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Panoramic view of Budapest cityscape

Danube Symphony (Westbound)

Budapest to Vilshofen - Example 6 Day Cruise aboard Avalon Expression
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Board the Avalon Expression in Budapest to embark on a 6-day European river cruise on the Danube. Begin with a visit to Slovakia’s quaint town of Bratislava for guided sightseeing along the streets of Old Town and St. Martin’s Cathedral. In Vienna, learn about the Habsburg Empire with guided sightseeing, and see the Imperial Palace complex, the Opera House, and stunning St. Stephen’s Cathedral. Explore Krems on a guided tour of a quaint, traditional town. Cruise through the Wachau Valley—home of charming villages and Austrian wines from its beautiful vineyards. Visit the 9th-century St. Florian Monastery or take a guided tour of Linz. Enjoy free time to taste the city’s famous pastries before cruising overnight to Vilshofen, Germany—a fitting finale of history, art, food, and wine on your Danube River journey.
Morning view on Bratislava cityVienna Opera House, AustriaCruise down the charming Wachau valleyColumn on Hauptplatz in LinzPanoramic view of VilshofenPanoramic view of Budapest cityscape
Highlights
  • Bike along Vienna’s picturesque Danube Island with expert guidance
  • Enjoy interactive wine tastings in Austria’s Wachau Valley
  • Visit St. Florian Monastery and learn Augustine Monks’ traditions
  • Tour Schönbrunn Palace, the former summer residence of Habsburg royalty
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: Budapest , Hungary | Embark

Welcome to Hungary! Please make sure your flight arrives in Budapest by 2:00 p.m., with all guests required to be on board the Suite Ship® by 5:00 p.m. Before boarding, enjoy some free time exploring the city—stroll the cobblestone streets, visit art galleries, sip coffee, or taste local sweets. This evening, join your fellow travelers for a welcome dinner as your cruise sets off overnight toward Bratislava.

Day 2: Bratislava, Slovakia

Cathedral Coronations and a Crowning Castle

Visit the Adventure Center for today’s activities with your Adventure Host.
  • Active Excursion- Follow your Avalon Adventure Host on a short hike to lofty Bratislava Castle, OR:
  • Classic Excursion- 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.
This evening, enjoy live entertainment on board.
Overnight cruise to Vienna

Day 3: Vienna, Austria

A Feast for the Soul in Vienna
  • Active Excursion- Explore Vienna's Danube Island by bike with your Adventure Host, OR:
  • Classic Excursion- Explore the Habsburg empire with a Guided City Tour of Vienna’s gilded landmarks. See the Imperial Palace complex —the winter residence of the Imperial Family, the iconic Vienna Opera House, and stunning St. Stephen’s Cathedral.
Optional tours today include a Guided Tour of magnificent Schönbrunn Palace, the former imperial summer residence of Habsburg royalty.
Alternatively you can choose to spend your free time strolling through Kärtnerstrasse, the most famous shopping avenue in central Vienna; stop in a local café to enjoy authentic Sachertorte or Apfelstrudel.

You may also choose to attend an Optional Excursion to a Royal Waltz Concert for an unforgettable evening of music in an elegant hall.
Overnight cruise to Krems

While your trip includes your choice of 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.
Duration: 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.
Duration: 2h 45m

Bites & Highlights of Vienna
Experience some of Vienna's most delectable foods and traditions on this unique guided foodie tour!
Duration: 3h 0m

Day 4: Krems- Wachau valley-YBBS

An Ancient Village and Vintages of the Wachau Valley

Join your Adventure Host for today’s special activities.
  • Active Excursion- Experience Wachau valley by bike with your Adventure Host, OR:
  • Discovery Excursion- Join an interactive Wine World Experience with wine tasting, OR:
  • Classic Excursion- Join a guided walk to explore this small valley town, seemingly untouched by the new world.
Relax on board and enjoy the picturesque Wachau Valley scenery as you cruise to Ybbs, affording you an incredible view of Melk Abbey from your ship.

YBBS
  • Discovery Excursion- Enjoy sweet interactive experiences and tastings of local Austrian products as you visit a pastry-baking workshop and an Austrian bee farm, OR:
  • 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.
This evening, enjoy live entertainment on board.
Overnight cruise to Linz

Day 5: Linz

History Lessons and Modern-Day Devotion
  • Active Excursion- Join an expert guide for a trek up to Mount Pöstlingberg for a whole new perspective of beautiful Linz and its surrounding area, OR:
  • Classic Excursion- Visit the 9th-century St. Florian Monastery—the largest monastery in upper Austria and home to Augustine monks, 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.
This afternoon, consider an Optional Excursion to visit Mauthausen Memorial.
Evening/Overnight cruise to Vilshofen

While your trip includes your choice of 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.

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

Day 6: Vilshofen, Germany | Disembark

  • 1 Breakfast
Your cruise ends with breakfast this morning.

Flights should not leave Munich airport before Noon.

Ship/Hotel

Avalon Expression

Avalon Expression Exterior

Avalon Expression

The Avalon Expression, launched in 2013, is a 164-passenger ship that is almost identical to the Avalon Panorama and Avalon Vista. It offers cruises on the Rhine, Main, and Danube Rivers.

Dates & Prices

My Preferred Start Date

Per person starting at
$3,164 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
  • 5 Breakfasts, 4 Lunches, 5 Dinners
  • 5 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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