Avalon Waterways Reviews – 6 Day River Cruise Vienna to Passau

Avalon Waterways Reviews – 6 Day River Cruise Vienna to Passau. Danube Symphony – Cruise Only Westbound.

River Cruise Description
On this marvelous cruise vacation, visit Austria’s capital, Vienna, and be delighted by its charming small towns – like Melk, Dürnstein, and Grein – before heading into Germany’s Bavaria. First, enjoy Vienna, with its spectacular museums, awe-inspiring St. Stephen’s Cathedral, and delightful music. In Dürnstein, explore the small town above which stand the ruins of the castle where King Richard the Lionheart was imprisoned in 1192.

Visit elegant Melk Abbey, and Grein’s quaint historical theater. End your cruise in Germany’s Passau, a city of graceful arcades and cobblestone streets. All of this and much more awaits you on this wonderful cruise on the Danube River.

River Cruise Itinerary

Day 1 Arrive in Vienna, Austria (Embarkation)
Welcome to Vienna, known as the “City of Music” and a place that inspired the creative genius of Mozart, Beethoven, and Strauss. This afternoon, board your river cruise ship and meet your crew at a casual evening welcome reception. (Dinner) *NOTE: Guests must be on board ship by 5 pm.

Day 2 Vienna
Austria’s magical capital on the blue Danube, once the center of the glorious Habsburg Empire, is a showcase of gilded architecture. This is home to the elegant Hofburg Imperial Palace complex with its world-famous Vienna Boys’ Choir and dazzling Lipizzaner stallions; the neo-renaissance Vienna Opera House; and awe-inspiring St. Stephen’s Cathedral – plus, countless other sights your Local Guide will show you during an included CITY SIGHTSEEING TOUR. Wander through the enjoyable pedestrian Kärntnerstrasse, and be sure to take a break and enjoy a piece of decadent Sachertorte or Apfelstrudel in one of the classic Viennese coffeehouses, historic institutions that helped shape Viennese culture! For those who love good music an optional concert is available tonight. (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)

Day 3 Dürnstein–Melk
Dürnstein, known for the magnificent baroque Stiftskirche with its distinctive blue façade, lies right in the heart of the famous Wachau wine region. Above town are the ruins of the castle where England’s King Richard the Lionheart was imprisoned in 1192.
A Local Guide will tell you the exciting details of that story during your GUIDED WALK. Those seeking some sporting activity, however, might like to climb up the steep hill to the castle ruins for spectacular views of the town and river. Or, you may just want to wander through the narrow streets at your own pace. Then, cruise through the beautiful Wachau Valley to reach Melk after lunch. This afternoon you may choose to visit either Melk’s 11th-century BENEDICTINE ABBEY, or renaissance SCHALLABURG CASTLE built as a defensive stronghold 900 years ago, it was later redesigned as an majestic princely home. Melk’s beautiful abbey towers over the town and is one of Europe’s largest. It houses an ornate library with more than 80,000 printed books and 2,000 manuscripts. Words cannot describe the splendor of its church with its frescoed ceilings, stunningly high altar, marble statues, and 210-foot-high cupola. This evening you’ll be able to sample some of the region’s FAMOUS WINES. (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)

Day 4 Grein
This morning, arrive in the glamorous country resort of Grein, which is nestled at the foot of a bluff in the shadow of its castle. Take an included GUIDED WALK through the town and visit its unique historical THEATER, the oldest in Austria still holding regular performances. You might look behind-the-scenes to learn more about some of the curiosities of this rococo-style, 167-seat theater, which will certainly tell you much about life as it was – and as it now is in this small town. Or, you may prefer to join one of a variety of optional excursions today. (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)

Day 5 Passau, Germany
Today, spend a relaxing morning of sailing and enjoying the beautiful riverscapes as they pass by. This afternoon, arrive in Passau, located at the confluence of the Rivers Inn, Ilz, and Danube. Passau is a city of graceful arcades and cobblestone streets lined with beautiful patrician houses. Visit awe-inspiring St. Stephen’s Cathedral, a masterpiece of Italian baroque architecture, which houses one of the world’s largest church organs with an amazing 17,774 pipes. Join a Local Guide for a GUIDED WALK through this enchanting town, and find out much more about the “City of Three Rivers.” (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)

Day 6 Passau (Disembarkation)
While your vacation ends with breakfast this morning, please make note of the wonderful experiences you’ve enjoyed on your exciting River Cruise. Hopefully you have numerous personal photos and lasting memories of your journey to take home with you. (Breakfast)

 
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