This timeless European river cruise vacation begins with two nights in vibrant Budapest, Hungary before sailing along the Danube River with exciting stops in Austria and Germany. Your Danube River cruise concludes in the golden city of Prague—the capital of the Czech Republic. In Budapest, Hungary’s lively capital, marvel at the eight bridges spanning the river and enjoy an introduction to the city by a local expert who shows you the must-see sights. Embark your Avalon Suite Ship® from Budapest and enjoy an amazing view of the landscapes of Bratislava while sailing. Vienna, Austria, offers stunning St. Stephen’s Cathedral, the Habsburg Palace, and the Vienna Opera House. In the heart of the Wachau wine region is Dürnstein, a 16th-century town with charming cobblestone streets and the baroque Stiftskirche with its luminous blue façade. In Melk, visit majestic Benedictine Abbey, one of Europe’s largest monasteries, and enjoy a tasting of some of the Wachau Valley’s famous Austrian wines. You’ll love a guided walk through Passau, with its narrow streets and beautiful Patrician houses. Further up the Danube River, you’ll arrive at the medieval walls of Regensburg—the only German city not bombed during WWII. Your last stop is the 1000-year-old city of Nuremberg, where you’ll marvel at the medieval fortifications, extraordinary Gothic churches, and the Imperial Castle. Disembark and travel to beautiful Prague. See the sights with a Local Guide and enjoy exploring on your own. Stroll across Charles Bridge, mix with the locals on Wenceslaus Square, and shop for hand-cut crystal and art books. A perfect ending to a memorable river cruise vacation!
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Day 1 Budapest: | Welcome to Budapest! |
Day 2 Budapest: | Guided tour, see Heroes' Square |
Day 3 Budapest (Embarkation): | Onboard welcome reception |
Day 4 Vienna: | Scenic sailing, pass through Bratislava |
Day 5 Vienna: | Guided sightseeing |
Day 6 Dürnstein-Wachau Valley-Melk: | In Dürnstein choice of guided tour, or a hike up to the castle ruins with your Adventure Host; scenic cruise through the Wachau Valley; guided tour of the Benedictine Abbey in Melk; on board wine tasting |
Day 7 Passau: | Guided walk |
Day 8 Regensburg: | Guided walk, see Altes Rathaus (Old town Hall) and Porta Pretoria |
Day 9 Roth. Excursion to Nuremberg: | Lecture on board; choice of guided sightseeing in Nuremberg or Roth, or Nuremberg Rally Grounds tour; onboard beer tasting |
Day 10 Nuremberg (Disembarkation)-Prague: | Travel to Prague |
Days 11 Prague: | Guided sightseeing, see the Astronomical Clock and visit Hradcany Castle grounds |
Day 12 Prague: | Your vacation ends this morning |
Notes:- 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.
Day 1
BUDAPEST, HUNGARY Welcome to Budapest—Hungary’s Captivating Capital
The day is yours to relax and enjoy Eastern Europe’s shining city on the Danube
Day 2
BUDAPEST The Pearl of the Danube in the Heart of Europe
CLASSIC Enjoy a Guided City Sightseeing, including the iconic Heroes’ Square.
Take in the beauty of Budapest while enjoying a free afternoon 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
BreakfastDay 3
BUDAPEST (EMBARKATION) Time for Coffee, and Confections
With a free day to explore before your cruise, take time to take photographs on the Royal Palace grounds in this treasure trove of historical architecture. Try Budapest’s famous thermal bath spas, then lunch in a garden or rooftop eatery before boarding your Suite Ship®.
EVENING/OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO VIENNA
Day 4
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
BreakfastLunch
DinnerDay 5
VIENNA Royal Collections and Amusing Attractions
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.
Join a Guided Optional Excursion to Schönbrunn Palace— summer home of the Habsburg Empire.
Enjoy free time this afternoon to take a tram to visit Vienna’s Prater amusement park or one of the many museums nearby. You may also borrow a bike from the ship to explore Vienna’s square or the banks of the Danube.
Later, enjoy live entertainment on board.
OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO DÜRNSTEIN
BreakfastLunch
DinnerDay 6
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, OR:
ACTIVE Join a Hike up to the castle ruins with your Adventure Host for a spectacular view of the village, Danube, and the Wachau Valley below.
Enjoy coffee or a cocktail on the Sky Deck as you sail through the picturesque Wachau Valley to Melk.
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
BreakfastLunch
DinnerDay 7
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.”
Alternatively, join a full-day Guided Optional Excursion to Salzburg—the city of Mozart—or to the picturesque Bohemian town of Cesky Krumlov.
Meet your ship back in Passau after your full-day selected activity for sailing.
EVENING/OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO REGENSBURG
BreakfastLunch
DinnerDay 8
REGENSBURG Bavaria’s Medieval Miracle
Join your Adventure Host for today’s special activities.
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.
You may choose to join a Guided Optional Excursion to visit the Benedictine Monastery in Weltenburg.
Alternatively spend a free afternoon exploring Regensburg on foot or by bike through its charming streets.
This evening, enjoy live entertainment after dinner as you cruise toward Roth.
EVENING/OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO ROTH
BreakfastLunch
DinnerDay 9
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.
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.
DISCOVERY Later, indulge in a Beer Tasting on board.
EVENING CRUISE TO NUREMBERG
BreakfastLunch
DinnerDay 10
NUREMBERG (DISEMBARKATION)–PRAGUE, CZECH REPUBLIC Welcome to Prague! Explore the City of 100 Spires
Enjoy free time to explore the Golden City of Prague and its surrounding countryside. Consider sampling delicious plum dumplings and traditional Pilsner lager beside the Vltava River
Day 11
PRAGUE Gothic Cathedrals, Grand Castles, and Great Cuisine
CLASSIC Take a Guided City Walk, and visit the Hradčany Castle Grounds; see St. Vitus Cathedral, and Old Town’s Astronomical Clock.
Spend free time hiking the nearby hillsides, or stay in town to stroll the city of Prague to photograph its stunning cityscape.
You might catch the entertaining street performers, visit the market stalls at Charles Bridge, and sample Prague’s famous beer varieties in a local restaurant
BreakfastDay 12
PRAGUE Your vacation ends with breakfast this morning
BreakfastHotel Sofitel Chain Bridge
Deluxe
Szechenyi Istvan ter 2 Budapest Hungary
This elegant upscale property is located on the left bank of the river Danube, right in the heart of Budapest with Free Wi-Fi internet access throughout the property. The show kitchen restaurant serves refined French-Hungarian cuisine and the vibrant bar offers the chance to sip cocktails overlooking the illuminated Chain Bridge. Leisure facilities include an indoor pool, well-being & fitness center.
Budapest Marriott
Deluxe
Apaczai Csere Janos U.4 Budapest Hungary
This modern 364 room property enjoys a prime downtown location and offers convenience blended with style. Free Wi-Fi access is available in the lobby and the hotel has a fitness center with sauna and Jacuzzi. The trendy Mediterranean Grill restaurant serves tasty Hungarian dishes and the stylish lounge bar offers tapas style food and cocktails.
InterContinental Budapest
Deluxe
Apaczai Csere Janos utca 12-14 Budapest Hungary
Few would argue the InterContinental Budapest is in the city's best location: right on the Danube across from Castle Hill and the Royal Palace. With the Chain Bridge and the Parliament just steps away, there's no shortage of superb sightseeing opportunities. The Váci Utca shopping street, Central Market Hall and the Gellért Baths are also nearby.
Hilton Prague Old Town
Superior First-Class
V Celnici 7 Prague 1 Czech Republic
A contemporary 303 room hotel offering classic art deco inspired luxury. Free Wi-Fi internet access is available in the lobby, access in the rooms is subject to a fee (payable locally). There is also an indoor swimming pool and fitness center and the stylish restaurant offers an innovative mix of European cuisine with Asian flavors. Snacks, drinks and cocktails are served throughout the day in the lounge bar.
Cosmopolitan Hotel Prague
Deluxe
Zlatnicka 3/1126 Prague 1 Czech Republic
A stunning 106-room boutique hotel set in an historic townhouse that dates back to 1889, perfectly located on a quiet street in the heart of Prague's Old Town. Modern Czech cuisine is served in a trendy bistro style setting with an open plan kitchen. For relaxation and connectivity, there is a 24-hour fitness studio, sauna, and free Wi-Fi internet access is available throughout the property. The hotel is ideally located on a quiet street of the Prague Old Town, only a few steps from all important shopping and sightseeing attractions.
Art Deco Imperial Hotel
Deluxe
Na Porici 15, 110 00 Prague Czech Republic
An historic 126-room ornate property oozing old world glamour with architecture dating back to 1913. Free Wi-Fi access is available throughout the property. This hotel is home to the famous Cafe Imperial which specializes in traditional Czech cuisine with a modern twist and there is also a fashionable bar for drinks and snacks. The Spa offers a sauna, steam room as well as a fitness center.
Prague Marriott
Superior First-Class
V Celnici 8 Prague Czech Republic
Located in the heart of Prague, just a short stroll away from the Old Town Square and Charles Bridge, this sophisticated 239-room hotel combines a great location with top notch service. A smart grill restaurant serves both Czech and international cuisine, the relaxed hipster-styled Bourbon bar offers a great range of wines, cocktails and BBQ dishes. There is also an on-site Italian style café, fitness center, and free Wi-Fi connection is available throughout the property.
InterContinental Praha
Superior First-Class
Parizska 30 Prague Czech Republic
Contemporary 9-story Hotel situated in old Jewish Quarter, across the road from the Vltava River.
Alcron Hotel
Deluxe
Stepanska 40 Prague Czech Republic
Situated in the heart of Prague and close to Wenceslas Square, the National Museum, and State Opera. The Old Town Square and Charles Bridge are also within walking distance. All 204 Art Deco-style guestrooms have flat-screen TV, Nespresso coffee machine, and free Wi-Fi. The elegant lobby bar has a selection of special cocktails, a wide variety of spirits, beers, and wines. The on-site restaurants serve either fish, seafood, international, or traditional cuisine. Other facilities include a well-equipped fitness center with sauna and there is also a seasonal outdoor terrace.