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The Blue Danube Discovery 2026

From Budapest, Hungary to Nuremberg, Germany
Length: 8 Days - Departs: Mon, May 18, 2026
Operator
Departure
May 18, 2026
Arrival
May 25, 2026

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River Cruise Itinerary

Begin this timeless European river cruise vacation in vibrant Budapest, Hungary, sail along the Danube River with exciting stops in Austria and Germany, and conclude in historic Nuremberg, Germany. As you leave Budapest, you’ll sail past the splendid Parliament Building and, along the Danube River, you’ll see Hungary on your left and Slovakia on your right as a 58-mile stretch of the river runs between both countries. Enjoy an amazing view of the landscapes of Bratislava while sailing. Vienna, Austria, offers stunning St. Stephen’s Cathedral, the Habsburg Palace, the Vienna Opera House, and much more. In the heart of the Wachau Valley wine region is Krems, a town seemingly untouched by the modern world. In Melk, visit Austria’s majestic Benedictine Abbey, one of Europe’s largest monasteries, and enjoy a tasting of some of the Wachau Valley’s famous wines. Join in a guided walk through Passau, with its narrow streets, beautiful Patrician houses, and baroque architecture. Sail further up the Danube River to discover the medieval walls of Regensburg—the only German city not bombed during WWII. Here, you can become acquainted with some of Germany’s famous beers! The last stop on this memorable river cruise vacation is the thousand-year-old city of Nuremberg. During guided sightseeing, marvel at the medieval fortifications, extraordinary Gothic churches, and the Imperial Castle. Take free time to make a wish at the striking fountain on the Hauptmarkt (Main Square)—a perfect ending to a memorable Danube River cruise vacation!

  1. Day 1
    BUDAPEST, HUNGARY (EMBARKATION)
    Mon, May 18, 2026
    Welcome to Hungary. Your Suite Ship® is Ready for Boarding.

    Flights into Budapest must arrive by 2 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.

    EVENING/OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO VIENNA

    (D)


  2. Day 2
    VIENNA, AUSTRIA
    Tue, May 19, 2026
    Vienna Waltzes on the Beautiful Blue Danube

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

    Enjoy a relaxing day on board sailing the Danube, which shares dozens of miles with Hungary and Slovakia. Relax on the Sky Deck to see the rolling landscape and red rooftops of the Slovakian capital of Bratislava come into view.

    Arrive this evening in Vienna, where you may choose to join an Optional Excursion to attend a Royal Waltz Concert for an unforgettable evening of music in an elegant hall.

    OVERNIGHT DOCKING IN VIENNA

    (B,L,D)

  3. Day 3
    VIENNA
    Wed, May 20, 2026
    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 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 the ship to explore Vienna’s square or the banks of the Danube.

    DISCOVERY Enjoy an onboard performance of the traditional Viennese Waltz and learn yourself a few graceful steps in this elegant cultural encounter.

    Later, enjoy live entertainment on board.

    OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO KREMS

    (B,L,D)

  4. Day 4
    KREMS–WACHAU VALLEY
    Thu, May 21, 2026
    An Ancient Village and Vintages of the Wachau Valley

    Join your Adventure Host for today’s special activities.

    ACTIVE Experience Wachau valley by bike with your Adventure Host, OR:

    DISCOVERY Join an interactive Wine World Experience with wine tasting, OR:

    CLASSIC Join a guided walk to explore this small valley town, seemingly untouched by the new world.

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

    MELK

    Frescoes Above and Vineyards Below

    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 Enjoy the flavors of the Wachau Valley with a Wine Tasting on board.

    EVENING/OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO PASSAU

    (B,L,D)

  5. Day 5
    PASSAU, GERMANY
    Fri, May 22, 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.

    Meet your ship back in Passau after your full-day selected activity for sailing.

    EVENING/OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO REGENSBURG

    (B,L,D)

  6. Day 6
    REGENSBURG
    Sat, May 23, 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.

    This evening, enjoy live entertainment after dinner.

    EVENING/OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO ROTH

    (B,L,D)

  7. Day 7
    ROTH. EXCURSION TO NUREMBERG
    Sun, May 24, 2026
    Legends and History Lessons

    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.

    ACTIVE Explore Roth's Lauter valley with your Adventure Host, 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 Sightseeing 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.

    DISCOVERY Enjoy an onboard beer tasting.

    EVENING CRUISE TO NUREMBERG

    (B,L,D)



  8. Day 8
    NUREMBERG (DISEMBARKATION)
    Mon, May 25, 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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