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Magnificent Rivers of Europe
Operated by Avalon
Tripcode: WBA
Overview
Destination:
Hungary,
Netherlands,
Duration:16 days
Type:Group tour (max 90)
Travel Period
May 2026 - October 2027
Fly Free + Save up to $2,600pp with Avalon Waterways - Members save more^16 Day River Cruise Budapest to Amsterdam
From Budapest to Amsterdam, and in many exciting stops along the way, experience the culture of Central Europe in a unique way on this timeless European river cruise vacation. Begin by visiting three of Europe’s vibrant capital cities: Budapest (Hungary), Bratislava (Slovakia), and Vienna (Austria). A Local Guide will show you the must-see sites in each city with plenty of time to explore on your own. See the famous Heroes’ Square in Budapest, stroll through Bratislava’s Old Town with its winding streets and bronze sculptures, and stop in a classic Viennese café for a decadent treat. Sail through the picturesque views of the Wachau Valley and the dramatic Rhine Gorge. Visit Melk’s magnificent Benedictine Abbey and Würzburg’s Baroque-style Bishop’s Residenz. Enjoy a tasting of wonderful local Wachau wines. Explore quaint towns like Dürnstein with its blue and white Baroque-style Stiftskirche; Passau, known for its narrow cobblestone streets and the stunning St. Stephen’s Cathedral; and Bamberg, with its town hall straddling the River Regnitz. Enjoy guided tours in historic Nuremberg, Volkach, Würzburg, and Regensburg—one of Germany’s best-preserved medieval cities. In the charming Rhine Valley town of Rüdesheim, enjoy a stroll through its famous cobblestone Drosselgasse lined with shops, restaurants, and lively taverns. Straddling both sides of the Rhine River is Cologne, Germany—a 2,000-year-old city known for its Gothic-style architecture. Here, enjoy a guided walk and see its famous twin-spired cathedral. This European river cruise would not be complete without a visit to Holland’s lively capital of Amsterdam. See the treasures of this 700-year-old city from a unique perspective—on a canal cruise along the elegant grachten.
From Budapest to Amsterdam, and in many exciting stops along the way, experience the culture of Central Europe in a unique way on this timeless European river cruise vacation. Begin by visiting three of Europe’s vibrant capital cities: Budapest (Hungary), Bratislava (Slovakia), and Vienna (Austria). A Local Guide will show you the must-see sites in each city with plenty of time to explore on your own. See the famous Heroes’ Square in Budapest, stroll through Bratislava’s Old Town with its winding streets and bronze sculptures, and stop in a classic Viennese café for a decadent treat. Sail through the picturesque views of the Wachau Valley and the dramatic Rhine Gorge. Visit Melk’s magnificent Benedictine Abbey and Würzburg’s Baroque-style Bishop’s Residenz. Enjoy a tasting of wonderful local Wachau wines. Explore quaint towns like Dürnstein with its blue and white Baroque-style Stiftskirche; Passau, known for its narrow cobblestone streets and the stunning St. Stephen’s Cathedral; and Bamberg, with its town hall straddling the River Regnitz. Enjoy guided tours in historic Nuremberg, Volkach, Würzburg, and Regensburg—one of Germany’s best-preserved medieval cities. In the charming Rhine Valley town of Rüdesheim, enjoy a stroll through its famous cobblestone Drosselgasse lined with shops, restaurants, and lively taverns. Straddling both sides of the Rhine River is Cologne, Germany—a 2,000-year-old city known for its Gothic-style architecture. Here, enjoy a guided walk and see its famous twin-spired cathedral. This European river cruise would not be complete without a visit to Holland’s lively capital of Amsterdam. See the treasures of this 700-year-old city from a unique perspective—on a canal cruise along the elegant grachten.
Highlights:
Itinerary
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Collapse allBUDAPEST, 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, cafés, and confections.OVERNIGHT DOCKING IN BUDAPEST(D)
BUDAPEST
The Pearl of the DanubeVisit the Adventure Center for today’s activities with your Adventure Host.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 choose among the Optional Guided Excursions available or enjoy Budapest on your own. Indulge in a piece of cream cake in one of the many cafés. Consider a scenic hike above the Danube. OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO BRATISLAVA(B,L,D)
BRATISLAVA, SLOVAKIA
Castles, Vineyards, and Cosmopolitan CultureACTIVE Follow your Avalon Adventure Host on a short hike to lofty Bratislava Castle, OR:CLASSIC Join a Guided Walking Tour of Old Town’s cobblestone streets to Town Hall. Visit the Gothic halls of St. Martin’s Cathedral—Hungary’s centuries-old coronation church.Alternatively, in your free time take a bicycle and a picnic from the ship to explore the local sights along the Danube. Later, enjoy live entertainment onboard. OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO VIENNA(B,L,D)
VIENNA, AUSTRIA
Royal Collections and Amusing AttractionsACTIVE Explore Vienna's Danube Island by bike with your Adventure Host, OR:CLASSIC After a short walk of Vienna, join a Guided Visit of Austria’s largest museum, the legendary Kunsthistorisches Museum (Museum of Fine Arts), OR:CLASSIC Explore the Habsburg Empire with a morning 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. Consider a tram ride to Vienna’s Prater amusement park or to one of the many museums nearby. Later, consider joining an Optional Excursion to attend Royal Waltz Concert in an elegant hall. OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO DÜRNSTEIN(B,L,D)
DÜRNSTEIN–WACHAU VALLEY
A King’s Ransom and Castle RuinsACTIVE Take a Guided Hike up to the castle ruins to take in the 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.Later, stretch out on the Sky Deck as you sail through the Wachau Valley past vineyards, castles, and charming villages on your way to Melk.Frescoes Above and Vineyards BelowACTIVE Join your Avalon Adventure Host for a walk along the Danube river and around Melk, OR:CLASSIC Take a Guided Tour of the frescoed ceilings, statues, incredible library, and ornate pipe organ of Melk’s Benedictine Abbey.DISCOVERY Later, enjoy a Wine Tasting on board as you prepare to sail to Passau.EVENING/OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO PASSAU(B,L,D)
PASSAU, GERMANY
Where the Danube, Inn, and Ilz Rivers MeetCLASSIC Join an afternoon Guided City Walk to learn more about this beautiful “City of Three Rivers.” Alternatively, you may join a full day Guided Optional Excursion to Salzburg, the city of Mozart, or a full day Guided Optional Excursion to the picturesque Bohemian town of Cesky Krumlov.EVENING/OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO REGENSBURG (B,L,D)
REGENSBURG
Bavaria’s Medieval MiracleACTIVE 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. Spend a free afternoon exploring Regensburg on foot or by bike through its charming streets. This evening, enjoy live entertainment after dinner as you cruise toward Roth. EVENING/OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO ROTH(B,L,D)
ROTH. EXCURSION TO NUREMBERG
Legends and History LessonsDISCOVERY 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.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’s medieval architecture, gilded fountain, gothic cathedral, and Kaiserburg Castle, OR:CLASSIC Join a Guided Tour of the historic Nuremberg Rally Grounds—used by the Third Reich.Tonight, relax onboard with live entertainment as you sail to Bamberg.EVENING/OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO BAMBERG(B,L,D)
BAMBERG
The City of Seven Hills.ACTIVE Your bike is ready! Hop on and bike along the canals in Bamberg with your Adventure Host, OR:CLASSIC Take a Guided Walking Tour of the former home to imperial dynasties, and see its Romanesque cathedral, Old Town Hall, and seven hills crowned with churches.DISCOVERY Attend an onboard lecture to learn about European history and culture.AFTERNOON/OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO VOLKACH(B,L,D)
VOLKACH
Storybook SettingsACTIVE Bike along the Main Danube Canal with your Adventure Host, OR:CLASSIC Join a Walking Tour of the quaint town of Volkach with its half-timbered houses and cobblestoned streets.You may choose to join a Guided Optional Excursion to the beautiful Bavarian town of Rothenburg. See the local sights and enjoy the fairytale atmosphere that has inspired artists.EVENING/OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO WÜRZBURG(B,L,D)
WÜRZBURG
A Perfect Day in the Pearl of the Romantic Road ACTIVE Enjoy an easy bike ride along the river with your Adventure Host, 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. This afternoon enjoy a leisurely sailing. AFTERNOON/OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO MILTENBERG(B,L,D)
MILTENBERG
Beauty on the Main RiverJoin your Adventure Host for today’s special activities.CLASSIC Join a Guided Walking Tour of Miltenberg, a showcase of medieval half-timber homes and home to Germany’s oldest inn . Later, enjoy onboard entertainment as you cruise to Rüdesheim. AFTERNOON/OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO RÜDESHEIM (B,L,D)
RÜDESHEIM–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, OR:ACTIVE Take an open-air cable car ride to the Niederwald Monument. Ride or walk back down through the vineyards; enjoy a tasting of the authentic Rüdesheimer coffee, OR: *DISCOVERY Tour the incredible Mechanical Music Museum for a one-of-a-kind instrumental experience; enjoy a tasting of the authentic Rüdesheimer coffee.This afternoon cruise through the dramatic Rhine Gorge and see the famous rock of the Lorelei—where mythological siren lured ill-fated sailors to shore. DISCOVERY Enjoy a remarkable classical music concert in a lovely baroque venue at Engers Castle, home to the Villa Musica Rhineland-Palatinate National Foundation, one of Germany’s largest music institutions.OVERNIGHT DOCKING IN ENGERS(B,L,D)*This excursion will not be available on departure November 7th.
COLOGNE
Prost! Celebrate in the RhinelandAsk about today’s energizing or relaxing Adventure Host activities.ACTIVE Enjoy a bike ride like the locals in Cologne with your Adventure Host, OR:DISCOVERY Join a Guided Walking Tour of Cologne’s important Jewish heritage sites, OR:CLASSIC Take a Guided City Walk of Cologne—explore the Old City and see its soaring twin-steepled Gothic cathedral.Spend free time over a glass of Kölsch pale lager—locally brewed for over 100 years! AFTERNOON/OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO AMSTERDAM(B,L,D)
AMSTERDAM, HOLLAND
Colorful Canals of AmsterdamACTIVE Start your day joining your Adventure Host on an early morning walk in Amsterdam, OR:DISCOVERY Discover the true beauty of Amsterdam with an off-the-beaten-path Guided Walking Tour through its cobblestone streets for a captivating look at this legendary city, OR:CLASSIC Explore the iconic waterways of Amsterdam with a Guided Canal Cruise past stately homes of Amsterdam’s “Golden Age.” In the afternoon you may join an Optional Culinary Walk through Amsterdam to sample savory and sweet Dutch specialties. Or choose an Optional Biking Tour to discover the countryside. You might also consider a Guided Optional Excursion to Zaanse Schans to see historic windmills and charming Dutch houses. Spend free time on your own to explore the colorful cafés, galleries, bridges, and canals of Amsterdam. OVERNIGHT DOCKING IN AMSTERDAM(B,L,D)
AMSTERDAM (DISEMBARKATION)
Your cruise ends with breakfast this morning. (B)
Dates
Select a date or submit general enquiry
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
*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
^Fly Free + Save up to $2,600pp with Avalon Waterways: Terms & Conditions
Fly Free plus save up to $2,600 per person when travelling on this itinerary (WBA). Save amount is applicable to 4 August and 16 October 2026 departures - other 2026 sale departures available. Members save more. Book by 30 November 2025.
Savings reflected in the prices shown.
Conditions apply. Offer valid for new bookings deposited by 30/11/25, cannot be claimed retrospectively and not combinable with any other discounts except Second Tour discount (multiple tours must be booked at the same time for travel within the same calendar year) and/or Welcome Back Credit. Fly free to the value of $2700 per person - charges apply if airfare exceeds this value. Offer valid on select Magnificent Europe cruises as follows: Fly free + $300pp off on WAB 30 May/10 Sept 2026, WBA 02 June/12 Sept 2026, Fly free + $1000 off WAB 23 June/26 Sept WBA 25 June 2026, Fly free + 1800 off WAB 09 Jul/18 Aug, WBA 11 July/20 Aug/29 Sept, Fly free + $2600 off WAB 01 Aug/13 Oct WBA 04 Aug/16 Oct. A non-refundable deposit of $2,500 per person is required at time of booking to secure the airfare and tour. Airfares to UK/Europe based on economy class travel departing SYD/MEL/BNE/PER/ADL with travel to select UK and European ports and includes government taxes current at time of booking. A surcharge may apply for flights from other Australian cities and any flight deviations. Airlines and booking classes are subject to availability and may include Singapore Airlines, Emirates, Cathay Pacific, Etihad Airways, Qatar Airways or Thai Airways, depending on routing. A surcharge may apply if the allocated booking class is not available and a higher class is required. Frequent flyer point accrual may be limited; travellers should retain documentation to claim mileage where allowed. Tickets must be issued by Avalon Waterways air desk. Cancellations after booking incur a minimum fee equal to the deposit or as otherwise specified. In the event your tour is withdrawn, flights booked in accordance with this promotion may also be subject to cancellation - fees apply. Booking amendments may incur additional charges; any changes will be confirmed at the time of the amendment. Airline schedule changes are subject to change without notice and Avalon Waterways is not liable for any additional costs incurred due to airline changes. SafetyNet Protection cannot be purchased or applied in conjunction with an airfare offer. Offer applicable to singles - single supplement applies. Offer not applicable to group bookings. Full cancellation penalties will apply. Offer may be withdrawn or amended at any time without notice.
Further terms and conditions may apply, for full details, please enquire with your RACV Travel Expert when booking.
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$8,884
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$8,884*
per person twin share
15 nights
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