Avalon Impression, The Legendary Danube ex Nuremberg to Budapest

From the rich history of Germany to the unique culture of Hungary, this Danube River cruise travel through three countries rich in scenic beauty, charming towns, and historical locales. 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 buildings recognized as having historic interest, including Porta Pretoria, the gates to an ancient Roman fort built in 179 AD.

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’ll 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 Vienna, the “City of Music.” Your European river cruise holiday ends in the Hungarian capital of Budapest—“The Pearl of the Danube.” A legendary European river cruise to remember for a lifetime!

Day 1
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 (D)

Day 2
Legends and History Lessons
Visit the Adventure centre for today's activities with your Adventure Host.
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 Tour 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.
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.
Later, enjoy live entertainment on board.
AFTERNOON/OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO REGENSBURG (B,L,D)

Day 3
Bavaria's Medieval Miracle
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.
EVENING/OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO PASSAU (B,L,D)

Day 4
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. 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 (B,L,D)

Day 5
Frescoes Above and Vineyards Below
ACTIVE - Join your Avalon Adventure Host for a Morning 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.
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 (B,L,D)

Day 6
Royal Collections and Amusing Attractions
Ask about today's energizing or relaxing Adventure Host activities.
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 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 (B,L,D)

Day 7
War Heroes and Hot Water
ACTIVE - Hike up to a magnificent viewpoint in Budapest with your Adventure Host, OR:
CLASSIC - 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 cafes, pubs, or nightlife.
OVERNIGHT DOCKING IN BUDAPEST (B,L,D)

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

In addition to the Avalon Poetry II® and Avalon Illumination®, the striking Avalon Impression? graced the waters of Europe's Rhine, Main, and Danube Rivers in 2014. Like its sister ship, the Avalon Expression®, the Impression features two full decks of Panorama Suites? with Wall-to-Wall Panoramic Windows that transform the living space into a unique Open-Air Balcony?. 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.