Sail the Danube
Budapest to Prague
a 2026 Avalon Waterways River Cruise
18-27 June 2026
9 Nights | Prices Vary
Day 1 | Welcome to Prague!
18 June 2026
Welcome to Prague, the enchanting capital of the Czech Republic! After arrival, you’ll have the day free to unwind or start exploring this fairy-tale city at your own pace.
✨ Stroll cobblestone streets, snap photos of the Gothic spires, or settle into a café with a view of the Charles Bridge.
🍽️ No scheduled meals today – enjoy local dining on your own!
Day 2 | Discover Prague - Cathedrals, Castles, & Cuisine
19 June 2026
Wake up in the heart of the City of 100 Spires and set out to explore its rich history and unforgettable sights.
Spend the day wandering Prague’s cobblestone streets or join a guided city walk to visit the Hradčany Castle Grounds, St. Vitus Cathedral, and the famous Astronomical Clock in Old Town Square. In your free time, stroll across the Charles Bridge, catch a street performance in Wenceslas Square, or treat yourself to plum dumplings and a cold Pilsner.
🌟 Excursions in Prague
Czech Dinner & Folklore Show | An evening of lively music, dancing, and traditional dishes that capture the spirit of Czech culture.
Prague’s Hidden Treasures Tour | Discover tucked-away gems around Charles Bridge and the quiet corners of the Malá Strana district.
Microbrewery Tour | Visit historic beer houses, learn about Czech brewing traditions, and sample some of Prague’s best local brews.
🍽️ Breakfast included
Day 3 | Regensburg – Bavaria’s Medieval Gem
20 June 2026
After breakfast, you’ll drive to Regensburg, one of Germany’s best-preserved medieval towns.
Join an optional guided city walk to see the impressive Porta Praetoria, built in 179 AD, and the Old Town Hall nestled among cobbled streets and lively squares.
Spend your free time soaking up the atmosphere, grabbing a hearty Bavarian lunch, or sampling a local beer before continuing to Vilshofen, where your river cruise officially begins!
Step aboard the Illumination® and toast to the journey ahead at the welcome reception.
Evening Cruise to Passau
🍽️ Breakfast & Dinner included
Day 4| Passau, Germany – Where Three Rivers Meet
21 June 2026
Wake up in the scenic Bavarian town of Passau, where the Danube, Inn, and Ilz Rivers converge.
Spend your morning discovering the city your way:
🚶 Optional Passau Excursions
Hike with your Adventure Host | Follow a trail from Oberhaus Fortress, winding down into the valley and along the peaceful Ilz River.
Guided City Walk | Learn about Passau’s rich history and vibrant culture as you stroll its charming old town, nicknamed the “City of Three Rivers.”
Use your free time to wander Artists' Alley, shop local galleries, or step into St. Stephen’s Cathedral—you might even catch a concert rehearsal on one of the world’s largest pipe organs.
In the afternoon, settle in on the Sky Deck as we cruise through the scenic Schlögen Oxbow, a dramatic bend in the Danube. After dinner, enjoy live entertainment onboard.
Overnight docking in Linz
🍽️ Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner included
Day 5 | Linz - Baroque Meets the Danube
22 June 2026
Today is yours to explore the rich culture and riverside charm of Linz, Austria’s third-largest city, renowned for its blend of history, art, and natural beauty.
🚴 Excursions in Linz
Bike Ride Along the Danube | Join your Adventure Host for a scenic cycling tour along the riverbanks.
Guided City Walk | Discover Linz’s historic center, including Hauptplatz—Austria’s largest medieval square—and the striking Trinity Column.
For a deeper cultural experience, consider a full-day excursion to one of these incredible destinations:
Salzburg | Visit Mozart’s birthplace and explore the baroque beauty of this iconic Austrian city.
Český Krumlov | Step into a fairytale in this perfectly preserved Bohemian town full of charm and history.
If you're staying in town, enjoy a relaxed afternoon with a biking picnic or hike up Pöstlingberg Hill for panoramic views of the city and the Danube below.
Overnight cruise to Ybbs
🍽️ Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner included
Day 6 | Wachau Valley & Melk - Frescoes & Fairytales
23 June 2026
Start your day in the scenic Lower Austrian town of Ybbs, where history and heritage take center stage.
🌿 Morning Optional Excursions
Family Farm Tour | Visit two local farms to learn how traditional products are made—and taste a few specialties along the way.
Artstetten Castle | Step into Austrian history with a guided tour of this regal estate, once home to Archduke Franz Ferdinand.
Melk Abbey | Explore one of Europe’s grandest monasteries, with its frescoed ceilings, golden statues, vast library, and ornate pipe organ.
Later, relax on the Sky Deck as we sail through the Wachau Valley, passing terraced vineyards, hilltop castles, and charming riverside villages
🏰 Afternoon Excursions in Dürnstein
Castle Hike | Trek up to the dramatic ruins where King Richard the Lionheart was once imprisoned. The views over the valley are worth the climb.
Village Walking Tour | Wander the streets of Dürnstein and uncover the legends that shaped this storybook town.
🛳️ Overnight cruise to Vienna
🍽️ Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner included - Live entertainment onboard this evening
Day 7 | Vienna - Imperial Splendor
24 June 2026
Your Vienna adventure continues with plenty of options to explore the city’s rich history, royal elegance, and playful side.
🌟 Excursions in Vienna
Danube Island Bike Ride | Pedal through Vienna’s green oasis with your Adventure Host, enjoying riverside views and fresh air.
Guided City Tour | Discover Vienna’s grandest landmarks—including the Imperial Palace, Vienna Opera House, and St. Stephen’s Cathedral—as you trace the legacy of the Habsburg Empire.
Visit Schönbrunn Palace | Tour the lavish summer estate of the Habsburgs, with its manicured gardens and opulent rooms.
Royal Waltz Concert | Cap off your day with an elegant evening of classical music and dancing in a historic Viennese concert hall.
In your free time, stroll along Kärntnerstrasse, Vienna’s iconic shopping street, or stop in a local café for a slice of Sachertorte or warm Apfelstrudel.
Overnight sailing to Bratislava
🍽️ Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner included
Day 8 | Bratislava - A City Fit for Kings
25 June 2026
Welcome to Bratislava, Slovakia’s charming capital. Here is where medieval streets, royal history, and scenic green spaces meet.
🚶 Optional Excursions
Hike to Bratislava Castle | Join your Adventure Host for a scenic climb to the city’s iconic hilltop fortress, offering panoramic views of the Danube and beyond.
Guided City Walk | Explore Old Town’s colorful alleyways, the historic Town Hall, and St. Martin’s Cathedral, where Hungarian kings were once crowned.
Spend your free time discovering Bratislava at your own pace—relax in a shady park, browse local shops, or grab a coffee in one of the city’s cozy cafés.
🛳️ Evening/Overnight cruise to Budapest
🍽️ Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner included
Day 9 | Budapest - Monuments, Markets & Magical Views
26 June 2026
Welcome to Budapest, the grand finale of your river cruise—where dramatic architecture, historic thermal baths, and vibrant culture line both sides of the Danube.
🗺️ Optional Excursions
Hike with your Adventure Host | Trek to a scenic overlook for sweeping views of the city skyline.
Guided City Tour | Discover Budapest’s must-see sights, including the famed Heroes’ Square, Parliament, and Andrássy Avenue.
In the afternoon, choose from a variety of optional excursions or enjoy free time to explore on your own. Walk across the iconic Chain Bridge, take in the views from Fisherman’s Bastion, browse local crafts at the Central Market Hall, or linger over coffee and cake at one of Budapest’s classic cafés.
Overnight docking in Budapest
🍽️ Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner included
**Disembark in the morning on 27 June 2026
Trip Extensions & Pricing Details
Make the most of your European river cruise with an additional 2 nights post-cruise in Budapest for $191 per person, per night
Cabin Options & Rates
Deck 1 – Deluxe Stateroom
$4,788 per person + $231
Window
(172 sq ft)
Deck 2 – Panoramic Suite (Aft)
$6,587 per person + $231
French balcony
Located toward the back of the ship
Deck 2 – Panoramic Suite (Mid to Forward)
$6,687 per person + $231
French balcony
Midship to forward location
Deck 3 – Panoramic Suite (Top Deck)
$6,737 per person + $231
French balcony
Located on the top deck with premium views
Additional Information and Fees
Deposit | $250 per person
Travel Advisor Fee | $200 per couple (Includes support with air bookings, excursions, and travel assistance)
Gratuities Free | Avalon will include most of the excursions as well as beer and wine at lunch and dinner.