July 17-26, 2025
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 Melk to visit the magnificent Benedictine Abbey and Krems. 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. Sail to Esztergom for a visit to its Basilica and a Palinka tasting, then continue to Visegrad for a canoe excursion along the Danube river or a hike in the Danube-Ipoly National Park. 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.
COUNTRIES: AUSTRIA, GERMANY, HUNGARY, SLOVAKIA
RIVERS: DANUBE
Vilshofen, Germany – EMBARKATION
Board the Avalon Tranquility II and settle into your stateroom.
Where the Danube, Inn, and Ilz Rivers Meet
- ACTIVE EXCURSION
Follow your Avalon Adventure Host for Hiking from Oberhaus along a trail down to the valley and along Ilz River, OR:
- CLASSIC EXCURSION
Join a Guided City Walk to learn more about this beautiful “City of Three Rivers".
Before sailing to Linz, 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.
This afternoon, cruise to Linz through the Danube’s dramatic horseshoe bend called Schlögen Oxbow.
Legendary and Lovely Linz
Visit the Adventure Center for today’s activities with your Adventure Host.
- 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.
Consider a full-day Guided Optional Excursion to Salzburg—the city of Mozart, or to the picturesque Bohemian town of Cesky Krumlov.
You may otherwise spend the afternoon on a biking picnic along the banks of the Danube or hike through Linz’s beautiful nature trails to Pöstlingberg for a bird’s-eye view of the city and river below.
Later, enjoy live entertainment on board.
Frescoes Above and Vineyards Below
- CLASSIC EXCURSION
Take a Guided Tour of Melk’s magnificent Benedictine Abbey to marvel at its frescoed ceilings, statues, incredible library, and ornate pipe organ.
Later, stretch out on the Sky Deck as you sail through the Wachau Valley past vineyards, castles, and charming villages on your way to Krems.
KREMS–WACHAU VALLEY
An Ancient Village and Vintages of the Wachau Valley
- CLASSIC EXCURSION
Join a guided walk to explore this small valley town, seemingly untouched by the new world.
Strauss, Schnitzel, Strudel and Sachertorte Viennese Waltzes on the Blue Danube
- ACTIVE EXCURSION
Take a Guided Bike Tour along the famed Ringstrasse and pedestrian avenues of Vienna to see the city’s highlights from a unique perspective, - DISCOVERY EXCURSION
Take an Insider’s Tour of Vienna to get behind the scenes of her sights and attractions. You will meet locals, have the chance to prepare some food, and enjoy other surprises - CLASSIC EXCURSION
Take a Guided Sightseeing Tour of Vienna, including a tour of Belvedere Palace to see Gustave Klimt’s renowned “Kiss” painting.
Spend free time this afternoon strolling through the pedestrian Kärntnerstrasse then take a break for a piece of Sachertorte. Or enjoy an optional excursion in Schönbrunn.
OVERNIGHT DOCKING IN VIENNA
Feast for the Soul
- DISCOVERY EXCURSION
Enjoy a morning Guided Walking Tour to see the city in her best light, along with breakfast at a Viennese café, - CLASSIC EXCURSION|
Dive into one of the world’s most important museums with a Guided Tour of the Habsburg family’s private art collection at the Museum of Fine Arts, and enjoy Italian or Dutch master works
OR
Take a Guided Tour of the Museum of Fine Arts, followed by the Military Museum, commemorating the past of the Habsburg Empire.
This evening consider joining an Optional Excursion to attend a Royal Waltz Concert in an elegant hall.
OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO BRATISLAVA
Cathedral Coronations and a Crowning Castle
Join your Adventure Host for today’s special activities.
- ACTIVE EXCURSION
Follow your Avalon Adventure Host on a hike to lofty Bratislava Castle - 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.
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.
Later, relax on board with live entertainment.
OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO ESZTERGROM
Mountains Views and Pàlinka
- ACTIVE EXCURSION
Take an E-bike Guided Tour and explore the surroundings of the Pilis Mountains Region. Enjoy the view from the lockout point at Dobogókő, OR: - CLASSIC EXCURSION
Join a Guided Tour into the scenic Carpathian Basin for a visit of the ancient Esztergom Basilica that includes the traditional Pàlinka tasting in its impressive cellar.
Enjoy a brief cruise to Visegrad during lunchtime.
Jousting Tournaments and Dracula’s Tower
- ACTIVE EXCURSION
Explore Hungary’s beautiful Danube-Ipoly National Park and visit Count Dracula’s prison tower on a Hiking Tour, - ACTIVE EXCURSION
Take part in a Canoe Excursion through the picturesque Bend Region of the Danube for a truly unique perspective of one of the river’s most beautiful stretches - DISCOVERY EXCURSION
Join a Guided Visit to the Medieval Knights Tournament at Visegrád’s Lower Castle, featuring targeting and fighting demonstrations by members of the St. George Knightly Order.
Spend free time after your selected activities to explore Palotaház, where stonemasons, smiths, potters, and paper-makers produce their traditional items using age-old techniques.
This evening, enjoy a sailing into Budapest and magnificent views of the beautiful Parliament Building.
OVERNIGHT DOCKING IN BUDAPEST
War Heroes and Hot Water
- 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 offer 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.
OVERNIGHT DOCKING IN BUDAPEST
DISEMBARKATION - BUDAPEST
Disembark the ship as you prepare for your flight home
Special Discounted Group escorted by Kristi Howard
Exclusive Group Amenity: One Complimentary Pre or Post-Cruise Night OR $300 per Couple Savings
AN ARRAY OF AMENITIES
Breakfast, lunch, and dinner on board daily
Complimentary sparkling wine with breakfast; wine, beer, or soft drinks with lunch and dinner are included daily on board
Nightly Happy Hour
AvalonGO mobile app with itinerary information before and during your cruise
Complimentary Starlink Wi-Fi access on Europe Avalon Suite Ships®
State-of-the-art Fitness Center
Panorama Lounge with cozy seating, panoramic windows, and dance floor
AWARD-WINNING DINING
4-course dinner's in the Panorama dining room
Sky Grill with made-to-order al fresco dining
Casual lunch at the Panorama Bistro
Stay in with lunch or dinner Room Service
Daily High Tea
Picnic lunch with an Al Fresco basket
Club Lounge with 24-hour self-serve beverage station with complimentary cappuccinos, lattes, hot chocolate, and a selection of teas; cookies available throughout the day
A WORLD OF EXPLORATION
Avalon Choice® with your preference of Classic, Active, or Discovery included excursions and sightseeing with Certified Local Guides; and MyAvalonSM Guided Optional Excursions
Avalon Adventure Host available as your guide for fitness activities and active excursions
Adventure Center with Avalon Adventure Host assistance, active gear, bicycles, and fitness class information
Not Included:
Travel Insurance, highly recommended. Based on cost of trip, home state and ages of travelers.
Tips for local guides
Flights
Pre or post cruise hotels
Optional onboard extras: not included alcohol, spa treatments ,etc.
Transportation to & from ship
You may confirm this reservation with a $500 non-refundable deposit.
Final payment due on 4/18/2025.
Optional 2 nights Pre-Cruise land extension in Prague for $650 per person
Includes:
2 nights hotel in Prague with daily breakfast
Walking Prague city tour
Transportation from Prague to Vilshofen
Stop In Regensburg, Germany with city walking tour
Fixed, water level window
Lower Deck
172 sq ft.
Cruise fare
- Starting at $4,200 per person
Wall-to Wall Panoramic Window creating an Open-Air Balcony
Decks 2 or 3
200 sq ft.
Cruise fare
- Starting at $5,700 per person
Wall to Wall Panoramic Window creating an open air balcony
Deck 3
300 sq ft.
Cruise fare
- Starting at $7,900 per person