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15 Day Avalon Waterways River Cruise from Amsterdam to Budapest 2027(WAB)
Magnificent Europe
Starting from $5,403
Ship(s): Avalon Expression, Avalon Illumination, Avalon Impression, Avalon Passion
River Cruise Description
From Amsterdam to Budapest, and in many exciting stops along the way, experience the culture of Central Europe in a unique way on this timeless river cruise vacation. Amsterdam is Holland's lively capital-both historical and modern. This colorful city is loved for its vibrant mix of sophisticated architecture and classic squares and canals. See the treasures of this 700-year-old city from a unique perspective on a canal cruise along the elegant grachten. On to Germany for a guided city walk in Cologne-the stunning 2,000-year-old city known for its Gothic-style architecture. Sail through the dramatic Rhine Gorge, offering the most beautiful view of the Rhine River, and stop in the charming wine town of Rüdesheim. Enjoy guided sightseeing in Würzburg, Volkach, Bamberg, Nuremberg, and Regensburg, and sail the Main Danube Canal, which connects the Main and Danube Rivers. Your first stop in Austria is the lovely town of Melk. Visit its magnificent Benedictine Abbey, then sail through the picturesque Wachau Valley. Your local experts will also introduce you to two capital cities: Vienna, Austria, also known as "The City of Music" for inspiring the creative genius of Mozart, Beethoven, and Strauss; and lively Budapest, Hungary, with its unique energy and countless must-see sites. This truly is a river cruise to remember!Get More Cruise Info
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| Departure Date | Ship | Priced From (per person) | |
|---|---|---|---|
| May 6, 2027 | Avalon Passion | Waitlist | Call Us! |
| May 24, 2027 | Avalon Expression | $6,853 | Call Us! |
| Jun 11, 2027 | Avalon Impression | $6,853 | Call Us! |
| Jun 29, 2027 | Avalon Illumination | $6,503 | Call Us! |
| Jul 17, 2027 | Avalon Expression | $5,903 | Call Us! |
| Aug 4, 2027 | Avalon Impression | $5,903 | Call Us! |
| Aug 22, 2027 | Avalon Illumination | $5,903 | Call Us! |
| Sep 9, 2027 | Avalon Expression | $6,853 | Call Us! |
| Sep 27, 2027 | Avalon Impression | $6,503 | Call Us! |
| Oct 16, 2027 | Avalon Passion | $5,403 | Call Us! |
Avalon has designed included activities with a choice of experiences. We invite you to select the tours, activities, and events that interest you most, so you can experience your cruise your way. There are 3 types of included shore excursion on every Europe cruise:
Classic
Your local expert is ready to guide you through the history and heritage of local destinations. You'll marvel at the legends, lore, and spectacular architecture of iconic and historic sites.
Discovery
We've found inspiring and interactive activities to speak to your interests — from cooking classes, to painting workshops — to immerse yourself in each culture you explore.
Active
Embark on energetic excursions to keep you in motion and on the go — from a guided jogging tour of Amsterdam, to biking, paddling, and hiking your way through scenic locales.
- Plus independent exploration options and use of Avalon's exclusive AvalonGO APP.
River Cruise Itinerary
Day 1 AMSTERDAM, HOLLAND (EMBARKATION)
Welcome to Holland. Your Suite Ship® is Ready for Boarding. Flights into Amsterdam must arrive by 3:30 pm. Guests must be on board ship by 5 pm.During tulip season, you may take a Guided Optional Excursion to the gardens at Keukenhof—with more than seven million tulips, daffodils, and hyacinths as well as other bulbs, planted each year. Outside of tulip season, consider joining a Guided Optional Excursion to Zaanse Schans to see historic windmills and charming Dutch houses. Spend free time exploring the colorful streets, bridges, and canals of Amsterdam—with its many cafés and art galleries.OVERNIGHT DOCKING IN AMSTERDAM
(D)
Day 2 AMSTERDAM
Canals of Colorful Amsterdam
Classic
Discover the true beauty of Amsterdam with an off-the-beaten-path Guided Walking Tour through its cobblestone streets for a captivating look at this legendary city, OR:
Classic
Explore the iconic waterways of Amsterdam with a Guided Canal Cruise past stately homes of Amsterdam’s “Golden Age.”
AFTERNOON/OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO COLOGNE
(B,L,D)
Day 3 COLOGNE, GERMANY
Prost! Celebrate in the Rhineland
Join your Adventure Host for today’s special activities.Active
Enjoy a bike ride like the locals in Cologne with your Adventure, OR;
Classic
Join a Guided Walking Tour of Cologne’s important Jewish heritage sites, OR;
Classic
Take a Guided City Walk of Cologne—explore the Old City and see its soaring twin-steepled gothic cathedral.
OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO RÜDESHEIM
(B,L,D)
Day 4 RHINE GORGE–RÜDESHEIM
Eat, Drink, and Be Merry in Wine Country
En route to Rüdesheim, sail through the Rhine Gorge (a UNESCO World Heritage site). Take in the breathtaking views of ancient castles perched on cliffs 400 feet above the water, and pass the legendary Rock of the Lorelei—where the mythological siren’s songs lured ill-fated sailors.Active
Enjoy a hike with your Avalon Adventure Host through the picturesque vineyards of Rüdesheim, followed by a tasting of the authentic Rüdesheimer coffee, OR:
Classic
Tour the incredible Mechanical Music Museum for a one-of-a-kind instrumental experience; enjoy a tasting of the authentic Rüdesheimer coffee, OR:
Discovery
Take a Guided Visit to the historic 18th-century wooden-barrel cellar of Johannisberg Castle and enjoy a delicious wine tasting
Later, local musicians will join us on board for live entertainment.
AFTERNOON/OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO MILTENBERG
(B,L,D)
Day 5 MILTENBERG
Beauty on the Main River
Ask about today’s energizing or relaxing Adventure Host activities.Active
Enjoy a Bike Tour with your Adventure Host to explore this charming medieval town and surrounding area, OR:
Classic
Join a Guided Walking Tour of Miltenberg, a showcase of medieval half-timber homes and home to Germany’s oldest inn.
EVENING/OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO WÜRZBURG
(B,L,D)
Day 6 WÜRZBURG
A Perfect Day in the Pearl of the Romantic Road
Classic
Take a Guided Sightseeing Tour of Würzburg with its Old Main Bridge, towering fortress, and baroque Bishop’s Residenz—with the largest known ceiling fresco.
OVERNIGHT DOCKING IN WÜRZBURG
(B,L,D)
Day 7 VOLKACH
Storybook Settings
You may choose to join a Guided Optional Excursion to the beautiful Bavarian town of Rothenburg. See the local sights and enjoy the fairytale atmosphere that has inspired artists.Sail to Volkach and get ready for your afternoon activity.Active
Bike along the Main Danube Canal with your Adventure Host, OR:
Classic
Join a Walking Tour of the quaint town of Volkach with its half-timbered houses and cobblestoned streets.
EVENING/OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO BAMBERG
(B,L,D)
Day 8 BAMBERG
The City of Seven Hills
Active
Your bike is ready! Hop on and bike along the canals in Bamberg with your Adventure Host, OR:
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.
Discovery
Attend an onboard lecture to learn about European history and culture.
Later, enjoy live entertainment performance while sailing this evening.
AFTERNOON/OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO NUREMBERG
(B,L,D)
Day 9 NUREMBERG
Legends and History Lessons
Visit the Adventure Center for today’s activities with your Adventure Host.Active
Join your Adventure Host for a walk to discover the surrounding neighboring, OR:
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.
Classic
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.
AFTERNOON/OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO REGENSBURG
(B,L,D)
Day 10 REGENSBURG
Bavaria’s Medieval Miracle
Active
Explore Walhalla by bike with your Adventure Host, OR:
Classic
Explore Regensburg’s rich Jewish history with a guided tour of the Old Jewish Quarter, synagogue, and museum, uncovering centuries of culture, resilience, and heritage in this UNESCO city, OR:
Classic
Join a Guided City Walk and see Altes Rathaus (Old Town Hall) and Porta Pretoria—built in 179 AD as the entrance to Castra Regina fortress.
EVENING/OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO PASSAU
(B,L,D)
Day 11 PASSAU
Where the Danube, Inn, and Ilz Rivers Meet
Active
Join your Avalon Adventure Host for Hiking down to the valley and along Ilz River, OR:
Classic
Join a Guided City Walk to learn more about this beautiful “City of Three Rivers.”
LINZ, AUSTRIA
Legendary, Lovely Linz
This evening, feel free to explore Linz on your own. Later, enjoy live entertainment on board.OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO MELK
(B,L,D)
Day 12 MELK–WACHAU VALLEY
Frescoes Above and Vineyards Below
Active
Join your Avalon Adventure Host for a walk along the Danube River and around Melk, OR:
Classic
Take a Guided Tour of the frescoed ceilings, statues, incredible library, and ornate pipe organ of Melk’s Benedictine Abbey.
VIENNA
Viennese Waltzes on the Blue Danube
Consider joining a Guided Optional Excursion to attend a Royal Waltz Concert in an elegant hall this evening.OVERNIGHT DOCKING IN VIENNA
(B,L,D)
Day 13 VIENNA
Royal Collections and Amusing Attractions
Active
Explore Vienna's Danube Island by bike with your Adventure Host, OR:
Classic
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
Explore the 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 iconic Vienna Opera House, and stunning St. Stephen’s Cathedral.
EVENING/OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO BUDAPEST
(B,L,D)
Day 14 BUDAPEST, HUNGARY
The Pearl of the Danube
This morning, while sailing into Budapest, enjoy beautiful views of the city from the Sky Deck.Active
Hike up to a magnificent viewpoint in Budapest with your Adventure Host, OR:
Classic
Enjoy a Guided City Sightseeing tour of Budapest, including the iconic Heroes’ Square.
OVERNIGHT DOCKING IN BUDAPEST
(B,L,D)
Day 15 BUDAPEST (DISEMBARKATION)
Your cruise ends with breakfast this morning.(B)
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