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Tour Austria Avalon Visionary Aw_Artistryii Aw_Austria Aw_Bamberg Aw_Budapest Aw_Danube River Aw_Europe Aw_Germany + 38 More Aw_Hungary Aw_Imageryii Aw_Main River Aw_Melk Aw_Moselle River Aw_Nuremberg Aw_Passau Aw_Photography Aw_Regensburg Aw_Tranquilityii Aw_Trier Aw_Vienna Bamberg Bernkastel Hungary Danube River Durnstein Europe Germany Luxembourg Luxembourg City Main Danube Canal Main River Melk Moselle River Nuremberg Passau Regensburg Remich Rhine Gorge River Cruise Roth Rudesheim Salzburg Trier Wurzburg Avalon Waterways 15 Day River Cruise Budapest to Bernkastel

On this Europe river cruise vacation, you’ll sail along the Danube, Main, Rhine, and Moselle Rivers. Board your ship in vibrant Budapest, Hungary, then see some of the most intriguing cities of Austria and Germany, before ending your cruise in Luxembourg. Sail out of Budapest, past the impressive Parliament Building on the Danube River, to Austria’s elegant capital of Vienna. There’s a guided walk in the quaint village of Dürnstein, in the heart of the Wachau Valley, and a visit to the magnificent Benedictine Abbey of Melk. You’ll be introduced to the treasures of Passau, Regensburg, and Nuremberg, and take an excursion to Bavaria’s capital, Munich. On the banks of the Main River, you’ll find small towns tucked away behind defensive walls and towered gates. These picturesque Bavarian villages are a photographer's dream. Visit Würzburg and the impressive Bishop’s Residenz, then sail into the Rhine River and stop in Rüdesheim—a quintessential Rhine Valley town. Later, cruise the wide, peaceful curves of the Moselle River Valley, famous for its picturesque views, and arrive in the wine village of Bernkastel surrounded by Germany’s largest expanse of vineyards. Before you leave, we’ll introduce you to some of the famed Moselle wines. From Bernkastel, take an excursion to Trier, Germany, believed to be even older than Rome—having been populated over a thousand years before the Romans arrived—a Local Guide will show you the sights, including the Porta Nigra, the only surviving fortified gate from the original Roman settlement. Disembark in Bernkastel and take home many happy memories of this fascinating European river cruise! From Nuremberg to Bernkastel, you will cruise in the company of Brenda Tharp, world-class photographer, who shares onboard presentations. You’ll also have the opportunity to participate in a photography contest at the end of your cruise to vote for favorite shots taken on your cruise.

Day 1: BUDAPEST (EMBARKATION)

Welcome to Hungary. Your Suite Ship® is Ready for Boarding. Flights into Budapest must arrive by 2 pm. Guests must be on board ship by 5 pm.The day is yours to relax and enjoy the city with time for photographs, cafés, and confections.EVENING/OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO VIENNA(D)

Day 2: VIENNA, AUSTRIA

Viennese Waltzes on the Blue Danube Visit the Adventure Center for today’s activities with your Adventure Host.Enjoy sailing the Danube, which shares dozens of miles with Hungary and Slovakia. Relax on the Sky Deck to see the rolling landscape and red-rooftops of the Slovakian capital of Bratislava come into view. This evening in Vienna, you may choose to join an Optional Excursion to attend a Royal Waltz Concert for an unforgettable evening of music in an elegant hall.OVERNIGHT DOCKING IN VIENNA (B,L,D)

Day 3: VIENNA

Royal Collections and Amusing Attractions 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 Schönbrunn 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 the ship to explore Vienna’s square or the banks of the Danube.Later, enjoy live entertainment on board. OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO DÜRNSTEIN(B,L,D)

Day 4: DÜRNSTEIN

A King’s Ransom and Castle RuinsCLASSIC 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 Join a Hike up to the castle ruins with your Adventure Host for a spectacular view of the village, Danube, and the Wachau Valley below.Enjoy coffee or a cocktail on the Sky Deck as you sail through the picturesque Wachau Valley to Melk. MELKFrescoes 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.DISCOVERY Enjoy the flavors of the Wachau Valley with a Wine Tasting on board.EVENING/OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO PASSAU(B,L,D)

Day 5: PASSAU, GERMANY

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.Meet your ship back in Passau after your full-day selected activity for sailing.EVENING/OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO REGENSBURG(B,L,D)

Day 6: REGENSBURG

Bavaria’s Medieval MiracleJoin your Adventure Host for today’s special activities. 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.This evening, enjoy live entertainment after dinner. EVENING/OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO ROTH(B,L,D)

Day 7: ROTH. EXCURSION TO NUREMBERG

Legends and History LessonsDISCOVERY 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 SeasCLASSIC 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 Sightseeing 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 Later, indulge in a Beer Tasting on boardEVENING CRUISE TO NUREMBERG(B,L,D)

Day 8: NUREMBERG–EXCURSION TO MUNICH

A King’s Palace and Town HallsCLASSIC Take a full-day Guided Tour of the highlights of fascinating Munich. See Nymphenburg Palace—a former residence of German monarchs, along with the old and new Town Halls of Marienplatz.EVENING/OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO BAMBERG(B,D)

Day 9: BAMBERG

The City of Seven HillsJoin your Adventure Host for today’s special activities.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 Onboard introduction to photography with our expert Brenda Tharp, world-class photographer.AFTERNOON/OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO WÜRZBURG(B,L,D)

Day 10: WÜRZBURG

A Perfect Day in the Pearl of the Romantic Road CLASSIC Take a Guided Sightseeing Tour of Würzburg—”Pearl of the Romantic Road”— with its Old Main Bridge, towering fortress, and baroque Bishop’s Residence—with the largest known ceiling frescoExplore the city on your own or visit a local winery. Later, enjoy onboard entertainment. EVENING/OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO MAIN RIVER VILLAGE (B,L,D)

Day 11: MAIN RIVER VILLAGE

Beauty on the Main RiverAsk about today’s energizing or relaxing Adventure Host activities. CLASSIC Join a Guided Walking Tour of a picturesque Bavarian villageAFTERNOON/OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO RÜDESHEIM (B,L,D)

Day 12: RÜDESHEIM–RHINE GORGE

Eat, Drink, and Be Merry in Wine CountryDISCOVERY Tour the incredible Mechanical Music Museum for a one-of-a-kind instrumental experience; based on your departure enjoy a local special treat, OR; ACTIVE Take an open-air Cable Car Ride to the Niederwald Monument. Ride or walk back down through the vineyards; based on your departure enjoy a local special treatThis afternoon, relax on the Sky Deck as you cruise through the magnificent Rhine Gorge.AFTERNOON/OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO BERNKASTEL(B,L,D)

Day 13: BERNKASTEL

German Vineyards of the Moselle ValleyCLASSIC Take a Guided Walking Tour of the charming wine village of Bernkastel—with its medieval marketplace and 17th-century half-timbered houses, OR:ACTIVE Join your Avalon Adventure Host for a Guided Hike to nearby castle ruins Spend some free time at your leisure this afternoon, perhaps biking through the Renaissance-style village, or visiting a café to sample Apfelkuchen or other wonderful German desserts. DISCOVERY Join a Wine Tasting to experience the tradition of legendary German wine makingLater, enjoy live entertainment on board.OVERNIGHT DOCKING IN BERNKASTEL(B,L,D)

Day 14: BERNKASTEL. EXCURSION TO TRIER

Old World Charm and World-Class WineCLASSIC Take a Guided Sightseeing Tour of Trier—Germany’s oldest city with ancient Roman remnants dating from 144-152 AD. Starting from Porta Nigra walk through the city center, OR: CLASSIC Join a history-focused Roman Trier Guided Tour to learn more about the history of Roman civilization in this Moselle River city, and visit the ruins of a 20,000-seat amphitheater, and imperial baths.This evening, share in an award ceremony for favorite photos taken on your cruise.OVERNIGHT DOCKING IN BERNKASTEL (B,L,D)

Day 15: BERNKASTEL (DISEMBARKATION)

Your cruise ends with breakfast this morning. Flights should not leave Frankfurt airport before 8 am.(B)

Details

Tour Operator: Avalon
Duration (Days): 15

Itinerary ▼

Day 1: BUDAPEST (EMBARKATION)
Welcome to Hungary. Your Suite Ship® is Ready for Boarding. Flights into Budapest must arrive by 2 pm. Guests must be on board ship by 5 pm.The day is yours to relax and enjoy the city with time for photographs, cafés, and confections.EVENING/OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO VIENNA(D)
Day 2: VIENNA, AUSTRIA
Viennese Waltzes on the Blue Danube Visit the Adventure Center for today’s activities with your Adventure Host.Enjoy sailing the Danube, which shares dozens of miles with Hungary and Slovakia. Relax on the Sky Deck to see the rolling landscape and red-rooftops of the Slovakian capital of Bratislava come into view. This evening in Vienna, you may choose to join an Optional Excursion to attend a Royal Waltz Concert for an unforgettable evening of music in an elegant hall.OVERNIGHT DOCKING IN VIENNA (B,L,D)
Day 3: VIENNA
Royal Collections and Amusing Attractions 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 Schönbrunn 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 the ship to explore Vienna’s square or the banks of the Danube.Later, enjoy live entertainment on board. OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO DÜRNSTEIN(B,L,D)
Day 4: DÜRNSTEIN
A King’s Ransom and Castle RuinsCLASSIC 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 Join a Hike up to the castle ruins with your Adventure Host for a spectacular view of the village, Danube, and the Wachau Valley below.Enjoy coffee or a cocktail on the Sky Deck as you sail through the picturesque Wachau Valley to Melk. MELKFrescoes 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.DISCOVERY Enjoy the flavors of the Wachau Valley with a Wine Tasting on board.EVENING/OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO PASSAU(B,L,D)
Day 5: PASSAU, GERMANY
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.Meet your ship back in Passau after your full-day selected activity for sailing.EVENING/OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO REGENSBURG(B,L,D)
Day 6: REGENSBURG
Bavaria’s Medieval MiracleJoin your Adventure Host for today’s special activities. 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.This evening, enjoy live entertainment after dinner. EVENING/OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO ROTH(B,L,D)
Day 7: ROTH. EXCURSION TO NUREMBERG
Legends and History LessonsDISCOVERY 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 SeasCLASSIC 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 Sightseeing 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 Later, indulge in a Beer Tasting on boardEVENING CRUISE TO NUREMBERG(B,L,D)
Day 8: NUREMBERG–EXCURSION TO MUNICH
A King’s Palace and Town HallsCLASSIC Take a full-day Guided Tour of the highlights of fascinating Munich. See Nymphenburg Palace—a former residence of German monarchs, along with the old and new Town Halls of Marienplatz.EVENING/OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO BAMBERG(B,D)
Day 9: BAMBERG
The City of Seven HillsJoin your Adventure Host for today’s special activities.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 Onboard introduction to photography with our expert Brenda Tharp, world-class photographer.AFTERNOON/OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO WÜRZBURG(B,L,D)
Day 10: WÜRZBURG
A Perfect Day in the Pearl of the Romantic Road CLASSIC Take a Guided Sightseeing Tour of Würzburg—”Pearl of the Romantic Road”— with its Old Main Bridge, towering fortress, and baroque Bishop’s Residence—with the largest known ceiling frescoExplore the city on your own or visit a local winery. Later, enjoy onboard entertainment. EVENING/OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO MAIN RIVER VILLAGE (B,L,D)
Day 11: MAIN RIVER VILLAGE
Beauty on the Main RiverAsk about today’s energizing or relaxing Adventure Host activities. CLASSIC Join a Guided Walking Tour of a picturesque Bavarian villageAFTERNOON/OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO RÜDESHEIM (B,L,D)
Day 12: RÜDESHEIM–RHINE GORGE
Eat, Drink, and Be Merry in Wine CountryDISCOVERY Tour the incredible Mechanical Music Museum for a one-of-a-kind instrumental experience; based on your departure enjoy a local special treat, OR; ACTIVE Take an open-air Cable Car Ride to the Niederwald Monument. Ride or walk back down through the vineyards; based on your departure enjoy a local special treatThis afternoon, relax on the Sky Deck as you cruise through the magnificent Rhine Gorge.AFTERNOON/OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO BERNKASTEL(B,L,D)
Day 13: BERNKASTEL
German Vineyards of the Moselle ValleyCLASSIC Take a Guided Walking Tour of the charming wine village of Bernkastel—with its medieval marketplace and 17th-century half-timbered houses, OR:ACTIVE Join your Avalon Adventure Host for a Guided Hike to nearby castle ruins Spend some free time at your leisure this afternoon, perhaps biking through the Renaissance-style village, or visiting a café to sample Apfelkuchen or other wonderful German desserts. DISCOVERY Join a Wine Tasting to experience the tradition of legendary German wine makingLater, enjoy live entertainment on board.OVERNIGHT DOCKING IN BERNKASTEL(B,L,D)
Day 14: BERNKASTEL. EXCURSION TO TRIER
Old World Charm and World-Class WineCLASSIC Take a Guided Sightseeing Tour of Trier—Germany’s oldest city with ancient Roman remnants dating from 144-152 AD. Starting from Porta Nigra walk through the city center, OR: CLASSIC Join a history-focused Roman Trier Guided Tour to learn more about the history of Roman civilization in this Moselle River city, and visit the ruins of a 20,000-seat amphitheater, and imperial baths.This evening, share in an award ceremony for favorite photos taken on your cruise.OVERNIGHT DOCKING IN BERNKASTEL (B,L,D)
Day 15: BERNKASTEL (DISEMBARKATION)
Your cruise ends with breakfast this morning. Flights should not leave Frankfurt airport before 8 am.(B)

JEWELS OF CENTRAL EUROPE - W ESTBOUND