The Legendary Danube
Austria
Seven nights on the Danube from Nuremberg to Budapest aboard the Avalon Tranquility II, a Suite Ship where most cabins are Panorama Suites with a wall-to-wall open-air balcony. Regensburg, Passau, Linz, Melk Abbey and the Wachau Valley, Vienna and Budapest, with a choice of Classic, Active or Discovery excursion each day, an Adventure Host, all meals on board with wine and beer at lunch and dinner, and nightly happy hour. Flights, transfers and pre- or post-cruise hotel nights are extra.
From $4,751 pp
Per person, two sharing · lowest cabin, cruise only — flights from home not included · 8 days
- Next departure
- May 19, 2027 · $4,576
- Departures open
- 8
- Meals
- 7 breakfasts, 6 lunches, 7 dinners
- Operator
- Avalon Waterways (Globus)
Or call / text 954-698-4438
Itinerary, hotels and inclusions checked against Avalon Waterways (Globus)'s own page on Sep 3, 2026. Dates and prices are read live from the operator's feed.
Our take
This is the river cruise we suggest to people who have never done one: the classic Danube stretch, an eight-day rhythm that never packs and unpacks, and Avalon's included-excursion model, which means the Melk Abbey tour, the Vienna city tour and the Budapest sightseeing are already in the fare rather than sold on board. The trade-offs are the ones river cruising always has — small ship, fixed sailing schedule, and water levels that can force a coach day, which Avalon's own notes say plainly.
Highlights
- Sails on the Avalon Tranquility II — 52 Panorama Suites and 12 staterooms, every cabin exterior-facing
- All meals on board with wine and beer at lunch and dinner, one included excursion a day, bikes and Wi-Fi
- 8 Day River Cruise Nuremberg to Budapest
- 8 departures currently open across 2027, from $4,751 per person (lowest cabin, cruise only, flights from home not included)
Who this trip suits
- First-time river cruisers who want the best-known Danube route done well
- Travelers who want excursions, drinks with meals and Wi-Fi included rather than upsold
- Couples and friends who like unpacking once and waking up somewhere new
- Active travelers — bikes, e-bikes and Adventure Host hikes are part of every day
Who should look elsewhere
- Anyone who wants a big-ship cruise with casinos, pools and kids' clubs — this is a 64-cabin ship and quiet evenings
- Travelers who need guaranteed itineraries; low or high water can move parts of the program to coach
- People who want Prague or Salzburg included — both are optional or off-route
- Those who dislike early excursion departures; most tours leave the ship in the morning
Day by day
Avalon Waterways (Globus)'s published itinerary, checked Sep 3, 2026
1Nuremberg, Germany (embarkation)Nuremberg, Germany (embarkation)Dinner
Welcome to Germany. Your Suite Ship® is Ready for Boarding. Flights into Nuremberg must arrive by 3:30 pm. Guests must be on board ship by 5 pm. Explore your ship this evening and enjoy dinner on board.
Meals: Dinner · Overnight docking in Nuremberg
2Legends and History LessonsNurembergBreakfastLunchDinner
Visit the Adventure Center for today’s activities with your Adventure Host. Later, enjoy live entertainment on board.
Your choice · Included Avalon Choice options — Active: Start your day with a bike ride together with your Adventure Host around the port area of Nuremberg · Classic: Choose a Guided Tour of Nuremberg—with its medieval architecture, gilded fountain, Gothic cathedral, and Kaiserburg Castle · Classic: Take a Guided Tour of the historic Nuremberg Rally Grounds—used by the Third Reich. · Classic: 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.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner · Afternoon and overnight cruise to Regensburg
3Bavaria’s Medieval MiracleRegensburgBreakfastLunchDinner
Join your Adventure Host for today’s special activities. 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.
Your choice · Included Avalon Choice options — Active: Explore Walhalla by bike with your Adventure Host · 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.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner · Evening and overnight cruise to Passau
4Where the Danube, Inn, and Ilz Rivers MeetPassau - Linz, AustriaBreakfastLunchDinner
Alternatively, join a full-day Guided Optional Excursion to Salzburg—the city of Mozart—or to the picturesque Bohemian town of Cesky Krumlov. Sail to Linz this afternoon, or join your ship after your selected full-day excursion. Legendary, Lovely Linz Enjoy a free afternoon to linger in Linz. Take a bicycle from the ship and cycle along the Danube, or follow one of Linz’s many nature trails for a bird’s-eye view of the city and river below. Later, enjoy live entertainment on board.
Your choice · Included Avalon Choice options — Classic: Join a Guided City Walk to learn more about this beautiful “City of Three Rivers”.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner · Overnight cruise to Melk
5Frescoes Above and Vineyards BelowMelk–Wachau Valley - ViennaBreakfastLunchDinner
Enjoy a coffee or a cocktail on the Sky Deck as you sail through the picturesque Wachau Valley to Vienna. Viennese Waltzes on the Beautiful Blue Danube This evening, you may choose to attend an Optional Excursion to a Royal Waltz Concert for an unforgettable evening of music in an elegant hall.
Your choice · Included Avalon Choice options — Active: Join your Avalon Adventure Host for a walk along the Danube river and around 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.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner · Overnight docking in Vienna
6Royal Collections, and Amusing AttractionsViennaBreakfastLunchDinner
Ask about today’s energizing or relaxing Adventure Host activities. Join a Guided Optional Excursion to Schönbrunn 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 ship to explore Vienna’s square or the banks of the Danube. Later, relax on board with live entertainment as you sail to Budapest.
Your choice · Included Avalon Choice options — Active: Explore Vienna's Danube Island by bike with your Adventure Host · Classic: Enjoy a Guided Visit to House of Strauss and embark on an interactive journey through Vienna's illustrious past at an immersive audio-visual experience. After the tour, enjoy a coffee and homemade cake · 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.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner · Evening and overnight cruise to Budapest
7War Heroes and Hot WaterBudapest, HungaryBreakfastLunchDinner
This afternoon, select from a variety of Guided Optional or spend free time soaking in one of Budapest’s famous thermal baths. Consider a scenic hike above the Danube, or enjoy Budapest’s cafés, pubs, or nightlife.
Your choice · Included Avalon Choice options — Active: Hike up to a magnificent viewpoint in Budapest with your Adventure Host · Classic: Enjoy a Guided City Sightseeing, including the iconic Heroes’ Square.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner · Overnight docking in Budapest
8Budapest (disembarkation)Budapest (disembarkation)Breakfast
Your cruise ends with breakfast this morning.
Meals: Breakfast
Dates & prices
Read from Avalon Waterways (Globus)'s departures feed · per person, two sharing · lowest cabin category, cruise only — flights from home not included
| Departs | Returns | Group | From pp | Availability |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Nov 29, 2026 | Dec 6 | Cruise | $4,230 | Please call |
| Dec 8, 2026 | Dec 15 | Cruise | $4,280$4,430 | Please call |
| May 19, 2027 | May 26 | Cruise | $4,576$4,951 | Available |
| Jun 19, 2027 | Jun 26 | Cruise | $4,951 | Available |
| Jul 19, 2027 | Jul 26 | Cruise | $4,951 | Available |
| Aug 25, 2027 | Sep 1 | Cruise | $5,001$5,251 | Available |
| Sep 13, 2027 | Sep 20 | Cruise | $4,851$5,351 | Available |
| Oct 20, 2027 | Oct 27 | Cruise | $4,301$5,051 | Available |
| Nov 7, 2027 | Nov 14 | Cruise | $4,851 | Available |
| Nov 22, 2027 | Nov 29 | Cruise | $4,751 | Available |
| Dec 6, 2027 | Dec 13 | Cruise | $4,951 | Please call |
Prices are the operator's current published rates and can change until a deposit is paid; we reconfirm on enquiry.
Where you stay
Hotels as listed by Avalon Waterways (Globus), “as shown or similar.” Tap a hotel name to see it on Google Maps.
Nuremberg — pre/post-cruise night option
Le Meridien Grand HotelSuperior First-Class
With the lustrous flair of a classic grand hotel, enhanced with state-of-the-art technology and convenient features, this 190 room historic legend has been hosting international luminaries for almost…
Budapest — pre/post-cruise night option
InterContinental BudapestDeluxe
Few would argue the InterContinental Budapest is in the city's best location: right on the Danube across from Castle Hill and the Royal Palace. With the Chain Bridge and the Parliament just steps…
What's included
- 7 nights on the Avalon Tranquility II in the cabin category you choose (the 'from' price is the lowest category)
- 7 breakfasts, 6 lunches, 7 dinners on board
- All meals on board — wine, beer and soft drinks with lunch and dinner, plus a nightly happy hour (except the first night)
- One included Avalon Choice excursion each day — Classic, Active or Discovery — led by Local Guides or your Adventure Host
- Bikes and e-bikes to borrow in port, Adventure Host wellness classes, and complimentary Wi-Fi on board
- Live entertainment and Avalon After Dark evenings on board
- Port charges and the services of the Cruise Director and Adventure Host
What's not included
- International airfare — prices are cruise only; we quote flights from South Florida with your dates
- Airport and port transfers unless booked with Avalon air
- Pre- and post-cruise hotel nights (optional add-ons — see the hotels listed below)
- Optional excursions marked as such in the day-by-day
- Gratuities for the Cruise Director, crew and Local Guides
- Travel protection, and a single supplement for solo travelers unless a waiver promotion applies
The real cost of this trip
The “from” price is the operator's land-only rate. This is what sits on top of it, so the number you budget is the number you pay.
| Flights from South Florida | Not included. We price them with your dates; the ship's boarding cutoff is mid-afternoon on Day 1, so arriving the day before is the safe play. |
| Transfers | Airport-to-ship transfers are included only when air is booked through Avalon; otherwise we arrange a car. |
| Optional excursions | Salzburg, Cesky Krumlov, Schönbrunn and the Vienna concert are optional and priced separately. |
| Pre- and post-cruise nights | Avalon offers hotel nights in Nuremberg and Budapest as add-ons — we usually recommend at least one night before boarding. |
| Cabin category | The 'from' price is the lowest category. Panorama Suites with the open-air balcony cost more; we quote the exact deck and category. |
| Gratuities | Crew, Cruise Director and Local Guide tips are extra; Avalon publishes guidance we share before you sail. |
| Travel protection | Not included. We recommend it for a cruise at this price point and quote it with the fare. |
| Solo travelers | A single supplement applies unless a waiver promotion is running on your departure — the dates feed shows current promotions. |
Good to know
- Water levels
- In the event of technical or water level issues, it may be necessary to operate the itinerary by motorcoach or alter the program, including hotel overnight when necessary.
- Schedules
- Guided Tours, Optional Excursions, activities, sailing and docking schedules may be contingent on weather conditions or other issues outside of our control and could therefore be subject to change at any time.
- Visas
- Please check visa requirements with your local consulate(s); responsibility for obtaining visas rests with the traveler.
- Boarding
- Flights into Nuremberg must arrive by 3:30 pm. Guests must be on board ship by 5 pm.
- Price basis
- Per person, based on two sharing the lowest cabin category, cruise only — flights from home not included. Higher categories and suites are quoted on request.
- Start and finish
- 8 Day River Cruise Nuremberg to Budapest.
Group minimums
Group rates and amenities unlock at these tiers. Negotiated through Travel Connects' supplier relationships.
| Tier | What you get |
|---|---|
| 8+ cruisers | Group discounts begin at 8 travelers. |
| 10+ cruisers | Avalon's published group terms include a free traveler at 10+ — we'll confirm exact terms when we quote. |
| 20+ cruisers | Custom pre- or post-cruise itinerary; larger groups can explore partial or full ship charters. |
Gallery
Questions we get about this trip
Is airfare included?
No. Prices on this page are cruise-only (plus the Cairo hotel nights on the Egypt itinerary). We quote flights from Fort Lauderdale or Miami with your dates, and Avalon can bundle air with transfers.
What does the fare cover?
The cruise, your suite, all meals on board with wine, beer and soft drinks at lunch and dinner, nightly happy hour, one included Avalon Choice excursion each day, bikes and e-bikes, Wi-Fi, and the Adventure Host program. Flights, transfers, pre- and post-cruise hotels and optional excursions are extra.
Which cabin is the 'from' price?
The lowest category on the ship. Most of the Tranquility II is Panorama Suites with the open-air balcony, which cost more; we quote the exact category and deck with your dates.
How much walking is there?
Excursions are guided walks in old towns, on cobbles and steps; the ship itself is easy to move around. Active options add bike rides and hikes; Classic options are the gentlest. Tell us if mobility is a concern and we will match the choices to it.
Which dates are cheapest?
Prices vary by departure and cabin — the dates table on this page reads Avalon's own feed, so what you see is current. Shoulder-season sailings are usually the lower-priced ones.
What if we need to cancel?
Avalon's published terms apply and the fee schedule depends on the departure and whether air is booked through them. We link the terms rather than restate them, and we walk you through the exact figures on your reservation before you pay a deposit.
Cancellation policy
Avalon Waterways' published Travel Terms & Conditions apply. Deposit amounts, final payment dates and the cancellation fee schedule vary by cruise, cabin category and departure date; the exact figures are confirmed on your reservation. Full terms: avalonwaterways.com/terms
