Danube Dreams

from€2617
for 7 nights
Modern cruise ship cabin with balcony view. Bed, seating, desk, and scenic mountain and water vista.
River cruise ship lounge with comfortable seating, river view through large windows, relaxed and elegant atmosphere.
Charming European town square with colourful buildings, fountain, and greenery on a sunny day. Historic and quaint.
Luxury Avalon Illumination river cruise reception with uniformed staff and international flags.
White horse-drawn carriage with ornate detailing, waiting in front of grand European architecture on a sunny day.
Austrian castle with green domes, surrounded by gardens, blue sky with clouds, historic architecture, European travel.
Danube River cruise map. Europe river cruise itinerary, Vilshofen to Budapest river cruise.

Cruise along the peaceful Danube River through Germany, Austria, Slovakia, and Hungary—stopping at some of Central Europe’s most splendid capitals and charming towns along the way. Visit Passau, Germany—called the “City of Three Rivers” at the confluence of the Danube, Inn, and Ilz rivers.

What’s Included:

  • Booking advice from your Travel Escapes travel advisor
  • Return flights from Dublin to Munich / Budapest to Dublin or vice versa
  • Return airport transfers
  • 7  nights onboard 5 star Avalon Illumination
  • Gourmet cuisine with breakfast, lunch, afternoon tea and dinner onboard
  • Complimentary sparkling wine with breakfast; wine, beer, or soft drinks with lunch and dinner
  • Happy Hour every evening serving complimentary drinks and cocktails
  • Your preference of Classic or Active included excursions and sightseeing
  • Onboard gratuities included
  • Club Lounge with 24-hour with complimentary hot beverages & snacks
  • Complimentary Starlink Wi-Fi
  • 20kg check in bag per person

NOTE : Cruise in reverse on certain dates

Upgrade to Panoramic Suite €600 per person

Single supplement on request

Avalon Illumination

Shining bright in Avalon’s award-winning fleet of Suite Ships, the Avalon Illumination features two full decks of Panorama Suites with wall-to-wall, floor-to-ceiling panoramic windows that transform your living space into river cruising’s only Open-Air Balcony. With 200 square feet, Panorama Suites are more than 30% larger than the industry standard, affording you the incomparable opportunity to wake each morning to splendid passing scenery from your window-facing bed. Stretch out on your Comfort Collection bed and cruise with the world at your feet. Onboard amenities include an alternative light dining option in the Panorama Bistro, a Fitness Center, complimentary Starlink Wi-Fi access, and a spacious Sky Deck with premium lounge chairs, whirlpool, and light al fresco lunches at the Sky Bistro on the Sky Deck. The Avalon Illumination truly shines on Europe’s rivers.
Holiday Highlights
Prices
Dates Cabin Type Price
01 May 2025 Deluxe Stateroom €2617 Enquire Now
01 Jul 2025 Deluxe Stateroom €2617 Enquire Now
07 Jul 2025 Deluxe Stateroom €2617 Enquire Now
21 Jul 2025 Deluxe Stateroom €2617 Enquire Now
22 Jul 2025 Deluxe Stateroom €2617 Enquire Now
26 Jul 2025 Deluxe Stateroom €2617 Enquire Now
26 Aug 2025 Deluxe Stateroom €2617 Enquire Now
24 Oct 2025 Deluxe Stateroom €2617 Enquire Now
03 Nov 2025 Deluxe Stateroom €2617 Enquire Now
Agent
Eleanor M
Eleanor M
Phone:
01-2941000
Email:
book@travelescapes.ie
Booking Remarks
Optional insurance (conditions apply)
A non-refundable, non-transferable booking deposit of 15% is required. Full payment if departure within 16 weeks.
Holidays & offers are subject to availability at the time of booking
These prices are guidelines only and are subject to change and availability. Pricing will be confirmed at time of booking.
Itinerary
Day 1

Munich, Germany

Fly from the Dublin and arrive in Munich, where you will be met and transferred to your river ship.

Explore your ship and enjoy dinner on your first evening on board.
EVENING CRUISE TO PASSAU
Day 2

Passau, Germany

Where the Danube, Inn, and Ilz Rivers Meet
Active Excursion
Follow your Avalon Adventure Host for Hiking from Oberhaus along a trail down to the valley and along Ilz River, OR:

Classic Excursion

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.

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
Day 3

Linz, Austria

Legendary and Lovely Linz

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

Classic Excursion

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.

You may otherwise spend the afternoon on a biking picnic along the banks of the Danube or hike through Linz’s beautiful nature trails to Pöstlingberg for a bird’s-eye view of the city and river below.

EVENING/OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO YBBS
Day 4

Melk, Austria

Frescoes Above and Vineyards Below

Classic Excursion

Visit the Lower Austrian little town of Ybbs. Walk through the doors of Austrian history with a guided sightseeing tour of Artstetten Castle, OR:

Classic Excursion

Take a Guided Tour of Melk’s magnificent Benedictine Abbey to marvel at its frescoed ceilings, statues, incredible library, and ornate pipe organ.
Later, stretch out on the Sky Deck as you sail through the Wachau Valley past vineyards, castles, and charming villages on your way to Dürnstein.
Active Excursion
Alternatively, experience the Wachau Valley from a unique perspective, join your Adventure Host for a bike ride along some of Wachau’s bike trails.
DÜRNSTEIN
A King’s Ransom and Castle Ruins

Active Excursion

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 Excursion

Join a Guided Walk, and hear the legendary tale of King Richard the Lionheart—who was imprisoned in the castle here during the Crusades.
Later, enjoy live entertainment on board your ship.
Day 5

Vienna, Austria

Viennese Waltzes on the Blue Danube

Active Excursion

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

Classic Excursion

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, OR:

Classic Excursion

After a short walk of Vienna, join a Guided Visit of Austria’s largest museum, the legendary Kunsthistorisches Museum (Museum of Fine Arts).

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. Take a bike ride through the city and 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 DOCKING IN VIENNA
Day 6

Bratislava, Slovakia

Cathedral Coronations and a Crowning Castle

Active Excursion

Follow your Avalon Adventure Host on a hike to lofty Bratislava Castle, OR:

Classic Excursion

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.
OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO BUDAPEST
Day 7

Budapest, Hungary

War Heroes and Hot Water

Active Excursion

Hike up to a magnificent viewpoint in Budapest with your Adventure Host, OR:

Classic Excursion

Enjoy a Guided City Sightseeing, including the iconic Heroes’ Square.
This afternoon choose among a wide offer of Optional Guided Excursions or take in the beauty of Budapest while enjoying some free time exploring such famous sights as the Chain Bridge. Get to know the city’s cafés and pubs, or take a hike through the hills above the Danube.
OVERNIGHT DOCKING IN BUDAPEST
Day 8

Budapest, Hungary

Your cruise ends with breakfast this morning, then transfer to the airport for your return flight home.
View full itinerary

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