Danube Dreams with Habsburg Royalty 2019

10 Day River Cruise Budapest to Prague

2019 Information

Cruise along the peaceful Danube River through Hungary, Slovakia, Austria, and Germany—stopping at some of Central Europe’s most splendid capitals and charming towns along the way.

Begin in Budapest, where guided sightseeing acquaints you with the highlights of the vibrant capital of Hungary. See Heroes’ Square, and all the famous sights that make this city come to life! Take a visit to Gödöllö royal palace, beloved by Sissi. Set sail on the Danube, take pictures of the impressive Parliament Building as you leave Budapest, and head for Bratislava, the capital of Slovakia. Here, enjoy a guided walk through the delightful Old Town and visit the gothic St. Martin’s Cathedral. Vienna, Austria, once center of the Habsburg Empire, makes an immediate impression with its lavish Habsburg Imperial Palace and neo-renaissance Vienna Opera House.

Enjoy the magnificent views of the Wachau Valley wine region, visit Melk’s magnificent Benedictine Abbey, and sample local wines. In Linz, walk around the Hauptplatz, Austria’s largest medieval square, which forms the center of the city or take an excursion to the Austrian lake region where the Habsburg family members used to go. Take a guided walk around Passau, Germany, known for its maze of narrow cobblestone streets and St. Stephen’s Cathedral—a masterpiece of baroque architecture.

Enjoy a guided sightseeing in Regensburg, before heading to beautiful Prague, capital of the Czech Republic. Here, you’ll be amazed at St. Vitus Cathedral and Old Town’s Astronomical Clock, a unique and intricate piece of art unlike anything else in the world.


Dates & Prices Get a Quote Book Online

Cruise at-a-Glance

Day 1 Budapest (Embarkation): Welcome to Budapest; onboard welcome receptionDay 2 Budapest: Guided tour, see Heroes’ Square; visit Gödöllö Royal PalaceDay 3 Bratislava:Guided sightseeing, visit St. Martin’s Cathedral; lecture about royal dinasties in Europe, onboard Waltz lessonDay 4 Vienna:Choice of guided sightseeing, or visit of the Kunsthistorisches Museumguided tour, see the Kuntskammer’s collection; choice of additional sightseeing, or a complimentary museum ticket; visit Schönbrunn PalaceDay 5 Dürnstein–Wachau Valley–Melk:Choice of guided walk, or hike up to the castle ruins in Dürnstein; guided visit of the Benedictine Abbey in Melk or visit Arstetten Castle; wine tastingDay 6 Linz:Guided walk or full day excursion Romantic AustriaDay 7 Passau: Guided walkDay 8 Deggendorf (Disembarkation)–Regensburg–Prague: Transfer to Regensburg, guided sightseeing; travel by motorcoach to PragueDay 9 Prague: Guided sightseeing, see the Astronomical Clock and visit Hradčany Castle groundsDay 10 Prague: Your vacation ends this morning

Cruise YourWay

Avalon makes it easy to experience vacation your way with seamless extension options before and after your cruise. Your Way offers added nights in a selection of locales. From Budapest to Barcelona, you can spend a little or a lot more time getting to know more on shore with Your Way custom itineraries.

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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
  • USB Ports
  • 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

  • FlexDining® for more venue and seating options, including flexible seating times in our Panorama Dining Room
  • Avalon Fresh® 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 at 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.
  • Enjoy a tasting menu with a view in the Panorama Bistro - a less formal "sit-down" atmosphere while lingering over several satisfying selections
  • 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

(D)

BUDAPEST, HUNGARY (EMBARKATION)

Welcome to Budapest—Hungary’s Captivating Capital

Flights into Budapest must arrive by 3:30 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.

OVERNIGHT DOCKING IN BUDAPEST

Day 2

(B, L, D)

BUDAPEST, HUNGARY

The Pearl of the Danube in the Heart of Europe

Classic
Enjoy a Guided City Sightseeing, including the iconic Heroes’ Square.
Discovery
Visit the Royal Palace of Gödöllö, one of the favourite retreat of Sissi.

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.

EVENING/OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO BRATISLAVA

Day 3

(B, L, D)

BRATISLAVA, SLOVAKIA

Classic and Contemporary—from Cathedrals and Castle Walls to Art Gallery Halls

Classic
Take a Guided City Walk, including the quaint streets of Old Town, Town Hall, and fantastic St. Martin’s Cathedral where the Austro-Hungarian kings were once crowned.

Enjoy some free time to take Nordic walking sticks from the ship and hike to Bratislava Castle.

Discovery
A local expert will reveal stories about European Royal dinasties.

Later, enjoy an onboard Royal Waltz lesson which is still a living cultural heritage from the Habsburg monarchy.

OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO VIENNA

Day 4

(B, L, D)

VIENNA

Strauss, Schnitzel, Strudel, and Sachertorte

Discovery
Visit Austria’s largest art museum, the Kunsthistorisches Museum, including the Kuntskammer’s remarkable collection of more than 2,100 valuable objects, which were collected through the centuries by the emperors and archdukes of Habsburg, OR:
Classic
Venture into the Habsburg empire with a morning Guided City Tour of Vienna’s gilded landmarks. See the Imperial Palace complex—the winter residence of the Imperial Family, the historic Vienna Opera House and stunning St. Stephen’s Cathedral.
Discovery
Take a guided tour to Schönbrunn Palace—the former imperial summer home and vast gardens with a history spanning 300 years of the Habsburg monarchy.

In your free time why not stroll through pedestrian Kärntnerstrasse—the most famous shopping avenue in central Vienna. Take a bike ride through the city and stop in a local café to enjoy authentic Austrian confections of Sachertorte or Apfelstrudel.

Later 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 CRUISE TO DÜRNSTEIN

Day 5

(B, L, D)

DÜRNSTEIN–WACHAU VALLEY

Fairytale Castles, Kings, and Cobblestones

Classic
Join a Guided Walk, and hear the legendary tale of King Richard the Lionheart—who was imprisoned in the castle during the Crusades, OR:
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.

Later, stretch out on the Sky Deck as you sail through the Wachau Valley past vineyards, castles, and charming villages on your way to Melk.

MELK



Striking Frescoes and Breathtaking Views of the Wachau Valley

Classic
Take a Guided Tour of Melk’s magnificent Benedictine Abbey to marvel at its frescoed ceilings, statues, incredible library, and ornate pipe organ, OR:
Discovery
Visit the Arstetten Castle, once owned by the Habsburg family and nowadays it is a property of the Hohenbergs which is the family of Archduke Franz Ferdinand’s wife Sophie, Duchess of Hohenberg, who were assassinated in 1914.
EVENING/OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO LINZ

Day 6

(B, L, D)

LINZ, AUSTRIA

Fall in Love with Linz–Legendary Art, Music, and the Linzer Torte!

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, OR:
Discovery
Take a full day excursion among the picturesque mountain lakes and romantic villages beloved by the Habsburgs.

Feel free to enjoy the afternoon on your own to bike along the banks of the Danube with a picnic from the ship, or hike through Linz’s beautiful nature trails to Pöstlingberg for a bird’s-eye view of the city and river below.

OVERNIGHT DOCKING IN MELK

Day 7

(B, L, D)

SCHLÖGEN OXBOW– PASSAU

Go for Baroque in Passau–Where the Danube, Inn, and Ilz Rivers meet

This morning, cruise through the Schlögen Oxbow, a particularly beautiful horseshoe-shaped bend of the river.

Classic
Join a Guided City Walk to learn more about this beautiful “City of Three Rivers”and follow Habsburg traces.
Active
Follow your Avalon Adventure Host for Hiking from Oberhaus along a trail down to the valley and along the Ilz River.

Spend a little free time before sailing to Deggendorf to walk the cobblestone streets and galleries of Artists’ Alley or peek into St. Stephen’s Cathedral to possibly catch a concert rehearsal.

EVENING/OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO DEGGENDORF

Day 8

(B)

DEGGENDORF (DISEMBARKATION)– REGENSBURG– PRAGUE, CZECH REPUBLIC

Magical Regensburg—Bavaria’s Medieval Miracle

Classic
Join a Guided City Walk in Regensburg and see Altes Rathaus (Old Town Hall) and Porta Pretoria—built in 179 AD as the entrance to Castra Regina fortress.

Take free time to enjoy a hearty lunch and a local beer, then step back in time through historic lanes and squares of today’s modern and vibrant Regensburg. Continue on to the Golden City of Prague.

Day 9

(B)

PRAGUE

Bridges, Books, Crystal & Chocolate—Simple Pleasures and Grand Surprises Around Every Corner

Classic
Take a Guided City Walk to visit Hradčany Castle Grounds; see St. Vitus Cathedral and Old Town’s Astronomical Clock.

Later, you may join a Guided Optional Excursion to reveal the secrets of Prague as your expert local guide takes you to Charles Bridge and Mala Strana—two of Prague’s most romantic and picturesque spots.
Consider sampling delicious plum dumplings and traditional Pilsner lager beside the Vltava River.

Mingle with the locals and be mesmerized by street performers in Wenceslas Square, or browse the market stalls at Charles Bridge.

In the evening, you might like to join an Optional Folklore Dinner Show, sampling traditional Czech cuisine in an authentic Prague setting.

Day 10

(B)

PRAGUE

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 is 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.

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Danube Dreams – Westbound

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Start your vacation earlier or stay longer with destination options before or after your Avalon cruise.

Ship Details

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 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)

No Excursions are available at this time.