Avalon Waterways Reviews – 8 Day River Cruise Budapest to Passau

Avalon Waterways Reviews – 8 Day River Cruise Budapest to Passau. Danube Dreams – Cruise Only Westbound.

River Cruise Description
On this outstanding cruise vacation, enjoy seeing some of Central Europe’s tremendous cities as well as many small towns and villages that dot the landscape along the way. Visit St. Martin’s Cathedral in Bratislava, Slovakia and savor a Sachertorte in Vienna. And there’s more, much more…enjoy wine tasting in Austria’s enchanting Wachau Valley, visit Austria’s oldest theater still holding regular performances in the resort town of Grein, visit one of Europe’s largest and most spectacular monasteries at Melk and explore Germany’s Passau, located at the junction of three rivers. Guided sightseeing with Certified Local Guides in each city is sure to greatly magnify your overall river cruise experience.

River Cruise Itinerary

Day 1 Arrive in Budapest, Hungary (Embarkation)
Welcome to Budapest, Hungary’s bustling capital city. In the afternoon, transfer to your river cruise ship and meet your crew at a casual welcome reception. (Dinner)

Day 2 Bratislava, Slovakia
This morning, enjoy the dazzling scenery on both banks of the beautiful Danube River. As you cruise upriver, Hungary is on your left and Slovakia is on your right. The two countries share the Danube for an awe-inspiring 58-mile stretch. You might have guessed that border is actually in the middle of the river. At the foothills of the gorgeous Carpathian Mountains is Bratislava, the bustling capital city of Slovakia, which you reach in mid-morning. Join a LOCAL GUIDE to explore its fascinating Old Town, where winding cobblestone streets and narrow alleyways twist and turn to reveal the ancient Town Hall, one of the oldest stone buildings in the city; and marvel at gothic ST. MARTIN’S CATHEDRAL, coronation church for the Kingdom of Hungary from the 16th to 19th centuries. (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)

Day 3 Vienna, Austria
A morning of smooth cruising allows you to relax on board ship before reaching Vienna in time for lunch. Known as the “City of Music,” Vienna inspired the creative genius of world-renowned music icons – Mozart, Beethoven, and Strauss. Austria’s magical capital on the blue Danube is a showcase of gilded architecture, and once was the center of the mighty Habsburg Empire. This is home to the luxurious 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 you’ll see on your GUIDED SIGHTSEEING TOUR. Wander through the pedestrian Kärntnerstrasse, and be sure to take a break and enjoy a piece of decadent Sachertorte or Apfelstrudel in a quaint neighborhood café. It’s no surprise that an optional concert is available tonight in the “City of Music.” (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)
Day 4 Vienna
This morning, the choice is yours, with “VIENNA A LA CARTE.” Choose to visit one of a number of museums, such as the Kunsthistorisches Museum (Museum of Fine Arts), or the Schatzkammer (Treasury). Your Cruise Director will give you details of what’s featured at each venue. Take the afternoon to enjoy leisure time. (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)

Day 5 Weissenkirchen–Melk
This morning, sail into the scenic and picturesque Wachau Valley, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Pass the elegant baroque Stiftskirche with its beautiful blue façade, the landmark of Dürnstein, before arriving in Weissenkirchen (White Church). Join a GUIDED WALK to learn more about this charming little Wachau valley town, then, reboard your ship and sail to Melk where you can enjoy an afternoon GUIDED VISIT of the magnificent BENEDICTINE ABBEY that will acquaint you with one of Europe’s largest monasteries.
The abbey houses an opulent library with more than 80,000 printed books and 2,000 manuscripts. Words cannot describe the regal splendor of the 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 6 Grein–Linz
This morning, you’ll arrive in the alluring country resort of Grein, nestled at the foot of a bluff in the shadow of its ancient castle. After a wonderful breakfast, take a GUIDED WALK through the quaint town and visit its unique historical THEATER, the oldest in Austria still holding regular performances. Take a look behind-the-scenes to learn about some of the curiosities of this Rococo-style, 167-seat theater. It will certainly tell you much about life as it was – and as it now is in this small Austrian town. The turreted houses on the main square will provide excellent photo subjects. Then, spend a lazy afternoon on board the ship, watching the peaceful views of the passing riverscapes from the comfort of the ship’s spacious Sky Deck on your way to Linz.
Austria’s third-largest city, Linz is an important river port where culture plays a significant role in everyday life. Composer Anton Bruckner lived here, and Mozart’s Linzer Symphony was composed in the city. There is free time to explore Linz in more depth on your own. See the 13th-century Hauptplatz, Austria’s largest medieval square, and the Trinity Column, built in 1723 as thanks for the city escaping the ravages of the plague, war, and fire. Perhaps you’d enjoy a stroll around the old castle grounds and take in the beautiful views of the river, or visit the neo-gothic New Cathedral, with capacity for 20,000 visitors – obviously it’s Austria’s largest church. (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)

Day 7 Passau, Germany
This afternoon, arrive in Passau, uniquely located where the Rivers Inn, Ilz, and Danube meet. This is a city of graceful arcades and a maze of narrow cobblestone streets lined with patrician houses. Enjoy the beauty of St. Stephen’s Cathedral, a masterpiece of Italian baroque architecture, which houses one of the world’s largest church organs with 17,774 pipes. You might join a Local Guide for a WALKING TOUR through this alluring town, and find out much more about the “City of Three Rivers.” Or, you might decide to choose one of several full-day optional excursions departing from Linz: to medieval Český Krumlov in the Czech Republic, a UNESCO World Heritage Site; to Salzburg with its Sound of Music sites; or the popular “Romantic Austria” tour. Rejoin your ship in the late afternoon in Passau. (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)

Day 8 Passau (Disembarkation)
While your river cruise vacation ends with breakfast this morning, take note of the many wonderful memories you will carry with you for the rest of your life. And the colorful photos you took during your cruise and excursions will be lasting reminders of your fabulous journey. (Breakfast)

 
Avalon River Cruise Reviews