AVALON 2025: Enchanted Europe with 2 Nights in Budapest (Westbound) (WBZQ)

18 Day River Cruise Budapest to Basel

Board your Avalon Suite Ship after enjoying two nights in Budapest, the 'Pearl of the Danube.' Your Danube River cruise embarks with an overnight cruise to Vienna, followed by Durnstein and Melk in Austria's beautiful Wachau Valley. Cruise from Austria to Germany as you sail to Passau, then the Bavarian city of Regensburg to see the 12th-century Old Town Hall. Cruise to Nuremberg to choose a guided tour of Roth, Nuremberg city sightseeing, or a tour of the notorious Nuremberg Rally Grounds of WWII. From Nuremberg, join a full-day excursion to Munich before sailing to Frankfurt for guided sightseeing. Cruise to Rudesheim and through the magnificent Rhine Gorge. Your European river cruise stops in splendid Strasbourg, France, with its Gothic cathedral towering above its stained glass and murals, before cruising to Breisach, Germany-gateway to the magical Black Forest. Enjoy a day of storybook surroundings, sumptuous bakery specialties (such as Black Forest Cake), and a glimpse into generations of authentic Bavarian life. Your river cruise on the Danube, Rhine, and Main Rivers concludes in Basel, Switzerland.

Call (847) 455-8897 for more information or to book today! Mention code 17493042

Tour Operator
Globus
Duration
18 Days
Escorted
Escorted - Yes
DayDestinationDescription
Day 1BudapestWelcome to Budapest-Hungary's Captivating Capital

The day is yours to relax and enjoy Eastern Europe's shining city on the Danube.
Day 2BudapestThe Pearl of the Danube in the Heart of Europe

CLASSIC Enjoy a Guided City Sightseeing, including the iconic Heroes' Square.

Take in the beauty of Budapest while enjoying a free afternoon exploring such famous sights as the Chain Bridge. Get to know the city's cafes and pubs, or take a hike through the hills above the Danube.

(B)
Day 3BudapestTime for Coffee, and Confections

With a free day to explore before your cruise, take time to take photographs on the Royal Palace grounds in this treasure trove of historical architecture. Try Budapest's famous thermal bath spas, then lunch in a garden or rooftop eatery before boarding your Suite Ship.

EVENING/OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO VIENNA

(B,D)
Day 4ViennaViennese Waltzes on the Blue Danube

Visit the Adventure Center for today's activities with your Adventure Host.

Enjoy sailing the Danube, which shares dozens of miles with Hungary and Slovakia. Relax on the Sky Deck to see the rolling landscape and red-rooftops of the Slovakian capital of Bratislava come into view.

This evening in Vienna, you may choose to join an Optional Excursion to attend a Royal Waltz Concert for an unforgettable evening of music in an elegant hall.

OVERNIGHT DOCKING IN VIENNA

(B,L,D)
Day 5ViennaRoyal Collections, and Amusing Attractions

ACTIVE Explore Vienna's Danube Island by bike with your Adventure Host, OR:

CLASSIC After a short walk of Vienna, join a Guided Visit of Austria's largest museum, the legendary Kunsthistorisches Museum (Museum of Fine Arts), 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 this afternoon 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 the ship to explore Vienna's square or the banks of the Danube.

Later, enjoy live entertainment on board.

OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO DURNSTEIN

(B,L,D)
Day 6Wachau ValleyA King's Ransom and Castle Ruins

ACTIVE Join a Guided Hike up to the castle ruins for a 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 above the village during the Crusades.

Enjoy coffee or a cocktail on the Sky Deck as you sail through the picturesque Wachau Valley to Melk.

MELK

Frescoes Above and Vineyards Below

ACTIVE Join your Avalon Adventure Host for a bike along the Danube river from Durnstein to Melk.

CLASSIC Take a Guided Tour of Melk's magnificent Benedictine Abbey to marvel at its frescoed ceilings, statues, incredible library, and ornate pipe organ.

DISCOVERY Enjoy the flavors of the Wachau Valley with a Wine Tasting on board.

EVENING/OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO PASSAU

(B,L,D)
Day 7PassauWhere 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.

Meet your ship back in Passau after your full-day selected activity for sailing.

EVENING/OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO REGENSBURG


(B,L,D)
Day 8RegensburgBavaria's Medieval Miracle

Join your Adventure Host for today's special activities.

ACTIVE Explore Walhalla by bike with your Adventure Host, OR:

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.

This evening, enjoy live entertainment after dinner.

EVENING/OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO ROTH

(B,L,D)
Day 9RothLegends and History Lessons

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.

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 Sightseeing of Nuremberg-with its 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.

EVENING CRUISE TO NUREMBERG

(B,L,D)
Day 10NurembergA 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.

EVENING/OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO BAMBERG


(B,D)
Day 11BambergThe City of Seven Hills

Visit the Adventure Center for today's activities with your Adventure Host.

ACTIVE Your bike is ready! Hop on and bike along the canals in Bamberg with your Adventure Host, OR:

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).

AFTERNOON/OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO WURZBURG

(B,L,D)
Day 12WurzburgA Perfect Day in the Pearl of the Romantic Road

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.

ACTIVE Explore Wurzburg's charm by bike with your Adventure Host, OR:

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.

Enjoy live entertainment on board while sailing tonight.

EVENING/OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO MILTENBERG

(B,L,D)
Day 13MiltenbergBeauty on the Main River

CLASSIC Join a Guided Walking Tour of Miltenberg, a showcase of medieval half-timber homes and home to Germany's oldest inn.

EVENING/OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO FRANKFURT


(B,L,D)
Day 14FrankfurtCharm in Frankfurt

ACTIVE Enjoy a biking experience in the city of Frankfurt with your Adventure Host, 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, OR:

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.

Spend free time this afternoon exploring Frankfurt on your own.

Later, enjoy live entertainment on board.

EVENING/OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO BOPPARD

(B,L,D)
Day 15BoppardA Peaceful Jewel in the Rhine Gorge

This afternoon, relax on the Sky Deck with views of the spectacular Rhine Gorge en route to Rudesheim.

RUDESHEIM-RHINE GORGE

Eat, Drink, and Be Merry in Wine Country

ACTIVE Enjoy a hike with your 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.

EVENING/OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO STRASBOURG

(B,L,D)
Day 16StrasbourgA Grand Cathedral and La Petite France

Join your Adventure Host for today's special activities.

CLASSIC Come along for City Sightseeing, including the city's Gothic, stained-glass cathedral with its celebrated ancient murals and astronomical clock, as well as the magical La Petite France District.

EVENING/OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO BREISACH

(B,L,D)
Day 17BreisachGerman Winemaking and the Beautiful Black Forest

ACTIVE Enjoy the view on a relaxing bike ride along the Rhine with your Adventure Host, OR:

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:

CLASSIC Join A Guided Tour to explore Freiburg's medieval city center, sheltered by the Black Forest amid vineyards and gardens of the Upper Rhine Valley.

You may choose to join a Guided Optional Excursion to visit the charming village of Colmar in the morning.

EVENING/OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO BASEL

(B,L,D)
Day 18BaselYour vacation ends this morning with breakfast.

Departure flights should not leave Zurich airport before 10 am or Basel airport before 8 am.

(B)
Dates/Pricing

Click Quote or call us to get additional information on your chosen travel date. Special offers or competitive pricing may be available!

DatePrice / DescriptionQuote
 Contact us for detailsQuote
Disclaimer
US$ Price Details

Gateway city for departures is Zurich

Port charges:
$450

Avalon offers the opportunity for solo travelers to sail with no single supplement (subject to availability).

Please call for single accommodation details and prices. Triples not available.


Travel Terms & Conditions

The purchase of any travel services offered by Avalon Waterways, constitutes a contractual arrangement between you (the Traveler) and Avalon Waterways, and represents your acceptance of the Terms & Conditions. Please ensure that you read carefully and understand the Terms & Conditions prior to booking. These Terms & Conditions cover Deposit & Final Payment information, Air-Inclusive Deposits & Final Payment, Revisions & Revision Fees, Air Arrangements, Participation, Travelers Who Need Special Assistance, Young Travelers, Smoking, Price Policy, Visas and Passports, Hotels & Accommodations, Baggage Allowance, Travel Documents, Not Included in the Land Price, Refunds, Service Inquires After the Vacation, Holidays, Safety, Photos & Pictures, Optional Excursions, and Responsibility.

Important Notes
  • Vacation departures, itineraries and prices are subject to change.
  • A non-refundable, non-transferable deposit is required for Avalon Waterways to reserve space for you. View Terms & Conditions for limited exceptions.
  • The following charges are not included in the land/cruise vacation price unless otherwise noted: airfare to and from the start of your vacation; intra-vacation air, unless specified in the itinerary; airline baggage fees including checked and/or excess baggage fees; Federal inspection fees for the Federal U.S. Customs and Immigrations; International Air Transportation tax; agricultural tax; other per person taxes imposed by government entities; airport taxes and fees, including the September 11th Security fee up to $11.20 per person, passenger facility charges up to $18 per person, Federal domestic flight segment fees up to $4.10 per segment, and U.S. and international arrival and departure and other government-imposed added by the airline and applicable at time of booking; port taxes; passports; visas and vaccinations; tips to your Cruise Director, Local Host, driver, Local Guides, and/or ship's crew; gratuities on ferries, trains, and cruise ships; laundry; telephone; minibar; alcohol, beverages, and food outside of the contracted Avalon menu as presented at a hotel or restaurant or onboard your vessel (these extra items will be billed to you before leaving the hotel, ship, or restaurant); airport transfers on non-qualifying flights; optional excursions; additional activities and excursions purchased online; porterage at airports and train stations; Travel Protection; and all other items of a personal nature.
  • Additional airline-imposed fees for seat assignments may apply and are not included in your total package cost. Please refer to carrier websites for seat assignment policies and applicable pricing.

    Booking your Vacation with Air
    Our volume buying power saves you money. We may be able to provide you with flight arrangements from your gateway city. Avalon Waterways offers 2 air options: Flex Air and Instant Purchase Air. Early Airfare Price Guarantee locks in a price that is guaranteed not to increase. Air pricing and schedules are available approximately 330 days prior to last travel date in the itinerary. At that time the best air price will be utilized and a new invoice with the air cost and confirmed schedule will be sent. The identity of the carrier, which may include the carrier's codeshare partner, will be assigned and disclosed at this time. If the guaranteed price is the lowest, the schedule with the lowest fare per contracted classes of service will be booked. Any voluntary change to the confirmed flights negates the guaranteed price and is subject to air pricing at the time of the change.

    Guaranteed air-inclusive prices - air is only available to passengers traveling from the United States and only available when booked in conjunction with a land vacation. An additional non-refundable air deposit of $300 per person is required for Flex Air booked in conjunction with any land vacation (i.e. air-inclusive vacation). Air can only be booked by Avalon in conjunction with a vacation package. Instant Purchase Air requires air payment in full at time of booking (i.e. air-inclusive vacation) plus a non-refundable per person service fee of $30 (North/Central America), $50 (Europe/Middle East) or $80 (all other international destinations). Once booked, Instant Purchase Air is non-refundable, and non-changeable. Some vacations may only offer one Air type option. However, once your airfare is confirmed and Avalon has received your full air and land deposit, your air-inclusive vacation price is guaranteed.

    Air-Inclusive Vacations - Applicable Taxes & Fees
    Air-inclusive vacations include government-imposed taxes and fees applicable at the time of booking and will be shown as a Total Amount. Additional airline fees for baggage may apply. At the time of booking your air-inclusive vacation online, carrier Websites will be provided to check baggage fees, or you can visit www.iflybags.com for up-to-date baggage pricing/restrictions. For return travel from some countries, international travelers are required to pay entry and/or exit fees at the airport. These fees will be collected by the local government and are payable by the traveler at time of travel. Your confirmation booking information will contain information about these fees.

    'Starting at' Disclaimer
    The 'Starting at' or 'From' listed price is based on the lowest price available to book. Price is per person based on double occupancy and any applicable non-commissionable taxes and fees and intra-vacation flight are included in the price shown. Any included overnight stay in Canada, applicable GST/HST is also included in the price shown. International airfare, however, is not included. If price is crossed out, the new price shown includes limited-time promotional offer(s). Please review current promotions or deals for additional information.
  •   
    Online Agency Travel Websites