Illuminations on the Danube with 2 Nights in Prague (Eastbound) (Expression)
Illuminations on the Danube with 2 Nights in Prague (Eastbound) (Expression)
$7948
Illuminations on the Danube with 2 Nights in Prague (Eastbound) (Expression)
12 Days
Visiting: Prague, Czech Republic, Regensburg, Germany, Vilshofen (Embarkation), Passau, Schlögen Oxbow, Linz, Austria, Krems, Vienna, Bratislava, Slovakia, Visegrád, Budapest, Hungary, Budapest (Disembarkation)
Tour operator:
Tour Overview
Your European vacation begins with two nights in Prague, capital of the Czech Republic. Guided sightseeing shows you its best-known treasures. See the Astronomical Clock, Hradcany Castle, and St. Vitus Cathedral. Regensburg is one of Germany’s best-preserved medieval cities. Guided sightseeing will show you the Old Town Hall, the Porta Pretoria and many mansions with high towers denoting the status and wealth of their early owners. Transfer to Vilshofen where your Danube River cruise begins. Passau, Germany, the “City of Three Rivers” lies at the confluence of the Danube, Inn, and Ilz rivers. Explore the city with a Local Guide and admire the Patrician houses and baroque St. Stephen’s Cathedral. In Linz, Austria, see the Hauptplatz, Austria’s largest medieval square that forms the center of the city. Enjoy the magnificent views as your river cruise takes you through the picturesque wine region of Wachau Valley. Stops include Melk to visit the magnificent Benedictine Abbey and Krems. Vienna, the “City of Music,” makes an immediate impression with its lavish Hofburg Imperial Palace and neo-renaissance Vienna Opera House. In Bratislava, the capital of Slovakia, a guided walk takes you through the delightful Old Town and to the Gothic St. Martin’s Cathedral. Sail to Esztergom for a visit to its Basilica and a Palinka tasting, then continue to Visegrad for a canoe excursion along the Danube river or a hike in the Danube-Ipoly National Park. In Budapest, the vibrant capital of Hungary, see the must-see sights with a local expert. In your free time stroll along the main shopping street of Váci utca, or take pictures from Fisherman’s Bastion, for the best panoramic views of Budapest. From the Golden City of Prague to the Pearl of the Danube in Budapest, your European river cruise is an experience not to be missed!
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1: Prague,Czech Republic
Location: Prague, Czech Republic
Welcome to the Golden City of Prague—Explore the City of 100 SpiresEnjoy free time to explore the Golden City and its surrounding countryside at your leisure.
PRAGUE, CZECH REPUBLIC Welcome to the Golden City of Prague—Explore the City of 100 SpiresEnjoy free time to explore the Golden City and its surrounding countryside at your leisure.
Day 2: Prague
Location: Prague
Meals Included: Breakfast
Take a Guided City Walk to visit Hradčany Castle Grounds; see St. Vitus Cathedral and Old Town’s Astronomical Clock.
PRAGUE Gothic Cathedrals, Grand Castles, and Great CuisineCLASSIC Take a Guided City Walk to visit Hradčany Castle Grounds; see St. Vitus Cathedral and Old Town’s Astronomical Clock.Consider sampling delicious plum dumplings and traditional Pilsner lager beside the Vltava River. Mingle with the locals and be mesmerized by street performers in Wenceslas Square, or browse the market stalls at Charles Bridge.(B)
Day 3: Regensburg,Germany,Vilshofen (Embarkation)
Location: Regensburg, Germany, Vilshofen (Embarkation)
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
Join a Guided City Walk in Regensburg and see Altes Rathaus (Old Town Hall) and Porta Pretoria—built in 179 AD as the entrance to Castra Regina fortress.
REGENSBURG, GERMANY–VILSHOFEN (EMBARKATION) Bavaria’s Medieval MiracleAfter breakfast this morning, you’ll drive to Regensburg.CLASSIC Join a Guided City Walk in Regensburg and see Altes Rathaus (Old Town Hall) and Porta Pretoria—built in 179 AD as the entrance to Castra Regina fortress.Take free time to enjoy a hearty lunch and a local beer, then step back in time through historic lanes and squares of today’s modern and vibrant Regensburg. Continue on to Vilshofen to board your Avalon Suite Ship® for a welcome reception.EVENING CRUISE TO PASSAU(B,D)
Day 4: Passau,Schlögen Oxbow
Location: Passau, Schlögen Oxbow
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Join a Guided City Walk to learn more about this beautiful “City of Three Rivers".
PASSAU–SCHLÖGEN OXBOW Where the Danube, Inn, and Ilz Rivers Meet ACTIVE Follow your Avalon Adventure Host for Hiking from Oberhaus along a trail 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".Before sailing to Linz, take a little free time to explore Passau’s cobblestone streets and galleries of Artists’ Alley. Maybe stop at St. Stephen’s Cathedral to catch a concert rehearsal. This afternoon, cruise to Linz through the Danube’s dramatic horseshoe bend called Schlögen Oxbow.OVERNIGHT DOCKING IN LINZ (B,L,D)
Day 5: Linz,Austria
Location: Linz, Austria
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Take a Guided Walk through the city’s historic and beautiful sites along the shore of the Danube and see Hauptplatz—Austria’s largest medieval square—and the towering white-marble Trinity Column.
LINZ, AUSTRIA Legendary and Lovely LinzVisit the Adventure Center for today’s activities with your Adventure Host.CLASSIC Take a Guided Walk through the city’s historic and beautiful sites along the shore of the Danube and see Hauptplatz—Austria’s largest medieval square—and the towering white-marble Trinity Column.Consider a full-day Guided Optional Excursion to Salzburg—the city of Mozart, or to the picturesque Bohemian town of Cesky Krumlov. You may otherwise spend the afternoon on a biking picnic along the banks of the Danube or hike through Linz’s beautiful nature trails to Pöstlingberg 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 6: Krems
Location: Krems
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Join a guided walk to explore this small valley town, seemingly untouched by the new world.
MELK–WACHAU VALLEY Frescoes Above and Vineyards Below CLASSIC Take a Guided Tour of Melk’s magnificent Benedictine Abbey to marvel at its frescoed ceilings, statues, incredible library, and ornate pipe organ.Later, stretch out on the Sky Deck as you sail through the Wachau Valley past vineyards, castles, and charming villages on your way to Krems.KREMSAn Ancient Village and Vintages of the Wachau ValleyCLASSIC Join a guided walk to explore this small valley town, seemingly untouched by the new world.OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO VIENNA(B,L,D)
Day 7: Vienna,Austria
Location: Vienna, Austria
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Take an Insider’s Tour of Vienna to get behind the scenes of her sights and attractions. You will meet locals, have the chance to prepare some food, and enjoy other surprises, OR:
Take a Guided Sightseeing Tour of Vienna, including a tour of Belvedere Palace to see Gustave Klimt’s renowned “Kiss” painting.
VIENNA, AUSTRIA Strauss, Schnitzel, Strudel and Sachertorte Viennese Waltzes on the Blue DanubeACTIVE Take a Guided Bike Tour along the famed Ringstrasse and pedestrian avenues of Vienna to see the city’s highlights from a unique perspective, OR: DISCOVERY Take an Insider’s Tour of Vienna to get behind the scenes of her sights and attractions. You will meet locals, have the chance to prepare some food, and enjoy other surprises, OR:CLASSIC Take a Guided Sightseeing Tour of Vienna, including a tour of Belvedere Palace to see Gustave Klimt’s renowned “Kiss” painting.Spend free time this afternoon strolling through the pedestrian Kärntnerstrasse then take a break for a piece of Sachertorte. Or enjoy an optional excursion in Schönbrunn.OVERNIGHT DOCKING IN VIENNA(B,L,D)
Day 8: Vienna
Location: Vienna
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Enjoy a morning Guided Walking Tour to see the city in her best light, along with breakfast at a Viennese café, OR:
Dive into one of the world’s most important museums with a Guided Tour of the Habsburg family’s private art collection at the Museum of Fine Arts, and enjoy Italian or Dutch master works, OR:Take a Guided Tour of the Museum of Fine Arts, followed by the Military Museum, commemorating the past of the Habsburg Empire.
VIENNA Feast for the SoulDISCOVERY Enjoy a morning Guided Walking Tour to see the city in her best light, along with breakfast at a Viennese café, OR: CLASSIC Dive into one of the world’s most important museums with a Guided Tour of the Habsburg family’s private art collection at the Museum of Fine Arts, and enjoy Italian or Dutch master works, OR:CLASSIC Take a Guided Tour of the Museum of Fine Arts, followed by the Military Museum, commemorating the past of the Habsburg Empire. This evening consider joining an Optional Excursion to attend a Royal Waltz Concert in an elegant hall.OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO BRATISLAVA(B,L,D)
Day 9: Bratislava,Slovakia
Location: Bratislava, Slovakia
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Take a Guided City Walk, including the quaint streets of Old Town, Town Hall, and the sight of royal coronations at St. Martin’s Cathedral.
BRATISLAVA, SLOVAKIA Cathedral Coronations and a Crowning Castle Join your Adventure Host for today’s special activities.ACTIVE Follow your Avalon Adventure Host on a hike to lofty Bratislava Castle, OR:CLASSIC Take a Guided City Walk, including the quaint streets of Old Town, Town Hall, and the sight of royal coronations at St. Martin’s Cathedral.Enjoy free time to discover on your own Bratislava, the beautiful capital of Slovakia, rich in history and culture, but also a green city with its forests and parks just a hop away from the city center. Later, relax on board with live entertainment.OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO ESZTERGROM(B,L,D)
Day 10: Visegrád
Location: Visegrád
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Join a Guided Visit to the Medieval Knights Tournament at Visegrád’s Lower Castle, featuring targeting and fighting demonstrations by members of the St. George Knightly Order.
Join a Guided Tour into the scenic Carpathian Basin for a visit of the ancient Esztergom Basilica that includes the traditional Pàlinka tasting in its impressive cellar.
ESZTERGOM, HUNGARY Mountains Views and PàlinkaACTIVE Take an E-bike Guided Tour and explore the surroundings of the Pilis Mountains Region. Enjoy the view from the lockout point at Dobogókő, OR:CLASSIC Join a Guided Tour into the scenic Carpathian Basin for a visit of the ancient Esztergom Basilica that includes the traditional Pàlinka tasting in its impressive cellar.Enjoy a brief cruise to Visegrad during lunchtime.VISEGRÁD Jousting Tournaments and Dracula’s TowerACTIVE Explore Hungary’s beautiful Danube-Ipoly National Park and visit Count Dracula’s prison tower on a Hiking Tour, OR: ACTIVE Take part in a Canoe Excursion through the picturesque Bend Region of the Danube for a truly unique perspective of one of the river’s most beautiful stretches, OR: DISCOVERY Join a Guided Visit to the Medieval Knights Tournament at Visegrád’s Lower Castle, featuring targeting and fighting demonstrations by members of the St. George Knightly Order.Spend free time after your selected activities to explore Palotaház, where stonemasons, smiths, potters, and paper-makers produce their traditional items using age-old techniques.This evening, enjoy a sailing into Budapest and magnificent views of the beautiful Parliament Building.OVERNIGHT DOCKING IN BUDAPEST(B,L,D)
Day 11: Budapest,Hungary
Location: Budapest, Hungary
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Enjoy a Guided City Sightseeing, including the iconic Heroes’ Square.
BUDAPEST, HUNGARY War Heroes and Hot WaterACTIVE 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 a wide offer of Optional Guided Excursions or take in the beauty of Budapest while enjoying some free time exploring such famous sights as the Chain Bridge. Get to know the city’s cafés and pubs, or take a hike through the hills above the Danube.OVERNIGHT DOCKING IN BUDAPEST(B,L,D)
Day 12: Budapest (Disembarkation)
Location: Budapest (Disembarkation)
Meals Included: Breakfast
BUDAPEST (DISEMBARKATION) Your vacation ends with breakfast this morning.(B)
Direction
Eastbound
Notes
- In the event of technical or water level issues, it may be necessary to operate the itinerary by motorcoach or alter the program, including hotel overnight when necessary.
- Guided Tours, Optional Excursions, activities, sailing and docking schedules may be contingent on weather conditions or other issues outside of our control and could therefore be subject to change at any time.
- Please check visa requirements with your local consulate(s); responsibility for obtaining visas rests with the traveler.
Rivers
Danube
Accommodation
Prague:Cosmopolitan Hotel PraguePrague:Hilton Prague Old TownPrague:Art Deco Imperial HotelPrague:Prague Marriott Budapest:Budapest Marriott
Check out our Q&As
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Cuisine
All meals on board are prepared by accomplished chefs who prepare regional specialties as well as familiar favorites with only the freshest, local ingredients. Our Suite Ships® feature daily buffet-style breakfast and lunch with your choice of soups, main courses with starter, salad, or sandwich, and, of course, dessert. Complimentary room service is also available with Continental breakfast, lunch, and dinner. On the Mekong and Ganges, a mix of Western and local dishes is offered; in the Galápagos, you'll be able to taste some Ecuadorian specialties; and in the Amazon, you will be able to sample Peruvian specialties along with Western dishes.
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Cruise Director
A professional, experienced, English-speaking Cruise Director accompanies every departure. Naturalists are on board in the Amazon and Galápagos. Special Interest cruises typically include an expert specific to the cruise theme—from Wine Masters to History Experts.
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What about young travellers and children?
In our many years of cruising experience, we have found that children under the age of eight typically are too young to fully enjoy a cruise vacation. Because of this and for the safety and enjoyment of all passengers, we do not accept children under eight years of age. In addition, please note that there are no special arrangements or activities for children on our ships.
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What are single room supplements?
For single travellers who prefer the privacy of their own room and stateroom, single accommodation can, of course, be requested.
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Clothing & Dress Code
Your comfort is our first concern. Onboard and onshore dress codes are casual. Please bring comfortable walking shoes for sightseeing. Dinner attire is casual—open-neck shirts and slacks for men; slacks, skirts, or dresses for ladies. Coats and ties may be worn if preferred. The Welcome and Farewell Dinners in Europe are dressy, but not formal. On the Mekong, Ganges, Amazon, and Galápagos, dress attire, including coats and ties, is not recommended due to the warm, humid climate.
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When will I receive my digital travel documents?
Avalon will email you a set of travel documents, which includes a copy of your itinerary and, where applicable, information on your hotels and optional excursions. Electronic Travel documents, including applicable eTicket receipts, itineraries, and other information are sent approximately 2-3 weeks prior to departure, provided full payment has been received.
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Where can I find the docking location for my cruise ship?
Avalon Waterways strives to bring you the best docking locations along Europe’s rivers. In many cities, this includes multiple docking sites. Docking positions at each port are assigned by local authorities, and may vary depending upon the number of ships in port on any given day. This can sometimes result in double-docking with more than one ship assigned to the same dock and the ships “rafted” together, temporarily obstructing some views from on board the ships. Exact docking locations will be available 24-72 hours prior to embarkation. Before your cruise’s docking location is available, you can download a map of all possible docking sites for your embarkation city at www.AvalonWaterwaysPorts.com. Once your ship’s docking assignment is available, you can download a map that shows only that specific location, including address.
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Are Avalon River Cruises Handicap Accessible?
Avalon Waterways makes reasonable attempts to accommodate the special needs of disabled and mobility impaired travellers but is not responsible in the event it is unable to do so. Because we cannot provide individual assistance to travellers in many situations, and most of our transportation services are not equipped with wheelchair ramps, we recommend that you view our terms and conditions for details or contact us to learn more.
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Internet Access
All Avalon ships in Europe have complimentary Wi-Fi available. On the Mekong and Ganges, complimentary Wi-Fi access is available in the Panorama Lounge. The signal is not always reliable, as you will be cruising through remote areas. To access the ship's Wi-Fi Internet network, you will be given a PIN number at reception to use on your laptop, tablet, or mobile device. Wi-Fi is not available in the Amazon or Galápagos.
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Onboard Language
The language on board is English. All staff, crew, and tour guides speak English. All announcements and commentary will be in English.
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Tuesday - Saturday
Jun 02, 2026 - Jun 13, 2026Book with Confidence
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Low Deposit
Avalon Waterways requires a minimum deposit of 200 GBP per person or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 90 days before departure.
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Cancellation Policy
We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of avalon waterways charges.
Up to 91 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.
At 90 days before tour starts: Forfeit 35% of booking price.
At 59 days before tour starts: Forfeit 50% of booking price.
At 29 days before tour starts: Forfeit 80% of booking price.
At 1 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.