Illuminations on the Danube (Eastbound) 2025
Description
Summary
Description
Embark on a mesmerizing multi-day tour through the heart of Europe, cruising along the iconic Danube River. From the vibrant streets of Munich to the historic charm of Budapest, this journey offers a perfect blend of cultural exploration, scenic beauty, and luxurious comfort. Each day brings new adventures, from guided city walks and hikes to visits to magnificent abbeys and palaces. Enjoy gourmet meals, live entertainment, and the unparalleled beauty of the Danube's landscapes. This tour promises an unforgettable experience, filled with rich history, stunning architecture, and the timeless allure of Europe's most enchanting cities.
Included
Chef-prepared onboard meals with regional cuisine and familiar favorites
Seasonal cuisine featuring the freshest local ingredients
Avalon Fresh® healthy cuisine options at every meal
Spacious, open-seating Panorama Dining Room
Daily breakfast buffet with full range of classic breakfast items, healthy Avalon Fresh® options and daily a la carte specials
Complimentary room service for Continental breakfast, lunch, and dinner
Daily lunch buffet featuring regional specialties, classic dishes, healthy Avalon Fresh® options and rotating chef’s features including carving & pasta stations. Alternatively, you may dine al fresco at our Sky Grill on the Sky Deck (weather and itinerary permitting) or enjoy a light lunch in the Panorama Lounge.
Afternoon Tea featuring tea, coffee, and sweet treats
Four-course dinners with choice of appetizers, soups, salads, entrées and desserts or cheese
Linger over several selections from the Panorama Bistro's tasting menu for a less formal "sit-down" atmosphere
Complimentary wine, beer, or soft drinks with lunch and dinner
Avalon FlexDining® flexible dining times with menu & venue options
Vegetarian options at every meal, as well as vegan, low calorie, low fat, high fiber, low cholesterol, high energy and allergy-free selections
Panorama Lounge & Bar with premium spirits, cozy seating, panoramic windows & dance floor
Welcome & farewell cocktails with sparkling wine & canapés
New in 2023 - included Happy Hour every evening featuring house beer, wine, cocktails and a drink of the day
Cocktails with a view on the Sky Deck
Specialty coffees, espresso drinks and beWell Essence flavored and infused water available throughout each day
Avalon Waterways river cruise ship
9 nights onboard cruise ship
Avalon Impression: Avalon Deluxe Stateroom ,Panorama Suite ,Royal Suite, Avalon Illumination: Avalon Deluxe Stateroom ,Panorama Suite ,Royal Suite, Avalon Expression: Avalon Deluxe Stateroom ,Panorama Suite ,Royal Suite
Friendly, English-speaking crew & Cruise Director
Complimentary Wi-Fi throughout the ship
Panoramic windows throughout the ship
Elegant, contemporary design & decor
Sky Deck with whirlpool, shade awnings, game area and premium lounges
Covered Observation Lounge
Club Lounge with 24-hour self-serve beverage station with complimentary cappuccinos, lattes, tea, hot chocolate & premium coffees, as well as treats throughout the day
Elevator
Non-smoking interior and staterooms
Avalon Waterways offers a selection of included excursions in every port of call, with something for everyone within their "Classic", "Discovery" and "Active" collections
Destinations
Krems an der Donau
Linz
Bratislava
Budapest
Munich
Melk
Vienna
Esztergom District
PassauMap
Attractions
Buda Landscape Protection Area
Prandegg Castle
Heroes' Square
Coal terminal in Esztergom
Heeresgeschichtliches Museum
Széchenyi Chain Bridge
St. Martin's Cathedral, Bratislava
Kreuzenstein Castle
Belvedere Palace
Melk Abbey
Bratislava Castle
MAK - Museum of Applied Arts
Stadtplatz Steyr
St. Stephan's Cathedral, PassauDaily Itinerary
Day 1 – Day 1: Munich to Vilshofen
- Munich - Arrival day
- More
Welcome to Germany! Arrive in Munich by 2 pm and board your luxurious Suite Ship® by 5 pm. Settle in, explore the ship, and enjoy a delightful dinner as you embark on an evening cruise to Vilshofen.
Day 2 – Day 2: Passau to Linz
- Passau
- Linz
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- Schaiblingsturm
- Veste Oberhaus
- St. Stephan's Cathedral, Passau
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Discover Passau, the 'City of Three Rivers,' with a guided hike from Oberhaus or a city walk. Explore cobblestone streets, galleries, and St. Stephen’s Cathedral. Cruise through the scenic Schlögen Oxbow to Linz, where you'll dock overnight.
Day 3 – Day 3: Linz to Melk
- Linz
- Melk
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- Prandegg Castle
- Stadtplatz Steyr
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Explore Linz with a guided walk through historic sites, including Hauptplatz and the Trinity Column. Opt for excursions to Salzburg or Cesky Krumlov, or enjoy a biking picnic or hike. Enjoy live entertainment on board as you cruise to Melk.
Day 4 – Day 4: Melk to Krems
- Melk
- Krems an der Donau
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- Wachau
- Melk Abbey
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Marvel at the frescoed ceilings and ornate pipe organ of Melk Abbey on a guided tour. Sail through the picturesque Wachau Valley, passing vineyards and castles, to the charming town of Krems. Explore Krems with a guided walk before cruising to Vienna.
Day 5 – Day 5: Vienna
- Vienna
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- Weinvierteldraisine
- Kreuzenstein Castle
- Belvedere Palace
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Experience Vienna with a guided bike tour along the Ringstrasse or an insider’s tour of the city. Visit Belvedere Palace to see Klimt’s 'Kiss' painting. Spend the afternoon exploring Kärntnerstrasse or opt for an excursion to Schönbrunn Palace.
Day 6 – Day 6: Vienna
- Vienna
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- MAK - Museum of Applied Arts
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Enjoy a morning walking tour of Vienna with breakfast at a local café or explore the Habsburg family’s art collection at the Museum of Fine Arts. Consider attending a Royal Waltz Concert in the evening before cruising to Bratislava.
Day 7 – Day 7: Bratislava to Esztergom
- Bratislava
- Esztergom District
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- Old Town Hall
- St. Martin's Cathedral, Bratislava
- Bratislava Castle
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Explore Bratislava with a hike to the castle or a guided city walk through Old Town and St. Martin’s Cathedral. Enjoy free time to discover the city’s parks and forests before cruising to Esztergom.
Day 8 – Day 8: Esztergom to Budapest
- Esztergom District
- Budapest
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- Gerecse Mountains
- Drégely Castle
- Coal terminal in Esztergom
- Duna-Ipoly National Park Directorate
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Explore the Pilis Mountains or visit Esztergom Basilica with a traditional Pàlinka tasting. Cruise to Visegrád for a hiking tour, canoe excursion, or medieval knights tournament. Sail to Budapest in the evening, enjoying views of the Parliament Building.
Day 9 – Day 9: Budapest
- Budapest
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- Heroes' Square
- Széchenyi Chain Bridge
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Hike to a viewpoint in Budapest or enjoy a guided city tour, including Heroes’ Square. Spend the afternoon exploring the city’s famous sights, such as the Chain Bridge, or enjoy free time in the city’s cafés and pubs.
Day 10 – Day 10: Budapest
- Budapest - Departure day
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Your unforgettable journey concludes with a final breakfast on board. Disembark in Budapest, taking with you memories of a lifetime.
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