combination of charming towns and vibrant capitals. Cruise ships on Danube river cruises sail a naturally beautiful stretch of river, between Austria’s Wachau Valley, Bratislava and Budapest. Add a stay in Vienna or Budapest, or both, to really make the most of this fantastic region.

Cruise Ships

Day by Day Slideshow

View a slideshow of the cruise

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Itinerary

4 Days - Vienna to Budapest

Day 1 (Sun) Vienna. Fly to Vienna where you will be met and transferred to your cruise ship for three nights. This afternoon, meet your crew at a welcome reception.

Day 2 (Mon) Melk – Dürnstein. Today is dedicated to the beautiful and romantic Wachau Valley, where so many excellent Austrian wines are grown and produced. This morning, visit the impressive Benedictine Abbey of Melk, which towers over the town. Lounge on the Sky Deck with a glass of white wine while enjoying the scenery as you sail to Dürnstein, whose baroque blue and white Stiftskirche stands right on the river bank. Explore on your own or choose one of a range of optional excursions your Cruise Director will propose.

Day 3 (Tue) Bratislava. Situated at the foothills of the Carpathian Mountains, Bratislava is the dynamic capital of Slovakia. The charming Old Town with its Town Hall and Mirbach Palace, as well as the gothic cathedral of St Martin, should not be missed.

Day 4 (Wed) Budapest. Disembark and transfer to the airport for your flight to the UK.

Itinerary II

5 days - Budapest to Vienna

Day 1 (Wed) Budapest. Fly to Budapest where you will be met and transferred to your cruise ship for four nights. This afternoon, meet your crew at a welcome reception.

Day 2 (Thu) Bratislava. A morning to relax on board and marvel at the beautiful scenery on both banks of the Danube. As you cruise upstream, Hungary is on your left and Slovakia is on your right. The two countries share the Danube for a 58 mile stretch, with the border in the middle of the river. Situated at the foothills of the Carpathian Mountains, Bratislava is the dynamic capital of Slovakia. The charming Old Town with its Town Hall and Mirbach Palace as well as the gothic cathedral of St Martin should not be missed.

Day 3 (Fri) Dürnstein – Melk. This morning your first stop is Dürnstein, known for the magnificent baroque Stiftskirche with its blue façade, lying right in the heart of the Wachau wine region. Above the town are the ruins of the castle where Richard the Lionheart was imprisoned in 1192. Explore this picturesque town on your own or choose from a number of optional excursions. Melk’s magnificent Benedictine Abbey dominates the town from its commanding hilltop site and is one of Europe’s largest monasteries. The view from the terrace over the Danube and surrounding countryside is breathtaking.

Day 4 (Sat) Linz - Grein. Linz, Austria’s third largest town, lies across both banks of the Danube and is an important industrial town and busy river port. Culture is an important part of life in Linz. The composer Anton Bruckner lived here and Mozart’s ‘Linzer Symphony’ was composed in the city. Choose from a variety of optional activities today. In the late afternoon, arrive in the attractive country resort of Grein which is nestled at the foot of a bluff in the shadow of its castle and see the highlights with a Local Guide.

Day 5 (Sun) Vienna. Disembark and transfer to the airport for your flight to the UK.

Map

A Taste of the Danube map

Cruise Highlights

Included Highlights

BRATISLAVA Guided sightseeing, visit St Martin’s Cathedral
DÜRNSTEIN See the Stiftskirche
GREIN Guided sightseeing (Budapest to Vienna itinerary)
MELK Guided visit of the Benedictine Abbey
VIENNA EXTENSION: Guided sightseeing; services of a Local Guide
BUDAPEST EXTENSION: Guided sightseeing; visit Fisherman’s Bastion; services of a Local Guide
WELCOME RECEPTION, CAPTAIN’S RECEPTION AND FAREWELL DINNER

Included in the Price

Exclusive private door-to-door transfer service by executive car for you and your travelling companions

Flights from London Heathrow with British Airways; regional flights at a supplement

Accommodation 3 or 4 nights deluxe accommodation in a spacious stateroom with hotel-style beds, ensuite facilities and river views. Floor to ceiling sliding glass doors and a French balcony in most staterooms

All meals on board including full breakfast, buffet lunch and waiter service dinner with quality wines from Europe’s most famous wine regions; afternoon tea with cakes and sweet treats; a choice of teas and coffees throughout the day

3 or 4 included excursions and sightseeing trips with Local Guides and a choice of optional tours; headsets provided on excursions

Services of an experienced Cruise Director

Gratuities for Cruise Director and crew

On board lectures, activities and nightly piano music

Welcome reception, Captain’s Reception and Farewell Dinner

A choice of pre- or post- holiday extensions

All transfers, local port charges and airport taxes

Holiday Extensions

Vienna to Budapest extensions:

2 extra nights in Vienna before your cruise

Day 1 (Fri) Vienna. Fly to Vienna where you will be met and transferred to the InterContinental Hotel for two nights. The rest of the day is yours to start exploring this elegant city.

Day 2 (Sat) Vienna. Once the centre of the mighty Habsburg Empire, Vienna has much to offer: the lavish Hofburg Palace, Vienna Opera House, Ring Boulevard, and the awe-inspiring St Stephen’s Cathedral, to name just a few of the sights you will see during your included tour. An optional concert is available during your stay.

Day 3 (Sun) Vienna. Enjoy a day at leisure to window-shop along Kärntnerstrasse or perhaps enjoy Sachertorte or Apfelstrudel in a local café. This afternoon, transfer to your cruise ship and join Day 1 of the Vienna to Budapest cruise itinerary.

Days 4 to 6 (Mon - Wed). As per days 2 to 4 of the Vienna to Budapest cruise itinerary.

2 extra nights in Budapest after your cruise

Days 1 to 3 (Sun - Tue). As per the Vienna to Budapest cruise itinerary.

Day 4 (Wed) Budapest. Disembark and transfer to the InterContinental Hotel for two nights. Budapest has seven bridges, including the famous Chain and Elisabeth Bridges, which connect ancient Buda on the right bank with Pest on the left. The hilltop castle complex, Fisherman’s Bastion and Matthias Church are among the sights a Local Guide will show you. This afternoon, explore this vibrant city at your own pace.

Day 5 (Thu) Budapest. A free day to enjoy Hungary’s exciting capital. Shop for Herend porcelain, renowned peasant embroidery, and paprika. Your Cruise Director will have suggestions for things to do.

Day 6 (Fri) Budapest. Transfer to the airport for your flight to the UK.

2 extra nights in Vienna before and 2 extra nights in Budapest after your cruise

Day 1 (Fri) Vienna. Fly to Vienna where you will be met and transferred to the InterContinental Hotel for two nights. The rest of the day is yours to start exploring this elegant city.

Day 2 (Sat) Vienna. Once the centre of the mighty Habsburg Empire, Vienna has much to offer: the lavish Hofburg Palace, Vienna Opera House, Ring Boulevard, and the awe-inspiring St Stephen’s Cathedral, to name just a few of the sights you will see during your included tour. An optional concert is available during your stay.

Day 3 (Sun) Vienna. Enjoy a day at leisure to window-shop along Kärntnerstrasse or perhaps enjoy Sachertorte or Apfelstrudel in a local café. This afternoon, transfer to your cruise ship and join Day 1 of the Vienna to Budapest cruise itinerary.

Days 4 & 5 (Mon - Tue). As per days 2 & 3 of the Vienna to Budapest cruise.

Day 6 (Wed) Budapest. Disembark and transfer to the InterContinental Hotel for two nights. Budapest has seven bridges, including the famous Chain and Elisabeth Bridges, which connect ancient Buda on the right bank with Pest on the left. The hilltop castle complex, Fisherman’s Bastion and Matthias Church are among the sights a Local Guide will show you. This afternoon, explore this vibrant city at your own pace.

Day 7 (Thu) Budapest. A free day to enjoy Hungary’s exciting capital. Shop for Herend porcelain, renowned peasant embroidery, and paprika. Your Cruise Director will have suggestions for things to do.

Day 8 (Fri) Budapest. Transfer to the airport for your flight to the UK.

 

Budapest to Vienna extensions:

2 extra nights in Budapest before your cruise

Day 1 (Mon) Budapest. Fly to Budapest where you will be met and transferred to the InterContinental Hotel, Budapest for two nights. The rest of the day is yours to start exploring this beautiful city.

Day 2 (Tue) Budapest. Budapest straddles both banks of the Danube, with seven bridges, including the famous Chain and Elisabeth Bridges, connecting ancient Buda on the right bank with Pest on the left. The massive hilltop castle complex with Fishermen’s Bastion and Matthias Church is among the many sights your Local Guide will show you. Shop for renowned peasant embroidery, Herend porcelain and paprika.

Day 3 (Wed) Budapest. This morning you can explore this vibrant city at your own pace. In the afternoon, transfer to your cruise ship and join day 1 of the Budapest to Vienna cruise itinerary.

Days 4 to 7 (Thu - Sun) Budapest – Vienna. As per days 2 to 7 of the Budapest to Vienna cruise itinerary.

2 extra nights in Vienna after your cruise

Days 1 to 4 (Wed – Sat) Vienna. As per days 1 to 4 of the Budapest to Vienna cruise itinerary.

Day 5 (Sun) Vienna. Once the centre of the mighty Habsburg Empire, Vienna has much to offer: the lavish Hofburg Palace, the impressive Vienna Opera House, the majestic Ring Boulevard, and awe-inspiring St Stephen’s Cathedral, to name just a few of the sights you will enjoy during your included tour. Shop in the Kärntnerstrasse or simply savour the ‘City of Music’ while enjoying a slice of Sachertorte or Apfelstrudel.

Day 6 (Mon) Vienna. A full day at leisure in this fascinating city.

Day 7 (Tue) Vienna. Transfer to the airport for your flight to the UK.

2 extra nights in Budapest before and 2 extra nights in Vienna after your cruise

Day 1 (Mon) Budapest. Fly to Budapest where you will be met and transferred to the InterContinental Hotel, Budapest for two nights. The rest of the day is yours to start exploring this beautiful city.

Day 2 (Tue) Budapest. Budapest straddles both banks of the Danube, with seven bridges, including the famous Chain and Elisabeth Bridges, connecting ancient Buda on the right bank with Pest on the left. The massive hilltop castle complex with Fishermen’s Bastion and Matthias Church is among the many sights your Local Guide will show you. Shop for renowned peasant embroidery, Herend porcelain and paprika.

Day 3 (Wed) Budapest. This morning you can explore this vibrant city at your own pace. In the afternoon, transfer to your cruise ship and join day 1 of the Budapest to Vienna cruise itinerary.

Days 4 to 6 (Thu – Sat). As per days 2 to 5 of the Budapest to Vienna cruise.

Day 7 (Sun) Vienna. Once the centre of the mighty Habsburg Empire, Vienna has much to offer: the lavish Hofburg Palace, the impressive Vienna Opera House, the majestic Ring Boulevard, and awe-inspiring St Stephen’s Cathedral, to name just a few of the sights you will enjoy during your included tour. Shop in the Kärntnerstrasse or simply savour the ‘City of Music’ while enjoying a slice of Sachertorte or Apfelstrudel.

Day 8 (Mon) Vienna. A full day at leisure in this fascinating city.

Day 9 (Tue) Vienna. Transfer to the airport for your flight to the UK.

Dates and Prices

Budapest - Vienna (Prices are per person)
Departure DateBooking CodeYour ShipPrice 
20 Jun 2012WBV9QTapestry £1279 £1139Save £140 per person
05 Sep 2012WBV9QTapestry £1279 £1139Save £140 per person
10 Oct 2012WBV9QTapestry £1235 £1025Save £210 per person
Vienna - Budapest (Prices are per person)
Departure DateBooking CodeYour ShipPrice 
24 Jun 2012WVB9QTapestry £1099 £974Save £125 per person
09 Sep 2012WVB9QTapestry £1099 £974Save £125 per person
14 Oct 2012WVB9QTapestry £999 £799Save £200 per person

* Availability can change at any time so if a departure date appears to be sold out, it may become available again. If you are interested in a SOLD OUT departure, please check our website regularly for new availability. Alternatively, register your interest with our specialist Avalon Waterways Sales team on 0800 668 1802 and they will contact you as a priority if your chosen departure date becomes available.

 

Holiday Extension Prices

Extra nights Destination Price per person from
2 Vienna £210
2 Budapest £220
4 Vienna & Budapest £420
4 Budapest & Vienna £420

 

Upgrade Supplements

Category Deck Vienna to
Budapest
4 Days
Budapest
to Vienna
5 Days
B Sapphire £145 £190
A Sapphire £170 £220
P Royal £210 £260
Suite Royal £320 £420

 

  • Sole occupancy from £345
  • Make your own way: If you would like to make your own travel arrangements to the first hotel/ship, there will be a reduction of £210.
  • Extra nights can be booked in Vienna (not available on Cruise Only) from £85 per person per night and Budapest (not available on Cruise Only) from £85 per person per night based on a twin room

 

Flights Supplements

Prices are based on flights from Heathrow with British Airways. Flights are also available at a supplement from Aberdeen, Birmingham, Bristol, Cardiff, Durham Teesside, Edinburgh, Glasgow, Humberside, Leeds Bradford, Liverpool, Manchester, Newcastle and Norwich.

Fly From Via Airline Supps From
Heathrow Direct British Airways Nil
Aberdeen Amsterdam klm £120
Birmingham Amsterdam klm £80
Bristol Amsterdam klm £105
Cardiff Amsterdam klm £105
Durham Teesside Amsterdam klm £170
Edinburgh Amsterdam klm £115
Glasgow Amsterdam klm £115
Humberside Amsterdam klm £130
Leeds Bradford Amsterdam klm £145
Liverpool Amsterdam klm £80
Manchester Amsterdam klm £80
Newcastle Amsterdam klm £115
Norwich Amsterdam klm £170
   
The flight duration from Heathrow to Vienna is approximately 2½ hours non stop
The flight duration from Heathrow to Budapest is approximately 2½ hours non stop
Flight prices and timings vary by departure airport.
Flight upgrades are also available, please call for details.

Photos

  • Benedictine Abbey Melk
  • Avalon Tapestry
  • Avalon Tapestry Atrium
  • Avalon Tapestry stateroom
  • Avalon Tapestry Junior Suite
  • Avalon Tapestry Internet Centre
  • Avalon Tapestry Sky Deck
  • Avalon Tapestry Bar
  • Avalon Tapestry Dining Room
Vienna
Melk
Dürnstein
Bratislava
Budapest