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Avalon Waterways Danube Dreams (Eastbound) (WDB)

8 Day River Cruise Deggendorf to Budapest 
Cruise along the peaceful Danube River through Germany, Austria, Slovakia, and Hungary—stopping at some of Central Europe’s most splendid capitals and charming towns along the way. Visit Passau, Germany—called the “City of Three Rivers” at the confluence of the Danube, Inn, and Ilz rivers. Take a guided walking tour to admire the Patrician houses and baroque St. Stephen’s Cathedral. In Linz, Austria, walk around the Hauptplatz, Austria’s largest medieval square. Enjoy the magnificent views as your Danube River cruise takes you through the picturesque wine region of the Wachau Valley. Stops include Melk to visit the magnificent Benedictine Abbey and Dürnstein to see the famous blue and white Stiftskirche and taste some of the local wines. Vienna, the “City of Music,” makes an immediate impression with its lavish Hofburg Imperial Palace and neo-renaissance Vienna Opera House. Enjoy a guided tour of this magical city and take time to explore on your own. In Bratislava, the capital of Slovakia, take a guided walk through the delightful Old Town and to the Gothic St. Martin’s Cathedral. In Budapest, the vibrant capital of Hungary, a local expert shows you all the must-see sights. Then to round out this timeless European river cruise, take a stroll along Váci utca—the main shopping street, or take pictures from Fishermen’s Bastion for the best panoramic views of Budapest. This Danube River cruise explores the legendary beauty and remarkable destinations you’ll never forget.

Ships: Ship TBA IV - View - Envision - Impression - Passion - Imagery II - Illumination - Tranquility II - Expression

Avalon Highlights & Sightseeing

Day 1 Deggendorf (Embarkation): Onboard welcome reception

Day 2 Passau: Choice of guided walk or hike with your Adventure Host; Schlögen Oxbow scenic cruising

Day 3 Linz: Guided sightseeing, see Hauptplatz and the Trinity Column

Day 4 Ybbs. Excursion to Melk-Wachau Valley-Dürnstein: Choice of guided visit of the Benedictine Abbey in Melk or guided tour in Ybbs with Artstetten Castle visit; cruise through the Wachau Valley; choice of guided walk or hike up to the castle ruins in Dürnstein

Day 5 Vienna: Choice of guided sightseeing or bike with your Adventure Host

Day 6 Bratislava: Choice of guided sightseeing in Bratislava, visit St. Martin’s Cathedral or hike to Bratislava Castle with your Adventure Host

Day 7 Budapest: Scenic cruising into Budapest; choice of guided tour, see Heroes’ Square or hike with your Adventure Host

Day 8 Budapest (Disembarkation): Your cruise ends this morning

Special Interest Departures

04/16/2024 - Go Tell the Bees... Danube Dreams Come True with Diana Gabaldon
04/25/2024 - A Culinary Experience on Danube Dreams (Eastbound)
10/28/2024 - Danube Dreams for Wine Lovers (Eastbound)
04/15/2025 - A Culinary Experience on Danube Dreams (Eastbound)
05/04/2025 - Danube Dreams for Music Lovers (Eastbound)
10/23/2025 - Danube Dreams for Wine Lovers (Eastbound)
11/10/2025 - Danube Dreams for Wine Lovers (Eastbound)

Related Avalon Tours

WDB - Danube Dreams (Eastbound)
WDBQ - With 2 Nights in Prague
WBD - Danube Dreams (Westbound)

Itinerary (2024)

Day 1DEGGENDORF, GERMANY (EMBARKATION)
 Welcome to Germany. Your Suite Ship® is Ready for Boarding.

Flights into Munich must arrive by 2 pm.

Guests must be on board ship by 5 pm.

Explore your ship and enjoy dinner on your first evening on board.

EVENING CRUISE TO PASSAU

(D)
Day 2PASSAU–SCHLÖGEN OXBOW
 Where the Danube, Inn, and Ilz Rivers Meet

ACTIVE Follow your Avalon Adventure Host for Hiking from Oberhaus along a trail down to the valley and along Ilz River, OR:

CLASSIC Join a Guided City Walk to learn more about this beautiful “City of Three Rivers".

Before sailing to Linz, take a little free time to explore Passau’s cobblestone streets and galleries of Artists’ Alley. Maybe stop at St. Stephen’s Cathedral to catch a concert rehearsal.

This afternoon, cruise to Linz through the Danube’s dramatic horseshoe bend called Schlögen Oxbow.

Later, enjoy live entertainment on board.

OVERNIGHT DOCKING IN LINZ

(B,L,D)
Day 3LINZ, AUSTRIA
 Legendary and Lovely Linz

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

CLASSIC Take a Guided Walk through the city’s historic and beautiful sites along the shore of the Danube and see Hauptplatz—Austria’s largest medieval square—and the towering white-marble Trinity Column.

Consider a full-day Guided Optional Excursion to Salzburg—the city of Mozart, or to the picturesque Bohemian town of Cesky Krumlov.

You may otherwise spend the afternoon on a biking picnic along the banks of the Danube or hike through Linz’s beautiful nature trails to Pöstlingberg for a bird’s-eye view of the city and river below.

EVENING/OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO YBBS

(B,L,D)
Day 4YBBS. EXCURSION TO MELK–WACHAU VALLEY
 Frescoes Above and Vineyards Below

CLASSIC Visit the Lower Austrian little town of Ybbs. Walk through the doors of Austrian history with a guided sightseeing tour of Artstetten Castle, OR:

CLASSIC Take a Guided Tour of Melk’s magnificent Benedictine Abbey to marvel at its frescoed ceilings, statues, incredible library, and ornate pipe organ.

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

DÜRNSTEIN

A King’s Ransom and Castle Ruins

ACTIVE Join 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 here during the Crusades.

Later, enjoy live entertainment on board your ship.

OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO VIENNA

(B,L,D)
Day 5VIENNA
 Viennese Waltzes on the Blue Danube

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 monarchy.

Spend free time strolling on the pedestrian Kärntnerstrasse—the most famous shopping avenue in central Vienna. Take a bike ride through the city and stop in a local café to enjoy Sachertorte or Apfelstrudel.

This evening, enjoy an unforgettable musical performance with an Optional Excursion to attend a Royal Waltz Concert in an elegant hall.

OVERNIGHT DOCKING IN VIENNA

(B,L,D)
Day 6BRATISLAVA, SLOVAKIA
 

Cathedral Coronations and a Crowning Castle

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

CLASSIC Take a Guided City Walk, including the quaint streets of Old Town, Town Hall, and the sight of royal coronations at St. Martin’s Cathedral.

Enjoy free time to discover on your own Bratislava, the beautiful capital of Slovakia, rich in history and culture, but also a green city with its forests and parks just a hop away from the city center.

OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO BUDAPEST

(B,L,D)
Day 7BUDAPEST, HUNGARY
 War Heroes and Hot Water

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 take in the beauty of Budapest while enjoying some free time exploring such famous sights as the Chain Bridge. Get to know the city’s cafés and pubs, or take a hike through the hills above the Danube.

OVERNIGHT DOCKING IN BUDAPEST

(B,L,D)
Day 8BUDAPEST (DISEMBARKATION)
 Your cruise ends with breakfast this morning.

(B)

Avalon Pricing Details

Gateway city for arrivals is Munich.

Port charges:
$210

Gratuities to Local Guides & Excursion Drivers are included.

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
*04/05/2024 $3,299.00
*04/11/2024 $3,399.00
*04/16/2024 $3,499.00
*04/25/2024 $3,599.00
*05/09/2024 $3,899.00
*05/23/2024 $3,999.00
*06/04/2024 $3,899.00
*06/12/2024 $3,899.00
*06/25/2024 $3,999.00
*07/02/2024 $3,899.00
*07/10/2024 $3,899.00
*07/16/2024 $3,899.00
*07/30/2024 $3,899.00
*08/05/2024 $3,899.00
*08/13/2024 $3,899.00
*08/20/2024 $3,999.00
*08/27/2024 $4,199.00
*09/04/2024 $4,299.00
*09/23/2024 $4,299.00
*09/28/2024 $4,299.00
*10/07/2024 $4,199.00
*10/13/2024 $4,099.00
*10/17/2024 $4,099.00
*10/27/2024 $3,899.00
*10/28/2024 $3,899.00
*11/11/2024 $3,699.00
*04/06/2025 $3,299.00
*04/15/2025 $3,499.00
*04/21/2025 $3,499.00
*04/29/2025 $3,599.00
*05/04/2025 $3,699.00
*05/25/2025 $3,999.00
*06/03/2025 $3,899.00
*06/05/2025 $3,899.00
*06/18/2025 $3,899.00
*07/01/2025 $3,899.00
*07/03/2025 $3,899.00
*07/07/2025 $3,899.00
*07/15/2025 $3,899.00
*07/21/2025 $3,899.00
*07/26/2025 $3,899.00
*08/02/2025 $3,899.00
*08/15/2025 $3,899.00
*08/26/2025 $4,199.00
*08/30/2025 $4,199.00
*09/02/2025 $4,299.00
*09/09/2025 $4,299.00
*09/13/2025 $4,299.00
*09/27/2025 $4,299.00
*10/09/2025 $4,199.00
*10/12/2025 $4,099.00
*10/23/2025 $3,999.00
*10/31/2025 $3,899.00
*11/10/2025 $3,699.00
*11/24/2025 $3,499.00
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