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10 Day Avalon Waterways River Cruise from Vilshofen to Budapest 2026(WKB)
Illuminations on the Danube
Starting from $3,896
Ship(s): Avalon Expression, Avalon Illumination, Avalon Impression, Avalon Tranquility II, Avalon Visionary
River Cruise Description
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. Visit Passau, Germany-called the "City of Three Rivers" at the confluence of the Danube, Inn, and Ilz rivers. Take a guided walking tour to 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 Danube River cruise takes you through the picturesque wine region of the Wachau Valley. Stops 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.Thanks for your interest!
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I'm sorry, but an error has occurred. Try Again| Departure Date | Ship | Priced From (per person) | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Apr 26, 2026 | Avalon Impression | $3,896 | Call Us! |
| May 18, 2026 | Avalon Visionary | $4,546 | Call Us! |
| Jun 4, 2026 | Avalon Expression | $4,196 | Call Us! |
| Aug 3, 2026 | Avalon Tranquility II | $4,196 | Call Us! |
| Sep 3, 2026 | Avalon Illumination | $4,946 | Call Us! |
| Oct 7, 2026 | Avalon Visionary | $4,596 | Call Us! |
Avalon has designed included activities with a choice of experiences. We invite you to select the tours, activities, and events that interest you most, so you can experience your cruise your way. There are 3 types of included shore excursion on every Europe cruise:
Classic
Your local expert is ready to guide you through the history and heritage of local destinations. You'll marvel at the legends, lore, and spectacular architecture of iconic and historic sites.
Discovery
We've found inspiring and interactive activities to speak to your interests — from cooking classes, to painting workshops — to immerse yourself in each culture you explore.
Active
Embark on energetic excursions to keep you in motion and on the go — from a guided jogging tour of Amsterdam, to biking, paddling, and hiking your way through scenic locales.
- Plus independent exploration options and use of Avalon's exclusive AvalonGO APP.
River Cruise Itinerary
Day 1 VILSHOFEN, GERMANY (EMBARKATION)
Welcome to Germany. Your Suite Ship® is Ready for Boarding.Flights into Munich must arrive by 2 pm. 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
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".
OVERNIGHT DOCKING IN LINZ
(B,L,D)
Day 3 LINZ, AUSTRIA
Legendary and Lovely Linz
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.
OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO MELK
(B,L,D)
Day 4 MELK–WACHAU VALLEY
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.
KREMS
An Ancient Village and Vintages of the Wachau Valley
Classic
Join a guided walk to explore this small valley town, seemingly untouched by the new world.
OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO VIENNA
(B,L,D)
Day 5 VIENNA, AUSTRIA
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.
OVERNIGHT DOCKING IN VIENNA
(B,L,D)
Day 6 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, OR:CLASSIC Take a Guided Tour of the Museum of Fine Arts, followed by the Military Museum, commemorating the past of the Habsburg Empire.
OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO BRATISLAVA
(B,L,D)
Day 7 BRATISLAVA, SLOVAKIA
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.
OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO ESZTERGROM
(B,L,D)
Day 8 ESZTERGOM, HUNGARY
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.
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.
OVERNIGHT DOCKING IN BUDAPEST
(B,L,D)
Day 9 BUDAPEST, HUNGARY
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.
OVERNIGHT DOCKING IN BUDAPEST
(B,L,D)
Day 10 BUDAPEST (DISEMBARKATION)
Your cruise ends with breakfast this morning.(B)
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