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Visit the ornately decorated Melk Abbey

Danube Dreams (Eastbound)

Vilshofen to Budapest - Example 8 Day Cruise aboard Avalon Passion
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Sail along the Danube River on an 8-day cruise aboard Avalon Passion from Vilshofen to Budapest. Begin in Germany, followed by time in Passau with options for hiking or a guided city walk. Continue to Linz with the chance to explore Salzburg or Cesky Krumlov. Visit Melk Abbey and sail through the Wachau Valley to Dürnstein, where castle ruins recall the imprisonment of King Richard the Lionheart. In Vienna, take a guided city tour, cycle through Danube Island, or visit the Museum of Fine Arts. Explore Bratislava with a walk through Old Town or a hike to its hilltop castle. Conclude in Budapest, with guided sightseeing of Heroes’ Square or a hike to city viewpoints, before disembarking after breakfast.
Panoramic view of VilshofenSunset over PassauCruise the beautiful blue DanubeCruise the Danube through beautiful AustriaAdmire beautiful evening lights of ViennaA quiet autumn morning in BratislavaBudapest, the capital city of HungaryVisit the ornately decorated Melk Abbey
Highlights
  • Visit the Benedictine Abbey of Melk with guided sightseeing
  • Explore Vienna’s landmarks including the Imperial Palace and Opera House
  • Hike to Bratislava Castle for city and river views
  • Discover Budapest highlights on a guided tour of Heroes’ Square
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. Boarding for your Suite Ship® begins today. Flights into Munich should arrive by 2 pm. Guests are required to be on board by 5 pm. After boarding, take time to get familiar with the ship and have dinner on board.

Day 2: Passau | Schlogen Oxbow

Where the Danube, Inn, and Ilz Rivers Meet

Active Excursion:
Take a guided hike from Oberhaus down to the valley and along the Ilz River.

Classic Excursion:
Take a guided city walk to learn about Passau, known as the “City of Three Rivers.”

Before departing for Linz, there is free time to walk through Passau’s cobblestone streets, visit Artists’ Alley, or stop at St. Stephen’s Cathedral, where a concert rehearsal may be in progress.

In the afternoon, the ship cruises to Linz through the Schlögen Oxbow, a sharp bend in the Danube.

In the evening, there is live entertainment on board.

Day 3: Linz, Austria

Legendary and Lovely Linz

Visit the Adventure Center for today’s activities with your Adventure Host.

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.

Day 4: Ybbs, Excursion to Melk | Wachau Valley | Durnstein

Frescoes Above and Vineyards Below

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.

DURNSTEIN
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.

Day 5: Vienna

Viennese Waltzes on the Blue Danube

Active Excursion
Explore Vienna's Danube Island by bike with your Adventure Host, 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, OR:

Classic Excursion
After a short walk of Vienna, join a Guided Visit of Austria’s largest museum, the legendary Kunsthistorisches Museum (Museum of Fine Arts).

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.

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.

Day 7: Budapest, Hungary

War Heroes and Hot Water

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

Classic Excursion
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.

Day 8: Budapest | Disembark

  • 1 Breakfast
Your cruise ends with breakfast this morning.

Ship/Hotel

Avalon Passion

Avalon Passion Club Lounge
Avalon Bar
Avalon Dining Room

Dates & Prices

My Preferred Start Date

Deals

Free Air or Save $1500 per person 28843
Book a select 2026 Avalon Europe River Cruise and enjoy free round-trip economy class trans-Atlantic airfare from select major U.S. gateways or save $1,500 per person. This offer is valid on new bookings made and deposited between April 5, 2025, and December 10, 2025. A non-refundable deposit of $550 per person is required at the time of booking. Availability is capacity-controlled, and the promotion may be withdrawn at any time. Additional restrictions may apply. Please contact us for details.
Applies to Apr 5, 2026 departure

Holiday Deals 29702
Book a select 2026 Avalon cruise by December 10, 2025, and receive standard pre-paid gratuities for the full length of the cruise portion of your vacation. This offer is valid for new bookings only and is subject to availability. Combinable with valid Welcome Back Credits and select partner promotions. Not combinable with the Single Supplement Waiver Promotion. Not valid for groups or charter bookings. Additional restrictions may apply. Please contact us for more details.
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Per person starting at
$4,030 2-3 travelers
Avalon Deluxe StateroomAvalon Deluxe Stateroom
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.
Avalon Deluxe StateroomAvalon Deluxe Stateroom
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.
Avalon Panorama SuiteAvalon Panorama Suite Layout
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.
Avalon Panorama SuiteAvalon Panorama Suite Layout
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.
Avalon Panorama SuiteAvalon Panorama Suite Layout
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
Avalon Royal SuiteAvalon Royal Suite Layout
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
  • Rates are subject to change without notice. Book early to get the best rate.
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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