This Danube River trip embarks with an overnight cruise to Vienna, and cruise from Austria to Germany as you sail to Passau, then the Bavarian city of Regensburg to see the 12th-century Old Town Hall. Continue to Nuremberg for different guided tours of the historic Nuremberg Rally Grounds of WWII notoriety. Sail to Frankfurt and on to Rüdesheim and through the magnificent Rhine Gorge. This European river cruise takes you to the splendid Strasbourg, France, with its gothic cathedral towering above its stained-glass and murals, before cruising to the beautiful Breisach before ending your cruise in Basel.
Highlights
Visit Vienna's gilded landmarks such as the Imperial Palace complex
Take a tour of Melk's magnificent Benedictine Abbey
Enjoy the flavors of the Wachau Valley with a wine tasting on board
Come along for some city sightseeing in Strasbourg
See Siegfried’s Mechanical Musical Instrument Museum in Rüdesheim
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.
On the next day:
Classic: 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 the 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 Dürnstein.
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: Join a guided hike up to the castle ruins with your adventure host to take in the spectacular view of the village, Danube, and the Wachau Valley below.
MELK Classic: Take a guided tour of Melk’s magnificent Benedictine Abbey to marvel at its frescoed ceilings, statues, incredible library, and ornate pipe organ.
Discovery: Enjoy the flavors of the Wachau Valley with a wine tasting on board.
Classic: Join a guided city walk to learn more about this beautiful “City of Three Rivers", OR:
Alternatively, 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.
Classic: 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. Alternatively, 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.
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 join a guided sightseeing 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.
Discovery: Later, indulge in a beer tasting on board.
Classic: Take a full-day guided tour of the highlights of fascinating Munich. See Nymphenburg Palace a former residence of German monarchs, along with the old and new town halls of Marienplatz.
Classic: Take a guided walking tour of the historic home to imperial dynasties, and see its Romanesque cathedral, Old Town Hall, and seven hills crowned with churches.
After the tour, spend free time with a glass of German-style Rauchbier. Later, enjoy live entertainment on board.
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. Enjoy live entertainment on board while sailing tonight.
Classic: Join a guided sightseeing tour of Frankfurt to see the city’s cultural landmarks and gleaming financial headquarters combined with the cozy ambiance of quaint neighborhoods, OR:
Discovery: Take a guided tour to Seligenstadt, one of Germany’s oldest towns and home to the Einhard Basilika dubbed “minor basilica” in 1925 by Pope Pius XI.
Spend free time this afternoon exploring Frankfurt on your own. Later, enjoy live entertainment on board.
Take some free time to relax, or explore the Rheinallee Promenade for delicatessen fare with a cup of German coffee or glass of Riesling wine. This afternoon, stretch out on the sky deck as you pass through the spectacular Rhine Gorge on your way to Rüdesheim.
RUDESHEIM Discovery: Tour the incredible Mechanical Music Museum for a one-of-a-kind instrumental experience; based on your departure enjoy a local special treat.
Classic: Come along for city sightseeing, including the city’s gothic, stained-glass cathedral with its celebrated ancient murals and astronomical clock, as well as the magical La Petite France District.
Take some free time in Strasbourg to visit a museum, or stroll across the city center. Explore on your own along tree-lined streets with gingerbread-style houses reminiscent of Brothers Grimm within the very modern city of the European Parliament.
Discovery: Join a full-day guided tour to the magical Black Forest to experience the Vogtsbauernohf open-air-museum, visit an authentic water mill, and see a traditional butter-making demonstration, OR:
Discovery: Visit to Badische Winzerkeller, the largest German wine producer in Europe. Discover Germany’s southernmost wine country in Baden—ideally situated between the hills of the Black Forest and the Rhine River. Learn about the vintners’ process in the vineyards here, and enjoy a wine tasting.
You may choose to join a guided optional excursion to visit the charming village of Colmar in the morning, with its half-timbered medieval and early renaissance buildings.
Day 16: Basel, Switzerland | Disembark
1 Breakfast
Your cruise ends this morning with breakfast. Flights should not leave Zürich airport before 10 am or Basel airport before 8 am.
Apologies for the inconvenience. Prices for not yet published. Below per person rate based on previous season. Contact us to confirm upcoming season pricing.
Prices for are estimated based on inflation. Contact us to confirm pricing and availability for your desired departure date.
$7,098
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.
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.
Notes
Throughout the Ship:
Complimentary Wi-Fi
Panoramic windows
Elegant, contemporary design & decor
Friendly, English-speaking crew & Cruise Director
Sky Deck with whirlpool, shade awnings, game area, and premium lounges
Covered Observation Lounge
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
Suites & Staterooms:
Comfort Collection Beds with choice of mattress firmness
Egyptian super-combed cotton linens
Bathrobes & slippers
Premium L'Occitane bath products
Large bathroom featuring a shower with glass door
Flatscreen satellite TV with free movie channels
Individual climate control and in-room safe
USB Ports
Complimentary bottled water daily
And, much more.
Health & Fitness:
Bikes
Canoe, kayak and jogging excursions
Maps for hiking, biking, and jogging routes
Fitness and wellness activities
Fitbits®
All through your Avalon Adventure Host
Dining:
FlexDining for more venue and seating options, including flexible seating times in our Panorama Dining Room
Avalon Fresh healthy cuisine options at every meal
Complimentary sparkling wine with breakfast; wine, beer, or soft drinks with every lunch and dinner
Early and Late Riser breakfast options
Daily full buffet breakfast with made-to-order egg station, hot and cold menu items
Daily lunch buffet with pasta or carving stations
Alternative light lunch at Sky Grill on the Sky Deck (weather permitting)
Daily four-course a la carte dinner in the Panorama Dining Room with choice of appetizers, soups, salads, entrees, and desserts. Includes selections of regional recipes, Western dishes, and vegetarian options.
Enjoy a tasting menu with a view in the Panorama Bistro - a less formal "sit-down" atmosphere while lingering over several satisfying selections
Captain’s welcome & farewell receptions and dinners with sparkling wine and canapés
Panorama Lounge featuring premium spirits and Avalon specialty cocktails, along with local entertainment special guests
Cocktails available on the Sky Deck
Fresh fruit available throughout the day
Notes:
In the event of water level problems or any problems of a technical nature, it may be necessary to operate the itinerary by motorcoach or to alter the program.
Included visits and special features are subject to change. If a change is necessary, a substitute will be offered.
Please check visa requirements with your local consulate(s); responsibility for obtaining visas rests with the traveler.
Avalon has designedincluded activitieswith a choice of experiences.
Initial deposit is $450, and most travelers will call our office and pay the deposit with a credit card.
Final payment is due 100 days prior to departure by check, money order, Visa, MasterCard, Discover/Novus, and American Express. All final payments by credit card may be subject to a surcharge and maximum of $20,000 charge
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