Avalon Waterways A Taste of the Danube with 2 Nights in Vienna (Westbound) (WBVE)
6 Day River Cruise Budapest to Vienna
From the Gypsy violins of
Budapest to the romantic sounds of
Vienna, the “City of Music,” this European river cruise highlights the natural beauty of Austria’s Wachau Valley, and the fascinating capital cities of Hungary,
Slovakia, and Austria. Board your Avalon Suite Ship® and head up river to Bratislava. For a 58-mile stretch, the middle of the
Danube forms the border between
Hungary and Slovakia, and guided sightseeing awaits you in Slovakia’s capital. In Melk, you will visit Austria’s majestic Benedictine Abbey, one of Europe’s largest monasteries, sitting high above the breathtaking views of the Danube River and surrounding countryside. Cruise through the picturesque Wachau Valley and spend free time in
Dürnstein, known for the striking blue façade of its baroque Stiftskirche below the castle ruins where England’s King Richard the Lionheart was imprisoned in 1192. After your cruise, spend two nights in Vienna, with guided sightseeing selections and free time to explore the capital of
Austria at your own pace. Perhaps visit the famous Sacher Hotel for a taste of Sachertorte (a special chocolate cake), and stroll along the famous pedestrian street of Kärntnerstrasse.
Avalon Highlights & Sightseeing
Day 1 Budapest (Embarkation): Onboard welcome reception
Day 2 Bratislava: Choice of a guided sightseeing, visit St. Martin's Cathedral; or hike to Bratislava Castle with your Adventure Host
Day 3 Melk-Wachau Valley-Dürnstein: Choice of guided visit of the Benedictine Abbey in Melk or hike with your Adventure Host; scenic cruise through the Wachau Valley; free time in Dürnstein
Day 4 Vienna (Disembarkation): Choice of early guided tour, with breakfast at a Viennese café, or guided sightseeing
Day 5 Vienna: Day at leisure
Day 6 Vienna: Your vacation ends this morning
Related Avalon Tours
WBV - A Taste of the Danube (Westbound)
WBVE - With 2 Nights in Vienna
WBVQ - With 2 Nights in Budapest
WBVY - With 2 Nights in Budapest & 2 Nights in Vienna
WVB - A Taste of the Danube (Eastbound)
Itinerary (2024)
| Day 1 | 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.Spend free time strolling along the cobblestone streets, browsing art galleries, sipping coffee, and sampling sweets before boarding your Danube cruise for a welcome dinner this evening.EVENING/OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO BRATISLAVA (D) |
| Day 2 | BRATISLAVA, SLOVAKIA |
| | Cathedral Coronations and a Crowning Castle Visit the Adventure Center for today’s activities with your Adventure Host. ACTIVE Join your Avalon Adventure Host for a scenic walk to 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.Alternatively, take a bicycle and a picnic from the ship to explore the local sights along the Danube. AFTERNOON/OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO MELK (B,L,D) |
| Day 3 | MELK, AUSTRIA–WACHAU VALLEY |
| | Frescoes Above and Vineyards BelowACTIVE Join your Avalon Adventure Host for a Morning Hike through Melk’s beautiful countryside, OR:CLASSIC Join a morning Guided Sightseeing Tour of Melk’s 11th-century Benedictine Abbey. Explore its frescoes, statues, library, and spectacular pipe organ in the monastery’s lofty perch above the Danube.Take a relaxing break on the Sky Deck as you sail through awe-inspiring views of the Wachau Valley and the wine region surrounding Dürnstein. DÜRNSTEIN A King’s Ransom and Castle RuinsSpend free time at your leisure, perhaps biking through the vineyards in the Wachau Valley.Later, enjoy on board entertainment by local musicians.OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO VIENNA(B,L,D) |
| Day 4 | VIENNA (DISEMBARKATION) |
| | Viennese Waltzes on the Blue DanubeDISCOVERY Take an Early Riser Walking Tour that includes breakfast at a Viennese café followed by an exclusive viewing of the Habsburg family’s private art collection at the Museum of Fine Arts—the perfect start to your stay in Vienna, OR: CLASSIC Explore 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 iconic Vienna Opera House and stunning St. Stephen’s Cathedral.(B) |
| Day 5 | VIENNA |
| | Vienna Favorites—Sachertorte and ApfelstrudelEnjoy a free day to explore the city at your own pace. Take a tram ride to discover the adventure, tradition, and Viennese charm of The Prater amusement park. You may also consider visiting one of Vienna’s marvelous museums. Or indulge your sweet tooth with authentic Austrian pastries in a local bakery.(B) |
| Day 6 | VIENNA |
| | Your vacation ends with breakfast this morning.(B) |
Avalon Pricing Details
Port charges: $90Gratuities 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); the responsibility for obtaining a visa rests with the traveler.