This river cruise begins in the Rhine River in Basel then will sail to Breisach for a Black Forest excursion and to the city of Strasbourg along the way. Sail to Rüdesheim and through the spectacular Rhine Gorge. The modern and charming city of Frankfurt is also on your route along the Rhine then sail on the Main River to visit an authentic village. Visit Würzburg, and take a guided tour of Bamberg, before reaching Nuremberg. Cruise along the Danube river to visit Passau, Melk, and Vienna before ending the cruise in Budapest.
Highlights
See Siegfried’s Mechanical Musical Instrument Museum in Rüdesheim
Come along for some city sightseeing in Strasbourg
Take a tour of Melk's magnificent Benedictine Abbey
Visit Vienna's gilded landmarks such as the Imperial Palace complex
Enjoy the flavors of the Wachau Valley with a wine tasting on board
Involves minimal physical effort and is typically associated with leisurely activities. Activities are low-intensity or last less than a few hours each day.
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.
Active: Join your Avalon adventure host for an early scenic walk.
Classic: Join a city tour of Strasbourg’s sights, including gothic, stained-glass cathedral with its celebrated ancient murals and astronomical clock, as well as the magical La Petite France District.
You may also choose to join a guided optional excursion to the historic Maginot Line--an impressive installation of pre-WWII defensive fortifications designed to protect the eastern border of France or visit Alsace’s wine country today.
Alternatively, take some free time in Strasbourg to visit a museum, or stroll across the city center.
Active: Enjoy a hike with your Avalon adventure host through the picturesque vineyards of Rüdesheim, OR:
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: Take an open-air cable car ride to the Niederwald Monument, then ride or walk back down through the vineyards; based on your departure enjoy a local special treat.
This afternoon, stretch out on the sky deck as you pass through the spectacular Rhine Gorge on your way to Boppard.
BOPPARD
Take a free afternoon to relax, or explore the Rheinallee Promenade for delicatessen fare with a cup of German coffee or glass of Riesling wine. Later, enjoy onboard entertainment before sailing to Frankfurt.
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.
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.
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 as you set sail for Bamberg
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.
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.
Start the day with a morning stretch with the Avalon adventure host, and dock in Roth for a day of fascinating excursions.
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 take a guided tour of the historic Nuremberg Rally Grounds used by the Third Reich.
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.
Discovery: Later, indulge in a beer tasting on board.
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 Passau.
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. Sail to Linz this afternoon, or join your ship after your selected full-day excursion.
LINZ
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.
Classic: Take a guided tour of Melk’s magnificent Benedictine Abbey to marvel at its frescoed ceilings, statues, incredible library, and ornate pipe organ, OR:
Active: 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.
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.
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 Budapest.
Classic: 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.
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.
$8,954
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Cat. E
Avalon Deluxe Stateroom: 172 SQ. FT.
Comfort Collection Beds, Bedside tables with reading lamps, L'Occitane bath products, Under-bed luggage storage, Bathrobes & slippers, Individual climate control, Large mirror in the bathroom, Two windows, Writing desk, Memory foam mattress, European-style duvets, Extra blankets, Nightly turn-down service, Hairdryer, and Spacious 3-door closets with shelves
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Cat. D
Avalon Deluxe Stateroom: 172 SQ. FT.
Comfort Collection Beds, Bedside tables with reading lamps, L'Occitane bath products, Under-bed luggage storage, Individual climate control, Large mirror in bathroom, Two windows, Writing desk, Luxurious mattress, European-style duvets, Extra blankets, Nightly turn-down service, Hairdryer, and Spacious 3-door closets with shelves
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Cat. B
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, Marble countertops in the bathroom, Wall-to-Wall Panoramic Window with Open-Air Balcony, Full shower with glass door, Memory foam mattress, and European-style duvets
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Cat. A
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, Marble countertops in the bathroom, Wall-to-Wall Panoramic Window with Open-Air Balcony, Full shower with glass door, Luxurious mattress, and 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, Marble countertops in the bathroom, Wall-to-Wall Panoramic Window with Open-Air Balcony, Full shower with glass door, Vanity, Coffee table, Memory foam mattress, and European-style duvets
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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, In-room safe, Marble countertops in the bathroom, Wall-to-Wall Panoramic Window with Open-Air Balcony, Full shower with glass door, Luxurious mattress, European-style duvets.
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
For full cancellation policy details, please contact us for a quote.
Included
15 Breakfasts, 14 Lunches, 15 Dinners
15 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
Our guide and driver were very good with their knowledge and were very helpful with our questions. It was a very pleasant visit that would have been impossible to do on our own. Hotels and restaurants were fantastic. The special places we got to go to, like the kitchens, were great. Enjoyed the entire trip!
Meyer Smolen
TrustScore 4.8 | 174 reviews
TrustScore 4.8 of 5
Based on 174 reviews on
1 day ago
The trip was not only memorable for the amount of animals we saw but also for the people and accommodations at the two camps where we stayed. Our first guide, BK, was a wealth of information about the animals, landscape and down to the plants and what they were used for. Everyday out was a learning experience with him. All the people at the camps were gracious and the food was excellent.
Our second camp in the Okavanga was just as good as the first as far as the staff, accommodations, food and animals. After our experience at the first camp we amazed that the high quality remained the same. Our guide, G, made sure we were able to enjoy every experience including a rush through the bush to witness a cheetah and an ensuing hunt that he heard over his radio.
In both camps there were enough guides out that if they saw something the other guides were informed which helped in seeing as much as possible. It was also nice that the concessions were large enough that we did not have vehicles following each other throughout the day.
Normally there is always something in a trip of this length that we think could be improved upon but this is the rare case where we cannot think of anything. From the time we left the States to when we returned it was one of the most hassle free vacations we took.
Perhaps emphasizing the use of the laundry facilities at the camps would be useful because of the luggage restrictions would be the only thing I can think of as an improvement to future clients.
Kenneth Dropek
2 days ago
Mary was so pleasant and professional. She made sure all of our questions were answered.
