Cruise along the peaceful Danube River through Hungary, Slovakia, Austria, and Germany—stopping at some of Central Europe’s most splendid capitals and charming towns along the way. Begin in Budapest, where guided sightseeing acquaints you with the highlights of the vibrant capital of Hungary. See Heroes’ Square, and all the famous sights that make this city come to life! Set sail on the Danube, take pictures of the impressive views of the Parliament Building as you leave Budapest, and head for Bratislava, the capital of Slovakia. Here, enjoy a guided walk through the delightful Old Town and visit the Gothic St. Martin’s Cathedral. Vienna, Austria, makes an immediate impression with its lavish Hofburg Imperial Palace and neo-renaissance Vienna Opera House. Enjoy the magnificent views as your river cruise takes you through the picturesque wine region of the Wachau Valley. Visit the impressive Benedictine Abbey of Melk and enjoy a tasting of some of the renowned local wines. In Linz, walk around the Hauptplatz, Austria’s largest medieval square, which forms the center of the city. Take a guided walk around Passau, Germany, known for its maze of narrow cobblestone streets and St. Stephen’s Cathedral—a masterpiece of baroque architecture. Enjoy guided sightseeing in Regensburg, before heading to beautiful Prague, capital of the Czech Republic. Here, you’ll be amazed at St. Vitus Cathedral and Old Town’s Astronomical Clock, a unique and intricate piece of art unlike anything else in the world.

CRUISE:WBDE
10 Day River Cruise Budapest to Prague

November 4 – 13, 2024

Travel: 10 Days / 5 Countries
Countries: Hungary, Slovakia, Austria, Germany, Czech Republic

AVALON PASSION

We’re so passionate about our Suite Ships, we christened this Suite Ship the Avalon Passion. Gracing Europe’s waterways with style and relaxed luxury as only Avalon can deliver, the Avalon Passion lives up to its name. Avalon guests experience this passion for new discoveries aboard this home-away-from-home to find two full decks of Panorama Suites, featuring wall-to-wall, floor-to-ceiling panoramic windows that create river cruising’s only Open-Air Balcony. Spanning 200 square feet, the Passion’s Panorama Suites are 30% larger than the industry standard. It’s the perfect place to stretch out on your window-facing Comfort Collection bed with the world at your feet. Host a private cocktail party in the spacious sitting area-comfortably accommodating six guests. On board, passengers enjoy complimentary Starlink Wi-Fi access, complimentary computer use in public areas, a Fitness Center with state-of-the-art equipment, an elevator, and an expansive Sky Deck with shade system, premium lounge chairs, whirlpool, deck games, and the delightful Sky Bistro for al fresco lunches of light grill fare. Pack your own passions and cruise your way on the Avalon Passion.

Itinerary

Welcome to Hungary. Your Suite Ship® is Ready for Boarding.

Flights into Budapest must arrive by 3:30 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.

OVERNIGHT DOCKING IN BUDAPEST

Dinner

The Pearl of the Danube in the Heart of Europe

ACTIVE EXCURSION
Hike up to a magnificent viewpoint in Budapest with your Adventure Host, OR:
CLASSIC EXCURSION
Enjoy a Guided City Sightseeing, including the iconic Heroes’ Square.
Take in the beauty of Budapest while enjoying a free afternoon 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.

EVENING/OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO BRATISLAVA

Breakfast
Lunch
Dinner

While we include your choice of many excursions on your trip, you may wish to explore other option on your free time.

Cathedral Coronations and a Crowning Castle

ACTIVE EXCURSION
Follow your Avalon Adventure Host on a hike to lofty Bratislava Castle, OR:
CLASSIC EXCURSION
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.

This afternoon, 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.

OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO VIENNA

Breakfast
Lunch
Dinner

Strauss, Schnitzel, Strudel, and Sachertorte

ACTIVE EXCURSION
Explore Vienna’s Danube Island by bike with your Adventure Host, OR:
CLASSIC EXCURSION
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 iconic Vienna Opera House and stunning St. Stephen’s Cathedral, OR:
CLASSIC EXCURSION
After a short walk of Vienna, join a Guided Visit of Austria’s largest museum, the legendary Kunsthistorisches Museum (Museum of Fine Arts).

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, or take a bike ride through the city and stop in a local café to enjoy of 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 DÜRNSTEIN
Breakfast
Lunch
Dinner

While we include your choice of many excursions on your trip, you may wish to explore other option on your free time.

A King’s Ransom and Castle Ruins

ACTIVE EXCURSION
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 EXCURSION
Join a Guided Walk, and hear the legendary tale of King Richard the Lionheart—who was imprisoned in the castle during the Crusades.

Later, stretch out on the Sky Deck as you sail through the Wachau Valley past vineyards, castles, and charming villages on your way to Ybbs.
ACTIVE EXCURSION
Alternatively join your Adventure Host for a bike along the river.
YBBS. EXCURSION TO MELK
Frescoes Above and Vineyards Below
CLASSIC EXCURSION
Visit the Lower Austrian little town of Ybbs. Walk through the doors of Austrian history with a guided sightseeing tour of Artstetten Castle, OR:

Take a Guided Tour of Melk’s magnificent Benedictine Abbey to marvel at its frescoed ceilings, statues, incredible library, and ornate pipe organ.

EVENING/OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO LINZ
Breakfast
Lunch
Dinner

While we include your choice of many excursions on your trip, you may wish to explore other option on your free time.

Legendary, Lovely Linz

Ask about today’s energizing or relaxing Adventure Host activities.

CLASSIC EXCURSION
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.
ACTIVE EXCURSION
Experience Danube’s cycle path, follow your Adventure Host for a bike ride around the area of Linz.
Alternatively, consider a full-day Guided Optional Excursion to Salzburg—the city of Mozart—or to the picturesque Bohemian town of Cesky Krumlov.

OVERNIGHT DOCKING IN LINZ

Breakfast
Lunch
Dinner

While we include your choice of many excursions on your trip, you may wish to explore other option on your free time.

Where the Danube, Inn, and Ilz Rivers Meet

This morning, cruise through the Schlögen Oxbow, a particularly beautiful horseshoe-shaped bend of the river.
ACTIVE EXCURSION
Join your Avalon Adventure Host for Hiking from Oberhaus along a trail down to the valley and along Ilz River, OR:
CLASSIC EXCURSION
Take a Guided City Walk into Passau, the beautiful “City of Three Rivers,”.

Before sailing to Vilshofen, 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.

EVENING/OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO VILSHOFEN

Breakfast
Lunch
Dinner

Magical Regensburg—Bavaria’s Medieval Miracle

CLASSIC EXCURSION
Join a Guided City Walk in Regensburg and see Altes Rathaus (Old Town Hall) and Porta Pretoria—built in 179 AD as the entrance to Castra Regina fortress.

Take free time to enjoy a hearty lunch and a local beer, then step back in time through historic lanes and squares of today’s modern and vibrant Regensburg. Continue on to the Golden City of Prague.

Breakfast

Gothic Cathedrals, Grand Castles, and Great Cuisine

CLASSIC EXCURSION
Take a Guided City Walk to visit Hradčany Castle Grounds; see St. Vitus Cathedral and Old Town’s Astronomical Clock.
Consider sampling delicious plum dumplings and traditional Pilsner lager.

Mingle with the locals and be mesmerized by street performers in Wenceslas Square, or admire the arches and statues decorating Charles Bridge.

Breakfast

While we include your choice of many excursions on your trip, you may wish to explore other option on your free time.

Your vacation ends with breakfast this morning.

Breakfast