The Blue Danube Discovery
Overview
Begin this timeless European river cruise vacation in vibrant Budapest, Hungary, sail along the Danube River with exciting stops in Austria and Germany, and conclude in historic Nuremberg, Germany. As you leave Budapest, you’ll sail past the splendid Parliament Building and, along the Danube River, you’ll see Hungary on your left and Slovakia on your right as a 58-mile stretch of the river runs between both countries. Enjoy an amazing view of the landscapes of Bratislava while sailing. Vienna, Austria, offers stunning St. Stephen’s Cathedral, the Habsburg Palace, the Vienna Opera House, and much more. In the heart of the Wachau Valley wine region is Dürnstein, a 16th-century town with charming cobblestone streets and the baroque Stiftskirche with its luminous blue façade. In Melk, visit Austria’s majestic Benedictine Abbey, one of Europe’s largest monasteries, and enjoy a tasting of some of the Wachau Valley’s famous wines. Join in a guided walk through Passau, with its narrow streets, beautiful Patrician houses, and baroque architecture. Sail further up the Danube River to discover the medieval walls of Regensburg—the only German city not bombed during WWII. Here, you can become acquainted with some of Germany’s famous beers! The last stop on this memorable river cruise vacation is the thousand-year-old city of Nuremberg. During guided sightseeing, marvel at the medieval fortifications, extraordinary Gothic churches, and the Imperial Castle. Take free time to make a wish at the striking fountain on the Hauptmarkt (Main Square)—a perfect ending to a memorable Danube River cruise vacation!
Itinerary
Budapest, Hungary (Embarkation)
Arrive 2:00 PM
Welcome to Hungary. Your Suite Ship® is Ready for Boarding.
Flights into Budapest must arrive by 2 pm.
Guests must be on board ship by 5 pm.
The day is yours to relax and enjoy the city with time for photographs, cafés, and confections.
Evening / Overnight Cruise to Vienna
Dinner
Vienna, Austria
Vienna Waltzes on the Beautiful 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
While we include your choice of many excursions on your trip, you may wish to explore other options to enhance your free time. Below is a selection of excursions that may be available for purchase on your cruise.
Vienna
Royal Collections and Amusing Attractions
Active Excursion
Explore Vienna's Danube Island by bike with your Adventure Host, OR:
Classic Excursion
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 Excursion
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 Durnstein
Breakfast | Lunch | Dinner
While we include your choice of many excursions on your trip, you may wish to explore other options to enhance your free time. Below is a selection of excursions that may be available for purchase on your cruise.
Durnstein - Melk
A King’s Ransom and Castle Ruins
Active Excursion
Explore one of the Wachau Valley's prettiest areas on this Guided Hike through the village of Dürnstein and then up to its hilltop castle ruin, OR:
Classic Excursion
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.
Active Excursion
Alternatively, experience Danube’s cycle path, follow your Adventure Host for a bike ride along the Danube.
MELK
Frescoes Above and Vineyards Below
Classic Excursion
Take a Guided Tour of Melk’s magnificent Benedictine Abbey to marvel at its frescoed ceilings, statues, incredible library, and ornate pipe organ.
Discovery Excursion
Enjoy the flavors of the Wachau Valley with a Wine Tasting on board.
Evening/Overnight Cruise to Passau
Breakfast | Lunch | Dinner
Passau, Germany
Where the Danube, Inn, and Ilz Rivers Meet
Classic Excursion
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
While we include your choice of many excursions on your trip, you may wish to explore other options to enhance your free time. Below is a selection of excursions that may be available for purchase on your cruise.
Regensburg
Bavaria’s Medieval Miracle
JoiJoin your Adventure Host for today’s special activities.
Active Excursion
Explore Walhalla by bike with your Adventure Host, OR:
Classic Excursion
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
While we include your choice of many excursions on your trip, you may wish to explore other options to enhance your free time. Below is a selection of excursions that may be available for purchase on your cruise.
Roth. Excursion To Nuremberg
Legends and History Lessons
Discovery Excursion
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 Excursion
Explore Roth's Lauter valley with your Adventure Host, OR:
Classic Excursion
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 Excursion
Choose a Guided Sightseeing of Nuremberg—with its medieval architecture, gilded fountain, Gothic cathedral, and Kaiserburg Castle, OR:
Classic Excursion
Take a Guided Tour of the historic Nuremberg Rally Grounds—used by the Third Reich.
Discovery Excursion
Enjoy an onboard beer tasting.
Evening Cruise To Nuremberg
Breakfast | Lunch | Dinner
Nuremberg (Disembarkation)*
Your cruise ends with breakfast this morning.
Breakfast
A View with a Room
You've always forged your own path... with your own distinct perspective of looking at the world. Avalon Waterways presents a river cruise experience with your unique style in mind - offering expansive views and wider perspectives. That's why we've designed a cruise experience that's just a bit different.
Here are just some of the features and amenities you'll experience on board. See the Ship Amenities section below for more information about the amenities on this unique ship.
Map
How will I Make the Booking?
To make the booking, fill up the Enquiry form, email us on cruises@mercurytravels.in or call on 1800 266 2345.