Overview
Read 18 reviews and enjoy exclusive savings on Avalon's 8 Day The Blue Danube Discovery. Begin this timeless European river cruise vacation in vibrant Budapest, Hungary, sail along the Danube River with exciting stops in Austria and Germany, and conclude in historic Nuremberg, Germany. As you leave Budapest, you’ll sail past the splendid Parliament Building and, along the Danube River, you’ll see Hungary on your left and Slovakia on your right as a 58-mile stretch of the river runs between both countries. Enjoy an amazing view of the landscapes of Bratislava while sailing.
Vienna, Austria, read more offers stunning St. Stephen’s Cathedral, the Habsburg Palace, the Vienna Opera House, and much more. In the heart of the Wachau Valley wine region is Krems, a town seemingly untouched by the modern world. In Melk, visit Austria’s majestic Benedictine Abbey, one of Europe’s largest monasteries, and enjoy a tasting of some of the Wachau Valley’s famous wines. Join in a guided walk through Passau, with its narrow streets, beautiful Patrician houses, and baroque architecture. Sail further up the Danube River to discover the medieval walls of Regensburg—the only German city not bombed during WWII.
Here, you can become acquainted with some of Germany’s famous beers! The last stop on this memorable river cruise vacation is the thousand-year-old city of Nuremberg. During guided sightseeing, marvel at the medieval fortifications, extraordinary Gothic churches, and the Imperial Castle. Take free time to make a wish at the striking fountain on the Hauptmarkt (Main Square)—a perfect ending to a memorable Danube River cruise vacation!
Vienna, Austria, read more offers stunning St. Stephen’s Cathedral, the Habsburg Palace, the Vienna Opera House, and much more. In the heart of the Wachau Valley wine region is Krems, a town seemingly untouched by the modern world. In Melk, visit Austria’s majestic Benedictine Abbey, one of Europe’s largest monasteries, and enjoy a tasting of some of the Wachau Valley’s famous wines. Join in a guided walk through Passau, with its narrow streets, beautiful Patrician houses, and baroque architecture. Sail further up the Danube River to discover the medieval walls of Regensburg—the only German city not bombed during WWII.
Here, you can become acquainted with some of Germany’s famous beers! The last stop on this memorable river cruise vacation is the thousand-year-old city of Nuremberg. During guided sightseeing, marvel at the medieval fortifications, extraordinary Gothic churches, and the Imperial Castle. Take free time to make a wish at the striking fountain on the Hauptmarkt (Main Square)—a perfect ending to a memorable Danube River cruise vacation!
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US$2,939 per person
Price shown based on twin share
Save up to $1,612 per person
Cruise Length
8 Days
Cruise Starts
Budapest
Cruise Ends
Nuremberg
Cruise Departures
May 2026 to Nov 2027
Cruise Line
Avalon
18 Trip Reviews
Avg. Rating: 4.3/5
Passengers
128
Crew
37
Launched
2015
Cruise Code
WBN
Itinerary
Welcome to Hungary. Your Suite Ship® is Ready for Boarding. Flights into Budapest must arrive by 2pm. Guests must be on board ship by 5pm.
EVENING/OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO VIENNA (D)
Vienna Waltzes on the Beautiful Blue Danube
Visit the Adventure Center for today's activities with your Adventure Host. Enjoy sailing the Danube, which shares dozens of miles with Hungary and Slovakia. Relax on the Sky Deck to see the rolling landscape and red rooftops of the Slovakian capital of Bratislava come into view. This evening in Vienna, you may choose to join an Optional Excursion to attend a Royal Waltz Concert for an unforgettable evening of music in an elegant hall.OVERNIGHT DOCKING IN VIENNA (B/L/D)
Royal Collections and Amusing Attractions
- Active: Explore Vienna's Danube Island by bike with your Adventure Host, OR;
- Classic: Explore the Habsburg empire this morning on a Guided City Tour of Vienna's gilded landmarks. See the Imperial Palace complex—the winter residence of the Imperial Family, the iconic Vienna Opera House, and stunning St. Stephen's Cathedral.
- Discovery: Enjoy an onboard performance of the traditional Viennese Waltz and learn yourself a few graceful steps in this elegant cultural encounter.
OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO KREMS (B/L/D)
An Ancient Village and Vintages of the Wachau Valley.
Join your Adventure Host for today's special activities.- Active: Experience Wachau valley by bike with your Adventure Host, OR:
- Discovery: Join an interactive Wine World Experience with wine tasting, OR:
- Classic: Join a guided walk to explore this small valley town, seemingly untouched by the new world.
- Classic: Take a Guided Tour of Melk's magnificent Benedictine Abbey to marvel at its frescoed ceilings, statues, incredible library, and ornate pipe organ.
- Discovery: Enjoy the flavors of the Wachau Valley with a Wine Tasting on board.
EVENING/OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO PASSAU (B/L/D)
Where the Danube, Inn, and Ilz Rivers Meet
- Classic: Join a Guided City Walk to learn more about this beautiful “City of Three Rivers.”
EVENING/OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO REGENSBURG. (B/L/D)
Bavaria's Medieval Miracle.
Join your Adventure Host for today's special activities.- Active: Explore Walhalla by bike with your Adventure Host, OR:
- 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.
EVENING/OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO ROTH (B/L/D)
Legends and History Lessons.
- Classic: 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.
- Active: Explore Roth's Lauter valley with your Adventure Host, OR:
- 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 Sightseeing of Nuremberg—with its medieval architecture, gilded fountain, Gothic cathedral, and Kaiserburg Castle, OR:
- Classic: Take a Guided Tour of the historic Nuremberg Rally Grounds—used by the Third Reich.
- Discovery: Enjoy an onboard beer tasting.
EVENING CRUISE TO NUREMBERG (B/L/D)
Your cruise ends with breakfast this morning. (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 (18)
A truncated river cruise 6
Malcolm & Pat, NSW , Australia, Oct 2018
It was not the fault of Avalon that there was insufficient water in the Danube to allow us to do the whole cruise we had booked to do. However, Tony, our tour leader and Avalon worked very hard to make our experience enjoyable and memorable. We were able to visit every advertised port, other than Nuremberg, plus we visited Linz and for a fee, a bus read more excursion to Bratislava was offered, which we did and enjoyed very much. The food provided on our ship was of exceptional quality and the staff serving us more than met our expectations.
It was disappointing, to us, that the mix of passengers on the ship was limited with the vast majority being from the US. We like to meet people from many different nations but on this occasion we were limited to mostly the USA, followed by Canada, some from the Philippines, a few from Hong Kong and we made up two of only three Australians on board.
It was disappointing, to us, that the mix of passengers on the ship was limited with the vast majority being from the US. We like to meet people from many different nations but on this occasion we were limited to mostly the USA, followed by Canada, some from the Philippines, a few from Hong Kong and we made up two of only three Australians on board.
Rive Cruise on the Danube 7
Chris & Shirley, New Zealand, Sep 2018
We recently took a river cruise on the Danube with Avalon & Global Journeys. Our much needed break away was everything and more we had hoped for. From beginning to end, we enjoyed professional service in every area, from booking with Global Journeys through to the experienced captain and crew on our cruise. Our Cruise Director, Tony was exceptional read more and obviously very experienced.
Every detail was attended to above and beyond our expectations. The meals were delicious, with the menu changing daily including local cultural delicacies. There were many 'extras' included in our daily tours and there simply isn't any better way to travel than watching the villages and local landmarks pass before your eyes, sipping on a glass of something special in the warmth of the sunshine as you cruise along the riverways. We can warmly recommend Avalon and Global Journeys river cruises.
Every detail was attended to above and beyond our expectations. The meals were delicious, with the menu changing daily including local cultural delicacies. There were many 'extras' included in our daily tours and there simply isn't any better way to travel than watching the villages and local landmarks pass before your eyes, sipping on a glass of something special in the warmth of the sunshine as you cruise along the riverways. We can warmly recommend Avalon and Global Journeys river cruises.
We've recently returned from the 13 Day Blue Danube Discovery with Avalon Cruises. All in all the cruise was a great experience even though the waters of the Danube were very low in parts and our ship and itinerary had to be changed. We were unable to visit Nuremburg at all and stayed overnight in Linz and two nights in Passau which differed from the read more itinerary. Avalon were very kind in offering the Vienna concert to all passengers free of charge due to the changes.
However we still had our 7 nights on the ship which was very pleasant. Food was great; company was excellent and the wine and beer tastings were also fun. We had a singer aboard one evening who was also very good. Our tour director, Robert was very efficient and made us all laugh with his very dry wit! Global Journeys were excellent to deal with and I would certainly book through them again.
However we still had our 7 nights on the ship which was very pleasant. Food was great; company was excellent and the wine and beer tastings were also fun. We had a singer aboard one evening who was also very good. Our tour director, Robert was very efficient and made us all laugh with his very dry wit! Global Journeys were excellent to deal with and I would certainly book through them again.
An easy way to enjoy 3 capital cities 5
Michael & Diana, New Zealand, Jun 2018
Overall the accommodation was excellent but the Hilton in Prague disappointing due to location, too busy & very noisy due to hotel alterations being done - the noise was such you could not stay in your room during the day. Also the trip to Nuremberg was very disappointing.
Wonderful Cruise 4
Ann & David, NSW, Australia, May 2017
We had travelled with Avalon previously and again found them to be excellent. The included excursions were very good and there was an extensive range of optional excursions offered. Everything was taken care of so we had a wonderful carefree holiday.
Delightful Danube Cruise 6
John, QLD, Australia, Oct 2016
Avalon Waterways 'hardware' lived up to all expectations. The October weather was better than average but we just managed to complete the full cruise as a lack of rain meant the Danube was only just navigable (shallow water) at the Nurenberg end. Food was generally very good though the breakfast and lunch menus were similar daily (but of a good quality). read more Shore excursions varied from very interesting and enjoyable to one or two that were a little mundane. Their pricing seemed on the expensive side when compared to the purchase of similar tours in situ. There was plenty of opportunity for own adventures, however. The crew were very helpful, though I think that at the end of the cruise season they may have been a little tired and were a bit reluctant to enter conversation; this may have been to do with language too as I only speak English.
Cities visited on this cruise (Blue Danube Discovery - Budapest to Prague) were well chosen for history, architecture and culinary experiences. Passengers were a good bunch, dominated by North Americans (American cruise line?). Overall I was very pleased to complete this journey which has been a long term objective and I would recommend it. Booking was easy through Global Journeys with one comment that contact seemed to be principally by email following voice message. Direct phone communication may have been easier on one or two occasions (minor comment after a hassle free experience).
Cities visited on this cruise (Blue Danube Discovery - Budapest to Prague) were well chosen for history, architecture and culinary experiences. Passengers were a good bunch, dominated by North Americans (American cruise line?). Overall I was very pleased to complete this journey which has been a long term objective and I would recommend it. Booking was easy through Global Journeys with one comment that contact seemed to be principally by email following voice message. Direct phone communication may have been easier on one or two occasions (minor comment after a hassle free experience).
2nd Great Avalon Waterways River Cruise 4
Doug & Heather Williamson, VIC, Australia, Aug 2016
Trip booked through Global Journeys went very smoothly. Avalon Illumination was all we could have hoped for. Food, crew and accommodation excellent. Guides on tours were exceptional - especially Helena in Prague. The best part of the cruise was friendships formed with travelers from other countries.
Relaxing and scenic holiday 4
Eric & Carmel Bogle, SA, Australia, Jul 2016
The best part of this holiday was floating down the Danube watching the scenery gliding past like some endless giant picture postcard.....our suite and bathroom were both immaculate and of decent proportions, while the bed was extremely comfortable. Our fellow passengers were sociable and friendly, but there was still ample opportunity and space to read more do your own thing when it suited.
Would definitely go with Avalon again 3
Jennifer & John, QLD, Australia, Oct 2015
We loved the experience of the river boat having only ever travelled on cruise ships previously. The staff were excellent as was the food. We found the shore excursions a little tiresome with too much information provided by the local guides. It is impossible to remember all this information and really, if you want to know something, just look it read more up on the internet when you get home. The places they showed us were great but we were standing far too long listening to the history lesson. Global Journeys, as usual were fantastic with the booking and paper work with a great thanks to Hannah Campbell in this regard. We would definitely go with Avalon again and will always book with Global Journeys. They always seem to come up with the best price as well as being very professional.
No complaints whatsoever 3
Brian & Beverley Tracey, NSW, Australia, Aug 2015
We thoroughly enjoyed the cruise and everything went according to plan, no hiccups what so ever with flights, airport pickup and departure from hotel. Hotels in Budapest and Prague were 1st class. The tour guides were very helpful and accommodating and local guides very good. What more can we say, no complaints whatever. Thank you Yvonne for an excellent service.
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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.
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Monday
18 May 2026
18 May 26
Budapest
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25 May 2026
25 May 26
Nuremberg
Details
Avalon Tranquility II
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River View
US$3,782
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Twin Share (Per Personpp)
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.
