Enchanted Europe with 2 Nights in Budapest (Westbound) (Artistry II)
Enchanted Europe with 2 Nights in Budapest (Westbound) (Artistry II)
18 Days
Visiting: Budapest, Hungary, Budapest (Embarkation), Vienna, Austria, Melk, Passau, Germany, Regensburg, Roth. Excursion To Nuremberg, Nuremberg, Excursion To Munich, Bamberg, Würzburg, Miltenberg, Frankfurt. Excursion To Seligenstadt, Rüdesheim, Rhine Gorge, Strasbourg, Breisach, Germany. Excursion To Black Forest, Basel, Switzerland (Disembarkation), Europe
Tour operator:
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Tour Overview
Board your Avalon Suite Ship® after enjoying two nights in Budapest, the “Pearl of the Danube.” Your Danube River cruise embarks with an overnight cruise to Vienna, followed by Durnstein and Melk in Austria’s beautiful Wachau Valley. Cruise from Austria to Germany as you sail to Passau, then the Bavarian city of Regensburg to see the 12th-century Old Town Hall. Cruise to Nuremberg to choose a guided tour of Roth, Nuremberg city sightseeing, or a tour of the notorious Nuremberg Rally Grounds of WWII. From Nuremberg, join a full-day excursion to Munich before sailing to Frankfurt for guided sightseeing. Cruise to Rudesheim and through the magnificent Rhine Gorge. Your European river cruise stops in splendid Strasbourg, France, with its Gothic cathedral towering above its stained glass and murals, before cruising to Breisach, Germany—gateway to the magical Black Forest. Enjoy a day of storybook surroundings, sumptuous bakery specialties (such as Black Forest Cake), and a glimpse into generations of authentic Bavarian life. Your river cruise on the Danube, Rhine, and Main Rivers concludes in Basel, Switzerland.
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
Location: Budapest
Meals Included: Breakfast
Enjoy a Guided City Sightseeing, including the iconic Heroes’ Square.
BUDAPEST The Pearl of the Danube in the Heart of EuropeCLASSIC Enjoy a Guided City Sightseeing, including the iconic Heroes’ Square.Take in the beauty of Budapest while enjoying a free afternoon exploring such famous sights as the Chain Bridge. Get to know the city’s cafés and pubs, or take a hike through the hills above the Danube.(B)BUDAPEST-HEROS-SQUARE.jpg
Day 3: Budapest (Embarkation)
Location: Budapest (Embarkation)
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
BUDAPEST (EMBARKATION) Time for Coffee, and ConfectionsWith a free day to explore before your cruise, take time to take photographs on the Royal Palace grounds in this treasure trove of historical architecture. Try Budapest’s famous thermal bath spas, then lunch in a garden or rooftop eatery before boarding your Suite Ship®.EVENING/OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO VIENNA(B,D)BUDAPEST-PARLIAMENT.jpg
Day 4: Vienna,Austria
Location: Vienna, Austria
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
VIENNA, AUSTRIA Viennese Waltzes on the Blue DanubeVisit the Adventure Center for today’s activities with your 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 (B,L,D)VIENNA-OPERAHOUSE.jpg
Day 5: Vienna
Location: Vienna
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Explore 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 iconic Vienna Opera House and stunning St. Stephen’s Cathedral.
VIENNA Royal Collections, and Amusing Attractions ACTIVE Explore Vienna's Danube Island by bike with your Adventure Host, OR:CLASSIC After a short walk of Vienna, join a Guided Visit of Austria’s largest museum, the legendary Kunsthistorisches Museum (Museum of Fine Arts), OR: CLASSIC Explore 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 iconic Vienna Opera House and stunning St. Stephen’s Cathedral.Join a Guided Optional Excursion to Schönbrunn Palace— summer home of the Habsburg Empire. Enjoy free time this afternoon to take a tram to visit Vienna’s Prater amusement park or one of the many museums nearby. You may also borrow a bike from the ship to explore Vienna’s square or the banks of the Danube. Later, enjoy live entertainment on board.OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO DÜRNSTEIN(B,L,D)VIENNA-HOFBURG-PALACE.jpg
Day 6: Melk
Location: Melk
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Enjoy the flavors of the Wachau Valley with a Wine Tasting on board.
Take a Guided Tour of Melk’s magnificent Benedictine Abbey to marvel at its frescoed ceilings, statues, incredible library, and ornate pipe organ.
DÜRNSTEIN–WACHAU VALLEY A King’s Ransom and Castle RuinsACTIVE Join a Guided Hike up to the castle ruins for a spectacular view of the village, Danube, and the Wachau Valley below, OR: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.Enjoy coffee or a cocktail on the Sky Deck as you sail through the picturesque Wachau Valley to Melk.MELKFrescoes Above and Vineyards BelowACTIVE Join your Avalon Adventure Host for a bike along the Danube river from Dürnstein to Melk.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(B,L,D)DURNSTEIN.jpg
Day 7: Passau,Germany
Location: Passau, Germany
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Join a Guided City Walk to learn more about this beautiful “City of Three Rivers.”
PASSAU, GERMANY Where the Danube, Inn, and Ilz Rivers MeetCLASSIC 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 (B,L,D)PASSAU.jpg
Day 8: Regensburg
Location: Regensburg
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
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.
REGENSBURG Bavaria’s Medieval MiracleJoin your Adventure Host for today’s special activities.ACTIVE Explore Walhalla by bike with your Adventure Host, OR: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.EVENING/OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO ROTH(B,L,D)REGENSBURG.jpg
Day 9: Roth. Excursion To Nuremberg
Location: Roth. Excursion To Nuremberg
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
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.
Take a Guided Tour of the historic Nuremberg Rally Grounds—used by the Third Reich.
ROTH. EXCURSION TO NUREMBERG Legends and History LessonsDISCOVERY 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.ACTIVE Explore Roth's Lauter valley with your Adventure Host, OR: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.EVENING CRUISE TO NUREMBERG(B,L,D)NUREMBERG-SCENIC.jpg
Day 10: Nuremberg,Excursion To Munich
Location: Nuremberg, Excursion To Munich
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
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.
NUREMBERG–EXCURSION TO MUNICH A King’s Palace and Town HallsCLASSIC 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 (B,D)MUNICH-MARIENPLATZ.jpg
Day 11: Bamberg
Location: Bamberg
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Take a Guided Walking Tour of the historic home to imperial dynasties, and see its Romanesque cathedral, Old Town Hall, and seven hills crowned with churches.
BAMBERG The City of Seven HillsVisit the Adventure Center for today’s activities with your Adventure Host.ACTIVE Your bike is ready! Hop on and bike along the canals in Bamberg with your Adventure Host, OR:CLASSIC Take a Guided Walking Tour of the historic home to imperial dynasties, and see its Romanesque cathedral, Old Town Hall, and seven hills crowned with churches.After the tour, spend free time with a glass of German-style Rauchbier (smoked beer).AFTERNOON/OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO WÜRZBURG(B,L,D)BAMBERG-TOWN-HALL.jpg
Day 12: Würzburg
Location: Würzburg
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Take a Guided Sightseeing Tour of Würzburg with its Old Main Bridge, towering fortress, and baroque Bishop’s Residenz—with the largest known ceiling fresco.
WÜRZBURG A Perfect Day in the Pearl of the Romantic RoadYou may choose to join a Guided Optional Excursion to the beautiful Bavarian town of Rothenburg. See the local sights and enjoy the fairytale atmosphere that has inspired artists. ACTIVE Explore Würzburg's charm by bike with your Adventure Host, OR:CLASSIC Take a Guided Sightseeing Tour of Würzburg with its Old Main Bridge, towering fortress, and baroque Bishop’s Residenz—with the largest known ceiling fresco.Enjoy live entertainment on board while sailing tonight.EVENING/OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO MILTENBERG(B,L,D)WURZBURG.jpg
Day 13: Miltenberg
Location: Miltenberg
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Join a Guided Walking Tour of Miltenberg, a showcase of medieval half-timber homes and home to Germany’s oldest inn.
MILTENBERG Beauty on the Main RiverCLASSIC Join a Guided Walking Tour of Miltenberg, a showcase of medieval half-timber homes and home to Germany’s oldest inn.EVENING/OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO FRANKFURT (B,L,D)MILTENBERG.jpg
Day 14: Frankfurt. Excursion To Seligenstadt
Location: Frankfurt. Excursion To Seligenstadt
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Take a Guided Tour to Seligenstadt—one of Germany’s oldest towns and home to the Einhard Basilika—dubbed “minor basilica” in 1925 by Pope Pius XI, OR:
Join a Guided Sightseeing Tour of Frankfurt to see the city’s cultural landmarks and gleaming financial headquarters combined with the cozy ambience of quaint neighborhoods.
FRANKFURT. EXCURSION TO SELIGENSTADT Charm in FrankfurtACTIVE Enjoy a biking experience in the city of Frankfurt with your Adventure Host, OR: DISCOVERY Take a Guided Tour to Seligenstadt—one of Germany’s oldest towns and home to the Einhard Basilika—dubbed “minor basilica” in 1925 by Pope Pius XI, OR:CLASSIC Join a Guided Sightseeing Tour of Frankfurt to see the city’s cultural landmarks and gleaming financial headquarters combined with the cozy ambience of quaint neighborhoods.Spend free time this afternoon exploring Frankfurt on your own. Later, enjoy live entertainment on board.EVENING/OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO BOPPARD(B,L,D)FRANKFURT-OLD-TOWN.jpg
Day 15: Rüdesheim,Rhine Gorge
Location: Rüdesheim, Rhine Gorge
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Tour the incredible Mechanical Music Museum for a one-of-a-kind instrumental experience; based on your departure enjoy a local special treat.
BOPPARD A Peaceful Jewel in the Rhine GorgeThis afternoon, relax on the Sky Deck with views of the spectacular Rhine Gorge en route to Rüdesheim.RÜDESHEIM–RHINE GORGEEat, Drink, and Be Merry in Wine CountryACTIVE Enjoy a hike with your Adventure Host through the picturesque vineyards of Rüdesheim, OR:DISCOVERY Tour the incredible Mechanical Music Museum for a one-of-a-kind instrumental experience; based on your departure enjoy a local special treat.EVENING/OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO STRASBOURG(B,L,D)RHINE-GORGE-PFALZGRAFENSTEIN-CASTLE.jpg
Day 16: Strasbourg
Location: Strasbourg
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Come along for City Sightseeing, including the city’s Gothic, stained-glass cathedral with its celebrated ancient murals and astronomical clock, as well as the magical La Petite France District.
STRASBOURG A Grand Cathedral and La Petite FranceJoin your Adventure Host for today’s special activities. CLASSIC Come along for City Sightseeing, including the city’s Gothic, stained-glass cathedral with its celebrated ancient murals and astronomical clock, as well as the magical La Petite France District.EVENING/OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO BREISACH(B,L,D)STRASBOURG-PETIT-FRANCE.jpg
Day 17: Breisach,Germany. Excursion To Black Forest
Location: Breisach, Germany. Excursion To Black Forest
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Join a full-day Guided Tour to the magical Black Forest to experience the Vogtsbauernohf open-air-museum, visit an authentic water mill, and see a traditional butter-making demonstration, OR:Visit to a local winery in Breisach, where you will learn about German winemaking and enjoy a wine tasting, OR:
Join A Guided Tour to explore Freiburg’s medieval city center, sheltered by the Black Forest amid vineyards and gardens of the Upper Rhine Valley.
BREISACH, GERMANY. EXCURSION TO BLACK FOREST German Winemaking and the Beautiful Black ForestACTIVE Enjoy the view on a relaxing bike ride along the Rhine with your Adventure Host, OR:DISCOVERY Join a full-day Guided Tour to the magical Black Forest to experience the Vogtsbauernohf open-air-museum, visit an authentic water mill, and see a traditional butter-making demonstration, OR:DISCOVERY Visit to a local winery in Breisach, where you will learn about German winemaking and enjoy a wine tasting, OR:CLASSIC Join A Guided Tour to explore Freiburg’s medieval city center, sheltered by the Black Forest amid vineyards and gardens of the Upper Rhine Valley.You may choose to join a Guided Optional Excursion to visit the charming village of Colmar in the morning.EVENING/OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO BASEL(B,L,D)BLACK-FOREST-SCENIC.jpg
Day 18: Basel,Switzerland (Disembarkation)
Location: Basel, Switzerland (Disembarkation)
Meals Included: Breakfast
BASEL, SWITZERLAND (DISEMBARKATION) Your vacation ends this morning with breakfast.Departure flights should not leave Zürich airport before 10 am or Basel airport before 8 am.(B)BASEL-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|Main|Rhine|Main Village
Accommodation
Budapest:Budapest MarriottBudapest:HiltonBudapest:InterContinental BudapestZurich:Renaissance Zurich Tower
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
Wednesday - Saturday
Jul 10, 2024 - Jul 27, 2024Book 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.