Overview
Sail through the picturesque views of the Wachau Valley and the dramatic Rhine Gorge. Visit Melk’s magnificent Benedictine Abbey and Würzburg’s baroque Bishop’s Residenz. Enjoy a tasting of wonderful local Wachau wines. Explore quaint towns like Dürnstein with its blue and white baroque Stiftskirche; Passau, known for its narrow cobblestone streets and the stunning St. Stephen’s Cathedral; and Bamberg, with its town hall straddling the River Regnitz. Enjoy guided tours in historic Nuremberg, Volkach, 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 cobblestone Drosselgasse 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.
Itinerary
Welcome to Hungary. Your Suite Ship is Ready for Boarding. Flights into Budapest must arrive by 3:30 pm. Guests must be on board ship by 5 pm. The day is yours to relax and enjoy the city with time for photographs, cafes, and confections.
OVERNIGHT DOCKING IN BUDAPEST (D)
The Pearl of the Danube
Visit the Adventure Centre for today's activities with your Adventure Host.
- Active: Hike up to a magnificent viewpoint in Budapest with your Adventure Host, OR:
- Classic: Enjoy a Guided City Sightseeing, including the iconic Heroes' Square.
This afternoon choose among the Optional Guided Excursions available or enjoy Budapest on your own. Indulge in a piece of cream cake in one of the many cafes. Consider a scenic hike above the Danube.
OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO BRATISLAVA (B/L/D)
Castles, Vineyards, and Cosmopolitan Culture
- Active: Follow your Avalon Adventure Host on a short hike to lofty Bratislava Castle, OR:
- Classic: Join a Guided Walking Tour of Old Town's cobblestone streets to Town Hall. Visit the Gothic halls of St. Martin's Cathedral - Hungary's centuries-old coronation church.
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 (B/L/D)
Royal Collections and Amusing Attractions
- Active: Explore Vienna's Danube Island by bike with your Adventure Host, OR:
- Classic: After a short walk of Vienna, join a Guided Visit of Austria's largest museum, the legendary Kunsthistorisches Museum (Museum of Fine Arts), OR:
- Classic: Explore the 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 iconic Vienna Opera House and stunning St. Stephen's Cathedral.
Join a Guided Optional Excursion to Schonbrunn Palace - summer home of the Habsburg empire.
Consider a tram ride to Vienna's Prater amusement park or to one of the many museums nearby. Later, consider joining an Optional Excursion to attend Royal Waltz Concert in an elegant hall.
OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO DURNSTEIN (B/L/D)
A King's Ransom and Castle Ruins
- Active: Take a Guided Hike up to the castle ruins to take in the 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.
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: 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 the frescoed ceilings, statues, incredible library, and ornate pipe organ of Melk's Benedictine Abbey.
- Discovery: Later, enjoy a Wine Tasting on board as you prepare to sail to Passau.
EVENING/OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO PASSAU (B/L/D)
Where the Danube, Inn, and Ilz Rivers Meet
- Classic: Join an afternoon Guided City Walk to learn more about this beautiful "City of Three Rivers."
Alternatively, you may 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.
EVENING/OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO REGENSBURG (B/L/D)
Bavaria's Medieval Miracle
- 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. 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 (B/L/D)
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.
- 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 Tour of Nuremberg's medieval architecture, gilded fountain, gothic cathedral, and Kaiserburg Castle, OR:
- Classic: Join a Guided Tour of the historic Nuremberg Rally Grounds - used by the Third Reich.
Tonight, relax onboard with live entertainment as you sail to Bamberg.
EVENING/OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO BAMBERG (B/L/D)
The City of Seven Hills.
- Active: Your bike is ready! Hop on and bike along the canals in Bamberg with your Adventure Host, OR:
- Classic: 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.
- Discovery: Attend an onboard lecture to learn about European history and culture.
AFTERNOON/OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO VOLKACH (B/L/D)
Storybook Settings
- Active: Bike along the Main Danube Canal with your Adventure Host, OR:
- Classic: Join a Walking Tour of the quaint town of Volkach with its half-timbered houses and cobblestoned streets.
You may choose to join a Guided Optional Excursion to the beautiful Bavarian town of Rothenburg. See the local sights and enjoy the fairytale atmosphere that has inspired artists. Alternatively, enjoy a relaxing afternoon while cruising to Kitzingen.
OVERNIGHT DOCKING IN KITZINGEN (B/L/D)
A Perfect Day in the Pearl of the Romantic Road
- Active: Enjoy an easy bike ride along the river with your Adventure Host, OR:
- Classic: Take a Guided Sightseeing Tour of WUrzburg with its Old Main Bridge, towering fortress, and baroque Bishop's Residenz - with the largest known ceiling fresco.
This afternoon enjoy a leisurely sailing.
AFTERNOON/OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO MILTENBERG (B/L/D)
Beauty on the Main River
Join your Adventure Host for today's special activities.
- Classic: Join a Guided Walking Tour of Miltenberg, a showcase of medieval half - timber homes and home to Germany's oldest inn .
Later, enjoy onboard entertainment as you cruise to Rudesheim.
AFTERNOON/OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO RUDESHEIM (B/L/D)
Eat, Drink, and Be Merry in Wine Country
- Active: Enjoy a hike with your Avalon Adventure Host through the picturesque vineyards of RUdesheim, OR:
- Active: Take an open-air cable car ride to the Niederwald Monument. Ride or walk back down through the vineyards; enjoy a tasting of the authentic Rudesheimer coffee, OR:
- Discovery: Tour the incredible Mechanical Music Museum for a one-of-a-kind instrumental experience; enjoy a tasting of the authentic Rudesheimer coffee.
This afternoon cruise through the dramatic Rhine Gorge and see the famous rock of the Lorelei - where mythological siren lured ill-fated sailors to shore.
- Discovery: Enjoy a remarkable classical music concert in a lovely baroque venue at Engers Castle, home to the Villa Musica Rhineland - Palatinate National Foundation, one of Germany's largest music institutions.
OVERNIGHT DOCKING IN ENGERS (B/L/D)
Prost! Celebrate in the Rhineland
Ask about today's energizing or relaxing Adventure Host activities.
- Active: Enjoy a bike ride like the locals in Cologne with your Adventure Host, OR:
- Discovery: Join a Guided Walking Tour of Cologne's important Jewish heritage sites, OR:
- Classic: Take a Guided City Walk of Cologne - explore the Old City and see its soaring twin-steepled Gothic cathedral.
Spend free time over a glass of Kolsch pale lager - locally brewed for over 100 years!
AFTERNOON/OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO AMSTERDAM (B/L/D)
Colourful Canals of Amsterdam
- Active: Start your day joining your Adventure Host on an early morning walk in Amsterdam, OR:
- Discovery: Discover the true beauty of Amsterdam with an off-the-beaten-path Guided Walking Tour through its cobblestone streets for a captivating look at this legendary city, OR:
- Classic: Explore the iconic waterways of Amsterdam with a Guided Canal Cruise past stately homes of Amsterdam's "Golden Age."
In the afternoon you may join an Optional Culinary Walk through Amsterdam to sample savory and sweet Dutch specialties. Or choose an Optional Biking Tour to discover the countryside. You might also consider a Guided Optional Excursion to Zaanse Schans to see historic windmills and charming Dutch houses.
Spend free time on your own to explore the colourful cafes, galleries, bridges, and canals of Amsterdam.
OVERNIGHT DOCKING IN AMSTERDAM (B/L/D)
Your cruise ends with breakfast this morning. (B)
Life Onboard Avalon Illumination
Float along Europe's most famous waterways in relaxed luxury aboard one of Avalon's award-winning Suite Ships. Read more
With the only Open-Air Balconies in river cruising, experience Europe with a view like no other in a Panorama Suite. Read more
Avalon features all the right inclusions which compliment your luxurious river cruise experience. Read more
Personalise your cruise to make it your own with Avalon Choice. Select whichever included excursions interest you the most. Read more
Avalon's Active & Discovery river cruises offer activities for travelers with varying interests & for all energy and fitness levels. Read more
Savour regional cuisine and familiar favourites using the freshest local ingredients throughout your river cruise. Read more
Trip Reviews (61) View All Most Recent 'Magnificent Rivers of Europe' Reviews
Avalon ...read more made sure every little detail was addressed and this was confirmed when we discussed issues with travellers who were cruising with other companies. It was relaxing yet very special and the overwhelming feel was of that of pure satisfaction. I only wish I had the will power to resist the food!
This is not our first cruise but I would certainly recommend Avalon to anyone considering cruising.
I honestly can't say what was my highlight, but I did love the Bavarian region, with its magical castles and well preserved historic villages. Looked forward every morning to another new destination with excellent local guides showing us around our port of call. Of course this is inclusive in your trip costs. We had a good mix of travellers, but it would of been nice to have known where everyone had travelled from. Not sure if this is Avalon's policy not to introduce everyone. I never did find out.
Our room although compact was excellent, it seemed to be serviced twice a day. We were on the 2nd level, with its lovely wall to wall windows including sliding doors. However on reflection I would not hesitate next time to take a lower level cabin. Reason being, one is hardly ever in their cabin as the itinerary is full and a high percentage of the time when berthed you have another boat tied up along beside you blocking any view.
Sadly our trip was short lived as six days into our 15 day cruise we had to leave the boat and travel the remainder of the journey by coach, staying in different hotels mostly every night. The reason being that the Danube river was too low for the boat to pass through. This affected all boat companies travelling this route. As very sad as it was Avalon did an amazing job to move and accommodate 130 people every night. They still maintained our original itinerary along the way. Hats off to Avalon for their slick and seamless organisational skills. Also for their generous refund to make up for our disappointment. At no time along the coach route were were we out of pocket.
I am hoping to book another trip with Avalon through Global Journeys, they were great organisations to deal with. Would highly recommend a river cruise as the passenger list is about 145, such a complete contrast to most ocean cruising.
We did enjoy the 7 nights of cruising but not happy with the long bus trips used to fulfil the rest of the programme. Avalon did do a wonderful job to put plan B into action but not the holiday we were after. River cruises need to be thoroughly invested before booking as we believe this has happened on a number of occasions, although no mention of this from agents etc. Had no problem booking with Global Journeys, thank you Hannah.
Brochure
Avalon River Cruises (2025-26)
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Port charges, taxes and fees included.
Tour & cruises prices are per person. Prices shown have savings applied, are subject to availability and may be withdrawn at any time without notice. Pricing and trip details are correct at this point in time, however are subject to confirmation at the time of booking and are subject to change by Avalon. For cruise itineraries, cabin images are sourced from Avalon. These should be treated as indicative only. Cabin inclusions, upholsteries and room layout may differ to the image(s) shown depending on the ship selected and your sailing dates.
