Avalon Imagery II, Danube Dreams ex Budapest to Vilshofen

Cruise along the peaceful Danube River through Hungary, Slovakia, Austria, and Germany—discovering some of Central Europe’s most splendid capitals and charming towns along the way. Begin this timeless European river cruise in Budapest, where guided sightseeing acquaints you with the highlights of the vibrant capital of Hungary. Set sail on the Danube, take pictures of the impressive Parliament Building as you leave Budapest, and head for Bratislava, the capital of Slovakia. Here, enjoy a guided walk through the delightful Old Town and visit the Gothic St. Martin’s Cathedral.

Vienna, Austria, the “City of Music,” makes an immediate impression with its lavish Habsburg Imperial Palace and neo-renaissance Vienna Opera House. Enjoy the magnificent views as your river cruise takes you through the picturesque wine region of the Wachau Valley, with stops for a guided walk in Dürnstein and a visit of the impressive Benedictine Abbey of Melk. In Linz, walk around the Hauptplatz— Austria’s largest medieval square, which forms the center of the city, and be sure to photograph the splendid Trinity Column. Passau, Germany, the “City of Three Rivers,” is uniquely located where the Inn, Ilz, and Danube rivers converge. See its maze of narrow cobblestone streets lined with beautiful Patrician houses, and marvel at St. Stephen’s Cathedral, a masterpiece of baroque architecture. A memorable last stop on this delightful Danube River cruise holiday!

Day 1
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, cafes, and confections.
OVERNIGHT DOCKING IN BUDAPEST (D)

Day 2
The Pearl of the Danube in the Heart of Europe
Visit the Adventure centre 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 selection 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 cafes and pubs, or take a hike through the hills above the Danube.
EVENING/OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO BRATISLAVA (B,L,D)

Day 3
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.
During lunchtime enjoy a short sailing to Hainburg.
HAINBURG, AUSTRIA
Enjoy some free time in the village of Hainburg or take a Guided Optional Excursion to discover the natural beauties of this area.
OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO VIENNA (B,L,D)

Day 4
Strauss, Schnitzel, Strudel, and Sachertorte
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- Winter residence of the Imperial Family, the iconic Vienna Opera House and stunning St. Stephen's Cathedral.
You may decide to take a Guided Optional Excursion to Schonbrunn Palace-the former imperial summer home of the Habsburg monarchy. Spend free time strolling in the pedestrian Karntnerstrasse-the most famous shopping avenue in central Vienna, or take a bike ride through the city and stop in a local cafe to enjoy of 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 CRUISE TO DURNSTEIN (B,L,D)

Day 5
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 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 Ybbs.
YBBS. EXCURSION TO MELK: 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.
EVENING/OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO LINZ (B,L,D)

Day 6
Legendary, Lovely Linz
Ask about today's energizing or relaxing Adventure Host activities.
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 Danubeor hike through Linz's beautiful nature trails to Postlingberg for a bird's-eye view of the city and river below.
OVERNIGHT DOCKING IN LINZ (B,L,D)

Day 7
Where the Danube, Inn, and Ilz Rivers Meet
This morning, cruise through the Schlogen Oxbow, a particularly beautiful horseshoe-shaped bend of the river.
ACTIVE - Join your Avalon Adventure Host for Hiking from Oberhaus along a trail down to the valley and along Ilz River, OR:
CLASSIC - Take a Guided City Walk into Passau, the beautiful "City of Three Rivers."
Before sailing to Deggendorf. 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.
EVENING/OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO DEGGENDORF (B,L,D)

Day 8
Your cruise ends with breakfast this morning. Flights should not leave Munich airport before 8 am. (B)