8-Night Danube Discovery — Avalon Waterways
Budapest to Vilshofen — the Danube's most beautiful stretch
About This Itinerary
Avalon's Danube Discovery itinerary takes guests from the magnificent Budapest to the Bavarian town of Vilshofen, passing through the Wachau Valley — one of Europe's most beautiful river landscapes (UNESCO World Heritage Site). Vienna, Melk Abbey, and the medieval towns of Dürnstein and Krems are highlights. Active Discovery options include cycling the Danube Bike Path and hiking through the Wachau vineyards.
Itinerary Highlights
- ✓Budapest — Parliament, Buda Castle, and the Chain Bridge
- ✓Wachau Valley — UNESCO World Heritage vineyards and Melk Abbey
- ✓Vienna — imperial palaces and coffee house culture
- ✓Cycling the Danube Bike Path through the Wachau
- ✓Open-Air Balcony Suites — watch the Danube from your private open-air space
Featured Ship
Avalon Imagery IIRoute Map
6 ports of call across 8 nights
Day-by-Day Itinerary
Board your Avalon Suite Ship and explore Budapest.
Sail through the Hungarian countryside.
Imperial Vienna — Schönbrunn and the Belvedere.
Second day in Vienna — State Opera and Naschmarkt.
Melk Abbey and cycling the Wachau vineyards.
Ars Electronica and the Austrian heartland.
City of Three Rivers.
Disembark in Bavaria.
Ports of Call
Budapest
Hungary · Day 1
Embarkation port — the Paris of the East.
Vienna
Austria · Days 3–4
The imperial capital of the Habsburg Empire.
Wachau Valley / Melk
Austria · Day 5
The Wachau Valley is one of Europe's most beautiful river landscapes — terraced vineyards, medieval castles, and the magnificent Melk Abbey.
Linz
Austria · Day 6
Austria's third city.
Passau
Germany · Day 7
City of Three Rivers.
Vilshofen
Germany · Day 8
Disembarkation port — a charming Bavarian town on the Danube.
Shore Excursion Ideas
Wachau Valley Cycling
adventureWachau Valley · 3 hours
Cycle through the UNESCO Wachau Valley vineyards along the Danube Bike Path.
Belvedere Palace & The Kiss
culturalVienna · 3 hours
Visit the Belvedere Palace and see Klimt's masterpiece The Kiss in person.
Best Time to Sail
April through October.
Wendy's Take on This Itinerary
Wendy Orr — Travel Expert Since 1990
Oh, the Danube! It's truly one of Europe's most enchanting rivers, and Avalon Waterways' 8-Night Danube Discovery on the Avalon Imagery II is a fantastic way to experience it. What I particularly love about this itinerary is its unique reverse direction compared to some other lines, starting in the vibrant city of Budapest and sailing through charming towns like Bratislava, Vienna, Melk, and Linz before disembarking in Passau. This allows for a fresh perspective on familiar ports and often means a less crowded experience at certain attractions. The Avalon Imagery II itself is a beautiful ship, and their Panorama Suites are a real game-changer – those wall-to-wall, floor-to-ceiling windows that open to create an Open-Air Balcony truly bring the outside in, no matter the weather. Plus, with their Active & Discovery program and included excursions, you're not just seeing the sights, you're truly immersing yourself in the culture and history of each destination. It's perfect for travelers who want a blend of relaxation and engaging activities.
When it comes to booking this Danube adventure, timing can make a big difference. For the best selection of staterooms, especially those coveted Panorama Suites, I always recommend booking at least 9-12 months in advance. If you're celebrating a special occasion or simply want to maximize your comfort, splurging on a higher deck Panorama Suite is absolutely worth it for the uninterrupted views. Don't forget to look into the optional excursions beyond the included ones; sometimes there's a hidden gem that perfectly aligns with your interests, like a special culinary tour in Vienna or a deeper dive into local history in Melk. This cruise is ideal for those who appreciate a relaxed pace with plenty of opportunities for cultural engagement, and it's particularly well-suited for couples or small groups of friends who enjoy exploring together.
I've helped countless clients plan their dream river cruises, and the Danube is always a favorite. There are so many nuances to consider, from the best time of year to travel for specific events to making sure your pre- and post-cruise arrangements in Budapest and Passau are seamless. If you're thinking about this Avalon Waterways journey, or any other cruise for that matter, please reach out! I can provide personalized advice, help you navigate all the options, and ensure you get the best value and experience tailored just for you. Let's make your Danube discovery unforgettable!
Insider Tips for This Itinerary
Take advantage of the 'reverse direction' itinerary by arriving a day or two early in Budapest to explore the city before the main crowds arrive for embarkation, especially if you've visited before.
While the Panorama Suites are fantastic, consider a lower deck stateroom if you're on a budget; you'll still enjoy all the included excursions and the ship's amenities.
In Vienna, don't just stick to the main tourist areas. Ask your cruise director for recommendations on local coffee houses or hidden courtyards for an authentic experience.
The Active & Discovery program offers a variety of choices; review the options for each port before you sail to prioritize activities that truly interest you, as some may require advance sign-up.
Pack layers for your Danube cruise, as the weather can change quickly, especially during shoulder seasons. Comfortable walking shoes are a must for exploring the charming cobblestone streets in many of the ports.
Ready to Book This Itinerary?
Tell Wendy you're interested in the 8-Night Danube Discovery with Avalon Waterways and she'll take it from there.