Donated by Team Alston Travel - Dream Vacations
A Taste of the Danube with 2 Nights in Budapest & 2 Nights in Vienna (Westbound) from Avalon Waterways.
Vacation Overview:
A balcony cabin for two on Avalon Waterways cruise which sails from Budapest to Vienna in Sept 2024 which includes not only the 4-day river cruise from Budapest to Vienna PLUS 2 days pre-cruise in Budapest and 2 days post-cruise in Vienna for a total of eight days.
From the Gypsy violins of Budapest to the romantic sounds of Vienna, the “City of Music,” this European river cruise highlights the natural beauty of Austria’s Wachau Valley, and the fascinating capital cities of Hungary, Slovakia, and Austria. Before your cruise, spend two nights in Budapest, where guided sightseeing shows you the highlights of this vibrant capital. Also, enjoy plenty of time to explore Budapest on your own. Take pictures from Fishermen’s Bastion, walk across Chain Bridge, or enjoy a cream cake in the renowned Gerbeaud Café.
Board your Avalon Suite Ship® and head upriver to Bratislava. For a 58-mile stretch, the middle of the Danube forms the border between Hungary and Slovakia, and guided sightseeing awaits you in Slovakia’s capital. In Melk, you will visit Austria’s majestic Benedictine Abbey, one of Europe’s largest monasteries, sitting high above the breathtaking views of the Danube River and surrounding countryside. Cruise through the picturesque Wachau Valley and spend free time in Dürnstein, known for the striking blue façade of its baroque Stiftskirche below the castle ruins where England’s King Richard the Lionheart was imprisoned in 1192. Disembark your river cruise for two nights in the Austrian capital of Vienna. Enjoy guided sightseeing as well as free time on your own to relax, perhaps visit the famous Sacher Hotel for a taste of Sachertorte (a special chocolate cake), and stroll along the famous pedestrian street of Kärntnerstrasse.
Itinerary:
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.
Day 2 BUDAPEST
War Heroes and Hot Water
CLASSIC Take a Guided Sightseeing Tour to see majestic Heroes’ Square and Budapest’s classic sites.
With plenty of free time this afternoon, experience the curative waters of Budapest’s thermal baths, or set out for a hike to explore the countryside on either side of the Danube. Take time to shop for treasures, including handcrafted embroidery, Herend porcelain, or Budapest’s best-baked goods.
Day 3 BUDAPEST (EMBARKATION)
Time for Cobblestones, Coffee, and Confections
Spend free time strolling along the cobblestone streets, browsing art galleries, sipping coffee, and sampling sweets before boarding your Danube cruise for a welcome dinner this evening.
EVENING/OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO BRATISLAVA
Day 4 BRATISLAVA, SLOVAKIA
Cathedral Coronations and a Crowning Castle
Visit the Adventure Center for today’s activities with your Adventure Host.
ACTIVE Follow your Avalon Adventure Host on a short hike to lofty Bratislava Castle, OR:
CLASSIC Join a Guided Sightseeing 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, take a bicycle and a picnic from the ship to explore the local sights along the Danube on your own.
AFTERNOON/OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO MELK
Day 5 MELK, AUSTRIA–WACHAU VALLEY
Frescoes Above and Vineyards Below
ACTIVE Join your Avalon Adventure Host for a walk along the Danube River and around Melk, OR:
CLASSIC Join a morning Guided Sightseeing Tour of Melk’s 11th-century Benedictine Abbey. Explore its frescoes, statues, library, and spectacular pipe organ in the monastery’s lofty perch above the Danube.
Take a relaxing break on the Sky Deck as you sail through awe-inspiring views of the Wachau Valley and the wine region surrounding Dürnstein.
DÜRNSTEIN
A King’s Ransom and Castle Ruins
Spend free time at your leisure, perhaps biking through the vineyards in the Wachau Valley.
Later, enjoy onboard entertainment by local musicians.
OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO VIENNA
Day 6 VIENNA (DISEMBARKATION)
Viennese Waltzes on the Blue Danube
DISCOVERY Take an Early Riser Walking Tour that includes breakfast at a Viennese café followed by an exclusive viewing of the Habsburg family’s private art collection at the Museum of Fine Arts—the perfect start to your stay in Vienna, OR:
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.
Day 7 VIENNA
Vienna Favorites—Sachertorte and Apfelstrudel
Enjoy a free day to explore the city at your own pace.
Take a tram ride to discover the adventure, tradition, and Viennese charm of The Prater amusement park. You may also consider visiting one of Vienna’s marvelous museums. Or indulge your sweet tooth with authentic Austrian pastries in a local bakery.
Day 8 VIENNA
Your vacation ends with breakfast this morning.
Frank Silva
Wine & Vine Committee Leader
760-672-2010
