The Blue Danube Discovery 2020

Day 1 BUDAPEST, HUNGARY (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
Vienna Waltzes and the Beautiful Blue Danube

Start the day with a Morning Stretch with your Avalon 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, Amusing Attractions

CLASSIC Venture into 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 historic Vienna Opera House and stunning St. Stephen’s Cathedral.

Join a Guided Optional Excursion to Schönbrunn Palace–a Habsburg Empire summer home for 300 years.

This afternoon, enjoy free time to take a tram to visit Austria’s Prater amusement park or one of the many museums nearby. You may also decide to borrow a bike from the ship to explore the streets and squares of Vienna, or ride along the banks of the Danube at your leisure.

Later, enjoy live entertainment on board.

OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO DÜRNSTEIN (B,L,D)

Day 4 DÜRNSTEIN 
Fairytale Castles, Kings, and Cobblestones of Delightful Dürnstein

CLASSIC 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.

MELK 

Ornate Architecture and Scenic Splendors

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 
Go for Baroque in Passau–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
Magical Regensburg—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.

DISCOVERY Spend a free afternoon exploring Regensburg on foot or by bike through its charming streets.

Later, indulge in a Beer Tasting on board.

This evening, enjoy live entertainment after dinner as you cruise toward Roth.

EVENING/OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO ROTH (B,L,D)

Day 7 ROTH. EXCURSION TO NUREMBERG
Living Heritage and History Lessons

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. 

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 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.

EVENING CRUISE TO NUREMBERG (B,L,D)

Day 8 NUREMBERG (DISEMBARKATION)
Your cruise ends with breakfast this morning. (B)

• Budapest (Embarkation): onboard welcome reception
• Vienna: scenic sailing, pass through Bratislava
•  Vienna: guided sightseeing
• Dürnstein—Wachau Valley—Melk: choice of guided tour, or hike up to the castle ruins in Dürnstein; scenic cruise through the Wachau Valley; guided tour of the Benedictine Abbey in Melk; wine tasting on board
• Passau: guided walk
• Regensburg: guided walk; beer tasting on board
• Nuremberg: lecture on board; choice of guided sightseeing in Nuremberg or Roth, or Nuremberg Rally Grounds tour

Begin this timeless Europe river cruise vacation in vibrant Budapest, Hungary, sail along the Danube River with exciting stops in Austria and Germany, and conclude in historical Nuremberg, Germany. As you leave Budapest, you’ll sail past the splendid Parliament Building, and along Danube River, you’ll have Hungary on your left and Slovakia on your right as the river runs between both countries for a 58-mile stretch. Enjoy an amazing view of the landscapes of Bratislava while sailing. Vienna, Austria, offers stunning St. Stephen’s Cathedral, the Habsburg Palace, the Vienna Opera House, and much more.

In the heart of the Wachau wine region is Dürnstein, a 16th-century town with charming cobblestone streets and the baroque Stiftskirche with its luminous blue façade. In Melk, visit Austria’s majestic Benedictine Abbey, one of Europe’s largest monasteries, and enjoy a tasting of some of the Wachau Valley’s famous wines. You’ll love a guided walk through Passau, with its narrow streets, beautiful Patrician houses, and baroque architecture. Sail further up the Danube River, and you’ll come to the medieval walls of Regensburg, the only German city not bombed during WWII. Here, we’ll introduce you to some of Germany’s famous beers! The last stop on this memorable river cruise vacation is the thousand-year-old city of Nuremberg. During guided sightseeing, marvel at the medieval fortifications, extraordinary gothic churches, and the Imperial Castle. And in your free time, be sure to make a wish at the striking fountain on the Hauptmarkt (Main Square)—a perfect ending to a memorable river cruise vacation!

Ship Amenities:

• Wall-to-Wall Panoramic Windows
• Sky Deck with premium lounge chairs, whirlpool, shade awnings, & outdoor deck game area
• State-of-the-art fitness center
• Non-smoking staterooms & ship interior
• Convenient Elevator Service
• Elegant, contemporary design
• Outside viewing deck
• Headsets for guided shore excursions in Europe
• English-speaking friendly crew, staff & professional Cruise Director
• Sightseeing with Expert Local Guides
• Onboard lectures, activities & entertainment
• Room service for Continental breakfast & beverages (service fee applies)
• Sky Deck whirlpool
• Complimentary computer use in public areas
• Complimentary Wi-Fi access
• Biking excursions available in Amsterdam and Breisach
• Onboard Adventure Center with active gear, bikes, Nordic walking sticks, watercraft & maps
• Light lunch & casual dinner in the Panorama Bistro
• Avalon Choice® cruising experience
• Behind-the-scenes galley tour
• Choice of Leisurely, Traditional or Independent sightseeing pace options
• Nordic walking sticks available onboard for complimentary check-out
• Onshore & Onboard experiences with regional customs, cultures & tastings with local artisans, experts & entertainers
• Flatscreen satellite TV with English-speaking channels & over 100 free movie options
• Onboard assistance is available to recommend, reserve and further personalize your cruise
• Linger over several selections from the Panorama Bistro's tasting menu for a less formal "sit-down" atmosphere
• Sky Deck game area
• Self-serve beverage station with complimentary tea, hot chocolate & premium coffees, including decaf options
• Well-stocked library with books, cards, and board games
• Complimentary bottled water, fresh fruit, and cookies available throughout the day
• Full-size closet mirror

Ship Dining:

• Avalon Fresh^SM healthy cuisine options at every meal
• Self-serve beverage station with complimentary tea, hot chocolate & premium coffees, including decaf options
• Welcome & farewell cocktails with sparkling wine & canapés
• Welcome dinner
• Five-course farewell dinner
• Spacious, open-seating dining room
• Daily early-riser breakfast
• Daily late-riser breakfast
• Full buffet breakfast with sparkling wine and made-to-order egg station
• Lunch buffet with carving and pasta stations
• Al fresco lunch in the Sky Grill
• Cocktails with a view on the Sky Deck
• Healthy Corner options including low calorie, low fat, high fiber, low cholesterol, and high energy choices
• Vegetarian options at every meal, as well as vegan and allergy-free selections
• Afternoon Tea featuring tea, coffee, and sweet treats
• Happy Hour every evening including featured drink specials
• Seasonal cuisine featuring the freshest local ingredients
• Chef-prepared onboard meals with regional cuisine and familiar favorites
• Four-course dinners with choice of appetizers, soups, salads, entrées and desserts or cheese
• Complimentary wine, beer, or soft drinks with lunch and dinner
• Room service for Continental breakfast & beverages (service fee applies)
• Panorama Lounge & Bar with premium spirits, cozy seating, panoramic windows & dance floor
• Night Fare served at 10:30 pm
• Healthy meal options
• Light lunch & casual dinner in the Panorama Bistro
• Linger over several selections from the Panorama Bistro's tasting menu for a less formal "sit-down" atmosphere
• Tastings - sample the destination's famous delicacies
• Coffee or tea after dinner

Cruising: Cabin onboard Avalon Artistry II, Avalon Envision, Avalon Imagery II, Avalon Tranquility II, Avalon Visionary

• In the event of technical or water level issues, it may be necessary to operate the itinerary by motorcoach or alter the program, including hotel overnight when necessary.
• Included visits and special features are subject to change. If a change is necessary, a substitute will be offered.
• Please check visa requirements with your local consulate(s); responsibility for obtaining visas rests with the traveler.
• Port charges: $182.
• Gratuities to Local Guides & Excursion Drivers are included.
• Please call for single accommodation price. Triples not available.
• Cabin upgrades are available.
• Please ask your Vacations To Go travel counselor for more information.

* The prices shown are U.S. dollars per person, based on double occupancy, and subject to availability. Prices quoted for land/cruise arrangements are subject to increase without notice. Once we have received your deposit, land/cruise prices are guaranteed. Air prices quoted via phone or email are subject to increase and are guaranteed only from the time that full payment is received. Also, air prices or air promotions mentioned on this site or on the phone do not include baggage fees imposed by airlines. Sorry, we are unable to offer air from countries other than the U.S. However, for those international customers who are able to arrange their own transportation to the trip origination city, we are able to offer the land/cruise portion of the package at the price quoted.