Magnificent Europe – Eastbound 2019

15 Day River Cruise Amsterdam to Budapest

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From Amsterdam to Budapest, and many exciting stops along the way, you’ll be immersed in the culture of Central Europe in a unique way on this timeless European river cruise vacation. Amsterdam is Holland’s lively capital—both historical and modern—and this favorite city features sophisticated architecture and classic squares and canals. You’ll see the treasures of this 700-year-old city from a unique perspective—with a canal cruise along the elegant Grachten.

Then, you’re off to Germany and a guided city walk in Cologne—a 2,000-year-old city known for its gothic architecture. Sail through the dramatic Rhine Gorge, perhaps the most beautiful and breathtaking stretch of the Rhine River, then stop in the charming wine-making town of Rüdesheim. Enjoy guided sightseeing tours in Würzburg, Rothenburg, Bamberg, Nuremberg, and Regensburg, and sail the Main Danube Canal connecting the Main and Danube Rivers.

Your first stop in Austria is Melk, known for its magnificent Benedictine Abbey. You’ll see the fantastic frescoes, library, and pipe organ of this beautiful abbey, before sailing through the picturesque Wachau Valley.

You’ll be introduced to two captivating capital cities—Vienna, Austria, and Budapest, Hungary. Vienna is known as the “City of Music,” and rightly so. You’ll explore the city that inspired works by Mozart, Beethoven, and Strauss.

Known as the “Pearl of the Danube,” Budapest is a gleaming city on the river with a unique energy and countless must-see sites. This truly is a magnificent European river cruise to remember always!


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Cruise at-a-Glance

Day 1 Amsterdam (Embarkation):Onboard welcome receptionDay 2 Amsterdam:Canal cruiseDay 3 Cologne:Choice of Cologne highlights walking tour, or Jewish Heritage walking tourDay 4 Rhine Gorge–Rüdesheim:Cruise through the Rhine Gorge; visit Siegfried’s Mechanical Musical Instrument Museum, or cable car ride to the Niederwald Monument in Rüdesheim; enjoy a special treatDay 5 Main River Village:Guided walkDay 6 Würzburg:Guided sightseeing, visit the Bishop’s ResidenzDay 7 Marktbreit. Excursion to Rothenburg–Volkach: Guided sightseeing in Rothenburg; walking tour in Volkach Day 8 Bamberg:Guided tour, see the Old Town HallDay 9 Roth. Excursion to Nuremberg:Choice of guided tour in Roth; or guided tour in Nuremberg, or Nuremberg Rally Grounds tourDay 10 Regensburg:Guided walk tourDay 11 Passau–Linz:Guided walking tour in PassauDay 12 Melk–Wachau Valley–Vienna:Guided tour of the Benedectine Abbey in Melk; scenic cruise through the Wachau ValleyDay 13 Vienna:Guided tourDay 14 Budapest:Guided tour, see Heroes’ SquareDay 15 Budapest (Disembarkation):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
  • 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)

AMSTERDAM, HOLLAND (EMBARKATION)

Welcome to Amsterdam. Your Suite Ship® is Ready for Boarding.

Flights into Amsterdam must arrive by 3:30 pm.

Guests must be on board ship by 5 pm.

During tulip season, you may take a Guided Optional Excursion to the gardens at Keukenhof—with more than seven million tulips, daffodils, and hyacinths as well as other bulbs planted each year.

Outside of tulip season, consider joining a Guided Optional Excursion to Zaanse Schans to see historic windmills and charming Dutch houses.

Spend free time exploring the colorful streets, bridges, and canals of Amsterdam—with its many cafés and art galleries.

OVERNIGHT DOCKING IN AMSTERDAM

Day 2

(B, L, D)

AMSTERDAM

Colorful Amsterdam—with Canals, Crooked Houses, and Cuisine of a Golden Age

Classic
Explore the iconic waterways of Amsterdam with a Guided Canal Cruise past stately homes of Amsterdam’s “Golden Age.”

Return to your ship for a leisurely afternoon cruise, or enjoy free time in Amsterdam and transfer to re-join your ship in Utrecht.

You may choose to join a Guided Optional Culinary Walk through Amsterdam, or a Guided Optional Biking Excursion through the Dutch countryside. You might decide to join a Guided Optional Excursion to Muiderslot Castle—the most beautiful and best-kept medieval castle in Holland.

EVENING/OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO COLOGNE

Day 3

(B, L, D)

COLOGNE, GERMANY

Prost! Celebrate in the Rhineland’s capital city

Start the day with a Morning Stretch with your Avalon Adventure Host.

Classic
Take a Guided City Walk of Cologne—explore the Old City and see its soaring twin-steepled gothic cathedral, OR:
Discovery
Join a Guided Walking Tour of Cologne’s important Jewish heritage sites.

Don’t miss the chance to enjoy free time over a glass of Kölsch pale lager—locally brewed for over 100 years!

This evening, enjoy live entertainment on board your ship.

OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO RÜDESHEIM

Day 4

(B, L, D)

RHINE GORGE—RÜDESHEIM

Eat, Drink, and Be Merry in Wine Country

This morning cruise through the dramatic Rhine Gorge and see the famous rock of The Lorelei.

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 5

(B, L, D)

MAIN RIVER VILLAGE

Hidden Gems and Bavarian Beauty of a Main River Village

Start the day with a Morning Stretch with your Avalon Adventure Host.

Classic
Join a Guided Walking Tour of a picturesque Bavarian village.

Spend free time riding a bike through the beautiful villages on the Main River shores.

EVENING/OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO WÜRZBURG

Day 6

(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.

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

OVERNIGHT DOCKING IN WÜRZBURG

Day 7

(B, L, D)

MARKTBREIT. EXCURSION TO ROTHENBURG—VOLKACH

Storybook Romance in a Timeless Town

Classic
Take a morning Guided Tour of Rothenburg—seemingly untouched by time on Bavaria’s Romantic Road, OR:

Join your Ship in Volkach and get ready for your afternoon activity.

Classic
Join a Walking Tour of the quaint town of Volkach with its half-timbered houses and cobblestoned streets.

Take advantage of free time this afternoon to shop for Hummel figurines, cuckoo clocks, or sip a glass of local Tauber wine.

AFTERNOON/OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO BAMBERG

Day 8

(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.

Enjoy a live entertainment performance while sailing this evening.

AFTERNOON/OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO ROTH

Day 9

(B, L, D)

ROTH. EXCURSION TO NUREMBERG

Living Heritage and History Lessons

Active
Go for an early Morning Jog with your Avalon Adventure Host.
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 Tour of Nuremberg’s medieval architecture, gilded fountain, gothic cathedral, and Kaiserburg Castle, OR:
Classic
Join a Guided Tour of the historic Nuremberg Rally Grounds—used by the Third Reich.
Discovery
Later, 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 10

(B, L, D)

REGENSBURG

Magical Regensburg—Bavaria’s Medieval Miracle

Classic
Join a Guided City Walk to see the 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.

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 Passau.

EVENING/OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO PASSAU

Day 11

(B, L, D)

PASSAU

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, you may join a full day Guided Optional Excursion to Salzburg, the city of Mozart, or a full day Guided Optional Excursion to the picturesque Bohemian town of Český Krumlov.

This afternoon, cruise to the lovely town of Linz.

LINZ, AUSTRIA

A Legendary Love of Art, Music, and the Linzer Torte

This evening, feel free to explore Linz on your own before cruising to Melk.

OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO MELK

Day 12

(B, L, D)

MELK—WACHAU VALLEY

Striking Frescoes and Breathtaking Views of the Wachau Valley

Classic
Take a Guided Tour of the frescoed ceilings, statues, incredible library, and ornate pipe organ of Melk’s Benedictine Abbey.

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

VIENNA

Vienna Waltzes and Blue Danube Beauty

Consider joining a Guided Optional Excursion to attend a Royal Waltz Concert in an elegant hall this evening.

OVERNIGHT DOCKING IN VIENNA

Day 13

(B, L, D)

VIENNA

Royal Collections, Amusing Attractions, and Culinary Confections

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.

Join a Guided Optional Excursion to Schönbrunn Palace—the Habsburg family summer home for 300 years, or choose a Guided Optional Excursion to fascinating Bratislava, capital of Slovakia.

You may also take a tram to Austria’s Prater amusement park or to one of the many museums nearby. Later, relax onboard with live entertainment as you sail to Budapest.

EVENING/OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO BUDAPEST

Day 14

(B, L, D)

BUDAPEST, HUNGARY

The Pearl of the Danube in the Heart of Europe

Classic
Enjoy a Guided City Sightseeing tour of Budapest, including the iconic Heroes’ Square.

The afternoon is free to enjoy Budapest on your own. Be sure to savor a piece of cream cake in the world-famous Gerbeaud Café. Consider a scenic hike in the hills above the Danube.

OVERNIGHT DOCKING IN BUDAPEST

Day 15

(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.

Similar Cruises

Magnificent Europe – Westbound (WBA)
Magnificent Europe – Westbound

15 Day River Cruise Budapest to Amsterdam

Starting at: $5,699

per person without air*

Cruise Details
Magnificent Europe – Westbound

Ship Details

Hotels

Amsterdam
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)


Amsterdam
Regensburg
Passau
Vienna
Budapest
Packages

Amsterdam

Zaanse Schans & the Symbols of Holland

Zaanse Schans & the Symbols of Holland

Tour a working windmill, watch wooden clogs being made, and visit a cheese farm on this exciting half-day guided excursion to Zaanse Schans!

Price Range: $

Muiderslot Castle

Muiderslot Castle

From Golden Age paintings to 13th-century arms and armor, discover the wonders of Muiderslot Castle, one of Holland's most beautiful medieval castle fortresses, on this captivating half-day guided tour.

Price Range: $$

Biking in Amsterdam

Biking in Amsterdam

Pedal your way past polders, dikes, and quaint, centuries-old villages on this exhilarating guided bike tour through the beautiful Dutch countryside.

Price Range: $$

Bites & Highlights: Jordaan Foodie Walking Tour

Bites & Highlights: Jordaan Foodie Walking Tour

Discover Amsterdam's charming Jordaan district, and taste the authentic foods the locals know and love on this enjoyable guided foodie walking tour.

Price Range: $$

Regensburg

Weltenburg: Bavaria's Oldest Abbey

Weltenburg: Bavaria's Oldest Abbey

Visit Bavaria's oldest monastery, 7th-century Weltenburg Abbey with its stunning setting in the Danube Gorge, splendid interior, and the oldest monastic brewery in the world!

Price Range: $$

Passau

Sound of Music Salzburg

Sound of Music Salzburg

From Mozart to "The Sound of Music", this delightful excursion provides an in-depth look at both the city of Salzburg and its majestic surroundings.

Price Range: $$$

Southern Bohemia

Southern Bohemia

You'll feel like you've stepped right into the Middle Ages on this full-day excursion to Ceský Krumlov, the "Pearl of the Bohemian Forest".

Price Range: $$$

Vienna

Schönbrunn Palace, Crown Jewel of Vienna

Schönbrunn Palace, Crown Jewel of Vienna

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

Price Range: $$

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: $$

Budapest

Private Budapest Jewish Heritage Discovery

Private Budapest Jewish Heritage Discovery

Immerse yourself in the rich cultural heritage of Eastern Europe's largest Jewish community on this captivating guided tour through Budapest's former Jewish ghetto. This private excursion is only available for purchase online in advance of travel through the Avalon Waterways website.

Price Range: $$$$

Belle Époque Art & Architecture of Budapest

Belle Époque Art & Architecture of Budapest

Travel back to the Golden Age of Budapest's Belle Époque on this captivating guided excursion featuring Andrássy Avenue, glass-painter Miksa Róth's Memorial House, and the crown jewel of Budapest: the incomparable Hungarian State Opera House!

Price Range: $$

Wine Tasting in the Hungarian Countryside

Wine Tasting in the Hungarian Countryside

Travel into the beautiful Hungarian countryside for an enriching half-day discovery of the Etyek wine region, including two wine cellar visits with wine tasting.

Price Range: $$

Bites & Highlights of Budapest

Bites & Highlights of Budapest

Experience some of Budapest's most famous sights and most delectable foods on this unique guided foodie tour!

Price Range: $$

Breathtaking Budapest

Breathtaking Budapest

From the historic Castle District with iconic Fishermen's Bastion, Matthias Church, and Buda Castle to the monumental Parliament building and Heroes' Square, this enjoyable guided orientation of Buda and Pest is a fantastic introduction to the breathtaking Hungarian capital.

Price Range: $

Illuminated Budapest

Illuminated Budapest

Discover the magic of Budapest at night during this enchanting sightseeing tour featuring the city's illuminated icons.

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: $$$$