On this remarkable Europe river cruise vacation, you’ll sail along the Moselle, Rhine, Main, and Danube Rivers. Start with two overnights in dazzling Paris and end in Budapest, Hungary’s vibrant capital—with the most intriguing cities of France, Germany, and Austria along the way.

Before you embark on your European river cruise, the famous sights of romantic Paris will be yours. You’ve seen pictures of the Notre Dame Cathedral, the Louvre Museum, and the Eiffel Tower—now experience these treasures up close. Ride the high-speed train from Paris, then board your ship to cruise the wide, peaceful curves of the Moselle River Valley, famous for its picturesque scenery. First stop is Trier, Germany, believed to be even older than Rome and many remnants can still be found, such as imperial baths. The wine village of Bernkastel, surrounded by Germany’s largest expanse of vineyards, will fascinate you with its narrow streets and half-timbered houses still standing from the Middle Ages. Continue your European river cruise through the dramatic Rhine Gorge, considered the most beautiful stretch of the Rhine River. See the rock of the Lorelei and ancient castles standing majestically on cliffs 400 feet above the water. Visit the magnificent Bishop’s Residenz in Würzburg and marvel at medieval Bamberg, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Enjoy a guided visit of historic Nuremberg and an excursion to Bavaria’s capital, Munich. Along the Danube River is Regensburg, Germany, one of Europe’s best preserved medieval cities, where you can taste some of Germany’s famous beers! Visit Passau with its narrow, winding cobblestone streets, and Melk’s magnificent 11th-century Benedictine Abbey, before arriving in Vienna, the “City of Music” that inspired the genius of Beethoven, Mozart, and Strauss.

There are countless opportunities to be enchanted by the sights on this fascinating Europe river cruise, and it doesn’t end until you’ve experienced the unique energy of Budapest. A local expert will show you the famous sights and you can walk across the Chain Bridge and bask in the coffee house culture with a rich cream cake in the renowned Gerbeaud Café.

City Highlights

Day 1 Paris: welcome to FranceDay 2 Paris: guided sightseeingDay 3 Remich (Embarkation): travel by high-speed train to Luxembourg city; motorcoach transfer to Remich; onboard welcome receptionDay 4 Trier: choice of guided city sightseeing or “Roman Trier” sightseeing, see the Porta NigraDay 5 Bernkastel: guided walk, or hike up to the castle ruins with your Avalon Adventure Host; wine tastingDay 6 Rhine Gorge–Rüdesheim: scenic cruising through the Rhine Gorge; choice of visit Siegfried’s Mechanical Musical Instrument Museum, or cable car ride in Rüdesheim; special treatDay 7 Main River Village: guided walkDay 8 Würzburg: guided sightseeing, visit the Bishop’s ResidenzDay 9 Bamberg: lecture on board; guided tour, see the Old Town HallDay 10 Nuremberg. Excursion to Munich: guided sightseeing, see the MarienplatzDay11 Roth. Excursion to Nuremberg: choice of Nuremberg guided tour, or Nuremberg Rally Grounds tour; lecture on boardDay 12 Regensburg: guided walk; beer tasting on boardDay 13 Passau: guided walkDay 14 Melk–Wachau Valley–Vienna: guided tour of the Benedictine Abbey in Melk; scenic cruising through the Wachau ValleyDay 15 Vienna: guided sightseeingDay 16 Budapest: guided tour, see Heroes’ SquareDay 17 Budapest (Disembarkation): your vacation ends this morning

Notes

In the event of water level problems or any problems of a technical nature, it may be necessary to operate the itinerary by motorcoach or to alter the program.Included visits and special features are subject to change. If a change is necessary, a substitute will be offered.Please check visa requirements with your local consulate(s); responsibility for obtaining visas rests with the traveler.

PRODUCT_LINE: AVALON-WRB1-2019