Overview
Enjoy the magnificent views as your Danube River cruise takes you through the picturesque wine region of the Wachau Valley. Stops read more include Melk to visit the magnificent Benedictine Abbey and Krems. 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 take time to explore on your own. In Bratislava, the capital of Slovakia, take a guided walk through the delightful Old Town and to the Gothic St. Martin’s Cathedral.
Sail to Esztergom for a visit to its Basilica and a Palinka tasting, then continue to Visegrad for a canoe excursion along the Danube river or a hike in the Danube-Ipoly National Park. 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 for the best panoramic views of Budapest. This Danube River cruise explores the legendary beauty and remarkable destinations you’ll never forget.
Itinerary
Welcome to Germany. Your Suite Ship® is Ready for Boarding. Flights into Munich must arrive by 2pm. Guests must be on board ship by 5pm.
Explore your ship and enjoy dinner on your first evening on board.
EVENING CRUISE TO PASSAU
Where the Danube, Inn, and Ilz Rivers Meet
- Active: Follow your Avalon Adventure Host for Hiking from Oberhaus along a trail down to the valley and along Ilz River, OR:
- Classic: Join a Guided City Walk to learn more about this beautiful “City of Three Rivers"
Before sailing to Linz, 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. This afternoon, cruise to Linz through the Danube's dramatic horseshoe bend called Schlögen Oxbow. Later, enjoy live entertainment on board.
OVERNIGHT DOCKING IN LINZ
Legendary and Lovely Linz.
Visit the Adventure Center for today's activities with your Adventure Host.
- Active: Join your Adventure Host for a bike ride along the Danube, OR:
- 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. You may otherwise spend the afternoon on a biking picnic along the banks of the Danube or hike through Linz's beautiful nature trails to Pöstlingberg for a bird's - eye view of the city and river below. This evening, enjoy live entertainment on board.
OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO MELK
Frescoes Above and Vineyards Below
- 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 Krems. KREMS: An Ancient Village and Vintages of the Wachau Valley.
- Active: Experience Wachau valley by bike with your Adventure Host, OR:
- Classic: Join a guided walk to explore this small valley town, seemingly untouched by the new world.
OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO VIENNA
Strauss, Schnitzel, Strudel and Sachertorte Viennese Waltzes on the Blue Danube.
- Active: Take a Guided Bike Tour along the famed Ringstrasse and pedestrian avenues of Vienna to see the city's highlights from a unique perspective, OR:
- Discovery: Take an Insider's Tour of Vienna to get behind the scenes of her sights and attractions. You will meet locals, have the chance to prepare some food, and enjoy other surprises, OR:
- Classic: Take a Guided Sightseeing Tour of Vienna, including a tour of Belvedere Palace to see Gustave Klimt's renowned “Kiss” painting.
Spend free time this afternoon strolling through the pedestrian Kärntnerstrasse then take a break for a piece of Sachertorte. Or enjoy an optional excursion in Schönbrunn.
OVERNIGHT DOCKING IN VIENNA
Feast for the Soul.
- Discovery: Enjoy a morning Guided Walking Tour to see the city in her best light, along with breakfast at a Viennese café, OR:
- Classic: Dive into one of the world's most important museums with a Guided Tour of the Habsburg family's private art collection at the Museum of Fine Arts, and enjoy Italian or Dutch master works.
This evening consider joining an Optional Excursion to attend a Royal Waltz Concert in an elegant hall.
OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO BRATISLAVA
Cathedral Coronations and a Crowning Castle
Join your Adventure Host for today's special activities.
- 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.
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. Later, relax on board with live entertainment.
OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO ESZTERGROM
Mountains Views and Pàlinka.
- Active: Take an E-bike Guided Tour and explore the surroundings of the Pilis Mountains Region. Enjoy the view from the lockout point at Dobogókő, OR:
- Classic: Join a Guided Tour into the scenic Carpathian Basin for a visit of the ancient Esztergom Basilica that includes the traditional Pàlinka tasting in its impressive cellar.
Enjoy a brief cruise to Visegrad during lunchtime. VISEGRÁD Jousting Tournaments and Dracula's Tower.
- Active: Explore Hungary's beautiful Danube - Ipoly National Park and visit Count Dracula's prison tower on a Hiking Tour, OR:
- Active: Take part in a Canoe Excursion through the picturesque Bend Region of the Danube for a truly unique perspective of one of the river's most beautiful stretches, OR:
- Discovery: Join a Guided Visit to the Medieval Knights Tournament at Visegrád's Lower Castle, featuring targeting and fighting demonstrations by members of the St. George Knightly Order.
Spend free time after your selected activities to explore Palotaház, where stonemasons, smiths, potters, and paper-makers produce their traditional items using age-old techniques. This evening, enjoy a sailing into Budapest and magnificent views of the beautiful Parliament Building.
OVERNIGHT DOCKING IN BUDAPEST
War Heroes and Hot Water.
- 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.
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
Your cruise ends with breakfast this morning.
Life On Board
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.
Float along Europe's most famous waterways in relaxed luxury aboard one of Avalon's award-winning Suite Ships. Read more
With the only Open-Air Balconies in river cruising, experience Europe with a view like no other in a Panorama Suite. Read more
Avalon features all the right inclusions which compliment your luxurious river cruise experience. Read more
Personalise your cruise to make it your own with Avalon Choice. Select whichever included excursions interest you the most. Read more
Avalon's Active & Discovery river cruises offer activities for travellers with varying interests & for all energy and fitness levels. Read more
Savour regional cuisine and familiar favourites using the freshest local ingredients throughout your river cruise. Read more
River Cruise Reviews (1)
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Avalon River Cruises (2026)
or rushed schedules, just immersive journeys that keep you in the heart of each destination. Our modern Suite Ships sail
the world’s legendary rivers and waterways, placing you just steps from vibrant cities, charming villages, more and breathtaking scenery. Wake to Vienna at your doorstep, watch Budapest sparkle at night, or take in 360-degree views of the Rhine Gorge and Wachau Valley from the Sky Deck. Cycle through Cologne or Paris, savour fine cuisine in Lyon, or sample sweets in Linz, then retreat to your spacious suite without missing a moment.
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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.
