Jewels of Central Europe with 2 Nights in Paris (Westbound) 2020

17 Day River Cruise Budapest to Paris

2020 Information. Switch to 2021 »

On this Europe river cruise vacation, you’ll sail along the Danube, Main, Rhine, and Moselle Rivers. Board your ship in vibrant Budapest, Hungary, then see some of the most intriguing cities of Austria and Germany, before ending your cruise in Luxembourg. Sail out of Budapest, past the impressive Parliament Building on the Danube River, to Austria’s elegant capital of Vienna. There’s a guided walk in the quaint village of Dürnstein, in the heart of the Wachau Valley, and a visit to the magnificent Benedictine Abbey of Melk. You’ll be introduced to the treasures of Passau, Regensburg, and Nuremberg, and take an excursion to Bavaria’s capital, Munich. On the banks of the Main River, you’ll find small towns tucked away behind defensive walls and towered gates. These picturesque Bavarian villages are a photographer's dream. Visit Würzburg and the impressive Bishop’s Residenz, then sail into the Rhine River and stop in Rüdesheim—a quintessential Rhine Valley town. Later, cruise the wide, peaceful curves of the Moselle River Valley, famous for its picturesque views, and arrive in the wine village of Bernkastel surrounded by Germany’s largest expanse of vineyards. Before you leave, we’ll introduce you to some of the famed Moselle wines. In Trier, Germany, believed to be even older than Rome—having been populated over a thousand years before the Romans arrived—a Local Guide will show you the sights, including the Porta Nigra, the only surviving fortified gate from the original Roman settlement. Along the enchanting Moselle River, make your way to Remich, Luxembourg to disembark from your Avalon European river cruise, and transfer via high-speed train to Paris for a Monograms vacation. You’ll enjoy VIP sightseeing in “The City of Lights” with an expert guide, driving past the Latin Quarter, Les Invalides, Place de la Concorde, Eiffel Tower, the Arc de Triomphe, followed by a Seine river cruise and free time to enjoy with the suggestions and support of your Monograms Local Host®.

Central Europe is yours to remember for its beauty, history, culture, and cuisine. And you’ll soon see why Paris is called the most romantic city in the world!


Dates & Prices Get a Quote Book Online

Cruise at-a-Glance

Day 1 Budapest (Embarkation):Onboard welcome receptionDay 2 Vienna:Scenic sailing, pass through BratislavaDay 3 Vienna:Guided sightseeingDay 4 Dürnstein—Wachau Valley—Melk:Choice of guided tour, or hike up to the castle ruins in Dürnstein; scenic cruise through the Wachau Valley; guided tour of the Benedictine Abbey in Melk; wine tasting on boardDay 5 Passau:Guided walkDay 6 Regensburg:Guided tourDay 7 Nuremberg:Choice of guided sightseeing in Nuremberg or Roth, or Nuremberg Rally Grounds tour; beer tasting on boardDay 8 Nuremberg. Munich excursion:Guided sightseeing in Munich, see the MarienplatzDay 9 Bamberg:Guided walk, see the Old Town Hall; lecture on boardDay 10 Würzburg:Guided sightseeing, visit the Bishop’s ResidenzDay 11 Main River Village:Guided walkDay 12 Rüdesheim—Rhine Gorge:Visit Siegfried’s Mechanical Musical Instrument Museum in Rüdesheim; cruise through the Rhine GorgeDay 13 Bernkastel: Guided walk; wine tastingDay 14 Trier:Choice of guided city sightseeing, or “Roman Trier,” see the Porta NigraDay 15 Remich (Disembarkation)—Paris:Transfer to Luxembourg City to board the high-speed train (first class) to ParisDay 16 Paris:Guided sightseeing, Seine river cruise Day 17 Paris: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.

View 4 Your Way Cruise Options »

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 (EMBARKATION)

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

Day 2

(B, L, D)

VIENNA, AUSTRIA

Vienna Waltzes and the Beautiful Blue Danube

Start the day with a Morning Stretch with your Avalon 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

Day 3

(B, L, D)

VIENNA

Royal Collections, and Amusing Attractions

Classic
Venture into 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 historic Vienna Opera House and stunning St. Stephen’s Cathedral.

Join a Guided Optional Excursion to Schönbrunn Palace—a Habsburg Empire summer home for 300 years.

This afternoon, enjoy free time to take a tram to visit Austria’s Prater amusement park or one of the many museums nearby. You may also decide to borrow a bike from the ship to explore the streets and squares of Vienna, or ride along the banks of the Danube at your leisure.

Later, Later, enjoy live entertainment on board.

OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO DÜRNSTEIN

Day 4

(B, L, D)

DÜRNSTEIN

Fairytale Castles, Kings, Cobblestones of Delightful Dürnstein

Classic
Join a Guided Walk, and hear the legendary tale of King Richard the Lionheart—who was imprisoned in the castle above the village during the Crusades, OR:
Active
Join a Hike up to the castle ruins with your Adventure Host for a spectacular view of the village, Danube, and the Wachau Valley below.

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

MELK

Ornate Architecture and Scenic Splendors

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

Day 5

(B, L, D)

PASSAU, GERMANY

Go for Baroque in Passau–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

Day 6

(B, L, D)

REGENSBURG

Magical Regensburg—Bavaria’s Medieval Miracle

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 as you cruise toward Roth.

EVENING/OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO ROTH

Day 7

(B, L, D)

ROTH. EXCURSION TO NUREMBERG

Living Heritage and History Lessons

Discovery
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.
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
Later, indulge in a Beer Tasting on board.
EVENING CRUISE TO NUREMBERG

Day 8

(B, D)

NUREMBERG—EXCURSION TO MUNICH

A King’s Palace and Town Halls in Modern Munich

Classic
Take a full-day Guided Tour of the highlights of fascinating Munich. See Nymphenburg Palace—a former residence of German monarchs, along with the old and new Town Halls of Marienplatz.
EVENING/OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO BAMBERG

Day 9

(B, L, D)

BAMBERG

One Thousand Years of History in the City of Seven Hills

Classic
Take a Guided Walking Tour of the former home to imperial dynasties, and see its Romanesque cathedral, Old Town Hall, and seven hills crowned with churches.
Discovery
Attend an onboard Lecture to learn about European history and culture.
AFTERNOON/OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO WÜRZBURG

Day 10

(B, L, D)

WÜRZBURG

A Perfect Day in the Pearl of the Romantic Road

Classic
Take a Guided Sightseeing Tour of Würzburg—”Pearl of the Romantic Road”— with its Old Main Bridge, towering fortress, and baroque Bishop’s Residenz—with the largest known ceiling fresco.

Explore the city on your own or visit a local winery. Later, enjoy onboard entertainment.

EVENING/OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO MAIN RIVER VILLAGE

Day 11

(B, L, D)

MAIN RIVER VILLAGE

Hidden Gems and Bavarian Beauty of a Main River Village

Classic
Join a Guided Walking Tour of a picturesque Bavarian village.
AFTERNOON/OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO RÜDESHEIM

Day 12

(B, L, D)

RÜDESHEIM—RHINE GORGE

Eat, Drink, and Be Merry in Wine Country

Discovery
Tour the incredible Mechanical Music Museum for a one-of-a-kind instrumental experience; based on your departure enjoy a local special treat, OR;
Active
Take an open-air Cable Car Ride to the Niederwald Monument. Ride or walk back down through the vineyards; based on your departure enjoy a local special treat.

This afternoon, relax on the Sky Deck as you cruise through the magnificent Rhine Gorge.

AFTERNOON/OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO BERNKASTEL

Day 13

(B, L, D)

BERNKASTEL

Gracious German Vineyards of the Moselle Valley

Classic
Take a Guided Walking Tour of the charming wine village of Bernkastel—with its medieval marketplace and 17th-century half-timbered houses, OR:
Active
Join your Avalon Adventure Host for a Guided Hike to nearby castle ruins.

Spend some free time at your leisure this afternoon, perhaps biking through the Renaissance-style village, or visiting a café to sample Apfelkuchen or other wonderful German desserts.

Discovery
Join a Wine Tasting to experience the tradition of legendary German wine making.

Later, enjoy live entertainment on board while sailing.

EVENING/OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO REMICH

Day 14

(B, L, D)

REMICH, LUXEMBOURG. EXCURSION TO TRIER

Ancient Worlds, Old World Charm, and World-Class Wine

Classic
Take a Guided Sightseeing Tour of Trier—Germany’s oldest city with ancient Roman remnants dating from 144-152 AD. Starting from Porta Nigra walk through the city center, OR:
Classic
Join a history-focused Roman Trier Guided Tour to learn more about the history of Roman civilization in this Moselle River city, and visit the ruins of a 20,000-seat amphitheater, and imperial baths.

This afternoon, take a Guided Optional Excursion to Luxembourg City—with its dramatic views, ancient ruins, and modern architecture in its deep gorge terrain.

OVERNIGHT DOCKING IN REMICH

Day 15

(B)

REMICH (DISEMBARKATION)—PARIS, FRANCE

Transfer from your ship to the train station in Luxembourg City. Travel by high-speed train (first class) to Paris, where you begin your Monograms package.

Day 16

(B)

PARIS

Morning guided sightseeing includes a drive past the Latin Quarter, Les Invalides, Place de la Concorde, the Arc de Triomphe and a stop to take photos of the Eiffel Tower from one of the best panoramic viewing points. Also admire the heart of the city from a different perspective on a SEINE RIVER CRUISE. Embark your comfortable boat near the Eiffel Tower and spend a relaxing hour gliding by many of the city's important landmarks such as the L'Institut de France; magnificent Notre Dame Cathedral where Napoleon was crowned emperor in 1804; Hôtel de Ville, the city's municipal headquarters; the Conciergerie, formerly a notorious prison where Marie-Antoinette spent the last days of her life; famous Louvre Palace and museum; and much more.

Day 17

(B)

PARIS

Your vacation ends with breakfast this morning.

  • 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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Jewels of Central Europe (Westbound)

Start Sooner, Stay Longer

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

Ship Details

Hotels

 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.

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