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16 Day Avalon Waterways River Cruise from Budapest to Basel 2026(WBZ)
Enchanted Europe
Starting from $6,293Ship(s): Avalon Tranquility II
Specialty Cruises: Beer Lovers
River Cruise Description
Your Danube River cruise begins with an evening cruise from Budapest to Vienna, followed by Dürnstein and Melk in Austria's beautiful Wachau Valley. Cruise from Austria to Germany as you sail to Passau, then the Bavarian city of Regensburg to see the 12th-century Old Town Hall. Cruise to Nuremberg to choose from three guided excursions-a guided tour of Roth, a Nuremberg city sightseeing, or a tour of the notorious Nuremberg Rally Grounds of WWII. From Nuremberg, join a full-day excursion to Munich before sailing to Frankfurt for guided sightseeing. Cruise to Rüdesheim and through the magnificent Rhine Gorge. Your European river cruise stops in splendid Strasbourg, France, with its Gothic-style cathedral towering above its stained glass and murals, before cruising to Breisach, Germany-gateway to the magical Black Forest. Enjoy a day of storybook surroundings, sumptuous bakery specialties (such as Black Forest Cake), and a glimpse into generations of authentic Bavarian life. Your river cruise on the Danube, Rhine, and Main Rivers concludes in Basel, Switzerland.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) | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Nov 4, 2026 Beer Lovers(WBZ-T1) For beer enthusiasts, a knowledgeable Beer Expert joins your cruise to host lectures, beer tasting, and food-and-beer-pairings for an authentic Holland and Belgium River cruise experience. | Avalon Tranquility II | $6,293 | 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 BUDAPEST (EMBARKATION), HUNGARY
Welcome to Hungary. Your Suite Ship® is Ready for Boarding.Flights into Budapest must arrive by 2 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.EVENING/OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO VIENNA
(D)
Day 2 VIENNA, AUSTRIA
Viennese Waltzes on the 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)
Day 3 VIENNA
Royal Collections and Amusing Attractions
Active
Explore Vienna's Danube Island by bike with your Adventure Host, OR;
Classic
After a short walk of Vienna, join a Guided Visit of Austria’s largest museum, the legendary Kunsthistorisches Museum (Museum of Fine Arts), 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.
OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO DÜRNSTEIN
(B,L,D)
Day 4 DÜRNSTEIN–WACHAU VALLEY
A King’s Ransom and Castle Ruins
Classic
Join a Guided Walk, and hear the legendary tale of King Richard the Lionheart—who was imprisoned in the castle above the village during the Crusades.
Active
Alternatively, experience Danube's cycle path, follow your Adventure Host for a bike ride along the Danube.
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.
Discovery
Enjoy the flavors of the Wachau Valley with a Wine Tasting on board.
EVENING/OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO PASSAU
(B,L,D)
Day 5 PASSAU, GERMANY
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)
Day 6 REGENSBURG
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)
Day 7 ROTH. EXCURSION TO NUREMBERG
Legends and History Lessons
Discovery
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.
EVENING CRUISE TO NUREMBERG
(B,L,D)
Day 8 NUREMBERG–EXCURSION TO MUNICH
A King’s Palace and Town Halls
Classic
Take a full-day Guided Tour of the highlights of fascinating Munich. See Nymphenburg Palace—a former residence of German monarchs, along with the old and new Town Halls of Marienplatz.
EVENING/OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO BAMBERG
(B,D)
Day 9 BAMBERG
The City of Seven Hills
Visit the Adventure Center for today’s activities with your Adventure Host.Active
Your bike is ready! Hop on and bike along the canals in Bamberg with your Adventure Host, OR:
Classic
Take a Guided Walking Tour of the historic home to imperial dynasties, and see its Romanesque cathedral, Old Town Hall, and seven hills crowned with churches.
AFTERNOON/OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO WÜRZBURG
(B,L,D)
Day 10 WÜRZBURG
A Perfect Day in the Pearl of the Romantic Road
You may choose to join a Guided Optional Excursion to the beautiful Bavarian town of Rothenburg. See the local sights and enjoy the fairytale atmosphere that has inspired artists. Active
Explore Würzburg's charm by bike with your Adventure Host, OR:
Classic
Take a Guided Sightseeing Tour of Würzburg with its Old Main Bridge, towering fortress, and baroque Bishop’s Residenz—with the largest known ceiling fresco.
EVENING/OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO MILTENBERG
(B,L,D)
Day 11 MILTENBERG
Beauty on the Main River
Classic
Join a Guided Walking Tour of Miltenberg, a showcase of medieval half-timber homes and home to Germany’s oldest inn.
EVENING/OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO FRANKFURT
(B,L,D)
Day 12 FRANKFURT. EXCURSION TO SELIGENSTADT
Charm in Frankfurt
Active
Enjoy a biking experience in the city of Frankfurt with your Adventure Host, OR:
Discovery
Take a Guided Tour to Seligenstadt—one of Germany’s oldest towns and home to the Einhard Basilika—dubbed “minor basilica” in 1925 by Pope Pius XI, OR:
Classic
Join a Guided Sightseeing Tour of Frankfurt to see the city’s cultural landmarks and gleaming financial headquarters combined with the cozy ambience of quaint neighborhoods.
EVENING/OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO BOPPARD
(B,L,D)
Day 13 BOPPARD
A Peaceful Jewel in the Rhine Gorge
This afternoon, relax on the Sky Deck with views of the spectacular Rhine Gorge en route to Rüdesheim.RÜDESHEIM–RHINE GORGE
Eat, Drink, and Be Merry in Wine Country
Active
Enjoy a hike with your Adventure Host through the picturesque vineyards of Rüdesheim, OR:
Discovery
Tour the incredible Mechanical Music Museum for a one-of-a-kind instrumental experience; based on your departure enjoy a local special treat.
EVENING/OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO STRASBOURG
(B,L,D)
Day 14 STRASBOURG, FRANCE
A Grand Cathedral and La Petite France
Join your Adventure Host for today’s special activities. Classic
Come along for City Sightseeing, including the city’s Gothic, stained-glass cathedral with its celebrated ancient murals and astronomical clock, as well as the magical La Petite France District.
EVENING/OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO BREISACH
(B,L,D)
Day 15 BREISACH, GERMANY. EXCURSION TO BLACK FOREST
German Winemaking and the Beautiful Black Forest
Active
Enjoy the view on a relaxing bike ride along the Rhine with your Adventure Host, OR:
Discovery
Join a full-day Guided Tour to the magical Black Forest to experience the Vogtsbauernohf open-air-museum, visit an authentic water mill, and see a traditional butter-making demonstration, OR:
Classic
Join A Guided Tour to explore Freiburg’s medieval city center, sheltered by the Black Forest amid vineyards and gardens of the Upper Rhine Valley.
EVENING/OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO BASEL
(B,L,D)
Day 16 BASEL, SWITZERLAND (DISEMBARKATION)
Your cruise ends this morning with breakfast.Departure flights should not leave Zürich airport before 10 am or Basel airport before 8 am.(B)
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