The Legendary Danube
Overview
From the rich history of Germany to the unique culture of Hungary, this Danube river cruise takes you to three countries, and the scenic beauty as you cruise past quaint towns, can be experienced right from your stateroom or atop the sky deck of your ship. In Nuremberg, Germany, board your river cruise vessel docked on the Main Danube Canal and visit this thousand-year-old city with a Local Guide. Next, reach Regensburg, the only German city not bombed during WWII. Lovers of architecture will enjoy the many listed buildings of historic interest, and Porta Pretoria, gates to an ancient Roman fort built in 179 AD. And here you’ll taste local sausages at one of Germany’s oldest restaurants and we’ll introduce you to some of Germany’s famous beers.
Next stop is Passau, known for its narrow winding streets lined with Patrician houses, and the magnificent Italian baroque St. Stephen’s Cathedral. In Melk, you will visit Austria’s majestic Benedictine Abbey, one of Europe’s largest monasteries, which sits high on a bluff. Take in the breathtaking views before continuing through the picturesque Wachau Valley to the romantic sounds of Vienna, the “City of Music.” Your European river cruise vacation ends in Budapest, the capital of Hungary.
Itinerary
Nuremberg, Germany (Embarkation)
Arrive 3:30 PM
Welcome to Germany. Your Suite Ship® is Ready for Boarding.
Flights into Nuremberg must arrive by 3:30 pm.
Guests must be on board ship by 5 pm.
Explore your ship this evening and enjoy dinner on board.
Overnight Docking in Nuremberg
Dinner
Nuremberg
Legends and History Lessons
Visit the Adventure Center for today’s activities with your Adventure Host.
Active Excursion
Start your day with a bike ride together with your Adventure Host around the port area of Nuremberg, OR
Classic Excursion
Choose a Guided Tour 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 Lecture about the Main-Danube Canal—linking these two rivers to make a vital connection enabling navigation between the North and Black Seas.
Later, enjoy live entertainment on board.
Afternoon/Overnight Cruise to Regensburg
Breakfast | 
Lunch | Dinner
Regensburg
Bavaria’s Medieval Miracle
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.
Evening/Overnight Cruise to Passau
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.
Passau, Linz, Austria
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.
Sail to Linz this afternoon, or join your ship after your selected full-day excursion.
LINZ, AUSTRIA
Legendary, Lovely Linz
Enjoy a free afternoon to linger in Linz. Take a bicycle from the ship and cycle along the Danube, or follow one of Linz’s many nature trails for a bird’s-eye view of the city and river below.
Later, enjoy live entertainment on board.
Overnight Cruise To Melk
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.
Melk – Wachau Valley – Vienna
Frescoes Above and Vineyards Below
Active Excursion
Join your Avalon Adventure Host for a walk along the Danube river and around Melk, OR:
Discovery Excursion
Take a Guided Tour of Melk’s magnificent Benedictine Abbey to marvel at its frescoed ceilings, statues, incredible library, and ornate pipe organ.
Enjoy a coffee or a cocktail on the Sky Deck as you sail through the picturesque Wachau Valley to Vienna.
VIENNA
Viennese Waltzes on the Beautiful Blue Danube
This evening, you may choose to attend an Optional Excursion to 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
Ask about today’s energizing or relaxing Adventure Host activities.
Active Excursion
Explore Vienna's Danube Island by bike with your Adventure Host, 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, OR:
After a short walk of Vienna, join a Guided Visit of Austria’s largest museum, the legendary Kunsthistorisches Museum (Museum of Fine Arts).
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 ship to explore Vienna’s square or the banks of the Danube.
Later, relax on board with live entertainment as you sail to Budapest.
Evening/Overnight Cruise to Budapest
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.
Budapest, Hungary
War Heroes and Hot Water
Active Excursion
Hike up to a magnificent viewpoint in Budapest with your Adventure Host, OR:
Classic Excursion
Enjoy a Guided City Sightseeing, including the iconic Heroes’ Square.
This afternoon, select from a variety of Guided Optional or spend free time soaking in one of Budapest’s famous thermal baths. Consider a scenic hike above the Danube, or enjoy Budapest’s cafés, pubs, or nightlife.
Overnight Docking in Budapest
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.
Budapest (Disembarkation)*
Your cruise ends with breakfast this morning.
Breakfast
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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.