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Enjoy the tranquility of Durnstein

Danube Dreams (Westbound)

Example 8 Day Cruise aboard Avalon Illumination
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Begin the European river cruise in Budapest. Set sail on the Danube, take pictures of the impressive Parliament Building as you leave Budapest, and head for Bratislava, the capital of Slovakia. Enjoy a guided walk through the delightful Old Town and visit the gothic St. Martin’s Cathedral. Vienna, Austria, the “City of Music,” makes an immediate impression with its lavish Habsburg Imperial Palace and neo-renaissance Vienna Opera House. A memorable last stop on this delightful Danube River cruise vacation would be at Passau, Germany, the “City of Three Rivers,” which is uniquely located where the Inn, Ilz, and Danube rivers converge. It has a maze of narrow cobblestone streets lined with beautiful Patrician houses, and St. Stephen’s Cathedral, a masterpiece of baroque architecture. Finally, disembark at Deggendorf.
Explore the charming Austrian town of LinzCruise down the charming Wachau valleyAdmire the architecture of PassauDiscover the gorgeous architecture of BudapestEnjoy the tranquility of Durnstein
Highlights
  • Join a guided city walk and see St. Martin’s Cathedral.
  • Walk to learn more about this beautiful “City of Three Rivers.”
  • Take a Guided City Sightseeing, including the iconic Heroes’ Square.
  • Relax and enjoy the city with time for photographs, cafés, and confections.
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.
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Full Itinerary

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Day 1: Budapest | 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
Enjoy a guided city sightseeing, including the iconic Heroes’ Square. Take in the beauty of Budapest while enjoying a free afternoon 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.

Day 3: Bratislava, Slovakia

  • Ship
  • 1 Breakfast, 1 Lunch, 1 Dinner
Take a guided city walk, including the quaint streets of Old Town, Town Hall, and fantastic St. Martin’s Cathedral. Enjoy some free time to take Nordic walking sticks from the ship and hike to Bratislava Castle. Later, enjoy live entertainment on board.

Day 4: Vienna

  • Ship
  • 1 Breakfast, 1 Lunch, 1 Dinner
Visit Austria’s largest art museum, the Kunsthistorisches Museum, including the Kuntskammer’s remarkable collection of more than 2,100 valuable objects, which were collected through the centuries by the emperors and archdukes of Habsburg.  Venture into the Habsburg Empire with a morning guided city tour of Vienna’s gilded landmarks. See the Imperial Palace complex—Winter residence of the Imperial Family, the historic Vienna Opera House, and stunning St. Stephen’s Cathedral.

You may decide to take a guided optional excursion to Schönbrunn Palace - the former imperial summer home and vast gardens with a history spanning 300 years of the Habsburg monarchy. In your free time, why not stroll through pedestrian Kärntnerstrasse - the most famous shopping avenue in central Vienna, or take a bike ride through the city and stop in a local café to enjoy authentic Austrian confections of Sachertorte or Apfelstrudel. Later 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.

Day 5: Durnstein | Wachau Valley | Melk

  • Ship
  • 1 Breakfast, 1 Lunch, 1 Dinner
DURNSTEIN

Join a guided walk, and hear the legendary tale of King Richard the Lionheart—who was imprisoned in the castle during the Crusades Join 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

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 at a Wine Tasting on board.

Day 6: Linz

  • Ship
  • 1 Breakfast, 1 Lunch, 1 Dinner
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 visit the picturesque Bohemian town of Cesky Krumlov. Feel free to enjoy the afternoon on your own to bike along the banks of the Danube with a picnic from the ship, or hike through Linz’s beautiful nature trails to Pöstlingberg for a bird’s-eye view of the city and river below.

Day 7: Passau

  • Ship
  • 1 Breakfast, 1 Lunch, 1 Dinner
This morning, cruise through the Schlögen Oxbow, a particularly beautiful horseshoe-shaped bend of the river. Join a guided city walk to learn more about this beautiful “City of Three Rivers.” Follow your Avalon Adventure Host for hiking from Oberhaus along a trail down to the valley and along the Ilz River. Spend a little free time before sailing to Deggendorf to walk the cobblestone streets and galleries of Artists’ Alley or peek into St. Stephen’s Cathedral to possibly catch a concert rehearsal.

Day 8: Deggendorf | Disembark

  • 1 Breakfast
Your cruise ends with breakfast this morning.

Flights should not leave Munich airport before Noon.

Ship/Hotel

Avalon Illumination

Avalon Illumination Dining Room
Avalon Illumination
Avalon Illumination Lounge

Dates & Prices

My Preferred Start Date

Per person starting at
$3,299
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.
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.
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.
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.
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
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
  • 7 Breakfasts, 6 Lunches, 7 Dinners
  • 7 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

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Beyond expectations! Then again we weren't sure what to expect. Lovely stay at the lodge, met other like-minded travelers (many had their trips planned by Adventure Life) and the owner was a gracious hostess. It felt like you were one happy family, visiting with a favorite aunt.
Nancy Sin
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