Danube Dreams (Eastbound)

Danube Dreams (Eastbound)

Danube Dreams: Eastbound River Cruise | Avalon

Cruise Austria Aw_Austria Aw_Budapest Aw_Danube River Aw_Europe Aw_Germany Aw_Hungary Aw_Melk Aw_Passau + 23 More Aw_Regensburg Aw_Slovakia Aw_Vienna Bratislava Hungary Danube Danube River Durnstein Dürnstein Europe Germany Linz Melk Passau River Cruise Schlogen Oxbow Schlögen Oxbow Slovakia Vilshofen Wachau Valley Ybbs Avalon Waterways 8 Day River Cruise Vilshofen to Budapest
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 a visit to the magnificent Benedictine Abbey in Melk and Dürnstein to 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. 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. 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.

A Journey That Changes with the Seasons.
From the energy of summer to the softer rhythms of fall and spring, this iconic journey on the Danube reveals something special in every season. You may discover springtime traditions with local beekeepers or wander through vibrant summer lavender fields before visiting a local distillery where fragrant blossoms are transformed into soothing oils. Enjoy the same legendary route, beautifully curated for the season in which you experience it.

Day 1: VILSHOFEN, GERMANY (EMBARKATION)

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)

Day 2: PASSAU–SCHLÖGEN OXBOW

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 Schlögen Oxbow.Later, enjoy live entertainment on board. OVERNIGHT DOCKING IN LINZ (B,L,D)

Day 3: LINZ, AUSTRIA

Legendary and Lovely LinzVisit the Adventure Center for today’s activities with your Adventure Host.ACTIVE Join your Adventure Host for a bike ride along the Danube, OR: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 Pöstlingberg for a bird’s-eye view of the city and river below. OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO YBBS(B,L,D)

Day 4: YBBS. EXCURSION TO MELK–WACHAU VALLEY

Frescoes Above and Vineyards Below DISCOVERY Join a guided visit to two family-owned farms and discover how they produce delicious traditional specialties and products, OR:CLASSIC 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 Dürnstein.ACTIVE Alternatively, experience the Wachau Valley from a unique perspective, join your Adventure Host for a bike ride along some of Wachau’s bike trails.DÜRNSTEIN A King’s Ransom and Castle RuinsACTIVE 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.DISCOVERY Join an onboard lecture to learn about Austrian winemaking traditions.Later, enjoy live entertainment on board your ship. OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO VIENNA (B,L,D)

Day 5: VIENNA

Viennese Waltzes on the Blue DanubeACTIVE Explore Vienna's Danube Island by bike with your Adventure Host, OR:CLASSIC Enjoy a Guided Visit to House of Strauss and embark on an interactive journey through Vienna's illustrious past at an immersive audio-visual experience. After the tour, enjoy a coffee and homemade cake, OR:CLASSIC Explore the Habsburg empire with a morning Guided City Tour of Vienna’s gilded landmarks. See the Imperial Palace complex—Winter residence of the Imperial Family, the grand Vienna Opera House, and stunning St. Stephen’s Cathedral.You may decide to take a Guided Optional Excursion to Schönbrunn Palace—the former imperial summer home of the Habsburg monarchy. Spend free time strolling in the pedestrian Kärntnerstrasse—the most famous shopping avenue in central Vienna. Take a bike ride through the city and stop in a local café 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 CRUISE TO BRATISLAVA(B,L,D)

Day 6: 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.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 center. EVENING/OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO BUDAPEST(B,L,D)

Day 7: BUDAPEST, HUNGARY

Monuments and Markets 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 from a wide range of Optional Guided Excursions. Spend free time exploring famous sights like the Chain Bridge or Fisherman’s Bastion. Linger in one of the city’s beautiful cafés, browse the Central Market Hall, or hike the hills above the Danube.OVERNIGHT DOCKING IN BUDAPEST(B,L,D)

Day 8: BUDAPEST (DISEMBARKATION)

Your cruise ends with breakfast this morning.(B)

Details

Cruise Line
Avalon
Ship Name
Impression
Departure Port
MUC
Arrival Port
BUD
Number of Nights
7

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