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Vienna Opera House, Austria

Danube Symphony (Eastbound)

Vilshofen to Budapest - Example 6 Day Cruise aboard Avalon Expression
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Experience views to awaken the senses on your 6-day Danube River cruise from Germany to Hungary aboard Avalon Expression. Embark in Vilshofen, Germany, and sail to the lovely city of Linz. Here, enjoy a guided sightseeing or a visit to St. Florian Monastery. Explore Ybbs on a guided tour of its romantic old town; sail through the picturesque Wachau Valley passing by the Melk Abbey to Krems and explore the small village, seemingly untouched by the modern world. Continue to Vienna, the “City of Music,” for a guided tour of its gilded landmarks, including the Imperial Palace, Vienna Opera House, and St. Stephen’s Cathedral. In Bratislava, stroll Old Town and visit St. Martin’s Cathedral, or hike to the castle with your Adventure Host. Conclude in Budapest, the “Pearl of the Danube,” with its stunning riverfront views.
Panoramic view of VilshofenColumn on Hauptplatz in LinzCruise down the charming Wachau valleyWander the streets of ViennaA quiet autumn morning in BratislavaVienna Opera House, Austria
Highlights
  • Discover Linz with guided tours of Old Town and monastery
  • Cruise through Wachau Valley, passing medieval towns and Melk Abbey
  • Stroll Bratislava’s quaint streets and visit St. Martin’s Cathedral
  • Join an optional wine tasting in Wachau Valley’s local vineyards
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, Germany | Embark

Welcome to Germany, where your Suite Ship® awaits. Arrive in Munich by 2:00 p.m. for boarding by 5:00 p.m. Settle into your suite and explore the ship’s amenities before dinner on board. In the evening, your ship departs for Austria, beginning your cruise along the Danube.

Day 2: Linz. Austria

Discover Linz, a vibrant city along the Upper Austrian Danube. Choose from optional excursions, such as hiking up Mount Pöstlingberg for panoramic views, touring the 9th-century St. Florian Monastery, or taking a guided stroll through Linz’s Old Town, home to Hauptplatz—Austria’s largest medieval square. In your free time, you may visit the Mauthausen Memorial or join a Linzer Torte cooking class, both available at an additional cost.

Day 3: YBBS | Wachau Valley | Krems

An Ancient Village and Vintages of the Wachau Valley
  • 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.
Relax on board and enjoy the picturesque Wachau Valley scenery as you cruise to Krems.

Krems- An Ancient Village and Vintages of the Wachau Valley
  • 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.
Later, enjoy live entertainment on board.

Overnight cruise to Vienna

Day 4: Vienna

A Feast for the Soul in Vienna- Join your Adventure Host for today’s special activities.
  • 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 Austria’s famed Kärtnerstrasse and stop in a local café to enjoy 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 Bratislava

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

Day 5: Bratislava, Slovakia

Cathedral Coronations and a Crowning Castle
  • Active Excursion- Follow your Avalon Adventure Host on a short hike to lofty Bratislava Castle, OR:
  • Classic Excursion- Take a Guided City Walk, including quaint streets of Old Town, Town Hall, and the royal coronation site of St. Martin’s Cathedral.
Afternoon/Overnight cruise to Budapest

Day 6: Budapest, Hungary | Disembark

  • 1 Breakfast
Your cruise ends with breakfast this morning.

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
$3,364 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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