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Enchanted Europe for Beer Enthusiasts (Eastbound)

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Operated by Avalon Waterways
Tripcode: WZB-T1
Overview
Destination:
Hungary, 
Switzerland, 
Duration:16 days
Type:Group tour (max 90)
Style:
River/Small ship/Barge,
Travel Period
October 2027 - October 2027
16 Day River Cruise Basel to Budapest
Experience the grandeur of Germany on a European river cruise along the scenic Main and Rhine Rivers. During the first portion of your cruise from Basel to Nuremberg a Beer Expert will host lectures, tastings, and food pairings on board. Your cruise begins on the Rhine in Basel, Switzerland, then sails to Breisach—with your choice of a visit to Freiburg or an excursion to the Black Forest. In Strasbourg, France, enjoy a guided tour of La Petite France and the Gothic cathedral. Continue through the Rhine Gorge to Rüdesheim’s vineyards, then on to modern and charming city of Frankfurt. Cruise the Main River to a charming village and visit Würzburg. Take a guided tour of Bamberg, before reaching Nuremberg, from where you will take a full-day excursion to Munich. Sail from Nuremberg to Regensburg, the only German city not bombed during WWII. Cruise next to Passau, with its narrow streets and baroque St. Stephen’s Cathedral. In Melk, you will visit Austria’s majestic Benedictine Abbey. Take in the breathtaking views before continuing through the picturesque Wachau Valley to the romantic sights of Vienna, the “City of Music.” Your European river cruise ends in Budapest, the capital of Hungary, with guided sightseeing and free time to explore this vibrant city on your own.
Highlights:
Itinerary
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BASEL, SWITZERLAND (EMBARKATION)
Welcome to Switzerland! Your Suite Ship® is Ready for Boarding.

Flights into Zürich or Basel must arrive by 3 pm.

Guests must be on board ship by 5 pm.

Enjoy dinner and explore the ship on your first night on board as you sail to Breisach.

EVENING/OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO BREISACH

(D)

BREISACH, GERMANY. EXCURSION TO BLACK FOREST
German Winemaking and the Beautiful Black Forest

ACTIVE Enjoy the view on a relaxing bike ride along the Rhine with your Adventure Host, OR:

CLASSIC Join a full-day Guided Tour to the magical Black Forest to experience the Vogtsbauernohf open-air-museum, visit an authentic water mill, and see a traditional butter-making demonstration, OR:

CLASSIC Join A Guided Tour to explore Freiburg’s medieval city center, sheltered by the Black Forest amid vineyards and gardens of the Upper Rhine Valley.

You may choose to join a Guided Optional Excursion to visit the charming village of Colmar in the morning.

Later in the evening, enjoy onboard a beer lecture hosted by your Beer Expert while cruising.

EVENING/OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO STRASBOURG

(B,L,D)

STRASBOURG, FRANCE
A Grand Cathedral and La Petite France

Visit the Adventure Center for today’s activities with your Adventure Host.

ACTIVE Discover Strasbourg by bike with your Adventure Host, OR:

CLASSIC Join a Guided Visit of one of the oldest—still operational— independent breweries in France, where you will discover about its history and enjoy a tasting, OR:

CLASSIC Join a City Tour of Strasbourg’s sights, including its Gothic, stained-glass cathedral with its celebrated ancient murals and astronomical clock, as well as the magical La Petite France District.

Choose a Guided Optional Excursion to the historic Maginot Line—the pre-WWII fortifications designed to protect the eastern border of France, or visit Alsace’s wine country today.

Alternatively, take some free time in Strasbourg to visit a museum, or stroll across the city center.

EVENING/OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO RÜDESHEIM

(B,L,D)

RÜDESHEIM, GERMANY–RHINE GORGE
Eat, Drink, and Be Merry in Wine Country

ACTIVE Enjoy a hike with your Avalon Adventure Host through the picturesque vineyards of Rüdesheim; enjoy a tasting of the authentic Rüdesheimer coffee, OR:

CLASSIC Tour the incredible Mechanical Music Museum for a one-of-a-kind instrumental experience; enjoy a tasting of the authentic Rüdesheimer coffee.

This afternoon, stretch out on the Sky Deck as you pass through the spectacular Rhine Gorge on your way to Boppard.



A Peaceful Jewel in the Rhine Gorge

Enjoy some free time to relax, or explore the Rheinallee Promenade for delicatessen fare with a cup of German coffee or glass of Riesling wine.

Later, enjoy onboard entertainment while sailing to Frankfurt.

EVENING/OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO FRANKFURT

(B,L,D)

FRANKFURT
Charm in Frankfurt

ACTIVE Enjoy a biking experience in the city of Frankfurt with your Adventure Host, OR:

DISCOVERY Venture beyond the traditional pilsner on this exciting guided brewery tour featuring an introduction to some of Frankfurt’s most delicious craft beers, OR:

CLASSIC Join a Guided Sightseeing Tour of Frankfurt to see the city’s cultural landmarks and gleaming financial headquarters combined with the cozy ambience of quaint neighborhoods.

In the evening, enjoy onboard a beer lecture hosted by your Beer Expert while cruising.

Later, enjoy live entertainment onboard.

AFTERNOON/OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO WERTHEIM

(B,L,D)

WERTHEIM
Beauty on the Main River

DISCOVER Join an exclusive Guided Tour combining a hands-on pretzel-making workshop with a guided orientation walk through the town’s picturesque streets, OR:

CLASSIC Join a Guided Walking Tour of Wertheim, a showcase of medieval half-timber homes.

This evening enjoy an onboard food and beer pairing dinner hosted by your Beer Expert.

AFTERNOON/OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO WÜRZBURG

(B,L,D)

WÜRZBURG
A Perfect Day in the Pearl of the Romantic Road

ACTIVE Join your Adventure Host for a hike to explore Würzburg's charm, OR:

CLASSIC Take a Guided Sightseeing Tour of Würzburg with its Old Main Bridge, towering fortress, and baroque Bishop’s Residenz—with the largest known ceiling fresco.

You may choose to join a Guided Optional Excursion to the beautiful town of Rothenburg. See the local sights and enjoy the fairytale atmosphere that has inspired artists.

Enjoy live entertainment on board as you set sail for Bamberg.

AFTERNOON/OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO BAMBERG

(B,L,D)

BAMBERG
The City of Seven Hills

DISCOVERY While sailing, enjoy an onboard beer and cheese tasting hosted by your Beer Expert.

ACTIVE Your bike is ready! Hop on and bike along the canals in Bamberg with your Adventure Host, OR:

DISCOVERY Discover a very special family run hop garden where you will also taste a local beer, OR:

CLASSIC Take a Guided Walking Tour of the historic home to imperial dynasties, and see its Romanesque cathedral, Old Town Hall, and seven hills crowned with churches.

After the tour, spend free time with a glass of German-style Rauchbier (smoked beer).

EVENING/OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO NUREMBERG

(B,L,D)

NUREMBERG. EXCURSION TO MUNICH
A King’s Palace and Town Halls

CLASSIC Take a full-day Guided Tour of the highlights of fascinating Munich. See Nymphenburg Palace—a former residence of German monarchs, along with the old and new Town Halls of Marienplatz.

OVERNIGHT DOCKING IN NUREMBERG

(B,D)

NUREMBERG
Legends and History Lessons

Visit the Adventure Center for today’s activities with your Adventure Host.

ACTIVE Start your day with a bike ride together with your Adventure Host around the port area of Nuremberg, OR:

CLASSIC Choose a Guided Tour of Nuremberg’s 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.

CLASSIC 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)

REGENSBURG
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, OR:

CLASSIC Join a Guided Walking Tour of Regensburg’s important Jewish heritage sites.

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)

PASSAU
Where the Danube, Inn, and Ilz Rivers Meet

ACTIVE Follow your Avalon Adventure Host for Hiking down to the valley and along Ilz River, OR:

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.



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 onboard.

OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO MELK

(B,L,D)

MELK–WACHAU VALLEY
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.



Viennese Waltzes on the 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)

VIENNA
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 Enjoy a Guided Visit to House of Strauss and embark on an interactive journey through Vienna's illustrious past at an immersive audio-visual experience. After the tour, enjoy a coffee and homemade cake, 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 Schönbrunn Palace— summer home of the Habsburg Empire.

Enjoy free time 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)

BUDAPEST, HUNGARY
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 cafés, pubs, or nightlife.

OVERNIGHT DOCKING IN BUDAPEST

(B,L,D)

BUDAPEST (DISEMBARKATION)
Your cruise ends with breakfast this morning.

(B)

Dates

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Travellers

Operator
Avalon Waterways

Designed from the bottom up for comfort, space, and room to dream, each Avalon Suite Ship consists of 80% Panorama Suites—offering the widest view in river cruising. Larger suites result in fewer passengers, so you’ll never feel crowded anywhere on board. From reclining on the open-air Sky Deck, relaxing in the spacious Panorama Lounge, or feeling the wind over the bough In the Observation Lounge, there’s never a shortage of comfortable spots to stretch out, day dream, or just watch the world go by. From our inception, Avalon Waterways has cast a light on the world’s most fascinating places and people – inviting wayfarers and wanderers like you to bask in their glory, intrigue and wonder. Along the way, we’ve helped travellers uncover ancient traditions while meeting the locals dedicated to preserving them; to meander historic hallways while giving back to the societies that safeguard them; and to put down the guidebooks and pick up a greater understanding of the world and its people.

Important Information
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*Terms and conditions
Please note: We are proud to be an independent agent to travel providers of hotels, flights and other related services. We are not a tour operator. Details and information on the offer are provided by 3rd party businesses and although we do our best to verify the information, we cannot guarantee its accuracy on all occasions. These offers are not available in conjunction with any other offer unless otherwise stated. Pricing and availability are subject to change without notice. For more information, please see Terms of Use
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15 nights
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