Name: The Danube from Romania to Budapest
Brand: Avalon Waterways
Rating: 4 (1 reviews)

Overview

Departing Budapest aboard the Avalon Illumination, this 16-night voyage with Avalon Waterways unlocks the very best of Northern Europe and Baltic Sea. Along the way, you'll visit Vienna, Würzburg, and Breisach, exploring a new destination almost every day. With a blend of vibrant ports and tranquil sea days, this cruise strikes the perfect balance between adventure and relaxation. With prices starting from £11,550 per person, now is a great time to book your next escape to Northern Europe and Baltic Sea.

Avalon Waterways

Avalon's suite ships in Europe and Southeast Asia boast wall-to-wall windows that transform cabins into open-air balconies, and there are also river-facing beds to make the most of passing views.

The line’s Active & Discovery sailings have optional action-packed experiences alongside traditional shore tours.

Avalon Waterways also offers short-break cruises of three and four nights.

Cruise Itinerary

Day 1

Budapest

Days 2-3

Vienna

The Austrian capital is full of old-world charm. Art lovers marvel at the works of the old masters while the musically inclined head to a gilded concert hall to listen to a world-class orchestra or a ballroom for a Viennese Waltz workshop. For foodies, there's plenty to surprise and delight, from the high-ceilinged coffeehouses to the traditional wine bars that embody gemütlichkeit (the Austrian answer to hygge).

Day 4

Krems

For wine lovers, Krems is a show-stopping destination on a Danube cruise. The 1,000-year-old city sits at the eastern end of the Wachau, making it the perfect place to sample the valley's vintages.

Day 5

Passau

Owing to its position at the confluence of the Danube, the Inn and the Ilz, this German city has enjoyed a long history as a religious and commercial centre. Today, you can peer into its storied past and learn about its prince bishops' courts and mysterious guilds. Also, St Stephen's Cathedral is home to the biggest organ outside of the USA.

Day 6

Regensburg

This pretty German city is remarkably well-preserved, with landmarks including a notable cathedral and a bridge that has inspired fascinating local lore. It’s also a beer lover’s paradise, with atmospheric spots to try the local varieties, complemented by traditional sausage and sauerkraut.

Days 7-9

Nuremberg

Bavaria's second biggest city is well worth visiting. Its Christmas Market offers a wealth of handcrafted ornaments, and many visitors are drawn by the city's beer cellars. For those interested in history, there is a considerable amount to explore, including the Palace of Justice, where the Nuremberg trials were held.

Day 10

Bamberg

Day 11

Würzburg

Day 12

Miltenberg

Day 13

Rüdesheim

Day 14

Speyer

Day 15

Strasbourg

Strasbourg is on the border of France and Germany, and its culture and architecture reflect a blend of both influences. The Grande Île, a UNESCO World Heritage site, is a maze of timber-framed houses, cobbled streets and canals often called “La Petite France”.The Strasbourg Cathedral, with its intricate pink sandstone façade and astronomical clock, dominates the skyline. Strasbourg also has a reputation as a European political centre, housing the European Parliament.

Day 16

Breisach

Breisach is set on a hilltop, overlooking the Rhine and the vineyards of the Kaiserstuhl region. The town’s St Stephen’s Cathedral, with its striking tower, is a prominent landmark visible from the river.Breisach’s compact historic centre offers quiet streets, traditional wine taverns and small museums. The surrounding rolling vineyards produce some of Germany’s best white wines.

Day 17

Basel

Basel is Switzerland’s gateway to the Rhine, combining medieval and modern charm. Its Old Town has narrow streets, Gothic spires and the impressive Basel Minster cathedral. With world-class art fairs and museums, including the Kunstmuseum and Fondation Beyeler, Basel is strong on culture. The city’s riverside promenade is lively in summer, with cafés and outdoor events.Basel is at the crossroads of Switzerland, France and Germany, making it a fascinating mix of influences, ideal for art and history lovers.

Day 1

Budapest

Days 2-3

Vienna

Day 4

Krems

For wine lovers, Krems is a show-stopping destination on a Danube cruise. The 1,000-year-old city sits at the eastern end of the Wachau, making it the perfect place to sample the valley's vintages.

Day 5

Passau

Day 6

Regensburg

Days 7-9

Nuremberg

Day 10

Bamberg

Day 11

Würzburg

Day 12

Miltenberg

Day 13

Rüdesheim

Day 14

Speyer

Day 15

Strasbourg

Day 16

Breisach

Day 17

Basel

166

Passengers

Crew

2014

Launched

2775t

Tonnage

135m

Length

12m

Width

12kts

Speed

Decks

EUR

Currency

Avalon Illumination

Shining bright in Avalon's award-winning fleet of Suite Ships, the Avalon Illumination features two full decks of Panorama Suites with wall-to-wall, floor-to-ceiling panoramic windows that transform your living space into river cruising's only Open-Air Balcony.

All Prices

Customer reviews

Reviews

Great service and cabin

Panorama Suite was great although really a good sized room, not a suite. Service was excellent, room cleaned twice a day. Food delicious though slightly better at the start of the trip. Would have liked a few more activity options so will be back for an Active and discovery cruise next time.

Avalon Waterways Avalon Poetry II

Reviews

2023-06-02 15:06:50

First time doing a river cruise - Amsterdam to Basel -, it was quite a different experience from the mid-size ships ocean cruises. I enjoyed the cozy atmosphere without loosing your privacy, the attention to detail by the staff small team, the fine dining from breakfast to diner to snacks. The surprised from a less romantic Rhine River than I was expecting was largely compensated by the thrill at each gate crossing (and there are many!) that makes this cruise so special. A marvellous way to see my beloved Europe from a different angle!

Avalon Waterways Avalon Vista

Reviews

2023-03-28 14:56:18

Avalon Waterways Avalon Impression

Reviews

2023-02-15 19:11:22

Avalon Waterways Avalon Expression

Reviews

2022-10-24 19:07:40

Had a super river cruise through Provence in the searing heat of the summer. We were worried that the river might be too low but it was fine. All the excursions were wonderful, not too long or arduous and l would never have thought that ld be inspired to emulate Van Gogh's Starry Night. What a brilliant trip, everything was wonderful, the only down side was the long transfer back to Lyons to fly home. With hindsight l would have chosen a rail option Thanks

Avalon Waterways Avalon Poetry II

Reviews