Active & Discovery on the Danube

Pricing is based on departure date: 04 October 2026

Avalon Active & Discovery cruises are packed with included excursions for classic history lovers, cultural discovery seekers, and active-minded explorers. 

Why dip your toes in the Danube when you can explore and adore its landmarks, legends, customs and cuisine in the most interactive ways? Avalon’s Active & Discovery cruises on the Danube invite dreamers and doers to activate their curiosities. To look closer, dive deeper, and forage further into the hamlets and hills of Germany, Austria, and Hungary.

Uncover ancient traditions and local flavors in immersive ways. Enjoy leisurely sightseeing or on-your-own discoveries. Whether you walk through winding alleyways, hike to a castle, bike to a palace or row to your own sanctuary of scenery, our diverse offering of Classic, Discovery and Active excursions along the Danube redefines the rules of engagement.

Enjoy a little get-up-and-go on your cruising vacation when you:

•Sink your teeth into Count Dracula’s Visegrád prison tower on a hike to new heights.
•Paddle a canoe on an excursion through the picturesque Bend region.
•Pedal along the postcard-perfect Wachau Valley.

Get off the beaten path and relish the world when you:

•See the ancient jousting skills of the St. George Knightly Order at Visegrád Castle.
•Savor a merry morning walk, Vienna’s infamous café culture and VIP access to an art museum.
•Meet the Count of Clam at Austria’s 12th-century and beautifully preserved Clam Castle.

Plus, Classic sightseeing is always available in every port along the way.

Activate your senses and discover a world of wonder in all-new, entirely “you” ways on your personal, passion-packed cruise along the Danube.

Itinerary Map

Itinerary Highlights

Budapest

When overlooking Budapest from the Royal Palace wall or the Fisherman's Bastion of "Castle Hill," it's easy to see why Budapest is called " The Pearl of the Danube." Its grand buildings and beautiful bridges are architectural marvels, especially when the flood lights illuminate them at night. Hungary's capital has broad avenues, leafy parks and elaborate bathhouses and thermal spas. The River Danube serves as a good orientation landmark with Buda on the hilly left side and flat Pest on the right. The sights in Buda include "Castle Hill", Gellért-hegy and its prominent Liberty Statue, and the Citadella. Pest is the commercial center or downtown "Belváros" with highlights such as Vaci Street known for window shopping, fine restaurants and casual cafes.

Visegrad

Visegrád is a small castle town in Pest County, Hungary. It is north of Budapest on the right bank of the Danube in the Danube Bend. It had a population of 1,864 in 2010. Visegrád is famous for the remains of the Early Renaissance summer palace of King Matthias Corvinus of Hungary and the medieval citadel

Vienna

Austria's capital has always attracted artistic genius. Mozart, Beethoven, Schubert, Kafka and Freud were either born or moved here. Strauss waltzes and apple strudel are what come to mind to most visitors, but its most striking features are its Schwarzenegger-sized Alps and monumental Baroque edifices.

Krems

Krems an der Donau is a riverside town in the Danube's Wachau Valley tourist region of Lower Austria.

Grein

Grein is a municipality in the district Perg in the Austrian state of Upper Austria. It lies on the Danube River.

Engelhartszell

Engelhartszell an der Donau is a municipality in the district of Schärding in the Austrian state of Upper Austria

Vilshofen

Vilshofen an der Donau is a town in the German district of Passau.

Your Ship: Avalon Expression

Budapest, Visegrad, Vienna, Vienna, Krems, Grein, Engelhartszell, Vilshofen

All fares are displayed in AUD, and pricing is per person based on twin share occupancy unless stated otherwise. Although all due care is taken to keep information as up-to-date as possible, pricing and availability are subject to change without notice: due to varying timing schedules of supplier automated update processes; currency fluctuations; fuel surcharges or government tax & fee changes and may not be guaranteed until paid in full. Gratuities may be an additional onboard charge depending on particular cruise line selected. Please ask your cruise consultant for any clarification of Terms & Conditions.