Overview
Next stop is Passau,...read more known for its narrow winding streets lined with Patrician houses, and the magnificent Italian baroque St. Stephen’s Cathedral. In Melk, you’ll visit Austria’s majestic Benedictine Abbey, one of Europe’s largest monasteries, which sits high on a bluff. Take in the breathtaking views before continuing through the picturesque Wachau Valley to Vienna, the “City of Music.” Your European river cruise holiday ends in the Hungarian capital of Budapest—“The Pearl of the Danube.” A legendary European river cruise to remember for a lifetime!
Itinerary
Welcome to Germany. Your Suite Ship is Ready for Boarding. Flights into Nuremberg must arrive by 3:30 pm. Guests must be on board ship by 5 pm. Explore your ship this evening and enjoy dinner on board.
OVERNIGHT DOCKING IN NUREMBERG (D)
Legends and History Lessons
Visit the Adventure centre for today's activities with your Adventure Host.
- Active: Explore Roth's Lauter valley with your Adventure Host, OR:
- 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 - with its medieval architecture, gilded fountain, Gothic cathedral, and Kaiserburg Castle, OR:
- Classic: Take a Guided Tour of the historic Nuremberg Rally Grounds - used by the Third Reich.
- 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.
Later, enjoy live entertainment on board.
AFTERNOON/OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO REGENSBURG (B/L/D)
Bavaria's Medieval Miracle
- 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. Alternatively spend a free afternoon exploring Regensburg on foot or by bike through its charming streets.
EVENING/OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO PASSAU (B/L/D)
Where the Danube, Inn, and Ilz Rivers Meet
- Classic: Join a Guided City Walk to learn more about this beautiful "City of Three Rivers"
Alternatively, join a full-day Guided Optional Excursion to Salzburg - the city of Mozart - or to the picturesque Bohemian town of Cesky Krumlov. Sail to Linz this afternoon, or join your ship after your selected full-day excursion.
LINZ, AUSTRIA: Legendary, Lovely Linz
Enjoy a free afternoon to linger in Linz. Take a bicycle from the ship and cycle along the Danube, or follow one of Linz's many nature trails for a bird's-eye view of the city and river below. Later, enjoy live entertainment on board.
OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO MELK (B/L/D)
Frescoes Above and Vineyards Below
- Active: Join your Avalon Adventure Host for a Morning Hike through Melk's beautiful countryside, 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.
Enjoy a coffee or a cocktail on the Sky Deck as you sail through the picturesque Wachau Valley to Vienna.
VIENNA: Viennese Waltzes on the Beautiful Blue Danube
This evening, you may choose to attend an Optional Excursion to a Royal Waltz Concert for an unforgettable evening of music in an elegant hall.
OVERNIGHT DOCKING IN VIENNA (B/L/D)
Royal Collections and Amusing Attractions
Ask about today's energizing or relaxing Adventure Host activities.
- Active: Explore Vienna's Danube Island by bike with your Adventure Host, OR:
- Classic: Explore 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 iconic Vienna Opera House and stunning St. Stephen's Cathedral.
Join a Guided Optional Excursion to Schonbrunn Palace - summer home of the Habsburg Empire.
Enjoy free time this afternoon to take a tram to visit Vienna's Prater amusement park or one of the many museums nearby. You may also borrow a bike from ship to explore Vienna's square or the banks of the Danube. Later, relax on board with live entertainment as you sail to Budapest.
EVENING/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, select from a variety of Guided Optional or spend free time soaking in one of Budapest's famous thermal baths. Consider a scenic hike above the Danube, or enjoy Budapest's cafes, pubs, or nightlife.
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
Trip Reviews (24) View All Most Recent 'The Legendary Danube' Reviews
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.
