Danube Dreams 2021
(Eastbound)

Day 1 DEGGENDORF, GERMANY (EMBARKATION) 
Welcome to Germany. Your Suite Ship® is Ready for Boarding

Flights into Munich must arrive by Noon.

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
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".

ACTIVE Follow your Avalon Adventure Host for Hiking from Oberhaus along a trail down to the valley and along Ilz River.

Spend a little free time before sailing to Linz to walk the cobblestone streets and galleries of Artists’ Alley or peek into St. Stephen’s Cathedral to possibly catch a concert rehearsal.

This afternoon, cruise to Linz through the Schlögen Oxbow, a particularly beautiful horseshoe-shaped bend of the river.

Later, enjoy live entertainment on board.

OVERNIGHT DOCKING IN LINZ (B,L,D)

Day 3 LINZ, AUSTRIA
Fall in Love with Linz–Legendary Art, Music, and the Linzer Torte

Visit the Adventure Center for today’s activities with your Adventure Host.

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.

Alternatively, feel free to enjoy the afternoon on your own to bike along the banks of the Danube with a picnic from the ship, or hike through Linz’s beautiful nature trails to Pöstlingberg for a bird’s-eye view of the city and river below.

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

Day 4 MELK–WACHAU VALLEY 
Striking Frescoes and Breathtaking Views of the Wachau Valley

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.

DÜRNSTEIN

Fairytale Castles, Kings, and Cobblestones

CLASSIC Join a Guided Walk, and hear the legendary tale of King Richard the Lionheart—who was imprisoned in the castle during the Crusades, OR:

ACTIVE Join a Guided Hike up to the castle ruins to take in the spectacular view of the village, Danube, and the Wachau Valley below. 

Later, enjoy live entertainment on board your ship.

OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO VIENNA (B,L,D)

Day 5 VIENNA
Strauss, Schnitzel, Strudel, and Sachertorte

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.

You may decide to take a Guided Optional Excursion to Schönbrunn Palace—the former imperial summer home and vast gardens with a history spanning 300 years of the Habsburg monarchy.

In your free time why not stroll through 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 authentic Austrian confections of Sachertorte or Apfelstrudel.

Later this evening, you may choose to attend an Optional Excursion to a Royal Waltz Concert for an unforgettable evening of music in an elegant hall.

OVERNIGHT DOCKING IN VIENNA (B,L,D)

Day 6 BRATISLAVA, SLOVAKIA 
Classic and Contemporary—from Cathedrals and Castle

Join your Adventure Host for today’s special activities.

Enjoy a leisurely morning sail to Bratislava.

CLASSIC Take a Guided City Walk, including the quaint streets of Old Town, Town Hall, and fantastic St. Martin’s Cathedral.

Enjoy some free time to take Nordic walking sticks from the ship and hike to Bratislava Castle.

OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO BUDAPEST (B,L,D)

Day 7 BUDAPEST, HUNGARY 
The Pearl of the Danube in the Heart of Europe

CLASSIC Enjoy a Guided City Sightseeing, including the iconic Heroes’ Square.

This afternoon choose among a wide offer of Optional Guided Excursions or take in the beauty of Budapest while enjoying some free time exploring such famous sights as the Chain Bridge. Get to know the city’s cafés and pubs, or take a hike through the hills above the Danube.

OVERNIGHT DOCKING IN BUDAPEST (B,L,D)

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

• Day 1 Deggendorf (Embarkation): onboard welcome reception
• Day 2 Passau: guided walk; guided hike
• Day 3 Linz: guided sightseeing
• Day 4 Melk—Wachau Valley—Dürnstein: guided visit of the Benedectine Abbey in Melk; cruise through the Wachau Valley; choice of guided walk, or hike up to the castle ruins in Dürnstein; wine tasting
• Day 5 Vienna: choice of guided sightseeing, or visit of the Kunsthistorisches Museum
• Day 6 Bratislava: guided sightseeing, visit St. Martin’s Cathedral
• Day 7 Budapest: guided tour, see Heroes’ Square
• Day 8 Budapest (Disembarkation): your cruise ends this morning

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. Passau, Germany, is called the “City of Three Rivers” as it lies at the confluence of the Danube, Inn, and Ilz rivers. Walk through the city with a Local Guide and 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 river cruise takes you through the picturesque wine region of the Wachau Valley. Stop in Melk to visit the magnificent Benedictine Abbey 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 then take time to explore on your own. In Bratislava, the capital of Slovakia, a guided walk takes you 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, which provides the best panoramic views of Budapest.” Your Danube River cruise is sure to make your dream a reality and fulfil your wish to experience the Danube’s legendary beauty and remarkable destinations along the way.

• 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 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
  • 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

Cruising: Cabin onboard Avalon Envision, Avalon Illumination, Avalon Impression, Avalon Passion, Avalon View, Avalon Visionary

• 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); responsibility for obtaining visas rests with the traveler.
• Gateway city for arrivals is Munich.
• Port charges: $182
• Gratuities to Local Guides & Excursion Drivers are included..
• Additional accommodations before or after your tour may be available.
• 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.

* 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.