AVALON WATERWAYS
POST-FAM CRUISE
(5 NIGHTS)
POST-FAM CRUISE
(5 NIGHTS)
2025 ASTA River Cruise Expo
6 Days, 5 Nights | Vienna to Budapest
March 16 - 21, 2025
Onboard the Avalon Impression Suite Ship
Onboard the Avalon Impression Suite Ship
CRUISING, ELEVATED
Itinerary and ship overview
Your cruise at a glance
Enjoy just-the-right included activities and excursions to suit your interests throughout this special Danube River cruise. After enjoying your final day of the ASTA River Cruise Expo in Vienna, board the Avalon Impression on Sunday, March 16, and begin sailing to captivating Krems. Enjoy a variety of excursion options, followed by a Wachau Valley sailing and an afternoon visit to the Melk Abbey. After Melk, continue on to Linz, and consider a full-day Sound of Music excursion or a visit to Cesky Krumlov. Then, sail to Bratislava, followed by Budapest, for city tours and excursion options that include hiking & biking (weather permitting), and a stunning sunset cruise. Experience a fantastic combination of historical intrigue and active excursions on this special Avalon Waterways Danube River cruise!
Breakfast; lunch; afternoon tea, coffee & cake; happy hour; and dinner are included onboard daily. Expert local guides will lead all excursions.
Excursions will be available to book online 30-45 days in advance of your cruise; you will be notified via email when excursion options open.
Itinerary & excursions subject to change
Your ship: The Avalon Impression
Just envision Europe’s most spectacular views passing your panoramic window like ever-changing picture postcards. The Avalon Impression brings this dream to life as part of the youngest fleet of ships on Europe’s waterways.
See photos of the Avalon Impression and learn more here:
NEED TO KNOW
Excursion selection is now available! Please log into your MyAvalon account, enter your reservation number, and navigate to "My Excursions" to register for your desired option.
- Advance excursion registration closes 3 days prior to the excursion date; you may register for excursions onboard after that.
Travel e-documents are now available! Please log into your MyAvalon account, enter your reservation number, and navigate to "My Documentation".
Your e-documents feature important information, including:
- Your reservation number (Page 3 -> “Booking Reference number”)
- Your cabin number (Page 3 -> “Accommodations”)
- Your bed configuration (Page 3 -> “Accommodations”)
- If your bed configuration is incorrect, you may change it in MyAvalon -> after logging in and entering your reservation number, navigate to “Passenger Registration.” Scroll down to “Bed Preference,” click the appropriate setup option, and click the blue “Save this Passenger’s Data” button .
- Ship contact information (Page 5)
- Please note, you should only contact the ship directly if you have an issue on arrival day; the ship will not be in port prior to that, and will not be able to address general event or cruise questions
- Ship docking location/address (Pages 5 & 6)
- Your airport departure transfer details (Page 8 -> “Departure Information”)
- If you have a departure transfer, your flight details will be listed here. Your cruise director will confirm your departure transfer time and specifics onboard.
- If your documents say, “Your departure transfer is not included” – you do not have a departure transfer. We are unable to add new transfers at this point, but you may speak with the cruise director onboard to see if arrangements can be made.
- In addition to the itinerary, the remainder of the document includes tips on everything from dress code to laundry services, embarkation day details to our fitness center, electricity to room service, and so much more – be sure to review your e-documents and keep them handy!
The AvalonGO app will be available soon. We appreciate your patience in the meantime!
Your onboard experience
YOUR ITINERARY
Day 1
Sunday, March 16
Sunday, March 16
Vienna (Embarkation)
- Embark any time after 9am.
- No post-cruise excursions are planned for this day. Please refer to the ship you are staying on during the ASTA River Cruise Expo for "city sightseeing tour" options on March 16.
- Please note, staterooms may not be available until 4pm. All public spaces and restrooms will be accessible throughout the day.
- "All aboard time" is 5pm.
Day 2
Monday, March 17
Monday, March 17
Krems → Melk
Choose from three included morning excursions:
Austrian Wine World Experience
Krems is an age-old witness to Austria's rich wine-making tradition. Peek behind the scenes, and during an included wine tasting, learn how wine isn’t just a beverage but a cultural treasure and inspiration!
Captivating Krems
Explore Old Town, a UNESCO World Heritage Site filled with well-preserved historical buildings including the Town Hall, ancient churches, the beautiful baroque city gates, quaint courtyards, and incredible panoramas over the river.
Austria on Two Wheels: Beauty of the Wachau Valley
Pedal your way through Austria’s beautiful Wachau Valley! Pass by the scenic banks of the mighty Danube, lovely terraced vineyards, and quaint villages.
This afternoon, sail through the stunning Wachau Valley, and enjoy an included visit to the Melk Abbey:
See the abbey's lavish library filled with priceless manuscripts; former imperial corridor and grandiose balcony; Marble Hall; Abbey Church, and its mind-bending spiral staircase.
Day 3
Tuesday, March 18
Tuesday, March 18
Linz
Choice of included excursions:
Sound of Music Salzburg (Full day)
Marvel at the city's outstanding baroque Old Town, home to the 7th-century St. Peter’s Monastery; Mozart’s birthplace on the Old Town’s lively and atmospheric shopping street; and Salzburg Cathedral, where Mozart was baptized. After free time, explore the stunning Lake District, and visit the former Benedictine Mondsee Abbey, site of the memorable wedding scene in “The Sound of Music”.
Cesky Krumlov (Full day)
See one of the most charming and romantic little towns in Europe. This well-preserved gem is a colorful place with over 300 historic buildings, small lanes, art galleries, charming shops and medieval inns. Pass by the Vltava (Moldau) River and return with happy memories from this UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Hit the Trail Hike: Mount Pöstlingberg (Morning)
Lace up your hiking boots and join an expert guide for this trek up Linz's local mountain for a whole new perspective of beautiful Linz and its surrounding area.
Linzer Torte Cooking Class
Learn to cook like a real Austrian pastry chef! Create your own Linzer Torte during a fun and interactive cooking class in the heart of Linz.
Day 4
Wednesday, March 19
Wednesday, March 19
Bratislava
During this morning's sailing, relax and take in the scenery as you approach Bratislava.
A choice of included excursions await you this afternoon:
Bratislava, Jewel of Slovakia
Embark on a short walk along the cobblestone streets of the Old Town. See hilltop Bratislava Castle; onion-domed Michael's Gate; the Old Town Hall, whose tower was built in 1370; St. Martin’s Cathedral, where many Hungarian kings and queens were crowned; and more. Afterward, there’s free time to explore on your own.
"Create Your Own Masterpiece" Painting Class
Walk through the city center of Bratislava and be treated to a painting workshop in the downtown district. Learn the techniques of artist Andy Warhol to create your own masterpiece!
Hit The Trail: Slovakian Wine Traditions & Tastes
Explore traditional and modern winemaking with a drive to the 17th century Raca Winehouse. Enjoy a scenic hike through the forest and vineyards of Raca, followed by a wine tasting.
Day 5
Thursday, March 20
Thursday, March 20
Budapest
Your choice of included morning excursions is outlined below! Your afternoon is free to explore Budapest.
Your ship will be docked in Budapest overnight; flights may depart at any time the following morning.
Breathtaking Budapest
Explore fascinating Buda and Pest! See the Castle District and Fishermen's Bastion for incredible panoramic views; enjoy an orientation drive that stops at Heroes’ Square; visit the beautiful neo-Renaissance Opera House; and learn about famous Hungarian kings and dukes.
Budapest on Two Wheels: City Highlights
Explore the hidden gems and treasures of breathtaking Budapest by bike! See monumental cathedrals and castles, elegant shopping streets and bustling historic squares, and more.
Hike to Budapest's Citadel with your Adventure Host
Witness an amazing view of Budapest; see the bridges that cross the Danube.
Meet Fabulous Budapest
Join a local Hungarian to meet local shop owners, collectors, and everyday people. Take a ride on local transportation, including a scenic tram line; check out fresh products at a bustling market; admire the stunning scenery from a unique perspective, and taste local specialties. An incredible way to meet fabulous Budapest and its people!
Chef for a Day: Hungarian Specialties
Learn to prepare authentic Hungarian dishes - and savor your delicious handiwork afterward - at this fun and interactive cooking class!
Day 6
Friday, March 21
Friday, March 21
Budapest (Disembarkation)
Disembarkation details are forthcoming. Staterooms must be vacated by 9am; you are welcome to store your luggage, and access public areas and restrooms, after that time.
Your departure transfer to the Budapest airport (if you requested one) will be reconfirmed onboard.
Cruise Rates
- Rates are per person; based on double occupancy
- Includes prepaid gratuities for your crew & cruise director as well as local guides and drivers, port charges, and airport transfers (embarkation (Vienna) & disembarkation (Budapest) days/airports only)
- Does NOT include travel insurance (which must be purchased on your own).
- 50% single supplement
Avalon Impression Panorama Suite
$999 pp
(200 sq. ft.)
Avalon Impression Deluxe Stateroom
$699 pp
(172 sq. ft.)
Cruising, elevated
No other fleet of river cruise ships offers you a view of the world like Avalon's Suite Ships.
Learn more about the Avalon difference, and get your questions answered, here.