You dock every day, usually for the entire day, in a historic European city in which the riverboat ties up near to the center of town, and not -- as in some ocean cruises -- far out to sea or miles from the city. The river cruise ships do not inundate the cities at which they stop. The typical river ship carries 100-140 passengers, and its presence in town is scarcely noticed by inhabitants. Entertainment is brought on board and includes classical music groups, dancers and local experts in such divers areas as canal building, beer, sausages and even pancakes. There are no bingo games, art auctions, wet T-shirt contests, rock-climbing walls, bowling alleys.
Savy travelers have come to understand that a Danube river cruise offers the best value for a European Vacation. The reason is that accommodations, all meals on board and shore excursions are included in the price.
Just step on board, unpack once, and relax while your floating hotel transports you down the Blue Danube...................
The Western Danube Cruise from Nuremberg on the Main-Danube Canal. Enter Austria and cruise through the lush Wachau wine region. Then, conclude your cruise vacation with two grand old capitals, magnificent Vienna and vibrant Budapest. Vienna, Austria – A wealth of treasures awaits in one of Europe’s most dynamic cities. Budapest, Hungary – This lovely city rewards visitors with its great diversity. Bratislava, Slovakia – Thecapital of Slovakia, this city, once known as Pressburg, had long functioned for the Hapsburgs as a handsome setting for their coronations as the kings of Hungary. Melk, Austria – This charming town with flower-adorned streets is perfect for exploring on foot. It’s best known for its magnificent Benedictine Abbey. Grein, Austria – This stately gothic city dates back to the 11th century, and is home to the oldest theater in Austria. Durnstein, Austria– A delightful village in the heart of the beautiful Wachau wine region.
A cruise down the Danube allows you to travel in elegance and comfort, while visiting some of Europe’s most important cultural centers and charming towns that emerged centuries ago along its fertile banks.
Highlights of Eastern Europe Vienna to Belgrade | 8 Days
7-night cruise in a riverview stateroom on the elegant River Ambassador
All meals onboard, prepared using the finest and freshest ingredients
Captain’s Welcome Gala and Farewell Dinner
Complimentary fine wine, choice of beer and soft drinks during lunch and dinner onboard; replenished bottled water in your stateroom; and 24-hour specialty coffee and tea bar
7 excursions, including 2 "Choice is Yours" options, fully hosted by English-speaking local experts
An experienced Cruise Manager and attentive, all English-speaking staff
State-of-the-art Quietvox portable audio headset system on all shore excursions during your cruise
Use of bicycles and Nordic walking sticks throughout your cruise
Captivating onboard local entertainment
Signature Lecture
All transfers on arrival and departure days
Call 800-640-4899 For detailed itinerary and availability
• 7-night cruise in a riverview stateroom on the newly remodeled, striking River Countess • 2 nights in Florence at the superior first-class Grand Hotel Baglioni (or similar) with breakfast • 3 nights in Rome at the superior first-class Parco Dei Principi Grand Hotel & Spa (or similar) with breakfast • All meals onboard, prepared using the finest and freshest ingredients • Captain’s Welcome Gala and Farewell Dinners • Complimentary fine wines, choice of beer and soft drinks during lunch and dinner onboard; replenished bottled water in your stateroom; and 24-hour specialty coffee and tea bar • An experienced Cruise Manager and attentive, all English-speaking staff • State-of-the-art Quietvox portable audio headset system on all shore excursions during your cruise • Use of bicycles and Nordic walking sticks throughout your cruise • Captivating onboard local entertainment • Signature Lecture • All transfers on arrival and departure days
The Beautiful Waschau Valley Austria
The 24-mile stretch of the Danube River between the Austrian towns of Krems and Melk is as pretty as they come.
The Wachau is well known for its production of apricots and grapes, both of which are used to produce specialty liquors and wines. Wachau is a source of Austria's most prized dry Reislings and Grüner Veltliners
The Eastern Danube Start your journey with vibrant Budapest, a famous haven for musicians, writers and artists. See the rolling hills and vine clad slopes of Pecs before departing Hungary. Soon, the Danube makes up the boundary between Serbia on one side and Croatia on the other. Cruise through the narrow gorges of the Iron Gates, a narrow passage which divides Europe's Balkan from the Carpathian mountains. Then sail along the Romanian-Bulgarian border to Bucharest, the capital and largest city in Romania.
Avalon Waterways with Extra Discounts We have sailed the ships, slept in the beds, taken the shore excursions and eaten the food. Our prices are lower than the cruise lines.
