Duration: 16 Days
Your breathtaking river cruise begins on the Rhine River in Basel, Switzerland. You’ll sail to Breisach, your starting point for a Black Forest excursion, and to the city of Strasbourg, France, along the way. Sail to Rüdesheim and through the spectacular Rhine Gorge. The modern and charming city of Frankfurt is also on your route along the Rhine, and you’ll sail on the Main River to visit an authentic village. Visit Würzburg, and take a guided tour of Bam-berg, before reaching Nuremberg, from where you will take a full day excursion to Munich. Sail from Nuremberg to Regensburg, the only German city not bombed during WWII. Cruise next to Passau, with its narrow streets and ba-roque St. Stephen’s Cathedral. In Melk, you will visit Austria’s majestic Benedictine Abbey. Take in the breathtaking views before continuing through the picturesque Wachau Valley to the romantic sights of Vienna, the “City of Mu-sic.” Your European river cruise ends in Budapest, the capital of Hungary, with guided sightseeing and free time to explore this vibrant city on your own.
Day
1
BASEL, SWITZERLAND (EMBARKATION)
Welcome to Switzerland! Your Suite Ship is Ready for Boarding.
Flights into Zurich must arrive by 3 pm.
Guests must be on board ship by 5 pm.
Enjoy dinner and explore the ship on your first night on board as you sail to Breisach.
EVENING/OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO BREISACH (D)
Day
2
BREISACH, GERMANY. EXCURSION TO BLACK FOREST
History, Artistry, 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:
DISCOVERY - Visit to Badischer Winzerkeller, the largest German wine producer in Europe. Discover Germany's southernmost wine country in Baden-ideally situated between the hills of the Black Forest and the Rhine River. Learn about the vintners' process in the vineyards here, and enjoy a wine tasting.
You may choose to join a Guided Optional Excursion to visit the charming village of Colmar in the morning, with its half-timbered medieval and early renaissance buildings.
EVENING/OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO STRASBOURG (B,L,D)
Day
3
STRASBOURG, FRANCE
A Gothic Cathedral, Heavenly Time, and Dreamy French Wine
Visit the Adventure centre for today's activities with your Adventure Host.
CLASSIC - Join a City Tour of Strasbourg's sights, including gothic, stained-glass cathedral with its celebrated ancient murals and astronomical clock, as well as the magical La Petite France District.
You may also choose to join a Guided Optional Excursion to the historic Maginot Line-an impressive installation of pre-WWII defensive fortifications designed to protect the eastern border of France, or visit Alsace's wine country today.
Alternatively, take some free time in Strasbourg to visit a museum, or stroll across the city centre.
AFTERNOON/OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO RUDESHEIM (B,L,D)
Day
4
RUDESHEIM, GERMANY-RHINE GORGE
Eat, Drink, and Be Merry in Wine Country
ACTIVE - Enjoy a hike with your Avalon Adventure Host through the picturesque vineyards of Rudesheim, 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, OR:
ACTIVE - Take an open-air Cable Car Ride to the Niederwald Monument, then ride or walk back down through the vineyards; based on your departure enjoy a local special treat.
This afternoon, stretch out on the Sky Deck as you pass through the spectacular Rhine Gorge on your way to Boppard.
BOPPARD
A Peaceful Jewel in the Rhine Gorge
Enjoy some free time to relax, or explore the Rheinallee Promenade for delicatessen fare with a cup of German coffee or glass of Riesling wine.
Later, enjoy onboard entertainment while sailing to Frankfurt.
OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO FRANKFURT (B,L,D)
Day
5
FRANKFURT. EXCURSION TO SELIGENSTADT
Culture, Commerce, and Charm in Frankfurt
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, 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.
Later, enjoy live entertainment on board.
AFTERNOON/OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO MAIN RIVER VILLAGE (B,L,D)
Day
6
MAIN RIVER VILLAGE
Hidden Gems and Bavarian Beauty of a Main River Village
Join your Adventure Host for today's special activities.
CLASSIC - Join a Guided Walking Tour of a picturesque Bavarian village.
AFTERNOON/OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO WURZBURG (B,L,D)
Day
7
WURZBURG
A Perfect Day in the Pearl of the Romantic Road
CLASSIC - Take a Guided Sightseeing Tour of Wurzburg with its Old Main Bridge, towering fortress, and baroque Bishop's Residenz-with the largest known ceiling fresco.
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.
Enjoy live entertainment on board as you set sail for Bamberg
AFTERNOON/OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO BAMBERG (B,L,D)
Day
8
BAMBERG
One Thousand Years of History in the City of Seven Hills
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).
EVENING/OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO NUREMBERG (B,L,D)
Day
9
NUREMBERG. EXCURSION TO MUNICH
A King's Palace and Town Halls in Modern Munich
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.
OVERNIGHT DOCKING IN NUREMBERG (B,D)
Day
10
ROTH. EXCURSION TO NUREMBERG
Living Heritage and History Lessons
Visit the Adventure centre for today's activities with your Adventure Host.
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 Tour of Nuremberg's 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 - 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.
AFTERNOON/OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO REGENSBURG (B,L,D)
Day
11
REGENSBURG
Magical Regensburg-Bavaria's Medieval Miracle
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 as you cruise toward Passau.
EVENING/OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO PASSAU (B,L,D)
Day
12
PASSAU
Go for Baroque in Passau-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.
Sail to Linz this afternoon, or join your ship after your selected full-day excursion.
LINZ, AUSTRIA
The Linzer Torte and a Legendary Love of Art and Music
Enjoy a free afternoon to linger in Linz. Take a bicycle from the ship and cycle along the Danube, or follow one of Linz's many nature trails for a bird's-eye view of the city and river below.
OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO MELK (B,L,D)
Day
13
MELK-WACHAU VALLEY
Striking Frescoes and Breathtaking Views of the Wachau Valley
CLASSIC - Take a Guided Tour of Melk's magnificent Benedictine Abbey to marvel at its frescoed ceilings, statues, incredible library, and ornate pipe organ, OR:
ACTIVE - Join your Avalon Adventure Host for a Morning Hike through Melk's beautiful countryside.
Enjoy a coffee or a cocktail on the Sky Deck as you sail through the picturesque Wachau Valley to Vienna.
VIENNA
Vienna Waltzes and the Beautiful Blue Danube
This evening, you may choose to attend an Optional Excursion to a Royal Waltz Concert for an unforgettable evening of music in an elegant hall.
OVERNIGHT DOCKING IN VIENNA (B,L,D)
Day
14
VIENNA
Royal Collections, and Amusing Attractions
Ask about today's energizing or relaxing Adventure Host activities.
CLASSIC - Venture into 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 historic Vienna Opera House and stunning St. Stephen's Cathedral.
Join a Guided Optional Excursion to Schonbrunn Palace-a Habsburg Empire summer home for 300 years.
This afternoon, enjoy free time to take a tram to visit Austria's Prater amusement park or one of the many museums nearby. You may also decide to borrow a bike from ship to explore the streets and squares of Vienna, or ride along the banks of the Danube at your leisure.
Later, relax on board with live entertainment as you sail to Budapest.
EVENING/OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO BUDAPEST (B,L,D)
Day
15
BUDAPEST, HUNGARY
The Pearl of the Danube in the Heart of Europe
CLASSIC - Enjoy a Guided City Sightseeing, including the iconic Heroes' Square.
This afternoon choose among a wide offer of Optional Guided Excursions or take some free time to enjoy Budapest's famed thermal baths. You can also take a scenic hike in the hills above the Danube. Take time to explore the city's cafes, pubs, and nightlife at your leisure.
OVERNIGHT DOCKING IN BUDAPEST (B,L,D)
Day
16
BUDAPEST (DISEMBARKATION)
Your cruise ends with breakfast this morning. (B)
Departure Date:
2021-09-07
Return Date:
2021-09-22
Single :
17430NZD
Twin :
11593NZD
Open
