Jewels of Central Europe with 2 Nights London & 2 Nights Paris – Eastbound 2019

19 Day River Cruise London to Budapest

2019 Information. Switch to 2020 »

Savor the experience of Central Europe’s gems along the Rhine, Moselle, Main, and Danube Rivers, and begin your adventure with a visit for 2 nights each in exciting London and romantic Paris.

Your European vacation starts with 2 nights in London. You’ll enjoy VIP guided sightseeing and free time to explore England’s most famous destination. Sightseeing includes Big Ben, Westminster Abbey, Buckingham Palace, and St. Paul’s Cathedral.

Discover “The City of Lights” with an expert guide, drive past the Latin Quarter, Les Invalides, Place de la Concorde, Eiffel Tower, the Arc de Triomphe and enjoy a Seine river cruise. Your Monograms vacation package includes Local Hosts® both in London and Paris.

You’ll then travel via high-speed train to Remich, Luxembourg to board your Avalon Suite Ship® and cruise the picturesque Moselle River Valley. You’ll visit Trier, Germany, believed to be even older than Rome and many remnants can still be found, such as imperial baths, and the wine village of Bernkastel. Continue through the dramatic Rhine Gorge, considered the most beautiful stretch of the Rhine River. See the rock of the Lorelei and ancient castles standing majestically on cliffs 400 feet above the water. Visit the magnificent Bishop’s Residenz in Würzburg, marvel at medieval Bamberg, and take a guided tour of historic Nuremberg. You’ll enjoy an excursion to the Bavarian capital of Munich. Cruise to the medieval city of Regensburg, Germany, and sample German beer, then visit Austria’s town of Passau with its narrow, winding cobblestone streets. You’ll marvel at Melk’s magnificent 11th-century Benedictine Abbey, before arriving in Vienna, the “City of Music” that inspired the genius of Beethoven, Mozart, and Strauss.

There are countless opportunities to be enchanted by the sights on this fascinating Europe river cruise, including the Hungarian capital of Budapest. A local expert will show you the famous sights.

Combine Cruise with a Monograms Vacation

Monograms is independent travel without the hassles that typically come with "ordinary" independent travel. With Monograms, you never have to worry about whether or not your hotel will have your reservation, how to get from here to there, or where to go once you get to your destination—it's the perfect addition to your Avalon river cruise! Avalon makes it easy to add a Monograms London, Paris & London, Aix-en-Provence & Nice, Barcelona or Zürich with Mount Pilatus & Lake Como package to your river cruise.

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Cruise at-a-Glance

Day 1 London:Welcome to EnglandDay 2 London:Guided sightseeing, visit St. Paul’s Cathedral (except on Sundays)Day 3 London–Paris:Travel by high-speed Eurostar train to Paris (Standard class)Day 4 Paris:Guided sightseeing, Seine river cruiseDay 5 Paris–Remich (Embarkation):Travel by high-speed train (first class) to Luxembourg City; motorcoach transfer to Remich to board your Avalon ship; onboard welcome receptionDay 6 Trier:Choice of guided city sightseeing or “Roman Trier” sightseeing, see the Porta NigraDay 7 Bernkastel:Guided walk; wine tastingDay 8 Rhine Gorge–Rüdesheim:Scenic cruising through the Rhine Gorge; choice of visit Siegfried’s Mechanical Musical Instrument Museum, or cable car ride in Rüdesheim; special treatDay 9 Main River Village:Guided walkDay 10 Würzburg:Guided sightseeing, visit the Bishop’s ResidenzDay 11 Bamberg:Lecture on board; guided tour, see the Old Town HallDay 12 Nuremberg. Excursion to Munich:Guided sightseeing, see the MarienplatzDay13 Roth. Excursion to Nuremberg:Choice of Nuremberg guided tour, or Nuremberg Rally Grounds tour; lecture on boardDay 14 Regensburg:Guided walk; beer tasting on boardDay 15 Passau:Guided walkDay 16 Melk–Wachau Valley–Vienna:Guided tour of the Benedictine Abbey in Melk; scenic cruising through the Wachau ValleyDay 17 Vienna:Guided sightseeingDay 18 Budapest:Guided tour, see Heroes’ SquareDay 19 Budapest (Disembarkation):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 1 Your Way Cruise Option »

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

LONDON, ENGLAND

Welcome to England.

Your Monograms Local Host® will help you get the most out of your two nights in London.

Day 2

(B)

LONDON

Morning guided sightseeing includes all of London’s famous landmarks. Drive past the Houses of Parliament and Big Ben; Westminster Abbey, where Prince William and Catherine, the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge, were married; Whitehall’s mounted horseguards; the Prime Minister’s Downing Street; Buckingham Palace and Piccadilly Circus. Take photos of the London Eye, the giant Ferris wheel situated on the river bank, and the Shard, the tallest building in Western Europe. Then, visit St. Paul’s Cathedral (except on Sundays). Sir Christopher Wren’s masterpiece with its world-famous dome is an iconic feature of London’s skyline.

Day 3

(B)

LONDON—PARIS, FRANCE

Travel to Paris by high-speed Eurostar train (Standard class)

Day 4

(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 5

(B, D)

PARIS—REMICH, LUXEMBOURG (EMBARKATION)

Travel by high-speed train (first class) to Luxembourg City, then transfer to Remich where you board your Suite Ship® and start your Avalon river cruise.

OVERNIGHT DOCKING IN REMICH

Day 6

(B, L, D)

REMICH. EXCURSION TO TRIER

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

Active
Join your Avalon Adventure Host for an early Morning jog on the banks of the Moselle River in beautiful wine country.
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.

Later, enjoy live entertainment on board while cruising to Bernkastel.

EVENING CRUISE TO BERNKASTEL

Day 7

(B, L, D)

BERNKASTEL, GERMANY

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 hike to nearby castle ruins.

Spend some free time at your leisure this afternoon—with a hike to view the vast vineyard landscapes, a bike ride through the Renaissance-style village, or relax with a glass of German beer.

Discovery
Join a Wine Tasting to experience the tradition of legendary German wine making.
AFTERNOON/OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO RÜDESHEIM

Day 8

(B, L, D)

RHINE GORGE—RÜDESHEIM

Eat, Drink, and Be Merry in Wine Country.

Take your morning coffee up to the Sky Deck as you cruise through the magnificent Rhine Gorge.

Discovery
Tour the incredible Mechanical Music Museum for a one-of-a-kind instrumental experience, OR:
Active
Take an open-air cable car ride to the Niederwald Monument. Ride or walk back down through the vineyards.
Discovery
Based on your departure date, enjoy either a Coffee Tasting or a Wine Tasting.

Later, local musicians will join us on board for live entertainment.

EVENING/OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO MAIN RIVER VILLAGE

Day 9

(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 Bavariann village.

Spend free time biking through the beautiful Bavarian villages on the Main River shores.

EVENING/OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO WÜRZBURG

Day 10

(B, L, D)

WÜRZBURG

A Pearl, a Painting, and a Glass of Wine for the Perfect Afternoon

Classic
Take a Guided Sightseeing Tour of the “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 BAMBERG

Day 11

(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, OR:

Enjoy free time this afternoon strolling through the city.

EVENING/OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO NUREMBERG

Day 12

(B, D)

NUREMBERG. EXCURSION TO MUNICH

Modern Munich with Storybook Villages and Fairytale Castles

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.
OVERNIGHT DOCKING IN NUREMBERG

Day 13

(B, L, D)

ROTH. EXCURSION TO NUREMBERG

Living Heritage and History Lessons

Start the day with a Morning Stretch with the Avalon Adventure Host, and dock in Roth for a day of fascinating excursions.

Classic
Choose a Guided Tour of Nuremberg’s 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 Lecture about the Main-Danube Canal—linking these two rivers to make a vital connection enabling navigation between the North and Black seas.
AFTERNOON/OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO REGENSBURG

Day 14

(B, L, D)

REGENSBURG

Magical Regensburg—Bavaria’s Medieval Miracle

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

You might choose to join a Guided Optional Excursion to visit the Benedictine Monastery in Weltenburg. Spend a free afternoon exploring Regensburg on foot or by bike through its charming streets.

Discovery
Later, indulge in a Beer Tasting on board.

This evening, enjoy live entertainment after dinner as you cruise toward Passau.

EVENING/OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO PASSAU

Day 15

(B, L, D)

PASSAU

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

Classic
Join a Guided City Walk through Passau to learn more about this beautiful “City of Three Rivers.”

Alternatively, you may join a full-day Guided Optional Excursion to Salzburg—the city of Mozart, or consider a Guided Optional Excursion to the picturesque Bohemian town of Cesky Krumlov.

Sail to Linz this afternoon, or join your ship in Linz after your selected full-day excursion.

LINZ, AUSTRIA

The Linzer Torte and a Legendary Love of Art and Music

Enjoy a free afternoon to linger in Linz. Take a bicycle from the ship and cyle along the Danube, or follow one of Linz’s many nature trails for a bird’s-eye view of the city and river below.

OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO MELK

Day 16

(B, L, D)

MELK—WACHAU VALLEY

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:
Active
Join your Avalon Adventure Host for a Guided Hike through Melk’s beautiful countryside.

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

VIENNA

Vienna Waltzes and the Beautiful Blue Danube

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 DOCKING IN VIENNA

Day 17

(B, L, D)

VIENNA

Royal Collections, Amusing Attractions, and Culinary Confections

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.

Later, relax on board with live entertainment as you sail to Budapest.

OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO BUDAPEST

Day 18

(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.

Take free time to enjoy Budapest’s famed thermal baths. You can also take a scenic hike in the hills above the Danube. Take time to explore the city’s cafés, pubs, and nightlife at your leisure.

OVERNIGHT DOCKING IN BUDAPEST

Day 19

(B)

BUDAPEST (DISEMBARKATION)

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); responsibility for obtaining visas rests with the traveler.

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Jewels of Central Europe – Eastbound

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

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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.