Active & Discovery on the Danube with 3 Nights Prague – Eastbound 2019

12 Day River Cruise Prague to Budapest

Cruise Deals
Get a Quote Book Online From: $4,201

Have a Group?

Group Quote

2019 Information. Switch to 2020 »

Start your Danube River vacation with three nights in the exquisite city of Prague. You’ll explore the Czech Republic capital with your choice of included excursions. Explore the Golden City with your choice of a guided sightseeing tour or an urban hike extending to the Prokopske Valley Nature Reserve. Enjoy a day of unhurried free time to explore the beauty, history, and welcoming cafes of Prague. En route to your Avalon Suite Ship, you’ll visit the charming, Bohemian town of Český Krumlov—then embark on your Active & Discovery Danube River cruise. Whether you’re an art lover, a foodie, a history buff, or adventurer, your cruise includes Avalon Choice experiences that are perfect for any preference or pace—from Active to Discovery to Classic.

Your Active & Discovery cruise is packed with Avalon Choice inclusions for every pace in every place we go. Browse the art collection of the Habsburg Empire, sample cheese and beer made by Trappist monks, or choose an insider’s tour of Vienna. Attend a wine tasting in Krems or join a hike to Count Dracula’s prison tower, visit Belvedere Palace in Vienna to see Klimt’s renowned “Kiss,” or attend a Medieval Knights Tournament at a Visegrád castle. You may decide to visit the notorious Mauthausen Concentration Camp of WWII, or Clam Castle in Grein to meet the count who lives there. With Active & Discovery river cruises, the choice is always yours. Stroll the streets of Budapest on a classic sightseeing tour or take a bike ride through town for a different perspective, or learn a few local Hungarian phrases on a walking tour! Your Active & Discovery Danube River cruise can be as active or leisurely as you like!


Dates & Prices Get a Quote Book Online

Cruise at-a-Glance

Day 1 Prague:Welcome to PragueDay 2 Prague: Choice of urban hike, or guided city tour including Hradčany Castle grounds and St. Vitus Cathedral; afternoon at leisureDay 3 Prague:Day at leisureDay 4 Prague–Linz (Embarkation): Guided tour of Česky Krumlov; transfer to Linz; onboard welcome receptionDay 5 Engelhartszell–Schlögen Schlinge–Linz: Choice of visit to Engelszell Abbey to tour its brewery, enjoy a tasting, and explore its sensory garden, or fun guided hike along the WWII smuggler’s route; choice of scenic cruising around the Schlögener Schlinge, or guided hike on the Danube Trail Day 6 Linz–Mauthausen–Grein: In Mauthausen, choice of visit to St. Florian Monastery, or guided tour of Mauthausen Concentration Camp, or guided bike tour; guided tour in Grein, visit to the historical theater and Clam Castle Day 7 Spitz–Vienna: Choice of canoe tour down the Danube; bike tour from Spitz to Krems with a stop in Dürnstein to sample local specialties; or Wine World Experience with tasting; or local encounter showcasing regional products Day 8 Vienna: Choice of bike tour, or jogging tour, or guided tour, visit to Belvedere Palace to see Klimt’s Kiss; or Vienna Experimental experience, to meet with local peopleDay 9 Vienna: Choice of early risers guided tour, with breakfast at a Viennese café; or guided tour, see Habsburg private art collection and the Italian and Dutch Masters Gallery, or guided tour, see Habsburg private art collection and the Military MuseumDay 10 Visegrád–Danube Bend: In Visegrád, choice of medieval knights tournament, or guided hike in Danube-Ipoly National Park, or canoe tour; scenic cruising around the Danube BendDay 11 Budapest (Disembarkation): Choice of guided tour with funny language lesson, or guided bike tour, or guided tourDay 12 Budapest: Your vacation ends this morning

Always Included

You've always forged your own path...with your own distinct perspective of looking at the world. Avalon Waterways presents a river cruise experience with your unique style in mind—offering expansive views and wider perspectives. That's why we've designed a cruise experience that's just a bit different.

Here are just some of the features and amenities you'll experience on board our Avalon ships. See the Ship Amenities Section below for more information about the amenities in our fleet’s unique ships.

Throughout the Ship
Suites & Staterooms
Health & Fitness
Dining

Throughout the Ship:

  • Complimentary Wi-Fi
  • Panoramic windows
  • Elegant, contemporary design & decor
  • Friendly, English-speaking crew & Cruise Director
  • Sky Deck with whirlpool, shade awnings, game area and premium lounges
  • Covered Observation Lounge
  • Club Lounge with 24-hour self-serve beverage station with complimentary cappuccinos, lattes, tea, hot chocolate & premium coffees, as well as treats throughout the day

Suites & Staterooms:

  • Comfort Collection BedsSM with choice of mattress firmness
  • Egyptian super-combed cotton linens
  • Bathrobes & slippers
  • Premium L'Occitane bath products
  • Large bathroom featuring shower with glass door
  • Flatscreen satellite TV with free movie channels
  • Individual climate control and in-room safe
  • Complimentary bottled water daily
  • And, much more.

Health & Fitness:

  • Bikes
  • Canoe, kayak and jogging excursions
  • Maps for hiking, biking and jogging routes
  • Fitness and wellness activities
  • Fitbits®
  • All through your Avalon Adventure HostSM

Dining

  • FlexDiningSM for more venue and seating options, including flexible seating times in our Panorama Dining Room
  • Avalon FreshSM healthy cuisine options at every meal
  • Complimentary sparkling wine with breakfast; wine, beer, or soft drinks with every lunch and dinner
  • Early and Late Riser breakfast options
  • Daily full buffet breakfast with made-to-order egg station, hot and cold menu items
  • Daily lunch buffet with pasta or carving stations
  • Alternative light lunch or Sky Grill on the Sky Deck (weather permitting)
  • Daily Afternoon Tea featuring tea, coffee, sweet treats & sandwiches
  • Daily four-course a la carte dinner in the Panorama Dining Room with choice of appetizers, soups, salads, entrees and desserts. Includes selections of regional recipes, Western dishes and vegetarian options.
  • Alternative Panorama Bistro dinner, featuring regional specialties and small plates
  • Captain’s welcome & farewell receptions and dinners with sparkling wine and canapés
  • Panorama Lounge featuring premium spirits and Avalon specialty cocktails, along with local entertainment special guests
  • Cocktails available on the Sky Deck
  • Fresh fruit available throughout the day

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 our exclusive AvalonGO APP.

Day-By-Day Itinerary

(B) = Breakfast   (L) = Lunch   (D) = Dinner

Day 1

PRAGUE

, CZECH REPUBLIC

Welcome in the “Golden City” of Prague

Day 2

(B)

PRAGUE

Choose your activity: an active guided urban hike that continues to the Prokopske Valley Nature Reserve, or a guided city sightseeing tour.

Day 3

(B)

PRAGUE

Enjoy a free day to explore the city on your own, or choose one of the many Guided Optional Excursions offered today.

Day 4

(B, D)

PRAGUE–LINZ, AUSTRIA (EMBARKATION)

En route to Linz, take a guided walking tour of medieval Český Krumlov. Upon arrival in Linz embark your Suite Ship®

EVENING/OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO ENGELHARTSZELL

Day 5

(B, L, D)

ENGELHARTSZELL–SCHLÖGEN OXBOW

Memory and Beer in the making

Active
ACTIVE Join a Guided Tour to the “House by the stream” (Haus am Strom) and walk across the Danube Power-Station Jochenstein, OR:
Classic
CLASSIC Visit the stunning rococo-style Engelszell Abbey, and explore its Sensory Garden—complete with stone labyrinth, herb garden, and vineyard. Sample cheese and beer made by the resident Trappist monks.

Enjoy free time on the Sky Deck this afternoon while you sail through the amazing horseshoe bend of the Danube’s Schlögen Oxbow on your way back to Linz.

OVERNIGHT DOCKING IN LINZ

Day 6

(B, L, D)

LINZ–MAUTHAUSEN

History Lessons and Monastic Life in Austria

Active
ACTIVE Take a Guided Bike Tour along the Danube and discover how fertile this area is. Stop at a local farm and learn more about farming life and flood protection, OR:
Classic
CLASSIC Take a step back in time with a visit to the 9th-century St. Florian Monastery—the largest monastery in upper Austria and home to Augustine monks, OR:
Classic
Pay homage to a pivotal time in human history with a Guided Tour of Mauthausen Concentration Camp, one of the largest and most brutal Nazi camps of WWII.

In the afternoon sail to Grein.

GREIN

Theater History and Modern-Day Castles

Classic
CLASSIC Take a Guided Walk of Grein, including its historic theater, the oldest in Austria still holding regular performances.
Discovery
DISCOVERY See Burg Clam on a Guided Visit, and meet the Count of Clam during your tour.
EVENING CRUISE TO SPITZ

Day 7

(B, L, D)

SPITZ

Take a Hike, a Canoe, or a Bike to Explore Austria’s Wine Country

Active
ACTIVE Paddle a canoe on a Guided Tour to see the Austrian waterways and shoreline scenery from a unique perspective, OR:
Active
Take a Guided Bike Tour from Spitz to Krems, and enjoy a stop in Dürnstein to see the mesmerizing blue Stiftskirche, and to sample local specialties, OR:
Discovery
DISCOVERY Join an interactive Wine World Experience with wine tasting, OR:
Discovery
Enjoy a Guided Tour that showcases the production of regional fruits, vegetables, wine, or other products.

Relax this afternoon as you cruise toward Vienna.

This evening, perhaps join a Guided Optional Hike through the vineyards outside Vienna, with a wine tasting and dinner at a local Viennese Heurigen (Wine Tavern).

OVERNIGHT DOCKING IN VIENNA

Day 8

(B, L, D)

VIENNA

Strauss, Schnitzel, Strudel, and Sachertorte

Active
ACTIVE Take a Guided Bike Tour along the famed Ringstrasse and pedestrian avenues of Vienna to see the city’s highlights from a unique perspective, OR:
Active
Join a Guided Jogging Tour of the City of Music to see highlights of the gilded architecture along the way, OR:
Discovery
DISCOVERY Get an Insider’s Tour of Vienna to get behind the scenes of her sights and attractions. You will meet locals, have the chance to prepare some food, and enjoy other surprises, OR:
Classic
CLASSIC Enjoy a Guided Sightseeing Tour of Vienna, including a tour of Belvedere Palace to see Gustave Klimt’s renowned “Kiss” painting.


Spend free time this afternoon strolling through the pedestrian Kärntnerstrasse, then take a break for a piece of Sachertorte.

EVENING OVERNIGHT DOCKING IN VIENNA

Day 9

(B, L, D)

VIENNA

A Feast for the Soul in Vienna

Discovery
DISCOVERY Enjoy a morning Guided Walking Tour to see the city in her best light, along with breakfast at a Viennese café, OR:
Classic
CLASSIC Dive into European history and drama with a Guided Tour of the Habsburg family’s private art collection at the Museum of Fine Arts, and the Italian or Dutch master works, OR:
Classic
Take a Guided Tour of the Museum of Fine Arts, followed by the World Museum Vienna, commemorating the past of the Habsburg Empire.

This evening, enjoy live entertainment on board your ship.

OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO VISEGRÁD

Day 10

(B, L, D)

VISEGRÁD, HUNGARY

Knights, Castles, and Vampires

Discovery
DISCOVERY Join a Guided Excursion to the Medieval Knights Tournament at Visegrád’s Lower Castle, featuring targeting and fighting demonstrations by members of the St. George Knightly Order, OR:
Active
ACTIVE Take a Castle visit and scenic Hiking Tour to Count Dracula’s prison tower in Visegrád, OR:
Active
Take part in a canoe excursion through the picturesque Bend Region of the Danube for a truly unique perspective of one of the river’s most beautiful stretches.

Sail to Budapest this afternoon.

BUDAPEST, HUNGARY

The Pearl of the Danube

Take some free time this afternoon to explore the vibrant and stunning city of Budapest. Enjoy a Farewell Dinner on board your ship this evening.

OVERNIGHT DOCKING IN BUDAPEST

Day 11

(B)

BUDAPEST (DISEMBARKATION)

Active
ACTIVE See the sights from a different perspective by joining a Guided Bike Tour along the bike paths of the city, OR:
Discovery
DISCOVERY
Discovery
Enjoy a Guided Walking Tour combing the sights of Budapest that includes with “Fungarian” instruction of useful local words and phrases, OR:
Classic
CLASSIC Take a Guided Walking Tour of Budapest to see the city’s most iconic sites.

Spend free time shopping for Hungarian paprika or handcrafted souvenirs, or savor a piece of cream cake in the world-famous Gerbeaud Café.

Day 12

(B)

BUDAPEST

Your vacation ends with breakfast this morning.

Notes

  • In the event of water level problems or any problems of a technical nature, it may be necessary to operate the itinerary by motorcoach or to alter the program.
  • Included visits and special features are subject to change. If a change becomes necessary, a substitute will be offered.
  • Please check visa requirements with your local consulate(s); the responsibility for obtaining a visa rests with the traveler.

Similar Cruises

Active & Discovery on the Danube – Eastbound (WLB)
Active & Discovery on the Danube – Eastbound

9 Day River Cruise Linz to Budapest

Starting at: $3,969

per person without air*

Cruise Details
Active & Discovery on the Danube – Eastbound

Ship Details

Impression

Impression

Part of Avalon's cutting-edge fleet of Suite Ships®, the Avalon Impression came onto the river cruising scene with a bang. This gorgeous ship features two full decks of Panorama SuitesSM with Wall-to-Wall Panoramic Windows that transform the living space into a unique Open-Air BalconySM. With 200 square feet, Panorama SuitesSM are more than 30% larger than the industry standard, affording you the incomparable opportunity to wake each morning facing the splendid passing scenery. Onboard amenities include an alternative light dining option in the Panorama Bistro, a Fitness Center, complimentary Wi-Fi access, and a spacious Sky Deck with premium lounge chairs, whirlpool, and light al fresco lunches at the Sky Bistro on the Sky Deck.

Included Amenities


Staterooms & Suites

Avalon Deluxe Stateroom (Cat. D, E) - 172 sq. ft.
Avalon Deluxe Stateroom (Cat. D, E)
Features
  • Comfort Collection BedsSM
  • Egyptian super-combed cotton linens
  • Soft & firm pillows
  • Choice of bed configuration
  • Bedside tables with reading lamps
  • L'Occitane bath products
  • Easy under-bed luggage storage
  • Alarm clock
  • Bathrobes & slippers
  • Complimentary bottled water
  • Individual climate control
  • Large mirror in bathroom
  • USB Ports
  • Full shower with glass door
  • Vanity and lighted makeup mirror
  • Luxurious mattress toppers
  • European-style duvets
  • Extra blankets
  • Nightly turn-down service
  • Hairdryer
  • Spacious 3-door closets with shelves for ample storage
  • Flatscreen satellite TV with English-speaking channels & over 100 free movie options
  • Direct-dial telephone
  • Well-stocked minibar
  • In-room safe
  • Elegant, contemporary design
  • Complimentary Wi-Fi
  • Two windows
  • Writing desk and chair
Panorama Suite (Cat. A, B, P) - 200 sq. ft.
Panorama Suite (Cat. A, B, P)
Features
  • Comfort Collection BedsSM
  • Egyptian super-combed cotton linens
  • Soft & firm pillows
  • Choice of bed configuration
  • Bedside tables with reading lamps
  • L'Occitane bath products
  • Easy under-bed luggage storage
  • Alarm clock
  • Direct-dial telephone
  • Well-stocked minibar
  • In-room safe
  • Elegant, contemporary design
  • Marble countertops in bathroom
  • USB Ports
  • 6-person sitting area
  • Writing desk and chair
  • Sofa
  • Luxurious mattress toppers
  • European-style duvets
  • Extra blankets
  • Nightly turn-down service
  • Hairdryer
  • Spacious 3-door closets with shelves for ample storage
  • Flatscreen satellite TV with English-speaking channels & over 100 free movie options
  • Make-up mirror
  • Bathrobes & slippers
  • Complimentary bottled water
  • Individual climate control
  • Large mirror in bathroom
  • Complimentary Wi-Fi
  • Wall-to-Wall Panoramic Window with Open-Air BalconySM
  • Full shower with glass door
  • Vanity and lighted makeup mirror
  • Coffee table
Royal Suite - 300 sq. ft.
Royal Suite
Features
  • Comfort Collection BedsSM
  • Egyptian super-combed cotton linens
  • Soft & firm pillows
  • Choice of bed configuration
  • Bedside tables with reading lamps
  • L'Occitane bath products
  • Easy under-bed luggage storage
  • Alarm clock
  • Direct-dial telephone
  • Well-stocked minibar
  • In-room safe
  • Elegant, contemporary design
  • Marble countertops in bathroom
  • USB Ports
  • 6-person sitting area
  • Writing desk and chair
  • Sofa
  • Double sinks
  • Luxurious mattress toppers
  • European-style duvets
  • Extra blankets
  • Nightly turn-down service
  • Hairdryer
  • Spacious 3-door closets with shelves for ample storage
  • Flatscreen satellite TV with English-speaking channels & over 100 free movie options
  • Make-up mirror
  • Bathrobes & slippers
  • Complimentary bottled water
  • Individual climate control
  • Large mirror in bathroom
  • Complimentary Wi-Fi
  • Wall-to-Wall Panoramic Window with Open-Air BalconySM
  • Full shower with glass door
  • Vanity and lighted makeup mirror
  • Coffee table
DECK PLANS

Hotels

Prague
Budapest

 Optional Excursions

No matter what you’re into: food, wine, history, art, music or anything else, we give you the freedom to personalize your vacation with optional excursions that speak to your interests.

When you book your excursions with us, you can be assured that every optional excursion that we offer coordinates with the free time that you'll have in your destination, so you'll never have conflicts between included and optional activities. Our team of travel experts carefully selects each optional excursion that we offer to ensure that you receive the highest quality at a great value. Our tried-and-true partners have a finger on the pulse of the city in which they operate so they deliver the very best experiences. We offer experiences you cannot create on your own and because you’re booking with us, we coordinate all your transportation and timing needs.

The following optional excursions are examples only for this vacation. These may or may not be offered, and availability is subject to days of operation and seasonality. Please select a departure date to view optional excursions and pricing for a specific date (due to currency fluctuation, pricing shown is subject to change until purchased). Optional excursions are available for purchase on our MyAvalon site 90 days prior to the tour start date.

Price Ranges

$ ($50 USD and under)
$$ ($51 - $100 USD)
$$$ ($101 - $150 USD)
$$$$ (Over $150)


Prague
Engelhartszell
Krems
Vienna
Budapest
Packages

Prague

Vitava River Dinner & Sightseeing Cruise

Vitava River Dinner & Sightseeing Cruise

Enjoy a relaxing dinner aboard a beautiful floating restaurant for an unforgettable dining and cruising experience on Prague's majestic Vltava River.

Price Range: $$$

Create Your Own Graffiti Masterpiece

Create Your Own Graffiti Masterpiece

Learn the history and artistic techniques behind the street graffiti phenomenon, then create your very own graffiti masterpiece on a wall during this fun, interactive workshop.

Price Range: $$

Prague on Two Wheels: City Highlights by eBike

Prague on Two Wheels: City Highlights by eBike

Pedal your way around Prague on this guided eBike tour for a fun and proper introduction to the treasures of the Golden City.

Price Range: $$$

Discover Prague Microbrewery Tour

Discover Prague Microbrewery Tour

Visit the oldest beerhouses and breweries in Prague on this guided tour that gives you a peek into the brewing process, a look at historic equipment, and ends with a tasting of delicious local brews, breads and cheeses.

Price Range: $$

Prague Food and Cultural Tour

Prague Food and Cultural Tour

Explore the backstreets of Prague with an expert guide to discover the city¿s best local eateries, meet the people behind the food, and to sample some mouthwatering specialties!

Price Range: $$

Engelhartszell

Hit the Trail: Hike through the Danube Steg

Hit the Trail: Hike through the Danube Steg

This guided hike along the Danube's Schlögen Oxbow bend reveals a dramatic landscape created over the centuries.

Price Range: $$

Krems

Traditional Heurigen Wine Tavern Dinner

Traditional Heurigen Wine Tavern Dinner

Travel into the Grinzing area for a traditional dinner at a Heurigen wine tavern, with music, entertainment, and wine from the latest harvest!

Price Range: $$

Hit the Trail: Guided Hike with Heurigen Dinner

Hit the Trail: Guided Hike with Heurigen Dinner

Enjoy a scenic guided hike and a traditional dinner at a Heurigen wine tavern, with music, entertainment, and wine from the latest harvest!

Price Range: $$

Vienna

Classical Concert

Classical Concert

Enjoy a spellbinding evening of classical works by Mozart and Johann Strauss, performed brilliantly by professional Salon Orchestra Alt-Wien musicians in one of Europe's prettiest venues.

Price Range: $$

Musical Conductor for a Day

Musical Conductor for a Day

Become a real musical conductor on this unique once-in-a-lifetime opportunity in Vienna, the City of Music!

Price Range: $$$$

Discover the Secret of Absinthe

Discover the Secret of Absinthe

This fascinating excursion features a guided tour of the Old Viennese Schnappsmuseum with a tasting of the once-again-popular spirit Absinthe!

Price Range: $$

Schönbrunn Palace, Crown Jewel of Vienna & Strudel Show

Schönbrunn Palace, Crown Jewel of Vienna & Strudel Show

Visit magnificent Schönbrunn Palace, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and former summer residence of the Habsburg imperial family.

Price Range: $$

Vienna: City of Music & Musicians

Vienna: City of Music & Musicians

On this captivating guided tour, discover how Vienna has influenced the many musical geniuses who lived and worked here, and then visit the innovative House of Music to compose your own waltz or virtually conduct the Viennese Philharmonic!

Price Range: $$

Austrian Chef for a Day: Viennese Specialties

Austrian Chef for a Day: Viennese Specialties

Join an expert chef and learn how to create a lunch of authentic Viennese specialties, then savor the delicious final product afterward!

Price Range: $$$

Budapest

Budapest Retro Tour

Budapest Retro Tour

Step behind the Iron Curtain on this unique guided tour to discover what life was like in Hungary from the 1960s to the 1980s during the Communist era-and to explore some of its currently popular retro hot spots.

Price Range: $$$

Budapest Cave-Hiking Adventure

Budapest Cave-Hiking Adventure

Do something truly adventurous on an incredible guided caving tour through Budapest's massive underground cave system!

Price Range: $$

Tastes of Hungary Dinner & Wine Pairing

Tastes of Hungary Dinner & Wine Pairing

Explore the piquant flavors of traditional Hungarian cuisine and learn the best wines to pair with it during this fun and delicious food and wine-pairing dinner!

Price Range: $$

Packages

Celebration Packages

Celebration Packages

Celebrating a birthday or anniversary while you're cruising? Add an Avalon Celebration Package to your vacation. You can make your special day even more memorable with special touches ranging from flowers to a private cocktail reception.

Price Range: $$$$