Avalon Waterways
Active & Discovery On The Danube With 1 Night In Budapest & 2 Nights In Prague (Westbound)
Why dip your toes in the Danube when you can explore and adore its landmarks, legends, customs, and cuisine in the most interactive ways? Avalon’s Active & Discovery cruises on the Danube invite dreamers and doers to activate their curiosity. To look closer, dive deeper, and forage further into the hamlets and hills of Germany, Austria, and Hungary.
Uncover ancient traditions and local flavors in immersive ways. Enjoy leisurely sightseeing or on-your-own discoveries. Whether you walk through winding alleyways, hike to a castle, bike to a palace or row to your own sanctuary of scenery, our diverse offerings of Classic, Discovery and Active excursions along the Danube redefines the rules of engagement.
Move.
Enjoy a little get-up-and-go on your cruising vacation when you:
•Sink your teeth into Count Dracula’s Visegrád prison tower on a hike to new heights.
•Paddle a canoe on an excursion through the picturesque Bend region.
•Pedal along the postcard-perfect Wachau Valley.
And be moved.
Get off the beaten path and relish the world when you:
•See the ancient jousting skills of the St. George Knightly Order at Visegrád Castle.
•Experience inspiring and interactive culinary and cultural adventures with an insider’s tour of Vienna.
•Meet the Count of Clam at Austria’s 12th-century and beautifully preserved Clam Castle.
Plus, Classic sightseeing is always available in every port along the way.
Start sooner and stay longer with a one-night hotel stay in Budapest, and a two-night hotel stay in Prague! Avalon Choice sightseeing is the perfect highlight of your stay.
Activate your senses and discover a world of wonder in all-new, entirely “you” ways on your personal, passion-packed cruise along the Danube.
A Journey That Changes with the Seasons.
From the energy of summer to the softer rhythms of fall and spring, this iconic journey on the Danube reveals something special in every season. Depending on when you sail, you may explore Austria’s cherished farming traditions with a visit to a vineyard or apricot orchard to discover culinary customs passed down through generations or be welcomed into a cider cellar in autumn where an expert sommelier unveils the secrets of Upper Austria’s beloved ciders. It’s the same iconic Danube – beautifully shaped by the season in which you experience it.
| Day 1 |
The capital and largest city in Hungary, Budapest is a favorite European destination for millions of tourists each year. Once the center of the Austro-Hungarian Empire, this cosmopolitan city and UNESCO World Heritage site has plenty of historical and cultural landmarks to explore.
The prominent Chain Bridge, built in 1849, connected the former villages of Buda, Óbuda, and Pest, separated by the glistening Danube, and led to the establishment of today’s Budapest. Despite extensive destruction to the city during World War II, major efforts to restore historic castles and build new hotels led to an influx of tourists in the decades that followed. Visitors will marvel at the stunning architectural beauty of Budapest’s many cathedrals, basilicas, and synagogues. Climb to the top of famed St. Stephen’s Basilica in Pest to find a spectacular panoramic view of the city, or visit Dohány Street Synagogue, the largest synagogue on the continent and a paradigm of Moorish Revival architecture. A cruise down the mighty Danube will provide ample sightseeing opportunities for many of the city’s most famous attractions. Find the striking Buda Castle, crafted in a Baroque style and once home to Hungarian royalty, in the “Castle District” of Castle Hill and old-town Budapest, not to mention a host of galleries, museums, and the Hungarian National Library. The Hungarian Parliament building, resembling the Neo-Gothic architectural style of London’s Parliament building, lies across the Danube from Buda Castle. Here, guests can visit the crown jewels and regalia of Hungary’s royalty and take guided tours of the building’s many halls. Even the ruins of Budapest have become exciting tourist attractions, including one of many “ruin bars,” Szimpla Kert, which doubles as a flea market and nighttime music bar. Lovers of theater and the arts will appreciate tours of the opulent Hungarian Opera House or authentic folk dancing shows at Danube Palace Theater. |
| Day 2 |
The capital and largest city in Hungary, Budapest is a favorite European destination for millions of tourists each year. Once the center of the Austro-Hungarian Empire, this cosmopolitan city and UNESCO World Heritage site has plenty of historical and cultural landmarks to explore.
The prominent Chain Bridge, built in 1849, connected the former villages of Buda, Óbuda, and Pest, separated by the glistening Danube, and led to the establishment of today’s Budapest. Despite extensive destruction to the city during World War II, major efforts to restore historic castles and build new hotels led to an influx of tourists in the decades that followed. Visitors will marvel at the stunning architectural beauty of Budapest’s many cathedrals, basilicas, and synagogues. Climb to the top of famed St. Stephen’s Basilica in Pest to find a spectacular panoramic view of the city, or visit Dohány Street Synagogue, the largest synagogue on the continent and a paradigm of Moorish Revival architecture. A cruise down the mighty Danube will provide ample sightseeing opportunities for many of the city’s most famous attractions. Find the striking Buda Castle, crafted in a Baroque style and once home to Hungarian royalty, in the “Castle District” of Castle Hill and old-town Budapest, not to mention a host of galleries, museums, and the Hungarian National Library. The Hungarian Parliament building, resembling the Neo-Gothic architectural style of London’s Parliament building, lies across the Danube from Buda Castle. Here, guests can visit the crown jewels and regalia of Hungary’s royalty and take guided tours of the building’s many halls. Even the ruins of Budapest have become exciting tourist attractions, including one of many “ruin bars,” Szimpla Kert, which doubles as a flea market and nighttime music bar. Lovers of theater and the arts will appreciate tours of the opulent Hungarian Opera House or authentic folk dancing shows at Danube Palace Theater. |
| Day 3 |
A resort town with a 14th century castle that has a magnificent view of the Danube Bend and the Borzsony Mountains. |
| Day 4 |
Vienna has a long memory. Once the capital of the Habsburg Empire, the city still carries signs of its imperial past in its palaces, concert halls, and wide boulevards. Visitors can walk through the Hofburg complex, where emperors once ruled, or tour the opulent rooms of Schönbrunn Palace, which features 1,441 rooms and a maze in its gardens. But Vienna’s many historic buildings now house contemporary art museums, cafés, and institutions that reflect the city’s modern identity. Music is woven into Vienna’s streets and daily life. The city was home to Mozart, Beethoven, and Strauss, and still hosts over 15,000 concerts a year. The Vienna State Opera stages performances nearly every evening from September to June, and tickets can be surprisingly accessible. For something different, visitors can attend a summer open-air film screening at Rathausplatz or hear a string quartet perform in one of the city’s many Baroque churches. Vienna’s coffeehouse culture is recognized by UNESCO and is less about the drink and more about the experience. A single order often comes with a glass of water and permission to linger for hours. Traditional spots like Café Central or Café Sperl serve layered cakes like Sachertortz and Topfentorte alongside newspapers and marble tabletops. It’s not unusual to see locals reading or writing for hours, as these cafés were once gathering places for thinkers like Freud, Trotsky, and Zweig. |
| Day 5 |
Vienna has a long memory. Once the capital of the Habsburg Empire, the city still carries signs of its imperial past in its palaces, concert halls, and wide boulevards. Visitors can walk through the Hofburg complex, where emperors once ruled, or tour the opulent rooms of Schönbrunn Palace, which features 1,441 rooms and a maze in its gardens. But Vienna’s many historic buildings now house contemporary art museums, cafés, and institutions that reflect the city’s modern identity. Music is woven into Vienna’s streets and daily life. The city was home to Mozart, Beethoven, and Strauss, and still hosts over 15,000 concerts a year. The Vienna State Opera stages performances nearly every evening from September to June, and tickets can be surprisingly accessible. For something different, visitors can attend a summer open-air film screening at Rathausplatz or hear a string quartet perform in one of the city’s many Baroque churches. Vienna’s coffeehouse culture is recognized by UNESCO and is less about the drink and more about the experience. A single order often comes with a glass of water and permission to linger for hours. Traditional spots like Café Central or Café Sperl serve layered cakes like Sachertortz and Topfentorte alongside newspapers and marble tabletops. It’s not unusual to see locals reading or writing for hours, as these cafés were once gathering places for thinkers like Freud, Trotsky, and Zweig. |
| Day 6 |
Discover the charm and history of Krems, Austria, a city nestled along the picturesque Danube River and the gateway to the enchanting Wachau Valley. With origins dating back to Roman times, Krems is a treasure trove of historical and cultural wonders. Explore the Krems Old Town, where you’ll find well-preserved medieval architecture, including the iconic Steiner Tor and the Gothic Church of St. Veit. The city's charming streets and historic buildings offer a glimpse into its rich past. Krems is also renowned for its vibrant wine culture, set against the backdrop of the Wachau Valley. The valley is a UNESCO World Heritage site, celebrated for its terraced vineyards and scenic beauty. Indulge in the local wines by visiting the Krems Wine Museum, or take a leisurely stroll through the vineyards to experience the region's renowned Grüner Veltliner, a staple of Austrian viticulture. Art and culture thrive in Krems, with institutions such as the Kunsthalle Krems showcasing contemporary art from around the globe. The Karikaturmuseum Krems offers a unique look at caricature and satire, providing a fun and engaging experience for visitors. The city’s Kunstmeile Krems cultural mile links several key cultural venues, making it a must-visit for art enthusiasts. Slogan: "Krems: Where History Meets the Vine." Fun Fact: Krems is located in the Wachau Valley, a region so picturesque that it has been declared a UNESCO World Heritage site, renowned for its medieval castles and stunning landscapes. Visit Krems between May and September to enjoy the best of the city's festivals, wine harvests, and pleasant weather, perfect for exploring its historical sites and scenic surroundings. |
| Day 7 |
Grein, a charming town on the banks of the Danube River in Austria, is nestled in the picturesque Wachau Valley. This small town offers visitors a mix of historical sites, outdoor activities, and traditional Austrian hospitality. Its well-preserved old town and riverside setting make it a favorite stop for travelers exploring the Danube region. One of Grein’s highlights is Greinburg Castle, the oldest residential castle in Austria. The castle overlooks the town and the Danube, offering breathtaking views and a glimpse into Austria’s aristocratic past. Visitors can explore its elegant halls, historic art collections, and the fascinating museum of shipping history, which details the Danube’s role in trade and transport. Grein is also home to Austria’s oldest still-operating theater, the Stadttheater Grein, which has been entertaining audiences since 1791. This beautifully preserved theater retains its original wooden seating and stage, offering an intimate atmosphere for performances and guided tours. Visitors can enjoy scenic walks along the Danube or take part in river cruises that offer stunning views of the surrounding vineyards and hills. The nearby Strudengau region is a peaceful and scenic area ideal for hiking and cycling. Local restaurants and inns serve classic Austrian dishes, making Grein a delightful place to experience authentic regional flavors. |
| Day 8 |
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| Day 9 |
Vilshofen (full German name Vilshofen an der Donau) is a charming Bavarian port town located on the Danube. This locale, also called ""Little Town of Three Rivers," is a popular river cruise ship embarkation point. Events like the annual Folk Festival are a draw here, as are Christmas markets and the fireworks spectacular taking place here over the Danube on the second weekend in July. |
| Day 10 |
The dazzling capital of the Czech Republic, the explorable Prague has fittingly been nicknamed "the City of a Hundred Spires." Halved by the Vltava River and notable for architecture Baroque, Renaissance, and Gothic, visitors will find much to take in here. Stroll Old Town Square, bear witness to Astronomical clock's hourly show, marvel at the immense Prague Castle, and be sure to cross the Charles Bridge, with its continuous alley of Catholic statues. And don't miss the breathtaking stained glass at St. Vitus Cathedral.
When in Prague, a cruise on the picturesque Vltava provides great views of the city from a new perspective. Nightlife is plentiful, with many jazz music venues, clubs and pubs to choose from. Beer has also become a great reason to be in Prague, with excellent regional and microbrewed libations delighting thirsty travelers. Medieval streets, stunning monuments, historic gardens and gorgeous views everywhere you look... Prague is everything a traveler could hope for! |
| Day 11 |
The dazzling capital of the Czech Republic, the explorable Prague has fittingly been nicknamed "the City of a Hundred Spires." Halved by the Vltava River and notable for architecture Baroque, Renaissance, and Gothic, visitors will find much to take in here. Stroll Old Town Square, bear witness to Astronomical clock's hourly show, marvel at the immense Prague Castle, and be sure to cross the Charles Bridge, with its continuous alley of Catholic statues. And don't miss the breathtaking stained glass at St. Vitus Cathedral.
When in Prague, a cruise on the picturesque Vltava provides great views of the city from a new perspective. Nightlife is plentiful, with many jazz music venues, clubs and pubs to choose from. Beer has also become a great reason to be in Prague, with excellent regional and microbrewed libations delighting thirsty travelers. Medieval streets, stunning monuments, historic gardens and gorgeous views everywhere you look... Prague is everything a traveler could hope for! |
| Travel Dates | Price | ||
|---|---|---|---|
|
04/27/27 - 05/07/27 |
Starting At $5,339 |
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|
05/11/27 - 05/21/27 |
Starting At $5,339 |
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|
07/06/27 - 07/16/27 |
Starting At $6,089 |
Get A Quote |
“Starting at” or “From” price is per person (double occupancy) and includes cruise taxes and port charges, but does not include airfare to or from your vacation.