Book 2021 Europe river cruises at 2020 prices, plus save $1,000 to $2,500 per couple off this departure. Expires April 6. Click here for eligible departures.
Travel on 2020 itineraries with Avalon Waterways and receive a Welcome Back Credit of $100 to $250 per person after your trip. The credit can be applied toward a subsequent trip with Avalon Waterways . Click here for eligible departures.
Offers subject to change or withdrawal, availability
is limited. Some discounts are not combinable.
River Cruise Itinerary
Day 1 BUDAPEST, HUNGARY
Welcome to Budapest—Hungary’s Captivating Capital
The day is yours to relax and enjoy Eastern Europe’s shining city on the Danube.
Day 2 BUDAPEST (EMBARKATION)–DANUBE BEND
Visit the Adventure Center for today’s activities with your Adventure Host.
ACTIVE See the sights from a different perspective by joining a Guided Bike Tour along the bike paths and pedestrian areas of the city, OR:
DISCOVERY Enjoy a Guided Walking Tour combing the sights of Budapest with “Fungarian” instruction of useful local words and phrases, OR:
CLASSIC Take a Guided Walking Tour of Budapest to see the city’s most iconic sites.
Spend free time shopping for Hungarian paprika or handcrafted souvenirs, or savor a piece of cream cake in one of the many cafés.
Enjoy a Hungarian Dinner on board during a scenic cruise through the Danube Bend.
Later, enjoy live entertainment on board.
EVENING CRUISE TO VISEGRÁD (B,D)
Day 3 VISEGRÁD
Jousting Tournaments and Dracula’s Tower
ACTIVE Take a Castle visit and scenic Hiking Tour to Count Dracula’s prison tower in Visegrád, 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 Visegrád’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 Palotaház, where stonemasons, smiths, potters, and paper-makers produce their traditional items using age-old techniques.
AFTERNOON/OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO VIENNA (B,L,D)
Day 4 VIENNA, AUSTRIA
Strauss, Schnitzel, Strudel and Sachertorte
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:
ACTIVE Join a Guided Jogging Tour of the City of Music to see highlights of the gilded architecture along the way, 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 Kärntnerstrasse then take a break for a piece of Sachertorte.
This evening, you may choose to attend an Optional Musical Experience to conduct your own orchestra, followed by a classical waltz and operetta concert performance to enjoy.
OVERNIGHT DOCKING IN VIENNA (B,L,D)
Day 5 VIENNA
A Feast for the Soul in Vienna
DISCOVERY Enjoy a morning Guided Walking Tour to see the city in her best light, along with breakfast at a Viennese café, OR:
CLASSIC Dive into one of the world’s most important museums with a Guided Tour of the Habsburg family’s private are 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.
You might decide to join a Guided Optional Hike this evening to the vineyards surrounding Vienna, and also enjoy an Optional Excursion to a local Viennese Heurigen (Wine Tavern).
OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO KREMS (B,L,D)
Day 6 KREMS
Take a Canoe or a Bike through Austria’s Wine Country
Join your Adventure Host for today’s special activities.
ACTIVE Paddle a canoe on a Guided Tour to see the Austrian waterways and shoreline scenery from a unique perspective, OR:
ACTIVE Take a Guided Bike Tour from Krems to Spitz, and enjoy a stop in Dürnstein to see the mesmerizing blue Stiftskirche, and to sample local specialties, OR:
DISCOVERY Join an interactive Wine World Experience with wine tasting, OR:
DISCOVERY Enjoy a Guided Visit that showcases production of regional fruits, vegetables, wine, or other products.
Relax on board this afternoon to enjoy the picturesque Wachau Valley scenery as you cruise to Grein.
GREIN
A Modern-Day Castle and the Count
DISCOVERY See Burg Clam on a Guided Visit, and meet the Count of Clam during your tour.
OVERNIGHT DOCKING IN GREIN (B,L,D)
Day 7 GREIN
Theater History...Alive and Well in Grein
CLASSIC Take a Guided Walk of Grein, including its historic theater, the oldest in Austria still holding regular performances.
Take a mid-morning cruise to Mauthausen.
MAUTHAUSEN
History Lessons and Monastic Life in Austria
ACTIVE Take a Guided Bike Tour along the Danube and discover how fertile this area is. Stop at a local farm and learn more about farming life and flood protection, OR:
CLASSIC Visit the 9th-century St. Florian Monastery—the largest monastery in upper Austria and home to Augustine monks, OR:
CLASSIC Join a sobering Guided Tour of Mauthausen Concentration Camp, one of the largest and most brutal Nazi camp of WWII.
This afternoon sail to Linz arriving this evening.
LINZ
Austria’s Lovely Home of the Linzer Torte
Tonight, enjoy live entertainment on board your ship.
OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO ENGELHARTSZELL (B,L,D)
Day 8 ENGELHARTSZELL–SCHLÖGEN OXBOW
Memories and Beer in the Making
DISCOVERY Join a Guided Tour to the “House by the stream” (Haus am Strom) and walk across the Danube Power-Station Jochenstein, OR:
CLASSIC Visit the stunning rococo-style Engelszell Abbey, and explore its Sensory Garden—complete with stone labyrinth, herb garden, and vineyard. Sample cheese and beer made by the resident Trappist monks.
ACTIVE This afternoon, enjoy a scenic Guided Hike along the Danube’s Schlögen Oxbow bend that cuts a dramatic landscape made by centuries of natural elements.
Or, as a relaxing option, enjoy free time on the Sky Deck this afternoon while you sail through the amazing horseshoe bend of the Danube’s Schlögen Oxbow on your return to Linz.
OVERNIGHT DOCKING IN LINZ (B,L,D)
Day 9 LINZ (DISEMBARKATION)
Your vacation ends with breakfast this morning. (B)
Tour Map
River Cruise Highlights
Day 1 Budapest: welcome to Hungary
Day 2 Budapest (Embarkation)—Danube Bend: choice of walking tour with funny language lesson, or guided bike tour, or city sightseeing tour in Budapest; onboard welcome reception; scenic cruising around the Danube Bend
Day 3 Visegrád: choice of medieval knights tournament, or guided hike in the Danube-Ipoly National Park, or canoe tour
Day 4 Vienna: choice of bike tour, or jogging tour, or meet with local people, or guided tour, visit to Belvedere Palace
Day 5 Vienna: choice of early risers walking tour with breakfast at a Viennese café, or guided tour, see Habsburg private art collection and the Italian or Dutch masters works, or guided tour, see Habsburg private art collection and the Military Museum
Day 6 Krems—Grein: in Krems choice of canoe tour, or bike tour from Krems to Spitz, or Wine World Experience with tasting, or local encounter showcasing regional products; visit Clam castle in Grein and meet the Count
Day 7 Grein—Mauthausen—Linz: guided walk in Grein, visit the historical theater; in Mauthausen, choice of visit to St. Florian Monastery, or guided tour of Mauthausen Concentration Camp, or guided bike tour
Day 8 Engelhartszell—Schlögener Schlinge—Linz: choice of visit to Engelszell Abbey, or visit Jochenstein Power-Station; choice of scenic cruising around the Schlögener Schlinge, or guided hike along the Danube trails
Day 9 Linz (Disembarkation): your vacation ends this morning
All This Included
Whether you’re an art lover, a foodie, a history buff, or an energetic adventurer, your Active & Discovery cruise on the Danube River offers just-right included activities and excursions to suit your interests. With Ava-lon Choice®, you can select the experiences that are perfect for your preference and pace. From Classic to Active to Discovery inclusions, you can explore and experience each destination your way.
Start by exploring Budapest your way—stroll its streets for classic sightseeing with a local guide or take a bike ride through town for a different perspective, or learn something new with a leisurely walking tour to discover a few local Hungarian phrases. Attend a Medieval Knights Tournament at a Visegrád castle; see Gustav Klimt’s renowned “The Kiss” painting in Vienna. With Avalon Choice®, each day is yours to spend your way. Whether you prefer browsing the art collection of the Habsburg Empire, sipping local vintages at an Austrian wine tasting, or joining a canoe excursion, your Active & Discovery cruise is packed with inclusions for every pace in every place we go. Sample cheese and beer made by Trappist monks and explore their Abbey gar-dens; take a hike to Count Dracula’s prison tower; or tour Mauthausen Concentration Camp, one of WWII’s most notorious sites, selecting from an unmatched variety of daily included excursions.
Join us on this Active & Discovery cruise and experience the Blue Danube your way. No matter how you choose to explore new locales—from paddling canoes to picnic views—Avalon Choice includes the excur-sions and activities to invite you to discover each destination your way. Your Active & Discovery Danube River cruise can be as active or leisurely as you like!
Ship Amenities - Avalon Envision:
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
English-speaking friendly crew, staff & professional Cruise Director
Sightseeing with Expert Local Guides
Onboard lectures, activities & entertainment
Complimentary room service for Continental breakfast
Sky Deck whirlpool
Complimentary Wi-Fi access
Onboard Adventure Center with active gear, bikes, Nordic walking sticks, watercraft & maps
Casual dinner in the Panorama Bistro
Behind-the-scenes galley tour
Choice of Classic, Active or Discovery excursions so that you can experience your cruise your way
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
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 Envision:
Avalon FreshSM 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
Spacious, open-seating Panorama 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
Complimentary room service for Continental breakfast
Panorama Lounge & Bar with premium spirits, cozy seating, panoramic windows & dance floor
Healthy meal options
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
Light lunch in the Panorama Lounge
FlexDining flexible dining times with menu & venue options
Accommodations on this Tour
Budapest: InterContinental Budapest or Hotel Sofitel Chain Bridge
Cruising: Cabin onboard Avalon Envision, Avalon Illumination, Avalon Impression, Avalon View
Notes
Itineraries are subject to change. Final itineraries will be available April 2020.
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.
Guided Tours, Optional Excursions, activities, sailing and docking schedules may be contingent on weather conditions or other issues outside of our control and could therefore be subject to change at any time.
Please check visa requirements with your local consulate(s); the responsibility for obtaining a visa rests with the traveler.
Gateway city for arrivals is Marseille
Port charges: $182
Gratuities to Local Guides & excursion drivers are included.
All prices per person based on double occupancy. Cruise price based on Category E in a deluxe outside stateroom on Indigo Deck. Cabin upgrades are available.
Please ask your Vacations To Go travel counselor for more information.
Terms and Conditions
*
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.
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