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First Time River Cruise

The Easiest Way to Experience Luxury River Cruising in Europe

If you’ve been thinking about river cruising but don’t know where to start, this is your perfect introduction.

This curated Avalon Waterways experience, departing from Toronto, is designed for travelers who want effortless planning, immersive experiences, and refined comfort, without feeling overwhelmed.

You unpack once, wake up in a new destination each day, and explore Europe at a relaxed, inspiring pace.

Why This is the Best First River Cruise Experience

Your first river cruise should feel easy, not complicated.

This itinerary is ideal because it offers:

✔ Seamless travel from Toronto with coordinated flights
✔ Small, intimate ships (no crowds, no stress)
✔ Guided excursions included - no need to plan daily activities
✔ A balanced pace with time to explore and unwind
✔ A safe, social environment for couples and solo travelers

It’s a soft introduction to Europe - with structure when you want it, and freedom when you don’t.

Why Choose Avalon Waterways for Your First Cruise

Not all river cruise lines are equally suited for first-time travelers.

Avalon stands out for its modern, flexible approach:

Spacious suites designed to maximize views
Flexible excursion styles (active, cultural, relaxed)
Casual luxury atmosphere (no rigid schedules or formalities)
Thoughtfully curated onboard and onshore experiences

👉 For a full overview of ships, suites, and onboard experience, visit our Avalon Waterways page

What You'll Experience

This journey introduces you to some of Europe’s most iconic landscapes and cultural highlights:

✨ Scenic sailing past castles and vineyards along the Rhine
🏰 Storybook towns and historic European cities
🍷 Regional food and wine experiences
🚶 Guided walking tours with expert local insight
🚲 Optional active experiences like biking and hiking

Each day is designed to give you a true sense of place—without the stress of planning it yourself.

Who This Experience is Perfect For

This journey is especially well-suited for:

First-time river cruisers
Couples seeking relaxed, cultural travel
Solo travelers looking for a safe, structured experience
Busy professionals who want a fully organized trip
Travelers who prefer quality over crowds

If you value ease, comfort, and meaningful experiences, this is the right place to start.

What’s Included (Simplified, Stress-Free Travel)

Your experience is designed to be as seamless as possible:

✔ Premium accommodations
✔ Daily guided excursions
✔ Select beverages with meals
✔ Onboard wellness and leisure amenities
✔ Wi-Fi and thoughtful onboard services

No constant decision-making.
No complicated logistics.
Just enjoying the journey.

DISCOVER DANUBE DREAMS FOR MUSIC LOVERS 2027

10 Day River Cruise Vilshofen to Budapest, May 4-11, 2027

🎵 Embark on a Harmonious Journey along the Danube 🎵

Immerse yourself in the melodic allure of Central Europe as you cruise along the tranquil Danube River. From Germany to Hungary, indulge in a week filled with enchanting music events and cultural delights

Begin your voyage in Passau, Germany, known as the "City of Three Rivers," where baroque architecture and majestic cathedrals await. In Linz, Austria, stroll through the medieval Hauptplatz or journey to Salzburg, the birthplace of Mozart, for a day of musical exploration.

As you meander through the picturesque Wachau Valley, savor the breathtaking scenery and sample local wines in charming towns like Melk and Dürnstein. In Vienna, the "City of Music," be captivated by the grandeur of the Hofburg Imperial Palace and indulge in a Royal Waltz Concert, a truly unforgettable musical experience.

In Bratislava, Slovakia, wander through the historic Old Town and marvel at the Gothic splendor of St. Martin's Cathedral. Then, in Budapest, Hungary, discover the city's vibrant culture and iconic landmarks, including the Hungarian State Opera House and the panoramic vistas from Fishermen's Bastion.

Join us on this timeless European river cruise as we explore the legendary beauty and rich musical heritage of the Danube.

Detailed Itinerary

Day 1 - All aboard Vilshofen, Germany

Welcome to Germany. Your Suite Ship is Ready for Boarding.
Flights into Munich must arrive by 2 pm.
Guests must be on board ship by 5 pm.
Explore your ship and enjoy dinner on your first evening on board. EVENING CRUISE TO PASSAU

Day 2 - PASSAU-SCHLOGEN OXBOW

Where the Danube, Inn, and Ilz Rivers Meet
Visit the Adventure Center for today’s activities with your Adventure Host.

Follow your Avalon Adventure Host for Hiking from Oberhaus along a trail down to the valley and along Ilz River, OR:

CLASSIC EXCURSION

Join a Guided City Walk to learn more about this beautiful “City of Three Rivers".

Before sailing to Linz, 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.
This afternoon, cruise to Linz through the Danube’s dramatic horseshoe bend called Schlögen Oxbow. Overnight Docking in Linz

DAY 3 - LINZ, AUSTRIA

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

CLASSIC EXCURSION

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.

EVENING/OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO YBBS Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

While we include your choice of many excursions on your trip, you may wish to explore other options to enhance your free time. Below is a selection of excursions that may be available for purchase on your cruise.

DAY 3 - LINZ, AUSTRIA - continued...

Cesky Krumlov, Pearl of the Bohemian Forest

Sound of Music Salzburg
From Mozart to "The Sound of Music", this delightful excursion provides an in-depth look at both the city of Salzburg and its majestic surroundings. 10h 0m Price Range: $$$
Cesky Krumlov - A Sleeping Beauty Awakes
You'll feel like you've stepped right into the Middle Ages on this full-day excursion to Ceský Krumlov, the "Pearl of the Bohemian Forest". 9h 30m Price Range: $$$
Mauthausen Memorial
Tour the notorious Mauthausen Concentration Camp, one of WWII's largest and most brutal Nazi work camp complexes. 2h 30m Price Range: $$

DAY 4 - YBBS, EXCURSION TO MELK-WACHAU VALLEY - DURNSTEIN

Frescoes Above and Vineyards Below

CLASSIC EXCURSION

Visit the Lower Austrian little town of Ybbs. Walk through the doors of Austrian history with a guided sightseeing tour of Artstetten Castle, OR:

CLASSIC EXCURSION

Take a Guided Tour of Melk’s magnificent Benedictine Abbey to marvel at its frescoed ceilings, statues, incredible library, and ornate pipe organ.

Later, stretch out on the Sky Deck as you sail through the Wachau Valley past vineyards, castles, and charming villages on your way to Dürnstein.

ACTIVE EXCURSION

Alternatively, experience the Wachau Valley from a unique perspective, join your Adventure Host for a bike ride along some of Wachau’s bike trails.

DAY 4 - Continued.... DÜRNSTEIN

Wachau, Tower, Dürnstein abbey

A King’s Ransom and Castle Ruins

ACTIVE EXCURSION : 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:

CLASSIC EXCURSION: Join a Guided Walk, and hear the legendary tale of King Richard the Lionheart—who was imprisoned in the castle here during the Crusades.

OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO VIENNA: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Melk Abbey, Icon of a Millennium
Guided tour of Melk Abbey starting in the main Abbey courtyard. 2h 0m Price Range: $

DAY 5 - VIENNA

Viennese Waltzes on the Blue Danube

ACTIVE EXCURSION

Explore Vienna's Danube Island by bike with your Adventure Host, OR:

CLASSIC EXCURSION

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 grand Vienna Opera House and stunning St. Stephen’s Cathedral

DAY 5 - VIENNA ...Kunsthistorisches Museum

Kunsthistorisches Museum (Museum of Fine Arts)

CLASSIC EXCURSION

After a short walk of Vienna, join a Guided Visit of Austria’s largest museum, the legendary Kunsthistorisches Museum (Museum of Fine Arts).

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. Take a bike ride through the city and stop in a local café to enjoy Sachertorte or Apfelstrudel.

DAY 5 - VIENNA... Royal Waltz

This evening, enjoy an unforgettable musical performance with an Optional Excursion to attend a Royal Waltz Concert in an elegant hall.

OVERNIGHT DOCKING IN VIENNA: BreakfasT, Lunch, Dinner

DAY 5 - VIENNA...Schönbrunn Palace, Cultural Gem of Austria

Visit magnificent Schönbrunn Palace, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and former summer residence of the Habsburg imperial family. 3h 30m Price Range: $$

Classical Concert
Enjoy a spellbinding evening of classical works by Mozart and Johann Strauss, performed brilliantly by professional Salon Orchestra Alt-Wien musicians in one of Europe's prettiest venues. 2h 45m

Price Range: $$

Bites & Highlights of Vienna
Experience some of Vienna's most delectable foods and traditions on this unique guided foodie tour! 3h 0m Price Range: $$

DAY 6 - BRATISLAVA, SLOVAKIA

Cathedral Coronations and a Crowning Castle

ACTIVE EXCURSION: Follow your Avalon Adventure Host on a hike to lofty Bratislava Castle, OR:

CLASSIC EXCURSION: 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.

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 BUDAPEST: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

DAY 7 - BUDAPEST, HUNGARY

War Heroes and Hot Water

ACTIVE EXCURSION: Hike up to a magnificent viewpoint in Budapest with your Adventure Host, OR:

CLASSIC EXCURSION: Enjoy a Guided City Sightseeing, including the iconic Heroes’ Square.

This afternoon choose among a wide offer 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.

OVERNIGHT DOCKING IN BUDAPEST: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Highlights of Budapest
Experience some of Budapest's most famous sights and most delectable foods on this unique guided foodie tour! 3h 30m Price Range: $$

Art & Architecture of Budapest
Travel back to the Golden Age of Budapest's Belle Époque on this captivating guided excursion featuring Andrássy Avenue where you will visit the crown jewel of Budapest: the incomparable Hungarian State Opera House! 3h 0m Price Range: $$

Wine Tasting in the Hungarian Countryside
Travel into the beautiful Hungarian countryside for an enriching half-day discovery of the Etyek wine region, including two wine cellar visits with wine tasting. 3h 15m Price Range: $$

DAY 8 - BUDAPEST, HUNGARY) ( DISEMBARKATION)

Your cruise ends with breakfast this morning.

Breakfast

Your First River Cruise Should Feel Effortless

This is more than a trip, it’s your introduction to a new way of traveling.

With the right itinerary and expert planning, your first river cruise becomes
a seamless, inspiring, and unforgettable experience.

CALL TO START PLANNING YOUR ADVENTURE TODAY

FLY FREE FROM SELECT CANADIAN CITIES ON SELECT 2024 AVALON WATERWAYS EUROPE RIVER CRUISES

Cruising Elevated

Avalon Waterways has redefined cruising by going against the current and away from the ordinary. Delivering unparalleled experiences and boundless exploration, Avalon puts guests in the captain’s seat to navigate their journey, fuel their passions and steer clear of the unexpected as they cruise down the world’s most memorable and mesmerizing waterways. One step aboard our modern, luxurious Suite Ships with the grandest views in cruising and it’s easy to see how the tides are changing. Welcome to a new wave in cruising. Welcome aboard Avalon Waterways.

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Active Discovery Rhine

SHOW ITINERARY

CRUISE: WWA

8 Day River Cruise Basel to Amsterdam

Fairytale settings await on every Rhine River cruise, but an Active & Discovery cruise with Avalon immerses you in new, interactive ways. As you glide from untouched villages to touching cities throughout Holland, Germany and France, our range of excursions, from Classic to Discovery to Active options, presents the opportunity to move at your desired pace and be moved at every turn.

Clifftop castles, rolling vineyards, and cobblestone lanes become even more enchanting when you experience them from the seat of a bicycle or an artist’s stool. From culinary walks and beer tours to cave, castle, and kayaking explorations, you choose exactly how to toast the joys of the Rhine and your moving journey on it.

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