10 Day River Cruise Prague to Budapest
From Prague to vibrant Budapest, this Danube River cruise vacation takes you to four countries—each with its own beauty, history, and cultural treasures. Enjoy two nights in the “golden city” of Prague, one of Europe’s most beautiful cities. Stand in front of Old Town’s medieval Astronomical Clock, which amazes as an intricate timepiece and piece of art piece unlike anything else in the world. Travel to Nuremberg, Germany, to board your Avalon Suite Ship® on the Main Danube Canal and visit the 1000-year-old city with a Local Guide. Next, reach Regensburg, the only German city not bombed during WWII. Lovers of architecture will enjoy the many listed buildings of historic interest, and Porta Pretoria, gates to an ancient Roman fort built in 179 AD. Passau, known for its narrow, winding streets, offers the magnificent Italian baroque St. Stephen’s Cathedral. In Melk, you will visit Austria’s majestic Benedictine Abbey, one of Europe’s largest monasteries, which sits high on a bluff. Take in the breathtaking views before continuing through the picturesque Wachau Valley to the romantic sounds of Vienna, the “City of Music.” Your European river cruise vacation ends in Budapest, the capital of Hungary, with guided sightseeing and free time to explore this vibrant city on your own.
Day 1 PRAGUE, CZECH REPUBLIC
Welcome to the Golden City of Prague—Explore the City of 100 Spires
Enjoy free time to explore the Golden City and its surrounding countryside. Consider sampling delicious plum dumplings and traditional Pilsner lager beside the Vltava River.
Day 2 PRAGUE
Gothic Cathedrals, Grand Castles, and Great Cuisine
CLASSIC Take a Guided City Walk to visit Hradčany Castle Grounds; see St. Vitus Cathedral, and Old Town’s Astronomical Clock.
Take time to mingle with the locals, watch street performers in Wenceslas Square, or browse the market stalls at Charles Bridge.
Day 3 PRAGUE–NUREMBERG, GERMANY (EMBARKATION)
The Secret Romance of Picturesque Prague
The morning is free to explore Prague on your own to enjoy the stunning architectural beauty of the city.
This afternoon, board your Suite Ship® in Nuremberg and enjoy a dinner on board.
OVERNIGHT DOCKING IN NUREMBERG
Day 4 ROTH. EXCURSION TO NUREMBERG
Legends and History Lessons
Visit the Adventure Center 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—with its 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. Later, enjoy live entertainment on board.
AFTERNOON/OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO REGENSBURG
Day 5 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.
EVENING/OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO PASSAU
Day 6 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
Legendary Lovely Linz
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.
Later, enjoy live entertainment on board.
OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO MELK
Day 7 MELK–WACHAU VALLEY
Frescoes Above and Vineyards Below
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
Viennese Waltzes on 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
Day 8 VIENNA
Royal Collections, and Amusing Attractions
Ask about today’s energizing or relaxing Adventure Host activities.
CLASSIC Explore 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 iconic Vienna Opera House and stunning St. Stephen’s Cathedral.
Join a Guided Optional Excursion to Schönbrunn Palace— summer home of the Habsburg Empire.
Enjoy free time this afternoon to take a tram to visit Vienna’s Prater amusement park or one of the many museums nearby. You may also borrow a bike from ship to explore Vienna’s square or the banks of the Danube. Later, relax on board with live entertainment as you sail to Budapest.
EVENING/OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO BUDAPEST
Day 9 BUDAPEST, HUNGARY
War Heroes and Hot Water
CLASSIC Enjoy a Guided City Sightseeing, including the iconic Heroes’ Square.
This afternoon, select from a variety of Guided Optional or spend free time soaking in one of Budapest’s famous thermal baths. Consider a scenic hike above the Danube, or enjoy Budapest’s cafés, pubs or nightlife.
OVERNIGHT DOCKING IN BUDAPEST
Day 10 BUDAPEST (DISEMBARKATION)
Your cruise ends with breakfast this morning.