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15 Day Avalon Waterways River Cruise from Budapest to Amsterdam 2026(WBA)
Magnificent Rivers of Europe
Starting from $6,261
Ship(s): Avalon Expression, Avalon Illumination, Avalon Impression
River Cruise Description
From Budapest to Amsterdam, and in many exciting stops along the way, experience the culture of Central Europe in a unique way on this timeless European river cruise vacation. Begin by visiting three of Europe's vibrant capital cities: Budapest (Hungary), Bratislava (Slovakia), and Vienna (Austria). A Local Guide will show you the must-see sites in each city with plenty of time to explore on your own. See the famous Heroes' Square in Budapest, stroll through Bratislava's Old Town with its winding streets and bronze sculptures, and stop in a classic Viennese café for a decadent treat. Sail through the picturesque views of the Wachau Valley and the dramatic Rhine Gorge. Visit Melk's magnificent Benedictine Abbey and Würzburg's Baroque-style Bishop's Residenz. Enjoy a tasting of wonderful local Wachau wines. Explore quaint towns like Dürnstein with its blue and white Baroque-style Stiftskirche; Passau, known for its narrow cobblestone streets and the stunning St. Stephen's Cathedral; and Bamberg, with its town hall straddling the River Regnitz. Enjoy guided tours in historic Nuremberg, Würzburg, and Regensburg-one of Germany's best-preserved medieval cities. In the charming Rhine Valley town of Rüdesheim, enjoy a stroll through its famous cobblestone Drosselgasse lined with shops, restaurants, and lively taverns. Straddling both sides of the Rhine River is Cologne, Germany-a 2,000-year-old city known for its Gothic-style architecture. Here, enjoy a guided walk and see its famous twin-spired cathedral. This European river cruise would not be complete without a visit to Holland's lively capital of Amsterdam. See the treasures of this 700-year-old city from a unique perspective-on a canal cruise along the elegant grachten.Get More Cruise Info
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| Departure Date | Ship | Priced From (per person) | |
|---|---|---|---|
| May 16, 2026 | Avalon Illumination | $7,961 | Call Us! |
| Jun 2, 2026 | Avalon Impression | $7,861 | Call Us! |
| Jun 25, 2026 | Avalon Expression | $7,361 | Call Us! |
| Jul 11, 2026 | Avalon Illumination | $6,761 | Call Us! |
| Aug 4, 2026 | Avalon Impression | $6,261 | Call Us! |
| Aug 20, 2026 | Avalon Expression | $6,761 | Call Us! |
| Sep 12, 2026 | Avalon Illumination | $7,961 | Call Us! |
| Sep 29, 2026 | Avalon Impression | $6,861 | Call Us! |
| Oct 16, 2026 | Avalon Expression | $6,261 | 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 BUDAPEST, HUNGARY (EMBARKATION)
Welcome to Hungary. Your Suite Ship® is Ready for Boarding. 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
(D)
Day 2 BUDAPEST
The Pearl of the Danube
Visit the Adventure Center for today’s activities with your Adventure Host.Active
Hike up to a magnificent viewpoint in Budapest with your Adventure Host, OR:
Classic
Enjoy a Guided City Sightseeing, including the iconic Heroes’ Square.
OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO BRATISLAVA
(B,L,D)
Day 3 BRATISLAVA, SLOVAKIA
Castles, Vineyards, and Cosmopolitan Culture
Active
Follow your Avalon Adventure Host on a short hike to lofty Bratislava Castle, OR:
Classic
Join a Guided Walking 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.
OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO VIENNA
(B,L,D)
Day 4 VIENNA, AUSTRIA
Royal Collections and Amusing Attractions
Active
Explore Vienna's Danube Island by bike with your Adventure Host, 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.
OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO DÜRNSTEIN
(B,L,D)
Day 5 DÜRNSTEIN–WACHAU VALLEY
A King’s Ransom and Castle Ruins
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, OR:
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.
MELK
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.
Discovery
Later, enjoy a Wine Tasting on board as you prepare to sail to Passau.
EVENING/OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO PASSAU
(B,L,D)
Day 6 PASSAU, GERMANY
Where the Danube, Inn, and Ilz Rivers Meet
Classic
Join an afternoon Guided City Walk to learn more about this beautiful “City of Three Rivers.”
EVENING/OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO REGENSBURG
(B,L,D)
Day 7 REGENSBURG
Bavaria’s Medieval Miracle
Active
Explore Walhalla by bike with your Adventure Host, 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 ROTH
(B,L,D)
Day 8 ROTH. EXCURSION TO NUREMBERG
Legends and History Lessons
Discovery
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.
EVENING/OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO BAMBERG
(B,L,D)
Day 9 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.
AFTERNOON/OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO WÜRZBURG
(B,L,D)
Day 10 WÜRZBURG
A Perfect Day in the Pearl of the Romantic Road
Active
Enjoy an easy bike ride along the river with your Adventure Host, OR:
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.
AFTERNOON/OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO MILTENBERG
(B,L,D)
Day 11 MILTENBERG
Beauty on the Main River
Join your Adventure Host for today’s special activities.Classic
Join a Guided Walking Tour of Miltenberg, a showcase of medieval half-timber homes and home to Germany’s oldest inn.
AFTERNOON/OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO RÜDESHEIM
(B,L,D)
Day 12 RÜDESHEIM–RHINE GORGE
Eat, Drink, and Be Merry in Wine Country
Active
Enjoy a hike with your Avalon Adventure Host through the picturesque vineyards of Rüdesheim, OR:
Discovery
Tour the incredible Mechanical Music Museum for a one-of-a-kind instrumental experience; enjoy a tasting of the authentic Rüdesheimer coffee.
Discovery
Enjoy a remarkable classical music concert in a lovely baroque venue at Engers Castle, home to the Villa Musica Rhineland-Palatinate National Foundation, one of Germany’s largest music institutions.
OVERNIGHT DOCKING IN ENGERS
(B,L,D)
Day 13 COLOGNE
Prost! Celebrate in the Rhineland
Ask about today’s energizing or relaxing Adventure Host activities.Active
Enjoy a bike ride like the locals in Cologne with your Adventure Host, OR:
Discovery
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.
AFTERNOON/OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO AMSTERDAM
(B,L,D)
Day 14 AMSTERDAM, HOLLAND
Colorful Canals of Amsterdam
Active
Start your day joining your Adventure Host on an early morning walk in Amsterdam, OR:
Discovery
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.”
OVERNIGHT DOCKING IN AMSTERDAM
(B,L,D)
Day 15 AMSTERDAM (DISEMBARKATION)
Your cruise ends with breakfast this morning.(B)
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