Have questions? We're here.
Evening light over Nuremberg

Magnificent Europe 2020

Westbound - Example 15 Day Cruise aboard Avalon Imagery II
Talk with an expert
Build your ideal Europe trip. Call 1.406.541.2677
Start Planning My Trip
This river cruise adventure begins with visits to three of Europe’s vibrant capital cities: Budapest, Bratislava, and Vienna while also visiting and exploring several quaint towns such as Dürnstein with its blue and white baroque Stiftskirche, Passau, known for its narrow cobblestone streets and the stunning St. Stephen’s Cathedral, and Bamberg, with its town hall straddling the River Regnitz. Enjoy guided tours in historic Nuremberg, Würzburg, and Regensburg—one of Germany’s best-preserved medieval cities. In the charming Rhine Valley town of Rüdesheim, enjoy a stroll through its famous cobblestone Drosselgasse lined with shops, restaurants, and lively taverns.
Explore the unique architecture of BambergExplore CologneExplore the inspiring AmsterdamHungary's Parliament building in BudapestEnjoy time in the cultural hub of ViennaEvening light over Nuremberg
Highlights
  • Take a tour of the Old Town's cobblestone streets to Town Hall
  • Venture into the Habsburg Empire with a morning tour of Vienna's landmarks
  • Visit the Benedictine Monastery in Weltenburg
  • Scenic cruise through the Rhine Gorge and see Siegfried’s Museum
  • Explore the Bavarian town of Rothenburg and enjoy its fairytale atmosphere
Activities
Activity Level: Relaxed
Involves minimal physical effort and is typically associated with leisurely activities. Activities are low-intensity or last less than a few hours each day.
0

Full Itinerary

Expand All

Day 1: Budapest, Hungary | Embark

Welcome to Hungary. Your suite ship is ready for boarding. Flights into Budapest must arrive by 3:30 pm. Guests must be on board ship by 5 pm.

The day is yours to relax and enjoy the city with time for photographs, cafés, and confections.

Day 2: Budapest

  • Ship
  • 1 Breakfast, 1 Lunch, 1 Dinner
Classic: Enjoy a guided city sightseeing, including the iconic Heroes’ Square.

The afternoon is free to enjoy Budapest on your own. Be sure to savor a piece of cream cake in one of the many cafés. Consider a scenic hike in the hills above the Danube.

Day 3: Bratislava

  • Ship
  • 1 Breakfast, 1 Lunch, 1 Dinner
Classic: 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, OR:

Active: Follow your Avalon Adventure Host on a hike to lofty Bratislava Castle.

Alternatively, in your free time take a bicycle and a picnic from the ship to explore the local sights along the Danube.

Day 4: Vienna

  • Ship
  • 1 Breakfast, 1 Lunch, 1 Dinner
Classic: Venture into the Habsburg Empire with a morning 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—the Habsburg empire summer home for 300 years.

You may also take a tram to Austria’s Prater amusement park or to one of the many museums nearby. Later, consider joining an Optional Excursion to attend Royal Waltz concert in an elegant hall.

Day 5: Dürnstein | Wachau Valley | Melk

  • Ship
  • 1 Breakfast, 1 Lunch, 1 Dinner
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: Take a guided hike up to the castle ruins to take in the spectacular view of the village, Danube, and the Wachau Valley below.

Later, stretch out on the Sky Deck as you sail through the Wachau Valley past vineyards, castles, and charming villages on your way to Melk.

MELK
Classic: Take a guided tour of the frescoed ceilings, statues, incredible library, and ornate pipe organ of Melk’s Benedictine Abbey.

Discovery: Later, enjoy a wine tasting on board as you prepare to sail to Passau

Day 6: Passau

  • Ship
  • 1 Breakfast, 1 Lunch, 1 Dinner
Classic: Join an afternoon guided city walk to learn more about this beautiful “City of Three Rivers.”

Alternatively, you may join a full-day guided optional excursion to Salzburg, the city of Mozart, or a full-day Guided Optional Excursion to the picturesque Bohemian town of Cesky Krumlov.

Day 7: Regensburg

  • Ship
  • 1 Breakfast, 1 Lunch, 1 Dinner
Classic: Join a guided city walk and 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 Roth.

Day 8: Roth | Nuremberg

  • Ship
  • 1 Breakfast, 1 Lunch, 1 Dinner
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 choose a guided tour of Nuremberg’s medieval architecture, gilded fountain, gothic cathedral, and Kaiserburg Castle OR join a guided tour of the historic Nuremberg Rally Grounds—used by the Third Reich.

Day 9: Bamberg

  • Ship
  • 1 Breakfast, 1 Lunch, 1 Dinner
Classic: Take a guided walking tour of the former home to imperial dynasties, and see its Romanesque cathedral, Old Town Hall, and seven hills crowned with churches.

Discovery: Attend an onboard lecture to learn about European history and culture.

Day 10: Würzburg

  • Ship
  • 1 Breakfast, 1 Lunch, 1 Dinner
Classic: Take a guided sightseeing tour of Würzburg with its Old Main Bridge, towering fortress, and baroque Bishop’s Residenz—with the largest known ceiling fresco.

You may choose to join a guided optional excursion to the beautiful Bavarian town of Rothenburg. See the local sights and enjoy the fairytale atmosphere that has inspired artists. Alternatively, spend your free time exploring the city or enjoying a local winery.

Later, enjoy onboard entertainment.

Day 11: Main River Village

  • Ship
  • 1 Breakfast, 1 Lunch, 1 Dinner
Start the day with a morning stretch with your Avalon adventure host.

Classic: Join a guided walking tour of a picturesque Bavarian village.

Spend free time riding a bike through the beautiful villages on the main river shores. Later, enjoy onboard entertainment as you cruise to Rüdesheim.

Day 12: Rüdesheim | Rhine Gorge

  • Ship
  • 1 Breakfast, 1 Lunch, 1 Dinner
Discovery: Tour the incredible Mechanical Music Museum for a one-of-a-kind instrumental experience; based on your departure enjoy a local special treat, OR:

Active: Enjoy a hike with your Avalon adventure host through the picturesque vineyards of Rüdesheim.

This afternoon cruise through the dramatic Rhine Gorge and see the famous rock of the Lorelei—where mythological siren lured ill-fated sailors to shore.

Day 13: Cologne

  • Ship
  • 1 Breakfast, 1 Lunch, 1 Dinner
Start the day with a morning stretch with your Avalon adventure host after an early sailing to Cologne.

Classic: Take a guided city walk of Cologne—explore the Old City and see its soaring twin-steepled Gothic cathedral, OR:

Discovery: Join a guided walking tour of Cologne’s important Jewish heritage sites.

Don’t miss the chance to enjoy free time over a glass of Kölsch pale lager—locally brewed for over 100 years!

Day 14: Amsterdam

  • Ship
  • 1 Breakfast, 1 Lunch, 1 Dinner
Classic: Explore the iconic waterways of Amsterdam with a guided canal cruise past stately homes of Amsterdam’s “Golden Age.”

In the afternoon you may join an optional culinary walk through Amsterdam to sample savory and sweet Dutch specialties. Or choose an optional biking tour to discover the countryside. You might also consider a guided optional excursion to Zaanse Schans to see historic windmills and charming Dutch houses.

Spend free time on your own to explore the colorful cafés, galleries, bridges, and canals of Amsterdam.

Day 15: Amsterdam | Disembark

  • 1 Breakfast
Your cruise ends with breakfast this morning.

Ship/Hotel

Avalon Imagery II

Avalon Imagery II
Avalon Imagery II Dining Room
Avalon Imagery II Dining

Dates & Prices

My Preferred Start Date

Per person starting at
Avalon Imagery II Deluxe Stateroom LayoutAvalon Imagery II Deluxe Stateroom
Select a Date
Cat. E
Avalon Deluxe Stateroom: 172 SQ. FT. Comfort Collection Beds, Bedside tables with reading lamps, L'Occitane bath products, Under-bed luggage storage, Complimentary bottled water, Individual climate control, Mirror in the bathroom, Full shower with glass door, Vanity, Memory foam mattress, European-style duvets.
Avalon Imagery II Deluxe Stateroom LayoutAvalon Imagery II Deluxe Stateroom
Select a Date
Cat. D
Avalon Deluxe Stateroom: 172 SQ. FT. Comfort Collection Beds, Bedside tables with reading lamps, L'Occitane bath products, Under-bed luggage storage, Complimentary bottled water, Individual climate control, Mirror in the bathroom, Full shower with glass door, Vanity, Luxurious mattress, European-style duvets.
Avalon Imagery II Panorama Suite LayoutAvalon Imagery II Panorama Suite
Select a Date
Cat. B
Panorama Suite: 200 SQ. FT. Comfort Collection Beds, Bedside tables with reading lamps, L'Occitane bath products, Under-bed luggage storage, Telephone, In-room safe, Contemporary design, Marble countertops in the bathroom, 6-person sitting area, Writing desk, Sofa, Memory foam mattress, European-style duvets.
Avalon Imagery II Panorama Suite LayoutAvalon Imagery II Panorama Suite
Select a Date
Cat. A
Panorama Suite: 200 SQ. FT. Comfort Collection Beds, Bedside tables with reading lamps, L'Occitane bath products, Under-bed luggage storage, Telephone, In-room safe, contemporary design, Marble countertops in the bathroom, 6-person sitting area, Writing desk, Sofa, Luxurious mattress, European-style duvets.
Avalon Imagery II Panorama Suite LayoutAvalon Imagery II Panorama Suite
Select a Date
Cat. P
Panorama Suite: 200 SQ. FT. Comfort Collection Beds, Bedside tables with reading lamps, L'Occitane bath products, Under-bed luggage storage, Telephone, Well-stocked minibar, In-room safe, Contemporary design, Marble countertops in the bathroom, 6-person sitting area, Writing desk, Sofa, Memory foam mattress, European-style duvets
Avalon Imagery II Royal Suite LayoutAvalon Imagery II Royal Suite
Select a Date
Royal Suite
Royal Suite: 300 SQ. FT. Comfort Collection Beds, Bedside tables with reading lamps, L'Occitane bath products, Under-bed luggage storage, Telephone, Well-stocked minibar, Marble countertops in the bathroom, Wall-to-Wall Panoramic Window with Open-Air Balcony, Full shower with glass door, Luxurious mattress toppers, European-style duvets.
Included
  • 14 Breakfasts, 13 Lunches, 14 Dinners
  • 14 Nights Accommodations
  • Accommodations as listed
  • Ground transportation as listed
  • Activities as listed
  • Meals as listed
  • Access to a 24-7 Emergency line while traveling
  • Onboard Adventure Center with active gear, bikes, maps, canoe, kayak and jogging excursions
  • Wifi
  • Complimentary fresh fruit available daily
  • Captain’s Welcome and Farewell Receptions
  • Club Lounge with 24-hour self-serve beverage station with complimentary cappuccinos, lattes, tea, hot chocolate & premium coffees, as well as treats throughout the day
  • Panoramic windows
  • Friendly, English-speaking crew & Cruise Director
  • Sky Deck with whirlpool, shade awnings, game area and premium lounges
  • Complimentary sparkling wine with breakfast; wine, beer, or soft drinks with every lunch and dinner
Excluded
  • Gratuities
  • Travel Insurance
  • Personal Expenses
  • Flight costs (please request a quote)
  • Additional excursions during free time
  • Fuel and transportation surcharges (when applicable)
  • Alcohol, beverages, and food outside of the contracted menu as presented at a hotel or restaurant or on board your vessel
  • Port Fees
  • Porterage
  • Passport or Visa fees

Map

Inquire

* By providing your phone number, you consent to receive direct phone calls or SMS messages from our Trip Planners to get the process started. We do not share your information with third-parties.
Travel Agents

We Love to Talk Travel

Call 1.800.344.6118
or
Chat Now
The trip might have been the absolute best of our lifetime (thus far). We particularly want to commend our guide Peter in the Guilin area-he was so incredibly attentive, energetic, enthusiastic-and absolutely dedicated to ensuring that our meals were 100% vegetarian.
Jack Charney
More Reasons

Why Travel With Adventure Life

All News

Recognized By