Compare Enchanted Europe with 2 Nights in Budapest (Westbound) by Avalon Waterways vs Trans-European Cruise from Budapest to Strasbourg by CroisiEurope
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| Trip |
5 | Excellent
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4.5 | Great
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| Duration | 18 days | 13 days |
| Price From | $ 8,697 | $ 2,520 |
| Price Per Day | $ 483 | $ 194 |
| Highlights |
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CRUISE HIGHLIGHTS
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| Trip Style | River cruise | River cruise |
| Lodging Level | Standard | Premium |
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| Travel Themes |
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| Countries Visited | ||
| Cities and Attractions |
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| Flights & Transport | No | Internal airfare and ground transport included |
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| Meals Included | N/A | N/A |
| Description | Board your Avalon Suite Ship® after enjoying two nights in Budapest, the “Pearl of the Danube.” Your Danube River cruise embarks with an overnight cruise to Vienna, followed by Dürnstein and Melk in Austria’s beautiful Wachau Valley. Cruise from Austria to Germany as you sail to Passau, then the Bavarian city of Regensburg to see the 12th-century Old Town Hall. Cruise to Nuremberg to choose a guided tour of Roth, Nuremberg city sightseeing, or a tour of the notorious Nuremberg Rally Grounds of WWII. From Nuremberg, join a full-day excursion to Munich before sailing to Frankfurt for guided sightseeing. Cruise to Rüdesheim and through the magnificent Rhine Gorge. Your European river cruise stops in splendid Strasbourg, France, with its Gothic cathedral towering above its stained glass and murals, before cruising to Breisach, Germany—gateway to the magical Black Forest. Enjoy a day of storybook surroundings, sumptuous bakery specialties (such as Black Forest Cake), and a glimpse into generations of authentic Bavarian life. Your river cruise on the Danube, Rhine, and Main Rivers concludes in Basel, Switzerland. |
From Budapest to Strasbourg, enjoy a unique cruise crossing three rivers and four countries. From the Danube to the Rhine via the Main, you will be dazzled by the beauty of landscapes but also by the sweetness of these rivers that form a link between people, cultures and traditions. Hungary, Austria, Germany and France will unveil their history and rich heritage for an unforgettable trans-European getaway. |
Day 1: BUDAPEST, HUNGARY
Welcome to Budapest—Hungary’s Captivating Capital
The day is yours to relax and enjoy Eastern Europe’s shining city on the Danube.
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Day 2: BUDAPEST
The Pearl of the Danube in the Heart of Europe
CLASSIC Enjoy a Guided City Sightseeing, including the iconic Heroes’ Square.
Take in the beauty of Budapest while enjoying a free afternoon 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.
(Breakfast)
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Day 3: BUDAPEST (EMBARKATION)
Time for Coffee, and Confections
With a free day to explore before your cruise, take time to take photographs on the Royal Palace grounds in this treasure trove of historical architecture. Try Budapest’s famous thermal bath spas, then lunch in a garden or rooftop eatery before boarding your Suite Ship®.
EVENING/OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO VIENNA
(Breakfast,Dinner)
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Day 4: VIENNA, AUSTRIA
Viennese Waltzes on the Blue Danube
Visit the Adventure Center for today’s activities with your Adventure Host.
Enjoy sailing the Danube, which shares dozens of miles with Hungary and Slovakia. Relax on the Sky Deck to see the rolling landscape and red-rooftops of the Slovakian capital of Bratislava come into view.
This evening in Vienna, you may choose to join an Optional Excursion to attend a Royal Waltz Concert for an unforgettable evening of music in an elegant hall.
OVERNIGHT DOCKING IN VIENNA
(Breakfast,Lunch,Dinner)
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Day 5: VIENNA
Royal Collections, and Amusing Attractions
ACTIVE Explore Vienna's Danube Island by bike with your Adventure Host, OR:
CLASSIC After a short walk of Vienna, join a Guided Visit of Austria’s largest museum, the legendary Kunsthistorisches Museum (Museum of Fine Arts), OR: 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 the ship to explore Vienna’s square or the banks of the Danube.
Later, enjoy live entertainment on board.
OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO DÜRNSTEIN
(Breakfast,Lunch,Dinner)
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Day 6: DÜRNSTEIN–WACHAU VALLEY
A King’s Ransom and Castle Ruins
ACTIVE Join a Guided Hike up to the castle ruins for a 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.Enjoy coffee or a cocktail on the Sky Deck as you sail through the picturesque Wachau Valley to Melk.
MELK
Frescoes Above and Vineyards Below
ACTIVE Join your Avalon Adventure Host for a bike along the Danube river from Dürnstein to Melk.CLASSIC Take a Guided Tour of Melk’s magnificent Benedictine Abbey to marvel at its frescoed ceilings, statues, incredible library, and ornate pipe organ.
DISCOVERY Enjoy the flavors of the Wachau Valley with a Wine Tasting on board.
EVENING/OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO PASSAU
(Breakfast,Lunch,Dinner)
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Day 7: PASSAU, GERMANY
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.
Meet your ship back in Passau after your full-day selected activity for sailing.EVENING/OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO REGENSBURG
(Breakfast,Lunch,Dinner)
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Day 8: REGENSBURG
Bavaria’s Medieval Miracle
Join your Adventure Host for today’s special activities.
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.
Alternatively spend a free afternoon exploring Regensburg on foot or by bike through its charming streets.
This evening, enjoy live entertainment after dinner.
EVENING/OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO ROTH
(Breakfast,Lunch,Dinner)
REGENSBURG.jpg
Day 9: ROTH. 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.
ACTIVE Explore Roth's Lauter valley with your Adventure Host, OR: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 Sightseeing 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.
EVENING CRUISE TO NUREMBERG
(Breakfast,Lunch,Dinner)
NUREMBERG-SCENIC.jpg
Day 10: NUREMBERG–EXCURSION TO MUNICH
A King’s Palace and Town Halls
CLASSIC Take a full-day Guided Tour of the highlights of fascinating Munich. See Nymphenburg Palace—a former residence of German monarchs, along with the old and new Town Halls of Marienplatz.EVENING/OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO BAMBERG
(Breakfast,Dinner)
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Day 11: BAMBERG
The City of Seven Hills
Visit the Adventure Center for today’s activities with your Adventure Host.
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 historic home to imperial dynasties, and see its Romanesque cathedral, Old Town Hall, and seven hills crowned with churches.
After the tour, spend free time with a glass of German-style Rauchbier (smoked beer).
AFTERNOON/OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO WÜRZBURG
(Breakfast,Lunch,Dinner)
BAMBERG-TOWN-HALL.jpg
Day 12: WÜRZBURG
A Perfect Day in the Pearl of the Romantic Road
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.
ACTIVE Explore Würzburg's charm by bike 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.
Enjoy live entertainment on board while sailing tonight.
EVENING/OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO MILTENBERG
(Breakfast,Lunch,Dinner)
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Day 13: MILTENBERG
Beauty on the Main River
CLASSIC Join a Guided Walking Tour of Miltenberg, a showcase of medieval half-timber homes and home to Germany’s oldest inn.EVENING/OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO FRANKFURT
(Breakfast,Lunch,Dinner)
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Day 14: FRANKFURT. EXCURSION TO SELIGENSTADT
Charm in Frankfurt
ACTIVE Enjoy a biking experience in the city of Frankfurt with your Adventure Host, OR: DISCOVERY Take a Guided Tour to Seligenstadt—one of Germany’s oldest towns and home to the Einhard Basilika—dubbed “minor basilica” in 1925 by Pope Pius XI, OR:CLASSIC Join a Guided Sightseeing Tour of Frankfurt to see the city’s cultural landmarks and gleaming financial headquarters combined with the cozy ambience of quaint neighborhoods.Spend free time this afternoon exploring Frankfurt on your own.
Later, enjoy live entertainment on board.
EVENING/OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO BOPPARD
(Breakfast,Lunch,Dinner)
FRANKFURT-OLD-TOWN.jpg
Day 15: BOPPARD
A Peaceful Jewel in the Rhine Gorge
This afternoon, relax on the Sky Deck with views of the spectacular Rhine Gorge en route to Rüdesheim.
RÜDESHEIM–RHINE GORGE
Eat, Drink, and Be Merry in Wine Country
ACTIVE Enjoy a hike with your 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.EVENING/OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO STRASBOURG
(Breakfast,Lunch,Dinner)
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Day 16: STRASBOURG
A Grand Cathedral and La Petite France
Join your Adventure Host for today’s special activities. CLASSIC Come along for City Sightseeing, including the city’s Gothic, stained-glass cathedral with its celebrated ancient murals and astronomical clock, as well as the magical La Petite France District.
EVENING/OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO BREISACH
(Breakfast,Lunch,Dinner)
STRASBOURG-PETIT-FRANCE.jpg
Day 17: BREISACH, GERMANY. EXCURSION TO BLACK FOREST
German Winemaking and the Beautiful Black Forest
ACTIVE Enjoy the view on a relaxing bike ride along the Rhine with your Adventure Host, OR:DISCOVERY Join a full-day Guided Tour to the magical Black Forest to experience the Vogtsbauernohf open-air-museum, visit an authentic water mill, and see a traditional butter-making demonstration, OR:
DISCOVERY Visit to a local winery in Breisach, where you will learn about German winemaking and enjoy a wine tasting, OR:
CLASSIC Join A Guided Tour to explore Freiburg’s medieval city center, sheltered by the Black Forest amid vineyards and gardens of the Upper Rhine Valley.You may choose to join a Guided Optional Excursion to visit the charming village of Colmar in the morning.EVENING/OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO BASEL(Breakfast,Lunch,Dinner)
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Day 18: BASEL, SWITZERLAND (DISEMBARKATION)
Your vacation ends this morning with breakfast.
Departure flights should not leave Zürich airport before 10 am or Basel airport before 8 am.
(Breakfast)
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Day 1 BUDAPEST
Passengers are welcome to board our ship at 6:00 p.m. After comfortably settling into your cabins, we'll introduce our crew at a welcome cocktail. Dinner tonight will be followed by an CLASSIC/DISCOVERY excursion : An evening of traditional entertainment in Budapest.
Day 1 BUDAPEST
Passengers are welcome to board our ship at 6:00 p.m. After comfortably settling into your cabins, we'll introduce our crew at a welcome cocktail. Dinner tonight will be followed by an CLASSIC/DISCOVERY excursion : An evening of traditional entertainment in Budapest.
Day 2 BUDAPEST - ESZTERGOM
Join us on an CLASSIC/DISCOVERY excursion : Guided tour of Budapest.We'll return on board in Esztergom. In the afternoon, enjoy some time on your own exploring the former capital of Hungary. The city is full of treasures such as the Neo-classical basilica and former Royal palace. We'll return on board and depart for Vienna. Enjoy an evening of entertainment.
Day 2 BUDAPEST - ESZTERGOM
Join us on an CLASSIC/DISCOVERY excursion : Guided tour of Budapest.We'll return on board in Esztergom. In the afternoon, enjoy some time on your own exploring the former capital of Hungary. The city is full of treasures such as the Neo-classical basilica and former Royal palace. We'll return on board and depart for Vienna. Enjoy an evening of entertainment.
Day 3 VIENNA
Upon arriving in Vienna, join us for an CLASSIC/DISCOVERY excursion : A visit to the Hofburg Palace, former residence of the Hapsburgs. Tonight, join us on an CLASSIC/DISCOVERY excursion : Tour Vienna by night.
Day 3 VIENNA
Upon arriving in Vienna, join us for an CLASSIC/DISCOVERY excursion : A visit to the Hofburg Palace, the Hapsburg's winter residence and its Sisi Museum. Tonight, join us on an CLASSIC/DISCOVERY excursion : Tour Vienna by night.
Day 4 VIENNA
This morning, join us for the excursions proposed: CLASSIC: Guided tour of the Schoenbrunn Palace, the summer residence of the Imperial family, followed by a panoramic tour of Vienna.DISCOVERY: The high art of Viennese living, music and Viennese cafes. We'll stroll through the city and visit back stage in the Konzerthaus concert hall(1). After our tour, enjoy a steaming cup of Vienna Coffee and a delicious pastry.Enjoy a free afternoon to explore this marvelous city at your own pace or take part in our optional excursion: Horse-drawn carriage ride through the old town and the famous Ring road in Vienna.This evening, join us on an optional excursion (not included in packages): Concert of Viennese music (subject to availability.)Our ship will depart at midnight.
Day 4 VIENNA
This morning, join us for the excursions proposed: CLASSIC: Guided tour of the Schoenbrunn Palace, the summer residence of the Imperial family, followed by a panoramic tour of Vienna.DISCOVERY: The high art of Viennese living, music and Viennese cafes. We'll stroll through the city and visit back stage in the Konzerthaus concert hall(1). After our tour, enjoy a steaming cup of Vienna Coffee and a delicious pastry.Enjoy a free afternoon to explore this marvelous city at your own pace or take part in our optional excursion: Horse-drawn carriage ride through the old town and the famous Ring road in Vienna.This evening, join us on an optional excursion (not included in packages): Concert of Viennese music (subject to availability.)Our ship will depart at midnight.
Day 5 MELK
We'll cruise along the most beautiful section of the Wachau Valley this morning, arriving in Melk in the morning. We'll then set off on an CLASSIC/DISCOVERY excursion : Tour of Dürnstein, the fortified village where Richard the Lionheart was once held prisoner. In the afternoon, join us on an CLASSIC/DISCOVERY excursion : Visit the Melk Abbey. Originally a Baroque-style palace built between 1702 and 1736, it is now a Benedictine monastery that hosts a prestigious coed school with more than 900 students. We'll return on board and cruise towards Passau. Enjoy an evening of entertainment.
Day 5 MELK
We'll cruise along the most beautiful section of the Wachau Valley this morning, arriving in Melk in the morning. We'll then set off on an CLASSIC/DISCOVERY excursion : Tour of Dürnstein, the fortified village where Richard the Lionheart was once held prisoner. In the afternoon, join us on an CLASSIC/DISCOVERY excursion : Visit the Melk Abbey. Originally a Baroque-style palace built between 1702 and 1736, it is now a Benedictine monastery that hosts a prestigious coed school with more than 900 students. We'll return on board and cruise towards Passau. Enjoy an evening of entertainment.
Day 6 PASSAU
We'll set out to explore Passau in the company of hostess, strolling the narrow romantic streets and admiring is Baroque-style buildings. We'll then cruise to Regensburg through the night.
Day 6 PASSAU
We'll set out to explore Passau in the company of hostess, strolling the narrow romantic streets and admiring is Baroque-style buildings. We'll then cruise to Regensburg through the night.
Day 7 REGENSBURG - KELHEIM
Join us on an CLASSIC/DISCOVERY excursion : Guided tour of Regensburg and the Walhalla hall of fame which overhangs the river. We'll return on board in Kelheim and cruise the Rhine-Main-Danube Canal to Nuremberg.
Day 7 REGENSBURG - KELHEIM
Join us on an CLASSIC/DISCOVERY excursion : Guided tour of Regensburg and the Walhalla hall of fame which overhangs the river. We'll return on board in Kelheim and cruise the Rhine-Main-Danube Canal to Nuremberg.
Day 8 NUREMBERG - ERLANGEN - BAMBERG
We'll arrive in Nuremberg in the morning. Join us on an CLASSIC/DISCOVERY excursion : Guided tour of the city and tasting of its famous gingerbread. We'll return on board in Erlangen and start sailing towards Bamberg. Our ship will cruise through the night.
Day 8 NUREMBERG - ERLANGEN - BAMBERG
We'll arrive in Nuremberg in the morning. Join us on an CLASSIC/DISCOVERY excursion : Guided tour of the city and tasting of its famous gingerbread. We'll return on board in Erlangen and start sailing towards Bamberg. Our ship will cruise through the night.
Day 9 BAMBERG - SCHWEINFURT - GERLACHSHAUSEN
We'll spend this morning cruising to Schweinfurt. Join us on an CLASSIC/DISCOVERY excursion : Tour of Rothenburg, one of the oldest cities in Germany. This magnificent walled town located on the historic Roman Road has managed to keep its authentic charm. We'll return on board in Gerlachshausen. Our ship will cruise through the night.
Day 9 BAMBERG - SCHWEINFURT - GERLACHSHAUSEN
We'll spend this morning cruising to Schweinfurt. Join us on an CLASSIC/DISCOVERY excursion : Tour of Rothenburg, one of the oldest cities in Germany. This magnificent walled town located on the historic Roman Road has managed to keep its authentic charm. We'll return on board in Gerlachshausen. Our ship will cruise through the night.
Day 10 WÜRZBURG - KARLSTADT - WERTHEIM
Join us on an CLASSIC/DISCOVERY excursion : Guided tour of Würzburg and the former Residence of the Prince-Bishops of Würzburg. We'll return on board in Karlstadt. Our ship will cruise through the night.
Day 10 WÜRZBURG - KARLSTADT - WERTHEIM
Join us on an CLASSIC/DISCOVERY excursion : Guided tour of Würzburg and the former Residence of the Prince-Bishops of Würzburg. We'll return on board in Karlstadt. Our ship will cruise through the night.
Day 11 WERTHEIM - MILTENBERG - FRANKFURT
We'll set out to explore Miltenberg in the company of our hostess and discover this charming, very typical German village. Its marketplace surrounded by half-timbered houses, its Grande Rue and former Town Hall make Miltenberg a unique town and the "pearl of the Main". We'll cruise to Frankfurt.
Day 11 WERTHEIM - MILTENBERG - FRANKFURT
We'll set out to explore Miltenberg in the company of our hostess and discover this charming, very typical German village. Its marketplace surrounded by half-timbered houses, its Grande Rue and former Town Hall make Miltenberg a unique town and the "pearl of the Main". We'll cruise to Frankfurt.
Day 12 FRANKFURT - MAINZ
Join us for the excursions proposed: CLASSIC: Tour of Frankfurt.DISCOVERY: Panoramic tour of Frankfurt and ascent of the Main Tower.We'll return on board and cruise to Mainz. Gutenberg's hometown, Mainz lies at the confluence of the Rhine and the Main and is a perfect blend of past and present. Its age-old cathedral is not to be missed. You'll be able to explore the city in the company of our hostess. Tonight is our gala dinner and evening.
Day 12 FRANKFURT - MAINZ
Join us for the excursions proposed: CLASSIC: Tour of Frankfurt.DISCOVERY: Panoramic tour of Frankfurt and ascent of the Main Tower.We'll return on board and cruise to Mainz. Gutenberg's hometown, Mainz lies at the confluence of the Rhine and the Main and is a perfect blend of past and present. Its age-old cathedral is not to be missed. You'll be able to explore the city in the company of our hostess. Tonight is our gala dinner and evening.
Day 13 STRASBOURG
Enjoy buffet breakfast on board as we cruise towards Strasbourg, passing through two impressive locks on the Rhine, Iffezheim and Gambsheim. We'll reach Strasbourg at 2:00 p.m. and disembark after lunch. End of our services.
