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Avalon Waterways Enchanted Europe 2 Nights in Budapest and 2 Nights in Lucerne (Westbound) (WBZ2)

20 days from Budapest to Lucerne 
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 Dürnstein 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 Rüdesheim and through the magnificent Rhine Gorge. Your European river cruise stops in splendid Strasbourg, France, with its Gothic-style 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.

Disembark from your Avalon Suite Ship® and begin your Monograms® vacation with a visit to Mt. Pilatus and a walking tour in Lucerne. Your Monograms vacation package includes a Local Host® to arrange your sightseeing, free-time recommendations, and any other assistance you need during your 2-night stay in Lucerne.

Your cruise on the Danube, Rhine, and Main Rivers with a Monograms vacation package in Switzerland are the perfect combination to unlock a guided European vacation of a lifetime.

Cruise along the peaceful Danube River through Germany, Austria, Slovakia, and Hungary—stopping at some of Central Europe’s most splendid capitals and charming towns along the way. Visit Passau, Germany—called the “City of Three Rivers” at the confluence of the Danube, Inn, and Ilz rivers. Take a guided walking tour to admire the Patrician houses and baroque St. Stephen’s Cathedral. In Linz, Austria, walk around the Hauptplatz, Austria’s largest medieval square. Enjoy the magnificent views as your Danube River cruise takes you through the picturesque wine region of the Wachau Valley. Stops include Melk to visit the magnificent Benedictine Abbey and Dürnstein to see the famous blue and white Stiftskirche and taste some of the local wines.

Vienna, the “City of Music,” makes an immediate impression with its lavish Hofburg Imperial Palace and neo-renaissance Vienna Opera House. Enjoy a guided tour of this magical city and take time to explore on your own. In Bratislava, the capital of Slovakia, take a guided walk through the delightful Old Town and to the Gothic-style St. Martin’s Cathedral. In Budapest, the vibrant capital of Hungary, a local expert shows you all the must-see sights. Then to round out this timeless European river cruise, take a stroll along Váci utca—the main shopping street or take pictures from Fishermen’s Bastion for the best panoramic views of Budapest. This Danube River cruise explores the legendary beauty and remarkable destinations you’ll never forget.

Avalon Highlights & Sightseeing

Day 1 Budapest: Welcome to Budapest!

Day 2 Budapest: Guided tour, see Heroes' Square

Day 3 Budapest (Embarkation): Onboard welcome reception

Day 4 Vienna: Scenic sailing, pass through Bratislava; free time in Vienna in the evening

Day 5 Vienna: Choice of guided sightseeing or bike with your Adventure Host

Day 6 Dürnstein-Wachau Valley-Melk: In Dürnstein choice of guided tour or a hike up to the castle ruins with your Adventure Host; scenic cruise through the Wachau Valley; choice of guided tour of the Benedictine Abbey in Melk or hike with your Adventure Host; onboard wine tasting

Day 7 Passau: Guided walk

Day 8 Regensburg: Choice of guided walk, see Altes Rathaus (Old Town Hall) and Porta Pretoria or bike with your Adventure Host

Day 9 Roth. Excursion to Nuremberg: Onboard lecture; choice of guided sightseeing in Roth or hike with your Adventure Host or guided tour in Nuremberg or Nuremberg Rally Grounds tour; onboard beer tasting

Day 10 Nuremberg. Excursion to Munich: Full-day guided tour in Munich

Day 11 Bamberg: Choice of guided tour, see the Old Town Hall or bike with your Adventure Host

Day 12 Würzburg: Choice of guided tour, visit to the Bishop’s Residenz or bike with your Adventure Host

Day 13 Main River Village: Guided tour

Day 14 Frankfurt: Choice of guided tour in Frankfurt, or guided tour in Seligenstadt or bike with your Adventure Host

Day 15 Boppard-Rhine Gorge-Rüdesheim: Time at leisure in Boppard; cruise through the Rhine Gorge; choice of visit to Siegfried’s Mechanical Musical Instrument Museum in Rüdesheim or hike with your Adventure Host

Day 16 Strasbourg: Guided tour, visit to La Petite France district and the Gothic cathedral

Day 17 Breisach. Excursion to Black Forest: Choice of excursion to Black Forest, or visit to a local winery in Breisach or bike with your Adventure Host

Day 18 Basel (Disembarkation)-Mount Pilatus-Lucerne: Excursion to Mount Pilatus (in case of bad weather, visit the Swiss Transport Museum instead); guided walking tour in Lucerne with the Lion Monument and Chapel Bridge

Day 19 Lucerne: Full day at leisure

Day 20 Lucerne: Your vacation ends this morning

Related Avalon Tours

WBZ - Enchanted Europe (Westbound)
WBZ1 - With 2 Nights in Lucerne
WBZ2 - With 2 Nights in Budapest & 2 Nights in Lucerne
WBZQ - With 2 Nights in Budapest
WZB - Enchanted Europe (Eastbound)

Itinerary (2023)

Day 1BUDAPEST, HUNGARY
 Welcome to Budapest—Hungary’s Captivating Capital

The day is yours to relax and enjoy Eastern Europe’s shining city on the Danube.
Day 2BUDAPEST
 The Pearl of the Danube in the Heart of Europe

CLASSIC 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)
Day 3BUDAPEST (EMBARKATION)
 Time for Coffee, and Confections

With 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)
Day 4VIENNA, AUSTRIA
 Viennese Waltzes on the Blue Danube

Visit 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)
Day 5VIENNA
 Royal Collections and Amusing Attractions

ACTIVE Explore Vienna's Danube Island by bike with your Adventure Host, 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)
Day 6DÜRNSTEIN–WACHAU VALLEY
 A King’s Ransom and Castle Ruins

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, 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.

MELK

Frescoes Above and Vineyards Below

ACTIVE Join your Avalon Adventure Host for a Hike through Melk’s beautiful countryside, OR:

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)
Day 7PASSAU, GERMANY
 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


(B,L,D)
Day 8REGENSBURG
 Bavaria’s Medieval Miracle

Join 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)
Day 9ROTH. EXCURSION TO NUREMBERG
 Legends 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.

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.

DISCOVERY Later, indulge in a Beer Tasting on board.

EVENING CRUISE TO NUREMBERG

(B,L,D)
Day 10NUREMBERG–EXCURSION TO MUNICH
 A King’s Palace and Town Halls

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.

EVENING/OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO BAMBERG

(B,D)
Day 11BAMBERG
 The City of Seven Hills

Visit 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)
Day 12WÜRZBURG
 A Perfect Day in the Pearl of the Romantic Road

You 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 MAIN RIVER VILLAGE

(B,L,D)
Day 13MAIN RIVER VILLAGE
 Beauty on the Main River

CLASSIC Join a Guided Walking Tour of a picturesque Main River Bavarian village.

EVENING/OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO FRANKFURT

(B,L,D)
Day 14FRANKFURT. EXCURSION TO SELIGENSTADT
 Charm in Frankfurt

ACTIVE Enjoy an easy biking experience in 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)
Day 15BOPPARD
 A Peaceful Jewel in the Rhine Gorge

Free time to explore the Rheinallee Promenade for delicious food and drink.

This afternoon, relax on the Sky Deck with views of the spectacular Rhine Gorge en route to Rüdesheim.

RÜDESHEIM–RHINE GORGE

Eat, Drink, and Be Merry in Wine Country

ACTIVE 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)
Day 16STRASBOURG, FRANCE
 A Grand Cathedral and La Petite France

Join 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)
Day 17BREISACH, GERMANY. EXCURSION TO BLACK FOREST
 German Winemaking and the Beautiful Black Forest

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:

ACTIVE Enjoy the view on a relaxing bike ride along the Rhine with your Adventure Host, OR:

DISCOVERY Visit to a local winery in Breisach, where you will learn about German winemaking and enjoy a wine tasting.


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)
Day 18BASEL, SWITZERLAND (DISEMBARKATION)–MOUNT PILATUS–LUCERNE
 Disembark your Avalon ship and join the Monograms portion of your vacation. Enjoy a special highlight excursion to Mount Pilatus. Journey almost 7,000 ft. (2,132 m) up for spectacular views over central Switzerland (in case of bad weather, visit the Swiss Transport Museum instead). Later join a guided walking tour to explore beautiful Lucerne which includes Thorwaldsen’s poignant Lion Monument and the famous Chapel Bridge.

(B)
Day 19LUCERNE
 Today, enjoy a day at leisure in Lucerne. Your Local Host can help you plan your day.

(B)
Day 20LUCERNE
 Your vacation ends with breakfast this morning.

(B)

Avalon Pricing Details

Gateway city for departures is Zürich.

Port charges:
$420

Gratuities to Local Guides & Excursion Drivers are included on Avalon portion only.

Avalon offers the opportunity for solo travelers to sail with no single supplement (subject to availability).

Please call for single accommodation details and prices. Triples not available.

Avalon 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.

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