Embark on an extraordinary nine-day river cruise journey from Munich to Budapest. This meticulously crafted adventure showcases the stunning landscapes, rich history, and cultural treasures of Central Europe. Travel through the heart of Bavaria, Austria, Slovakia, and Hungary, with a perfect blend of guided excursions, historical explorations, and personal discovery.
| Itinerary Overview |
| Day 1: Exploring Munich |
| Day 2: Munich |
| Day 3: Munich – Vilshofen (Embarkation) |
| Day 4: Cruise into Linz, Austria |
| Day 5: Ybbs – Wachau Valley – Krems |
| Day 6: Vienna |
| Day 7: Bratislava, Slovakia |
| Day 8: Budapest, Hungary |
| Day 9: Budapest, Hungary |
Day 1: Exploring Munich
Arrive in Munich and spend your day as you choose. Stroll down the picturesque streets, explore the city museums, or just relax in your hotel.
Your hotel will be the beautiful Sofitel Munich.
Day 2: Munich
Today you’ll have a guided excursion through the beautiful garden landscapes of the Bavarian Alps. Visit the awe-inspiring Neuschwanstein Castle, the historic home of the extravagant King Ludwig.
Day 3: Munich – Vilshofen (Embarkation)
Spend the morning of your third day in Munich enjoying a guided city tour. Your tour guide will show you all the highlights of this historical city.
During your tour, you’ll have time to stop and marvel at the city center of the Old and New Town Halls of Marienplatz.
One of the amazing stops along the way will be to one of the residences of Bavarian Monarchs; Nymphenburg Palace, an impressive example of royal splendor that domineered Munich for many centuries.
In the afternoon you will travel to Vilshofen to board your Avalon Suite Ship to begin your river tour with a breathtaking evening cruise into Linz, Austria.
Day 4: Cruise in to Linz, Austria
On day 4 of your trip you will go to the adventure center and spend the day with your adventure host exploring all that the lovely, legendary city of Linz has to offer.
You will also have a choice between:
- An active excursion involving a hike up Mount Pöstlingberg to get a gorgeous view of all Linz and the surrounding area.
- A classic excursion that includes a visit to an antiquated 9th-century monastery, the St. Florian which is also the largest monastery in upper Austria and the home to the Augustine monks.
Or choose to take a guided walk through the city’s historic and beautiful sites along the shores of the Danube. Some of the sites include seeing the Hauptplatz, Austria’s largest medieval square and the towering white marble Trinity Column.
During your free time yu will also have the option to join an excursion to the Mauthausen Memorial.
While you rest and reflect upon your adventurous excursions of the day, your ship will continue on its path, sailing to Ybbs – Wachau Valley – Krems.
Day 5: Ybbs – Wachau Valley – Krems
On day 5 you will dock in the beautiful Wachau and explore this ancient village and all it has to offer.
While here you will have the option to choose between:
- An active excursion where you bike your way around and explore Ybbs with your adventure host.
- A classic excursion where you visit the Lower Austrian little town of Ybbs where you can walk through the doors of Austrian history with your guide and visit the final resting place of Archduke Franz Ferdinand of Austria and his wife Sophie, Duchess of Hohenberg at Artstetten Castle.
From there you will board the ship once more in the afternoon and enjoy the picturesque scenery of the Wachau Valley as you sail on to Krems.
Once you arrive in Krems you will have the choice between the following excursions:
- Active where you bike around the Wachau Valley with your adventure host.
- Discovery that includes wine tasting where you join an interactive Wine World Experience
- Classic where you will enjoy a guided walking tour, exploring this small valley town that is seemingly untouched by the modern world.
As you sail off to Vienna in the evening you will enjoy live entertainment on board.
Day 6: Vienna
Once you sail into Vienna, you will have several exciting excursion options to choose from:
- An active biking excursion where you explore Vienna’s Danube Island.
- A classic excursion where you take a short walk around Vienna and join a guided visit to the legendary Kunsthistorisches Museum (Museum of Fine Arts), which is Austria’s largest museum.
- This is a different classic excursion. On it, you will explore the Habsburg Empire with a guided tour of all of Vienna’s gilded landmarks. Some of these include the Imperial Palace complex (the winter residence of the Imperial Family), the iconic Vienna Opera House, and the stunning St. Stephen’s Cathedral.
You will also have several optional tours availble, one of which is a guided tour of the magnificent Schönbrunn Palace, the former Imperial summer residence of Habsburg royalty.
You may also choose to spend your time strolling Austria’s famed Kärtnerstrasse and stop into a local cafe for a delicious Sachertorte or Apfelstrudel.
Finally, you may choose to attend a Royal Waltz Concert for an unforgettable evening of music in an elegant hall.
Sleep the night away as you sail out of Vienna and into Bratislava, Slovakia.
Day 7: Bratislava, Slovakia
During your stay in Bratislava, you will have a choice of the following excursions:
- Active excursion where you follow your adventure host on a short hike to the massive Bratislava Castle. Eleven kings and eight queens were crowned throughout history.
- Classic excursion where you will take a guided tour through the quaint streets of Old Town, Town Hall and the royal coronation site of St. Martin’s Cathedral.
In the afternoon and into the evening, you’ll continue your journey along the Danube to your final destination, Budapest, Hungary.
Day 8: Budapest, Hungary
Upon arrival at your final destination, enchanting Budapest, you will take a guided sightseeing tour to the majestic Heroes’ Square and several more of Budapest’s classic tour sites.
Day 9: Budapest, Hungary
Your final day in Budapest will start and end with breakfast. Then, you’ll be on your way home with all the memories of your incredible river cruise from Munich to Budapest.
If you would like to extend your stay in Budapest, we have some hotel suggestions.
Budapest Marriott Hotel
Apaczai Csere Janos utca 4, Budapest, Hungary 1052
Check In: 4:00 PM
Check Out: 11:00 AM
Elegant riverfront hotel with traditional touches, on Pest side of teh Danube, between Chain Bridge & Elizabeth Bridge
Hilton Budapest
Hess Andras ter 1-3, Budapest, Hungary 1014
Check In: 3:00 PM
Check Out: 11:00 AM
Handsome hotel incorporating facade of a 16th-century Jesuit college and parts of a 13th-century monastery.
InterContinental Budapest
Apaczai Csere Janos utca 12-14, Budapest, Hungary 1052
Check In: 3:00 PM
Check Out: 12:00 PM
Contemporary 8-story hotel located on the West side of Chain Bridge overlooking the Danube, 5k from train station.
If you’re ready to start planning your trip along the Danube from Munich to Budapest, contact us today.