TouringForLess

Avalon Cruise Map

click map to enlarge

Avalon Waterways Magnificent Rivers of Europe with 2 Nights in Paris & 2 Nights in London (WBA1)

20 Day River Cruise Budapest to London 
From Budapest to Amsterdam, you’ll discover the rich culture of Central Europe on this European river cruise vacation, concluding with a Monograms vacation in Paris and London!

Your river cruise adventure begins with visits to three of Europe’s vibrant capital cities: Budapest (Hungary), Bratislava (Slovakia), and Vienna (Austria). A Local Guide will show you the must-see sites in each city and you’ll have plenty of time to explore on your own. See the famous Heroes’ Square in Budapest, stroll through Bratislava’s Old Town with its winding streets and bronze sculptures, and stop in a classic Viennese café for a decadent treat. Sail through the picturesque views of the Wachau Valley and the dramatic Rhine Gorge. Visit Melk’s magnificent Benedictine Abbey and the baroque Bishop’s Residence in Würzburg. Enjoy a tasting of Wachau wines. Explore quaint towns like Dürnstein with its blue and white baroque Stiftskirche, Passau, known for its narrow cobblestone streets and the stunning St. Stephen’s Cathedral, and Bamberg, with its town hall straddling the River Regnitz. Enjoy guided tours in historic Nuremberg, Volkach, Würzburg, and Regensburg—one of Germany’s best-preserved medieval cities.

In the charming Rhine Valley town of Rüdesheim, enjoy a stroll through its famous cobblestone Drosselgasse lined with shops, restaurants, and lively taverns. Straddling both sides of the Rhine River is Cologne, Germany—a 2,000-year-old city known for its Gothic architecture. Here, enjoy a guided walk and see its famous twin-spired cathedral. This European river cruise would not be complete without a visit to Holland’s lively capital of Amsterdam. See the treasures of this 700-year-old city from a unique perspective—on a canal cruise along the elegant grachten.

Travel via high-speed train to Paris, where your Monograms vacation in Paris and London begins, including guided sightseeing and helpful assistance from expert Local Hosts® in both these exciting cities.

Avalon Highlights & Sightseeing

Day 1 Budapest (Embarkation): Onboard welcome reception

Day 2 Budapest: Choice of guided tour, see Heroes’ Square or hike with your Adventure Host

Day 3 Bratislava: Choice of guided tour, visit St. Martin's Cathedral or up hike to Bratislava Castle with your Adventure Host

Day 4 Vienna: Choice of guided tour or bike with your Adventure Host

Day 5 Dürnstein-Wachau Valley-Melk: Choice of guided tour, or hike up to the castle ruins in Dürnstein; 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 6 Passau: Guided tour

Day 7 Regensburg: Choice of guided tour or bike with your Adventure Host

Day 8 Roth. Excursion to Nuremberg: Onboard lecture; choice of guided sightseeing of Roth, or guided sightseeing in Nuremberg, or Nuremberg Rally Grounds tour

Day 9 Bamberg: Choice of guided walk, see the Old Town Hall or bike with your Adventure Host; onboard lecture

Day 10 Volkach-Kitzingen: Choice of walking tour in Volkach or bike with your Adventure Host; free time in Kitzingen

Day 11 Würzburg: Choice of guided sightseeing, visit the Bishop’s Residenz or bike with your Adventure Host

Day 12 Main River Village: Guided walk

Day 13 Rüdesheim-Rhine Gorge: Choice of visit to Siegfried's Mechanical Musical Instrument Museum or hike the vineyards with your Adventure Host; scenic cruise through the Rhine Gorge

Day 14 Cologne: Choice of Cologne highlights walking tour, or Jewish Heritage walking tour or bike with your Adventure Host

Day 15 Amsterdam: Choice of canal cruise or walk with your Adventure Host

Day 16 Amsterdam (Disembarkation)-Paris: Travel to Paris by high-speed train (first class)

Day 17 Paris: Guided sightseeing, Seine River cruise

Day 18 Paris-London: Travel by high-speed Eurostar train (standard class) to London

Day 19 London: Guided sightseeing, visit St. Paul's Cathedral (except on Sundays)

Day 20 London: Your vacation ends this morning

Related Avalon Tours

WBA - Magnificent Rivers of Europe
WBA1 - With 2 Nights in Paris & 2 Nights in London
WBA2 - With 3 Nights in Prague, 2 Nights in Paris & 2 Nights in London
WBAQ - With 3 Nights in Prague
WAB - Magnificent Europe

Itinerary (2023)

Day 1BUDAPEST, HUNGARY (EMBARKATION)
 Welcome to Hungary. Your Suite Ship® is Ready for Boarding.

Flights into Budapest must arrive by 3:30 pm.

Guests must be on board ship by 5 pm.

The day is yours to relax and enjoy the city with time for photographs, cafés, and confections.

OVERNIGHT DOCKING IN BUDAPEST

(D)
Day 2BUDAPEST
 The Pearl of the Danube

Visit the Adventure Center for today’s activities with your Adventure Host.

ACTIVE Hike up to a magnificent viewpoint in Budapest with your Adventure Host, OR:

CLASSIC Enjoy a Guided City Sightseeing, including the iconic Heroes’ Square.

This afternoon choose among a wide offer of Optional Guided Excursions or enjoy Budapest on your own. Indulge in a piece of cream cake in one of the many cafés. Consider a scenic hike above the Danube.

OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO BRATISLAVA

(B,L,D)
Day 3BRATISLAVA, SLOVAKIA
 Castles, Vineyards, and Cosmopolitan Culture

ACTIVE Follow your Avalon Adventure Host on a hike to lofty Bratislava Castle, OR:

CLASSIC Join a Guided Walking 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, in your free time take a bicycle and a picnic from the ship to explore the local sights along the Danube.

Later, enjoy live entertainment onboard.

OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO VIENNA

(B,L,D)
Day 4VIENNA, AUSTRIA
 Royal Collections and Amusing Attractions

ACTIVE Explore Vienna's Danube Island by bike with your Adventure Host, 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.

Join a Guided Optional Excursion to Schönbrunn Palace—summer home of the Habsburg empire.

Consider a tram ride to Vienna’s Prater amusement park or to one of the many museums nearby. Later, consider joining an Optional Excursion to attend Royal Waltz Concert in an elegant hall.

OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO DÜRNSTEIN

(B,L,D)
Day 5DÜRNSTEIN–WACHAU VALLEY
 A King’s Ransom and Castle Ruins


ACTIVE Take a Guided Hike up to the castle ruins to take in the 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.

Later, stretch out on the Sky Deck as you sail through the Wachau Valley past vineyards, castles, and charming villages on your way to Melk.

MELK

Frescoes Above and Vineyards Below

CLASSIC Take a Guided Tour of the frescoed ceilings, statues, incredible library, and ornate pipe organ of Melk’s Benedictine Abbey.

DISCOVERY Later, enjoy a Wine Tasting on board as you prepare to sail to Passau.

EVENING/OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO PASSAU

(B,L,D)
Day 6PASSAU, GERMANY
 Where the Danube, Inn, and Ilz Rivers Meet

CLASSIC Join an afternoon Guided City Walk to learn more about this beautiful “City of Three Rivers.”

Alternatively, you may join a full day Guided Optional Excursion to Salzburg, the city of Mozart, or a full day Guided Optional Excursion to the picturesque Bohemian town of Cesky Krumlov.

EVENING/OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO REGENSBURG

(B,L,D)
Day 7REGENSBURG
 Bavaria’s Medieval Miracle

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.

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 Roth.

EVENING/OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO ROTH

(B,L,D)
Day 8ROTH. 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.

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 Join a Guided Tour of the historic Nuremberg Rally Grounds—used by the Third Reich.


Tonight, relax onboard with live entertainment as you sail to Bamberg.

EVENING/OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO BAMBERG

(B,L,D)
Day 9BAMBERG
 The City of Seven Hills

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 former home to imperial dynasties, and see its Romanesque cathedral, Old Town Hall, and seven hills crowned with churches.

DISCOVERY Attend an onboard lecture to learn about European history and culture.

AFTERNOON/OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO VOLKACH

(B,L,D)
Day 10VOLKACH
 Storybook Settings

ACTIVE Bike along the Main Danube Canal with your Adventure Host, OR:

CLASSIC Join a Walking Tour of the quaint town of Volkach with its half-timbered houses and cobblestoned streets.

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.

Alternatively, enjoy a relaxing afternoon while cruising to Kitzingen.

OVERNIGHT DOCKING IN KITZINGEN

(B,L,D)
Day 11WÜRZBURG
 A Perfect Day in the Pearl of the Romantic Road

ACTIVE Enjoy an easy bike ride along the river 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.

This afternoon enjoy a leisurely sailing.

AFTERNOON/OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO MAIN RIVER VILLAGE

(B,L,D)
Day 12MAIN RIVER VILLAGE
 Beauty on the Main River

Join your Adventure Host for today’s special activities.

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

Later, enjoy onboard entertainment as you cruise to Rüdesheim.

AFTERNOON/OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO RÜDESHEIM

(B,L,D)
Day 13RÜDESHEIM–RHINE GORGE
 Eat, Drink, and Be Merry in Wine Country

ACTIVE Enjoy a hike with your Avalon 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.

This afternoon cruise through the dramatic Rhine Gorge and see the famous rock of the Lorelei—where mythological siren lured ill-fated sailors to shore.

AFTERNOON CRUISE TO ENGERS

(B,L,D)
Day 14COLOGNE
 Prost! Celebrate in the Rhineland

Ask about today’s energizing or relaxing Adventure Host activities.

ACTIVE Enjoy a bike ride like the locals in Cologne with your Adventure Host, OR:

DISCOVERY Join a Guided Walking Tour of Cologne’s important Jewish heritage sites, OR:

CLASSIC Take a Guided City Walk of Cologne—explore the Old City and see its soaring twin-steepled Gothic cathedral.

Spend free time over a glass of Kölsch pale lager—locally brewed for over 100 years!

AFTERNOON/OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO AMSTERDAM

(B,L,D)
Day 15AMSTERDAM, HOLLAND
 Colorful Canals of Amsterdam

ACTIVE Start your day joining your Adventure Host on an early morning walk in Amsterdam, OR:

CLASSIC Explore the iconic waterways of Amsterdam with a Guided Canal Cruise past stately homes of Amsterdam’s “Golden Age.”

In the afternoon you may join an Optional Culinary Walk through Amsterdam to sample savory and sweet Dutch specialties. Or choose an Optional Biking Tour to discover the countryside. You might also consider a Guided Optional Excursion to Zaanse Schans to see historic windmills and charming Dutch houses.

Spend free time on your own to explore the colorful cafés, galleries, bridges, and canals of Amsterdam.

OVERNIGHT DOCKING IN AMSTERDAM

(B,L,D)
Day 16AMSTERDAM (DISEMBARKATION)–PARIS, FRANCE
 Transfer from your Avalon ship to the train station, where you begin your Monograms package. Travel to Paris by high-speed train (first class).

(B)
Day 17PARIS
 Morning Guided Sightseeing includes a drive past the Latin Quarter, Les Invalides, Place de la Concorde, the Arc de Triomphe and a stop to take photos of the Eiffel Tower from one of the best panoramic viewing points. Also admire the heart of the city from a different perspective on a Seine River cruise. Spend a relaxing hour gliding by many of the city's most important landmarks.

(B)
Day 18PARIS–LONDON, ENGLAND
 Travel to London by high-speed Eurostar train (standard class).

(B)
Day 19LONDON
 Morning Guided Sightseeing includes all of London’s famous landmarks. Drive past the Houses of Parliament and Big Ben; Westminster Abbey, where Prince William and Catherine, the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge, were married; Whitehall’s mounted horseguards; the Prime Minister’s Downing Street; Buckingham Palace and Piccadilly Circus. Then, visit St. Paul’s Cathedral (except on Sundays). Sir Christopher Wren’s masterpiece with its world-famous dome is an iconic feature of London’s skyline.

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

(B)

Avalon Pricing Details

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.

Avalon Waterways Fleet

Click Quote for an Avalon Waterways Tour Date for our low price tour quote


Avalon Tour Dates

Tour Land StartAvalon RetailRequest Quote
No Tour Dates Available
We Sell the Same Escorted Tours. What makes us different is we sell to you for LESS!