The Blue Danube Discovery 2020

8 Day River Cruise Budapest to Nuremberg

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Begin this timeless Europe river cruise vacation in vibrant Budapest, Hungary, sail along the Danube River with exciting stops in Austria and Germany, and conclude in historical Nuremberg, Germany. As you leave Budapest, you’ll sail past the splendid Parliament Building, and along Danube River, you’ll have Hungary on your left and Slovakia on your right as the river runs between both countries for a 58-mile stretch. Enjoy an amazing view of the landscapes of Bratislava while sailing. Vienna, Austria, offers stunning St. Stephen’s Cathedral, the Habsburg Palace, the Vienna Opera House, and much more.

In the heart of the Wachau wine region is Dürnstein, a 16th-century town with charming cobblestone streets and the baroque Stiftskirche with its luminous blue façade. In Melk, visit Austria’s majestic Benedictine Abbey, one of Europe’s largest monasteries, and enjoy a tasting of some of the Wachau Valley’s famous wines. You’ll love a guided walk through Passau, with its narrow streets, beautiful Patrician houses, and baroque architecture. Sail further up the Danube River, and you’ll come to the medieval walls of Regensburg, the only German city not bombed during WWII. Here, we’ll introduce you to some of Germany’s famous beers! The last stop on this memorable river cruise vacation is the thousand-year-old city of Nuremberg. During guided sightseeing, marvel at the medieval fortifications, extraordinary gothic churches, and the Imperial Castle. And in your free time, be sure to make a wish at the striking fountain on the Hauptmarkt (Main Square)—a perfect ending to a memorable river cruise vacation!

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River Cruise Map of The Blue Danube Discovery

Cruise at-a-Glance

See below for detailed itinerary »

Day 1 Budapest (Embarkation):Onboard welcome receptionDay 2 Vienna:Scenic sailing, pass through Bratislava Day 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 walk Day 6 Regensburg:Guided walkDay 7 Nuremberg:Lecture on board; choice of guided sightseeing in Nuremberg or Roth, or Nuremberg Rally Grounds tour; beer tasting on boardDay 8 Nuremberg (Disembarkation):Your cruise ends this morning

Cruise

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 8 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 Beds^SM 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 Host^SM

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 Choice

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 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, 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, enjoy live entertainment on board.

OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO DÜRNSTEIN

Day 4

(B, L, D)

DÜRNSTEIN

Fairytale Castles, Kings, and 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)

NUREMBERG (DISEMBARKATION)

Your cruise 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.
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.

Visit the monumental Hungarian Parliament Building in Budapest

Head to Bohemia and the Czech capital of Prague

Cruise YourWay

The Blue Danube Discovery

Start Sooner, Stay Longer

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

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Special Interest Cruises

Looking to enrich your adventures while you cruise? The special interest cruises below are available to help you delve deeper into what you’re passionate about.

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1 2 3 4

Ship Details

Envision

Artistry II

Imagery II

Envision

The Avalon Envision is the newest addition to the 2019 Avalon Suite Ship fleet. With the youngest fleet of ships on Europe's waterways, Avalon continues our outstanding commitment to comfortable luxury and excellence with the Envision. Passengers can choose from two full decks of award-winning Panorama Suites, featuring wall-to-wall and floor-to-ceiling Panoramic Windows that transform your living space into a unique Open-Air Balcony. The 200-square-foot Panorama Suites are more than 30% larger than the industry standard, with Avalon's incomparable window-facing "Beds with a View". Onboard amenities include complimentary Wi-Fi access, a state-of-the-art Fitness Center, an Adventure Center for bikes and active gear, and an Avalon Adventure Host to assist with active excursions and activities. Enjoy exceptional onboard cuisine, including Avalon Fresh menu options, premium coffee and spirits, and versatile FlexDining venues, including the casual Panorama Bistro, al fresco Sky Grill, or elegant glass-walled Dining Room. Library books, cards, and board games are favorites in the Club Lounge, and our Observation Lounge affords the perfect vantage point to watch the world go by. The expansive Sky Deck beckons with a whirlpool, premium lounge chairs, shade system, and deck games-against a backdrop of Europe's most spectacular scenery.

Included Amenities

Avalon Suite Fleet

Complimentary Wi-Fi throughout the ship
Panoramic windows throughout the ship
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
Elevator
Non-smoking interior and staterooms

Fitness & Wellness

Fitness Center
Avalon Adventure Center
Your place for active gear and excursions, including

Bikes
Canoe, kayak and jogging excursions
Maps for hiking, biking and jogging routes
Fitness and wellness activities
FitBits®

^SM

Active shore excursions, both included and optional

Avalon Panorama Suites & Staterooms

Open-Air Balconies^SM and Wall-to-Wall Panoramic Windows in all Panorama Suites
Comfort Collection Beds^SM with choice of mattress firmness
Egyptian super-combed cotton linens
Bathrobes & slippers
Premium L'Occitane bath products & hairdryer
Large bathroom featuring shower with glass door
Wide selection of free movie channels and English-speaking TV
Individual climate control and in-room safe
Full-size closet and mirror
Additional under-bed storage
Complimentary bottled water daily

Staterooms & Suites

Avalon Deluxe Stateroom (Cat. D, E) - 172 sq. ft.

Features

Comfort Collection Beds^SM
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 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.

Features

Comfort Collection Beds^SM
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 water
Individual climate control
Large mirror in bathroom
Complimentary Wi-Fi
Wall-to-Wall Panoramic Window with Open-Air Balcony^SM
Full shower with glass door
Vanity and lighted makeup mirror
Coffee table

Royal Suite - 300 sq. ft.

Features

Comfort Collection Beds^SM
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 water
Individual climate control
Large mirror in bathroom
Complimentary Wi-Fi
Wall-to-Wall Panoramic Window with Open-Air Balcony^SM
Full shower with glass door
Vanity and lighted makeup mirror
Coffee table

DECK PLANS

Artistry II

Cruise on Europe's most loved rivers with views that become part of your suite. The Avalon Artistry II delivers an intimate setting, along with two full decks of suites featuring Wall-to-Wall Panoramic Windows that transform the living space into a unique Open-Air BalconySM. Enjoy unmatched, seamless views of passing landscapes from your window-facing Comfort Collection bed for the ultimate in European river cruise views. With 200 square feet, Panorama SuitesSM are more than 30% larger than the industry standard, giving you the rare opportunity to wake each morning to the enchanting scenery and fresh breezes. Onboard amenities include complimentary computer use in public areas and Wi-Fi access, a Fitness Center, and a spacious Sky Deck with premium lounge chairs, shade system, whirlpool, and the delightful Sky Bistro.