HIGHLIGHTS
- Cruise with a solo traveller group
- 2 nights pre cruise group stay with touring, Budapest
- 14 nights on board Avalon Illumination
- All meals on board from dinner on your day of arrival through to breakfast on your day of departure
- English-speaking crew and knowledgeable local guides
- Complimentary on-board tea and coffee
- Complimentary on-board Wi-Fi
- Services of the ship’s onboard cruise director and concierge
DAY 1
Arrive Budapest, Hungary
Welcome to Hungary. Arrive at leisure and check into our group hotel this afternoon. There will be a welcome group meet up and early dinner together.
Meals: Dinner
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Snapshot — What's Included
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• Group welcome dinner
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DAY 2
Explore the Danube Bend, Hungary
Today we depart Budapest city to explore the beautiful Danube Bend, uncovering medieval towns, charming riverside streets, and centuries-old traditions. Enjoy lunch together with drinks in Visegrád, wander the cobblestone lanes of Szentendre, and sample the flavours of Budapest on a guided food walk.
At the end of the day we return to our group hotel in Budapest.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
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Snapshot — What's Included
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• Countryside day trip to Visegrád and Szentendre
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• Lunch
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DAY 3
Walking Food Tour. Cruise Embarkation, Budapest, Hungary
This morning, we set out on a guided food walking tour that brings Budapest's culinary scene to life. Over four delicious hours, discover the city's food heritage and meet the passionate locals keeping traditions alive. We'll explore the Great Market Hall, a vibrant showcase of fresh produce, spices, and artisanal goods, along with a handpicked selection of independent, locally owned venues. At each stop, you'll taste authentic specialities that tell the story of Hungary's rich gastronomic culture — which will comfortably suffice as lunch.
After, we embark for our river cruise journey. The cruise ship docks in Budapest overnight.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
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Snapshot — What's Included
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• Guided food walking tour
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• Ship embarkation
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DAY 4
The Pearl of the Danube, Budapest, Hungary
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.
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CLASSIC Guided city sightseeing, including the iconic Heroes' Square.
This afternoon enjoy Budapest on your own. Indulge in a piece of cream cake in one of the many cafés, or consider a scenic hike above the Danube.
Overnight cruise to Bratislava
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Optional Excursions
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Bites & Highlights of Budapest
Experience some of Budapest's most famous sights and most delectable foods on this unique guided foodie tour.
3h 30m | $$
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Art & Architecture of Budapest
Travel back to the Golden Age of Budapest's Belle Époque on this captivating guided excursion featuring Andrássy Avenue and the Hungarian State Opera House.
3h 0m | $$
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DAY 5
Bratislava, Slovakia
Castles, Vineyards, and Cosmopolitan Culture
ACTIVE Follow your Adventure Host on a short hike to lofty Bratislava Castle.
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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
DAY 6
Vienna, Austria
Royal Collections and Amusing Attractions
ACTIVE Explore Vienna's Danube Island by bike with your Adventure Host.
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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.
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CLASSIC Enjoy a guided visit to the House of Strauss and embark on an interactive journey through Vienna's illustrious past at an immersive audio-visual experience. After the tour, enjoy a coffee and homemade cake.
CLASSIC Attend a Royal Waltz Concert featuring classical masterpieces by Mozart and Johann Strauss, performed by professional musicians in one of Europe's prettiest venues.
Consider a tram ride to Vienna's Prater amusement park or to one of the many museums nearby.
Overnight cruise to Dürnstein
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Optional Excursions
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Schönbrunn Palace, Cultural Gem of Austria
Visit magnificent Schönbrunn Palace, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and former summer residence of the Habsburg imperial family.
3h 30m | $$
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Classical Concert
Enjoy a spellbinding evening of classical works by Mozart and Johann Strauss, performed by professional Salon Orchestra Alt-Wien musicians in one of Europe's prettiest venues.
2h 45m | $$
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Bites & Highlights of Vienna
Experience some of Vienna's most delectable foods and traditions on this unique guided foodie tour.
3h 0m | $$
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DAY 7
Dürnstein–Wachau Valley. Melk, Austria
A King's Ransom and Castle Ruins
ACTIVE Hike up with your Adventure Host to the castle ruins and take in the spectacular view of the village, the Danube, and the Wachau Valley below.
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CLASSIC Join a guided walk and hear the legendary tale of King Richard the Lionheart, who was imprisoned in the castle above the village during the Crusades.
Later, stretch out on the Sky Deck as you sail through the Wachau Valley past vineyards, castles, and charming villages on your way to Melk.
Melk — Frescoes Above and Vineyards Below
ACTIVE Join your Adventure Host for a walk along the Danube River and around Melk.
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CLASSIC Take a guided tour of the frescoed ceilings, statues, incredible library, and ornate pipe organ of Melk's Benedictine Abbey.
DISCOVERY Enjoy a wine tasting on board as you prepare to sail to Passau.
Overnight cruise to Passau
DAY 8
Passau, Germany
Where the Danube, Inn, and Ilz Rivers Meet
Visit the Adventure Center for today's activities with your Adventure Host.
ACTIVE Join your Adventure Host for a hike down to the valley and along the Ilz River.
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CLASSIC Join an afternoon guided city walk to learn more about this beautiful City of Three Rivers.
Alternatively, join a full-day guided excursion to Salzburg, the city of Mozart, or to the picturesque Bohemian town of Ceský Krumlov.
Overnight cruise to Regensburg
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Optional Excursions
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Sound of Music Salzburg
From Mozart to The Sound of Music, this delightful excursion provides an in-depth look at both the city of Salzburg and its majestic surroundings.
10h 0m | $$$
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Ceský Krumlov — A Sleeping Beauty Awakes
You'll feel like you've stepped right into the Middle Ages on this full-day excursion to the 'Pearl of the Bohemian Forest'.
9h 30m | $$$
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DAY 9
Regensburg, Germany
Bavaria's Medieval Miracle
ACTIVE Explore Walhalla by bike with your Adventure Host.
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CLASSIC Explore Regensburg's rich Jewish history with a guided tour of the Old Jewish Quarter, synagogue, and museum, uncovering centuries of culture, resilience, and heritage in this UNESCO city.
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CLASSIC Join a guided city walk and see Altes Rathaus (Old Town Hall) and Porta Pretoria — built in 179 AD as the entrance to the Castra Regina fortress.
Spend a free afternoon exploring Regensburg on foot or by bike through its charming streets.
This evening, enjoy live entertainment after dinner as you cruise toward Roth.
Overnight cruise to Roth
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Optional Excursions
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Weltenburg: Bavaria's Oldest Abbey
Embark on a ferry boat cruise along the dramatic Danube Gorge to visit 7th-century Weltenburg Abbey — with its stunning setting, splendid interior, and the oldest monastic brewery in the world.
4h 30m | $$
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DAY 10
Roth. Excursion to Nuremberg, Germany
Legends and History Lessons
CLASSIC Enjoy an onboard lecture about the Main-Danube Canal — linking 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.
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CLASSIC Choose a guided tour of Nuremberg's medieval architecture, gilded fountain, Gothic cathedral, and Kaiserburg Castle.
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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.
Overnight cruise to Bamberg
DAY 11
Bamberg, Germany
The City of Seven Hills
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.
Overnight cruise to Würzburg
DAY 12
Würzburg, Germany
A Perfect Day in the Pearl of the Romantic Road
ACTIVE Enjoy an easy bike ride along the river with your Adventure Host.
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CLASSIC Take a guided sightseeing tour of Würzburg with its Old Main Bridge, towering fortress, and baroque Bishop's Residenz — home to the largest known ceiling fresco.
This afternoon, enjoy leisurely sailing.
Overnight cruise to Miltenberg
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Optional Excursions
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Rothenburg, Jewel of the Middle Ages
The Jewel of the Middle Ages awaits your discovery on this half-day guided excursion to fairytale Rothenburg ob der Tauber on Germany's famed Romantic Road.
4h 15m | $$
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DAY 13
Miltenberg, Germany
Beauty on the Main River
Join your Adventure Host for today's special activities.
ACTIVE Discover Miltenberg by bike with your Adventure Host.
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CLASSIC Join a guided walking tour of Miltenberg, a showcase of medieval half-timber homes and home to Germany's oldest inn.
Later, enjoy onboard entertainment as you cruise to Rüdesheim.
Overnight cruise to Rüdesheim
DAY 14
Rüdesheim - Rhine Gorge, Germany
Eat, Drink, and Be Merry in Wine Country
ACTIVE Enjoy a hike with your Adventure Host through the picturesque vineyards of Rüdesheim, followed by a tasting of the authentic Rüdesheimer coffee.
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DISCOVERY Take a guided visit to the historic 18th-century wooden-barrel cellar of Johannisberg Castle and enjoy a delicious wine tasting.
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CLASSIC Tour the incredible Mechanical Music Museum for a one-of-a-kind instrumental experience, and enjoy a tasting of the authentic Rüdesheimer coffee.
This afternoon, cruise through the dramatic Rhine Gorge and see the famous rock of the Lorelei — where mythological sirens lured ill-fated sailors to shore.
DISCOVERY Enjoy a remarkable classical music concert in a lovely baroque venue at Engers Castle, home to the Villa Musica Rhineland-Palatinate National Foundation, one of Germany's largest music institutions.
Overnight cruise to Cologne
DAY 15
Cologne, Germany
Prost! Celebrate in the Rhineland
Ask about today's energising or relaxing Adventure Host activities.
ACTIVE Enjoy a bike ride like the locals in Cologne with your Adventure Host.
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CLASSIC Join a guided walking tour of Cologne's important Jewish heritage sites.
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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.
Overnight cruise to Amsterdam
DAY 16
Amsterdam, The Netherlands
Colourful Canals of Amsterdam
ACTIVE Start your day joining your Adventure Host on an early morning walk in Amsterdam.
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CLASSIC Discover the true beauty of Amsterdam with an off-the-beaten-path guided walking tour through its cobblestone streets.
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CLASSIC Explore the iconic waterways of Amsterdam with a guided canal cruise past the stately homes of Amsterdam's Golden Age.
Spend free time on your own to explore the colourful cafés, galleries, bridges, and canals of Amsterdam.
Overnight docking in Amsterdam.
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Optional Excursions
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The Netherlands on Two Wheels: Into the Dutch Countryside
Pedal your way past polders, dikes, and quaint centuries-old villages on this exhilarating guided bike tour through the beautiful Dutch countryside.
4h 0m | $$
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Windmills, Canals & Cheese of The Netherlands
Discover the Netherlands' legendary story of land reclaimed from the sea in the stunning Beemster Polder, where windmills stand amid cheese farms and captivating landscapes.
4h 0m | $
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DAY 17
Amsterdam — Disembarkation
Your cruise ends with breakfast this morning.
- 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.
Itineraries may be subject to change, due to circumstances outside of our control. If there is any itinerary change prior to departure of significance we aim to inform you prior to travel. Itinerary changes while on tour will be informed by your tour leader/guide while on tour.
