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Illuminations on the Danube

4.0/5 Based on 1 Reviews No Booking FeesDedicated Cruise Advisor
River View
$3,896
Balcony
$6,017
Suite
$7,752
* Port charges, taxes and fees included
 Cruise Length
10 Days
 Cruise Starts
Vilshofen
 Cruise Finishes
Budapest
10 Day Illuminations on the Danube Itinerary (Avalon)
Countries Explored: Germany, Austria, Slovakia, Hungary
Cruise Line
Avalon
Ship
Departures
Passengers
128
Crew
37
Launched
2015
Cruise Code
WKB

Overview

Cruise along the peaceful Danube River through Germany, Austria, Slovakia, and Hungary—stopping at some of Central Europe’s most splendid capitals and charming towns along the way. Visit Passau, Germany—called the “City of Three Rivers” at the confluence of the Danube, Inn, and Ilz rivers. Take a guided walking tour to admire the Patrician houses and baroque St. Stephen’s Cathedral. In Linz, Austria, walk around the Hauptplatz, Austria’s largest medieval square. Enjoy the magnificent views as your Danube River cruise takes you through the picturesque wine region of the Wachau Valley. Stops include...read more Melk to visit the magnificent Benedictine Abbey and Krems. Vienna, the “City of Music,” makes an immediate impression with its lavish Hofburg Imperial Palace and neo-renaissance Vienna Opera House.

Enjoy a guided tour of this magical city and take time to explore on your own. In Bratislava, the capital of Slovakia, take a guided walk through the delightful Old Town and to the Gothic St. Martin’s Cathedral. Sail to Esztergom for a visit to its Basilica and a Palinka tasting, then continue to Visegrad for a canoe excursion along the Danube river or a hike in the Danube-Ipoly National Park. In Budapest, the vibrant capital of Hungary, a local expert shows you all the must-see sights. Then to round out this timeless European river cruise, take a stroll along Váci utca—the main shopping street, or take pictures from Fishermen’s Bastion for the best panoramic views of Budapest. This Danube River cruise explores the legendary beauty and remarkable destinations you’ll never forget.

Itinerary

Welcome to Germany. Your Suite Ship is Ready for Boarding. Flights into Munich must arrive by 2 pm. Guests must be on board ship by 5 pm. Explore your ship and enjoy dinner on your first evening on board.

EVENING CRUISE TO PASSAU (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.

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. Later, enjoy live entertainment on board.

EVENING/OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO YBBS (B/L/D)

Frescoes Above and Vineyards Below

  • 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 Krems.

KREMS - WACHAU VALLEY: An Ancient Village and Vintages of the Wachau Valley

  • Classic: Join a guided walk to explore this small valley town, seemingly untouched by the new world.

OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO VIENNA (B/L/D)

Strauss, Schnitzel, Strudel and Sachertorte Viennese Waltzes on the Blue Danube

  • Active: Take a Guided Bike Tour along the famed Ringstrasse and pedestrian avenues of Vienna to see the city's highlights from a unique perspective, OR:
  • Discovery: Take an Insider's Tour of Vienna to get behind the scenes of her sights and attractions. You will meet locals, have the chance to prepare some food, and enjoy other surprises, OR:
  • Classic: Take a Guided Sightseeing Tour of Vienna, including a tour of Belvedere Palace to see Gustave Klimt's renowned "Kiss" painting.

Spend free time this afternoon strolling through the pedestrian Karntnerstrasse then take a break for a piece of Sachertorte. Or enjoy an optional excursion in Schonbrunn.

OVERNIGHT DOCKING IN VIENNA (B/L/D)

Feast for the Soul

  • Discovery: Enjoy a morning Guided Walking Tour to see the city in her best light, along with breakfast at a Viennese cafe, OR:
  • Classic: Dive into one of the world's most important museums with a Guided Tour of the Habsburg family's private art collection at the Museum of Fine Arts, and enjoy Italian or Dutch master works, OR:
  • Classic: Take a Guided Tour of the Museum of Fine Arts, followed by the Military Museum, commemorating the past of the Habsburg Empire.

This evening consider joining an Optional Excursion to attend a Royal Waltz Concert in an elegant hall.

OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO BRATISLAVA (B/L/D)

Cathedral Coronations and a Crowning Castle

Join your Adventure Host for today's special activities.

  • 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.

Enjoy free time to discover on your own Bratislava, the beautiful capital of Slovakia, rich in history and culture, but also a green city with its forests and parks just a hop away from the city centre.

Later, relax on board with live entertainment.

OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO ESZTERGROM (B/L/D)

Mountains Views and Palinka

  • Active: Take an E-bike Guided Tour and explore the surroundings of the Pilis Mountains Region. Enjoy the view from the lockout point at Dobogoko, OR:
  • Classic: Join a Guided Tour into the scenic Carpathian Basin for a visit of the ancient Esztergom Basilica that includes the traditional Palinka tasting in its impressive cellar.

Enjoy a brief cruise to Visegrad during lunchtime.

VISEGRAD: Jousting Tournaments and Dracula's Tower

  • Active: Explore Hungary's beautiful Danube - Ipoly National Park and visit Count Dracula's prison tower on a Hiking Tour, OR:
  • Active: Take part in a Canoe Excursion through the picturesque Bend Region of the Danube for a truly unique perspective of one of the river's most beautiful stretches, OR:
  • Discovery: Join a Guided Visit to the Medieval Knights Tournament at Visegrad's Lower Castle, featuring targeting and fighting demonstrations by members of the St. George Knightly Order.

Spend free time after your selected activities to explore Palotahaz, where stonemasons, smiths, potters, and paper-makers produce their traditional items using age-old techniques. This evening, enjoy a sailing into Budapest and magnificent views of the beautiful Parliament Building.

OVERNIGHT DOCKING IN 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

Avalon Tranquility II
Avalon Tranquility II

Float along Europe's most famous waterways in relaxed luxury aboard one of Avalon's award-winning Suite Ships. Read more

Our Vision. Your View.
Our Vision. Your View.

With the only Open-Air Balconies in river cruising, experience Europe with a view like no other in a Panorama Suite. Read more

Exclusive Meets Inclusive
Exclusive Meets Inclusive

Avalon features all the right inclusions which compliment your luxurious river cruise experience. Read more

Avalon Choice
Avalon Choice

Personalise your cruise to make it your own with Avalon Choice. Select whichever included excursions interest you the most. Read more

Active & Discovery
Active & Discovery

Avalon's Active & Discovery river cruises offer activities for travelers with varying interests & for all energy and fitness levels. Read more

From View to Table
From View to Table

Savour regional cuisine and familiar favourites using the freshest local ingredients throughout your river cruise. Read more

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Trip Reviews (1) Most Recent 'Illuminations on the Danube' Reviews

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AVG. RATING 4.0 / 5
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You couldn't ask for better. 1 , QLD, Australia, Oct 2015
We had a small hiccup with transfers from Bangkok to Yangon during our pre-cruise extension, but in the end, Avalon sorted the problem. The upper Irrawaddy cruise was probably the best part, as you were away from all the normal tourist sites. Meeting with and mixing among the locals in villages, at monasteries, and seeing normal village life was the ...read more best. Once you near Mandalay, the 'sellers' are a bit like flys - they hang around and follow you, but they are nice people, anyway. Being in the country during their election was special. The Avalon boat crew and local guides were fantastic - you couldn't ask for better. The service we received from Global Journeys was great - thanks.

Brochure

Avalon River Cruises (2025-26) Brochure

Avalon River Cruises (2025-26)

Avalon Waterways has redefined cruising by going against the current and away from the ordinary. Delivering unparalleled experiences and boundless exploration, Avalon puts guests in the captain’s seat to navigate their journey, fuel their passions, and steer clear of the usual while cruising on the world’s most memorable and mesmerizing waterways. One...more step aboard our modern, luxurious Suite Ships with the grandest views in cruising and it’s easy to see how the tides are changing. Welcome to a new wave in cruising. Welcome aboard Avalon Waterways.

Availability USD USD Port charges, taxes and fees included.

Friday 18 Apr 2025
Sunday 27 Apr 2025
Ship Avalon Impression
River View
$4,969
View Cabins
Balcony
$6,961
View Cabins
Suite
$8,697
View Cabins
Sunday 18 May 2025
Tuesday 27 May 2025
Ship Avalon Impression
River View
$5,569
View Cabins
Balcony
$7,690
View Cabins
Suite
$9,425
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Sunday 15 Jun 2025
Tuesday 24 Jun 2025
Ship Avalon Impression
River View
$5,469
View Cabins
Balcony
$7,461
View Cabins
Suite
$9,197
View Cabins
Thursday 17 Jul 2025
Saturday 26 Jul 2025
Ship Avalon Tranquility II
River View
$5,469
View Cabins
Balcony
$7,461
View Cabins
Suite
$9,197
View Cabins
Tuesday 12 Aug 2025
Thursday 21 Aug 2025
Ship Avalon Impression
River View
$5,469
View Cabins
Balcony
$7,461
View Cabins
Suite
$9,197
View Cabins
Tuesday 16 Sep 2025
Thursday 25 Sep 2025
Ship Avalon Illumination
River View
$5,969
View Cabins
Balcony
$8,090
View Cabins
Suite
$9,825
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Avalon Exclusive
Sunday 26 Apr 2026
Tuesday 05 May 2026
Ship Avalon Impression
River View
Save $1,500
$3,896
View Cabins
Balcony
Save $1,500
$6,017
View Cabins
Suite
Save $1,500
$7,752
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Avalon Exclusive
Monday 18 May 2026
Wednesday 27 May 2026
Ship Avalon Visionary
River View
Save $1,250
$4,546
View Cabins
Balcony
Save $1,250
$6,795
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Suite
Save $1,250
$8,531
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Avalon Exclusive
Thursday 04 Jun 2026
Saturday 13 Jun 2026
Ship Avalon Expression
River View
Save $1,500
$4,196
View Cabins
Balcony
Save $1,500
$6,317
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Suite
Save $1,500
$8,052
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Avalon Exclusive
Monday 03 Aug 2026
Wednesday 12 Aug 2026
Ship Avalon Tranquility II
River View
Save $1,500
$4,196
View Cabins
Balcony
Save $1,500
$6,317
View Cabins
Suite
Save $1,500
$8,052
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Avalon Exclusive
Thursday 03 Sep 2026
Saturday 12 Sep 2026
Ship Avalon Illumination
River View
Save $1,250
$4,946
View Cabins
Balcony
Save $1,250
$7,195
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Suite
Save $1,250
$8,931
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Avalon Exclusive
Wednesday 07 Oct 2026
Friday 16 Oct 2026
Ship Avalon Visionary
River View
Save $1,500
$4,596
View Cabins
Balcony
Save $1,500
$6,717
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Suite
Save $1,500
$8,452
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Note
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.

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