Overview
Transfer to Vilshofen where your Danube River cruise begins. Passau, Germany, the “City of Three Rivers” lies at the confluence of the Danube, Inn, and Ilz...read more rivers. Explore the city with a Local Guide and admire the Patrician houses and baroque St. Stephen’s Cathedral. In Linz, Austria, see the Hauptplatz, Austria’s largest medieval square that forms the centre of the city. Enjoy the magnificent views as your river cruise takes you through the picturesque wine region of Wachau Valley. In Dürnstein, see the famous blue and white Stiftskirche and taste some of the local wines.
Vienna, the “City of Music,” makes an immediate impression with its lavish Hofburg Imperial Palace and neo-renaissance Vienna Opera House. In Bratislava, the capital of Slovakia, a guided walk takes you through the delightful Old Town and to the Gothic St. Martin’s Cathedral. In Budapest, the vibrant capital of Hungary, see the must-see sights with a local expert. In your free time stroll along the main shopping street of Váci utca, or take pictures from Fisherman’s Bastion, for the best panoramic views of Budapest. From the Golden City of Prague to the Pearl of the Danube in Budapest, your European river cruise is an experience not to be missed!
Itinerary
Welcome to the Golden City of Prague - Explore the City of 100 Spires Enjoy free time to explore the Golden City and its surrounding countryside at your leisure.
Gothic Cathedrals, Grand Castles, and Great Cuisine
- Classic: Take a Guided City Walk to visit Hrad?any Castle Grounds; see St. Vitus Cathedral and Old Town's Astronomical Clock.
Consider sampling delicious plum dumplings and traditional Pilsner lager beside the Vltava River. Mingle with the locals and be mesmerized by street performers in Wenceslas Square, or browse the market stalls at Charles Bridge. (B)
Bavaria's Medieval Miracle
After breakfast this morning, you'll drive to Regensburg.
- Classic: Join a Guided City Walk in Regensburg and see Altes Rathaus (Old Town Hall) and Porta Pretoria - built in 179 AD as the entrance to Castra Regina fortress.
Take free time to enjoy a hearty lunch and a local beer, then step back in time through historic lanes and squares of today's modern and vibrant Regensburg. Continue on to VILSHOFEN to board your Avalon Suite Ship for a welcome reception.
EVENING CRUISE TO PASSAU (B/D)
Where the Danube, Inn, and Ilz Rivers Meet
- Active: Follow your Avalon Adventure Host for Hiking from Oberhaus along a trail down to the valley and along Ilz River, OR:
- Classic: Join a Guided City Walk to learn more about this beautiful "City of Three Rivers."
Before sailing to Linz. take a little free time to explore Passau's cobblestone streets and galleries of Artists' Alley. Maybe stop at St. Stephen's Cathedral to catch a concert rehearsal. This afternoon, cruise to Linz through the Danube's dramatic horseshoe bend called Schlogen Oxbow. Later, enjoy live entertainment on board.
OVERNIGHT DOCKING IN LINZ (B/L/D)
Legendary and Lovely Linz
Visit the Adventure centre for today's activities with your Adventure Host.
- Classic: Take a Guided Walk through the city's historic and beautiful sites along the shore of the Danube and see Hauptplatz - Austria's largest medieval square - and the towering white-marble Trinity Column.
Consider a full-day Guided Optional Excursion to Salzburg - the city of Mozart, or to the picturesque Bohemian town of Cesky Krumlov. You may otherwise spend the afternoon on a biking picnic along the banks of the Danube or hike through Linz's beautiful nature trails to Postlingberg for a bird's-eye view of the city and river below.
EVENING/OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO YBBS (B/L/D)
Frescoes Above and Vineyards Below
- Classic: Visit the Lower Austrian little town of Ybbs. Walk through the doors of Austrian history with a guided sightseeing tour of Artstetten Castle, OR:
- Classic: Take a Guided Tour of Melk's magnificent Benedictine Abbey to marvel at its frescoed ceilings, statues, incredible library, and ornate pipe organ.
Later, stretch out on the Sky Deck as you sail through the Wachau Valley past vineyards, castles, and charming villages on your way to Durnstein.
DURNSTEIN: A King's Ransom and Castle Ruins
- Active: Join 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 here during the Crusades.
Later, enjoy live entertainment on board your ship.
OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO VIENNA (B/L/D)
Viennese Waltzes on the Blue Danube
- Active: Explore Vienna's Danube Island by bike with your Adventure Host, 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 monarchy. Spend free time strolling on the pedestrian Karntnerstrasse - the most famous shopping avenue in central Vienna. Take a bike ride through the city and stop in a local cafe to enjoy Sachertorte or Apfelstrudel. This evening, enjoy an unforgettable musical performance with an Optional Excursion to attend a Royal Waltz Concert in an elegant hall.
OVERNIGHT DOCKING IN VIENNA (B/L/D)
Natural Beauty in Austria
Enjoy some free time in the village of Hainburg or take a Guided Optional Excursion to discover the natural beauties of this area. During lunchtime enjoy a short cruise to Bratislava.
BRATISLAVA, SLOVAKIA: Cathedral Coronations and a Crowning Castle
- Active: Follow your Avalon Adventure Host on a hike to lofty Bratislava Castle, OR:
- Classic: Take a Guided City Walk, including the quaint streets of Old Town, Town Hall, and the sight of royal coronations at St. Martin's Cathedral.
OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO BUDAPEST (B/L/D)
War Heroes and Hot Water
- 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 a wide offer of Optional Guided Excursions or take in the beauty of Budapest while enjoying some free time exploring such famous sights as the Chain Bridge. Get to know the city's cafes and pubs, or take a hike through the hills above the Danube.
OVERNIGHT DOCKING IN BUDAPEST (B/L/D)
Your cruise ends with breakfast this morning. (B)
Life Onboard Avalon Tranquility II
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
Brochure
Avalon River Cruises (2025-26)
Availability
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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.
