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8 Day Avalon Waterways River Cruise from Budapest to Nuremberg 2025(WBN)
The Blue Danube Discovery
Starting from $3,359Ship(s): Avalon Imagery II, Avalon Passion, Avalon Tranquility II
Specialty Cruises: Festive Season
River Cruise Description
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, 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 Dürnstein, a 16th-century town with charming cobblestone streets and the baroque Stiftskirche with its luminous blue façade. 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!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) | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jun 12, 2025 | Avalon Tranquility II | Waitlist | Call Us! |
| Aug 9, 2025 | Avalon Tranquility II | $3,359 | Call Us! |
| Oct 16, 2025 | Avalon Tranquility II | $3,559 | Call Us! |
| Oct 22, 2025 | Avalon Imagery II | Waitlist | Call Us! |
| Dec 1, 2025 Festive Season(WBN-T3) At this time of year, the towns and cities are festively lit and decorated, each in its own particular style and taste. Christmas markets abound, and the strains of carols and aroma of gingerbread fill the air. | Avalon Passion | Waitlist | Call Us! |
| Dec 15, 2025 Festive Season(WBN-T3) At this time of year, the towns and cities are festively lit and decorated, each in its own particular style and taste. Christmas markets abound, and the strains of carols and aroma of gingerbread fill the air. | Avalon Passion | $3,734 | 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, HUNGARY (EMBARKATION)
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
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)
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
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 (DISEMBARKATION)
Your cruise ends with breakfast this morning.(B)
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