Compare Enchanted Europe with 2 Nights in Budapest (Westbound) by Avalon Waterways vs Paris to Berlin: Art & the Alps by G Adventures
Compare details and see what other travelers are saying.
| Trip |
5 | Excellent
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5 | Excellent
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| Duration | 18 days | 21 days |
| Price From | $ 8,697 | $ 4,249 |
| Price Per Day | $ 483 | $ 202 |
| Highlights |
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| Trip Style | River cruise | Small group tour |
| Lodging Level | Standard | Basic |
| Physical Level |
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| Travel Themes |
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N/A |
| Countries Visited | ||
| Cities and Attractions |
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| Flights & Transport | No | Ground transport included |
| Activities |
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N/A |
| Meals Included | N/A | 1 lunch |
| 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. |
Travelling on a budget doesn’t mean you have to see less; it just means you have to plan more. Lucky for you, we’re pretty great planners. Cross nine countries off your list in 21 thrilling days and immerse yourself in everything Europe has to offer. Check out the galleries and museums of Paris, the beauty of the Swiss Alps, delicious Italian cuisine (and, of course, wine!), the exciting nightlife of Berlin, and Prague, and the Eastern charms of Krakow, Vienna, and Budapest. Do more, spend less. |
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)
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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)
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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)
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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)
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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)
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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 Paris
Arrive at any time. Tonight, you won’t need to go far for Paris to sweep you off your feet, because after all, it is the City of Love. Head to your hostel’s bar with your CEO and group to kick back and grab drinks in celebration of the first day of your grand adventure.
Day 2 Paris
Picnic in front of the Eiffel Tower; opt to visit Notre Dame Cathedral or explore Montmartre.
Explore and discover the “je ne sais quoi” of the City of Lights. Paris has something for everyone and you can use your day here to picnic under the Eiffel Tower, explore the outstanding museums and churches, float down the Seine on a river cruise or people watch at one of the charming cafés.
Day 3 Paris/Interlaken
Travel from Paris to Interlaken, a small city in the Swiss Alps with breathtaking scenery.
Day 4 Interlaken
Enjoy an orientation walk of Interlaken. Opt to get the adrenaline pumping with some canyoning or whitewater rafting. Explore a nearby glacier or go swimming in a crystal clear lake. Don't miss the nightlife on your Big Night Out!
Day 5 Interlaken
Take a full free day to enjoy all the adventures you'll find on this side of the Alps.
Day 6 Interlaken/Rome
Travel to Rome by bus and train via Milan. Upon arrival, enjoy a CEO-led orientation walk of Rome. Opt for an evening out with the group.
Opt to check out the famous Roman sites from times past like the Colosseum, Roman Forum, Vatican and Pantheon. Opt to wander the cobblestone streets, or relax in a piazza with an espresso. Don't miss the amazing Italian food, wine and nightlife. We recommend pre-purchasing advance entry tickets for popular attractions such as the Sistine Chapel, Villa Borghese, and the Colosseum to avoid waiting in long queues on the day of your visit.
Day 7 Rome
Opt to check out famous Roman sites from times past like the Colosseum, Roman Forum, Vatican and Pantheon. Don't miss the amazing Italian food, wine and nightlife.
Today, new travellers may join you for the rest of the adventure. You are welcome to join them at a group meeting this evening, followed by an optional dinner.
Day 8 Rome/Florence
Enjoy a G Adventures supported migrant led walk of Rome before heading to Florence. Walk through the city catching a glimpse of the Duomo, Piazza Indipendenza and Ponte Vecchio.
Explore a different side of Rome on a walking tour led by a migrant guide and see Rome through the eyes of a recent newcomer to Italy. Leave Rome behind and head towards Florence. No city can boast of such artistic richness as this romantic Renaissance city. Food, art, culture, and beautiful views put this outstanding Italian city in a field of its own. The list of things to see and do in Florence and the surrounding Tuscan countryside is unlimited, be it art, nature, architecture, history, or food and drink!
Day 9 Florence
Free day in Florence to explore. Opt for a day trip to nearby Siena, or just enjoy all the city has to offer.
For a truly local experience, indulge your inner gastronome on a culinary tour of the city. Opt to pre-book the "Florence Food Tour" on the checkout page ahead of time, to include this optional on your tour.
Day 10 Florence/Venice
Catch a train into Venice. Enjoy an orientation walk along the canals, then take some time to explore the city's winding streets on your own.
Opt to take a ride in a gondola, visit Piazza San Marco, or discover the magic behind Murano glass.
Day 11 Venice/Ljubljana
Journey to Ljubljana, Slovenia. Explore the Ljubjanica River lined with outdoor cafes, or opt to take a quick trip to nearby Bled.
Day 12 Ljubljana/Vienna
Catch the bus to Vienna. Take a short orientation walk around this incredible city.
Day 13 Vienna
Free time to wander the imperial streets of Austria’s capital, with its grand buildings, gardens, museums, and tasty pilsner. Opt to see the Lipizzaner 'dancing' horses.
After tiring yourself out with sightseeing, pop into a café, a Viennese institution. For a slice of local life, the cafés are good places to relax and get your bearings while deciding what to do next. A delicious café experience involves Gugelhupf, one of Vienna’s specialty cakes, and a cup of Melange (half coffee, half milk).
Day 14 Vienna/Budapest
Travel from Vienna to Budapest by train and take orientation walk upon arrival before enjoying a free afternoon to explore. Visit the beautiful Parliament building, stroll along the streets or check out the thermal baths. Hit up the city's nightlife in the evening on a Big Night Out with the group.
To gain deeper insight on local history, opt to pre-book the "Budapest History Walking Tour" on the checkout page ahead of time, to include this optional on your tour.
Day 15 Budapest
Free time to explore. Opt to check out the beautiful Parliament building, stroll the streets, cruise the Danube, or check out the thermal baths.
Today, new travellers may join you for the rest of the adventure. You are welcome to join them at a group meeting this evening, followed by an optional dinner.
Day 16 Budapest/Krakow
Enjoy free time to explore Hungary's capital. Opt to check out the beautiful Parliament building, stroll the streets or visit the thermal baths. Visit a G Adventures-supported café that assists Hungarians living with a disability before boarding the overnight train to Krakow.
With the Danube River dividing old town, Buda, from the newer area, Pest, there is plenty to see and do.
Day 17 Krakow
Use free time today to visit Auschwitz, travel to see old salt mines, or stay in the city to explore the Jewish Quarter. In the afternoon, enjoy an orientation walk.
Opt to visit Rynek Główny - Europe’s largest medieval market square; savour a traditional Polish breakfast (kielbasa, yum), or sit back with a coffee and a slice of Poland's famous cheesecake (sernik babci) at one of the many cafes in the area. Then, walk it off with a stroll uphill to marvel at the impressive Wawel Royal Castle.
Day 18 Krakow/Prague
Take a day train to Prague, then enjoy an orientation walk around town, including a visit to a genuine beer hall. Later, enjoy your Big Night Out with the group. Na Zdravi!
Imagine a city lined with Bohemian art, beer halls offering the finest brews in the region, tranquil gardens, and ornate chapels - it's no wonder why visitors fall in love with this place. Take the afternoon and get lost.
Day 19 Prague
Free day for exploration—check out the Prague castle complex or walk the cobblestone streets through the old town and Jewish ghetto.
Enjoy all Prague has to offer. Opt to visit the famous Charles Bridge, the clock tower in the main square or a traditional Czech beer hall with serious helpings of meat and potatoes.
Day 20 Prague/Berlin
Take a train to Germany and enjoy an orientation walk in Berlin. Opt to check out the city's vibrant nightlife.
Berlin is an amazing city with tangible historical importance and a melting pot of different cultures and flavours.
Day 21 Berlin
Depart at any time.
