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The Legendary Danube 2026

From Nuremberg, Germany to Budapest, Hungary
Length: 8 Days - Departs: Wed, Sep 16, 2026
Operator
Departure
Sep 16, 2026
Arrival
Sep 23, 2026

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River Cruise Itinerary

From the rich history of Germany to the unique culture of Hungary, this Danube river cruise takes you to three countries, and the scenic beauty as you cruise past quaint towns, can be experienced right from your stateroom or atop the sky deck of your ship. In Nuremberg, Germany, board your river cruise vessel docked on the Main Danube Canal and visit this thousand-year-old city with a Local Guide. Next, reach Regensburg, the only German city not bombed during WWII. Lovers of architecture will enjoy the many listed buildings of historic interest, and Porta Pretoria, gates to an ancient Roman fort built in 179 AD. And here you’ll taste local sausages at one of Germany’s oldest restaurants and we’ll introduce you to some of Germany’s famous beers. Next stop is Passau, known for its narrow winding streets lined with Patrician houses, and the magnificent Italian baroque St. Stephen’s Cathedral. In Melk, you will visit Austria’s majestic Benedictine Abbey, one of Europe’s largest monasteries, which sits high on a bluff. Take in the breathtaking views before continuing through the picturesque Wachau Valley to the romantic sounds of Vienna, the “City of Music.” Your European river cruise vacation ends in Budapest, the capital of Hungary.

  1. Day 1
    NUREMBERG, GERMANY (EMBARKATION)
    Wed, Sep 16, 2026
    Welcome to Germany. Your Suite Ship® is Ready for Boarding.

    Flights into Nuremberg must arrive by 3:30 pm.

    Guests must be on board ship by 5 pm.

    Explore your ship this evening and enjoy dinner on board.

    OVERNIGHT DOCKING IN NUREMBERG

    (D)

  2. Day 2
    NUREMBERG
    Thu, Sep 17, 2026
    Legends and History Lessons

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

    ACTIVE Start your day with a bike ride together with your Adventure Host around the port area of Nuremberg, OR

    CLASSIC Choose a Guided Tour of Nuremberg—with its medieval architecture, gilded fountain, Gothic cathedral, and Kaiserburg Castle, OR:

    CLASSIC Take 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.

    Later, enjoy live entertainment on board.

    AFTERNOON/OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO REGENSBURG

    (B,L,D)



  3. Day 3
    REGENSBURG
    Fri, Sep 18, 2026
    Bavaria’s Medieval Miracle

    Join your Adventure Host for today’s special activities.

    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.

    You may choose to join a Guided Optional Excursion to visit the Benedictine Monastery in Weltenburg.

    Alternatively, spend a free afternoon exploring Regensburg on foot or by bike through its charming streets.

    EVENING/OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO PASSAU

    (B,L,D)

  4. Day 4
    PASSAU
    Sat, Sep 19, 2026
    Where the Danube, Inn, and Ilz Rivers Meet

    CLASSIC Join a Guided City Walk to learn more about this beautiful “City of Three Rivers”.

    Alternatively, join a full-day Guided Optional Excursion to Salzburg—the city of Mozart—or to the picturesque Bohemian town of Cesky Krumlov.

    Sail to Linz this afternoon, or join your ship after your selected full-day excursion.

    LINZ, AUSTRIA

    Legendary, Lovely Linz

    Enjoy a free afternoon to linger in Linz. Take a bicycle from the ship and cycle along the Danube, or follow one of Linz’s many nature trails for a bird’s-eye view of the city and river below.

    Later, enjoy live entertainment on board.

    OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO MELK

    (B,L,D)

  5. Day 5
    MELK–WACHAU VALLEY
    Sun, Sep 20, 2026
    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 Melk’s magnificent Benedictine Abbey to marvel at its frescoed ceilings, statues, incredible library, and ornate pipe organ.

    Enjoy a coffee or a cocktail on the Sky Deck as you sail through the picturesque Wachau Valley to Vienna.

    VIENNA

    Viennese Waltzes on the Beautiful Blue Danube

    This evening, you may choose to attend an Optional Excursion to a Royal Waltz Concert for an unforgettable evening of music in an elegant hall.

    OVERNIGHT DOCKING IN VIENNA

    (B,L,D)

  6. Day 6
    VIENNA
    Mon, Sep 21, 2026
    Royal Collections, and Amusing Attractions

    Ask about today’s energizing or relaxing Adventure Host activities.

    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 this morning on a 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.

    Join a Guided Optional Excursion to Schönbrunn Palace—summer home of the Habsburg Empire.

    Enjoy free time this afternoon to take a tram to visit Vienna’s Prater amusement park or one of the many museums nearby. You may also borrow a bike from ship to explore Vienna’s square or the banks of the Danube.

    Later, relax on board with live entertainment as you sail to Budapest.

    EVENING/OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO BUDAPEST

    (B,L,D)


  7. Day 7
    BUDAPEST, HUNGARY
    Tue, Sep 22, 2026
    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.

    This afternoon, select from a variety of Guided Optional or spend free time soaking in one of Budapest’s famous thermal baths. Consider a scenic hike above the Danube, or enjoy Budapest’s cafés, pubs, or nightlife.

    OVERNIGHT DOCKING IN BUDAPEST

    (B,L,D)


  8. Day 8
    BUDAPEST (DISEMBARKATION)
    Wed, Sep 23, 2026
    Your cruise ends with breakfast this morning.

    (B)


Countries Visited

Austria, Germany, Hungary

Rivers Visited

Danube

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Inclusions

  • In the event of technical or water level issues, it may be necessary to operate the itinerary by motorcoach or alter the program, including hotel overnight when necessary.
  • Guided Tours, Optional Excursions, activities, sailing and docking schedules may be contingent on weather conditions or other issues outside of our control and could therefore be subject to change at any time.
  • Please check visa requirements with your local consulate(s); responsibility for obtaining visas rests with the traveler.

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Ship Information

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Cabins

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Life on Board

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Questions & Answers
  Ask A Question

Question: Will the day-by-day itinerary change?

Yes, the river cruise itineraries may change due to reasons such as inclement weather or unforeseen events. Your safety is the number one concern aboard and all precautions necessary will be taken in order to ensure passenger safety, including changing itineraries. Please note that when itineraries do change, the ship staff will do their best to substitute any missed port with an alternative destination.

Question: In what language is the river cruise conducted?

The river cruise will be conducted in English only.

Customer Reviews

Overall Rating
4.5
Accommodations
4.5
Itinerary
4.6
Professional Staff
4.7
Repeat with Operator
4.1
Value for Money
4.3

Ratings based off 35 reviews - currently showing 15 reviews with comments only

It was difficult to break larger bills on the trip, so I would recommend brings small bills for tips for excursions or staff members who are exceptional.

we all had a wonderful time. Our trip went smoothly 

It was interesting to visit with the families in Croatia & the extra income helped them,I suspect,as well as helping us learn about the true reality of their lives.

Excellent service. Once of a life time experience but wish that there extra days in smaller towns like Miltenberg etc to enjoy the culture of the place.

We were very impressed with Avalon Waterways. It was top-notch, and we plan to travel with them again in the future.

Very enjoyable, relaxing experience. The accommodations, excursions, and service were exceptionally good.

From beginning to end , all aspects of my trip was amazing. 

The entire Avalon staff were outstanding, especially our cruise director. I was very pleased to be able to book this trip with the single supplement waived.

Everything about this trip was top notch and definitely met and exceeded our expectations.

The Avalon Rhine River cruise was phenomenal - first class in all ways. The Tranquility II ship was new and immaculate, and the cruise director and crew were first rate, taking care of our every need! The excursions along the cruise were outstanding with the local guides all very pleasant and knowledgeable. Avalon, as a cruise provider, was on par with the Insight land tour provider, and I expect my wife and I will return to Avalon in the future for another cruise or two in coming years!

Was a great trip. Enjoyed every minute. We saw a lot of beautiful sites and cities.

Avalon Waterways is a great company to travel with. They are efficient and have a variety of tours that you take. Very friendly people. Would highly recommend them.

Wonderful trip, enjoyed every moment.

Despite the problem of the low water level of the Rhine in parts, Avalon went out of its way to provide us with wonderful shore accommodations and all the excursions we were looking forward to enjoying. They couldn't have been more solicitous of our situation. They are to be highly commended for the way the company handled the situation, and I would recommend this company to anyone looking to book a river cruise. They go above and beyond in caring for their passengers!

Avalon portion was wonderful! Monogram portion was less than satisfactory!

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AffordableTours.com is a travel agent for Avalon Waterways. Brochure Price is based on the itinerary's highest brochure price. Our price reflects our base price for the same departure as Brochure Price. All prices, itineraries, accommodations and dates are subject to change without notice and at any time. All prices are USD per person and based on double occupancy. Availability is limited and must be reconfirmed at time of booking. All prices change frequently and our website prices are not guaranteed until a deposit has been received by us. The prices on our website are intended to serve as a guide only and may not accurately reflect current prices. We are not responsible for errors, omissions, or changes in these prices until a booking has been confirmed by one of our agents. Please call us toll free at 1-800-342-0019 to confirm current prices and availability. Prices listed are per person, cruise only, and based on double occupancy.

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