Where:
Cruise along the peaceful Danube River on the beautiful, new Avalon Envision through Hungary, Slovakia, Austria, and Germany—discovering some of Central Europe’s most splendid capitals and charming towns along the way. From Budapest to Deggendorf, you'll have your fill of history, culture, wine, and adventure on this splendid, 8-day westbound river cruise.
When:
July 9-18, 2023
Pre-night + 8 Day Sailing
Pricing:
Package Details:
Your host: Don Grant Zellmer
Danube Dreams with Don Grant Zellmer includes:
• Avalon Europe Promotion, Savings of $1,250 per person
• Free Shipboard Gratuities, Savings of $128 per person
• Arrival Airport Transfer in Budapest
• Pre-night Accommodations in Budapest
• 7-Nights’ Shipboard Accommodations
• Departure Airport Transfer to Munich
• Breakfast, lunch, and dinner on board daily
• Complimentary specialty coffees, tea, and filtered water refill stations are available 24 hours a day
• Complimentary sparkling wine with breakfast
• Wine, beer, or soft drinks with lunch and dinner are included daily on board
• Expert Cruise Director
• Avalon Adventure Host available as your guide for fitness activities and active excursions
• Friendly, English-speaking staff delivering consummate personal service
• Avalon Choice® with your preference of Classic, Active, or Discovery included excursions and sightseeing with Certified Local Guides; and MyAvalonSM Guided Optional Excursions
• AvalonGO mobile app with itinerary information before and during your cruise, including schedules, transfer details, daily itineraries, GPS, and dining and entertainment options
• Complimentary Wi-Fi throughout the ship
• Complimentary computer stations
• Sky Deck shade system & premium lounge chairs
• Sky Deck whirlpool
• Sky Deck game area
• Sky Grill with made-to-order al fresco dining
• Panorama Lounge with cozy seating, panoramic windows, and dance floor
• Club Lounge with 24-hour self-serve beverage station with complimentary cappuccinos, lattes, hot chocolate, and a selection of teas; cookies available throughout the day
• Adventure Center with Avalon Adventure Host assistance, active gear, bicycles, and fitness class information
• State-of-the-art Fitness Center
• Club Lounge Library with books, cards, and board games
• Elevator
• Complimentary water stations
• Exclusive Comfort Collection Beds
• Large private bathroom featuring full shower with glass door
• Premium personal amenities, including L’Occitane® bath products
• English language TV channels with 50+ free movies
*Travel protection is not included but available and highly recommended.
*Airfare is not included and will be added once the group is finalized.
*Local roundtrip airport transportation is not included but will be finalized and quoted closer to departure.
*Confirmation of hotels will be available approximately 30 days prior to departure. In the event of additional departures on the same date, or other events that may result in the unavailability of hotels as listed in the tour descriptions, the accommodations substituted will be equivalent in standard.
*In the event of water level problems or maintenance on the locks on stretches of any river, it may be necessary to operate part of the itinerary by motor coach or alter the program, including hotel overnight when necessary.
*Included visits and special features are subject to change. If a change is necessary, a substitute will be offered.
*A Travel Connections' escort is subject to change based on group numbers.
Itinerary:
Enjoy included sightseeing with Certified Local Guides, Guided Optional Excursions and Tours, and ample free time to explore on your own. Explore CLASSIC sights, embark on ACTIVE excursions, and make a new DISCOVERY through hands-on cultural and artistic experiences shared by local residents and experts.
Sunday July 9, 2023
UNITED STATES (DEPARTURE)
Overnight flight departs from the United States (air not included).
Monday July 10, 2023
BUDAPEST, HUNGARY (PRENIGHT)
- Welcome to Hungary.
- Arrival transfer included from airport to hotel.
- The day is yours to relax and enjoy the city with time for photographs, cafés, and confections.
Sailing Day 1, Tuesday July 11, 2023
BUDAPEST, HUNGARY (EMBARKATION)
- Your Suite Ship® is Ready for Boarding.
- Flights into Budapest must arrive by 3:30 pm.
- Guests must be on board ship by 5 pm.+
OVERNIGHT DOCKING IN BUDAPEST
(Dinner)
Sailing Day 2, Wednesday July 12, 2023
BUDAPEST
- The Pearl of the Danube in the Heart of Europe
- Visit the Adventure Center for today’s activities with your Adventure Host.
- 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 among a wide selection of Optional Guided Excursions or take in the beauty of Budapest while
enjoying some free time exploring such famous sights as the Chain Bridge. Get to know the city’s cafés and pubs, or take a hike through the hills above the Danube.
EVENING/OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO BRATISLAVA
(Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)
Sailing Day 3, Thursday July 13, 2023
BRATISLAVA, SLOVAKIA
- Cathedral Coronations and a Crowning Castle
- Follow your Avalon Adventure Host on a hike to lofty Bratislava Castle, OR 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.
- This afternoon, 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 VIENNA
(Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)
Sailing Day 4, Friday July 14, 2023
VIENNA
- Strauss, Schnitzel, Strudel, and Sachertorte
- Explore Vienna's Danube Island by bike with your Adventure Host, OR 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 iconic 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, or take a bike ride through the city and stop in a local café to enjoy of 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 CRUISE TO DÜRNSTEIN
(Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)
Sailing Day 5, Saturday July 15, 2023
DÜRNSTEIN–WACHAU VALLEY
- A King’s Ransom and Castle Ruins
- 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 Join a Guided Walk, and hear the legendary tale of King Richard the Lionheart—who was imprisoned in the castle during the Crusades.
- Later, stretch out on the Sky Deck as you sail through the Wachau Valley past vineyards, castles, and charming villages
on your way to Ybbs.
YBBS. EXCURSION TO MELK
- Frescoes Above and Vineyards Below
- Visit the Lower Austrian little town of Ybbs. Admire the fine architecture of the Babenberger and its romantic
old town, OR Take a Guided Tour of Melk’s magnificent Benedictine Abbey to marvel at its frescoed ceilings, statues, incredible library, and ornate pipe organ.
EVENING/OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO LINZ
(Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)
Sailing Day 6, Sunday July 16, 2023
LINZ
- Legendary, Lovely Linz
- 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 DOCKING IN LINZ
(Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)
Sailing Day 7, Monday July 17, 2023
SCHLÖGEN OXBOW–PASSAU, GERMANY
- Where the Danube, Inn, and Ilz Rivers Meet
- This morning, cruise through the Schlögen Oxbow, a particularly beautiful horseshoe-shaped bend of the river.
- Join your Host for Hiking from Oberhaus along a trail down to the valley and along Ilz River, OR Take a Guided City Walk into Passau, the beautiful “City of Three Rivers.”
- Before sailing to Deggendorf, 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.
EVENING/OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO DEGGENDORF
(Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)
Sailing Day 8, Tuesday July 18, 2023
DEGGENDORF (DISEMBARKATION)
Your cruise ends with breakfast this morning.
Flights should not leave Munich airport before 8 am.
(Breakfast)
Booking:
To book now, for more information, or to make an appointment contact Erin Foster at
TRAVEL CONNECTIONS (815) 780-8581 ext 2
Destination Photos:
