Magnificent Europe

From Amsterdam to Budapest, and in many exciting stops along the way, experience the culture of Central Europe in a unique way on this timeless river cruise vacation. Amsterdam is the Netherlands’ lively capital—both historical and modern. This colourful city is loved for its vibrant mix of sophisticated architecture and classic squares and canals. See the treasures of this 700-year-old city from a unique perspective on a canal cruise along the elegant grachten. On to Germany for a guided city walk in Cologne—the stunning 2,000-year-old city known for its Gothic-style architecture. Sail through the dramatic Rhine Gorge, offering the most beautiful view of the Rhine River, and stop in the charming wine town of Rüdesheim. Enjoy guided sightseeing in Würzburg, Volkach, Bamberg, Nuremberg, and Regensburg, and sail the Main Danube Canal, which connects the Main and Danube Rivers. Your first stop in Austria is the lovely town of Melk. Visit its magnificent Benedictine Abbey, then sail through the picturesque Wachau Valley. Your local experts will also introduce you to two capital cities: Vienna, Austria, also known as “The City of Music” for inspiring the creative genius of Mozart, Beethoven, and Strauss; and lively Budapest, Hungary, with its unique energy and countless must-see sites. This truly is a river cruise to remember!

Your Fly, Stay & Cruise Package Includes:

• $2,900 flight credit per person
• 3 nights 4-star accommodation in Amsterdam with breakfast
• Canal Cruise with Coffee and Snack Box
• Utrecht Private Walking Tour
• 14-night Magnificent Europe river cruise onboard Avalon Expression
• All onboard meals during your river cruise
• Guided shore excursions included on the cruise
• Port charges and government fees
• 3 nights 4-star accommodation in Budapest with breakfast
• Budapest Private Walking Tour
• Hammer & Sickle Communist Times Small Group Walking Tour
• Select private transfers

Pricing is per person twin share and based on travel 14 July – 03 August 2027

Extend your holiday in Europe, speak with the team about options!

Solo pricing available

Canal Cruise with Coffee and Snack Box

This canal cruise offers you the best views of the 17th-century buildings lining the city canals, and will also show you the 21st-century city that Amsterdam has become. You’ll come across new architecture and bridges, showing a city that is rooted in history but continues to develop and change. 

Utrecht Private Walking Tour

Explore the charm of one of the most beautiful cities in the Netherlands on a private guided tour.

Budapest Private Walking Tour

Budapest is a subtle blend between sophistication and simplicity. With the “gentle waves” of the Danube separating the city into Buda and Pest, its long history engulfs every street and every corner, offering you the experience of a lifetime. 

Hammer & Sickle Communist Times Small Group Walking Tour

On this tour, you’ll get a comprehensive overview of Hungary’s communist era. Learn about how children were raised, family life, travel restrictions, and what life was like behind the Iron Curtain.

Cruise Itinerary:

Day 1: Welcome to Holland. Your Suite Ship® is Ready for Boarding.

Flights into Amsterdam must arrive by 3:30 pm. Guests must be on board ship by 5 pm. During tulip season, you may take a Guided Optional Excursion to the gardens at Keukenhof—with more than seven million tulips, daffodils, and hyacinths as well as other bulbs, planted each year. Spend free time exploring the colourful streets, bridges, and canals of Amsterdam—with its many cafés and art galleries.

Day 2: Canals of Colourful Amsterdam

Active Excursion: Join your Adventure Host for a walk through the historic centre of Amsterdam

Classic Excursion: Discover the true beauty of Amsterdam with an off-the-beaten-path Guided Walking Tour through its cobblestone streets for a captivating look at this legendary city

Classic Excursion: Explore the iconic waterways of Amsterdam with a Guided Canal Cruise past stately homes of Amsterdam’s “Golden Age.”

This afternoon, choose among the Guided Optional Excursions available.

Day 3: Prost! Celebrate in the Rhineland

Join your Adventure Host for today’s special activities.

Active Excursion: Enjoy a bike ride like the locals in Cologne with your Adventure

Classic Excursion: Join a Guided Walking Tour of Cologne’s important Jewish heritage sites

Classic Excursion: Take a Guided City Walk of Cologne—explore the Old City and see its soaring twin-steepled gothic cathedral.

Don’t miss the chance to enjoy free time over a glass of Kölsch pale lager—locally brewed for over 100 years! This evening, enjoy live entertainment on board your ship.

Day 4: Eat, Drink, and Be Merry in Wine Country

En route to Rüdesheim, sail through the Rhine Gorge (a UNESCO World Heritage site). Take in the breathtaking views of ancient castles perched on cliffs 400 feet above the water and pass the legendary Rock of the Lorelei—where the mythological siren’s songs lured ill-fated sailors.

Active Excursion: Enjoy a hike with your Avalon Adventure Host through the picturesque vineyards of Rüdesheim, followed by a tasting of the authentic Rüdesheimer coffee

Classic Excursion: Tour the incredible Mechanical Music Museum for a one-of-a-kind instrumental experience; enjoy a tasting of the authentic Rüdesheimer coffee

Discovery Excursion: Take a Guided Visit to the historic 18th-century wooden-barrel cellar of Johannisberg Castle and enjoy a delicious wine tasting.

Later, local musicians will join us on board for live entertainment.

Day 5: Beauty on the Main River

Ask about today’s energizing or relaxing Adventure Host activities.

Active Excursion: Enjoy a Bike Tour with your Adventure Host to explore this charming medieval town and surrounding area

Classic Excursion: Join a Guided Walking Tour of Miltenberg, a showcase of medieval half-timber homes and home to Germany’s oldest inn.

Day 6: A Perfect Day in the Pearl of the Romantic Road

Active Excursion: Join your Adventure Host for a hike to explore Würzburg's charm

Classic Excursion: Take a Guided Sightseeing Tour of Würzburg with its Old Main Bridge, towering fortress, and baroque Bishop’s Residenz—with the largest known ceiling fresco

Discovery Excursion: Savor the flavours of Franconia with a guided winery visit and cellar tasting. Then, depending on the season, stroll through the city's charming old town or among the vines of the renowned Würzburger Stein vineyard with panoramic views of the Main River Valley.

Enjoy the city on your own or visit a local winery. This evening, enjoy on board for live entertainment.

Day 7: Storybook Settings

You may choose to join a Guided Optional Excursion to the beautiful Bavarian town of Rothenburg. See the local sights and enjoy the fairytale atmosphere that has inspired artists. Sail to Volkach and get ready for your afternoon activity.

Active Excursion: Bike along the Main Danube Canal with your Adventure Host

Classic Excursion: Join a Walking Tour of the quaint town of Volkach with its half-timbered houses and cobblestoned streets.

Day 8: The City of Seven Hills

Active Excursion: Your bike is ready! Hop on and bike along the canals in Bamberg with your Adventure Host

Classic Excursion: Take a Guided Walking Tour of the former home to imperial dynasties, and see its Romanesque cathedral, Old Town Hall, and seven hills crowned with churches.

Discovery Excursion: Attend an onboard lecture to learn about European history and culture.

Later, enjoy live entertainment performance while sailing this evening.

Day 9: Legends and History Lessons

Visit the Adventure Center for today’s activities with your Adventure Host.

Active Excursion: Join your Adventure Host for a walk to discover the surrounding neighbourhood

Classic Excursion: Enjoy a Guided Sightseeing Tour of the Bavarian town of Roth—with its half-timbered houses, market square, and 1535 hunting lodge Schloss Ratibor

Classic Excursion: Choose a Guided Tour of Nuremberg’s medieval architecture, gilded fountain, gothic cathedral, and Kaiserburg Castle

Classic Excursion: Join a Guided Tour of the historic Nuremberg Rally Grounds—used by the Third Reich.

Classic Excursion: Enjoy an Onboard Lecture about the Main-Danube Canal—linking these two rivers to make a vital connection enabling navigation between the North and Black Seas.

Day 10: Bavaria’s Medieval Miracle

Active Excursion: Explore Walhalla by bike with your Adventure Host

Classic Excursion: Explore Regensburg’s rich Jewish history with a guided tour of the Old Jewish Quarter, synagogue, and museum, uncovering centuries of culture, resilience, and heritage in this UNESCO city

Classic Excursion: Join a Guided City Walk and see Altes Rathaus (Old Town Hall) and Porta Pretoria—built in 179 AD as the entrance to Castra Regina fortress.

You may choose to join a Guided Optional Excursion to visit the Benedictine Monastery in Weltenburg. Alternatively, spend free time exploring Regensburg on foot or by bike through its charming streets.

Day 11: Where the Danube, Inn, and Ilz Rivers Meet

Active Excursion: Join your Avalon Adventure Host for Hiking down to the valley and along Ilz River

Classic Excursion: Join a Guided City Walk to learn more about this beautiful “City of Three Rivers.”

You may join a full-day Guided Optional Excursion to Salzburg, the city of Mozart, or a full day Guided Optional Excursion to the picturesque Bohemian town of Cesky Krumlov. Alternatively, cruise to the lovely town of Linz.

Linz, Austria - Legendary, Lovely Linz

This evening, feel free to explore Linz on your own. Later, enjoy live entertainment on board.

Day 12: Frescoes Above and Vineyards Below

Active Excursion: Join your Avalon Adventure Host for a walk along the Danube River and around Melk

Classic Excursion: Take a Guided Tour of the frescoed ceilings, statues, incredible library, and ornate pipe organ of Melk’s Benedictine Abbey.

Enjoy a coffee or cocktail on the Sky Deck as you sail through the picturesque Wachau Valley to wonderful Vienna this afternoon.

Vienna - Viennese Waltzes on the Blue Danube

Classic Excursion: Attend a Royal Waltz Concert featuring classical masterpieces by Mozart and Johann Strauss, performed brilliantly by professional musicians in one of Europe's prettiest venues.

Day 13: Royal Collections and Amusing Attractions

Active Excursion: Explore Vienna's Danube Island by bike with your Adventure Host

Classic Excursion: Enjoy a Guided Visit to House of Strauss and embark on an interactive journey through Vienna's illustrious past at an immersive audio-visual experience. After the tour, enjoy a coffee and homemade cake

Classic Excursion: Explore the Habsburg Empire with a morning Guided City Tour of Vienna’s gilded landmarks. See the Imperial Palace complex—the winter residence of the Imperial Family, the iconic Vienna Opera House, and stunning St. Stephen’s Cathedral.

You may choose to join a Guided Optional Excursion to Schönbrunn Palace—summer home of the Habsburg family. Consider a tram ride to Vienna’s Prater amusement park or to one of the many museums nearby. Later, enjoy live entertainment as you sail to Budapest.

Day 14: The Pearl of the Danube

This morning, while sailing into Budapest, enjoy beautiful views of the city from the Sky Deck.

Active Excursion: Hike up to a magnificent viewpoint in Budapest with your Adventure Host

Classic Excursion: Enjoy a Guided City Sightseeing tour of Budapest, including the iconic Heroes’ Square.

This afternoon, choose among the Optional Guided Excursions available or enjoy Budapest on your own. Indulge in a piece of cream cake in one of the many cafés. Consider a scenic hike above the Danube.

Day 15: Budapest (Disembarkation)

Your cruise ends with breakfast this morning.

Prices listed are per person in NZD, based on twin occupancy, including all discounts unless otherwise stated. The offer is subject to availability at time of booking and shown on the lowest category available at the time.  Fares are capacity controlled and are subject to change at any time without notice. Prices/Offers are correct as at 22-10-2026 and can be withdrawn without notice.   Cabin categories include prepaid government fees and port taxes unless otherwise stated.  Hotels may charge resort fees not included in this package, payable direct upon check in. Visas are not included.  Payments made by credit card will incur a surcharge.