Avalon Waterways' Magnificent Europe River Cruise
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Cruise Details
Cruise Line: Avalon Waterways Cruises
Cruise Type: River
Length of Stay: 15 Days
Departure From: Budapest
Departure date: 10/25/2019
Return date: 11/08/2019
From Budapest to Amsterdam, and many exciting stops along the way, you’ll be immersed in the culture of Central Europe in a unique way on this timeless river cruise vacation.
Itirenary
Day 1-2 : BUDAPEST, HUNGARY (EMBARKATION)
Day 1:
Welcome to Budapest—Hungary’s Captivating Capital
Flights into Budapest must arrive by 3:30 pm. Guests must be on board ship by 5 pm.
The day is yours to relax and enjoy the city with time for photographs, cafés, and confections.
OVERNIGHT DOCKING IN BUDAPEST
Day 2:
The Pearl of the Danube in the Heart of Europe
CLASSIC
Enjoy a Guided City Sightseeing, including the iconic Heroes’ Square.
The afternoon is free to enjoy Budapest on your own. Be sure to savor a piece of cream cake in the world-famous Gerbeaud Café, consider a scenic hike in the hills above the Danube, or a visit to one of Budapest’s world-famous thermal baths.
OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO BRATISLAVA
Day 3 : BRATISLAVA, SLOVAKIA
Castles, Vineyards, and Cosmopolitan Culture
CLASSIC
Join a Guided Sightseeing Tour of Old Town’s cobblestone streets to Town Hall. Visit the gothic halls of St. Martin’s Cathedral—Kingdom of Hungary’s centuries-old coronation church, OR:
ACTIVE
Follow your Avalon Adventure Host on a hike to lofty Bratislava Castle.
Alternatively, in your free time take a bicycle and a picnic from the ship to explore the local sights along the Danube. Later, enjoy live entertainment onboard.
OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO VIENNA
Day 4 : VIENNA, AUSTRIA
Royal Collections, Amusing Attractions, and Culinary Confections
CLASSIC
Step into the legendary Habsburg Empire with a morning 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—the Habsburg empire summer home for 300 years.
You may also take a tram to Austria’s Prater amusement park or to one of the many museums nearby. Consider joining an Optional Excursion to attend Royal Waltz Concert in an elegant hall.
OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO DÜRNSTEIN
Day 5 : DÜRNSTEIN—WACHAU VALLEY
Fairytale Castles, Kings, and Cobblestones
CLASSIC
Join a Guided Walk, and hear the legendary tale of King Richard the Lionheart—who was imprisoned in the castle above the village during the Crusades, OR:
ACTIVE
Take a Guided Hike up to the castle ruins to take in the spectacular view of the village, Danube, and the Wachau Valley below.
Later, stretch out on the Sky Deck as you sail through the Wachau Valley past vineyards, castles, and charming villages on your way to Melk.
MELK
Striking Frescoes and Breathtaking Views of the Wachau Valley
CLASSIC
Take a Guided Tour of Melk’s magnificent Benedictine Abbey to marvel at its frescoed ceilings, statues, incredible library, and ornate pipe organ.
DISCOVERY
Later, enjoy a Wine Tasting on board as you prepare to sail to Passau.
OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO PASSAU
Day 6 : PASSAU, GERMANY
The Three Rivers of Medieval Passau
CLASSIC
Join an afternoon Guided City Walk to learn more about this beautiful “City of Three Rivers.”
Alternatively, consider a Guided Optional Excursion for a full day in Salzburg, Austria—the city of Mozart—or a Guided Optional Excursion to the picturesque Bohemian Czech town of Český Krumlov.
EVENING CRUISE TO REGENSBURG
Day 7 : REGENSBURG
Magical Regensburg—Bavaria’s Medieval Miracle
CLASSIC
Join a Guided City Walk and see the Altes Rathaus (Old Town Hall) and Porta Pretoria—built in 179 AD as the entrance to Castra Regina fortress.
You may join a Guided Optional Excursion to the Benedictine Monastery in Weltenburg.
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 Roth.
EVENING/OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO ROTH
Day 8 : ROTH. EXCURSION TO NUREMBERG
Living Heritage and History Lessons
DISCOVERY
While sailing to Roth, 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.
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:
CLASSIC
Choose a Guided Tour of Nuremberg’s medieval architecture, gilded fountain, gothic cathedral, and Kaiserburg Castle, OR:
CLASSIC
Join a Guided Tour of the historic Nuremberg Rally Grounds—used by the Third Reich.
Tonight, relax on board with live entertainment as you sail to Bamberg.
EVENING/OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO BAMBERG
Day 9 : BAMBERG
One Thousand Years of History in the City of Seven Hills.
CLASSIC
Take a Guided Walking Tour of the former home to imperial dynasties, and see its Romanesque cathedral, Old Town Hall, and seven hills crowned with churches.
Enjoy live entertainment on board while sailing this evening.
EVENING/OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO WÜRZBURG
Day 10 : WÜRZBURG
A Pearl, a Painting, and a Glass of Wine for the Perfect Afternoon
CLASSIC
Take a Guided Sightseeing Tour of the “Pearl of the Romantic Road” with its Old Main Bridge, towering fortress, and baroque Bishop’s Residenz—with the largest known ceiling fresco.
In your free time you may explore the city or enjoy a smoked beer. Later, enjoy onboard entertainment.
EVENING/OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO MAIN RIVER VILLAGE
Day 11 : MAIN RIVER VILLAGE
Hidden Gems and Bavarian Beauty of the Main River Village
Start the day with a Morning Stretch with your Avalon Adventure Host.
CLASSIC
Join a Guided Walking Tour of a picturesque Main river village.
Spend free time riding a bike through the beautiful villages on the Main river shores. Later, enjoy onboard entertainment as you cruise to Rüdesheim.
AFTERNOON/OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO RÜDESHEIM
Day 12 : RÜDESHEIM—RHINE GORGE
Eat, Drink, and Be Merry in Wine Country
DISCOVERY
Tour the incredible Mechanical Music Museum for a one-of-a-kind instrumental experience, OR:
ACTIVE
Take a Hike up to the Niederwald Monument with your Avalon Adventure Host.
DISCOVERY
Based on your departure date, enjoy either a Coffee Tasting or a Wine Tasting.
This afternoon cruise through the dramatic Rhine Gorge and see the famous rock of The Lorelei—where mythological siren lured ill-fated sailors to shore.
OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO COLOGNE
Day 13 : COLOGNE
Prost! Celebrate in the Rhineland’s Capital City.
Start the day with a Morning Stretch with your Avalon Adventure Host.
CLASSIC
Take a Guided City Walk of Cologne—explore the Old City and see its soaring twin-steepled Gothic cathedral, OR:
DISCOVERY
Join a Guided Walking Tour of Cologne’s important Jewish heritage sites.
Don’t miss the chance to enjoy free time over a glass of Kölsch pale lager—locally brewed for over 100 years!
AFTERNOON/OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO AMSTERDAM
Day 14-15 : AMSTERDAM, HOLLAND
Day 14:
Colorful Amsterdam—with Canals, Crooked Houses, and Cuisine of a Golden Age
CLASSIC
Explore the iconic waterways of Amsterdam with a Guided Canal Cruise past stately homes of Amsterdam’s “Golden Age.”
Spend free time on your own to explore the colorful cafés, galleries, bridges, and canals of Amsterdam.
OVERNIGHT DOCKING IN AMSTERDAM
Day 15:
Your vacation ends with breakfast this morning.