Itinerary
Promising all prose, no cons, this special Storyteller Cruise with Christopher Moore sails through the legends and legendary settings of the Danube River: A river that’s inspired empires, dynasties, winemakers, waltzes – and Moore’s newest novel debuting in 2025! Explore some of the most dramatic chapters in time while uncovering scenic ports, riveting plots and the richest banks of history. As the river, Rieslings and pilsners flow, we invite you to try to compose yourself as you experience the settings that set the stage for unrivaled music and art – and the coffee houses – where creative geniuses converged. Offering you unparalleled facts, fiction, and fun, your cruising vacation with celebrity storyteller host Christopher Moore also promises a chance to interrogate Christopher Moore (nicely) in a Q&A session, a book signing of his new novel Anima Rising, and excursions inspired by the book. Plus, expect bonus surprises along the way—because what’s a trip with Christopher Moore without a few unexpected plot twists? Cruise along the peaceful Danube River through Germany, Austria, Slovakia, and Hungary—stopping at some of Central Europe’s most splendid capitals and charming towns along the way. Visit Passau, Germany—called the “City of Three Rivers” at the confluence of the Danube, Inn, and Ilz rivers. Take a guided walking tour to admire the Patrician houses and baroque St. Stephen’s Cathedral. In Linz, Austria, walk around the Hauptplatz, Austria’s largest medieval square. Enjoy the magnificent views as your Danube River cruise takes you through the picturesque wine region of the Wachau Valley. Stops include Melk to visit the magnificent Benedictine Abbey and Krems. Vienna, the “City of Music,” makes an immediate impression with its lavish Hofburg Imperial Palace and neo-renaissance Vienna Opera House. Enjoy a guided tour of this magical city and take time to explore on your own. In Bratislava, the capital of Slovakia, take a guided walk through the delightful Old Town and to the Gothic St. Martin’s Cathedral. Sail to Esztergom for a visit to its Basilica and a Palinka tasting, then continue to Visegrad for a canoe excursion along the Danube River or a hike in the Danube-Ipoly National Park. In Budapest, the vibrant capital of Hungary, a local expert shows you all the must-see sights. Then to round out this timeless European river cruise, take a stroll along Váci utca—the main shopping street, or take pictures from Fishermen’s Bastion for the best panoramic views of Budapest. This Danube River cruise explores the legendary beauty and remarkable destinations you’ll never forget.
Tour program
VILSHOFEN, GERMANY (EMBARKATION)
EVENING CRUISE TO PASSAUMeals:
Dinner
PASSAU–SCHLÖGEN OXBOW
Follow your Avalon Adventure Host for Hiking from Oberhaus along a trail down to the valley and along Ilz River, OR:Activity classic:
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. Later, enjoy live entertainment on board.Overnight:
OVERNIGHT DOCKING IN LINZ Meals:
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
LINZ, AUSTRIA EXCURSION TO ČESKÝ KRUMLOV
Experience Danube's cycle path, follow your Adventure Host for a bike ride around the area of Linz, OR: Activity classic:
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, OR:Activity classic:
Take a full-day guided tour to the picturesque Bohemian town of Český Krumlov, where renowned artist Egon Schiele frequently visited and lived for a time—until his nude studies got him kicked out. Schiele, much like his art, made an impression! He also plays a key role in Christopher Moore’s novel Anima Rising. Consider a full-day Guided Optional Excursion to Salzburg—the city of Mozart.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:
OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO MELKMeals:
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
MELK–WACHAU VALLEY
Join your Avalon Adventure Host for a walk along the Danube River and around Melk, OR: Activity classic:
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 Krems.Location:
KREMS–WACHAU VALLEY An Ancient Village and Vintages of the Wachau ValleyActivity classic:
Join a guided walk to explore this small valley town, seemingly untouched by the new world. Later, enjoy live entertainment on board. Overnight:
OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO VIENNA
VIENNA, AUSTRIA
Take a Guided Bike Tour along the famed Ringstrasse and pedestrian avenues of Vienna to see the city’s highlights from a unique perspective, OR: Activity discovery:
Take an Insider’s Tour of Vienna to get behind the scenes of her sights and attractions. You will meet locals, have the chance to prepare some food, and enjoy other surprises, OR:Activity classic:
Take a Guided Sightseeing Tour of Vienna, including a tour of Belvedere Palace to see Gustave Klimt’s renowned “Kiss” painting.Spend free time this afternoon strolling through the pedestrian Kärntnerstrasse then take a break for a piece of Sachertorte. Or enjoy an optional excursion in Schönbrunn.Overnight:
OVERNIGHT DOCKING IN VIENNAMeals:
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
VIENNA
Start your morning with a Guided Sightseeing Tour of the city's historic highlights. As you wander through Vienna's elegant streets, you'll pass by the storied façades of the city's legendary coffee establishments—the very places mentioned in Christopher Moore’s Anima Rising, where Klimt and Freud once gathered. End at the iconic Café Central with coffee and cake, OR: Activity discovery:
Enjoy a morning Guided Walking Tour to see the city in her best light, along with breakfast at a Viennese café, OR:Activity classic:
Dive into one of the world’s most important museums with a Guided Tour of the Habsburg family’s private art collection at the Museum of Fine Arts and enjoy Italian or Dutch master works.Activity discovery:
This evening, as part of this special Christopher Moore sailing, enjoy an included excursion to a Royal Waltz Concert in an elegant hall— an experience available on other sailings, but this time, we're picking up the tab. (Go ahead, feel fancy!) Overnight:
OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO BRATISLAVAMeals:
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
BRATISLAVA, SLOVAKIA
Follow your Avalon Adventure Host on a hike to lofty Bratislava Castle, OR:Activity classic:
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. Later, relax on board with live entertainment.Overnight:
OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO ESZTERGROMMeals:
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
ESZTERGOM, HUNGARY
Take an E-bike Guided Tour and explore the surroundings of the Pilis Mountains Region. Enjoy the view from the lockout point at Dobogókő, OR:Activity classic:
Join a Guided Tour into the scenic Carpathian Basin for a visit of the ancient Esztergom Basilica that includes the traditional Pàlinka tasting in its impressive cellar.Enjoy a brief cruise to Visegrad during lunchtime.Location:
VISEGRÁD Jousting Tournaments and Dracula’s TowerActivity active:
Explore Hungary’s beautiful Danube-Ipoly National Park and visit Count Dracula’s prison tower on a Hiking Tour, OR: Activity active:
Take part in a Canoe Excursion through the picturesque Bend Region of the Danube for a truly unique perspective of one of the river’s most beautiful stretches, OR: Activity discovery:
Join a Guided Visit to the Medieval Knights Tournament at Visegrád’s Lower Castle, featuring targeting and fighting demonstrations by members of the St. George Knightly Order.Spend free time after your selected activities to explore Palotaház, where stonemasons, smiths, potters, and paper-makers produce their traditional items using age-old techniques.This evening, enjoy a sailing into Budapest and magnificent views of the beautiful Parliament Building.Overnight:
OVERNIGHT DOCKING IN BUDAPESTMeals:
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
BUDAPEST, HUNGARY
Hike up to a magnificent viewpoint in Budapest with your Adventure Host, OR:Activity classic:
Enjoy a Guided City Sightseeing, including the iconic Heroes’ Square.This afternoon, choose from a 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.Overnight:
OVERNIGHT DOCKING IN BUDAPESTMeals:
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
BUDAPEST (DISEMBARKATION)
Breakfast
Tour Details
accommodation
9 nights accommodation onboard Avalon WaterWays cruise ship
flights
Flights are not included.
guide
insurance
meals
Chef-prepared onboard meals with regional cuisine and familiar favorites
Seasonal cuisine featuring the freshest local ingredients
Avalon Fresh® healthy cuisine options at every meal
Spacious, open-seating Panorama Dining Room
Daily breakfast buffet with full range of classic breakfast items, healthy Avalon Fresh® options and daily a la carte specials
Complimentary room service for Continental breakfast, lunch, and dinner
Daily lunch buffet featuring regional specialties, classic dishes, healthy Avalon Fresh® options and rotating chef’s features including carving & pasta stations. Alternatively, you may dine al fresco at our Sky Grill on the Sky Deck (weather and itinerary permitting) or enjoy a light lunch in the Panorama Lounge.
Afternoon Tea featuring tea, coffee, and sweet treats
Four-course dinners with choice of appetizers, soups, salads, entrées and desserts or cheese
Linger over several selections from the Panorama Bistro's tasting menu for a less formal "sit-down" atmosphere
Complimentary wine, beer, or soft drinks with lunch and dinner
Avalon FlexDining® flexible dining times with menu & venue options
Vegetarian options at every meal, as well as vegan, low calorie, low fat, high fiber, low cholesterol, high energy and allergy-free selections
Panorama Lounge & Bar with premium spirits, cozy seating, panoramic windows & dance floor
Welcome & farewell cocktails with sparkling wine & canapés
New in 2023 - included Happy Hour every evening featuring house beer, wine, cocktails and a drink of the day
Cocktails with a view on the Sky Deck
Specialty coffees, espresso drinks and beWell Essence flavored and infused water available throughout each day
optional
Other activities and services are not included.
others
Complimentary Wi-Fi throughout the ship
Panoramic windows throughout the ship
Elegant, contemporary design & decor
Sky Deck with whirlpool, shade awnings, game area and premium lounges
Covered Observation Lounge
Club Lounge with 24-hour self-serve beverage station with complimentary cappuccinos, lattes, tea, hot chocolate & premium coffees, as well as treats throughout the day
Elevator
Non-smoking interior and staterooms
Avalon Waterways offers a selection of included excursions in every port of call, with something for everyone within their "Classic", "Discovery" and "Active" collections
Other activities and services are not includedtransport
Avalon WaterWays cruise ship
Good to know
Currency
Euro
Germany