Danube Dreams (Eastbound) 2026 - 8 Day River Cruise Vilshofen to Budapest

Call Us 800.528.9300

Danube Dreams (Eastbound) 2026

8 Day River Cruise Vilshofen to Budapest



Tour Description:

Cruise along the peaceful Danube River through Germany, Austria, Slovakia, and Hungary—stopping at some of Central Europe’s most splendid capitals and charming towns along the way. Visit Passau, Germany—called the “City of Three Rivers” at the confluence of the Danube, Inn, and Ilz rivers. Take a guided walking tour to admire the Patrician houses and baroque St. Stephen’s Cathedral. In Linz, Austria, walk around the Hauptplatz, Austria’s largest medieval square. Enjoy the magnificent views as your Danube River cruise takes you through the picturesque wine region of the Wachau Valley. Stops include Dürnstein to see the famous blue and white Stiftskirche or take an excursion to visit the magnificent Benedictine Abbey in Melk. Vienna, the “City of Music,” makes an immediate impression with its lavish Hofburg Imperial Palace and neo-renaissance Vienna Opera House. Enjoy a guided tour of this magical city and take time to explore on your own. In Bratislava, the capital of Slovakia, take a guided walk through the delightful Old Town and to the Gothic St. Martin’s Cathedral. In Budapest, the vibrant capital of Hungary, a local expert shows you all the must-see sights. Then to round out this timeless European river cruise, take a stroll along Váci utca—the main shopping street, or take pictures from Fishermen’s Bastion for the best panoramic views of Budapest. This Danube River cruise explores the legendary beauty and remarkable destinations you’ll never forget.

Map for Danube Dreams (Eastbound) 2026 - 8 Day River Cruise Vilshofen to Budapest
Click for larger view.

Dates & Pricing

Wednesday 01 Apr 26 — Thursday 09 Apr 26Starting at $2,149Check Mark Icon SPECIALGet a Quote
Saturday 04 Apr 26 — Sunday 12 Apr 26Starting at $2,349Check Mark Icon SPECIALGet a Quote
Saturday 18 Apr 26 — Sunday 26 Apr 26Starting at $2,699Check Mark Icon SPECIALGet a Quote
Thursday 23 Apr 26 — Friday 01 May 26Starting at $2,799Check Mark Icon SPECIALGet a Quote
Saturday 02 May 26 — Sunday 10 May 26Starting at $3,099Check Mark Icon SPECIALGet a Quote
Monday 11 May 26 — Tuesday 19 May 26Starting at $3,449Check Mark Icon SPECIALGet a Quote
Saturday 16 May 26 — Sunday 24 May 26Starting at $3,449Check Mark Icon SPECIALGet a Quote
Monday 25 May 26 — Tuesday 02 Jun 26Starting at $3,199Check Mark Icon SPECIALGet a Quote
Sunday 07 Jun 26 — Monday 15 Jun 26Starting at $3,099Check Mark Icon SPECIALGet a Quote
Wednesday 17 Jun 26 — Thursday 25 Jun 26Starting at $2,749Check Mark Icon SPECIALGet a Quote
Friday 19 Jun 26 — Saturday 27 Jun 26Starting at $2,749Check Mark Icon SPECIALGet a Quote
Friday 03 Jul 26 — Saturday 11 Jul 26Starting at $2,499Check Mark Icon SPECIALGet a Quote
Monday 13 Jul 26 — Tuesday 21 Jul 26Starting at $2,499Check Mark Icon SPECIALGet a Quote
Sunday 19 Jul 26 — Monday 27 Jul 26Starting at $2,499Check Mark Icon SPECIALGet a Quote
Monday 27 Jul 26 — Tuesday 04 Aug 26Starting at $2,499Check Mark Icon SPECIALGet a Quote
Wednesday 29 Jul 26 — Thursday 06 Aug 26Starting at $2,499Check Mark Icon SPECIALGet a Quote
Tuesday 18 Aug 26 — Wednesday 26 Aug 26Starting at $2,599Check Mark Icon SPECIALGet a Quote
Wednesday 19 Aug 26 — Thursday 27 Aug 26Starting at $2,599Check Mark Icon SPECIALGet a Quote
Tuesday 01 Sep 26 — Wednesday 09 Sep 26Starting at $3,499Check Mark Icon SPECIALGet a Quote
Monday 07 Sep 26 — Tuesday 15 Sep 26Starting at $3,749Check Mark Icon SPECIALGet a Quote
Monday 21 Sep 26 — Tuesday 29 Sep 26Starting at $3,499Check Mark Icon SPECIALGet a Quote
Tuesday 29 Sep 26 — Wednesday 07 Oct 26Starting at $3,499Check Mark Icon SPECIALGet a Quote
Friday 16 Oct 26 — Saturday 24 Oct 26Starting at $3,149Check Mark Icon SPECIALGet a Quote
Friday 30 Oct 26 — Saturday 07 Nov 26Starting at $2,499Check Mark Icon SPECIALGet a Quote
Monday 02 Nov 26 — Tuesday 10 Nov 26Starting at $2,499Check Mark Icon SPECIALGet a Quote
Monday 16 Nov 26 — Tuesday 24 Nov 26Starting at $2,299Check Mark Icon SPECIALGet a Quote
Check Mark Icon Disclaimer: Prices listed are per person, based on double occupancy, and in USD. All promotions are valid for new bookings only, capacity controlled and valid on select dates and departures. Individual Terms and Conditions will apply to all promotions. Any promotion can be withdrawn at any time without notice. Please speak with your Pavlus Travel Planner for complete vendor terms and conditions, including eligible tour and cruise dates.


Destination & Sightseeing

Day 1 Vilshofen (Embarkation): Onboard welcome reception
Day 2 Passau: Choice of guided walk or hike with your Adventure Host; Schlögen Oxbow scenic cruising
Day 3 Linz: Guided sightseeing, see Hauptplatz and the Trinity Column
Day 4 Wachau Valley-Dürnstein: Cruise through the Wachau Valley; choice of guided walk or hike up to the castle ruins in Dürnstein or guided visit of the Benedictine Abbey in Melk
Day 5 Vienna: Choice of guided sightseeing, or bike with your Adventure Host
Day 6 Bratislava: Choice of guided sightseeing in Bratislava, visit St. Martin’s Cathedral or hike to Bratislava Castle with your Adventure Host
Day 7 Budapest: Scenic cruising into Budapest; choice of guided tour, see Heroes’ Square or hike with your Adventure Host
Day 8 Budapest (Disembarkation): Your cruise ends this morning
Notes:
  • In the event of technical or water level issues, it may be necessary to operate the itinerary by motorcoach or alter the program, including hotel overnight when necessary.
  • Guided Tours, Optional Excursions, activities, sailing and docking schedules may be contingent on weather conditions or other issues outside of our control and could therefore be subject to change at any time.
  • Please check visa requirements with your local consulate(s); responsibility for obtaining visas rests with the traveler.

ITINERARY

Day 1
VILSHOFEN, GERMANY (EMBARKATION) Welcome to Germany. Your Suite Ship® is Ready for Boarding. Flights into Munich must arrive by 2 pm. Guests must be on board ship by 5 pm. Explore your ship and enjoy dinner on your first evening on board. EVENING CRUISE TO PASSAU VILSHOFEN.jpg

Day 2
PASSAU–SCHLÖGEN OXBOW Where the Danube, Inn, and Ilz Rivers Meet ACTIVE Follow your Avalon Adventure Host for Hiking from Oberhaus along a trail down to the valley and along Ilz River, OR: CLASSIC Join a Guided City Walk to learn more about this beautiful “City of Three Rivers". Before sailing to Linz, take a little free time to explore Passau’s cobblestone streets and galleries of Artists’ Alley. Maybe stop at St. Stephen’s Cathedral to catch a concert rehearsal. This afternoon, cruise to Linz through the Danube’s dramatic horseshoe bend called Schlögen Oxbow. Later, enjoy live entertainment on board. OVERNIGHT DOCKING IN LINZ PASSAU.jpg
Meal Icon BreakfastLunchMeal Icon Dinner

Day 3
LINZ, AUSTRIA Legendary and Lovely Linz Visit the Adventure Center for today’s activities with your Adventure Host. 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. Consider a full-day Guided Optional Excursion to Salzburg—the city of Mozart, or to the picturesque Bohemian town of Cesky Krumlov. You may otherwise spend the afternoon on a biking picnic along the banks of the Danube or hike through Linz’s beautiful nature trails to Pöstlingberg for a bird’s-eye view of the city and river below. OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO DÜRNSTEIN LINZ.jpg
Meal Icon BreakfastLunchMeal Icon Dinner

Day 4
WACHAU VALLEY–DÜRNSTEIN A King’s Ransom and Castle Ruins This morning, stretch out on the Sky Deck as you sail through the Wachau Valley past vineyards, castles, and charming villages on your way to Dürnstein. ACTIVE Join a Guided Hike up to the castle ruins to take in the spectacular view of the village, Danube, and the Wachau Valley below, OR: CLASSIC Join a Guided Walk, and hear the legendary tale of King Richard the Lionheart—who was imprisoned in the castle here during the Crusades, 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. Later, enjoy live entertainment on board your ship. OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO VIENNA YBBS.jpg
Meal Icon BreakfastLunchMeal Icon Dinner

Day 5
VIENNA Viennese Waltzes on the Blue Danube ACTIVE Explore Vienna's Danube Island by bike with your Adventure Host, OR: CLASSIC Explore the Habsburg empire with a morning Guided City Tour of Vienna’s gilded landmarks. See the Imperial Palace complex—Winter residence of the Imperial Family, the grand Vienna Opera House, and stunning St. Stephen’s Cathedral. You may decide to take a Guided Optional Excursion to Schönbrunn Palace—the former imperial summer home of the Habsburg monarchy. Spend free time strolling in the pedestrian Kärntnerstrasse—the most famous shopping avenue in central Vienna. Take a bike ride through the city and stop in a local café to enjoy Sachertorte or Apfelstrudel. This evening, enjoy an unforgettable musical performance with an Optional Excursion to attend a Royal Waltz Concert in an elegant hall. OVERNIGHT SAILING TO BRATISLAVA VIENNA-HOFBURG-PALACE.jpg
Meal Icon BreakfastLunchMeal Icon Dinner

Day 6
BRATISLAVA, SLOVAKIA Cathedral Coronations and a Crowning Castle ACTIVE Follow your Avalon Adventure Host on a hike to lofty Bratislava Castle, OR: CLASSIC Take a Guided City Walk, including the quaint streets of Old Town, Town Hall, and the sight of royal coronations at St. Martin’s Cathedral. Enjoy free time to discover on your own Bratislava, the beautiful capital of Slovakia, rich in history and culture, but also a green city with its forests and parks just a hop away from the city center. OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO BUDAPEST BRATISLAVA.jpg
Meal Icon BreakfastLunchMeal Icon Dinner

Day 7
BUDAPEST, HUNGARY Monuments and Markets 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, choose from a wide range of Optional Guided Excursions. Spend free time exploring famous sights like the Chain Bridge or Fisherman’s Bastion. Linger in one of the city’s beautiful cafés, browse the Central Market Hall, or hike the hills above the Danube. OVERNIGHT DOCKING IN BUDAPEST BUDAPEST-HEROS-SQUARE.jpg
Meal Icon BreakfastLunchMeal Icon Dinner

Day 8
BUDAPEST (DISEMBARKATION) Your cruise ends with breakfast this morning. BUDAPEST-CITY-VIEW.jpg

Accommodations

BudapestBudapest
InterContinental Budapest
Deluxe

Hotel as shown or similar

Apaczai Csere Janos utca 12-14 Budapest Hungary

Few would argue the InterContinental Budapest is in the city's best location: right on the Danube across from Castle Hill and the Royal Palace. With the Chain Bridge and the Parliament just steps away, there's no shortage of superb sightseeing opportunities. The Váci Utca shopping street, Central Market Hall and the Gellért Baths are also nearby.
Check Mark Disclaimer: Prices listed are per person, based on double occupancy, and in USD. All promotions are valid for new bookings only, capacity controlled and valid on select dates and departures. Individual Terms and Conditions will apply to all promotions. Any promotion can be withdrawn at any time without notice. Please speak with your Pavlus Travel Planner for complete vendor terms and conditions, including eligible tour and cruise dates.

FAQ Avalon Cruises Frequently Asked Questions FAQ

Pavlus Travel tells you there's a wide World out there just waiting to be explored on river cruises by you, and Avalon Waterways like Pavlus Travel knows there is more than a river cruise for you and your family to see it all. Why not experience local cities, villages, and countrysides your way with a wide selection of active excursions and activities brought to you by Avalon River Cruises that put you right in the middle of it all. Borrow a bike to ride through the streets of Amsterdam, grab a Nordic walking stick to capture the castle with a hike up the vineyard off the Rhine River, or paddle a canoe along Austria’s river shores. Pavlus makes it easy to turn sightseeing into doing your adventure in real time. You’ll find all the guidance and gear you from Avalon Waterways staff to embark on an expedition of your own. From a complimentary yoga class aboard your Avalon River Cruise to a jogging tour of Vienna or an optional kayaking excursion. Know that Pavlus Travel discounts Avalon River Cruises be they in Europe or the Far East. You'll enjoy every Avalon River Cruises Ship.