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8 Day Avalon Waterways River Cruise from Budapest to Vilshofen 2026(WBD)
Danube Dreams
Starting from $2,030Ship(s): Avalon Expression, Avalon Illumination, Avalon Impression, Avalon Passion, Avalon Tranquility II
Specialty Cruises: Wine Lovers
River Cruise Description
Cruise along the peaceful Danube River through Hungary, Slovakia, Austria, and Germany-discovering some of Central Europe's most splendid capitals and charming towns along the way. Begin this timeless European river cruise in Budapest, where guided sightseeing acquaints you with the highlights of the vibrant capital of Hungary. Set sail on the Danube, take pictures of the impressive Parliament Building as you leave Budapest, and head for Bratislava, the capital of Slovakia. Here, enjoy a guided walk through the delightful Old Town and visit the Gothic-style St. Martin's Cathedral. Vienna, Austria, the "City of Music," makes an immediate impression with its lavish Habsburg Imperial Palace and neo-renaissance Vienna Opera House. Enjoy the magnificent views as your river cruise takes you through the picturesque wine region of the Wachau Valley, with stops for a guided walk in Dürnstein and a visit to the impressive Benedictine Abbey of Melk. In Linz, walk around the Hauptplatz- Austria's largest medieval square, which forms the center of the city, and be sure to photograph the splendid Trinity Column. Passau, Germany, the "City of Three Rivers," is uniquely located where the Inn, Ilz, and Danube rivers converge. See its maze of narrow cobblestone streets lined with beautiful Patrician houses, and marvel at St. Stephen's Cathedral, a masterpiece of Baroque architecture. A memorable conclusion to this delightful Danube River cruise!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) | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mar 26, 2026 | Avalon Impression | $2,030 | Call Us! |
| Mar 29, 2026 | Avalon Passion | $2,130 | Call Us! |
| Apr 7, 2026 | Avalon Illumination | $2,580 | Call Us! |
| Apr 12, 2026 | Avalon Passion | $2,680 | Call Us! |
| Apr 19, 2026 | Avalon Impression | $2,930 | Call Us! |
| Apr 26, 2026 | Avalon Passion | $3,130 | Call Us! |
| May 10, 2026 | Avalon Passion | $3,680 | Call Us! |
| May 19, 2026 | Avalon Impression | $3,430 | Call Us! |
| May 28, 2026 | Avalon Expression | $3,430 | Call Us! |
| Jul 13, 2026 | Avalon Tranquility II | $2,730 | Call Us! |
| Jul 21, 2026 | Avalon Impression | $2,730 | Call Us! |
| Jul 23, 2026 | Avalon Expression | $2,730 | Call Us! |
| Jul 27, 2026 | Avalon Tranquility II | $2,730 | Call Us! |
| Aug 6, 2026 | Avalon Expression | Waitlist | Call Us! |
| Aug 12, 2026 | Avalon Tranquility II | $2,730 | Call Us! |
| Aug 27, 2026 | Avalon Illumination | $3,380 | Call Us! |
| Sep 23, 2026 | Avalon Tranquility II | $3,730 | Call Us! |
| Oct 10, 2026 | Avalon Illumination | $3,630 | Call Us! |
| Oct 24, 2026 Wine Lovers(WBD-T7) A Master of Wine will accompany you on this portion of your cruise with presentations, tastings, and wine pairings along the way. | Avalon Illumination | $3,180 | Call Us! |
| Oct 27, 2026 | Avalon Impression | $3,180 | Call Us! |
| Nov 10, 2026 Wine Lovers(WBD-T7) A Master of Wine will accompany you on this portion of your cruise with presentations, tastings, and wine pairings along the way. | Avalon Impression | $2,630 | 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 3:30 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.OVERNIGHT DOCKING IN BUDAPEST
(D)
Day 2 BUDAPEST
The Pearl of the Danube in the Heart of Europe
Visit the Adventure Center for today’s activities with your Adventure Host.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.
EVENING/OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO BRATISLAVA
(B,L,D)
Day 3 BRATISLAVA, SLOVAKIA
Cathedral Coronations and a Crowning Castle
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 VIENNA
(B,L,D)
Day 4 VIENNA
Strauss, Schnitzel, Strudel, and Sachertorte
Active
Explore Vienna's Danube Island by bike with your Adventure Host, OR:
Classic
Explore the Habsburg empire with a morning Guided City Tour of Vienna’s gilded landmarks. See the Imperial Palace complex—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 5 DÜRNSTEIN. EXCURSION TO MELK–WACHAU VALLEY
A King’s Ransom and Castle Ruins
Classic
Take a Guided Tour of Melk’s magnificent Benedictine Abbey to marvel at its frescoed ceilings, statues, incredible library, and ornate pipe organ, OR:
Classic
Join a Guided Walk, and hear the legendary tale of King Richard the Lionheart—who was imprisoned in the castle during the Crusades.
EVENING/OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO LINZ
(B,L,D)
Day 6 LINZ
Legendary, Lovely Linz
Ask about today’s energizing or relaxing Adventure Host activities.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.
Active
Experience Danube's cycle path, follow your Adventure Host for a bike ride around the area of Linz
OVERNIGHT DOCKING IN LINZ
(B,L,D)
Day 7 SCHLÖGEN OXBOW–PASSAU, GERMANY
Where the Danube, Inn, and Ilz Rivers Meet
This morning, cruise through the Schlögen Oxbow, a particularly beautiful horseshoe-shaped bend of the river. Active
Join your Avalon Adventure Host for Hiking from Oberhaus along a trail down to the valley and along Ilz River, OR:
Classic
Take a Guided City Walk into Passau, the beautiful “City of Three Rivers.”
EVENING CRUISE TO VILSHOFEN
(B,L,D)
Day 8 VILSHOFEN (DISEMBARKATION)
Your cruise ends with breakfast this morning. Flights should not leave Munich airport before 8 am.(B)
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