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8 Day Avalon Waterways River Cruise from Vilshofen to Budapest 2025(WDB)
Danube Dreams
Starting from $4,009
Ship(s): Avalon Illumination, Avalon Impression, Avalon Passion, Avalon Tranquility II
Specialty Cruises: Wine Lovers
River Cruise Description
Cruise along the peaceful Danube River through Germany, Austria, Slovakia, and Hungary-stopping at some of Central Europe's most splendid capitals and charming towns along the way. Visit Passau, Germany-called the "City of Three Rivers" at the confluence of the Danube, Inn, and Ilz rivers. Take a guided walking tour to admire the Patrician houses and baroque St. Stephen's Cathedral. In Linz, Austria, walk around the Hauptplatz, Austria's largest medieval square. Enjoy the magnificent views as your Danube River cruise takes you through the picturesque wine region of the Wachau Valley. Stops include Melk to visit the magnificent Benedictine Abbey and Dürnstein to see the famous blue and white Stiftskirche and taste some of the local wines. Vienna, the "City of Music," makes an immediate impression with its lavish Hofburg Imperial Palace and neo-renaissance Vienna Opera House. Enjoy a guided tour of this magical city and take time to explore on your own. In Bratislava, the capital of Slovakia, take a guided walk through the delightful Old Town and to the Gothic St. Martin's Cathedral. In Budapest, the vibrant capital of Hungary, a local expert shows you all the must-see sights. Then to round out this timeless European river cruise, take a stroll along Váci utca-the main shopping street, or take pictures from Fishermen's Bastion for the best panoramic views of Budapest. This Danube River cruise explores the legendary beauty and remarkable destinations you'll never forget.Get More Cruise Info
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| Departure Date | Ship | Priced From (per person) | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sep 13, 2025 | Avalon Tranquility II | $5,858 | Call Us! |
| Sep 27, 2025 | Avalon Tranquility II | Waitlist | Call Us! |
| Oct 9, 2025 | Avalon Tranquility II | Waitlist | Call Us! |
| Oct 12, 2025 | Avalon Passion | Waitlist | Call Us! |
| Oct 23, 2025 Wine Lovers(WDB-T7) A Master of Wine will accompany you on this portion of your cruise with presentations, tastings, and wine pairings along the way. | Avalon Impression | $5,958 | Call Us! |
| Oct 31, 2025 | Avalon Illumination | $5,658 | Call Us! |
| Nov 10, 2025 Wine Lovers(WDB-T7) A Master of Wine will accompany you on this portion of your cruise with presentations, tastings, and wine pairings along the way. | Avalon Passion | $4,009 | Call Us! |
| Nov 24, 2025 | Avalon Passion | $5,358 | 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 VILSHOFEN, GERMANY (EMBARKATION)
Welcome to Germany. Your Suite Ship® is Ready for Boarding.Flights into Munich must arrive by 2 pm. Guests must be on board ship by 5 pm.Explore your ship and enjoy dinner on your first evening on board.EVENING CRUISE TO PASSAU
(D)
Day 2 PASSAU–SCHLÖGEN OXBOW
Where the Danube, Inn, and Ilz Rivers Meet
Active
Follow your Avalon Adventure Host for Hiking from Oberhaus along a trail 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".
OVERNIGHT DOCKING IN LINZ
(B,L,D)
Day 3 LINZ, AUSTRIA
Legendary and Lovely Linz
Visit the Adventure Center for today’s activities with your Adventure Host.Classic
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.
EVENING/OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO YBBS
(B,L,D)
Day 4 YBBS. EXCURSION TO MELK–WACHAU VALLEY
Frescoes Above and Vineyards Below
Classic
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
Take a Guided Tour of Melk’s magnificent Benedictine Abbey to marvel at its frescoed ceilings, statues, incredible library, and ornate pipe organ.
Active
Alternatively, experience the Wachau Valley from a unique perspective, join your Adventure Host for a bike ride along some of Wachau’s bike trails.
DÜRNSTEIN
A King’s Ransom and Castle Ruins
Active
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
Join a Guided Walk, and hear the legendary tale of King Richard the Lionheart—who was imprisoned in the castle here during the Crusades.
OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO VIENNA
(B,L,D)
Day 5 VIENNA
Viennese Waltzes on the Blue Danube
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—Winter residence of the Imperial Family, the grand Vienna Opera House and stunning St. Stephen’s Cathedral, OR:
Classic
After a short walk of Vienna, join a Guided Visit of Austria’s largest museum, the legendary Kunsthistorisches Museum (Museum of Fine Arts).
OVERNIGHT DOCKING IN VIENNA
(B,L,D)
Day 6 BRATISLAVA, SLOVAKIA
Cathedral Coronations and a Crowning Castle
Active
Follow your Avalon Adventure Host on a hike to lofty Bratislava Castle, OR:
Classic
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.
OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO BUDAPEST
(B,L,D)
Day 7 BUDAPEST, HUNGARY
War Heroes and Hot Water
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 DOCKING IN BUDAPEST
(B,L,D)
Day 8 BUDAPEST (DISEMBARKATION)
Your cruise ends with breakfast this morning.(B)
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