Vienna, Budapest
& the Danube
The Schlögen Oxbow · The Wachau Valley · Imperial Vienna · The Blue Danube to Budapest
The Danube's most famous stretch, in the golden light of autumn — a river bend so dramatic it doubles back on itself, terraced vineyards, and two of Europe's grandest imperial capitals. This fall, we're hosting a small group for the full experience.
Vienna and Budapest,
the long way — by river.
Eight days eastbound on the Danube, boarding in Vilshofen and sailing through the dramatic horseshoe curve of the Schlögen Oxbow, the terraced vineyards and castle ruins of the Wachau Valley, and on to the waltzes and gilded landmarks of Vienna before finishing in Budapest, the "Queen of the Danube." Avalon's Imagery II docks in the heart of each town — step off the gangway and you're already there.
Four chapters,
one imperial river.
Board in Vilshofen and settle in for your first evening aboard, then explore Passau — the "City of Three Rivers" — before sailing through the Danube's dramatic 180-degree horseshoe bend, the Schlögen Oxbow, on the way to Linz.
Tour Melk's frescoed Benedictine Abbey, then stretch out on the Sky Deck as the ship sails through the UNESCO-listed Wachau Valley — terraced vineyards, castle ruins, and storybook villages — to Dürnstein, where King Richard the Lionheart was once imprisoned.
A guided tour of the Habsburgs' gilded Imperial Palace, the Vienna Opera House, and St. Stephen's Cathedral, with free time to stroll Kärntnerstrasse and an optional evening Royal Waltz Concert in an elegant hall.
After a stop in Bratislava, Slovakia, arrive in Budapest — the "Queen of the Danube" — for a guided tour past Heroes' Square, free time along the Chain Bridge and Fisherman's Bastion, and an overnight docking before disembarkation.
Ships designed
to open up.
Avalon's Panorama Suites feature wall-to-wall, floor-to-ceiling windows that essentially turn your stateroom into an open-air balcony. The Imagery II docks right in the heart of historic towns along the Danube — you step off the gangway and straight into the action, no long bus transfers.
We handle the details.
You enjoy the journey.
An 8-day eastbound cruise on the Danube, from Germany's Passau through Austria's Wachau Valley to imperial Vienna and Budapest.
Ready to join us?
Let's start the conversation.
Reach out and we'll send you the full itinerary, departure details, cabin options, and pricing. No commitment — just the information you need.
I'm Interested — Tell Me MoreSpace on hosted group journeys is limited. Early inquiries are always welcome.