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- Trip Itinerary
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15-DAY MAGNIFICENT EUROPE – AMSTERDAM TO BUDAPEST
River cruise holiday from:
- Price on application*
Travel dates: Selected departures throughout 2026 - 2027
Your Avalon Waterways cruise includes:
- 15-day river cruise from Amsterdam, Netherlands to Budapest, Hungary
- 14 nights aboard an award-winning Avalon Suite Ship®
- Spacious Panorama Suites with Open-Air Balcony® design
- Daily breakfast, lunch and dinner onboard
- Regional and international cuisine
- Complimentary Wi-Fi onboard
- Expert Cruise Director and local guides
- Included sightseeing and cultural experiences throughout the journey
Itinerary highlights:
- Amsterdam canal cruise through the city's famous grachten
- Guided city walk in Cologne
- Cruise through the spectacular Rhine Gorge
- Visit the wine town of Rüdesheim
- Guided sightseeing in Würzburg
- Explore Volkach and the Franconian wine region
- Discover the UNESCO-listed city of Bamberg
- Visit Nuremberg and Regensburg
- Sail the engineering marvel of the Main-Danube Canal
- Tour Melk Abbey in Austria
- Cruise through the scenic Wachau Valley
- Guided sightseeing in Vienna, the City of Music
- Discover the highlights of Budapest
Countries visited:
- Netherlands
- Germany
- Austria
- Hungary
Why you'll love this cruise:
- Experience one of Europe's most iconic river cruise journeys
- Sail the Rhine, Main and Danube Rivers
- Explore medieval towns, grand cities and UNESCO World Heritage sites
- Enjoy spectacular scenery through the Rhine Gorge and Wachau Valley
- Travel through four countries in one seamless journey
- Exceptional Avalon Waterways service and spacious suite accommodations
*Cruise operates on selected departures during the 2027 season. Pricing varies by departure date and suite category. Itinerary, inclusions and schedules are subject to change. Seasonal surcharges may apply.
*Pricing varies by departure date and suite category. Subject to availability and change without notice.
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Itineraries
Day 1
AMSTERDAM, THE NETHERLANDS (EMBARKATION)
Welcome to Holland. Your Suite Ship® is Ready for Boarding.
Flights into Amsterdam must arrive by 3:30 pm.
Guests must be on board ship by 5 pm.
During tulip season, you may take a Guided Optional Excursion to the gardens at
Keukenhof—with more than seven million tulips, daffodils, and hyacinths as well as other
bulbs, planted each year.
Spend free time exploring the colorful streets, bridges, and canals of Amsterdam—with its
many cafés and art galleries.
OVERNIGHT DOCKING IN AMSTERDAM
Dinner
While we include your choice of many excursions on your trip, you may wish to explore
other options to enhance your free time. Below is a selection of excursions that may be
available for purchase on your cruise.
Windmills, Canals & Cheese of The Netherlands
Discover the Netherlands legendary story of land reclaimed from the sea in the stunning
Beemster Polder, where windmills stand as they have for centuries amid cheese farms a…
4h 0m
Price Range: $$
Day 2
AMSTERDAM
Canals of Colorful Amsterdam
CLASSIC EXCURSION
Discover the true beauty of Amsterdam with an off-the-beaten-path Guided
Walking Tour through its cobblestone streets for a captivating look at this
legendary city, OR:
CLASSIC EXCURSION
Explore the iconic waterways of Amsterdam with a Guided Canal Cruise past
stately homes of Amsterdam’s “Golden Age.”
This afternoon, choose among the Guided Optional Excursions available.
AFTERNOON/OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO COLOGNE
Breakfast Lunch Dinner
While we include your choice of many excursions on your trip, you may wish to explore
other options to enhance your free time. Below is a selection of excursions that may be
available for purchase on your cruise.
Medieval Muiderslot Castle
From Golden Age paintings to 13th-century arms and armor, discover the wonders of
Muiderslot Castle, one of Holland's most beautiful medieval castle fortresses, on this…
4h 0m
Price Range: $$
Day 3
COLOGNE, GERMANY
Prost! Celebrate in the Rhineland
Join your Adventure Host for today’s special activities.
ACTIVE EXCURSION
Enjoy a bike ride like the locals in Cologne with your Adventure, OR;
CLASSIC EXCURSION
Join a Guided Walking Tour of Cologne’s important Jewish heritage sites, OR;
CLASSIC EXCURSION
Take a Guided City Walk of Cologne—explore the Old City and see its soaring
twin-steepled gothic cathedral.
Don’t miss the chance to enjoy free time over a glass of Kölsch pale lager—locally brewed
for over 100 years!
This evening, enjoy live entertainment on board your ship.
OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO RÜDESHEIM
Breakfast Lunch Dinner
Day 4
RHINE–GORGERÜDESHEIM
Eat, Drink, and Be Merry in Wine Country
En route to Rüdesheim, sail through the Rhine Gorge (a UNESCO World Heritage site). Take
in the breathtaking views of ancient castles perched on cliffs 400 feet above the water and
pass the legendary Rock of the Lorelei—where the mythological siren’s songs lured ill-fated
sailors.
ACTIVE EXCURSION
Enjoy a hike with your Avalon Adventure Host through the picturesque vineyards
of Rüdesheim, followed by a tasting of the authentic Rüdesheimer coffee, OR:
CLASSIC EXCURSION
Tour the incredible Mechanical Music Museum for a one-of-a-kind instrumental
experience; enjoy a tasting of the authentic Rüdesheimer coffee, OR:
DISCOVERY EXCURSION
Take a Guided Visit to the historic 18th-century wooden-barrel cellar of
Johannisberg Castle and enjoy a delicious wine tasting.
Later, local musicians will join us on board for live entertainment.
AFTERNOON/OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO MILTENBERG
Breakfast Lunch Dinner
Day 5
MILTENBERG
Beauty on the Main River
Ask about today’s energizing or relaxing Adventure Host activities.
ACTIVE EXCURSION
Enjoy a Bike Tour with your Adventure Host to explore this charming medieval
town and surrounding area, OR:
CLASSIC EXCURSION
Join a Guided Walking Tour of Miltenberg, a showcase of medieval half-timber
homes and home to Germany’s oldest inn.
EVENING/OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO WÜRZBURG
Breakfast Lunch Dinner
Day 6
WÜRZBURG
A Perfect Day in the Pearl of the Romantic Road
CLASSIC EXCURSION
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.
Enjoy the city on your own or visit a local winery.
This evening, enjoy on board for live entertainment.
OVERNIGHT DOCKING IN WÜRZBURG
Breakfast Lunch Dinner
Day 7
VOLKACH
Storybook Settings
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.
Sail to Volkach and get ready for your afternoon activity.
ACTIVE EXCURSION
Bike along the Main Danube Canal with your Adventure Host, OR:
CLASSIC EXCURSION
Join a Walking Tour of the quaint town of Volkach with its half-timbered houses
and cobblestoned streets.
EVENING/OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO BAMBERG
Breakfast Lunch Dinner
While we include your choice of many excursions on your trip, you may wish to explore
other options to enhance your free time. Below is a selection of excursions that may be
available for purchase on your cruise.
Rothenburg, Jewel of the Middle Ages
The Jewel of the Middle Ages awaits your discovery on this half-day guided excursion to
fairytale Rothenburg ob der Tauber on Germany's famed Romantic Road.
4h 15m
Price Range: $$
Day 8
BAMBERG
The City of Seven Hills
ACTIVE EXCURSION
Your bike is ready! Hop on and bike along the canals in Bamberg with your
Adventure Host, OR:
CLASSIC EXCURSION
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 EXCURSION
Attend an onboard lecture to learn about European history and culture.
Later, enjoy live entertainment performance while sailing this evening.
AFTERNOON/OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO NUREMBERG
Breakfast Lunch Dinner
Day 9
NUREMBERG
Legends and History Lessons
Visit the Adventure Center for today’s activities with your Adventure Host.
ACTIVE EXCURSION
Join your Adventure Host for a walk to discover the surrounding neighboring, OR:
CLASSIC EXCURSION
Enjoy a Guided Sightseeing Tour of the Bavarian town of Roth—with its halftimbered houses, market square, and 1535 hunting lodge Schloss Ratibor, OR;
CLASSIC EXCURSION
Choose a Guided Tour of Nuremberg’s medieval architecture, gilded fountain,
gothic cathedral, and Kaiserburg Castle, OR;
CLASSIC EXCURSION
Join a Guided Tour of the historic Nuremberg Rally Grounds—used by the Third
Reich.
CLASSIC EXCURSION
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.
AFTERNOON/OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO REGENSBURG
Breakfast Lunch Dinner
Day 10
REGENSBURG
Bavaria’s Medieval Miracle
ACTIVE EXCURSION
Explore Walhalla by bike with your Adventure Host, OR:
CLASSIC EXCURSION
Explore Regensburg’s rich Jewish history with a guided tour of the Old Jewish
Quarter, synagogue, and museum, uncovering centuries of culture, resilience, and
heritage in this UNESCO city, OR:
CLASSIC EXCURSION
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.
Alternatively, spend free time exploring Regensburg on foot or by bike through its charming
streets.
EVENING/OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO PASSAU
Breakfast Lunch Dinner
While we include your choice of many excursions on your trip, you may wish to explore
other options to enhance your free time. Below is a selection of excursions that may be
available for purchase on your cruise.
Weltenburg: Bavaria's Oldest Abbey
Embark on a ferry boat cruise along the dramatic Danube Gorge to visit Bavaria's oldest
monastery, 7th-century Weltenburg Abbey with its stunning setting in the Danube Gorg…
4h 30m
Price Range: $$
Day 11
PASSAU - LINZ, AUSTRIA
Where the Danube, Inn, and Ilz Rivers Meet
ACTIVE EXCURSION
Join your Avalon Adventure Host for Hiking down to the valley and along Ilz River,
OR:
CLASSIC EXCURSION
Join a Guided City Walk to learn more about this beautiful “City of Three Rivers.”
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.
Alternatively, cruise to the lovely town of Linz.
LINZ, AUSTRIA
Legendary, Lovely Linz
This evening, feel free to explore Linz on your own.
Later, enjoy live entertainment on board.
OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO MELK
Breakfast Lunch Dinner
While we include your choice of many excursions on your trip, you may wish to explore
other options to enhance your free time. Below is a selection of excursions that may be
available for purchase on your cruise.
Sound of Music Salzburg
From Mozart to "The Sound of Music", this delightful excursion provides an in-depth look
at both the city of Salzburg and its majestic surroundings.
10h 0m
Price Range: $$$
Cesky Krumlov - A Sleeping Beauty Awakes
You'll feel like you've stepped right into the Middle Ages on this full-day excursion to Ceský
Krumlov, the "Pearl of the Bohemian Forest".
9h 30m
Price Range: $$
Day 12
MELK–WACHAU VALLEY - VIENNA
Frescoes Above and Vineyards Below
ACTIVE EXCURSION
Join your Avalon Adventure Host for a walk along the Danube River and around
Melk, OR:
CLASSIC EXCURSION
Take a Guided Tour of the frescoed ceilings, statues, incredible library, and ornate
pipe organ of Melk’s Benedictine Abbey.
Enjoy a coffee or cocktail on the Sky Deck as you sail through the picturesque Wachau
Valley to wonderful Vienna this afternoon.
VIENNA
Viennese Waltzes on the Blue Danube
CLASSIC EXCURSION
Attend a Royal Waltz Concert featuring classical masterpieces by Mozart and
Johann Strauss, performed brilliantly by professional musicians in one of Europe's
prettiest venues.
OVERNIGHT DOCKING IN VIENNA
Breakfast Lunch Dinner
While we include your choice of many excursions on your trip, you may wish to explore
other options to enhance your free time. Below is a selection of excursions that may be
available for purchase on your cruise.
Classical Concert
Enjoy a spellbinding evening of classical works by Mozart and Johann Strauss, performed
brilliantly by professional Salon Orchestra Alt-Wien musicians in one of Europe's prettie…
2h 45m
Price Range: $$
Day 13
VIENNA
Royal Collections and Amusing Attractions
ACTIVE EXCURSION
Explore Vienna's Danube Island by bike with your Adventure Host, OR:
CLASSIC EXCURSION
Enjoy a Guided Visit to House of Strauss and embark on an interactive journey
through Vienna's illustrious past at an immersive audio-visual experience. After
the tour, enjoy a coffee and homemade cake, OR:
CLASSIC EXCURSION
Explore the Habsburg Empire with a morning Guided City Tour of Vienna’s gilded
landmarks. See the Imperial Palace complex—the winter residence of the Imperial
Family, the iconic Vienna Opera House, and stunning St. Stephen’s Cathedral.
You may choose to join a Guided Optional Excursion to Schönbrunn Palace—summer
home of the Habsburg family.
Consider a tram ride to Vienna’s Prater amusement park or to one of the many museums
nearby.
Later, enjoy live entertainment as you sail to Budapest.
EVENING/OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO BUDAPEST
Breakfast Lunch Dinner
While we include your choice of many excursions on your trip, you may wish to explore
other options to enhance your free time. Below is a selection of excursions that may be
available for purchase on your cruise.
Schönbrunn Palace, Cultural Gem of Austria
Visit magnificent Schönbrunn Palace, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and former summer
residence of the Habsburg imperial family.
3h 30m
Price Range: $$
Day 14
BUDAPEST, HUNGARY
The Pearl of the Danube
This morning, while sailing into Budapest, enjoy beautiful views of the city from the Sky
Deck.
ACTIVE EXCURSION
Hike up to a magnificent viewpoint in Budapest with your Adventure Host, OR:
CLASSIC EXCURSION
Enjoy a Guided City Sightseeing tour of Budapest, 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 DOCKING IN BUDAPEST
Breakfast Lunch Dinner
While we include your choice of many excursions on your trip, you may wish to explore
other options to enhance your free time. Below is a selection of excursions that may be
available for purchase on your cruise.
Bites & Highlights of Budapest
Experience some of Budapest's most famous sights and most delectable foods on this
unique guided foodie tour!
3h 30m
Price Range: $$
Wine Tasting in the Hungarian Countryside
Travel into the beautiful Hungarian countryside for an enriching half-day discovery of the
Etyek wine region, including two wine cellar visits with wine tasting.
3h 15m
Price Range: $$
Day 15
BUDAPEST (DISEMBARKATION)
Your cruise ends with breakfast this morning.
Breakfast
- 15-day river cruise from Amsterdam, Netherlands to Budapest, Hungary
- 14 nights aboard an award-winning Avalon Suite Ship®
- Spacious Panorama Suites with Open-Air Balcony® design
- Daily breakfast, lunch and dinner onboard
- Regional and international cuisine
- Complimentary Wi-Fi onboard
- Expert Cruise Director and local guides
- Included sightseeing and cultural experiences throughout the journey
Itinerary highlights:
- Amsterdam canal cruise through the city's famous grachten
- Guided city walk in Cologne
- Cruise through the spectacular Rhine Gorge
- Visit the wine town of Rüdesheim
- Guided sightseeing in Würzburg
- Explore Volkach and the Franconian wine region
- Discover the UNESCO-listed city of Bamberg
- Visit Nuremberg and Regensburg
- Sail the engineering marvel of the Main-Danube Canal
- Tour Melk Abbey in Austria
- Cruise through the scenic Wachau Valley
- Guided sightseeing in Vienna, the City of Music
- Discover the highlights of Budapest
Countries visited:
- Netherlands
- Germany
- Austria
- Hungary
Why you'll love this cruise:
- Experience one of Europe's most iconic river cruise journeys
- Sail the Rhine, Main and Danube Rivers
- Explore medieval towns, grand cities and UNESCO World Heritage sites
- Enjoy spectacular scenery through the Rhine Gorge and Wachau Valley
- Travel through four countries in one seamless journey
- Exceptional Avalon Waterways service and spacious suite accommodations
- Travel Insurance – your North Travel consultant can provide you with a quote. Get a quote now.
- Tourism visa or transit visa if required
- Upgrades to Premium Economy, Business Class and First Class available and to be quote at the time of booking.
- Itinerary deviations (e.g. extensions or specific airline requests). This will be quoted by a North Travel consultant at the time of booking.
- Professional service fee's (if any)
Advertised prices are not guaranteed until confirmed at booking. Prices are dynamic and may be affected by foreign exchange, airline, cruise, tour and supplier changes beyond North Travel’s control.
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On some itineraries and tours you may be required to have comprehensive travel insurance by the travel supplier. One of our consultants can guide you on this.
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