Cruise Description

Your breath-taking river cruise begins on the Rhine River in Basel, Switzerland. You’ll sail to Breisach, your starting point for a Black Forest excursion, and to the city of Strasbourg, France, along the way. Sail to Rüdesheim and through the spectacular Rhine Gorge. The modern and charming city of Frankfurt is also on your route along the Rhine, and you’ll sail on the Main River to visit an authentic village. Visit Würzburg, and take a guided tour of Bamberg, before reaching Nuremberg, from where you will take a full day excursion to Munich. Sail from Nuremberg to Regensburg, the only German city not bombed during WWII. Cruise next to Passau, with its narrow streets and baroque St. Stephen’s Cathedral. In Melk, you will visit Austria’s majestic Benedictine Abbey. Take in the breath-taking views before continuing through the picturesque Wachau Valley to the romantic sights of Vienna, the “City of Music.” Your European river cruise ends in Budapest, the capital of Hungary, with guided sightseeing and free time to explore this vibrant city on your own.

Day 1
Welcome to Switzerland! Your Suite Ship is Ready for Boarding. Flights into Zurich or Basel must arrive by 3 pm. Guests must be on board ship by 5 pm. Enjoy dinner and explore the ship on your first night on board as you sail to Breisach.
EVENING/OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO BREISACH (D)

Day 2
German Winemaking and the Beautiful Black Forest
DISCOVERY - Join a full-day Guided Tour to the magical Black Forest to experience the Vogtsbauernohf open-air-museum, visit an authentic water mill, and see a traditional butter-making demonstration, OR:
DISCOVERY - Visit to a local winery in Breisach, where you will learn about German winemaking and enjoy a wine tasting.
You may choose to join a Guided Optional Excursion to visit the charming village of Colmar in the morning.
EVENING/OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO STRASBOURG (B,L,D)

Day 3
A Grand Cathedral and La Petite France
Visit the Adventure centre for today's activities with your Adventure Host.
CLASSIC - Join a City Tour of Strasbourg's sights, including Gothic, stained-glass cathedral with its celebrated ancient murals and astronomical clock, as well as the magical La Petite France District.
You may also choose to join a Guided Optional Excursion to the historic Maginot Line-the pre-WWII fortifications designed to protect the eastern border of France, or visit Alsace's wine country today. Alternatively, take some free time in Strasbourg to visit a museum, or stroll across the city centre.
AFTERNOON/OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO RUDESHEIM (B,L,D)

Day 4
Eat, Drink, and Be Merry in Wine Country
ACTIVE - Enjoy a hike with your Avalon Adventure Host through the picturesque vineyards of Rudesheim, OR:
DISCOVERY - Tour the incredible Mechanical Music Museum for a one-of-a-kind instrumental experience; based on your departure enjoy a local special treat, OR:
ACTIVE - Take an open-air Cable Car Ride to the Niederwald Monument, then ride or walk back down through the vineyards; based on your departure enjoy a local special treat.
This afternoon, stretch out on the Sky Deck as you pass through the spectacular Rhine Gorge on your way to Boppard.
BOPPARD: A Peaceful Jewel in the Rhine Gorge
Enjoy some free time to relax, or explore the Rheinallee Promenade for delicatessen fare with a cup of German coffee or glass of Riesling wine. Later, enjoy onboard entertainment while sailing to Frankfurt.
OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO FRANKFURT (B,L,D)

Day 5
Charm in Frankfurt
CLASSIC - Join a Guided Sightseeing Tour of Frankfurt to see the city's cultural landmarks and gleaming financial headquarters combined with the cozy ambience of quaint neighborhoods, OR:
DISCOVERY - Take a Guided Tour to Seligenstadt-one of Germany's oldest towns and home to the Einhard Basilika-dubbed "minor basilica" in 1925 by Pope Pius XI.
Later, enjoy live entertainment on board.
AFTERNOON/OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO MAIN RIVER VILLAGE (B,L,D)

Day 6
Beauty on the Main River
Join your Adventure Host for today's special activities.
CLASSIC - Join a Guided Walking Tour of a picturesque Bavarian village.
AFTERNOON/OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO WURZBURG (B,L,D)

Day 7
A Perfect Day in the Pearl of the Romantic Road
CLASSIC - Take a Guided Sightseeing Tour of Wurzburg with its Old Main Bridge, towering fortress, and baroque Bishop's Residenz-with the largest known ceiling fresco.
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. Enjoy live entertainment on board as you set sail for Bamberg
AFTERNOON/OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO BAMBERG (B,L,D)

Day 8
The City of Seven Hills
CLASSIC - Take a Guided Walking Tour of the historic home to imperial dynasties, and see its Romanesque cathedral, Old Town Hall, and seven hills crowned with churches.
After the tour, spend free time with a glass of German-style Rauchbier (smoked beer).
EVENING/OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO NUREMBERG (B,L,D)

Day 9
A King's Palace and Town Halls
CLASSIC - Take a full-day Guided Tour of the highlights of fascinating Munich. See Nymphenburg Palace-a former residence of German monarchs, along with the old and new Town Halls of Marienplatz.
OVERNIGHT DOCKING IN NUREMBERG (B,D)

Day 10
Legends and History Lessons
Visit the Adventure centre for today's activities with your Adventure Host.
ACTIVE - Explore Roth's Lauter valley with your Adventure Host, OR:
CLASSIC - Enjoy a Guided Sightseeing Tour of the Bavarian town of Roth-with its half-timbered houses, market square, and 1535 hunting lodge Schloss Ratibor, OR:
CLASSIC - Choose a Guided Tour of Nuremberg's medieval architecture, gilded fountain, Gothic cathedral, and Kaiserburg Castle, OR:
CLASSIC - Take a Guided Tour of the historic Nuremberg Rally Grounds-used by the Third Reich.
DISCOVERY - 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 (B,L,D)

Day 11
Bavaria's Medieval Miracle
CLASSIC - 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 a free afternoon exploring Regensburg on foot or by bike through its charming streets.
EVENING/OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO PASSAU (B,L,D)

Day 12
Where the Danube, Inn, and Ilz Rivers Meet
CLASSIC - Join a Guided City Walk to learn more about this beautiful "City of Three Rivers."
Alternatively, join a full day Guided Optional Excursion to Salzburg-the city of Mozart-or to the picturesque Bohemian town of Cesky Krumlov. Sail to Linz this afternoon, or join your ship after your selected full-day excursion.
LINZ, AUSTRIA: Legendary, Lovely Linz
Enjoy a free afternoon to linger in Linz. Take a bicycle from the ship and cycle along the Danube, or follow one of Linz's many nature trails 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 13
Frescoes Above and Vineyards Below
ACTIVE - Join your Avalon Adventure Host for a Morning Hike through Melk's beautiful countryside, OR:
CLASSIC - Take a Guided Tour of Melk's magnificent Benedictine Abbey to marvel at its frescoed ceilings, statues, incredible library, and ornate pipe organ.
Enjoy a coffee or a cocktail on the Sky Deck as you sail through the picturesque Wachau Valley to Vienna.
VIENNA: Viennese Waltzes on the Blue DanubeThis evening, you may choose to attend an Optional Excursion to a Royal Waltz Concert for an unforgettable evening of music in an elegant hall.
OVERNIGHT DOCKING IN VIENNA (B,L,D)

Day 14
Royal Collections, and Amusing Attractions
Ask about today's energizing or relaxing Adventure Host activities.
ACTIVE - Explore Vienna's Danube Island by bike with your Adventure Host, OR:
CLASSIC - Explore the Habsburg empire this morning on a 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.
Join a Guided Optional Excursion to Schonbrunn Palace- summer home of the Habsburg Empire. Enjoy free time to take a tram to visit Vienna's Prater amusement park or one of the many museums nearby. You may also borrow a bike from ship to explore Vienna's square or the banks of the Danube. Later, relax on board with live entertainment as you sail to Budapest.
EVENING/OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO BUDAPEST (B,L,D)

Day 15
War Heroes and Hot Water
ACTIVE - 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, select from a variety of Guided Optional or spend free time soaking in one of Budapest's famous thermal baths. Consider a scenic hike above the Danube, or enjoy Budapest's cafes, pubs or nightlife.
OVERNIGHT DOCKING IN BUDAPEST (B,L,D)

Day 16
Your cruise ends with breakfast this morning. (B)