Overview
Read 5 reviews and enjoy exclusive savings on Avalon's 8 Day Danube Dreams (Westbound). Cruise along the peaceful Danube River through Hungary, Slovakia, Austria, and Germany—discovering some of Central Europe’s most splendid capitals and charming towns along the way. Begin this timeless European river cruise in Budapest, where guided sightseeing acquaints you with the highlights of the vibrant capital of Hungary. Set sail on the Danube, take pictures of the impressive Parliament Building as you leave Budapest, and head for Bratislava, the capital of Slovakia. Here, enjoy a guided walk through read more the delightful Old Town and visit the Gothic-style St. Martin’s Cathedral. Vienna, Austria, the “City of Music,” makes an immediate impression with its lavish Habsburg 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, with stops for a guided walk in Dürnstein and a visit to the impressive Benedictine Abbey of Melk. In Linz, walk around the Hauptplatz— Austria’s largest medieval square, which forms the center of the city, and be sure to photograph the splendid Trinity Column. Passau, Germany, the “City of Three Rivers,” is uniquely located where the Inn, Ilz, and Danube rivers converge. See its maze of narrow cobblestone streets lined with beautiful Patrician houses, and marvel at St. Stephen’s Cathedral, a masterpiece of Baroque architecture. A memorable conclusion to this delightful Danube River cruise!
Enjoy the magnificent views as your river cruise takes you through the picturesque wine region of the Wachau Valley, with stops for a guided walk in Dürnstein and a visit to the impressive Benedictine Abbey of Melk. In Linz, walk around the Hauptplatz— Austria’s largest medieval square, which forms the center of the city, and be sure to photograph the splendid Trinity Column. Passau, Germany, the “City of Three Rivers,” is uniquely located where the Inn, Ilz, and Danube rivers converge. See its maze of narrow cobblestone streets lined with beautiful Patrician houses, and marvel at St. Stephen’s Cathedral, a masterpiece of Baroque architecture. A memorable conclusion to this delightful Danube River cruise!
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US$2,555 per person
Price shown based on twin share
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Cruise Line
Avalon
5 Trip Reviews
Avg. Rating: 5/5
Passengers
128
Crew
37
Launched
2015
Cruise Code
WBD
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 5pm.
OVERNIGHT DOCKING IN BUDAPEST
. (D)
The Pearl of the Danube in the Heart of Europe.
Visit the Adventure Center for today's activities with your Adventure Host.- Active: Hike up to a magnificent viewpoint in Budapest with your Adventure Host, OR:
- Classic: Enjoy a Guided City Sightseeing, including the iconic Heroes' Square.
EVENING/OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO BRATISLAVA (B/L/D)
Cathedral Coronations and a Crowning Castle
- Active: Follow your Avalon Adventure Host on a hike to lofty Bratislava Castle, OR:
- Classic: 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.
OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO VIENNA (B/L/D)
Strauss, Schnitzel, Strudel, and Sachertorte
- Active: Explore Vienna's Danube Island by bike with your Adventure Host, OR:
- Classic: 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.
OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO DÜRNSTEIN (B/L/D)
A King's Ransom and Castle Ruins.
- 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, OR:
- Classic: Join a Guided Walk, and hear the legendary tale of King Richard the Lionheart—who was imprisoned in the castle during the Crusades.
- Active: Alternatively join your Adventure Host for a bike along the river.
Frescoes Above and Vineyards Below.
- Discovery: Enjoy sweet interactive experiences and tastings of local Austrian products as you visit a pastry - baking workshop and an Austrian bee farm, OR:
- Classic: Visit the Lower Austrian little town of Ybbs. Walk through the doors of Austrian history with a guided sightseeing tour of Artstetten Castle, OR:
- Classic: 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 (B/L/D)
Legendary, Lovely Linz.
Ask about today's energizing or relaxing Adventure Host activities.- 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.
- Active: Experience Danube's cycle path, follow your Adventure Host for a bike ride around the area of Linz
OVERNIGHT DOCKING IN LINZ (B/L/D)
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: Join your Avalon Adventure Host for Hiking from Oberhaus along a trail down to the valley and along Ilz River, OR:
- Classic: Take a Guided City Walk into Passau, the beautiful “City of Three Rivers.”
OVERNIGHT DOCKING IN VILSHOFEN (B/L/D)
Your cruise ends with breakfast this morning.
Flights should not leave Munich airport before 8 am. (B)Life On Board
One of our favourite sayings that describes Avalon Waterways is ‘the possibilities are as wide open as the views’. From Europe to the Galapagos and Asia, you can cruise in relaxed luxury with Avalon Waterways, with choices as unique as you. Avalon offers you a range of choices from excursions, dining options, activities more that help you tailor your experience.
Just imagine gliding away down the world’s most spectacular rivers, all while enjoying a unique vantage point from your own private oasis. Our floor-to-ceiling panoramic windows in our suites blur the line between where the world ends, and your suite begins; allowing you to experience the world less seen from the comfort of your bed. This is river cruising from a unique point of view.
Just imagine gliding away down the world’s most spectacular rivers, all while enjoying a unique vantage point from your own private oasis. Our floor-to-ceiling panoramic windows in our suites blur the line between where the world ends, and your suite begins; allowing you to experience the world less seen from the comfort of your bed. This is river cruising from a unique point of view.
Avalon Tranquility II
Float along Europe's most famous waterways in relaxed luxury aboard one of Avalon's award-winning Suite Ships. Read more
Our Vision. Your View.
With the only Open-Air Balconies in river cruising, experience Europe with a view like no other in a Panorama Suite. Read more
Exclusive Meets Inclusive
Avalon features all the right inclusions which compliment your luxurious river cruise experience. Read more
Avalon Choice
Personalise your cruise to make it your own with Avalon Choice. Select whichever included excursions interest you the most. Read more
Active & Discovery
Avalon's Active & Discovery river cruises offer activities for travelers with varying interests & for all energy and fitness levels. Read more
From View to Table
Savour regional cuisine and familiar favourites using the freshest local ingredients throughout your river cruise. Read more
Trip Reviews (5)
Danube Dreams 2
Sara, NSW, Australia, Jun 2024
Absolutely wonderful trip. Loved every minute. The staff were so consistently cheerful and helpful. The Cruise Director was outstanding. Regarding embarkation - we were told we would be sent an email the day before to tell us the location of the ship, but it didn't come, which was a bit stressful. However, I emailed the ship early the same morning and read more was told the information.
The other suggestion I would have is to contact travellers a few weeks before, to ask for what they need after the cruise in terms of transport to airports, stations, whatever. I read a statement in the info that said not to have flights at Munich airport leaving before 8am. I assumed by that (wrongly) that there would be an automatic shuttle to the airport early in the morning. However, when I checked with the wonderful cruise director, she put me straight, and with difficulty managed to get me on a bus to the airport for my flight. Thanks again - amazing.
The other suggestion I would have is to contact travellers a few weeks before, to ask for what they need after the cruise in terms of transport to airports, stations, whatever. I read a statement in the info that said not to have flights at Munich airport leaving before 8am. I assumed by that (wrongly) that there would be an automatic shuttle to the airport early in the morning. However, when I checked with the wonderful cruise director, she put me straight, and with difficulty managed to get me on a bus to the airport for my flight. Thanks again - amazing.
This was our third Avalon river cruise and we weren’t disappointed. Despite the itinerary being changed due to low water on the Danube. Avalon handled the situation well. Stayed in cabin 210 which was only a short walk to the main sections of the ship. Food and staff very good, though there appears to be less staff on board. Due to the low water we read more stayed 2 nights on the Avalon Impression docked in Budapest. We were then bused to Bratislava for our day tour there and continued on to Vienna to join our correct ship the Avalon Envision.
All crew were the same on each ship which helped with continuation. Avalon provided each passenger with cash to purchase lunch in Bratislava and also some free optional excursions as compensation. Tracey handled our booking very professionally, as always! Appreciated the updates on the changes. The team at Global Journeys are great and will continue to be our go to agents. They offer great value and a friendly and helpful team.
All crew were the same on each ship which helped with continuation. Avalon provided each passenger with cash to purchase lunch in Bratislava and also some free optional excursions as compensation. Tracey handled our booking very professionally, as always! Appreciated the updates on the changes. The team at Global Journeys are great and will continue to be our go to agents. They offer great value and a friendly and helpful team.
The lights of Budapest to the palaces of Prague 4
Neil, SA, Australia, Jun 2019
Travelling from Budapest to Prague with Avalon Waterways via the Danube was a memorable experience. Our ship was the Avalon Passion built in 2016. The ship was clean and comfortable and the entire crew were friendly, polite and helpful and all spoke English to a competent level.
Our cruise director Bram held regular information sessions to keep read more us informed of what was in store for us the next day. The atmosphere aboard ship was relaxed with no need to wear formal dress for meals and guests were allowed to relax in the lounge, on the sun deck or in their cabins as they wished. We were very well fed with a wide variety to choose from for breakfast and several choices for lunch and dinner with the menu changing each day depending on the country we were travelling through.
At each stop along the way there were local guides on hand to show us the sights, with coaches included where necessary, and many optional tours available at reasonable prices. I can personally recommend the Hungarian wine tour, the Vienna food tour and the Prague dinner and folk show (a bit of a theme there). Stops on the cruise included Bratislava, Vienna, Durnstein, Melk, Linz , Passau and Regensburg.
My fellow passengers were a mixture of Australians, New Zealanders, Americans, Canadians, Chileans, Indians and other cultures. Among those I was able to share a meal and/or drink with were a Canadian fireman, an ex NFL player wearing a Super Bowl ring, a US attorney, a former miss Australia and other interesting fellow travellers.
Thanks to Hannah from Global Journeys for arranging my booking and keeping me informed when things were due both to and by me and overall making the process simple.
Our cruise director Bram held regular information sessions to keep read more us informed of what was in store for us the next day. The atmosphere aboard ship was relaxed with no need to wear formal dress for meals and guests were allowed to relax in the lounge, on the sun deck or in their cabins as they wished. We were very well fed with a wide variety to choose from for breakfast and several choices for lunch and dinner with the menu changing each day depending on the country we were travelling through.
At each stop along the way there were local guides on hand to show us the sights, with coaches included where necessary, and many optional tours available at reasonable prices. I can personally recommend the Hungarian wine tour, the Vienna food tour and the Prague dinner and folk show (a bit of a theme there). Stops on the cruise included Bratislava, Vienna, Durnstein, Melk, Linz , Passau and Regensburg.
My fellow passengers were a mixture of Australians, New Zealanders, Americans, Canadians, Chileans, Indians and other cultures. Among those I was able to share a meal and/or drink with were a Canadian fireman, an ex NFL player wearing a Super Bowl ring, a US attorney, a former miss Australia and other interesting fellow travellers.
Thanks to Hannah from Global Journeys for arranging my booking and keeping me informed when things were due both to and by me and overall making the process simple.
Facilities on the cruise and the hotels were excellent 2
Ong Geok Lwee, Australia, Jul 2013
We were quite impressed with the efficiency of the organisation. Everything was scheduled and acted on like clockwork and daily briefings were excellent. The facilities on the cruise and the hotel accommodation in both Prague and Budapest were excellent. Food on board was of a high quality with plenty of choice. Thank you.
I can unreservedly recommend Global Journeys and Avalon 1
Ronelle Coetzer, Australia, May 2013
I am one of those travellers that needs everything to be organised perfectly and seamlessly so my expectations were high. The booking process with Global Journeys was easy and stress-free, all my questions were answered quickly and everything was taken care of wonderfully by Frances and Hannah. My husband and I thoroughly enjoyed the cruise/tour between read more Budapest and Prague on the MS Tranquility. Everything on this trip was very well planned, the cruise staff was very helpful, efficient and friendly, great Cruise Director (Akos) and informed and captivating local guides - one could not ask for more. I can unreservedly recommend Global Journeys and Avalon Waterway Cruises and would love to travel with them again in the future.
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Avalon River Cruises (2025-26)
Avalon Waterways has redefined cruising by going against the current and away from the ordinary. One step aboard our modern, luxurious Suite Ships with the grandest views in cruising and it’s easy to see how the tides are changing. Welcome to a new wave in cruising. Welcome aboard Avalon Waterways.
Dates & Pricing
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Cabin Layout Options:
Select Cabin Preference:
Thursday
26 Mar 2026
26 Mar 26
Budapest
Thursday
02 Apr 2026
02 Apr 26
Vilshofen
Details
Avalon Impression
River View
Sold Out
Unavailable
Sold Out
Sunday
29 Mar 2026
29 Mar 26
Budapest
Sunday
05 Apr 2026
05 Apr 26
Vilshofen
Details
Avalon Passion
River View
Sold Out
Unavailable
Sold Out
Monday
30 Mar 2026
30 Mar 26
Budapest
Monday
06 Apr 2026
06 Apr 26
Vilshofen
Details
Avalon Visionary
River View
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Unavailable
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Note
Tour & cruises prices are per person. Prices shown have savings applied, are subject to availability and may be withdrawn at any time without notice. Pricing and trip details are correct at this point in time, however are subject to confirmation at the time of booking and are subject to change by Avalon. For cruise itineraries, cabin images are sourced from the cruise-line and should be treated as indicative only. Cabin inclusions, upholsteries and room layout may differ to the image(s) shown depending on the ship selected and your sailing dates.
Tour & cruises prices are per person. Prices shown have savings applied, are subject to availability and may be withdrawn at any time without notice. Pricing and trip details are correct at this point in time, however are subject to confirmation at the time of booking and are subject to change by Avalon. For cruise itineraries, cabin images are sourced from the cruise-line and should be treated as indicative only. Cabin inclusions, upholsteries and room layout may differ to the image(s) shown depending on the ship selected and your sailing dates.
