Through the natural beauty of Austria’s Wachau Valley, with stops in quaint towns and iconic cities, you’ll fall in love with this river cruise along the Danube River.
Board your ship in Vienna and set sail for Melk, where you will visit Austria’s majestic Benedictine Abbey, one of Europe’s largest, and where Benedictine monks still stroll amidst the sacred walls. From the Abbey’s terrace, you can take in the breathtaking views of the Danube River, and the surrounding countryside. Dürnstein lies in the heart of the picturesque Wachau Valley and is best known for its beautiful Stiftskirche with its blue façade. Above the town are the ruins of the castle where England’s Richard the Lionheart was imprisoned.
Continue your European river cruise to Bratislava, the capital of Slovakia. This dynamic city lies at the foothills of the Carpathian Mountains. There’s sightseeing with a local expert and a visit to the gothic St. Martin’s Cathedral, the coronation church for Hungary during the 16th to 19th centuries. Then it’s on to Budapest, Hungary, where your Danube river cruise vacation ends. This Danube River cruise is a must to see Austria’s striking beauty, Budapest’s shining city, and all the splendid spots between on your European river cruise vacation of a lifetime.
V119 Operated by Avalon Waterways
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Vienna to Budapest
Day 1 - Vienna (Austria)
Embark your ship in Vienna (D)
Day 2 - Melk
Join a morning Guided Sightseeing Tour of Melk’s 11th-century Benedictine Abbey. Explore its frescoes, statues, library, and spectacular pipe organ in the monastery’s lofty perch above the Danube. Take a relaxing break on the Sky Deck as you sail through awe-inspiring views through the Wachau Valley and the wine region surrounding Dürnstein. Join your Avalon Adventure Host for a hike up the hillside to castle ruins for breathtaking views. Spend free time at your leisure, perhaps biking through the vineyards in the Wachau Valley. Later, enjoy onboard entertainment by local musicians. (B,L,D)
Day 3 - Bratislava (Slovakia)
Join a Guided Sightseeing Tour of Old Town’s cobblestone streets to Town Hall. Visit the gothic halls of St. Martin’s Cathedral—Hungary’s centuries-old coronation church. Alternatively, in your free time take a bicycle and a picnic from the ship to explore the local sights along the Danube. (B,L,D)
Day 4 - Budapest (Hungary)
Disembark after breakfast (B)
Key: B - Breakfast, L - Lunch, D - Dinner
Budapest to Vienna
Day 1 - Budapest (Hungary)
Embark your ship in Budapest. (D)
Day 2 - Bratislava (Slovakia)
Join a Guided Sightseeing Tour of Old Town’s cobblestone streets to Town Hall. Visit the gothic halls of St. Martin’s Cathedral—Hungary’s centuries-old coronation church. Grab Nordic walking sticks and follow your Avalon Adventure Host on a hike to Bratislava Castle. Alternatively, take a bicycle and a picnic from the ship to explore the local sights along the Danube on your own. (B,L,D)
Day 3 - Melk, (Austria)
Join a morning Guided Sightseeing Tour of Melk’s 11th-century Benedictine Abbey. Explore its frescoes, statues, library, and spectacular pipe organ in the monastery’s lofty perch above the Danube. Take a relaxing break on the Sky Deck as you sail through awe-inspiring views of the Wachau Valley and the wine region surrounding Dürnstein. Join your Avalon Adventure Host for a hike. Spend free time at your leisure, perhaps biking through the vineyards in the Wachau Valley. (B,L,D)
Day 4 - Vienna
Disembark after breakfast (B)
Key: B - Breakfast, L - Lunch, D - Dinner