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15-DAY MAGNIFICENT RIVERS OF EUROPE – BUDAPEST TO AMSTERDAM
River cruise holiday from:
- Price on application*
Travel dates: Selected departures throughout 2026-2027
Your Avalon Waterways cruise includes:
- 15-day river cruise from Budapest, Hungary to Amsterdam, Netherlands
- 14 nights aboard an award-winning Avalon Suite Ship®
- Spacious Panorama Suites with Open-Air Balcony® design
- Daily breakfast, lunch and dinner onboard
- Complimentary Wi-Fi throughout the ship
- Services of an expert Cruise Director and local guides
- Choice of Active, Classic and Discovery excursions throughout the journey
- Scenic cruising along the Danube, Main and Rhine Rivers
Countries visited:
- Hungary
- Slovakia
- Austria
- Germany
- Netherlands
Highlights of your journey:
- Explore Budapest, the "Pearl of the Danube"
- Discover Bratislava's charming Old Town and historic landmarks
- Tour Vienna and experience its imperial heritage, cafés and grand architecture
- Cruise through the picturesque Wachau Valley
- Visit Melk Abbey and sample renowned Wachau wines
- Explore medieval towns including Dürnstein, Passau and Regensburg
- Visit Nuremberg and Würzburg, home to the magnificent Bishop's Residenz
- Stroll through Rüdesheim's famous Drosselgasse
- Cruise through the spectacular Rhine Gorge lined with castles and vineyards
- Enjoy a guided walk in Cologne and see its iconic Gothic Cathedral
- Conclude your journey with a canal cruise in Amsterdam
Included experiences:
- Guided sightseeing in Budapest, Bratislava and Vienna
- Local cultural experiences and regional tastings
- Historic city tours and medieval town visits
- Scenic river cruising through Europe's most celebrated waterways
- Choice of walking tours, cycling excursions and immersive discoveries
- Seasonal experiences tailored to the time of year you travel
Why you'll love this cruise:
- Combines three of Europe's most famous rivers in one journey
- Visit five countries and numerous UNESCO-listed destinations
- Explore iconic capitals including Budapest, Vienna and Amsterdam
- Discover charming villages, vineyards and historic cities
- Cruise through both the Wachau Valley and Rhine Gorge
- Enjoy Avalon Waterways' spacious Panorama Suites and personalised service
On SALE until: Subject to availability
*Cruise operates on selected departures throughout the 2027 season. Pricing varies by departure date, suite category and availability. Itinerary, inclusions and schedules are subject to change without notice. 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
BUDAPEST, 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
Dinner
Day 2
BUDAPEST
The Pearl of the Danube
Visit the Adventure Center for today’s activities with your Adventure Host.
ACTIVE EXCURSION
Hike up to a magnificent viewpoint in Budapest with your Adventure Host, OR:
CLASSIC EXCURSION
Enjoy a Guided City Sightseeing, including the iconic Heroes’ Square.
This afternoon 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
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: $$
Art & Architecture of Budapest
Travel back to the Golden Age of Budapest's Belle Époque on this captivating guided
excursion featuring Andrássy Avenue where you will visit the crown jewel of Budapest: t…
3h 0m
Price Range: $$
Day 3
BRATISLAVA, SLOVAKIA
Castles, Vineyards, and Cosmopolitan Culture
ACTIVE EXCURSION
Follow your Avalon Adventure Host on a short hike to lofty Bratislava Castle, OR:
CLASSIC EXCURSION
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
Breakfast Lunch Dinner
Day 4
VIENNA, AUSTRIA
Royal Collections and Amusing Attractions
ACTIVE EXCURSION
Explore Vienna's Danube Island by bike with your Adventure Host, 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, 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.
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.
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 CRUISE TO DÜRNSTEIN
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: $$
Classical Concert
Enjoy a spellbinding evening of classical works by Mozart and Johann Strauss, performed
brilliantly by professional Salon Orchestra Alt-Wien musicians in one of Europe's prettie…
2h 45m
Price Range: $$
Bites & Highlights of Vienna
Experience some of Vienna's most delectable foods and traditions on this unique guided
foodie tour!
3h 0m
Price Range: $$
Day 5
DÜRNSTEIN–WACHAU VALLEY - MELK
A King’s Ransom and Castle Ruins
ACTIVE EXCURSION
Take a Hike up with your Adventure Host to the castle ruins to take in the
spectacular view of the village, Danube, and the Wachau Valley below, OR:
CLASSIC EXCURSION
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.
MELK
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.
DISCOVERY EXCURSION
Later, enjoy a Wine Tasting on board as you prepare to sail to Passau.
EVENING/OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO PASSAU
Breakfast Lunch Dinner
Day 6
PASSAU, GERMANY
Where the Danube, Inn, and Ilz Rivers Meet
Visit the Adventure Center for today’s activities with your Adventure Host.
ACTIVE EXCURSION
Join your Avalon Adventure Host for Hiking down to the valley and along Ilz River,
OR:
CLASSIC EXCURSION
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
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: $$$
Day 7
REGENSBURG
Bavaria’s Medieval Miracle
ACTIVE EXCURSION
Explore Walhalla by bike with your Adventure Host, OR:
CLASSIC EXCURSION
Explore Regensburg’s rich Jewish history with a guided tour of the Old Jewish
Quarter, synagogue, and museum, uncovering centuries of culture, resilience, and
heritage in this UNESCO city, OR:
CLASSIC EXCURSION
Join a Guided City Walk and see Altes Rathaus (Old Town Hall) and Porta Pretoria
—built in 179 AD as the entrance to Castra Regina fortress.
You may choose to join a Guided Optional Excursion to visit the Benedictine Monastery in
Weltenburg.
Spend a free afternoon exploring Regensburg on foot or by bike through its charming
streets.
This evening, enjoy live entertainment after dinner as you cruise toward Roth.
EVENING/OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO ROTH
Breakfast Lunch Dinner
While we include your choice of many excursions on your trip, you may wish to explore
other options to enhance your free time. Below is a selection of excursions that may be
available for purchase on your cruise.
Weltenburg: Bavaria's Oldest Abbey
Embark on a ferry boat cruise along the dramatic Danube Gorge to visit Bavaria's oldest
monastery, 7th-century Weltenburg Abbey with its stunning setting in the Danube Gorg…
4h 30m
Price Range: $$
Day 8
ROTH. EXCURSION TO NUREMBERG
Legends and History Lessons
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.
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.
Tonight, relax onboard with live entertainment as you sail to Bamberg.
EVENING/OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO BAMBERG
Breakfast Lunch Dinner
Day 9
BAMBERG
The City of Seven Hills
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.
AFTERNOON/OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO WÜRZBURG
Breakfast Lunch Dinner
Day 10
WÜRZBURG
A Perfect Day in the Pearl of the Romantic Road
ACTIVE EXCURSION
Enjoy an easy bike ride along the river with your Adventure Host, OR:
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.
This afternoon, enjoy leisurely sailing.
AFTERNOON/OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO MILTENBERG
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 11
MILTENBERG
Beauty on the Main River
Join your Adventure Host for today’s special activities.
ACTIVE EXCURSION
Discover Miltenberg by bike with your Adventure Host, OR:
CLASSIC EXCURSION
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
Breakfast Lunch Dinner
Day 12
RÜDESHEIM–RHINE GORGE
Eat, Drink, and Be Merry in Wine Country
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:
DISCOVERY EXCURSION
Take a Guided Visit to the historic 18th-century wooden-barrel cellar of
Johannisberg Castle and enjoy a delicious wine tasting, 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.
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 EXCURSION
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 CRUISE TO COLOGNE
Breakfast Lunch Dinner
Day 13
COLOGNE
Prost! Celebrate in the Rhineland
Ask about today’s energizing or relaxing Adventure Host activities.
ACTIVE EXCURSION
Enjoy a bike ride like the locals in Cologne with your Adventure Host, 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.
Spend free time over a glass of Kölsch pale lager—locally brewed for over 100 years!
AFTERNOON/OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO AMSTERDAM
Breakfast Lunch Dinner
Day 14
AMSTERDAM, THE NETHERLANDS
Colorful Canals of Amsterdam
ACTIVE EXCURSION
Start your day joining your Adventure Host on an early morning walk in
Amsterdam, OR:
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.”
Spend free time on your own to explore the colorful cafés, galleries, bridges, and canals of
Amsterdam.
OVERNIGHT DOCKING IN AMSTERDAM
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.
The Netherlands on two Wheels: Into the Dutch Countryside
Pedal your way past polders, dikes, and quaint, centuries-old villages on this exhilarating
guided bike tour through the beautiful Dutch countryside.
4h 0m
Price Range: $$
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 15
AMSTERDAM (DISEMBARKATION)
Your cruise ends with breakfast this morning.
- 15-day river cruise from Budapest, Hungary to Amsterdam, Netherlands
- 14 nights aboard an award-winning Avalon Suite Ship®
- Spacious Panorama Suites with Open-Air Balcony® design
- Daily breakfast, lunch and dinner onboard
- Complimentary Wi-Fi throughout the ship
- Services of an expert Cruise Director and local guides
- Choice of Active, Classic and Discovery excursions throughout the journey
- Scenic cruising along the Danube, Main and Rhine Rivers
Countries visited:
- Hungary
- Slovakia
- Austria
- Germany
- Netherlands
Highlights of your journey:
- Explore Budapest, the "Pearl of the Danube"
- Discover Bratislava's charming Old Town and historic landmarks
- Tour Vienna and experience its imperial heritage, cafés and grand architecture
- Cruise through the picturesque Wachau Valley
- Visit Melk Abbey and sample renowned Wachau wines
- Explore medieval towns including Dürnstein, Passau and Regensburg
- Visit Nuremberg and Würzburg, home to the magnificent Bishop's Residenz
- Stroll through Rüdesheim's famous Drosselgasse
- Cruise through the spectacular Rhine Gorge lined with castles and vineyards
- Enjoy a guided walk in Cologne and see its iconic Gothic Cathedral
- Conclude your journey with a canal cruise in Amsterdam
Included experiences:
- Guided sightseeing in Budapest, Bratislava and Vienna
- Local cultural experiences and regional tastings
- Historic city tours and medieval town visits
- Scenic river cruising through Europe's most celebrated waterways
- Choice of walking tours, cycling excursions and immersive discoveries
- Seasonal experiences tailored to the time of year you travel
Why you'll love this cruise:
- Combines three of Europe's most famous rivers in one journey
- Visit five countries and numerous UNESCO-listed destinations
- Explore iconic capitals including Budapest, Vienna and Amsterdam
- Discover charming villages, vineyards and historic cities
- Cruise through both the Wachau Valley and Rhine Gorge
- Enjoy Avalon Waterways' spacious Panorama Suites and personalised service
- 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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