The Blue Danube Discovery with 2 Nights in Budapest 2026
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Save $3,000 on 2025 Avalon Waterways Mekong River Cruises
Save $3,000 on 2025 Avalon Waterways Mekong River Cruises
Promotion Details
*Book a select 2025 Avalon Waterways Mekong river cruise to receive $1500 off per person on the cruise/land or cruise only price. Offer available on select dates in 2025 and on select cruises ONLY. Booking must be made, under deposit and discount applied between May 9, 2024 and JUne 30, 2025 for travel at select times in 2025. Not applicable to custom tours. Not applicable on TBA space. Combinable only with the Welcome Back Credit. Promotional discount will apply to Groups of 8 or more who provide their Group Block Deposit within the promotion's booking dates and will apply to all individual members of the Group until the due date of the passenger names/non-refundable individual deposits. Applies to new bookings only and offer will not be applied to pre-existing bookings. Offer reliant on space availability at time of booking and may be withdrawn at any time. This promotion is inventory managed and subject to availability. Full cancellation penalties will apply. Additional restrictions may apply; see Travel Terms & Conditions for details. Offer applies to participating GFOB offices only. PRMW1115 PRMW1146
This timeless European vacation begins with two nights in vibrant Budapest, Hungary, before your Danube River cruise with exciting stops in Austria and Germany. In Budapest, Hungary’s lively capital, marvel at the eight bridges spanning the river and enjoy an introduction to the city by a local expert who shows you the must-see sights. Embark on your Avalon Suite Ship® for an amazing view of the landscapes of Bratislava while sailing. Vienna, Austria, offers stunning St. Stephen’s Cathedral, the Habsburg Palace, and the Vienna Opera House. In the heart of the Wachau wine region is Krems, a town seemingly untouched by the modern world. In Melk, visit majestic Benedictine Abbey, one of Europe’s largest monasteries, and enjoy a tasting of some of the Wachau Valley’s famous Austrian wines. Take a guided walk through Passau, with its narrow streets and beautiful Patrician houses. Further up the Danube River, you’ll arrive at the medieval walls of Regensburg—the only German city not bombed during WWII. Your last stop is the thousand-year-old city of Nuremberg, where you’ll marvel at the medieval fortifications, extraordinary Gothic churches, and the Imperial Castle. Your Danube River cruise concludes in Nuremberg.
- Day 1BUDAPEST, HUNGARYFri, Dec 04, 2026Welcome to Budapest—Hungary’s Captivating CapitalThe day is yours to relax and enjoy Eastern Europe’s shining city on the Danube.
- Day 2BUDAPESTSat, Dec 05, 2026The Pearl of the Danube in the Heart of Europe CLASSIC Enjoy a Guided City Sightseeing, including the iconic Heroes’ Square.Take in the beauty of Budapest while enjoying a free afternoon exploring such famous sights as the Chain Bridge. Get to know the city’s cafés and pubs or take a hike through the hills above the Danube.(B)
- Day 3BUDAPEST (EMBARKATION)Sun, Dec 06, 2026Time for Coffee and ConfectionsWith a free day to explore before your cruise, take time to take photographs on the Royal Palace grounds in this treasure trove of historical architecture. Try Budapest’s famous thermal bath spas, then lunch in a garden or rooftop eatery before boarding your Suite Ship®. EVENING/OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO VIENNA(B,D)
- Day 4VIENNA, AUSTRIAMon, Dec 07, 2026Vienna Waltzes on the Beautiful Blue Danube Visit the Adventure Center for today’s activities with your Adventure Host.Enjoy 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. This evening in Vienna, 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)
- Day 5VIENNATue, Dec 08, 2026Royal Collections and Amusing Attractions ACTIVE Explore Vienna's Danube Island by bike with your Adventure Host, 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)
- Day 6KREMS–WACHAU VALLEYWed, Dec 09, 2026An Ancient Village and Vintages of the Wachau ValleyJoin 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. MELKFrescoes Above and Vineyards BelowCLASSIC 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)
- Day 7PASSAU, GERMANYThu, Dec 10, 2026Where 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)
- Day 8REGENSBURGFri, Dec 11, 2026Bavaria’s Medieval MiracleJoin 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)
- Day 9ROTH. EXCURSION TO NUREMBERGSat, Dec 12, 2026Legends and History LessonsCLASSIC 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)
- Day 10NUREMBERG (DISEMBARKATION)Sun, Dec 13, 2026Your vacation ends with breakfast this morning. (B)
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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.
Accommodation Information
Port charges:
$231 are included.
Avalon offers the opportunity for solo travelers to sail with no single supplement (subject to availability).
Please call for single accommodation details and prices. Triples not available.
OR Call Us For a Free Quote 1-800-342-0019
Ship Information
Cabins
Life on Board
Questions & Answers Ask A Question
Question: Will the day-by-day itinerary change?
Question: In what language is the river cruise conducted?
I can not say enough to praise the hospitality and professional service aboard the Avalon Illumination! Everyone was so helpful and engaging from our tour guide to our housekeeper. the food and food service staff were equally amazing!
Don't be afraid to try the active excursions. They were amazing and they were honest if they felt a guest wouldn't be comfortable with the level of difficulty.
The overall dining experience was ok, not great
We enjoyed the Avalon Magnificent Europe River Cruise very much. It was everything we expected and more. The crew and staff on the ship were outstanding.
Avalon was wonderful to us. The staff was extremely friendly and willing to help in anyway. Very positive experience. The food also was delicious.
Great Food, Great Room, Great Tour Guide and Crew! Outstanding to all that worked so hard and always presented a smile!
Nico, Cruise director, made this trip extra special. He is very organized and knows the history of the areas we traveled.
This was our first river cruise and our first experience with Avalon. The entire trip was very enjoyable and we look forward to traveling on another river cruise with Avalon. Our tour included the Christmas Markets along the Danube and it would be fun to return to the same places during the spring and summer months. It was very nice to unpack only once.
The changes to my itinerary, due to the low water level of the Danube, were well beyond acceptable and made my trip that much more enjoyable. Mother Nature has a mind of her own and Avalon kept me informed prior to and on the trip. I highly recommend Avalon.
This trip covers a longer stretch of the Danube and many of the tours off the ship are an hour or more by bus. Average age on this trip was older than many other European river cruises. It was a fascinating trip.
Affordable Tours and Avalon did a great job. Everything perfect.
Aga was extremely helpful in booking our trip and in providing valuable information about the excursions and Amsterdam. We would like to work with her again in the future.
Everything was wonderful! The Avalon Illumination river boat was beautiful and our cabin was nice with a panoramic view. The tour director and staff were super. The places we visited for the Christmas markets were beyond description -- absolutely fabulous! Very relaxing trip aboard the river boat.
The cruise was just as advertised - even better.
My 1st river cruise. It was handled professional and smoothly. My consultant and her team did a great job. I will definitively book again.
A truly wonderful vacation. Everything was first class - the hotel in Prague, the Avalon Illumination, and all the excursions. Our cruise director was outstanding.
Once we were booked, everything was seemless.
My only comment of concern was that when on ship we were asked to leave dining room rather abruptly when it was closing and the bar would be closed during all performances. And bar drinks were super expensive other than happy hours...I felt like we had to conform more than was necessary...could have been more customer sensitive...it was the cruise director who at times treated us this way. Otherwise excellent and I would encourage others to use Avalon.
I couldn't have asked for more with Avalon. The whole staff and crew were so friendly and helpful. The trip was a trip of a lifetime thanks to Avalon!
Every aspect of this trip was top notch!
The trip was fine, but we wished we would have had more 'side trip' choices, or actually, transportation choices. We wanted to take the tour bus places, but once there we would have rather gone in a different direction, I mean, it seems every tour brought us to a church/cathedral, and once you have seen 3 or 4, it got real old. The tour to the winery in Serbia (I think - maybe Bulgaria) was terrible, the wine was awful, I did not see a single person buy any of it. This is one tour where we wanted to go elsewhere but could not. Same with the tour to Tera Nova in Bulgaria - we wanted to wander the town, instead we had to follow the tour to yet another church. But this was OUR thoughts, for many others I am sure it was fine.
The agent was a delight to work with because of her top of the line service. Had a wonderful trip on Avalon Waterways up the Danube and Rhine Rivers from Vienna, and Salzburg was great! Thanks again for a wonderful trip.
We had a wonderful time and are very grateful to our agent for her professional assistance