Blue Danube Discovery Cruise

Seven day European vacation featuring a fascinating cruise from Budapest to Nuremberg with optional pre and post cruise extensions in Budapest and Prague

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There’s no better way to experience Eastern Europe than on one of our signature vacations, an RSVP riverboat cruise. Discovery, camaraderie, style and comfort all come together for the perfect Danube holiday. Onboard the Vista you’ll savor the luxury of Avalon’s brand new all-suite design and the most spacious staterooms of any river cruise ship sailing Europe’s waterways.

Your vacation begins in Budapest, often referred to as the “Paris of the East”; where you can take advantage of our optional two night pre-cruise package at the luxurious Intercontinental Hotel. Spanning the banks of the Danube, Budapest is Eastern Europe’s liveliest and most cosmopolitan metropolis. Seven bridges connect ancient Buda on the right bank with Pest on the left. The massive hilltop castle complex with Fishermen’s Bastion and the Matthias Church are among the impressive sights you’ll see on your city tour, which is included with our optional pre-cruise package.

After boarding the Vista, we sail to Vienna, the “City of Music”, for our overnight stay which allows ample time for dinner, a concert and the fabulous gay night life of this magnificent city. Once the center of the mighty Habsburg Empire, Austria’s capital has much to offer: lavish Hofburg Palace, the impressive Vienna Opera House, the majestic Ring Boulevard, and awe-inspiring St. Stephen’s Cathedral just to name a few of the sights you will enjoy during your city tour. Shop in the Karntnerstrasse and enjoy Sachertorte or Apfelstrudel in a neighborhood café.

The cruise continues to Durnstein, located in the heart of the magnificent Wachau wine region and known for the baroque Stiftskirche with its blue facade. Above town are the ruins of the castle where England’s King Richard the Lionheart was imprisoned in 1192. Next, we travel up river to Melk, whose magnificent Benedictine Abbey dominates the town from its commanding hill site and is one of Europe’s largest monasteries.

A morning stop in Linz, Austria affords an optional full-day excursion to Salzburg to take in the popular “Sound of Music” sights. Or, enjoy the day onboard as we navigate further up river to Passau, Germany. Ideally situated at the confluence of the Rivers Inn, Ilz, and Danube; Passau is a city of graceful arcades and cobblestone streets where St. Stephen’s Cathedral houses the world’s largest church organ with more than 17,000 pipes.

We awake the following morning to one of Germany’s best preserved medieval cities – Regensburg, whose architectural highlights include the Old Town Hall and Porta Pretoria – gates to an ancient Roman fort built in 179 AD. Before dinner, we’ll introduce you to some of Germany’s famous beers. Our next day on the river brings us through the Main-Danube Canal to Nuremberg, which has been restored to its original style after suffering extensive damage during WWII. Marvel at this historic city with its fabulous gothic churches and elegant patrician houses. Nuremberg’s traditions include its famous Lebkuchen, toy making, and metal working.

Your final evening onboard the Vista needn’t be the end of your vacation. Extend your stay in Eastern Europe with our optional transfer from Nuremburg to Prague, Czech Republic, where you’ll spend two nights in the upscale Prague City Center Marriott. Prague is a 1,000-year-old city preserved in time. See its best-known treasures, such as the Old Town’s Astronomical Clock, once the envy of all of Europe; Hradcany Castle grounds, St. Vitus Cathedral, and the Charles Bridge. Browse the shops for hand-cut crystal or art books, mix with the locals in Wenceslaus Square or stroll along the Vltava River.

Whether you’re looking to explore the great museums of Prague, listen to an opera where it was written, or just take in the beautiful scenery, let RSVP take care of the details and make you a part of our extended family onboard the Vista. Experience the intimacy, romance and fun of an RSVP riverboat cruise. Come join us on this, our most popular riverboat cruise ever.

Date

Port (click to view)

Sun., July 8

Budapest, Hungary

We join the ms Vista in one of the grandest cities in Eastern Europe, Budapest. A famous haven for musicians, writers and artists, modern Budapest retains many of the charms that have attracted visitors for centuries. Visit both halves of the twin cities of Buda and Pest, bisected by the Danube River. From historic Buda Castle, enjoy excellent views of the entire city. Visit the distinctive Fisherman’s Bastion, the marvelous Royal Palace and timeless St. Stephen’s Basilica.

Mon., July 9

Vienna, Austria

One of the world’s top cultural gems, magnificent Vienna possesses its own unique vibrancy, charm and flair. Known as “The City of Music,” Vienna was home to Mozart, Beethoven, Schubert and Johann Strauss. The Vienna Philharmonic is one of the world’s top orchestras, and the Vienna Boys’ Choir delights audiences both at home and abroad. As you explore this rich city, visit the imperial Hofburg Palace, the Vienna Opera House, awe-inspiring St. Stephen’s Cathedral and the National Library. You’ll also have the chance to take an optional tour of Schrönbrunn Palace, the historic summer residence of the Habsburg rulers and one of the most significant cultural monuments in Austria.

Tu., July 10

Vienna, Austria

Casablanca One of the world’s top cultural gems, magnificent Vienna possesses its own unique vibrancy, charm and flair. Known as “The City of Music,” Vienna was home to Mozart, Beethoven, Schubert and Johann Strauss. The Vienna Philharmonic is one of the world’s top orchestras, and the Vienna Boys’ Choir delights audiences both at home and abroad. As you explore this rich city, visit the imperial Hofburg Palace, the Vienna Opera House, awe-inspiring St. Stephen’s Cathedral and the National Library. You’ll also have the chance to take an optional tour of Schrönbrunn Palace, the historic summer residence of the Habsburg rulers and one of the most significant cultural monuments in Austria.

Wed., July 11

Durnstein, Austria

Durenstein Surrounded by terraced vineyards and fortified walls, this Wachau Valley wine town is one of the most picturesque on the Danube. Durnstein is home of the castle where Richard the Lionhearted was kept prisoner in 1193. Its ruins dominate the high bluff overlooking the river valley.

Wed., July 11

Melk, Austria

Melk Melk, Austria is the home of one of Europe’s great cultural sites – the Benedictine Abbey of Melk, which was first established in 1089. During your tour of the Abbey, you’ll see the 640 foot Imperial Corridor, the Marble Hall with its impressive ceiling fresco, and the view of the village of Melk and the surrounding countryside as seen from the outdoor balcony.

Th., July 12

Linz, Austria

Linz Our first stop in Austria is Linz, the country’s third largest city and our jumping off point for optional excursions to Salzburg. Christened Europe’s Capital of Culture in 2009, Linz brings together the traditional and modern into one city. Spend time in one of the town’s many fine museums and explore the local castle. Or, take an optional full day tour to Salzburg, birthplace of Mozart and the setting for one of the gayest musicals of all time, the Sound of Music.

Th., July 12

Passau, Austria

Passau In quaint Passau, you’ll find picturesque squares like the Domplatz, Residenzplatz and Rathausplatz, the church towers of St.Paul's, a magnificent cathedral and the historic town hall tower. Get lost in the nooks and crannies of this ancient town, or wander down the enchanting footpaths along the Danube and Inn rivers.

Fri., July 13

Regensburg, Germany

Regensburg, in Bavaria, is one of Germany's oldest towns, founded by the Romans in 179 A.D. Today Regensburg is a prosperous city of about 150,000 inhabitants, 3 universities and many landmarks, most dated to the Middle Ages including the Cathedral of St. Peter, Old City Hall and Imperial Diet, and the Stone Bridge. Since July 2006 the old city of Regensburg has been a UNESCO World Heritage site.

Sat., July 14

Nuremberg, Germany

With half a million residents, Nuremburg is dominated by Gothic churches including Sebaldus and St. Lorenz, cobblestoned squares, and the majestic Nuremberg Castle known as the "Kaiserburg". Old Town Nuremberg is almost completely surrounded by a medieval city wall. Explore the market square Hauptmarkt, see Zeppelin Field and visit the Palace of Justice, site of the Nuremberg Trials.

Sun., July 15

Nuremberg, Germany

Our journey concludes in the historic city of Nuremberg, Germany. With half a million residents, Nuremburg is dominated by Gothic churches including Sebaldus and St. Lorenz, cobblestoned squares, and the majestic Nuremberg Castle known as the "Kaiserburg". Old Town Nuremberg is almost completely surrounded by a medieval city wall. Explore the market square Hauptmarkt, see Zeppelin Field and visit the Palace of Justice, site of the Nuremberg Trials.

The itinerary is subject to change.
RSVP recommends that flights depart after 11 AM on disembarkation day.