From the rich history of Germany to the unique culture of Hungary, this Danube river cruise takes you to three countries, and the scenic beauty as you cruise past quaint towns, can be experienced right from your stateroom or atop the sky deck of your ship.
In Nuremberg, Germany, board your river cruise vessel docked on the Main Danube Canal and visit this thousand-year-old city with a Local Guide. Next, reach Regensburg, the only German city not bombed during WWII. Lovers of architecture will enjoy the many listed buildings of historic interest, and Porta Pretoria, gates to an ancient Roman fort built in 179 AD. And here you’ll taste local sausages at one of Germany’s oldest restaurants and we’ll introduce you to some of Germany’s famous beers.
Next stop is Passau, known for its narrow winding streets lined with Patrician houses, and the magnificent Italian baroque St. Stephen’s Cathedral. In Melk, you will visit Austria’s majestic Benedictine Abbey, one of Europe’s largest monasteries, which sits high on a bluff. Take in the breathtaking views before continuing through the picturesque Wachau Valley to the romantic sounds of Vienna, the “City of Music.” Your European river cruise vacation ends in Budapest, the capital of Hungary.
V105 Operated by Avalon Waterways
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The Legendary Danube
Day 1 - Nuremberg (Germany)
Embark your ship in Nuremberg. Explore your ship this evening and enjoy dinner on board. Dock overnight in Nuremberg. (D)
Day 2 - Roth
Start the day with a Morning Stretch with the Avalon Adventure Host, and dock in Roth for a day of fascinating excursions. Enjoy a Guided Sightseeing Tour of the Bavarian town of Roth - with its half-timbered houses, market square, and 1535 hunting lodge Schloss Ratibor, choose a Guided 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. 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. Later, enjoy live entertainment on board. Cruise to Regensburg this afternoon. (B,L,D)
Day 3 - Regensburg
Join a Guided City Walk of Old Town to see the 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 Passau. Cruise overnight to Passau. (B,L,D)
Day 4 - Passau
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. Sail to Linz this afternoon, or join your ship after your selected full-day excursion. Enjoy a free afternoon to linger in Linz. Take a bicycle from the ship and cycle along the Danube, or follow one of Linz’s many nature trails for a bird’s-eye view of the city and river below. Cruise to Melk this evening. (B,L,D)
Day 5 - Melk (Austria) - Vienna
Take a Guided Tour of Melk’s magnificent Benedictine Abbey to marvel at its frescoed ceilings, statues, incredible library, and ornate pipe organ, or join your Avalon Adventure Host for a Morning Hike through Melk’s beautiful countryside. Enjoy a coffee or a cocktail on the Sky Deck as you sail through the picturesque Wachau Valley to Vienna. This evening, you may choose to attend an Optional Excursion to a Royal Waltz Concert for an unforgettable evening of music in an elegant hall. Moor overnight in Vienna. (B,L,D)
Day 6 - Vienna
Venture into 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 historic Vienna Opera House and stunning St. Stephen’s Cathedral. 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 ship to explore the streets and squares of Vienna, or ride along the banks of the Danube at your leisure. Later, relax on board with live entertainment as you sail to Budapest. (B,L,D)
Day 7 - Budapest (Hungary)
Enjoy a Guided City Sightseeing, including the iconic Heroes’ Square. Take free time to enjoy Budapest’s famed thermal baths. You can also take a scenic hike in the hills above the Danube. Take time to explore the city’s cafés, pubs, and nightlife at your leisure.(B,L,D)
Day 8 - Budapest
Disembark after breakfast. (B)
Key: B - Breakfast, L - Lunch, D - Dinner