The Legendary Danube

Pricing is based on departure date: 7 November 2027

From the rich history of Germany to the unique culture of Hungary, this Danube river cruise takes you to three countries, and the scenic beauty as you cruise past quaint towns, can be experienced right from your stateroom or atop the sky deck of your ship. In Nuremberg, Germany, board your river cruise vessel docked on the Main Danube Canal and visit this thousand-year-old city with a Local Guide. Next, reach Regensburg, the only German city not bombed during WWII.

Lovers of architecture will enjoy the many listed buildings of historic interest, and Porta Pretoria, gates to an ancient Roman fort built in 179 AD. And here you’ll taste local sausages at one of Germany’s oldest restaurants and we’ll introduce you to some of Germany’s famous beers.

Next stop is Passau, known for its narrow winding streets lined with Patrician houses, and the magnificent Italian baroque St. Stephen’s Cathedral. In Melk, you will visit Austria’s majestic Benedictine Abbey, one of Europe’s largest monasteries, which sits high on a bluff. Take in the breathtaking views before continuing through the picturesque Wachau Valley to the romantic sounds of Vienna, the “City of Music.” Your European river cruise vacation ends in Budapest, the capital of Hungary.

One Legendary Route. Seasonal Ways to Enjoy It.
From the energy of summer to the softer rhythms of fall and spring, this iconic journey on the Danube reveals something special in every season. You may take part in a seasonal cooking class using fresh regional products. In summer, you may wander through vibrant lavender fields before visiting a distillery where the fragrant blossoms are transformed into soothing oils. It’s the same Legendary Danube – beautifully shaped by the season in which you experience it.

Itinerary Map

Itinerary Highlights

Nuremberg
With half a million people, Nuremberg is Bavaria's second largest city. While its history dates to the 11th century, Nuremberg is most often linked to the 20th century (specifically World War II). It first served as the site of many pre-war Nazi rallies, then was nearly leveled by Allied bombing, then was the site of the famous post-war Nuremberg Trials. The city has much to offer today's visitors, including the rebuilt Nuremberg Castle and the world-famous gingerbread at Hauptmarkt. Hansel and Gretel would have loved this place.

Regensburg
The city hails back to Roman times. See the mighty Porta Praetoria and the magnificent merchants' houses dating back to the Middle Ages. Visit Steinerne Brucke (Stone Bridge) which connects the main part of the ceith with the settlement on the Danube's other bank. Tour the Petersdom cathedral's sumptuous baroque interior and two Gothic towers. Try Bavarian cooking at the Alte Wurstkuche (Old Sausage Kitchen).

Passau
Passau, a German city on the Austrian border, lies at the confluence of the Danube, Inn and Ilz rivers. Known as the Three Rivers City, it's overlooked by the Veste Oberhaus, a 13th-century hilltop fortress housing a city museum and observation tower. The old town below is known for its baroque architecture, including St. Stephen's Cathedral, featuring distinctive onion-domed towers and an organ with 17,974 pipes.

Melk
Melk is an Austrian town on the River Danube, west of Vienna. It's known for the 11th-century Melk Abbey, a vast monastery built high above the town. Gold statuary adorns its domed Abbey Church, and the huge library houses medieval manuscripts. The Marmorsaal is a baroque hall with a ceiling fresco and red marble walls. South of Melk, gardens surround Renaissance Schallaburg Castle, which hosts cultural exhibitions.

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.

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.

Your Ship: Avalon Imagery II

If image is everything, the Avalon Imagery II is the real thing. The Avalon Imagery II embodies all of Avalon's outstanding traditions to deliver exceptional cruise experiences and service.   Passengers can choose from two full decks of Panorama Suites, featuring wall-to-wall, floor-to-ceiling panoramic windows that transform the living space into river cruising's only Open-Air Balcony. At a spacious 200 square feet, our Panorama Suites are more than 30% larger than the industry standard, affording the incomparable opportunity to awaken each morning with Europe's splendid scenery at your feet.  Onboard amenities include complimentary Starlink Wi-Fi access, Fitness Center, elevator, alternative light menu options in the Panorama Bistro or al fresco grill lunch at the Sky Bistro. Relax to your heart's content on the expansive Sky Deck's premium lounge chairs, take a dip in the whirlpool, get cool in the shade on deck, and play deck games too! Your image just got a lot more relaxed.  

Nuremberg, Regensburg, Passau, Melk, Vienna, Budapest

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.