The Blue Danube Discovery from Budapest to Prague 2012: Tranquility
13 days from Budapest to Prague or 14 days incl. travel (WBN)
The delightful Danube sets the stage for this incredible journey as you sail through beautiful scenery and quaint towns. Begin in Budapest, Hungary, with two overnights, guided sightseeing, and a visit to imposing Fishermen's Bastion. Enjoy Hungarian cuisine, explore its famous produce market-Central Market Hall, wander around the former Royal Palace grounds, explore its famous churches, or visit one of the many museums. Then, board your river cruise vessel and sail westward, with guided sightseeing in magical Vienna, Passau, and medieval Regensburg. Also take a guided walk in the charming town of Durnstein and see the baroque Stiftskirche; visit the awe-inspiring Benedictine Abbey in Melk and marvel at its beauty. Enjoy a wine tasting in Melk and a beer tasting in fascinating Nuremberg. Disembark your ship and travel to the "Golden City" of Prague for a final three overnights, guided sightseeing, and plenty of free time to discover the Hradcany Castle grounds, wander through Prague's Jewish Quarter, shop for hand-cut crystal, savor authentic Czech dumplings, stand in the square where protestors demonstrated against Communism, or visit one of the many churches. All of this and more awaits you on this marvelous vacation!
Highlights & Sightseeing
CRUISE:
Deluxe 7-night cruise from Budapest to Nuremberg in an outside stateroom with hotel-style beds
BUDAPEST:
Guided sightseeing, visit Fishermen's Bastion; welcome reception
VIENNA:
Guided sightseeing
DURNSTEIN:
Guided walk, see the Stiftskirche
MELK:
Guided visit of the Benedictine Abbey; wine tasting
PASSAU:
Guided sightseeing
REGENSBURG:
Guided sightseeing
MAIN DANUBE CANAL:
Cruise in the canal
NUREMBERG:
Guided sightseeing; beer tasting
PRAGUE:
Guided sightseeing, see the Astronomical Clock and visit Hradcany Castle grounds
Meals
Full buffet breakfast in Budapest and Prague; superb dining with all meals on board daily featuring full breakfast, lunch, and dinner, including a welcome reception, Captain's reception and farewell dinner; quality wines from Europe's most famous wine regions with every dinner; one sitting with open seating arrangements
Hotels
BUDAPEST InterContinental (SF), PRAGUE Hilton (SF) or InterContinental (D)
Notes:
It's about you. You are the reason we've used our 80-plus years of travel expertise to design the very best river cruise experience. Inspired by you, we've taken everything special about river cruising and made it even better. Here are some of the features and amenities you'll experience on board our Avalon ships.
Day 1 Arrive in Budapest, Hungary
Welcome to Budapest, Hungary's lively capital. The remainder of the day is free to start exploring Eastern Europe's most cosmopolitan metropolis.
Day 2 Budapest
Budapest straddles both banks of the Danube, with seven bridges, including the famous Chain and Elisabeth Bridges, connecting ancient Buda on the right bank with Pest on the left. The massive hilltop castle complex with FISHERMEN'S BASTION and the Matthias Church is among the many sights your Local Guide will show you. Shop for renowned peasant embroidery, Herend porcelain, and paprika. (Breakfast)
Day 3 Budapest (Embarkation)
This afternoon, board your river cruise vessel and meet your crew at a welcome reception. (Breakfast, Dinner)
Day 4 Budapest-Vienna, Austria
A day to relax on board and marvel at the beautiful scenery on both banks of the Danube. Hungary is on your left as you cruise upriver and Slovakia is on your right. The two countries share the Danube for a 58-mile stretch, with the border in the middle of the river. Vienna, Austria's capital, is known as the "City of Music" and inspired the creative genius of Mozart, Beethoven, and Strauss. (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)
Day 5 Vienna
Once the center of the mighty Habsburg Empire, Vienna has much to offer: lavish Hofburg Palace, the impressive Vienna Opera House, the majestic Ring Boulevard, and awe-inspiring St. Stephen's Cathedral, to name just a few of the sights you will enjoy during your city tour. You do not rush through Vienna-you waltz, taking your time to savor each classic sight and sound. Shop in the Karntnerstrasse and enjoy Sachertorte or Apfelstrudel in a neighborhood cafe. An optional concert is available during your stay. (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)
Day 6 Durnstein-Melk
Durnstein, known for the magnificent baroque Stiftskirche with its blue facade, is situated right in the heart of the Wachau wine region. Above town are the ruins of the castle where England's King Richard the Lionheart was imprisoned in 1192. This afternoon: Melk, whose magnificent BENEDICTINE ABBEY dominates the town from its commanding hill site and is one of Europe's largest monasteries. The view you have from the terrace over the Danube and surrounding countryside is breathtaking! This evening you'll be able to sample some of the Wachau Valley's FAMOUS WINES. (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)
Day 7 Linz-Passau, Germany
Linz, Austria's third-largest city, lies on both banks of the Danube and is an important industrial town and busy river port. An optional full-day excursion to Salzburg takes in the popular Sound of Music sights. Passau, ideally located at the confluence of the Rivers Inn, Ilz, and Danube, is a city of graceful arcades and cobblestone streets. St. Stephen's Cathedral houses the world's largest church organ with more than 17,000 pipes. (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)
Day 8 Regensburg
Regensburg is one of Germany's best preserved medieval cities. Architectural highlights on your guided tour include the Old Town Hall and Porta Pretoria-gates to an ancient Roman fort built in 179 AD. The city is the capital of Upper Palatinate, a bustling university town, and one of Bavaria's cultural centers. It is here you will find Germany's oldest restaurant, the 12th-century Historische Wurstkuche (Old Sausage Kitchen). (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)
Day 9 Nuremberg
Although Nuremberg suffered extensive damage during WWII, much of it was restored to its original style. Marvel at this historic city with its fabulous gothic churches and elegant patrician houses-all explained by a local expert. Nuremberg's traditions include famous Lebkuchen, toy making, and metal working. After dinner we'll introduce you to some of Germany's FAMOUS BEERS. (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)
Day 10 Nuremberg (Disembarkation)-Prague, Czech Republic
Cross the Czech border in the Bohemian Forest and head for Prague, the "Golden City." (Breakfast)
Day 11 Prague
Prague is a 1,000-year-old city preserved in time. See its best-known treasures such as the Old Town's Astronomical Clock, once the envy of all of Europe; HRADCANY CASTLE GROUNDS, St. Vitus Cathedral, and the Charles Bridge. Browse the shops for hand-cut crystal or art books. Mix with the locals in Wenceslaus Square or stroll along the Vltava River. (Breakfast)
Day 12 Prague
A free day for you to explore the city at your own pace. Your Cruise Director will have other suggestions for things to do. (Breakfast)
Day 13 Prague
Your vacation ends with breakfast this morning. (Breakfast)
Details
- Cruise Line
- Avalon Waterways
- Offer
- Offer valid through 3/31/2012
- Duration
- 13 Days
- Cruise Ship
- Tranquility
Click for more information on this ship.
| Day | Port | Arrive | Depart |
| Day 1 | Budapest | ||
| Day 2 | Budapest | ||
| Day 3 | Budapest | ||
| Day 4 | Vienna | ||
| Day 5 | Vienna | ||
| Day 6 | Melk | ||
| Day 7 | Passau | ||
| Day 8 | Regensburg | ||
| Day 9 | Nuremberg | ||
| Day 10 | Prague | ||
| Day 11 | Prague | ||
| Day 12 | Prague | ||
| Day 13 | Prague |
- Dates/Pricing
- Disclaimer
Prices shown are "starting at" prices and do not include airfare.
Port charges:
$105
Please call for single accommodation price. Triples not available.
Extra nights per person in Budapest:
Departures April 15 - June 28 & September 6 - October 28: in single room $248, in twin room $137
Departures July 5 - July 22 & August 5 - August 30: in single room $200, in twin room $110
Departure July 25: in single room $510, in twin room $255
Extra nights per person in Prague:
Departures April 15 - June 28 & September 6 - October 28: in single room $288, in twin room $158
Departures July 5 - August 30: in single room $210, in twin room $118
Prices shown above include cruise in Category E in a deluxe outside stateroom on Indigo Deck.
To upgrade to a higher category, add per person:
Luminary/Tranquility/Imagery
Category / Decks / Price
B / Sapphire Deck / $549
A / Sapphire Deck / $599
P / Royal Deck / $699
Suite / Royal Deck / $1,299
Vista
Category / Decks / Price
D / Indigo Deck / $149
B / Sapphire Deck / $699
A / Sapphire Deck / $749
P / Royal Deck / $849
Royal Suite / Royal Deck / $1,699US$ Price Details
Applicable taxes and fees (Land-Only or Cruise-Only Vacation)
Our Volume Buying Power Saves You Money!
-We may be able to provide you with flight arrangements from your gateway city.
-Additional accommodations before or after your vacation may be available at our low prices.
Additional Information:
-Departure/arrival taxes and fares from other cities will be advised at the time of booking.
-Vacation departures, itineraries and prices are subject to change.
Guaranteed air-inclusive prices:
Air is only available to passengers traveling from the United States and only available when booked in conjunction with a land vacation. An additional $250 non-refundable deposit is required for air booked in conjunction with any land vacation (i.e., air-inclusive vacation.) However, once your airfare is confirmed and Avalon Waterways has received your full air and land deposit, your air-inclusive vacation price is guaranteed.
We also accept your reservation on a land-only basis:
While booking your vacation air-inclusive gives you various advantages, you can also choose the land-only option. But remember, airlines' special fares generally apply to very brief periods. (Our low air-inclusive fares apply throughout the year.) Plus, to get these "deals" you often are required to pay full fare at the time of booking.
Taxes & fees
Taxes and fees are subject to change and are not guaranteed until full land and air deposit are received.Applicable Taxes and Fees (Airfare & Charges Not Included in the Price)
Air-Inclusive Vacations
Air-inclusive prices provided online include a September 11th fee up to $10, passenger facility charges of up to $18, Federal domestic flight segment fees of up to $3.50 per segment and U.S. and International arrival and departure and other government imposed fees between $200-$375 depending on your itinerary. The total airfare price, the base airfare price, and the applicable government taxes and fees are broken-out line-by-line and shown while booking online and on the invoice after your travel is booked.
Not Included In Your Vacation Price (Air-Inclusive, Land-Only or Cruise-Only)
Federal inspection fees for the Federal U.S. Customs and Immigrations; International Air Transportation tax; agricultural tax; other per person taxes imposed by government entities: port taxes; passports; visas and vaccinations; tips to your Tour or Cruise Director, Local Host, driver, Local Guides, and/or ships' crew; gratuities on ferries, trains, and cruise ships; laundry; telephone; minibar; alcohol, beverages, and food outside of the contracted menu as presented at a hotel or restaurant (these extra items will be billed to you before leaving the hotel, ship, or restaurant); additional excursions and activities not listed as "included" in the itinerary; airport transfers on non-qualifying flights; porterage at airports and train stations; Travel Protection premiums; excess baggage fees; and all other items of a personal nature.
Cruises
The Blue Danube Discovery from Budapest to Prague 2012: Tranquility
From $3,529.00 (USD)
Destination: Europe
The delightful Danube sets the stage for this incredible journey as you sail through beautiful scenery and quaint towns. Begin in Budapest, Hungary, with two overnights, guided sightseeing, and a visit to imposing Fishermen's Bastion.
