Danube Dreams (wine)
8 Days
Tour Description
Cruise along the peaceful Danube River through Hungary, Slovakia, Austria, and Germany—discovering some of Central Europe’s most splendid capitals and charming towns along the way. A Certified Sommelier will travel with you on your cruise to host lectures, tastings, and tips on food-and-wine pairing.
Begin this timeless European river cruise in Budapest, where guided sightseeing acquaints you with the highlights of the vibrant capital of Hungary with a visit to a local wine cellar. Set sail on the Danube, take pictures of the impressive Parliament Building as you leave Budapest, and head for Bratislava, the capital of Slovakia. Here, enjoy a guided walk through the delightful Old Town and visit the Gothic St. Martin’s Cathedral. Vienna, Austria, the “City of Music,” makes an immediate impression with its lavish Habsburg Imperial Palace and neo-renaissance Vienna Opera House. Enjoy the magnificent views as your river cruise takes you through the picturesque wine region of the Wachau Valley, with stops for a guided walk in Dürnstein or a visit to the impressive Benedictine Abbey of Melk and taste some of the local wines. In Linz, walk around the Hauptplatz— Austria’s largest medieval square, which forms the center of the city, and be sure to photograph the splendid Trinity Column. Passau, Germany, the “City of Three Rivers,” is uniquely located where the Inn, Ilz, and Danube rivers converge. See its maze of narrow cobblestone streets lined with beautiful Patrician houses, and marvel at St. Stephen’s Cathedral, a masterpiece of baroque architecture. A memorable last stop on this delightful Danube River cruise holiday!
About Certified Sommeliers
Seldom do travellers get the chance to learn about wines from certified experts in the field! Avalon invites you to sail in the company of a certified sommelier who shares elite experience, unsurpassed knowledge, and personal passion for wines on board your ship. We are honoured to offer our guests the expertise of certified sommeliers who join select cruises to share their insights and inspiration in all things wine. Truly exclusive experiences for wine lovers!
Please note: Itinerary is based on 2025, and is subject to change. Full details will be confirmed in 2025.
Begin this timeless European river cruise in Budapest, where guided sightseeing acquaints you with the highlights of the vibrant capital of Hungary with a visit to a local wine cellar. Set sail on the Danube, take pictures of the impressive Parliament Building as you leave Budapest, and head for Bratislava, the capital of Slovakia. Here, enjoy a guided walk through the delightful Old Town and visit the Gothic St. Martin’s Cathedral. Vienna, Austria, the “City of Music,” makes an immediate impression with its lavish Habsburg Imperial Palace and neo-renaissance Vienna Opera House. Enjoy the magnificent views as your river cruise takes you through the picturesque wine region of the Wachau Valley, with stops for a guided walk in Dürnstein or a visit to the impressive Benedictine Abbey of Melk and taste some of the local wines. In Linz, walk around the Hauptplatz— Austria’s largest medieval square, which forms the center of the city, and be sure to photograph the splendid Trinity Column. Passau, Germany, the “City of Three Rivers,” is uniquely located where the Inn, Ilz, and Danube rivers converge. See its maze of narrow cobblestone streets lined with beautiful Patrician houses, and marvel at St. Stephen’s Cathedral, a masterpiece of baroque architecture. A memorable last stop on this delightful Danube River cruise holiday!
About Certified Sommeliers
Seldom do travellers get the chance to learn about wines from certified experts in the field! Avalon invites you to sail in the company of a certified sommelier who shares elite experience, unsurpassed knowledge, and personal passion for wines on board your ship. We are honoured to offer our guests the expertise of certified sommeliers who join select cruises to share their insights and inspiration in all things wine. Truly exclusive experiences for wine lovers!
Please note: Itinerary is based on 2025, and is subject to change. Full details will be confirmed in 2025.
Priced From:
$ 6898pp *
Start Location: Budapest, Hungary
End Location: Vilshofen, Germany
Major Destinations: Budapest ,Bratislava,Dürnstein & Melk
Breakfast Meals Included:
7
Lunch Meals Included:
6
Dinner Meals Included:
7
Itinerary
Day
1
BUDAPEST, HUNGARY (EMBARKATION)
Welcome to Hungary. Your Suite Ship is Ready for Boarding.
Flights into Budapest must arrive by 3:30 pm.
Guests must be on board ship by 5 pm.
The day is yours to relax and enjoy the city with time for photographs, cafes, and confections.
OVERNIGHT DOCKING IN BUDAPEST (D)
Day
2
BUDAPEST
The Pearl of the Danube in the Heart of Europe
Visit the Adventure Centre for today's activities with your Adventure Host.
ACTIVE Hike up to a magnificent viewpoint in Budapest with your Adventure Host, OR:
DISCOVERY Enjoy a Guided City Sightseeing, including the iconic Heroes' Square and a visit to a unique wine cellar system where you can taste Hungarian wines in a very special way.
This afternoon, choose from a wide selection of Optional Guided Excursions or take in the beauty of Budapest while enjoying some free time exploring such famous sights as the Chain Bridge. Get to know the city's cafes and pubs or take a hike through the hills above the Danube.
DISCOVERY In the evening, join an onboard lecture and tasting hosted by your Certified Sommelier.
EVENING/OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO BRATISLAVA (B,L,D)
Day
3
BRATISLAVA, SLOVAKIA
Cathedral Coronations and a Crowning Castle
ACTIVE Follow your Avalon Adventure Host on a hike to lofty Bratislava Castle, OR:
CLASSIC Take a Guided City Walk, including the quaint streets of Old Town, Town Hall, and the sight of royal coronations at St. Martin's Cathedral.
This afternoon, enjoy free time to discover on your own Bratislava, the beautiful capital of Slovakia, rich in history and culture, but also a green city with its forests and parks just a hop away from the city centre.
DISCOVERY In the afternoon, join onboard a cheese and wine tasting hosted by your Certified Sommelier.
Later, enjoy live entertainment onboard.
OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO VIENNA (B,L,D)
Day
4
VIENNA
Strauss, Schnitzel, Strudel, and Sachertorte
ACTIVE Explore Vienna's Danube Island by bike with your Adventure Host, OR:
CLASSIC Explore the Habsburg empire with a morning Guided City Tour of Vienna's gilded landmarks. See the Imperial Palace complex-Winter residence of the Imperial Family, the iconic Vienna Opera House, and stunning St. Stephen's Cathedral.
You may decide to take a Guided Optional Excursion to Schonbrunn Palace-the former imperial summer home of the Habsburg monarchy.
Spend free time strolling in the pedestrian Karntnerstrasse-the most famous shopping avenue in central Vienna or take a bike ride through the city and stop in a local cafe to enjoy Sachertorte or Apfelstrudel.
This evening, enjoy an unforgettable musical performance with an Optional Excursion to attend a Royal Waltz Concert in an elegant hall.
OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO DURNSTEIN (B,L,D)
Day
5
DURNSTEIN-WACHAU VALLEY
A King's Ransom and Castle Ruins
ACTIVE Join a Guided Hike up to the castle ruins to take in the spectacular view of the village, Danube, and the Wachau Valley below, OR:
DISCOVERY Discover the fascinating world of wine with a visit to a local wine cellar. While sipping a selection of different wines, you will learn how the wine production developed over the centuries till nowadays, OR:
CLASSIC Join a Guided Walk and hear the legendary tale of King Richard the Lionheart-who was imprisoned in the castle during the Crusades.
Later, stretch out on the Sky Deck as you sail through the Wachau Valley past vineyards, castles, and charming villages on your way to Ybbs.
ACTIVE Alternatively join your Adventure Host for a bike along the river.
YBBS. EXCURSION TO MELK
Frescoes Above and Vineyards Below
CLASSIC Visit the Lower Austrian little town of Ybbs. Walk through the doors of Austrian history with a guided sightseeing tour of Artstetten Castle, OR:
CLASSIC Take a Guided Tour of Melk's magnificent Benedictine Abbey to marvel at its frescoed ceilings, statues, incredible library, and ornate pipe organ.
DISCOVERY Enjoy an onboard cheese and wine tasting hosted by your Certified Sommelier.
EVENING/OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO LINZ (B,L,D)
Day
6
LINZ
Legendary, Lovely Linz
Ask about today's energizing or relaxing Adventure Host activities.
CLASSIC Take a Guided Walk through the city's historic and beautiful sites along the shore of the Danube and see Hauptplatz-Austria's largest medieval square-and the towering white-marble Trinity Column.
ACTIVE Experience Danube's cycle path, follow your Adventure Host for a bike ride around the Linz area.
Alternatively, consider a full-day Guided Optional Excursion to Salzburg-the city of Mozart-or to the picturesque Bohemian town of Cesky Krumlov.
DISCOVERY Onboard food and wine pairing dinner hosted by your Certified Sommelier.
Later, enjoy live entertainment onboard.
OVERNIGHT DOCKING IN LINZ (B,L,D)
Day
7
SCHLOGEN OXBOW-PASSAU, GERMANY
Where the Danube, Inn, and Ilz Rivers Meet
This morning, cruise through the Schlogen Oxbow, a particularly beautiful horseshoe-shaped bend of the river.
DISCOVERY Enjoy an onboard chocolate and wine tasting with your Master of Wine while sailing to Passau.
ACTIVE Join your Avalon Adventure Host for Hiking from Oberhaus along a trail down to the valley and along Ilz River, OR:
CLASSIC Take a Guided City Walk into Passau, the beautiful "City of Three Rivers."
Before sailing to Vilshofen. take a little free time to explore Passau's cobblestone streets and galleries of Artists' Alley. Maybe stop at St. Stephen's Cathedral to catch a concert rehearsal.
EVENING CRUISE TO VILSHOFEN (B,L,D)
Day
8
VILSHOFEN (DISEMBARKATION)
Your cruise ends with breakfast this morning.
Flights should not leave Munich airport before 8 am. (B)
Dates & prices
Dates
Prices
Status
Departure Date :
2026-11-10
Return Date :
2026-11-17
Single :
10351 NZD
Twin :
6898 NZD
Open
Departure Date :
2026-10-24
Return Date :
2026-10-31
Single :
11100 NZD
Twin :
7381 NZD
Open