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Danube Dreams (Eastbound)

Vilshofen to Budapest - Example 8 Day Cruise aboard Avalon Impression
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Experience an unforgettable 8-day Danube River cruise aboard Avalon Impression, beginning in Vilshofen, Germany, and ending in Budapest, Hungary. Explore Passau’s charming Old Town and hike along the Ilz River. Sail through the dramatic Schlögen Oxbow and stroll Linz’s medieval Hauptplatz or visit Salzburg on an optional excursion. Marvel at the frescoed Melk Abbey and bike through the stunning Wachau Valley to Dürnstein’s castle ruins. Discover Vienna’s imperial history on a guided tour or bike along Danube Island. In Bratislava, walk the historic Old Town or hike up to Bratislava Castle for panoramic views. Conclude in Budapest with sightseeing, hikes, or free time to admire its iconic landmarks.
Hungary's Parliament building in BudapestPanoramic view of Budapest cityscapeMorning view on Bratislava cityEnjoy the tranquility of DurnsteinAdmire the artistry of Linz
Highlights
  • Hike Passau scenic trails and enjoy views along the Ilz River valley
  • Stroll Vienna gilded landmarks including the Imperial Palace comple
  • Discover Melk ornate abbey with frescoed ceilings and pipe organs
  • Explore Passau's cobblestone streets and galleries of Artists’ Alley
Activities
Places Visited
Activity Level: Variable
Activity options vary depending on destination and operator. Activity level is determined by the range and intensity of activities you choose to participate in. Discuss with your Trip Planner which options are best for you.
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Full Itinerary

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Day 1: Vilshofen | Embark

Welcome to Germany! Arrive in Munich by 2 pm and be on board the ship by 5 pm. Explore the ship and enjoy dinner. In the evening, cruise to Passau.

Day 2: Passau | Schlogen Oxbow

Where the Danube, Inn, and Ilz Rivers Meet
Start the day with a hike along the Ilz River or a guided city walk of Passau. Before cruising to Linz, enjoy free time to explore Passau’s streets, galleries, or St. Stephen’s Cathedral. In the afternoon, cruise through the Danube’s Schlögen Oxbow. In the evening, enjoy live entertainment on board. Overnight docking is in Linz.

Day 3: Linz, Austria

Legendary and Lovely Linz. Visit the Adventure Center for today’s activities with your Adventure Host.
  • Active Excursion- Join your Adventure Host for a bike ride along the Danube, OR:
  • Classic Excursion- 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 to the picturesque Bohemian town of Cesky Krumlov.

You may otherwise spend the afternoon on a biking picnic along the banks of the Danube or hike through Linz’s beautiful nature trails to Pöstlingberg for a bird’s-eye view of the city and river below.

Overnight cruise to YBBS

Below is a selection of excursions available for purchase on your cruise.

Sound of Music Salzburg
From Mozart to "The Sound of Music", this delightful excursion provides an in-depth look at both the city of Salzburg and its majestic surroundings.
10h 0m

Cesky Krumlov - A Sleeping Beauty Awakes
You'll feel like you've stepped right into the Middle Ages on this full-day excursion to Ceský Krumlov, the "Pearl of the Bohemian Forest".
9h 30m

Visit to Mauthausen Memorial
Tour the notorious Mauthausen Concentration Camp, one of WWII's largest and most brutal Nazi work camp complexes.
2h 30m

Day 4: YBBS | Melk | Wachau Valley | Durnstein

Frescoes Above and Vineyards Below
  • Discovery Excursion- Join a guided visit to two family-owned farms and discover how they produce delicious traditional specialties and products, OR:
  • Classic Excursion- Visit the Lower Austrian little town of Ybbs. Walk through the doors of Austrian history with a guided sightseeing tour of Artstetten Castle, OR:
  • Classic Excursion- Take a Guided Tour of Melk’s magnificent Benedictine Abbey to marvel at its frescoed ceilings, statues, incredible library, and ornate pipe organ.
Later, stretch out on the Sky Deck as you sail through the Wachau Valley past vineyards, castles, and charming villages on your way to Dürnstein.
  • Active Excursion- Alternatively, experience the Wachau Valley from a unique perspective, join your Adventure Host for a bike ride along some of Wachau’s bike trails.
Dürnstein
A King’s Ransom and Castle Ruins
  • Active Excursion- Join a Guided Hike up to the castle ruins to take in the spectacular view of the village, Danube, and the Wachau Valley below, OR:
  • Classic Excursion- Join a Guided Walk, and hear the legendary tale of King Richard the Lionheart—who was imprisoned in the castle here during the Crusades.
Later, enjoy live entertainment on board your ship.
Overnight cruise to Vienna

Day 5: Vienna, Austria

Viennese Waltzes on the Blue Danube
  • Active Excursion- Explore Vienna's Danube Island by bike with your Adventure Host, OR:
  • Classic Excursion- Enjoy a Guided Visit to House of Strauss and embark on an interactive journey through Vienna's illustrious past at an immersive audio-visual experience. After the tour, enjoy a coffee and homemade cake, OR:
  • Classic Excursion- Explore 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 grand 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 of the Habsburg monarchy.

Spend free time strolling in the pedestrian Kärntnerstrasse—the most famous shopping avenue in central Vienna. Take a bike ride through the city and stop in a local café to enjoy Sachertorte or Apfelstrudel.

This evening, enjoy an unforgettable musical performance with an Optional Excursion to attend a Royal Waltz Concert in an elegant hall.
Overnight cruise to Bratislava

While your trip includes many excursions, you may wish to explore other options to enhance your free time. Below is a selection of excursions that may be available for purchase on your cruise.

Schönbrunn Palace, Cultural Gem of Austria
Visit magnificent Schönbrunn Palace, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and former summer residence of the Habsburg imperial family.
3h 30m

Classical Concert
Enjoy a spellbinding evening of classical works by Mozart and Johann Strauss, performed brilliantly by professional Salon Orchestra Alt-Wien musicians in one of Europe's prettiest venues.
2h 45m

Day 6: Bratislava, Slovakia

Cathedral Coronations and a Crowning Castle
  • Active Excursion- Follow your Avalon Adventure Host on a hike to lofty Bratislava Castle, OR:
  • Classic Excursion- Take a Guided City Walk, including the quaint streets of Old Town, Town Hall, and the sight of royal coronations at St. Martin’s Cathedral.
Enjoy free time to discover on your own Bratislava, the beautiful capital of Slovakia, rich in history and culture, but also a green city with its forests and parks just a hop away from the city center.
Evening/Overnight cruise to Budapest

Day 7: Budapest, Hungary

Active: Hike up to a magnificent viewpoint in Budapest with your Adventure Host, OR:

Classic: Enjoy a Guided City Sightseeing, including the iconic Heroes’ Square.

This afternoon choose among a wide offer of Optional Guided Excursions or take in the beauty of Budapest while enjoying some free time 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. Overnight docking at Budapest.

Day 8: Budapest | Disembark

  • 1 Breakfast
Your cruise ends with breakfast this morning.

Ship/Hotel

Avalon Impression

Avalon Impression

The Avalon Impression, cruises along the Rhine, Main, and Danube Rivers. Onboard amenities include an alternative dining option, an expanded fitness center, and a spacious Sky Deck with premium lounge chairs, whirlpool, and light al fresco lunches at the open-air bistro.

Dates & Prices

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Deals

$599 Air or Save $1,000 30132
Book by February 28, 2026 on a select 2026 Avalon Waterways Europe river cruise and enjoy $599 round-trip economy air from select gateways or save $1,000 per person. This offer applies to new bookings only with a $550 non-refundable deposit and is valid for U.S. originating travelers. Additional restrictions may apply. Please contact us for details.
Applies to May 12, 2026 departure
Free Air or Save $1500 per person 30361
Book by April 30, 2026, a select 2026 Avalon Waterways Europe River Cruise and receive free round-trip economy air from major U.S. gateways or save $1,500 per person. A $550 non-refundable deposit is required at the time of booking. Offer is capacity-controlled, subject to availability, and may be withdrawn at any time. Additional restrictions may apply. Please contact us for details.
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Per person starting at
$4,030 2-3 travelers
Rates are subject to change without notice. Book early to get the best rate.
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, Extra blankets, Hairdryer, and Spacious 3-door closets.
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, Extra blankets, Hairdryer, and Spacious 3-door closets
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.
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.
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
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
  • Port Fees
  • 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
  • Cruise taxes
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
  • Porterage
  • Passport or Visa fees
  • Prices do not include airfare, taxes and other government-imposed fees

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