Compare Danube Symphony with 1 Night in Budapest & 2 Nights in Munich (Westbound) by Avalon Waterways vs Highlights of Eastern Europe - End Budapest, Classic Group End Budapest Classic Group by Insight Vacations
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Trip |
5 | Excellent
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Highlights of Eastern Europe - End Budapest, Classic Group End Budapest Classic Group
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Insight Vacations
5 | Excellent
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Duration | 9 days | 14 days |
Price From | $ 3,727 | $ 4,350 |
Price Per Day | $ 414 | $ 311 |
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Trip Style | River cruise | Group tour |
Lodging Level | Standard | Premium |
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Countries Visited | ||
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Flights & Transport | No | Airfare included |
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Meals Included | N/A | N/A |
Description | Experience the sights and sounds with river views to awaken the senses on your Danube River cruise from Hungary to Germany. Begin your European vacation your way with one night in Budapest before your cruise. You’ll enjoy an introduction to the city by a local expert who shows you the must-see sights. Board your Avalon Suite Ship® in Budapest to embark on an unforgettable 6-day river cruise on the Danube. You’ll begin with a visit to Slovakia’s quaint town of Bratislava for guided sightseeing along the streets of Old Town and St. Martin’s Cathedral. Learn about the Habsburg Empire with guided sightseeing in Vienna to see the Imperial Palace complex, the Opera House, and stunning St. Stephen’s Cathedral. Explore Krems on a guided tour of a town seemingly untouched by the modern world. Cruise through the Wachau Valley—home of charming villages and Austrian wines from its beautiful vineyards. Discover Ybbs on a guided tour of its romantic old town. Visit the magnificent 9th-century St. Florian Monastery, still home of Augustine Monks, or take a guided sightseeing of Linz. In Linz, enjoy free time to sample its famous pastries, and cruise overnight to conclude your river cruise in Vilshofen, Germany. Continue your European vacation your way with two nights in Munich. You’ll enjoy a full-day guided tour to Neuschwanstein Castle—home of King Ludwig, and plenty of free time to explore Munich. A fantastic combination of history, art, food, and wine on your Danube River cruise. | Delight your senses on the Highlights of Eastern Europe tour as you travel through Budapest, Warsaw and Vienna alongside Local Experts. In the German capital, a robust Berlin sightseeing itinerary meanders through the leafy Tiergarten of the Reichstag building, to the Brandenburg Gate and along the Unter den Linden to the State Opera House, and Museum Island. In Vienna, see, hear and taste the city from a local perspective at the Mozart & Strauss Concert dinner—with a menu composed of traditional Austrian delicacies and classical music masterpieces. Across the border in the Polish Capital, enjoy the Warsaw Cooking of an expert chef with a demonstration of traditional dumpling making techniques. |
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.
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Day 2: BUDAPEST (EMBARKATION)
War Heroes and Hot Water
CLASSIC Take a Guided Sightseeing Tour to see majestic Heroes’ Square and Budapest’s classic sites.
Spend free time strolling along the cobblestone streets, browsing art galleries, sipping coffee, and sampling sweets before boarding your Danube cruise for a welcome dinner this evening.
EVENING/OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO BRATISLAVA
(Breakfast,Dinner)
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Day 3: BRATISLAVA, SLOVAKIA
Cathedral Coronations and a Crowning Castle
Visit the Adventure Center for today’s activities with your Adventure Host. ACTIVE Follow your Avalon Adventure Host on a short hike to lofty Bratislava Castle, OR: CLASSIC Join a Guided Sightseeing Tour of Old Town’s cobblestone streets to Town Hall. Visit the gothic halls of St. Martin’s Cathedral—Hungary’s centuries-old coronation church.OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO VIENNA
(Breakfast,Lunch,Dinner)
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Day 4: VIENNA, AUSTRIA
A Feast for the Soul in Vienna
ACTIVE Explore Vienna's Danube Island by bike with your Adventure Host, 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), OR:CLASSIC Explore the Habsburg empire with 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.
Optional tours today include a Guided Tour of magnificent Schönbrunn Palace, the former imperial summer residence of Habsburg royalty.
Alternatively you can choose to spend your free time strolling through Kärtnerstrasse, the most famous shopping avenue in central Vienna; stop in a local café to enjoy authentic Sachertorte or Apfelstrudel.
You may also choose to attend an Optional Excursion to a Royal Waltz Concert for an unforgettable evening of music in an elegant hall.
OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO KREMS
(Breakfast,Lunch,Dinner)
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Day 5: KREMS–WACHAU VALLEY
An Ancient Village and Vintages of the Wachau Valley
Join your Adventure Host for today’s special activities.
ACTIVE Experience Wachau valley by bike with your Adventure Host, OR:
DISCOVERY Join an interactive Wine World Experience with wine tasting, OR:
CLASSIC Join a guided walk to explore this small valley town, seemingly untouched by the new world.
Relax on board and enjoy the picturesque Wachau Valley scenery as you cruise to Ybbs, affording you an incredible view of Melk Abbey from your ship.
YBBS CLASSIC Visit the Lower Austrian little town of Ybbs. Walk through the doors of Austrian history with a guided sightseeing tour of Artstetten Castle.OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO LINZ
(Breakfast,Lunch,Dinner)
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Day 6: LINZ
History Lessons and Modern-Day Devotion
ACTIVE Join an expert guide for a trek up to Mount Pöstlingberg for a whole new perspective of beautiful Linz and its surrounding area, OR:CLASSIC Visit the 9th-century St. Florian Monastery—the largest monastery in upper Austria and home to Augustine monks, OR: CLASSIC Take a Guided Walk through the city’s historic and beautiful sites along the shore of the Danube and see Hauptplatz—Austria’s largest medieval square—and the towering white-marble Trinity Column.This afternoon, consider an Optional Excursion to visit Mauthausen Memorial.
EVENING/OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO VILSHOFEN
(Breakfast,Lunch,Dinner)
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Day 7: VILSHOFEN, GERMANY (DISEMBARKATION)–MUNICH
Modern Metropolis and Alpine Monarchs CLASSIC Enjoy a Guided City Tour, which will show you the highlights of fascinating Munich. See Nymphenburg Palace—a former residence of Bavarian monarchs, along with the Old and New Town Halls of Marienplatz.
(Breakfast)
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Day 8: MUNICH
Storybook Villages and Fairytale Castles
CLASSIC Take a Guided Excursion to the garden landscape of the Bavarian Alps to visit Neuschwanstein Castle—the historic home of King Ludwig.(Breakfast)
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Day 9: MUNICH
Your vacation ends with breakfast this morning.
(Breakfast)
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Day 1: Welcome to Budapest
On arrival at Budapest Ferenc Liszt International Airport, there are complimentary transfers to your hotel at 10:00, 13:00 and 15:30. Join your Travel Director at 18:00 and travel to the famous and elegant Gundel Restaurant. Your Welcome Dinner is a treat of mouthwatering Hungarian specialities, accompanied by specially selected wine.
Day 2: Delve into Budapest Relaxed Start
Stroll through the alleys of the Old Town of Buda with a Local Expert. Admire the facade of Matthias Church and take in the view from the Fisherman’s Bastion. Enjoy a short drive following the Danube and arrive at Gellért Hill. From the top, appreciate astounding panoramic vistas presided over by the Liberty Statue.Enjoy a tour of the Liszt Music Academy with a student, followed by an enchanting recital. The university was founded by the piano virtuoso and composer Franz Liszt in 1875. In the evening, perhaps choose an Optional Experience to see this fairy-tale city as you cruise along the Danube and enjoy a meal of Hungarian specialties, served with drinks?
Day 3: The Mountains to Kraków
Take a gentle drive into Slovakia and through the breathtaking Low Tatra Mountains, where villagers still live in traditional wooden houses. Stop at scenic Donovaly. Continue north to see the picturesque Oravský Hrad Castle before crossing into Poland and continuing to historic Kraków.
Day 4: The Damsels and Dragons of Kraków Relaxed Start
Join a Local Expert to ascend Wawel Hill and visit the cathedral. Walk past the former residence of Pope John Paul II through the Old Town, to Europe's largest and most beautiful town square. See the medieval Sukiennice Cloth Hall and visit the 14th century St. Mary's Basilica, the most important church in the city. Keep your eyes and ears peeled for the trumpeter in the tower.This afternoon, why not join an Optional Experience and journey into a glistening subterranean world at the 600-year-old Wieliczka Salt Mines? In a maze of tunnels deep below the surface, witness unique salt sculptures, sunken lakes and even a glorious cathedral carved entirely out of rock salt by the miners. Alternatively, enjoy time at leisure.
Day 5: Auschwitz and Częstochowa
Join a Local Expert at Oświęcim, better known throughout the world by its German name, Auschwitz, infamous for its role during the Holocaust. Spend reflective moments amid the remains of the concentration camp and the memorials to those who died. Travel north to Częstochowa to visit the 14th century Monastery of Jasna Góra, famous for the Black Madonna, said to have been painted by St. Luke. Continue across the Polish plains to the country’s capital, Warsaw for the night. Dumplings are an Eastern European tradition, so in the evening enjoy a dumpling demonstration and delightful Highlight Dinner.
Day 6: The Polish Capital of Warsaw Relaxed Start
Join a Local Expert in the morning to see the Old Town, Royal Castle and Palace of Culture. Visit the Chopin Memorial in the Łazienki Park.Pay your respects at the Monument to the Ghetto Heroes and then enjoy a free afternoon to explore at your own pace. Perhaps attend a Chopin recital or delve into Warsaw's inspirational past?
Day 7: Wielkopolska to Berlin
Your route leads westward, across the rolling farmlands of the central plains, over the Oder River to enter Germany. Your destination is the vibrant capital of Berlin where you can try traditional Berliner cuisine.
Day 8: The Spirit of Berlin Relaxed Start
Prepare to embrace the rejuvenated spirit of Berlin. Join a Local Expert for a drive through the leafy Tiergarten to the refurbished Reichstag building and see the Brandenburg Gate. On the eastern side, take the Unter den Linden past the State Opera House to Museum Island.
Day 9: Dresden and Golden Prague
Journey south to Dresden. Almost totally destroyed by horrific air raids in 1945, Dresden has now risen again from the ashes in a blend of old and new. See the reconstructed Frauenkirche and walk past the colossal ‘Procession of the Princes' on the wall of the Royal Palace. Explore around the Catholic cathedral to view the tiered facades of the opera house and the Baroque Zwinger Palace. After free time for lunch, head for the Czech border, high in the Ore Mountains and continue to the capital city of Prague.
Day 10: Prague, City of a Hundred Spires
Explore Prague with Insight Choice. Choose to walk the courtyards of the Castle and visit the imposing St. Vitus Cathedral. Alternatively, join your Local Expert for a walk through the Jewish Quarter and learn about a different side of the history of Prague.The city is then yours to explore. Perhaps walk in the footsteps of kings along the Royal Route? Czechs are passionate about their beer, so be sure to try the local pilsners, alongside the Czech cuisine.
Day 11: Bohemian Český Krumlov Relaxed Start
A journey through the green Bohemian countryside will bring you to České Budějovice. Enjoy a behind-the-scenes tour of a local brewery to sample the beer and discover the secrets of how this golden vintage is made. Continue on to Český Krumlov, a picturesque medieval town nestled on the banks of the Vltava. Walk the narrow cobbled streets and arch-covered footpaths, past colourful townhouses and centuries-old inns. With a Local Expert, visit the fairy-tale, red-roofed castle, considered by many to be the finest in the land. When all the day trippers have left, soak up the unique atmosphere of this UNESCO World Heritage Site on your Dine-Around Evening. You will be offered a selection of restaurants, nestled amid the tangle of streets and old squares.
Day 12: Stately Vienna Relaxed Start
Cross the border into Austria and enjoy a delightful journey to Vienna. The afternoon is free for you to explore this stately capital and later why not enjoy a delightful Austrian meal with the option to dine at a country mansion?
Day 13: The Habsburgs of Vienna
Vienna owes much of its present-day charm to the long reign of the Habsburgs. Join your Local Expert for a private visit of Maria Theresa’s Schönbrunn Palace and its formal gardens. Then, take some great photos on a circuit of the famous Ring Road. This grand boulevard, built along the lines of the old city walls, showcases many of the capital’s architectural masterpieces, including the Opera House, magnificent Hofburg Imperial Residence, Austrian Parliament Building and Karlskirche. Explore Vienna with Insight Choice. Choose between a visit to a traditional Viennese café to enjoy local specialities of coffee and Sachertorte or alternatively, join a MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience during an inclusive workshop and take to the floor in a Viennese Waltz dance workshop designed to support the visually impaired community. As night falls, experience an extraordinary concert of Viennese classical music combined with a delicious meal of traditional Austrian fare, with drinks included.
Day 14: Depart Budapest
A transfer arrives at Budapest airport in the early afternoon. For those extending their stay, a stop is also made at the Corinthia Hotel Budapest.