Compare Enchanted Europe (Eastbound) by Avalon Waterways vs Trans-European Cruise from Budapest to Strasbourg by CroisiEurope
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| Trip |
5 | Excellent
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4.5 | Great
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| Duration | 16 days | 13 days |
| Price From | $ 7,898 | $ 2,520 |
| Price Per Day | $ 494 | $ 194 |
| Highlights |
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CRUISE HIGHLIGHTS
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| Trip Style | River cruise | River cruise |
| Lodging Level | Standard | Premium |
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| Travel Themes |
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| Countries Visited | ||
| Cities and Attractions |
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| Flights & Transport | Ground transport included | Internal airfare and ground transport included |
| Activities |
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| Meals Included | N/A | N/A |
| Description | Your breathtaking river cruise begins on the Rhine River in Basel, Switzerland. You’ll sail to Breisach, your starting point for a Black Forest excursion, and to the city of Strasbourg, France, along the way. Sail to Rüdesheim and through the spectacular Rhine Gorge. The modern and charming city of Frankfurt is also on your route along the Rhine, and you’ll sail on the Main River to visit an authentic village. Visit Würzburg, and take a guided tour of Bamberg, before reaching Nuremberg, from where you will take a full-day excursion to Munich. Sail from Nuremberg to Regensburg, the only German city not bombed during WWII. Cruise next to Passau, with its narrow streets and baroque St. Stephen’s Cathedral. In Melk, you will visit Austria’s majestic Benedictine Abbey. Take in the breathtaking views before continuing through the picturesque Wachau Valley to the romantic sights of Vienna, the “City of Music.” Your European river cruise ends in Budapest, the capital of Hungary, with guided sightseeing and free time to explore this vibrant city on your own. |
From Budapest to Strasbourg, enjoy a unique cruise crossing three rivers and four countries. From the Danube to the Rhine via the Main, you will be dazzled by the beauty of landscapes but also by the sweetness of these rivers that form a link between people, cultures and traditions. Hungary, Austria, Germany and France will unveil their history and rich heritage for an unforgettable trans-European getaway. |
Day 1: BASEL, SWITZERLAND (EMBARKATION)
Welcome to Switzerland! Your Suite Ship® is Ready for Boarding.
Flights into Zürich or Basel must arrive by 3 pm.
Guests must be on board ship by 5 pm.
Enjoy dinner and explore the ship on your first night on board as you sail to Breisach.
EVENING/OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO BREISACH
(Dinner)
BASEL-SUNSET.jpg
Day 2: BREISACH, GERMANY. EXCURSION TO BLACK FOREST
German Winemaking and the Beautiful Black Forest
DISCOVERY Join a full-day Guided Tour to the magical Black Forest to experience the Vogtsbauernohf open-air-museum, visit an authentic water mill, and see a traditional butter-making demonstration, OR: DISCOVERY Visit to a local winery in Breisach, where you will learn about German winemaking and enjoy a wine tasting, OR:
CLASSIC Join A Guided Tour to explore Freiburg’s medieval city center, sheltered by the Black Forest amid vineyards and gardens of the Upper Rhine Valley.
You may choose to join a Guided Optional Excursion to visit the charming village of Colmar in the morning.
EVENING/OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO STRASBOURG
(Breakfast,Lunch,Dinner)
BLACK-FOREST-SCENIC.jpg
Day 3: STRASBOURG, FRANCE
A Grand Cathedral and La Petite France Visit the Adventure Center for today’s activities with your Adventure Host.
CLASSIC Join a City Tour of Strasbourg’s sights, including Gothic, stained-glass cathedral with its celebrated ancient murals and astronomical clock, as well as the magical La Petite France District.You may also choose to join a Guided Optional Excursion to the historic Maginot Line—the pre-WWII fortifications designed to protect the eastern border of France, or visit Alsace’s wine country today.
Alternatively, take some free time in Strasbourg to visit a museum, or stroll across the city center.
AFTERNOON/OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO RÜDESHEIM
(Breakfast,Lunch,Dinner)
STRASBOURG-PETIT-FRANCE.jpg
Day 4: RÜDESHEIM, GERMANY–RHINE GORGE
Eat, Drink, and Be Merry in Wine Country
ACTIVE Enjoy a hike with your Avalon Adventure Host through the picturesque vineyards of Rüdesheim, OR:DISCOVERY Tour the incredible Mechanical Music Museum for a one-of-a-kind instrumental experience; enjoy a tasting of the authentic Rüdesheimer coffee, OR: ACTIVE Take an open-air Cable Car Ride to the Niederwald Monument, then ride or walk back down through the vineyards; enjoy a tasting of the authentic Rüdesheimer coffee.This afternoon, stretch out on the Sky Deck as you pass through the spectacular Rhine Gorge on your way to Boppard.
BOPPARD
A Peaceful Jewel in the Rhine Gorge
Enjoy some free time to relax, or explore the Rheinallee Promenade for delicatessen fare with a cup of German coffee or glass of Riesling wine.
Later, enjoy onboard entertainment while sailing to Frankfurt.
OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO FRANKFURT
(Breakfast,Lunch,Dinner)
RUDESHEIM-VINEYARDS.jpg
Day 5: FRANKFURT. EXCURSION TO SELIGENSTADT
Charm in Frankfurt
CLASSIC Join a Guided Sightseeing Tour of Frankfurt to see the city’s cultural landmarks and gleaming financial headquarters combined with the cozy ambience of quaint neighborhoods, OR:
DISCOVERY Take a Guided Tour to Seligenstadt—one of Germany’s oldest towns and home to the Einhard Basilika—dubbed “minor basilica” in 1925 by Pope Pius XI.Later, enjoy live entertainment onboard.
AFTERNOON/OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO MAIN RIVER VILLAGE
(Breakfast,Lunch,Dinner)
FRANKFURT-OLD-TOWN.jpg
Day 6: MAIN RIVER VILLAGE
Beauty on the Main River
Join your Adventure Host for today’s special activities.
CLASSIC Join a Guided Walking Tour of a picturesque Bavarian village.AFTERNOON/OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO WÜRZBURG
(Breakfast,Lunch,Dinner)
MAIN-RIVER-VILLAGE-DETAIL.jpg
Day 7: WÜRZBURG
A Perfect Day in the Pearl of the Romantic Road
CLASSIC Take a Guided Sightseeing Tour of Würzburg with its Old Main Bridge, towering fortress, and baroque Bishop’s Residenz—with the largest known ceiling fresco.You may choose to join a Guided Optional Excursion to the beautiful Bavarian town of Rothenburg. See the local sights and enjoy the fairytale atmosphere that has inspired artists.
Enjoy live entertainment on board as you set sail for Bamberg.
AFTERNOON/OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO BAMBERG
(Breakfast,Lunch,Dinner)
WURZBURG.jpg
Day 8: BAMBERG
The City of Seven Hills
CLASSIC Take a Guided Walking Tour of the historic home to imperial dynasties, and see its Romanesque cathedral, Old Town Hall, and seven hills crowned with churches.After the tour, spend free time with a glass of German-style Rauchbier (smoked beer).
EVENING/OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO NUREMBERG
(Breakfast,Lunch,Dinner)
BAMBERG-TOWN-HALL.jpg
Day 9: NUREMBERG. EXCURSION TO MUNICH
A King’s Palace and Town Halls
CLASSIC Take a full-day Guided Tour of the highlights of fascinating Munich. See Nymphenburg Palace—a former residence of German monarchs, along with the old and new Town Halls of Marienplatz.OVERNIGHT DOCKING IN NUREMBERG
(Breakfast,Dinner)
MUNICH-MARIENPLATZ.jpg
Day 10: ROTH. EXCURSION TO NUREMBERG
Legends and History Lessons
Visit the Adventure Center for today’s activities with your Adventure Host.
ACTIVE Explore Roth's Lauter valley with your Adventure Host, OR:
CLASSIC Enjoy a Guided Sightseeing Tour of the Bavarian town of Roth—with its half-timbered houses, market square, and 1535 hunting lodge Schloss Ratibor, OR:CLASSIC Choose a Guided Tour of Nuremberg’s medieval architecture, gilded fountain, Gothic cathedral, and Kaiserburg Castle, OR:CLASSIC Take a Guided Tour of the historic Nuremberg Rally Grounds—used by the Third Reich.DISCOVERY Enjoy an Onboard Lecture about the Main-Danube Canal—linking these two rivers to make a vital connection enabling navigation between the North and Black Seas.
Later, enjoy live entertainment on board. AFTERNOON/OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO REGENSBURG
(Breakfast,Lunch,Dinner)
NUREMBERG-SCENIC.jpg
Day 11: REGENSBURG
Bavaria’s Medieval Miracle
CLASSIC Join a Guided City Walk and see Altes Rathaus (Old Town Hall) and Porta Pretoria—built in 179 AD as the entrance to Castra Regina fortress.
You may choose to join a Guided Optional Excursion to visit the Benedictine Monastery in Weltenburg. Alternatively spend a free afternoon exploring Regensburg on foot or by bike through its charming streets.
EVENING/OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO PASSAU
(Breakfast,Lunch,Dinner)
REGENSBURG.jpg
Day 12: PASSAU
Where the Danube, Inn, and Ilz Rivers Meet
CLASSIC Join a Guided City Walk to learn more about this beautiful “City of Three Rivers.”Alternatively, join a full day Guided Optional Excursion to Salzburg—the city of Mozart—or to the picturesque Bohemian town of Cesky Krumlov.
Sail to Linz this afternoon, or join your ship after your selected full-day excursion.
LINZ, AUSTRIA
Legendary, Lovely Linz
Enjoy a free afternoon to linger in Linz. Take a bicycle from the ship and cycle along the Danube, or follow one of Linz’s many nature trails for a bird’s-eye view of the city and river below.
Later, enjoy live entertainment onboard.
OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO MELK
(Breakfast,Lunch,Dinner)
PASSAU.jpg
Day 13: MELK–WACHAU VALLEY
Frescoes Above and Vineyards Below
ACTIVE Join your Avalon Adventure Host for a Morning Hike through Melk’s beautiful countryside, OR: CLASSIC Take a Guided Tour of Melk’s magnificent Benedictine Abbey to marvel at its frescoed ceilings, statues, incredible library, and ornate pipe organ.Enjoy a coffee or a cocktail on the Sky Deck as you sail through the picturesque Wachau Valley to Vienna.
VIENNA
Viennese Waltzes on the Blue DanubeThis evening, you may choose to attend an Optional Excursion to a Royal Waltz Concert for an unforgettable evening of music in an elegant hall.
OVERNIGHT DOCKING IN VIENNA
(Breakfast,Lunch,Dinner)
MELK-ABBEY.jpg
Day 14: VIENNA
Royal Collections, and Amusing Attractions
Ask about today’s energizing or relaxing Adventure Host activities
ACTIVE Explore Vienna's Danube Island by bike with your Adventure Host, OR:
CLASSIC Explore the Habsburg empire this morning on a Guided City Tour of Vienna’s gilded landmarks. See the Imperial Palace complex—the winter residence of the Imperial Family, the iconic Vienna Opera House and stunning St. Stephen’s Cathedral, OR:
CLASSIC After a short walk of Vienna, join a Guided Visit of Austria’s largest museum, the legendary Kunsthistorisches Museum (Museum of Fine Arts).
Join a Guided Optional Excursion to Schönbrunn Palace— summer home of the Habsburg Empire.
Enjoy free time to take a tram to visit Vienna’s Prater amusement park or one of the many museums nearby. You may also borrow a bike from ship to explore Vienna’s square or the banks of the Danube.
Later, relax on board with live entertainment as you sail to Budapest.
EVENING/OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO BUDAPEST
(Breakfast,Lunch,Dinner)
VIENNA-HOFBURG-PALACE.jpg
Day 15: BUDAPEST, HUNGARY
War Heroes and Hot Water
ACTIVE Hike up to a magnificent viewpoint in Budapest with your Adventure Host, OR:
CLASSIC Enjoy a Guided City Sightseeing, including the iconic Heroes’ Square.This afternoon, select from a variety of Guided Optional or spend free time soaking in one of Budapest’s famous thermal baths. Consider a scenic hike above the Danube, or enjoy Budapest’s cafés, pubs or nightlife.
OVERNIGHT DOCKING IN BUDAPEST
(Breakfast,Lunch,Dinner)
BUDAPEST-HEROS-SQUARE.jpg
Day 16: BUDAPEST (DISEMBARKATION)
Your cruise ends with breakfast this morning.
(Breakfast)
BUDAPEST-CITY-VIEW.jpg
Day 1 BUDAPEST
Passengers are welcome to board our ship at 6:00 p.m. After comfortably settling into your cabins, we'll introduce our crew at a welcome cocktail. Dinner tonight will be followed by an CLASSIC/DISCOVERY excursion : An evening of traditional entertainment in Budapest.
Day 1 BUDAPEST
Passengers are welcome to board our ship at 6:00 p.m. After comfortably settling into your cabins, we'll introduce our crew at a welcome cocktail. Dinner tonight will be followed by an CLASSIC/DISCOVERY excursion : An evening of traditional entertainment in Budapest.
Day 2 BUDAPEST - ESZTERGOM
Join us on an CLASSIC/DISCOVERY excursion : Guided tour of Budapest.We'll return on board in Esztergom. In the afternoon, enjoy some time on your own exploring the former capital of Hungary. The city is full of treasures such as the Neo-classical basilica and former Royal palace. We'll return on board and depart for Vienna. Enjoy an evening of entertainment.
Day 2 BUDAPEST - ESZTERGOM
Join us on an CLASSIC/DISCOVERY excursion : Guided tour of Budapest.We'll return on board in Esztergom. In the afternoon, enjoy some time on your own exploring the former capital of Hungary. The city is full of treasures such as the Neo-classical basilica and former Royal palace. We'll return on board and depart for Vienna. Enjoy an evening of entertainment.
Day 3 VIENNA
Upon arriving in Vienna, join us for an CLASSIC/DISCOVERY excursion : A visit to the Hofburg Palace, former residence of the Hapsburgs. Tonight, join us on an CLASSIC/DISCOVERY excursion : Tour Vienna by night.
Day 3 VIENNA
Upon arriving in Vienna, join us for an CLASSIC/DISCOVERY excursion : A visit to the Hofburg Palace, the Hapsburg's winter residence and its Sisi Museum. Tonight, join us on an CLASSIC/DISCOVERY excursion : Tour Vienna by night.
Day 4 VIENNA
This morning, join us for the excursions proposed: CLASSIC: Guided tour of the Schoenbrunn Palace, the summer residence of the Imperial family, followed by a panoramic tour of Vienna.DISCOVERY: The high art of Viennese living, music and Viennese cafes. We'll stroll through the city and visit back stage in the Konzerthaus concert hall(1). After our tour, enjoy a steaming cup of Vienna Coffee and a delicious pastry.Enjoy a free afternoon to explore this marvelous city at your own pace or take part in our optional excursion: Horse-drawn carriage ride through the old town and the famous Ring road in Vienna.This evening, join us on an optional excursion (not included in packages): Concert of Viennese music (subject to availability.)Our ship will depart at midnight.
Day 4 VIENNA
This morning, join us for the excursions proposed: CLASSIC: Guided tour of the Schoenbrunn Palace, the summer residence of the Imperial family, followed by a panoramic tour of Vienna.DISCOVERY: The high art of Viennese living, music and Viennese cafes. We'll stroll through the city and visit back stage in the Konzerthaus concert hall(1). After our tour, enjoy a steaming cup of Vienna Coffee and a delicious pastry.Enjoy a free afternoon to explore this marvelous city at your own pace or take part in our optional excursion: Horse-drawn carriage ride through the old town and the famous Ring road in Vienna.This evening, join us on an optional excursion (not included in packages): Concert of Viennese music (subject to availability.)Our ship will depart at midnight.
Day 5 MELK
We'll cruise along the most beautiful section of the Wachau Valley this morning, arriving in Melk in the morning. We'll then set off on an CLASSIC/DISCOVERY excursion : Tour of Dürnstein, the fortified village where Richard the Lionheart was once held prisoner. In the afternoon, join us on an CLASSIC/DISCOVERY excursion : Visit the Melk Abbey. Originally a Baroque-style palace built between 1702 and 1736, it is now a Benedictine monastery that hosts a prestigious coed school with more than 900 students. We'll return on board and cruise towards Passau. Enjoy an evening of entertainment.
Day 5 MELK
We'll cruise along the most beautiful section of the Wachau Valley this morning, arriving in Melk in the morning. We'll then set off on an CLASSIC/DISCOVERY excursion : Tour of Dürnstein, the fortified village where Richard the Lionheart was once held prisoner. In the afternoon, join us on an CLASSIC/DISCOVERY excursion : Visit the Melk Abbey. Originally a Baroque-style palace built between 1702 and 1736, it is now a Benedictine monastery that hosts a prestigious coed school with more than 900 students. We'll return on board and cruise towards Passau. Enjoy an evening of entertainment.
Day 6 PASSAU
We'll set out to explore Passau in the company of hostess, strolling the narrow romantic streets and admiring is Baroque-style buildings. We'll then cruise to Regensburg through the night.
Day 6 PASSAU
We'll set out to explore Passau in the company of hostess, strolling the narrow romantic streets and admiring is Baroque-style buildings. We'll then cruise to Regensburg through the night.
Day 7 REGENSBURG - KELHEIM
Join us on an CLASSIC/DISCOVERY excursion : Guided tour of Regensburg and the Walhalla hall of fame which overhangs the river. We'll return on board in Kelheim and cruise the Rhine-Main-Danube Canal to Nuremberg.
Day 7 REGENSBURG - KELHEIM
Join us on an CLASSIC/DISCOVERY excursion : Guided tour of Regensburg and the Walhalla hall of fame which overhangs the river. We'll return on board in Kelheim and cruise the Rhine-Main-Danube Canal to Nuremberg.
Day 8 NUREMBERG - ERLANGEN - BAMBERG
We'll arrive in Nuremberg in the morning. Join us on an CLASSIC/DISCOVERY excursion : Guided tour of the city and tasting of its famous gingerbread. We'll return on board in Erlangen and start sailing towards Bamberg. Our ship will cruise through the night.
Day 8 NUREMBERG - ERLANGEN - BAMBERG
We'll arrive in Nuremberg in the morning. Join us on an CLASSIC/DISCOVERY excursion : Guided tour of the city and tasting of its famous gingerbread. We'll return on board in Erlangen and start sailing towards Bamberg. Our ship will cruise through the night.
Day 9 BAMBERG - SCHWEINFURT - GERLACHSHAUSEN
We'll spend this morning cruising to Schweinfurt. Join us on an CLASSIC/DISCOVERY excursion : Tour of Rothenburg, one of the oldest cities in Germany. This magnificent walled town located on the historic Roman Road has managed to keep its authentic charm. We'll return on board in Gerlachshausen. Our ship will cruise through the night.
Day 9 BAMBERG - SCHWEINFURT - GERLACHSHAUSEN
We'll spend this morning cruising to Schweinfurt. Join us on an CLASSIC/DISCOVERY excursion : Tour of Rothenburg, one of the oldest cities in Germany. This magnificent walled town located on the historic Roman Road has managed to keep its authentic charm. We'll return on board in Gerlachshausen. Our ship will cruise through the night.
Day 10 WÜRZBURG - KARLSTADT - WERTHEIM
Join us on an CLASSIC/DISCOVERY excursion : Guided tour of Würzburg and the former Residence of the Prince-Bishops of Würzburg. We'll return on board in Karlstadt. Our ship will cruise through the night.
Day 10 WÜRZBURG - KARLSTADT - WERTHEIM
Join us on an CLASSIC/DISCOVERY excursion : Guided tour of Würzburg and the former Residence of the Prince-Bishops of Würzburg. We'll return on board in Karlstadt. Our ship will cruise through the night.
Day 11 WERTHEIM - MILTENBERG - FRANKFURT
We'll set out to explore Miltenberg in the company of our hostess and discover this charming, very typical German village. Its marketplace surrounded by half-timbered houses, its Grande Rue and former Town Hall make Miltenberg a unique town and the "pearl of the Main". We'll cruise to Frankfurt.
Day 11 WERTHEIM - MILTENBERG - FRANKFURT
We'll set out to explore Miltenberg in the company of our hostess and discover this charming, very typical German village. Its marketplace surrounded by half-timbered houses, its Grande Rue and former Town Hall make Miltenberg a unique town and the "pearl of the Main". We'll cruise to Frankfurt.
Day 12 FRANKFURT - MAINZ
Join us for the excursions proposed: CLASSIC: Tour of Frankfurt.DISCOVERY: Panoramic tour of Frankfurt and ascent of the Main Tower.We'll return on board and cruise to Mainz. Gutenberg's hometown, Mainz lies at the confluence of the Rhine and the Main and is a perfect blend of past and present. Its age-old cathedral is not to be missed. You'll be able to explore the city in the company of our hostess. Tonight is our gala dinner and evening.
Day 12 FRANKFURT - MAINZ
Join us for the excursions proposed: CLASSIC: Tour of Frankfurt.DISCOVERY: Panoramic tour of Frankfurt and ascent of the Main Tower.We'll return on board and cruise to Mainz. Gutenberg's hometown, Mainz lies at the confluence of the Rhine and the Main and is a perfect blend of past and present. Its age-old cathedral is not to be missed. You'll be able to explore the city in the company of our hostess. Tonight is our gala dinner and evening.
Day 13 STRASBOURG
Enjoy buffet breakfast on board as we cruise towards Strasbourg, passing through two impressive locks on the Rhine, Iffezheim and Gambsheim. We'll reach Strasbourg at 2:00 p.m. and disembark after lunch. End of our services.
