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8 Day Avalon Waterways River Cruise from Vilshofen to Budapest 2026(WDB)
Danube Dreams
Starting from $2,380Ship(s): Avalon Expression, Avalon Illumination, Avalon Impression, Avalon Passion, Avalon Tranquility II
Specialty Cruises: Culinary; Music Lovers; Wine Lovers
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 Dürnstein to see the famous blue and white Stiftskirche or take an excursion to visit the magnificent Benedictine Abbey in Melk. 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. 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 2, 2026 | Avalon Impression | $2,380 | Call Us! |
| Apr 5, 2026 | Avalon Passion | $2,580 | Call Us! |
| Apr 19, 2026 Culinary(WDB-T2) Indulge in legendary Central European cuisine on this culinary-focused cruise. With a Master of Wine on board for special culinary highlights throughout your cruise, you’ll sample regional specialties with onboard tastings and with a special dinner featuring a wonderful menu created just for you. | Avalon Passion | $2,930 | Call Us! |
| Apr 24, 2026 | Avalon Illumination | $3,030 | Call Us! |
| May 3, 2026 | Avalon Passion | $3,330 | Call Us! |
| May 12, 2026 | Avalon Impression | $3,680 | Call Us! |
| May 17, 2026 | Avalon Passion | $3,680 | Call Us! |
| May 26, 2026 | Avalon Impression | $3,430 | Call Us! |
| Jun 8, 2026 | Avalon Tranquility II | $3,330 | Call Us! |
| Jun 18, 2026 | Avalon Expression | $2,980 | Call Us! |
| Jun 20, 2026 | Avalon Illumination | $2,980 | Call Us! |
| Jul 4, 2026 | Avalon Illumination | $2,730 | Call Us! |
| Jul 14, 2026 | Avalon Impression | $2,730 | Call Us! |
| Jul 20, 2026 | Avalon Tranquility II | $2,730 | Call Us! |
| Jul 28, 2026 | Avalon Impression | $2,730 | Call Us! |
| Jul 30, 2026 | Avalon Expression | $2,730 | Call Us! |
| Aug 19, 2026 | Avalon Tranquility II | $2,830 | Call Us! |
| Aug 20, 2026 | Avalon Illumination | $2,830 | Call Us! |
| Sep 2, 2026 | Avalon Tranquility II | $3,730 | Call Us! |
| Sep 8, 2026 | Avalon Impression | $3,980 | Call Us! |
| Sep 22, 2026 | Avalon Impression | $3,730 | Call Us! |
| Sep 30, 2026 | Avalon Tranquility II | $3,730 | Call Us! |
| Oct 17, 2026 Music Lovers(WDB-T6) Stop at some of Central Europe's most splendid capitals and charming towns for a week rich of music events. | Avalon Illumination | $3,380 | Call Us! |
| Oct 31, 2026 Wine Lovers(WDB-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 | $2,730 | Call Us! |
| Nov 3, 2026 Wine Lovers(WDB-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 | $2,730 | Call Us! |
| Nov 17, 2026 Wine Lovers(WDB-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 | $2,530 | 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 DÜRNSTEIN
(B,L,D)
Day 4 WACHAU VALLEY–DÜRNSTEIN
A King’s Ransom and Castle Ruins
This morning, stretch out on the Sky Deck as you sail through the Wachau Valley past vineyards, castles, and charming villages on your way to Dürnstein.Active
Join a Guided Hike up to the castle ruins to take in the spectacular view of the village, Danube, and the Wachau Valley below, OR:
Classic
Join a Guided Walk, and hear the legendary tale of King Richard the Lionheart—who was imprisoned in the castle here during the Crusades, OR:
Classic
Take a Guided Tour of Melk’s magnificent Benedictine Abbey to marvel at its frescoed ceilings, statues, incredible library, and ornate pipe organ.
OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO VIENNA
(B,L,D)
Day 5 VIENNA
Viennese Waltzes on the Blue Danube
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 grand Vienna Opera House, and stunning St. Stephen’s Cathedral.
OVERNIGHT SAILING TO BRATISLAVA
(B,L,D)
Day 6 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 BUDAPEST
(B,L,D)
Day 7 BUDAPEST, HUNGARY
Monuments and Markets
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 8 BUDAPEST (DISEMBARKATION)
Your cruise ends with breakfast this morning.(B)
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