Avalon Passion, The Blue Danube Discovery ex Budapest to Nuremberg

Begin this timeless European river cruise holiday 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 holiday is the thousand-year-old city of Nuremberg. During guided sightseeing, marvel at the medieval fortifications, extraordinary Gothic churches, and the Imprerial 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 holiday!

Day 1
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, cafes, and confections.
EVENING/OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO VIENNA (D)

Day 2
Viennese Waltzes on the Blue Danube
Visit the Adventure centre 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 (B,L,D)

Day 3
Royal Collections and Amusing Attractions
ACTIVE - Explore Vienna's Danube Island by bike with your Adventure Host, OR;
CLASSIC - 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 Schonbrunn 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 (B,L,D)

Day 4
A King's Ransom and Castle Ruins
ACTIVE - Join a Hike up to the castle ruins with your Adventure Host for a spectacular view of the village, Danube, and the Wachau Valley below, OR:
CLASSIC - 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.
MELK: Frescoes Above and Vineyards Below
ACTIVE - Join your Avalon Adventure Host for a Hike through Melk's beautiful countryside, 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 the flavors of the Wachau Valley with a Wine Tasting on board.
EVENING/OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO PASSAU (B,L,D)

Day 5
Where the Danube, Inn, and Ilz Rivers Meet
CLASSIC - 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 (B,L,D)

Day 6
Bavaria's Medieval Miracle
Join your Adventure Host for today's special activities.
ACTIVE - Explore Walhalla by bike with your Adventure Host, OR:
CLASSIC - 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 (B,L,D)

Day 7
Legends and History Lessons
DISCOVERY - 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 - Explore Roth's Lauter valley with your Adventure Host, OR:
CLASSIC - 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 - Choose a Guided Sightseeing of Nuremberg-with its medieval architecture, gilded fountain, Gothic cathedral, and Kaiserburg Castle, OR:
CLASSIC - Take a Guided Tour of the historic Nuremberg Rally Grounds-used by the Third Reich.
EVENING CRUISE TO NUREMBERG (B,L,D)

Day 8
Your cruise ends with breakfast this morning. (B)

2016 was another big year for Avalon, as we expand our fleet of innovative Suite Ships? once again. In addition to the Avalon Imagery II®, the beautiful Avalon Passion® will grace the waterways of Europe. Like its sister ships, Avalon Impression? and Avalon Illumination®, Passion features two full decks of Panorama Suites? with Wall-to-Wall Panoramic Windows that transform the living space into a unique Open-Air? Balcony. Cruise along the legendary Rhine, Main, and Danube Rivers, enjoying fresh breezes and enchanting scenery from the comfort of your suite. With 200 square feet, Panorama Suites? are more than 30% larger than the industry standard, affording you the incomparable opportunity to wake each morning facing the splendid passing scenery. Onboard amenities include an alternative dining option in the Panorama Bistro, an expanded fitness center, complimentary Wi-Fi access, and a spacious Sky Deck with premium lounge chairs, whirlpool, and light al fresco lunches at the open-air bistro.

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. With river cruising's only Open-Air BalconySM, these wall-to-wall, floor-to-ceiling windows open wider than any other in the industry, blurring the line between outside and in, forming a spacious seating area for six, and creating an open invitation to discover and dream. Even if you're a seasoned traveler, you've never seen Europe like this.

Whether you'd like a romantic mini-break, an extended exploration, or something in between, with Avalon Waterways, you get to choose the river cruise that reveals the very best of Europe, Asia or South America.

What defines luxury? Is it the enjoyment of the good things in life, or is it simply having things just the way you prefer them? At Avalon Waterways, we navigate with both elegance and ease to deliver a "just right" experience - one that transports you at just the right pace, with just the right amenities, and just the right views. Along the legendary waterways of Europe, we balance enriching activities, included excursions, mouthwatering cuisine, and unmatched service to offer the perfect degree of relaxed indulgence. We call this the Avalon difference.