Compare Explore Central Europe by G Adventures vs Active & Discovery on the Danube with 1 Night in Budapest & 2 Nights in Prague (Westbound) by Avalon Waterways
Compare details and see what other travelers are saying.
| Trip |
5 | Excellent
|
Active & Discovery on the Danube with 1 Night in Budapest & 2 Nights in Prague (Westbound)
by
Avalon Waterways
5 | Excellent
|
| Duration | 9 days | 11 days |
| Price From | $ 2,549 | $ 4,797 |
| Price Per Day | $ 283 | $ 436 |
| Highlights |
|
|
| Trip Style | Small group tour | River cruise |
| Lodging Level | Premium | Standard |
| Physical Level |
|
|
| Travel Themes |
|
|
| Countries Visited | ||
| Cities and Attractions |
|
|
| Flights & Transport | Ground transport included | No |
| Activities |
|
|
| Meals Included | 8 breakfasts | N/A |
| Description |
Delve into the cultural wonders of Central Europe on a survey of its most celebrated landmarks, from Germany’s iconic Brandenburg Gate to Czechia’s centuries-old Charles Bridge. Step into the past in Berlin, Vienna, Prague, Budapest, and the Bohemian countryside, exploring ancient castles and historic districts alongside local historians. Taste culinary specialties, discover contemporary art, and experience the ever-evolving vibrancy of these storied places. |
Why dip your toes in the Danube when you can explore and adore its landmarks, legends, customs and cuisine in the most interactive ways? Avalon’s Active & Discovery cruises on the Danube invite dreamers and doers to activate their curiosities. To look closer, dive deeper, and forage further into the hamlets and hills of Germany, Austria, and Hungary. Uncover ancient traditions and local flavors in immersive ways. Enjoy leisurely sightseeing or on-your-own discoveries. Whether you walk through winding alleyways, hike to a castle, bike to a palace or row to your own sanctuary of scenery, our diverse offering of Classic, Discovery and Active excursions along the Danube redefines the rules of engagement. Move.Enjoy a little get-up-and-go on your cruising vacation when you:•Sink your teeth into Count Dracula’s Visegrád prison tower on a hike to new heights.•Paddle a canoe on an excursion through the picturesque Bend region.•Pedal along the picture-perfect postcard views of the Wachau Valley. And be moved.Get off the beaten path and relish the world when you:•See the ancient jousting skills of the St. George Knightly Order at Visegrád Castle.•Savor a merry morning walk, Vienna’s infamous café culture and VIP access to an art museum.•Meet the Count of Clam at Austria’s 12th-century and beautifully preserved Clam Castle. Plus, Classic sightseeing is always available in every port along the way.Start sooner and stay longer with a one-night hotel stay in Budapest, and a two-night hotel stay in Prague! Avalon Choice sightseeing is the perfect highlight of your stay.Activate your senses and discover a world of wonder in all-new, entirely “you” ways on your personal, passion-packed cruise along the Danube. |
Day 1 Berlin
Arrive at any time.
Please make your own way to the joining hotel. We recommend arriving a day or two early to fully explore this world-renowned city.
Check-in time at hotel is approximately 3:00pm.
Day 2 Berlin
Set out on an orientation walk with your CEO to get your bearings. Then discover sections of the Berlin Wall with a local historian, delving deeper into the political and social history of the so-called Iron Curtain from its rise to its fall. During free time this afternoon, opt to join a river tour, people-watch at the historic Brandenburg Gate, or glimpse the city’s flourishing art scene at local galleries and museums.
Berlin is an amazing city with tangible historical importance and is a melting pot of different cultures and flavours.
Day 3 Berlin/Prague
Travel by private vehicle to Prague, the capital of the Czech Republic and one of Europe’s best-preserved medieval cities. Enjoy a guided tour of the historic centre, which dates largely to the 14th century and has been designated a UNESCO World Heritage site. As you walk along the cobbled streets, chart the city’s development through the centuries according to architectural style, from the Middle Ages to present day. This evening, opt to watch the sunset from a lively beer garden on the banks of the Vltava River.
A great way to spend the evening is watching the sunset from the heights of the Letna Beer Garden, where you can sample Czech beer, world-famous for its superb quality and low cost.
Day 4 Prague
Enjoy a free day to explore the “city of a hundred spires.” Wind your way past baroque domes and Gothic spires, sprawling plazas and spectacular cathedrals. Cross the iconic Charles Bridge, amble through the historic Jewish Quarter, marvel at the medieval astronomical clock, and delve into modern history at Wenceslas Square, where citizens rallied for an end to communism during the Velvet Revolution. Opt to climb more than 200 steps up to the palaces and courtyards of the monumental Prague Castle, the world’s largest ancient castle complex. Check out a local restaurant and try traditional Czech cuisine, such as goulash and dumplings.
Charles Bridge by day is packed with vendors and street musicians. At night, it is less crowded, and it's much easier to appreciate the scenery as well as the ever-so-slightly sinister quality of the statues looming overhead. Cross the bridge and you'll find yourself in Mala Strana, a far less crowded district that offers the perfect atmosphere for some introspective wandering. If you're in the area and want to experience traditional Czech pubs which are guaranteed to be loud, lively, and packed with locals on any night of the week, this is the place for it. You'll find restaurants serving traditional Czech cuisine like fried pork cutlets, goulash, and dumplings.
Day 5 Prague/Český Krumlov
Take a scenic drive through the Bohemian countryside to the fairytale town of Český Krumlov, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Opt to visit the Český Krumlov State Castle and Chateau, and get lost in the Gothic castle’s hidden passageways, Baroque theatre, and hedge maze as you explore these epic grounds built between the 14th and 19th centuries.
The inclusion of Ceský Krumlov on UNESCO's List of Natural and Cultural Heritage was undoubtedly a turning point in the modern history of the town. It sent a clear signal to the rest of the cultural world that South Bohemia has something unique to offer.
Day 6 Český Krumlov/Vienna
Cross the border into Austria, and go on orientation walk around Vienna. Stop by a local café to pair a cup of rich Viennese coffee with a slice of the famed Sacher torte—a decadent chocolate and nougat confection historically linked to the city’s distinguished coffee houses. Enjoy free time this evening to see Vienna’s world-renowned opera house or simply enjoy a walk around the elegant capital.
Day 7 Vienna
This morning, join a local chef at the famed Naschmarkt, established in the 16th century as a marketplace for wooden milk bottles, sampling some of Vienna's finest delicacies as you explore the stalls and lanes. Enjoy time this afternoon to discover the city on your own. Take in some of Europe's most distinguished art galleries, visit the stunning Lipizzaner horses of the renowned Spanish Riding School, experience mass with the Vienna Boys Choir, or settle into a café.
Day 8 Vienna/Budapest
Catch a train to the Hungarian capital, Budapest. Head out for an orientation walk, then pay a visit to a G Adventures–supported café where proceeds support Hungarians living with a disability as well as rural Roma communities. During free time, opt to “take the waters” at a thermal bathhouse or explore the stunning Baroque castle, the historic resident of the Hungarian kings.
You might like to have an optional dinner at a local restaurant on Váci Utca, which is the bustling main street of Budapest. To gain deeper insight on local history, opt to pre-book the "Budapest History Walking Tour" on the checkout page ahead of time, to include this optional on your tour.
Day 9 Budapest
Depart at any time.
We recommend staying a few extra days to experience all this city has to offer.
Day 1: BUDAPEST, HUNGARY
Welcome to Budapest—Hungary’s Captivating Capital
The day is yours to relax and enjoy Eastern Europe’s shining city on the Danube.
BUDAPEST-PARLIAMENT.jpg
Day 2: BUDAPEST (EMBARKATION)–DANUBE BEND
The Pearl of the Danube
Visit the Adventure Center for today’s activities with your Adventure Host.
ACTIVE See the sights from a different perspective by joining a Guided Bike Tour along the bike paths and pedestrian areas of the city, OR:
DISCOVERY Join a local person for an unforgettable introduction to the local people, places, and experiences that makes Budapest so special," OR:
CLASSIC Take a Guided Walking Tour of Budapest to see the city’s most iconic sites.Spend free time shopping for Hungarian paprika or handcrafted souvenirs, or savor a piece of cream cake in one of the many cafés.
Enjoy a Hungarian Dinner on board during a scenic cruise through the Danube Bend.
Later, enjoy live entertainment on board.
EVENING CRUISE TO VISEGRÁD
(Breakfast,Dinner)
BUDAPEST-BIKING.jpg
Day 3: VISEGRÁD
Jousting Tournaments and Dracula’s Tower
ACTIVE Visit Count Dracula’s prison tower on a Hiking Tour, OR:
ACTIVE Take part in a Canoe Excursion through the picturesque Bend Region of the Danube for a truly unique perspective of one of the river’s most beautiful stretches, OR: DISCOVERY Join a Guided Visit to the Medieval Knights Tournament at Visegrád’s Lower Castle, featuring targeting and fighting demonstrations by members of the St. George Knightly Order.Spend free time after your selected activities to explore Palotaház, where stonemasons, smiths, potters, and paper-makers produce their traditional items using age-old techniques.
AFTERNOON/OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO VIENNA
(Breakfast,Lunch,Dinner)
VISEGRAD.jpg
Day 4: VIENNA, AUSTRIA
Strauss, Schnitzel, Strudel and Sachertorte Viennese Waltzes on the Blue Danube
ACTIVE Take a Guided Bike Tour along the famed Ringstrasse and pedestrian avenues of Vienna to see the city’s highlights from a unique perspective, OR:
DISCOVERY Take an Insider’s Tour of Vienna to get behind the scenes of her sights and attractions. You will meet locals, have the chance to prepare some food, and enjoy other surprises, OR:
CLASSIC Take a Guided Sightseeing Tour of Vienna, including a tour of Belvedere Palace to see Gustave Klimt’s renowned “Kiss” painting.Spend free time this afternoon strolling through the pedestrian Kärntnerstrasse then take a break for a piece of Sachertorte. Or enjoy an optional excursion in Schönbrunn.
This evening consider joining an Optional Excursion to attend a Royal Waltz Concert in an elegant hall.
OVERNIGHT DOCKING IN VIENNA
(Breakfast,Lunch,Dinner)
VIENNA-HISTORY-MUSEUM.jpg
Day 5: VIENNA
A Feast for the Soul
DISCOVERY Enjoy a morning Guided Walking Tour to see the city in her best light, along with breakfast at a Viennese café, OR:
CLASSIC Dive into one of the world’s most important museums with a Guided Tour of the Habsburg family’s private art collection at the Museum of Fine Arts, and enjoy Italian or Dutch master works, OR:CLASSIC Take a Guided Tour of the Museum of Fine Arts, followed by the Military Museum, commemorating the past of the Habsburg Empire.
OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO KREMS
(Breakfast,Lunch,Dinner)
VIENNA-FINE-ARTS-MUSEUM.jpg
Day 6: KREMS
Take a Canoe or a Bike through Austria’s Wine Country
Join your Adventure Host for today’s special activities.
ACTIVE Paddle a canoe on a Guided Tour to see the Austrian waterways and shoreline scenery from a unique perspective, OR:
ACTIVE Take a Guided Bike Tour from Krems to Spitz, and enjoy a stop in Dürnstein to see the mesmerizing blue Stiftskirche, and to sample local specialties, OR:
DISCOVERY Join an interactive Wine World Experience with wine tasting, OR:
DISCOVERY Enjoy a Guided Visit that showcases production of regional fruits, vegetables, wine, or other products.Relax on board this afternoon to enjoy the picturesque Wachau Valley scenery as you cruise to Grein.
GREIN
A Modern-Day Castle and the Count
DISCOVERY See Burg Clam on a Guided Visit, and meet the Count of Clam during your tour. OVERNIGHT DOCKING IN GREIN
(Breakfast,Lunch,Dinner)
WACHAU-VALLEY.jpg
Day 7: GREIN
Theater History...Alive and Well in Grein
CLASSIC Take a Guided Walk of Grein, including its historic theater, the oldest in Austria still holding regular performances.Take a mid-morning cruise to Mauthausen.
MAUTHAUSEN
History Lessons and Monastic Life
ACTIVE Take a Guided Bike Tour along the Danube and discover how fertile this area is. Stop at a local farm and learn more about farming life and flood protection, OR:
CLASSIC Visit the 9th-century St. Florian Monastery—the largest monastery in upper Austria and home to Augustine monks, OR:
CLASSIC Join a sobering Guided Tour of Mauthausen Memorial, one of the largest and most brutal Nazi camp of WWII. This afternoon sail to Linz arriving this evening.
LINZ
Legendary, Lovely Linz
Tonight, enjoy live entertainment on board your ship.
OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO ENGELHARTSZELL
(Breakfast,Lunch,Dinner)
MAUTHAUSEN-ST-FLORIAN-MONASTERY.jpg
Day 8: ENGELHARTSZELL–SCHLÖGEN OXBOW
Memories and Beer in the Making
ACTIVE Bike your way to a local trappist monastery in Engelhartszell, OR:DISCOVERY Join a Guided Tour to a cider cellar where an expert sommelier will reveal the secrets of Upper Austria’s beloved ciders, OR:
CLASSIC Visit the stunning rococo-style Engelszell Abbey, and explore its Sensory Garden—complete with stone labyrinth, herb garden, and vineyard. Sample cheese and beer made by the resident Trappist monks. ACTIVE This afternoon, enjoy a scenic Guided Hike along the Danube’s Schlögen Oxbow, a dramatic bend carved by centuries.
Or, as a relaxing option, enjoy free time on the Sky Deck this afternoon while you sail through the amazing horseshoe bend of the Danube’s Schlögen Oxbow on your way to Vilshofen.
EVENING/OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO VILSHOFEN
(Breakfast,Lunch,Dinner)
SCHLOGEN-OXBOW.jpg
Day 9: VILSHOFEN (DISEMBARKATION)–CESKY KRUMLOV–PRAGUE, CZECH REPUBLIC
CLASSIC Visit the picturesque Bohemian town of Cesky Krumlov, also known as the “Pearl of the Bohemian Forest.Continue on to the Golden City of Prague.
(Breakfast)
CESKY-KRUMLOV.jpg
Day 10: PRAGUE
Gothic Cathedrals, Grand Castles, and Great Cuisine
ACTIVE Enjoy the natural wonders of Prokopské Valley Nature Reserve on this active, half-day Guided Hiking adventure on the outskirts of Prague, OR:
CLASSIC Take a Guided City Walk to visit Hradčany Castle Grounds; see St. Vitus Cathedral and Old Town’s Astronomical Clock. Consider sampling delicious plum dumplings and traditional Pilsner lager beside the Vltava River.
Mingle with the locals and be mesmerized by street performers in Wenceslas Square, or admire the arches and statues decorating Charles Bridge.
(Breakfast)
PRAGUE-CHARLES-BRIDGE.jpg
Day 11: PRAGUE
Your vacation ends with breakfast this morning.
(Breakfast)
PRAGUE-CLOCK.jpg
