Danube Symphony with 1 Night in Budapest (Westbound) (Illumination)
Danube Symphony with 1 Night in Budapest (Westbound) (Illumination)
$3424
Danube Symphony with 1 Night in Budapest (Westbound) (Illumination)
7 Days
Visiting: Budapest, Hungary, Budapest (Embarkation), Bratislava, Slovakia, Vienna, Austria, Krems, Wachau Valley, Linz, Vilshofen, Germany (Disembarkation), Europe
Tour operator:
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Tour Overview
Experience the sights and sounds with river views to awaken the senses on your Danube River cruise from Hungary to Germany. Begin your European vacation your way with one night in Budapest before your cruise. You’ll enjoy an introduction to the city by a local expert who shows you the must-see sights. Board your Avalon Suite Ship® in Budapest to embark on an unforgettable 6-day river cruise on the Danube. You’ll begin with a visit to Slovakia’s quaint town of Bratislava for guided sightseeing along the streets of Old Town and St. Martin’s Cathedral. Learn about the Habsburg Empire with guided sightseeing in Vienna to see the Imperial Palace complex, the Opera House, and stunning St. Stephen’s Cathedral. Explore Krems on a guided tour of a town seemingly untouched by the modern world. Cruise through the Wachau Valley—home of charming villages and Austrian wines from its beautiful vineyards. Visit the magnificent 9th-century St. Florian Monastery, still home of Augustine Monks, or take a guided sightseeing of Linz. In Linz, enjoy free time to sample its famous pastries, and cruise overnight to conclude your river cruise in Vilshofen, Germany. A fantastic combination of history, art, food, and wine on your Danube River cruise.
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1: Budapest,Hungary
Location: Budapest, Hungary
Welcome to Budapest—Hungary’s Captivating CapitalThe day is yours to relax and enjoy Eastern Europe’s shining city on the Danube.
BUDAPEST, HUNGARY Welcome to Budapest—Hungary’s Captivating CapitalThe day is yours to relax and enjoy Eastern Europe’s shining city on the Danube.BUDAPEST-FISHERMANS-BASTIAN.jpg
Day 2: Budapest (Embarkation)
Location: Budapest (Embarkation)
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
Take a Guided Sightseeing Tour to see majestic Heroes’ Square and Budapest’s classic sites.
BUDAPEST (EMBARKATION) Monuments and Markets CLASSIC Take a Guided Sightseeing Tour to see majestic Heroes’ Square and Budapest’s classic sites.Spend free time browsing the Central Market Hall, strolling the cobblestones, browsing art galleries, sipping coffee, and sampling sweets before boarding your Danube cruise for a welcome dinner this evening.EVENING/OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO BRATISLAVA (B,D)BUDAPEST-PARLIAMENT.jpg
Day 3: Bratislava,Slovakia
Location: Bratislava, Slovakia
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Join a Guided Sightseeing Tour of Old Town’s cobblestone streets to Town Hall. Visit the gothic halls of St. Martin’s Cathedral—Hungary’s centuries-old coronation church.
BRATISLAVA, SLOVAKIA Cathedral Coronations and a Crowning CastleVisit the Adventure Center for today’s activities with your Adventure Host. ACTIVE Follow your Avalon Adventure Host on a short hike to lofty Bratislava Castle, OR: CLASSIC Join a Guided Sightseeing Tour of Old Town’s cobblestone streets to Town Hall. Visit the gothic halls of St. Martin’s Cathedral—Hungary’s centuries-old coronation church.This evening, enjoy live entertainment on board.OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO VIENNA(B,L,D)BRATISLAVA.jpg
Day 4: Vienna,Austria
Location: Vienna, Austria
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Explore the Habsburg empire with a Guided City Tour of Vienna’s gilded landmarks. See the Imperial Palace complex —the winter residence of the Imperial Family, the iconic Vienna Opera House, and stunning St. Stephen’s Cathedral.
VIENNA, AUSTRIA A Feast for the Soul in Vienna ACTIVE Explore Vienna's Danube Island by bike with your Adventure Host, OR:CLASSIC Explore the Habsburg empire with a Guided City Tour of Vienna’s gilded landmarks. See the Imperial Palace complex —the winter residence of the Imperial Family, the iconic Vienna Opera House, and stunning St. Stephen’s Cathedral.Optional tours today include a Guided Tour of magnificent Schönbrunn Palace, the former imperial summer residence of Habsburg royalty.Alternatively you can choose to spend your free time strolling through Kärtnerstrasse, the most famous shopping avenue in central Vienna; stop in a local café to enjoy authentic Sachertorte or Apfelstrudel.You may also choose to attend an Optional Excursion to a Royal Waltz Concert for an unforgettable evening of music in an elegant hall.OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO KREMS(B,L,D)VIENNA-HOFBURG-PALACE.jpg
Day 5: Krems,Wachau Valley
Location: Krems, Wachau Valley
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Join an interactive Wine World Experience with wine tasting, OR:
Join a guided walk to explore this small valley town, seemingly untouched by the new world.
KREMS–WACHAU VALLEY An Ancient Village and Vintages of the Wachau ValleyJoin your Adventure Host for today’s special activities.ACTIVE Experience Wachau valley by bike with your Adventure Host, OR:DISCOVERY Join an interactive Wine World Experience with wine tasting, OR: CLASSIC Join a guided walk to explore this small valley town, seemingly untouched by the new world.Relax on board and enjoy the picturesque Wachau Valley scenery as you cruise to Linz, affording you an incredible view of Melk Abbey from your ship.Tonight, enjoy live entertainment on board while sailing.AFTERNOON/EVENING CRUISE TO LINZ(B,L,D)WACHAU-VALLEY.jpg
Day 6: Linz
Location: Linz
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
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.
LINZ History Lessons and Modern-Day DevotionACTIVE Join an expert guide for a trek up to Mount Pöstlingberg for a whole new perspective of beautiful Linz and its surrounding area, OR:CLASSIC Visit the 9th-century St. Florian Monastery—the largest monastery in upper Austria and home to Augustine monks, OR: 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.This afternoon, consider an Optional Excursion to visit Mauthausen Memorial. EVENING/OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO VILSHOFEN(B,L,D)LINZ.jpg
Day 7: Vilshofen,Germany (Disembarkation)
Location: Vilshofen, Germany (Disembarkation)
Meals Included: Breakfast
VILSHOFEN, GERMANY (DISEMBARKATION) Your vacation ends with breakfast this morning.Flights should not leave Munich airport before Noon.(B)VILSHOFEN-SUNRISE.jpg
Direction
Westbound
Notes
- 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.
Rivers
Danube
Accommodation
Budapest:Budapest MarriottBudapest:InterContinental Budapest
Check out our Q&As
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Cuisine
All meals on board are prepared by accomplished chefs who prepare regional specialties as well as familiar favorites with only the freshest, local ingredients. Our Suite Ships® feature daily buffet-style breakfast and lunch with your choice of soups, main courses with starter, salad, or sandwich, and, of course, dessert. Complimentary room service is also available with Continental breakfast, lunch, and dinner. On the Mekong and Ganges, a mix of Western and local dishes is offered; in the Galápagos, you'll be able to taste some Ecuadorian specialties; and in the Amazon, you will be able to sample Peruvian specialties along with Western dishes.
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Cruise Director
A professional, experienced, English-speaking Cruise Director accompanies every departure. Naturalists are on board in the Amazon and Galápagos. Special Interest cruises typically include an expert specific to the cruise theme—from Wine Masters to History Experts.
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What about young travellers and children?
In our many years of cruising experience, we have found that children under the age of eight typically are too young to fully enjoy a cruise vacation. Because of this and for the safety and enjoyment of all passengers, we do not accept children under eight years of age. In addition, please note that there are no special arrangements or activities for children on our ships.
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What are single room supplements?
For single travellers who prefer the privacy of their own room and stateroom, single accommodation can, of course, be requested.
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Clothing & Dress Code
Your comfort is our first concern. Onboard and onshore dress codes are casual. Please bring comfortable walking shoes for sightseeing. Dinner attire is casual—open-neck shirts and slacks for men; slacks, skirts, or dresses for ladies. Coats and ties may be worn if preferred. The Welcome and Farewell Dinners in Europe are dressy, but not formal. On the Mekong, Ganges, Amazon, and Galápagos, dress attire, including coats and ties, is not recommended due to the warm, humid climate.
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When will I receive my digital travel documents?
Avalon will email you a set of travel documents, which includes a copy of your itinerary and, where applicable, information on your hotels and optional excursions. Electronic Travel documents, including applicable eTicket receipts, itineraries, and other information are sent approximately 2-3 weeks prior to departure, provided full payment has been received.
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Where can I find the docking location for my cruise ship?
Avalon Waterways strives to bring you the best docking locations along Europe’s rivers. In many cities, this includes multiple docking sites. Docking positions at each port are assigned by local authorities, and may vary depending upon the number of ships in port on any given day. This can sometimes result in double-docking with more than one ship assigned to the same dock and the ships “rafted” together, temporarily obstructing some views from on board the ships. Exact docking locations will be available 24-72 hours prior to embarkation. Before your cruise’s docking location is available, you can download a map of all possible docking sites for your embarkation city at www.AvalonWaterwaysPorts.com. Once your ship’s docking assignment is available, you can download a map that shows only that specific location, including address.
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Are Avalon River Cruises Handicap Accessible?
Avalon Waterways makes reasonable attempts to accommodate the special needs of disabled and mobility impaired travellers but is not responsible in the event it is unable to do so. Because we cannot provide individual assistance to travellers in many situations, and most of our transportation services are not equipped with wheelchair ramps, we recommend that you view our terms and conditions for details or contact us to learn more.
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Internet Access
All Avalon ships in Europe have complimentary Wi-Fi available. On the Mekong and Ganges, complimentary Wi-Fi access is available in the Panorama Lounge. The signal is not always reliable, as you will be cruising through remote areas. To access the ship's Wi-Fi Internet network, you will be given a PIN number at reception to use on your laptop, tablet, or mobile device. Wi-Fi is not available in the Amazon or Galápagos.
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Onboard Language
The language on board is English. All staff, crew, and tour guides speak English. All announcements and commentary will be in English.
Reviews of this operator
1 Select your preferred date
Friday - Thursday
Aug 14, 2026 - Aug 20, 2026Book with Confidence
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Low Deposit
Avalon Waterways requires a minimum deposit of 200 GBP per person or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 90 days before departure.
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Cancellation Policy
We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of avalon waterways charges.
Up to 91 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.
At 90 days before tour starts: Forfeit 35% of booking price.
At 59 days before tour starts: Forfeit 50% of booking price.
At 29 days before tour starts: Forfeit 80% of booking price.
At 1 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.