Book 2021 Europe river cruises at 2020 prices, plus save $2,000 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 AMSTERDAM, HOLLAND (EMBARKATION)
Welcome to Holland. Your Suite Ship® is Ready for Boarding
Flights into Amsterdam must arrive by 3:30 pm.
Guests must be on board ship by 5 pm.
During tulip season, you may take a Guided Optional Excursion to the gardens at Keukenhof—with more than seven million tulips, daffodils and hyacinths as well as other bulbs, planted each year. Outside of tulip season, consider joining a Guided Optional Excursion to Zaanse Schans to see historic windmills and charming Dutch houses.
Spend free time exploring the colorful streets, bridges, and canals of Amsterdam—with its many cafés and art galleries.
OVERNIGHT DOCKING IN AMSTERDAM (D)
Day 2 AMSTERDAM
Canals of Colorful Amsterdam
CLASSIC Explore the iconic waterways of Amsterdam with a Guided Canal Cruise past stately homes of Amsterdam’s “Golden Age.”
This afternoon choose among the many Guided Optional Excursions available.
AFTERNOON/OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO COLOGNE (B,L,D)
Day 3 COLOGNE, GERMANY
Prost! Celebrate in the Rhineland
Join your Adventure Host for today’s special activities.
CLASSIC Take a Guided City Walk of Cologne—explore the Old City and see its soaring twin-steepled gothic cathedral, OR;
DISCOVERY Join a Guided Walking Tour of Cologne’s important Jewish heritage sites.
Don’t miss the chance to enjoy free time over a glass of Kölsch pale lager—locally brewed for over 100 years!
This evening, enjoy live entertainment on board your ship.
OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO RÜDESHEIM (B,L,D)
Day 4 RHINE GORGE–RÜDESHEIM
Eat, Drink, and Be Merry in Wine Country
This morning cruise through the dramatic Rhine Gorge and see the famous rock of the Lorelei.
DISCOVERY 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 treat.
Later, local musicians will join us on board for live entertainment.
AFTERNOON/OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO MAIN RIVER VILLAGE (B,L,D)
Day 5 MAIN RIVER VILLAGE
Hidden Gems and Bavarian Beauty of a Main River Village
Ask about today’s energixing or relaxing Adventure Host activities.
CLASSIC Join a Guided Walking Tour of a picturesque Bavarian village.
Spend free time riding a bike through the beautiful villages on the Main River shores.
EVENING/OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO WÜRZBURG (B,L,D)
Day 6 WÜRZBURG
A Perfect Day in the Pearl of the Romantic Road
CLASSIC Take a Guided Sightseeing Tour of Würzburg with its Old Main Bridge, towering fortress, and baroque Bishop’s Residence—with the largest known ceiling fresco.
Enjoy the city on your own, or visit a local winery.
OVERNIGHT DOCKING IN WÜRZBURG (B,L,D)
Day 7 VOLKACH
Storybook Romance in a Timeless Town
You may choose to join a Guided Optional Excursion to the beautiful Bavarian town of Rothenburg. See the local sights and enjoy the fairytale atmosphere that has inspired artists.
Sail to Volkach and get ready for your afternoon activity
.
CLASSIC Join a Walking Tour of the quaint town of Volkach with its half-timbered houses and cobblestoned streets.
EVENING/OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO BAMBERG (B,L,D)
Day 8 BAMBERG
One Thousand Years of History in the City of Seven Hills
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 Attend an onboard lecture to learn about European history and culture.
Later, enjoy live entertainment performance while sailing this evening
AFTERNOON/OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO ROTH (B,L,D)
Day 9 ROTH. EXCURSION TO NUREMBERG
Living Heritage and History Lessons
Visit the Adventure Center for today’s activities with your Adventure Host.
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’s medieval architecture, gilded fountain, gothic cathedral, and Kaiserburg Castle, OR;
CLASSIC Join 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.
AFTERNOON/OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO REGENSBURG (B,L,D)
Day 10 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.
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 PASSAU (B,L,D)
Day 11 PASSAU
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.”
You may join a full day Guided Optional Excursion to Salzburg, the city of Mozart, or a full-day Guided Optional Excursion to the picturesque Bohemian town of Cesky Krumlov.
Alternatively, cruise to the lovely town of Linz.
LINZ, AUSTRIA
A Legendary Love of Art, Music, and the Linzer Torte
This evening, feel free to explore Linz on your own.
OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO MELK (B,L,D)
Day 12 MELK–WACHAU VALLEY
Striking Frescoes and Breathtaking Views of the Wachau Valley
CLASSIC Take a Guided Tour of the frescoed ceilings, statues, incredible library, and ornate pipe organ of Melk’s Benedictine Abbey.
Enjoy a coffee or cocktail on the Sky Deck as you sail through the picturesque Wachau Valley to wonderful Vienna this afternoon.
VIENNA
Vienna Waltzes and Blue Danube Beauty
Consider joining a Guided Optional Excursion to attend a Royal Waltz Concert in an elegant hall this evening.
OVERNIGHT DOCKING IN VIENNA (B,L,D)
Day 13 VIENNA
Royal Collections, Amusing Attractions, and the Waltz
CLASSIC Venture into the Habsburg Empire with a morning 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—the Habsburg family summer home for 300 years, or choose a Guided Optional Excursion to fascinating Bratislava, capital of Slovakia.
You may also take a tram to Austria’s Prater amusement park or to one of the many museums nearby.
Later, relax onboard with live entertainment as you sail to Budapest.
EVENING/OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO BUDAPEST (B,L,D)
Day 14 BUDAPEST, HUNGARY
The Pearl of the Danube in the Heart of Europe
CLASSIC Enjoy a Guided City Sightseeing tour of Budapest, including the iconic Heroes’ Square.
The afternoon shoose among a wide offer of Optional Guided Excursions or enjoy Budapest on your own. Be sure to savor a piece of cream cake in one of the many cafés. Consider a scenic hike in the hills above the Danube.
OVERNIGHT DOCKING IN BUDAPEST (B,L,D)
Day 15 BUDAPEST (DISEMBARKATION)
Your cruise ends with breakfast this morning. (B)
Tour Map
River Cruise Highlights
Day 1 Amsterdam (Embarkation): onboard welcome reception
Day 2 Amsterdam: canal cruise
Day 3 Cologne: choice of Cologne highlights walking tour or Jewish Heritage walking tour
Day 4 Rhine Gorge–Rüdesheim: scenic cruise through the Rhine Gorge; choice of visit to Siegfried’s Mechanical Musical Instrument Museum or cable-car ride to the Niederwald Monument in Rüdesheim
Day 5 Main River Village: guided walk
Day 6 Würzburg: guided sightseeing, visit the Bishop’s Residenz
Day 7 Volkach: walking tour
Day 8 Bamberg: guided tour, see the Old Town Hall; on board lecture
Day 9 Roth. Excursion to Nuremberg: choice of guided tour in Roth, or guided tour in Nuremberg, or Nuremberg Rally Grounds tour; on board lecture
Day 10 Regensburg: guided tour
Day 11 Passau–Linz: guided tour in Passau; free time in Linz
Day 12 Melk–Wachau Valley–Vienna: guided tour of the Benedictine Abbey in Melk; scenic cruise through the Wachau Valley; free time in Vienna
Day 13 Vienna: guided tour
Day 14 Budapest: guided tour, see Heroes’ Square
Day 15 Budapest (Disembarkation): your vacation ends this morning
All This Included
From Amsterdam to Budapest, and in many exciting stops along the way, you’ll be immersed in the culture of Central Europe in a unique way on this timeless river cruise vacation. Amsterdam is Holland’s lively capital—both historical and modern. This colorful city is loved for its vibrant mix of sophisticated architecture and classic squares and canals. See the treasures of this 700-year-old city from a unique perspective on a canal cruise along the elegant grachten. On to Germany for a guided city walk in Cologne—the stunning 2,000-year-old city known for its gothic architecture. Sail through the dramatic Rhine Gorge, offering the most beautiful view of the Rhine River, and stop in the charming wine town of Rüdesheim. Enjoy guided sightseeing in Würzburg, Volkach, Bamberg, Nuremberg, and Regensburg, and sail the Main Danube Canal which connects the Main and Danube Rivers. Your first stop in Austria is the lovely town of Melk. Visit its magnificent Benedictine Abbey, then sail through the picturesque Wachau Valley. Your local experts will also introduce you to two capital cities: Vienna, Austria, also known as “The City of Music” for inspiring the creative genius of Mozart, Beethoven, and Strauss; and lively Budapest, Hungary, with its unique energy and countless must-see sites. This truly is a magnificent European river cruise to remember!
Ship Amenities - Avalon Illumination:
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
Biking excursions available in Amsterdam and Durnstein
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 Illumination:
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
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); responsibility for obtaining visas rests with the traveler.
Port charges: $364.
Gratuities to Local Guides & Excursion Drivers are included.
Please call for single accommodation price. Triples not available.
Additional accommodations before or after your tour may be available.
Itineraries are subject to change. Final itineraries will be available April 2020.
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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