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On this Europe river cruise you’ll sail along the Danube, Main, Rhine, and Moselle Rivers. Start with two nights in vibrant Budapest, Hungary, and then see some of the most intriguing cities of Austria and Germany.
Before you embark on your European river cruise, experience the unique energy of Budapest, the capital of Hungary, on a guided tour of the city and time to explore on your own. Sail past the impressive Parliament Building on the Danube River, to Austria’s elegant capital of Vienna. There’s a guided walk in the quaint village of Dürnstein, in the heart of the Wachau Valley, and a visit to the magnificent Benedictine Abbey of Melk. You’ll be introduced to the treasures of Passau, Regensburg, and Nuremberg, and take an excursion to Bavaria’s capital, Munich.
On the banks of the Main River, you’ll find small towns tucked away behind defensive walls and towered gates. Along the Rhine River, stop in Rüdesheim, a quintessential Rhine Valley town. Later, cruise the wide, peaceful curves of the Moselle River Valley, famous for its picturesque scenery, and arrive in the wine village of Bernkastel. Before you leave, we’ll introduce you to some of the famed Moselle wines. In Trier, Germany, believed to be even older than Rome a Local Guide will show you the sights, including the Porta Nigra, the only surviving fortified gate from the original Roman settlement.
Your European river cruise ends in Remich, Luxembourg, with treasured memories of the Jewels of Europe to take with you until you sail again!
On this Europe river cruise you’ll sail along the Danube, Main, Rhine, and Moselle Rivers. Start with two nights in vibrant Budapest, Hungary, and then see some of the most intriguing cities of Austria and Germany.
Before you embark on your European river cruise, experience the unique energy of Budapest, the capital of Hungary, on a guided tour of the city and time to explore on your own. Sail past the impressive Parliament Building on the Danube River, to Austria’s elegant capital of Vienna. There’s a guided walk in the quaint village of Dürnstein, in the heart of the Wachau Valley, and a visit to the magnificent Benedictine Abbey of Melk. You’ll be introduced to the treasures of Passau, Regensburg, and Nuremberg, and take an excursion to Bavaria’s capital, Munich.
On the banks of the Main River, you’ll find small towns tucked away behind defensive walls and towered gates. Along the Rhine River, stop in Rüdesheim, a quintessential Rhine Valley town. Later, cruise the wide, peaceful curves of the Moselle River Valley, famous for its picturesque scenery, and arrive in the wine village of Bernkastel. Before you leave, we’ll introduce you to some of the famed Moselle wines. In Trier, Germany, believed to be even older than Rome a Local Guide will show you the sights, including the Porta Nigra, the only surviving fortified gate from the original Roman settlement.
Your European river cruise ends in Remich, Luxembourg, with treasured memories of the Jewels of Europe to take with you until you sail again!
Avalon has designed included activities with a choice of experiences. We invite you to select the tours, activities, and events that interest you most, so you can experience your cruise your way. There are three types of included shore excursion on every Europe cruise:
Classic
Your local expert is ready to guide you through the history and heritage of local destinations. You’ll marvel at the legends, lore, and spectacular architecture of iconic and historic sites.
Active
Embark on energetic excursions to keep you in motion and on the go - from a guided jogging tour of Amsterdam, to biking, paddling, and hiking your way through scenic locales.
Discovery
We’ve found inspiring and interactive activities to speak to your interests - from cooking classes, to painting workshops - to immerse yourself in each culture you explore.
Embark on energetic excursions to keep you in motion and on the go - from a guided jogging tour of Amsterdam, to biking, paddling, and hiking your way through scenic locales.
We’ve found inspiring and interactive activities to speak to your interests - from cooking classes, to painting workshops - to immerse yourself in each culture you explore.
Day 1 Budapest, Hungary
Welcome to Budapest - Hungary’s Captivating Capital
The day is yours to relax and enjoy Eastern Europe’s shining city on the Danube.
Day 2 Budapest
The Pearl of the Danube in the Heart of Europe
Classic
Your local expert is ready to guide you through the history and heritage of local destinations. You’ll marvel at the legends, lore, and spectacular architecture of iconic and historic sites.
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.
You may choose to enjoy Hungarian cuisine in an Optional Wine-and-Dine Dinner this evening
Day 3 Budapest (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
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 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
Day 5 Vienna
Royal Collections, Amusing Attractions, and Culinary Confections
Classic
Your local expert is ready to guide you through the history and heritage of local destinations. You’ll marvel at the legends, lore, and spectacular architecture of iconic and historic sites.
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 Opera House and stunning St. Stephen’s Cathedral.
Join a Guided Optional Excursion to Schönbrunn Palace—a Habsburg Empire summer home for 300 years.
This afternoon, enjoy free time to take a tram to visit Austria’s Prater amusement park or one of the many museums nearby. You may also decide to borrow a bike from the ship to explore the streets and squares of Vienna, or ride along the banks of the Danube at your leisure.
Later, relax on board with live entertainment as you sail to Dürnstein.
OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO DÜRNSTEIN
Day 6 Dürnstein
Fairytale Castles, Kings, Cobblestones of Delightful Dürnstein
Classic
Your local expert is ready to guide you through the history and heritage of local destinations. You’ll marvel at the legends, lore, and spectacular architecture of iconic and historic sites.
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
Embark on energetic excursions to keep you in motion and on the go - from a guided jogging tour of Amsterdam, to biking, paddling, and hiking your way through scenic locales.
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. Enjoy coffee or a cocktail on the Sky Deck as you sail through the picturesque Wachau Valley to Melk.
Melk
Ornate Architecture and Scenic Splendors
Classic
Your local expert is ready to guide you through the history and heritage of local destinations. You’ll marvel at the legends, lore, and spectacular architecture of iconic and historic sites.
Take a guided tour of Melk’s magnificent Benedictine Abbey to marvel at its frescoed ceilings, statues, incredible library and ornate pipe organ.
Discovery
We’ve found inspiring and interactive activities to speak to your interests - from cooking classes, to painting workshops - to immerse yourself in each culture you explore.
Enjoy the flavors of the Wachau Valley with a Wine Tasting on board.
EVENING/OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO PASSAU
Day 7 Passau, Germany
Go for Baroque in Passau - Where the Danube, Inn, and Ilz Rivers meet
Classic
Your local expert is ready to guide you through the history and heritage of local destinations. You’ll marvel at the legends, lore, and spectacular architecture of iconic and historic sites.
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 guided optional excursion to the picturesque Bohemian town of Cesky Krumlov.
Meet your ship back in Passau after your selected activities for sailing.
EVENING/OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO REGENSBURG
Day 8 Regensburg
Magical Regensburg - Bavaria’s Medieval Miracle
Classic
Your local expert is ready to guide you through the history and heritage of local destinations. You’ll marvel at the legends, lore, and spectacular architecture of iconic and historic sites.
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.
Spend a free afternoon exploring Regensburg on foot or by bike through its charming streets.
Discovery
We’ve found inspiring and interactive activities to speak to your interests - from cooking classes, to painting workshops - to immerse yourself in each culture you explore.
Later, indulge in beer tasting on board. This evening, enjoy live entertainment after dinner as you cruise toward Roth.
EVENING/OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO ROTH
Day 9 Roth, Nuremberg Excursion
Living Heritage and History Lessons
Discovery
We’ve found inspiring and interactive activities to speak to your interests - from cooking classes, to painting workshops - to immerse yourself in each culture you explore.
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
Your local expert is ready to guide you through the history and heritage of local destinations. You’ll marvel at the legends, lore, and spectacular architecture of iconic and historic sites.
Choose a guided sightseeing of Nuremberg—with its medieval architecture, gilded fountain, gothic cathedral, and Kaiserburg Castle, OR;
Classic
Your local expert is ready to guide you through the history and heritage of local destinations. You’ll marvel at the legends, lore, and spectacular architecture of iconic and historic sites.
Take a guided tour of the historic Nuremberg Rally Grounds—used by the Third Reich.
EVENING CRUISE TO NUREMBERG
Day 10 Nuremberg - Excursion to Munich
Modern Munich with Storybook Villages and Fairytale Castles
Classic
Your local expert is ready to guide you through the history and heritage of local destinations. You’ll marvel at the legends, lore, and spectacular architecture of iconic and historic sites.
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
Day 11 Bamberg
One Thousand Years of History in the City of Seven Hills
Classic
Your local expert is ready to guide you through the history and heritage of local destinations. You’ll marvel at the legends, lore, and spectacular architecture of iconic and historic sites.
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.
This evening, enjoy onboard entertainment.
AFTERNOON/OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO WÜRZBURG
Day 12 Würzburg
A Pearl, a Painting and a Glass of Wine for the Perfect Afternoon
Classic
Your local expert is ready to guide you through the history and heritage of local destinations. You’ll marvel at the legends, lore, and spectacular architecture of iconic and historic sites.
Take a guided sightseeing tour of the “Pearl of the Romantic Road” with its Old Main Bridge, towering fortress, and baroque Bishop’s Residenz—with the largest known ceiling fresco.
Explore the city on your own or visit a local winery. Later, enjoy onboard entertainment.
EVENING/OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO MAIN RIVER VILLAGE
Day 13 Main River Village
Hidden Gems and Bavarian Beauty of a Main River Village
Classic
Your local expert is ready to guide you through the history and heritage of local destinations. You’ll marvel at the legends, lore, and spectacular architecture of iconic and historic sites.
Join a guided walking tour of a picturesque Bavarian village.
AFTERNOON/OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO RÜDESHEIM
Day 14 Rüdesheim - Rhine Gorge
Eat, Drink and Be Merry in Wine Country
Discovery
We’ve found inspiring and interactive activities to speak to your interests - from cooking classes, to painting workshops - to immerse yourself in each culture you explore.
Tour the incredible Mechanical Music Museum for a one-of-a-kind instrumental experience, OR;
Discovery
We’ve found inspiring and interactive activities to speak to your interests - from cooking classes, to painting workshops - to immerse yourself in each culture you explore.
Based on your departure date, enjoy either a coffee tasting or wine tasting.
Cruise through the magnificent Rhine Gorge.
AFTERNOON/OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO BERNKASTEL
Day 15 Bernkastel
Gracious German Vineyards of the Moselle Valley
Classic
Your local expert is ready to guide you through the history and heritage of local destinations. You’ll marvel at the legends, lore, and spectacular architecture of iconic and historic sites.
Take a guided walking tour of the charming wine village of Bernkastel - with its medieval marketplace and 17th-century half-timbered houses.
Spend some free time at your leisure this afternoon—with a hike to view the vast vineyard landscapes, a bike ride through the Renaissance-style village, or relax with a glass of regional wine.
Discovery
We’ve found inspiring and interactive activities to speak to your interests - from cooking classes, to painting workshops - to immerse yourself in each culture you explore.
Join a wine tasting to experience the tradition of legendary German wine making.
EVENING/OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO REMICH
Day 16 Remich, Luxemnourg - Excursion to Trier
Ancient Worlds, Old World Charm and World-Class Wine
Classic
Your local expert is ready to guide you through the history and heritage of local destinations. You’ll marvel at the legends, lore, and spectacular architecture of iconic and historic sites.
Take a guided sightseeing tour of Trier—Germany’s oldest city with ancient Roman remnants dating from 144-152 AD. Starting from Porta Nigra walk through the city centre, OR:
Classic
Your local expert is ready to guide you through the history and heritage of local destinations. You’ll marvel at the legends, lore, and spectacular architecture of iconic and historic sites.
Join a history-focused Roman Trier guided tour to learn more about the history of Roman civilization in this Moselle River city, and visit the ruins of a 20,000-seat amphitheater, and imperial baths.
This afternoon, take a guided optional excursion to Luxembourg City—with its dramatic views, ancient ruins, and modern architecture in its deep gorge terrain.
OVERNIGHT DOCKING IN REMICH
Day 17 Remich (Disembarkation)
Your holiday ends with breakfast this morning.
