Your Itinerary
All That Glistens in the Golden CityWelcome to Prague—City of 100 Spires. Enjoy free time to explore the Golden City and its surrounding countryside at your leisure.
Gothic Cathedrals, Grand Castles, and Great CuisineCLASSIC Take a Guided City Walk to visit Hradčany Castle Grounds; see St. Vitus Cathedral and Old Town’s Astronomical Clock.Consider sampling delicious plum dumplings and traditional Pilsner lager. Mingle with the locals and be of good cheer watching street performers in Wenceslas Square or admire the arches and statues decorating Charles Bridge.(B)
REGENSBURG, GERMANY–VILSHOFEN (EMBARKATION)
Bavaria’s Medieval MiracleAfter breakfast this morning, you’ll drive to Regensburg.CLASSIC Join a Guided City Walk in Regensburg and see Altes Rathaus (Old Town Hall) and Porta Pretoria—built in 179 AD as the entrance to Castra Regina fortress.Take free time to enjoy a hearty lunch and a local beer, then step back in time through historic lanes and squares of today’s modern and vibrant Regensburg. Continue on to Vilshofen to board your Avalon Suite Ship® for a welcome reception.EVENING CRUISE TO PASSAU(B,D)
Where the Danube, Inn, and Ilz Rivers Meet ACTIVE Follow your Avalon Adventure Host for Hiking from Oberhaus along a trail down to the valley and along Ilz River, OR:CLASSIC Join a Guided City Walk to learn more about this beautiful “City of Three Rivers".Before sailing to Linz, take a little free time to explore Passau’s cobblestone streets and galleries of Artists’ Alley. Maybe stop at St. Stephen’s Cathedral to catch a concert rehearsal. Enjoy the festive atmosphere coming to life in the city, with twinkling lights and festive decorations adorning the streets.This afternoon, cruise to Linz through the Danube’s dramatic horseshoe bend called Schlögen Oxbow.Later, enjoy live entertainment on board. OVERNIGHT DOCKING IN LINZ (B,L,D)
Bohemian Rhapsodies Visit the Adventure Center for today’s activities with your Adventure Host.ACTIVE Join your Adventure Host for a bike ride along the Danube, OR:CLASSIC Take a Guided Walk through the city’s historic and beautiful sites along the shore of the Danube and see Hauptplatz—Austria’s largest medieval square—and the towering white-marble Trinity Column.Consider a full-day Guided Optional Excursion to Salzburg—the city of Mozart, or to the picturesque Bohemian town of Cesky Krumlov. Or give yourself the gift of a free afternoon exploring Linz on your own to indulge in the chocolates and confections with a cheery cup of spiced punch to celebrate the season in a festive café.OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO YBBS(B,L,D)
YBBS. EXCURSION TO MELK–WACHAU VALLEY
Frescoes and Finery DISCOVERY Join a guided visit to two family-owned farms and discover delicious traditional specialties, OR:CLASSIC Walk through the doors of Austrian history with a guided sightseeing tour of Artstetten Castle, 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.Later, sail through the Wachau Valley past vineyards, castles, and charming villages on your way to Dürnstein.ACTIVE Explore the exquisite Wachau Valley on a bike ride with your Adventure Host. Gingerbread and Good King RichardACTIVE Join a Guided Hike up to the castle ruins to take in the spectacular view of the village, Danube, and the Wachau Valley below, OR:CLASSIC Join a Guided Walk, and hear the legendary tale of King Richard the Lionheart—who was imprisoned in the castle here during the Crusades.DISCOVERY Join an onboard gingerbread Cooking Demonstration.Later, enjoy live entertainment on board your ship. OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO VIENNA (B,L,D)
Viennese Waltzes on the Blue DanubeACTIVE Explore Vienna's Danube Island by bike with your Adventure Host, OR:CLASSIC Enjoy a Guided Visit to House of Strauss and embark on an interactive journey through Vienna's illustrious past with an immersive audio-visual experience. After the tour, enjoy a coffee and homemade cake, OR:CLASSIC Explore the Habsburg empire with a morning Guided City Tour of Vienna’s gilded landmarks. See the Imperial Palace complex—Winter residence of the Imperial Family, the grand Vienna Opera House, and stunning St. Stephen’s Cathedral.You may decide to take a Guided Optional Excursion to Schönbrunn Palace—the former imperial summer home of the Habsburg monarchy. Spend free time strolling in the pedestrian Kärntnerstrasse—the most famous shopping avenue in central Vienna, where shopkeepers dress store windows with holiday fare and festive wares. Stop in a local café to enjoy Sachertorte or Apfelstrudel.This evening, enjoy an unforgettable musical performance with an Optional Excursion to attend a Royal Waltz Concert in an elegant hall.OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO BRATISLAVA(B,L,D)
Cathedral Coronations and a Crowning Castle ACTIVE Follow your Avalon Adventure Host on a hike to lofty Bratislava Castle, OR: CLASSIC Take a Guided City Walk, including the quaint streets of Old Town, Town Hall, and the sight of royal coronations at St. Martin’s Cathedral.Enjoy free time to discover on your own Bratislava, the beautiful capital of Slovakia, rich in history and culture, but also a green city with its forests and parks just a hop away from the city center. EVENING/OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO BUDAPEST(B,L,D)
Hungarian Holiday 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, OR:CLASSIC Enjoy a Cooking Class with local expert chefs to learn about the rich culinary traditions of Hungary. Make delicious Hungarian sweets and accompany them with a taste of mulled wine to celebrate the holiday season.This afternoon, choose from a wide range of Optional Guided Excursions. Spend free time exploring famous sights like the Chain Bridge or Fisherman’s Bastion. Linger in one of the city’s beautiful cafés adorned in a warm festive spirit to indulge in hot chocolate, mulled wine, or an iconic chimney cake.OVERNIGHT DOCKING IN BUDAPEST(B,L,D)
BUDAPEST (DISEMBARKATION)
Your vacation ends with breakfast this morning. Happy Holidays!(B)