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From Budapest to Amsterdam, and many exciting stops along the way, you’ll be immersed in the culture of Central Europe in a unique way on this timeless river cruise vacation.
Your river cruise adventure begins with visits to three of Europe’s vibrant capital cities: Budapest in Hungary, Bratislava in Slovakia and Vienna in Austria. A local guide will show you the must-see sites in each city and you’ll have plenty of time to explore on your own. See the famous Heroes’ Square in Budapest, stroll through Bratislava’s Old Town with its winding streets and bronze sculptures, and stop in a classic Viennese cafe for a decadent treat. Sail through the picturesque Wachau Valley and the dramatic Rhine Gorge. Visit Melk’s magnificent Benedictine Abbey and Würzburg’s Baroque Bishop’s Residenz. Enjoy a tasting of Wachau wines.
Explore quaint towns like Dürnstein with its blue and white Baroque Stiftskirche; Passau, known for its narrow cobbled streets and stunning St Stephen’s Cathedral; and Bamberg, with its town hall straddling the River Regnitz. Enjoy guided walks in historic Nuremberg, Würzburg, and Regensburg—one of Germany’s best-preserved medieval cities. In the charming Rhine Valley town of Rüdesheim, enjoy a stroll through its famous cobbled Drosselgasse that's lined with shops, restaurants, and lively taverns. Straddling both sides of the Rhine River is Cologne, Germany—a 2,000 year-old city known for its Gothic architecture. Here, enjoy a guided walk and see its famous twin-spired cathedral.
This European river cruise would not be complete without a visit to Holland’s lively capital of Amsterdam. See the treasures of this 700-year-old city from a unique perspective—on a canal cruise along the elegant Grachten. Your European cruise from Budapest to Amsterdam is filled with new discoveries and simple pleasures of ancient cultures that you’ll hold in your memory for many years to come.
From Budapest to Amsterdam, and many exciting stops along the way, you’ll be immersed in the culture of Central Europe in a unique way on this timeless river cruise vacation.
Your river cruise adventure begins with visits to three of Europe’s vibrant capital cities: Budapest in Hungary, Bratislava in Slovakia and Vienna in Austria. A local guide will show you the must-see sites in each city and you’ll have plenty of time to explore on your own. See the famous Heroes’ Square in Budapest, stroll through Bratislava’s Old Town with its winding streets and bronze sculptures, and stop in a classic Viennese cafe for a decadent treat. Sail through the picturesque Wachau Valley and the dramatic Rhine Gorge. Visit Melk’s magnificent Benedictine Abbey and Würzburg’s Baroque Bishop’s Residenz. Enjoy a tasting of Wachau wines.
Explore quaint towns like Dürnstein with its blue and white Baroque Stiftskirche; Passau, known for its narrow cobbled streets and stunning St Stephen’s Cathedral; and Bamberg, with its town hall straddling the River Regnitz. Enjoy guided walks in historic Nuremberg, Würzburg, and Regensburg—one of Germany’s best-preserved medieval cities. In the charming Rhine Valley town of Rüdesheim, enjoy a stroll through its famous cobbled Drosselgasse that's lined with shops, restaurants, and lively taverns. Straddling both sides of the Rhine River is Cologne, Germany—a 2,000 year-old city known for its Gothic architecture. Here, enjoy a guided walk and see its famous twin-spired cathedral.
This European river cruise would not be complete without a visit to Holland’s lively capital of Amsterdam. See the treasures of this 700-year-old city from a unique perspective—on a canal cruise along the elegant Grachten. Your European cruise from Budapest to Amsterdam is filled with new discoveries and simple pleasures of ancient cultures that you’ll hold in your memory for many years to come.
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 (Embarkation)
Welcome to Budapest - Hungary’s Captivating Capital
The day is yours to relax and enjoy the city with time for photographs, cafes, and confections.
OVERNIGHT DOCKING IN BUDAPEST
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 tour, including the iconic Heroes’ Square.
The afternoon is free to enjoy Budapest on your own. Be sure to savour a piece of cream cake in the world-famous Gerbeaud café, consider a scenic hike in the hills above the Danube, or a visit to one of Budapest’s world-famous thermal baths.
OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO BRATISLAVA
Day 3 Bratislava, Slovakia
Castles, Vineyards and Cosmopolitan Culture
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 sightseeing tour from the Old Town’s cobbled streets to the Town Hall. Visit the gothic halls of St Martin’s Cathedral - the Kingdom of Hungary’s centuries-old coronation church, 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.
Follow your Avalon Adventure host on a hike to lofty Bratislava castle.
Alternatively, in your free time take a bicycle and a picnic from the ship to explore the local sights along the Danube. Later, enjoy live entertainment onboard.
OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO VIENNA
Day 4 Vienna, Austria
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.
Step into the legendary Habsburg Empire with a morning 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 - the Habsburg empire summer home for 300 years.
You may also take a tram to Austria’s Prater amusement park or to one of the many museums nearby. Consider joining an optional excursion to attend Royal Waltz concert in an elegant hall.
OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO DÜRNSTEIN
Day 5 Dürnstein - Wachau Valley
Fairytale Castles, Kings and Cobblestones
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.
Take a guided hike up to the castle ruins to take in the spectacular view of the village, Danube, and the Wachau Valley below.
Later, stretch out on the sky deck as you sail through the Wachau Valley past vineyards, castles, and charming villages on your way to Melk.
MELK
Striking Frescoes and Breathtaking Views of the Wachau 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 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.
Later, enjoy a wine tasting on board as you prepare to sail to Passau.
OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO PASSAU
Day 6 Passau, Germany
The Three Rivers of Medieval Passau
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 an afternoon guided city walk to learn more about this beautiful “City of Three Rivers.”
Alternatively, consider a guided optional excursion for a full day in Salzburg, Austria - the city of Mozart - or a guided optional excursion to the picturesque Bohemian Czech town of Český Krumlov.
EVENING CRUISE TO REGENSBURG
Day 7 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 the Altes Rathaus (Old Town Hall) and Porta Pretoria - built in 179 CE as the entrance to Castra Regina fortress.
You may join a guided optional excursion to the Benedictine Monastery in Weltenburg.
Spend a free afternoon exploring Regensburg on foot or by bike through its charming streets.
This evening, enjoy live entertainment after dinner as you cruise toward Roth.
EVENING/OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO ROTH
Day 8 Roth. Excursion to Nuremberg
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.
While sailing to Roth, 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.
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
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 tour of Nuremberg’s 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.
Join a guided tour of the historic Nuremberg Rally Grounds - used by the Third Reich.
Tonight, relax on board with live entertainment as you sail to Bamberg.
EVENING/OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO BAMBERG
Day 9 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.
Enjoy live entertainment on board while sailing this evening.
EVENING/OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO WÜRZBURG
Day 10 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.
In your free time you may explore the city or enjoy a smoked beer. Later, enjoy onboard entertainment.
EVENING/OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO MAIN RIVER VILLAGE
Day 11 Main River Village
Hidden Gems and Bavarian Beauty of the Main River Village
Start the day with a morning stretch with your Avalon Adventure host.
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 Main river village.
Spend free time riding a bike through the beautiful villages on the main river shores. Later, enjoy onboard entertainment as you cruise to Rüdesheim.
AFTERNOON/OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO RÜDESHEIM
Day 12 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; based on your departure, enjoy either a Coffee Tasting or a Wine Tasting, 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.
Enjoy a hike with your Avalon Adventure Host to explore the picturesque hills and vineyards of Rüdesheim.
This afternoon cruise through the dramatic Rhine Gorge and see the famous rock of The Lorelei - where the mythological siren lured ill-fated sailors to shore.
OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO COLOGNE
Day 13 Cologne
Prost! Celebrate in the Rhineland’s Capital City
Start the day with a morning stretch with your Avalon Adventure host.
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 city walk of Cologne - explore the Old City and see its soaring twin-steepled gothic cathedral, 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.
Join a guided walking tour of Cologne’s important Jewish heritage sites.
Don’t miss the chance to enjoy free time over a glass of Kölsch pale lager - locally brewed for over 100 years!
AFTERNOON/OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO AMSTERDAM
Day 14 Amsterdam, Holland
Colourful Amsterdam - With Canals, Crooked Houses and Cuisine of a Golden Age
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.
Explore the iconic waterways of Amsterdam with a guided canal cruise past stately homes of Amsterdam’s “Golden Age.”
Spend free time on your own to explore the colourful cafes, galleries, bridges and canals of Amsterdam.
OVERNIGHT DOCKING IN AMSTERDAM
Day 15 Amsterdam (Disembarkation)
Your holiday ends with breakfast this morning.
