This 8-day European river tour showcases the Wachau Valley and the exciting cities of Hungary, Slovakia, and Austria. Before the cruise begins, spend two nights in Budapest and enjoy the tours that highlight the vibrant capital of this city. For a 58-mile stretch, sail along the Danube while guided sightseeing awaits you in Slovakia’s capital. In Melk, 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.
Highlights
Join the the tour of Vienna's gilded landmarks such as the Imperial Palace
Roam around the cobblestone streets of Budapest and browse art galleries
Marvel at the Benedictine Abbey on a tour in Melk
Take a bicycle and explore the local sights along the Danube
Activity options vary depending on destination and operator. Activity level is determined by the range and intensity of activities you choose to participate in. Discuss with your Trip Planner which options are best for you.
Two nights in beautiful Budapest! A day to discover, dine, and unwind in historic Hungary’s captivating capital.
Day 2: Budapest
1 Breakfast
Classic: Take a guided sightseeing tour to see majestic Heroes’ Square and Budapest’s classic sites.
With plenty of free time this afternoon, experience the curative waters of Budapest’s thermal baths or set out for a hike to explore the countryside on either side of the Danube.
Take time to shop for treasures, including handcrafted embroidery, Herend porcelain, or Budapest’s best-baked goods.
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.
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, OR:
Active: Join your Avalon adventure host on a hike to Bratislava castle.
Alternatively, take a bicycle and a picnic from the ship to explore the local sights along the Danube on your own.
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
Spend free time at your leisure, perhaps biking through the vineyards in the Wachau Valley. Later, enjoy onboard entertainment by local musicians.
Classic: Venture into 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 historic Vienna Opera House, and stunning St. Stephen’s Cathedral.
Discovery: 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.
Day 7: Vienna
1 Breakfast
Enjoy a free day to explore the city at your own pace or perhaps 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.
This itinerary is no longer available. For other trip ideas, please visit Danube River Cruises.
Apologies for the inconvenience. Prices for not yet published. Below per person rate based on previous season. Contact us to confirm upcoming season pricing.
Prices for are estimated based on inflation. Contact us to confirm pricing and availability for your desired departure date.
Rates are subject to change without notice. Book early to get the best rate.
Cat. E
Avalon Deluxe Stateroom: 172 SQ. FT.
Comfort Collection Beds, Bedside tables with reading lamps, L'Occitane bath products, Under-bed luggage storage, Complimentary bottled water, Individual climate control, Mirror in the bathroom, Full shower with glass door, Vanity, Memory foam mattress, European-style duvets.
Cat. D
Avalon Deluxe Stateroom: 172 SQ. FT.
Comfort Collection Beds, Bedside tables with reading lamps, L'Occitane bath products, Under-bed luggage storage, Complimentary bottled water, Individual climate control, Mirror in the bathroom, Full shower with glass door, Vanity, Luxurious mattress, European-style duvets.
Cat. B
Panorama Suite: 200 SQ. FT.
Comfort Collection Beds, Bedside tables with reading lamps, L'Occitane bath products, Under-bed luggage storage, Telephone, In-room safe, Contemporary design, Marble countertops in the bathroom, 6-person sitting area, Writing desk, Sofa, Memory foam mattress, European-style duvets.
Cat. A
Panorama Suite: 200 SQ. FT.
Comfort Collection Beds, Bedside tables with reading lamps, L'Occitane bath products, Under-bed luggage storage, Telephone, In-room safe, contemporary design, Marble countertops in the bathroom, 6-person sitting area, Writing desk, Sofa, Luxurious mattress, European-style duvets.
Initial deposit is $250pp, and most travelers will call our office and pay the deposit with a credit card.
Final payment is due 100 days prior to departure by check, money order, Visa, MasterCard, Discover/Novus, and American Express. All final payments by credit card may be subject to a surcharge and maximum of $20,000 charge
For full cancellation policy details, please contact us for a quote.
Included
7 Breakfasts, 2 Lunches, 3 Dinners
4 Nights Accommodations
Accommodations as listed
Ground transportation as listed
Activities as listed
Meals as listed
Access to a 24-7 Emergency line while traveling
Onboard Adventure Center with active gear, bikes, maps, canoe, kayak and jogging excursions
Wifi
Complimentary fresh fruit available daily
Captain’s Welcome and Farewell Receptions
Club Lounge with 24-hour self-serve beverage station with complimentary cappuccinos, lattes, tea, hot chocolate & premium coffees, as well as treats throughout the day
Panoramic windows
Friendly, English-speaking crew & Cruise Director
Sky Deck with whirlpool, shade awnings, game area and premium lounges
Complimentary sparkling wine with breakfast; wine, beer, or soft drinks with every lunch and dinner
Excluded
Gratuities
Travel Insurance
Personal Expenses
Flight costs (please request a quote)
Additional excursions during free time
Fuel and transportation surcharges (when applicable)
Alcohol, beverages, and food outside of the contracted menu as presented at a hotel or restaurant or on board your vessel
Everything was amazing! The planning with Adventure Life went smoothly. The actual trip was fantastic! One of the best trips I have experienced. The cruise staff members were knowledgeable and attentive. I will be writing more about this on the blog!
Very responsive to questions. Helpful with all arrangements
Roz
1 day ago
The ship company they sent us on was perfect in every detail
lisa wegener
2 days ago
I’m so glad we found AdventureLife. Jess, our planner, was such a pleasure to work with. She readily shared her extensive knowledge about Panama, she offered good suggestions and creative ideas, kept everything organized and handled the details each step of the way.
Tim King
3 days ago
Jessica was wonderful! She made every effort to ensure our trip was just what we wanted.
Celine Krafft
3 days ago
Erin was easy to work with and very helpful. She was patient and helped us figure out the adventure tour we were hoping for in Belize. Can’t wait to go on this trip!
