Begin this timeless Europe river cruise vacation in vibrant Budapest, Hungary, sail along the Danube River with exciting stops in Austria and Germany, and conclude in historical Nuremberg, Germany.
As you leave Budapest, you’ll sail past the splendid Parliament Building, and along Danube River, you’ll have Hungary on your left and Slovakia on your right as the river runs between both countries for a 58-mile stretch. Enjoy an amazing view of the landscapes of Bratislava while sailing. Vienna, Austria, offers stunning St. Stephen’s Cathedral, the Habsburg Palace, the Vienna Opera House, and much more. 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 Austria’s majestic Benedictine Abbey, one of Europe’s largest monasteries, and enjoy a tasting of some of the Wachau Valley’s famous wines.
You’ll love a guided walk through Passau, with its narrow streets, beautiful Patrician houses, and baroque architecture. Sail further up the Danube River, and you’ll come to the medieval walls of Regensburg, the only German city not bombed during WWII. Here, we’ll introduce you to some of Germany’s famous beers! The last stop on this memorable river cruise vacation is the thousand-year-old city of Nuremberg. During guided sightseeing, marvel at the medieval fortifications, extraordinary gothic churches, and the Imperial Castle. And in your free time, be sure to make a wish at the striking fountain on the Hauptmarkt (Main Square)—a perfect ending to a memorable river cruise vacation!
Complimentary wine, beer and soft drinks with lunch and dinner
Complimentary tea and coffee
Daily afternoon tea
Complimentary Wi-Fi
All tipping and gratuities
Port and airport taxes
Onboard local entertainment
Services of a professional Cruise Director
Cruise Map
Itinerary
Day 1Budapest (Hungary)
Embark your ship in Budapest. Evening and overnight cruise to Vienna. (D)
Day 2Vienna (Austria)
Perhaps start the day with a morning stretch with your Avalon 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. Dock overnight in Vienna. (B, L, D)
Day 3Vienna
Venture into the Habsburg empire this morning on a guided city tour of Vienna’s gilded landmarks; see the Imperial Palace complex, the historic Vienna Opera House and stunning St. Stephen’s Cathedral, or join a guided optional excursion to Schönbrunn Palace, a Habsburg Empire summer home for 300 years. This afternoon, enjoy free time to take a tram to visit Austria’s Prater amusement park or one of the many museums nearby. You may also decide to borrow a bike from the ship to explore the streets and squares of Vienna, or ride along the banks of the Danube at your leisure. Later, enjoy live entertainment on board. Cruise overnight to Durnstein. (B, L, D)
Day 4Dürnstein - Melk
Join a guided walk to hear the legendary tale of King Richard the Lionheart who was imprisoned in the castle above the village during the Crusades, or 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. Take a guided tour of Melk’s magnificent Benedictine Abbey to marvel at its frescoed ceilings, statues, incredible library and ornate pipe organ. Enjoy the flavors of the Wachau Valley with a Wine Tasting on board. Evening and overnight cruise to Passau. (B, L, D)
Day 5Passau (Germany)
Join a guided city walk to learn more about this beautiful “City of Three Rivers.” or 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 and overnight cruise to Regensburg. (B, L, D)
Day 6Regensburg
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. 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 and overnight cruise to Roth. (B, L, D)
Day 7Roth
Enjoy an on-board lecture about the Main-Danube Canal, linking these two rivers to make a vital connection enabling navigation between the North and Black Seas. 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 choose a guided sightseeing tour of Nuremberg with its medieval architecture, gilded fountain, gothic cathedral, and Kaiserburg Castle, or take a guided tour of the historic Nuremberg Rally Grounds, used by the Third Reich. Evening cruise to Nuremberg. (B, L, D)
Day 8Nuremberg
Disembark your ship in Nuremberg. (B)
The Blue Danube Discovery ItineraryFor navigational reasons the Captain of the ship reserves the right to modify the cruise itinerary. Key: B - Breakfast, L - Lunch, D - Dinner
