Danube Dreams (Westbound)

Avalon Waterways

On Board Avalon Envision

Departure Date: 1 January 1970

Duration: Nights

Outside€999pp
Suite €1,299pp
From €0pp
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Speak to a Cruise expert 0818 332511

Itinerary

Day 1 - Budapest - HungaryArrow up click to collapse dayArrow Up - Click to expand day
Budapest is the capital city of Hungary and is located over the River Danube. It is one of the largest cities in the European Union and much of its historical sites have been awarded UNESCO World Heritage Site status. Originally formed in 1873 by the joining of Buda, Pest and Old Buda, the city suffered heavy destruction during World War II and was rebuilt into the country's political, cultural and commercial hub it is now. Bridges and railways connect the city over the Danube, including the six small islands situated on the river themselves. Some of Budapest’s UNESCO World Heritage sites include Chain Bridge, Budapest Parliament, the striking Matthias church and the iconic Royal Palace visible from every location within Budapest City. The Castle Hills district architecture represents over a thousand years of the city's history with examples of Roman, Turkish, Gothic, Renaissance and Art Nouveau styles. Budapest also has a rich Jewish heritage and is home to the largest synagogue in Europe. The city has an abundance of restaurants offering international cuisines, as well as traditional Hungarian dishes ,including goulash soup, a very popular lunchtime dish. Hungarians enjoy their coffee so a traditional cafe is never hard to find.
Day 2 - Budapest - HungaryArrow up click to collapse dayArrow Up - Click to expand day
Budapest is the capital city of Hungary and is located over the River Danube. It is one of the largest cities in the European Union and much of its historical sites have been awarded UNESCO World Heritage Site status. Originally formed in 1873 by the joining of Buda, Pest and Old Buda, the city suffered heavy destruction during World War II and was rebuilt into the country's political, cultural and commercial hub it is now. Bridges and railways connect the city over the Danube, including the six small islands situated on the river themselves. Some of Budapest’s UNESCO World Heritage sites include Chain Bridge, Budapest Parliament, the striking Matthias church and the iconic Royal Palace visible from every location within Budapest City. The Castle Hills district architecture represents over a thousand years of the city's history with examples of Roman, Turkish, Gothic, Renaissance and Art Nouveau styles. Budapest also has a rich Jewish heritage and is home to the largest synagogue in Europe. The city has an abundance of restaurants offering international cuisines, as well as traditional Hungarian dishes ,including goulash soup, a very popular lunchtime dish. Hungarians enjoy their coffee so a traditional cafe is never hard to find.
Day 3 - Bratislava - SlovakiaArrow up click to collapse dayArrow Up - Click to expand day
Bratislava is the capital city of Slovakia and is located along the Danube a river on the borders of Austria and Hungary. The city is surrounded by the Little Carpathians Mountains and vineyards as well as its iconic reconstructed Bratislava Castle overlooking Old Town. The castle offers a picturesque view of the city, the neighbouring countries and is home to the Museum of History. Bratislava offers a blend of historic and modern attractions including the Old Town Hall, now home to the Bratislava City Museum, the UFO Bridge, Martin’s Cathedral, Michael’s Gate and Blue Church St Elizabeth’s. Bratislava is home to one of the oldest city parks in Central Europe and is popular with walkers, runners and cyclists as is the city forest park and foothills of the Carpathian Mountains. The city is popular for its locally brewed beers and has many micro-breweries and underground beer cellars. The local cuisine of Bratislava is an eclectic influence of European cultures including Slovak, Hungarian, Austrian and German and serves as a reminder of the history of this cosmopolitan city. However, visitors will find an array of offerings to suit all tastes with lunch being the main meal of the day and roast goose with lokse considered a signature dish of the area.
Day 4 - Vienna - AustriaArrow up click to collapse dayArrow Up - Click to expand day
Vienna is the capital and largest city of Austria. Located on the Danube River in the East of the country, the city is renowned for its strong music heritage and rich culture, and is the largest German speaking city in the world, outside of Berlin. In 2001, Vienna was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site and boasts magnificent architecture. The city is home to over 27 castles and 150 palaces including the symbolic Gothic St Stephen’s Cathedral and the iconic Schönbrunn Palace. Art and music are in abundance and all tastes are catered for. Live music venues offer everything from Rock to Opera. Enjoy world class performances at Vienna State Opera and experience the epicentre of international concert life at Musikverein. Modern and historical art can be found in indoor and outdoor spaces around the city, and a visit to the famous Kunsthistorisches Museum (KHM) is highly recommended. Enjoy views of the city from the Danube Tower and the Giant Ferris Wheel, then relax in the ample cosy coffee houses, cafes, bars and restaurants where traditional and international cuisines are served, as well as the locally produced wines.
Day 5 - Dürnstein - AustriaArrow up click to collapse dayArrow Up - Click to expand day
Dürnstein is a town located in the Northeast of Austria, situated on the Danube river. It is part of the UNESCO World Heritage site and wine region of Wachauer. It is a popular destination for wine lovers as many wineries offer accommodation. In addition to wine tasting and vineyard tours, visitors will find exploring the area on foot is easy and enjoyable. Take one of the many beautiful hiking trails across ancient rocks and admire the impressive views across the Danube valley. Children will enjoy exploring the outdoors of Dürnstein too, with outdoor playgrounds and theme trails available to keep them entertained. In addition, children and adults will enjoy Austria’s only outdoor biological swimming pool, Kuenringerbad, with an average temperature of 23 degrees celsius. Enjoy views of the town from overhead helicopter tours, leisurely river excursions, or hike up into the mountains and explore some of Dürnstein’s ruins. The mountains offer the ruins of Dürnstein castle and city wall as well as beautiful flora and fauna to spot.
Day 6 - Linz - AustriaArrow up click to collapse dayArrow Up - Click to expand day
Linz is a city in northern Austria located on both banks of the Danube River and is a short distance from Salzburg and Vienna. Linz has been awarded UNESCO City of Media Arts status and prides itself on offering a broad spectrum of events, activities and cultural institutions. Enjoy popular open air concert such as Klassik am Dom and extravagant street performances, which attract large crowds and popular international artists. Art galleries and centres are in abundance around the city as well as many museums housing international collections and depictions of the history and heritage of Linz. The architecture of the city also plays an important role in Linz’s cultural heritage with Main Square, Old Town and Mariendom Cathedral being some key attractions. Families will enjoy a trip to Postlingberg, located high up in the mountains and featuring a zoo, the Grottenbahn and spectacular views of the river and city below.
Cruise MapArrow up click to collapse dayArrow Up - Click to expand day

Dining Options

Enjoy exceptional onboard cuisine, including Avalon Fresh menu options, premium coffee and spirits, and versatile FlexDining® venues, including the casual Panorama Bistro, al fresco Sky Grill, or elegant glass-walled Dining Room. 

  • Avalon Fresh® healthy cuisine options at every meal

  • Specialty coffees, espresso drinks and beWell Essence flavored and infused water available throughout each day
  • Welcome & farewell cocktails with sparkling wine & canapés
  • Spacious, open-seating Panorama Dining Room
  • Daily a la carte breakfast with full range of classic breakfast items, healthy Avalon Fresh® options and daily specials
  • Daily lunch buffet featuring regional specialties, classic dishes, healthy Avalon Fresh® options and rotating chef’s features including carving & pasta stations. Alternatively, you may dine al fresco at our Sky Grill on the Sky Deck (weather and itinerary permitting) or enjoy a light lunch in the Panorama Lounge.
  • Al fresco lunch in the Sky Grill
  • Cocktails with a view on the Sky Deck
  • Healthy Corner options including low calorie, low fat, high fiber, low cholesterol, and high energy choices
  • Vegetarian options at every meal, as well as vegan and allergy-free selections
  • Afternoon Tea featuring tea, coffee, and sweet treats
  • Happy Hour every evening including featured drink specials
  • Seasonal cuisine featuring the freshest local ingredients
  • Chef-prepared onboard meals with regional cuisine and familiar favorites
  • Four-course dinners with choice of appetizers, soups, salads, entrées and desserts or cheese
  • Complimentary wine, beer, or soft drinks with lunch and dinner
  • Complimentary room service for Continental breakfast
  • Panorama Lounge & Bar with premium spirits, cozy seating, panoramic windows & dance floor
  • Casual dinner in the Panorama Bistro
  • Avalon FlexDining® flexible dining times with menu & venue options 

Entertainment

Please note: There are no children's facilities on board.


Enrichments

Accommodation and Deck plan

Passengers can choose from two full decks of award-winning Panorama Suites, featuring wall-to-wall and floor-to-ceiling Panoramic Windows that transform your living space into a unique Open-Air Balcony. The 200-sq ft Panorama Suites∘ are more than 30% larger than the industry standard, with beds turned to face the views. 

From
From €1,299pp
Room Features:Comfort Collection BedsLuxurious mattress toppersEgyptian super-combed cotton linensEuropean-style duvetsSoft & firm pillowsExtra blanketsChoice of bed configurationNightly turn-down serviceBedside...
Room Features:

  • Comfort Collection Beds
  • Luxurious mattress toppers
  • Egyptian super-combed cotton linens
  • European-style duvets
  • Soft & firm pillows
  • Extra blankets
  • Choice of bed configuration
  • Nightly turn-down service
  • Bedside tables with reading lamps
  • Hairdryer
  • L'Occitane bath products
  • Spacious 3-door closets with shelves for ample storage
  • Easy under-bed luggage storage
  • Flatscreen satellite TV with English-speaking channels & over 100 free movie options
  • Alarm clock
  • Make-up mirror
  • Direct-dial telephone
  • Bathrobes & slippers
  • Well-stocked minibar
  • Complimentary water
  • In-room safe
  • Individual climate control
  • Elegant, contemporary design
  • Large mirror in bathroom
  • Marble countertops in bathroom
  • Wall-to-Wall Panoramic Window with Open-Air Balcony
  • 6-person sitting area
  • Full shower with glass door
  • Writing desk and chair
  • Vanity and lighted makeup mirror
  • Sofa
  • Coffee table
  • Complimentary Wi-Fi
  • One Queen-Sized Bed or Two Twins
  • USB Ports

Facilities
Queen or Twin Configuration,Lounge Area,Vanity Area,Shower,Toiletries Provided,Room Service Available,Suite Benefits,Paid Mini Bar,TV,Free Wi-Fi,Safe,Hair Dryer,Telephone,Desk
Speak directly to a Cruise expert%SALESTELEPHONENUMBER%
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From
From €999pp
Room Features: Comfort Collection BedsLuxurious mattress toppersEgyptian super-combed cotton linensEuropean-style duvetsSoft & firm pillowsExtra blanketsChoice of bed configurationNightly turn-down serviceBedside...
Room Features:

  • Comfort Collection Beds
  • Luxurious mattress toppers
  • Egyptian super-combed cotton linens
  • European-style duvets
  • Soft & firm pillows
  • Extra blankets
  • Choice of bed configuration
  • Nightly turn-down service
  • Bedside tables with reading lamps
  • Hairdryer
  • L'Occitane bath products
  • Spacious 3-door closets with shelves for ample storage
  • Easy under-bed luggage storage
  • Flatscreen satellite TV with English-speaking channels & over 100 free movie options
  • Alarm clock
  • Direct-dial telephone
  • Bathrobes & slippers
  • Well-stocked minibar
  • Complimentary water
  • In-room safe
  • Individual climate control
  • Elegant, contemporary design
  • Large mirror in bathroom
  • Two windows
  • Full shower with glass door
  • Writing desk and chair
  • Vanity and lighted makeup mirror
  • Complimentary Wi-Fi
  • One Queen-Sized Bed or Two Twins
  • USB Ports

Facilities
Queen or Twin Configuration,Vanity Area,Shower,Toiletries Provided,Room Service Available,Paid Mini Bar,TV,Free Wi-Fi,Safe,Hair Dryer,Telephone,Desk
Speak directly to a Cruise expert%SALESTELEPHONENUMBER%
Get a Quote
See More
From
From €4,070pp
Room features:Comfort Collection BedsLuxurious mattress toppersEgyptian super-combed cotton linensEuropean-style duvetsSoft & firm pillowsExtra blanketsChoice of bed configurationNightly turn-down serviceBedside...

Room features:

  • Comfort Collection Beds
  • Luxurious mattress toppers
  • Egyptian super-combed cotton linens
  • European-style duvets
  • Soft & firm pillows
  • Extra blankets
  • Choice of bed configuration
  • Nightly turn-down service
  • Bedside tables with reading lamps
  • Hairdryer
  • L'Occitane bath products
  • Spacious 3-door closets with shelves for ample storage
  • Easy under-bed luggage storage
  • Flatscreen satellite TV with English-speaking channels & over 100 free movie options
  • Alarm clock
  • Make-up mirror
  • Direct-dial telephone
  • Bathrobes & slippers
  • Well-stocked minibar
  • Complimentary water
  • In-room safe
  • Individual climate control
  • Elegant, contemporary design
  • Large mirror in bathroom
  • Marble countertops in bathroom
  • Wall-to-Wall Panoramic Window with Open-Air Balcony
  • 6-person sitting area
  • Full shower with glass door
  • Writing desk and chair
  • Vanity and lighted makeup mirror
  • Sofa
  • Coffee table
  • Double sinks
  • Complimentary Wi-Fi
  • USB Ports
  • One King-Sized Bed or Two Twins

Facilities
King or Twin Configuration,Lounge Area,Vanity Area,Shower,Toiletries Provided,Room Service Available,Suite Benefits,Paid Mini Bar,TV,Free Wi-Fi,Safe,Hair Dryer,Telephone,Desk
Speak directly to a Cruise expert%SALESTELEPHONENUMBER%
Get a Quote
See More
Deck plan:

Other Information

Avalon Waterways® Lighthouse ProjectArrow up click to collapse dayArrow Up - Click to expand day

From our inception, Avalon Waterways has cast a light on the world’s most fascinating places and people – inviting wayfarers and wanderers like you to bask in their glory, intrigue and wonder. Along the way, we’ve helped travellers uncover ancient traditions while meeting the locals dedicated to preserving them; to meander historic hallways while giving back to the societies that safeguard them; and to put down the guidebooks and pick up a greater understanding of the world and its people.

Immersed in enlightening experiences, we naturally gain a deeper appreciation – one that leads to greater compassion, consideration and curiosity as we ask ourselves, what else can we do to protect our planet, preserve our sacred places and help humankind?

Enter the Avalon Waterways® Lighthouse Project – an illuminating initiative where we can all come together to tread lightly and give generously for the globe’s greater good. Avalon, along with sister companies Globus, Cosmos and Monograms, invite our travellers and partners to help us in supporting causes that provide for a more sustainable planet and a brighter tomorrow.

Keeping the blue planet green.

We love caring for the world just as much as we love sharing it with you! By booking an Avalon river cruise, you’re helping us do just that! When you book a cruise with Avalon Waterways, we contribute to environmental organisations that work to improve the health of our planet. Cruise easy knowing we’ve made a donation to The Ocean CleanUp and Trees4Travel—two leading champions of cleaner water and air. And on behalf of every guest, Avalon purchases trees via Trees4Travel to offset your cruise’s carbon emissions, ensuring together that we’re keeping our promise to Mother Earth to be the most sustainable cruise option available. Enjoy the anticipation and excitement of your upcoming adventure as you review your travel documents, while making a difference in the world we discover together. You can also make an additional donation of your own to Trees4Travel or The Ocean Cleanup to help make the world even greener!

A cleaner planet is the best reward.

Avalon Waterways has been honoured by Europe’s Green Award—recognised for our Suite ShipSM; fleet's high safety and environmental standards. This prestigious award is given to river cruise ships based on the environmental impact of engines, fuel consumption, waste and maintenance, pollution prevention, and more.

The planet-focused initiatives we support include:

  • The Ocean Cleanup
  • Trees4Travel
  • Wildland Firefighter Association
  • Vital Ground Foundation – Grizzly Bear Recovery*
  • Wildlife Conservation Network, Lion Recovery Fund
  • South African Parks Honorary Rangers

*visited on trip

Additionally, we shine a light on the following organizations through a combination of vacation visits and donations:

  • Monkey Rehabilitation Center, Brazil
  • Sheldrick Wildlife Trust Baby Elephant & Rhino Rescue, Kenya
  • Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding, China
  • National Kiwi Conservation Project, New Zealand
  • Australia Zoo Wildlife Hospital, Australia
  • The Kangaroo Sanctuary, Australia 

Helping the communities of the world shine.

It’s not just the splendid landscapes and landmarks that make travel so rewarding – it’s the unique people we meet along the way and the cultures they hold dear. We are dedicated to protecting, respecting and supporting the extraordinary communities of the world as well as improving the individual lives within them. The measure of the Lighthouse Project’s success? – The megawatt smiles we see along the way.

The people-focused organisations we support include:

  • Landmine Design
  • UNICEF
  • Rural Aid

Additionally, we shine a light on the following organisations through a combination of vacation visits and donations:

  • Local orphanage, Cambodia
  • Mother Theresa’s Missionaries of Charity
  • KOTO Hospitality Training Center, Vietnam
  • Local school English class, Cambodia
  • Local school, Tanzania
  • Indigenous Amazon communities (via lodge stays), Ecuador and Peru
  • Home visits, Peru

REFLECTING ON THE PAST; BRIGHTENING THE FUTURE.

The parks, palaces, museums and monuments we enjoy today are the result of previous generations passionately committed to preservation. By way of the Lighthouse Project, we aim to pay it forward – staying light years ahead of preservation – so that future generations can enjoy the same glorious places to relax, renew and reflect.

While every one of our destinations is precious to us, here are some of the sights and attractions we have supported – many of which we also visit on trip:

  • National Civil Rights Museum, Tennessee*
  • Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming, Montana, Idaho*
  • Yosemite National Park, Nevada, California*
  • Squamish Lil’Wat Centre, British Columbia*
  • USS Arizona Memorial, Hawaii*
  • World War II Memorial Museum, Louisiana
  • Indian Pueblo Cultural Center, New Mexico*
  • Alaska Native American Heritage Center, Alaska*
  • Head-Smashed-In Buffalo Jump World Heritage Site, Alberta*
  • Museum of the Cherokee Indian, North Carolina*

Additionally, Avalon Waterways’ team members take pride in being active participants in the travel community, spearheading and participating in dozens of volunteer programs and events.

*Visit on trip

TODAY, AVALON HAS:

  • Eliminated single-use plastics onboard our ships and at operations offices, worldwide
  • Reduced paper waste by 80% onboard by favoring digital communications
  • Invested in local farmers to secure locally produced foods, reducing food miles while supporting local economies
  • Installed LED lighting throughout ships, fleet-wide
  • Worked with dozens of ports to use shore energy while docked
  • Committed to using shore power while docked wherever it is available, allowing us to turn off engines and reduce emissions
  • Signed an agreement with the river cruise trade union providing heightened employment standards and protection of our crew. No other river cruise line has made this commitment to their team.

TOMORROW, AVALON PLEDGES TO:

  • Pilot a program to use bio-fuel, aiming to reduce total carbon emissions by 50%
  • Utilize electric bow thrusters to further reduce emissions
  • Reduce paper waste further – to less than 1%
  • Partner with more destinations to generate sustainable electricity, while docked
  • Invest more in our partners at The Ocean Cleanup in their mission to succeed at the world’s largest cleanup project: Removing 90% of ocean plastic pollution and ridding the world’s waters of plastic
  • Unveil the first, fully electric river cruise vessel by 2027
LaundryArrow up click to collapse dayArrow Up - Click to expand day
Laundry service is available on board for a modest fee. Check the price list in your stateroom. Clothes cannot be dry cleaned on board. For safety reasons, we ask that passengers do not iron their clothes in the staterooms as this is a safety hazard. Onboard laundry service will press your clothes for a fee. Laundry service is not available in the Galápagos.
Internet ConnectionArrow up click to collapse dayArrow Up - Click to expand day

All Avalon ships in Europe have complimentary Wi-Fi available. On the Mekong and Ganges, complimentary Wi-Fi access is available in the Panorama Lounge. The signal is not always reliable, as you will be cruising through remote areas. To access the ship's Wi-Fi Internet network, you will be given a PIN number at reception to use on your laptop, tablet, or mobile device. Wi-Fi is not available in the Amazon or Galápagos.

Medical ServicesArrow up click to collapse dayArrow Up - Click to expand day
Due to the proximity to land, onshore medical services can be called rapidly. On Amazon and Galápagos ships, first-aid-trained staff is available.
Dress CodeArrow up click to collapse dayArrow Up - Click to expand day

Your comfort is our first concern. Onboard and onshore dress codes are casual. Please bring comfortable walking shoes for sightseeing. Dinner attire is casual—open-neck shirts and slacks for men; slacks, skirts, or dresses for ladies. Coats and ties may be worn if preferred. The Welcome and Farewell Dinners in Europe are dressy, but not formal. On the Mekong, Ganges, Amazon, and Galápagos, dress attire, including coats and ties, is not recommended due to the warm, humid climate.

Age RestrictionsArrow up click to collapse dayArrow Up - Click to expand day

In our many years of cruising experience, we have found that children under the age of eight typically are too young to fully enjoy a cruise vacation. Because of this and for the safety and enjoyment of all passengers, we do not accept children under eight years of age. In addition, please note that there are no special arrangements or activities for children on our ships.

Smoking PolicyArrow up click to collapse dayArrow Up - Click to expand day

All ships have non-smoking interiors. Smoking is permitted only in a designated outdoor area of each ship.

Accessibility Arrow up click to collapse dayArrow Up - Click to expand day
Avalon Waterways makes reasonable attempts to accommodate the special needs of disabled and mobility impaired travellers but is not responsible in the event it is unable to do so. Because we cannot provide individual assistance to travellers in many situations, and most of our transportation services are not equipped with wheelchair ramps, we recommend that you view our terms and conditions for details and contact us to learn more.
Special Dietary RequirementsArrow up click to collapse dayArrow Up - Click to expand day

We know that some travelers may have specific dietary requests. Unfortunately, dietary requirements cannot be guaranteed on our vacations. We make our best effort to accommodate your requests, but our vessels, as well as hotels and restaurants, may not be able to manage specific diet requirements. Dietary requirements should be advised at time of booking and we ask that you also discuss these with your Hotel Manager upon embarkation.

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Your Cruise Summary
Avalon Envision – Avalon Waterways
1 January 1970 – Nights