Danube Dreams

CruiseUK & Europe

24 Sept

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!

8 Day River Cruise from Budapest to Vilshofen

A Journey That Changes with the Seasons.

From the energy of summer to the softer rhythms of fall and spring, this iconic journey on the Danube reveals something special in every season. You may browse a vibrant summer market and take part in a hands-on cooking workshop featuring regional specialties. Enjoy the same legendary route, beautifully curated for the season in which you experience it.

Your Ship, Avalon Illumination

Shining bright in Avalon's award-winning fleet of Suite Ships, the Avalon Illumination features two full decks of Panorama Suites with wall-to-wall, floor-to-ceiling panoramic windows that transform your living space into river cruising's only Open-Air Balcony. With 200 square feet, Panorama Suites are more than 30% larger than the industry standard, affording you the incomparable opportunity to wake each morning to splendid passing scenery from your window-facing bed.

Stretch out on your Comfort Collection bed and cruise with the world at your feet. Onboard amenities include an alternative light dining option in the Panorama Bistro, a Fitness Center, complimentary Starlink Wi-Fi access, and a spacious Sky Deck with premium lounge chairs, whirlpool, and light al fresco lunches at the Sky Bistro on the Sky Deck. The Avalon Illumination truly shines on Europe's rivers.

Itinerary

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
Meals Included Dinner
The Pearl of the Danube in the Heart of Europe
Visit the Adventure Center for today’s activities with your Adventure Host.
Active Excursion Hike up to a magnificent viewpoint in Budapest with your Adventure Host, OR:
Classic Excursion Enjoy a Guided City Sightseeing, including the iconic Heroes’ Square.
This afternoon, choose among a wide selection of Optional Guided Excursions or take in the beauty of Budapest while enjoying some free time exploring such famous sights as the Chain Bridge. Get to know the city’s cafés and pubs or take a hike through the hills above the Danube.
- Evening/Overnight Cruise to Bratislava
Meals Included Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Optional Excursions for an Additional Cost
- Bites & Highlights of Budapest. Experience some of Budapest's most famous sights and most delectable foods on this unique guided foodie tour!
- Art & Architecture of Budapest. Travel back to the Golden Age of Budapest's Belle Époque on this captivating guided excursion featuring Andrássy Avenue where you will visit the crown jewel of Budapest: the incomparable Hungarian State Opera House!
Cathedral Coronations and a Crowning Castle
Active Excursion Follow your Avalon Adventure Host on a hike to lofty Bratislava Castle, OR:
Classic Excursion 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.
Later, enjoy free time to discover on your own Bratislava, the beautiful capital of Slovakia, rich in history and culture, but also a green city with its forests and parks just a hop away from the city center.
This evening, enjoy live entertainment on board your ship.
- Overnight Cruise to Vienna
Meals Included Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Strauss, Schnitzel, Strudel, and Sachertorte
Active Excursion Explore Vienna's Danube Island by bike with your Adventure Host, OR:
Classic Excursion Enjoy a Guided Visit to House of Strauss and embark on an interactive journey through Vienna's illustrious past at an immersive audio-visual experience. After the tour, enjoy a coffee and homemade cake, OR:
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.
You may decide to take a Guided Optional Excursion to Schönbrunn Palace—the former imperial summer home of the Habsburg monarchy.
Spend free time strolling in the pedestrian Kärntnerstrasse—the most famous shopping avenue in central Vienna or take a bike ride through the city and stop in a local café to enjoy Sachertorte or Apfelstrudel.

This evening, enjoy an unforgettable musical performance with an Optional Excursion to attend a Royal Waltz Concert in an elegant hall.
- Overnight Cruise to Dürnstein
Meals Included Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Optional Excursions for an Additional Cost
- Schönbrunn Palace, Cultural Gem of Austria. Visit magnificent Schönbrunn Palace, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and former summer residence of the Habsburg imperial family.
- Classical Concert. Enjoy a spellbinding evening of classical works by Mozart and Johann Strauss, performed brilliantly by professional Salon Orchestra Alt-Wien musicians in one of Europe's prettiest venues.
A King’s Ransom and Castle Ruins
Active Excursion 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 Excursion Join a Guided Walk, and hear the legendary tale of King Richard the Lionheart—who was imprisoned in the castle during the Crusades.
Later, stretch out on the Sky Deck as you sail through the Wachau Valley past vineyards, castles, and charming villages on your way to Ybbs
Active Excursion Alternatively join your Adventure Host for a bike along the river.Overnight Cruise to Kehl
Ybbs. Excursion to Melk
Frescoes Above and Vineyards Below
Classic Excursion Walk through the doors of Austrian history with a guided sightseeing tour of Artstetten Castle, OR:
Take a Guided Tour of Melk’s magnificent Benedictine Abbey to marvel at its frescoed ceilings, statues, incredible library, and ornate pipe organ.
This evening, enjoy live entertainment on board.
- Evening/Overnight Cruise to Linz
Meals Included Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Legendary, Lovely Linz
Ask about today’s energizing or relaxing Adventure Host activities.
Classic Excursion 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, OR:
Active Excursion Experience Danube's cycle path, follow your Adventure Host for a bike ride around the area of Linz.
Alternatively, consider a full-day Guided Optional Excursion to Salzburg—the city of Mozart—or to the picturesque Bohemian town of Cesky Krumlov.
- Overnight Docking in Linz
Excursion to Strasbourg, France
Meals Included Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Optional Excursions for an Additional Cost
- Sound of Music Salzburg. From Mozart to "The Sound of Music", this delightful excursion provides an in-depth look at both the city of Salzburg and its majestic surroundings.
- Cesky Krumlov - A Sleeping Beauty Awakes. You'll feel like you've stepped right into the Middle Ages on this full-day excursion to Ceský Krumlov, the "Pearl of the Bohemian Forest".
- Visit to Mauthausen Memorial. Tour the notorious Mauthausen Concentration Camp, one of WWII's largest and most brutal Nazi work camp complexes.
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 Excursion Join your Avalon Adventure Host for Hiking from Oberhaus along a trail down to the valley and along Ilz River, OR:
Classic Excursion Take a Guided City Walk into Passau, the beautiful “City of Three Rivers.”
Before sailing to Vilshofen, take a little free time to explore Passau’s cobblestone streets and galleries of Artists’ Alley. Maybe stop at St. Stephen’s Cathedral to catch a concert rehearsal.
Enjoy a short sailing to Vilshofen.
- Overnight Docking in Vilshofen
Meals Included Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Your cruise ends with breakfast this morning.
Flights should not leave Munich airport before 8 am.
Meals Included Breakfast

Cruise Inclusions

8-Day River Cruise from Budapest, Hungary to Vilshofen, Germany along the iconic Danube River
Accommodation 7 nights aboard your Avalon Suite Ship®, featuring Panorama Suites and premium onboard amenities
Included Meals 7 breakfasts, 6 lunches and 7 dinners
Choose Your Style of Discovery A wide range of Active, Discovery and Classic excursions are included throughout the journey, allowing you to tailor each day to your interests
Tour Director & Adventure Host Expert guidance, local insight and onboard enrichment throughout the cruise

Book by 12 October 2026 and save $6,000 per couple on select 2027 Avalon Waterways Europe cruises. From $4,940 per person share twin, save $3,000 per person

*From pricing listed above is based on the departure date 21 Mar 2027 in a Deluxe Stateroom. Personalize your Trip: Start sooner, Stay longer. Extend your journey with an extra 2 nights in Prague from $6,263pp share twin, save $3,000 per person, in a Deluxe Stateroom, on the same departure date. The listed price does not include your airfare, taxes, or fees. Contact your Travel Expert to receive an air quote and a final cruise quote. Offer applies to new bookings only and is not transferable.

- In the event of technical or water level issues, it may be necessary to operate the itinerary by motorcoach or alter the program, including hotel overnight when necessary.
- Guided Tours, Optional Excursions, activities, sailing and docking schedules may be contingent on weather conditions or other issues outside of our control and could therefore be subject to change at any time.
- Please check visa requirements with your local consulate(s); responsibility for obtaining visas rests with the traveler.
- Gateway city for departures is Zürich.
- Avalon offers the opportunity for solo travelers to sail with no single supplement (subject to availability).
- Please call for single accommodation details and prices. Triples not available.

Terms & Conditions Pricing is to be used as a guide only and is subject to availability at the time of booking. Book select 2027 Avalon Waterways Europe River cruises and save $3,000 per person. Savings are dependent upon cruise and cabin availability and will be confirmed at the time of reservation. Applicable cruise dates and savings can be viewed online on each cruise's dates & prices page. Offer applicable across all cabin categories. Offer valid for new 2027 bookings made and deposited by 12 Oct 2026 or until sold out. Non-refundable, non-transferable deposit of $750 per person/per cruise required at time of booking to secure reservation and offers. Cruises including intra-tour flights require additional deposit, confirmed at time of reservation. Offers cannot be combined with any other promotion except Welcome Back Credit and/or Second Tour Discount (may be applied when multiple cruises are booked at the same time for travel within the same calendar year). Offer applies to new 2027 bookings only and cannot be applied retrospectively. Offer applicable for singles - single supplement applies. Offer can be withdrawn or amended at any time without notice. Additional restrictions may apply.

Travel agent service fees and credit card fees may apply. For full terms & conditions, current availability and pricing for your preferred departure date, please contact our Wanderlust Travel Experts for details

Interested in this experience? Mention this Deal Code: 1107 when speaking with your travel agent. Don't have an agent? Click here to connect with one of our experts.

Avalon WaterwaysRiver CruiseHungaryGermanyAustria

Karen McMahon