The delightful Danube sets the stage for an incredible river cruise between Budapest and Nuremberg. Enjoy guided sightseeing in Budapest, Regensburg, Passau, and in magical Vienna. Also take a guided city walk past the baroque Stiftskirche in Dürnstein; participate in a wine tasting and guided visit of the Benedictine Abbey in Melk; and a beer tasting and guided tour of charming Nuremberg. Special for this departure only is the Summer Solstice Celebration in the Wachau Valley. Witness how the valley celebrates with local entertainment, fireworks, and bonfires ashore. A spectacular sight that’s not to be missed!
Special Included Features
- Wine tasting in Dürnstein
- Witness the Summer Solstice firework display
- Avalon Summer Solstice wine for each passenger
- Certificate of participation
Special Departure - June 13, 2010
14 days incl. travel, or 13 days from Budapest to Prague
Starting at: $3,529.00 (not including airfare)
Vacation Details
Dates and Prices
Your Itinerary (Days 1 & 14 are travel days)
- Day 1
Board your overnight transatlantic flight.
- Day 2 Budapest, Hungary
Welcome to Budapest, Hungary’s lively capital. The remainder of the day is free to start exploring Eastern Europe’s most cosmopolitan metropolis.
- Day 3 Budapest
Budapest straddles both banks of the Danube, with seven bridges, including the famous Chain and Elisabeth Bridges, connecting ancient Buda on the right bank with Pest on the left. The massive hilltop castle complex with FISHERMEN’S BASTION and the Matthias Church is among the many sights your Local Guide will show you. Shop for renowned peasant embroidery, Herend porcelain, and paprika. (B)
- Day 4 Budapest (Embarkation)
This afternoon, board your river cruise vessel and meet your crew at a WELCOME RECEPTION. (B,D)
- Day 5 Budapest-Vienna, Austria
A day to relax on board and marvel at the beautiful scenery on both banks of the Danube. Hungary is on your left as you cruise upriver and Slovakia is on your right. The two countries share the Danube for a 58-mile stretch, with the border in the middle of the river. Vienna, Austria’s capital, is known as the “City of Music” and inspired the creative genius of Mozart, Beethoven, and Strauss. (B,L,D)
- Day 6 Vienna
Once the center of the mighty Habsburg Empire, Vienna has much to offer: the lavish Hofburg Palace, the impressive Vienna Opera House, the majestic Ring Boulevard, and awe-inspiring St. Stephen’s Cathedral, to name just a few of the sights you will enjoy during your city tour. You do not rush through Vienna; you waltz, taking your time to savor each classic sight and sound. Shop in the Kärntnerstrasse and enjoy Sachertorte or Apfelstrudel in a neighborhood café. An optional concert is available during your stay. (B,L,D)
- Day 7 Melk-Dürnstein
This morning visit Melk, whose magnificent BENEDICTINE ABBEY dominates the town from its commanding hill site and is one of Europe’s largest monasteries. The view you have from the terrace over the Danube and surrounding countryside is breathtaking! Cruise through Wachau Valley to the town of Dürnstein, known for the magnificent baroque STIFTSKIRCHE with its blue façade, lying right in the heart of the Wachau wine region. Above town are the ruins of the castle where England’s King Richard the Lionheart was imprisoned in 1192. Sample some of the Wachau Valley’s FAMOUS WINES. During dinner your ship moves to Rossatz on the opposite bank of the Danube, and you have the chance to visit this little town on your own to enjoy some local entertainment , before witnessing the DANUBE IN FLAMES, a spectacular firework show celebrating the Summer Solstice. After the fireworks your ship departs to cruise northwards through the Wachau Valley where bonfires are lit along the shore. (B,L,D)
- Day 8 Enns-Passau, Germany
Today, an optional full-day excursion to Salzburg takes in the popular Sound of Music sights. Passau, ideally located at the confluence of the Rivers Inn, Ilz, and Danube, is a city of graceful arcades and cobblestone streets. St. Stephen’s Cathedral houses the world’s largest church organ with more than 17,000 pipes. (B,L,D)
- Day 9 Regensburg
Regensburg is one of Germany’s best preserved medieval cities. Architectural highlights on your guided tour include the Old Town Hall, the beautiful white and gold OLD CHAPEL, and Porta Pretoria—gates to an ancient Roman fort built in 179 AD. The city is the capital of Upper Palatinate, a bustling university town, and one of Bavaria’s cultural centers. It is here you will find Germany’s oldest restaurant, the 12th-century Historische Wurstküche (Old Sausage Kitchen). (B,L,D)
- Day 10 Nuremberg
Although Nuremberg suffered extensive damage during WWII, much of it was restored to its original style. Marvel at this historic city with its fabulous gothic churches and elegant patrician houses all explained by a local expert. Nuremberg’s traditions include famous Lebkuchen, toy making, and metal working. After dinner we’ll introduce you to some of Germany’s FAMOUS BEERS. (B,L,D)
- Day 11 Nuremberg (Disembarkation)-Prague, Czech Republic
Cross the Czech border in the Bohemian Forest and head for Prague, the "Golden City." (B)
- Day 12 Prague
Prague is a 1,000-year-old city preserved in time. See its best-known treasures such as the Old Town's ASTRONOMICAL CLOCK, once the envy of all of Europe; HRADCANY CASTLE, St. Vitus Cathedral, and the Charles Bridge. Browse the shops for hand-cut crystal or art books. Mix with the locals in Wenceslaus Square or stroll along the Vltava River. (B)
- Day 13 Prague
A free day for you to explore the city at your own pace. Your Cruise Director will have other suggestions for things to do. (B)
- Day 14 Prague
Your homebound flight arrives the same day. (B)
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