At a Glance
A thrilling 6-day Active & Discovery small river cruise voyage whisking you a taste of the Danube River. Discover a new sense of adventure abroad on foot, by bike or simply relish the slow pace of cruising and sightseeing as you venture across Austria, Slovakia and Hungary. Feel the astonishing cultures of these regions and relive their mesmerising histories as you cruise in luxury from Vienna to Budapest.
Begin your adventure in Vienna where you will board your luxury Avalon Suite Ship and voyage to breath-taking Melk. Immerse into a choice of excursions by foot or bike s you uncover this quaint countryside. Venture on several guided excursions in Austria’s Wachau Valley including the impressive Benedictine Abbey perched above the Danube. Embark on a guided hike high on the iconic blue ...
Trip Highlights
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What's Included
- 5 nights’ accommodation on a twin share basis including 2 night’s Budapest’s hotel and 3 nights onboard a river cruise vessel
- Meals, snacks, tea and coffee during voyage including complimentary wine, beer, or soft drinks with lunch and dinner
- Welcome & farewell cocktails with sparkling wine & canapés
- Activities as stated in itinerary
Itinerary
Welcome to the picturesque city of Vienna where your ship will be ready to board. Flights to Vienna must arrive by 3:30 PM as ship boarding is by 5pm. Today, spend some time exploring the charming city at your own pace before boarding your luxury floating home. Wander around the scenic streets of Vienna and unearth its historic landmarks. Explore Belvedere Castle and the Schönbrunn Palace, the residence of the Habsburg rulers. Marvel at the impressive St. Stephen's Cathedral or meander through its quaint cobblestone streets and explore an array of local shops, markets, and cafes. |
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Come late afternoon, be welcomed with cocktails, sparkling wine and canapes to begin your cruise. Unwind in your ensuite staterooms with large private bathrooms, enjoy cocktails with a view at the Sky Deck or simply bask in the view with your floor-to-ceiling sliding glass door with open-air balcony. This evening, enjoy an exquisite dinner onboard while watching the picturesque views. You will overnight cruise to Melk. |
Your ship is in a new city. Wake up by witnessing the stunning beauty of Melk. Have your breakfast onboard and get ready for some exciting adventures. Active: Venture on a guided bike adventure exploring the beautiful countryside of Melk. Pedal through the paths that capture panoramic views of scenic countryside, postcard-perfect vineyards, and small farms. Soak in incredible views of the majestic Danube River and its surroundings. Classic: Discover Melk Abbey, an icon of a millenium, on a guided tour beginning in the main abbey courtyard. Marvel at the 11th century Benedictine Abbey overlooking the Danube River and explore the architectural marvel and its frescoed ceilings, statues, library and spectacular pipe organ. Unwind back onboard on the Sky Deck as you cruise pass breathtaking views of the picturesque Wachau Valley and wine region. In the afternoon, you have a chance to discover Dürnstein, a postcard-perfect town located on the bank of the majestic Danube River. This stunning small town belongs to the Wachau Valley and is well-known as a wine-growing area. Explore a King’s ransom and castle ruins before enjoying free time delving deeper into this region at your leisure. Choose to bike through the vubneyards in the Wachu Valley or simply enjoy leisure time onboard. This evening, enjoy onboard entertainment by local musicians before a gastronomic dinner affair. You will overnight cruise to Bratislava. |
Today, unearth the charming city of Bratislava in Slovakia. Active: Hit the trail and venture on a guided hike up to the impressive Bratislava Castle. Step off the beaten path and experience a different perspective at Slovakia’s capital city. Classic: Embark on an off beaten path to discover the Beauty and alluire of Bratislava on an inspiring guided walk through the charming city centre. Stroll the Old Town’s quaint cobblestone streets to Town Hall. Along the way, explore the gothic halls of St Martin’s Cathedral, Hungary's centuries old coronation church. This evening, savour one last final river dinner onboard as you overnight sail to Budapest. |
Welcome to one of the most iconic cities in Europe. Wake up and breathe in the charming aura of Budapest. Be treated to one last delightful breakfast before bidding farewell and disembarking your ship. Today, the city is yours to explore. Classic: Venture one a Guided Classic Tour to the picturesque Budapest and uncover the city’s classic landmarks including the majestic history of Heroe’s Square. Marvel at Budapest’s largest and most symblic square domintaed byt a 36-metre-high pillar topped by significant statues. After exploring the vibrant city with a local guide, you can stroll around the streets and discover local markets, shops, cafes, and more. Make sure you visit a local restaurant to have a traditional dinner. Later, come back to your hotel and get ready for the next day. |
Today, you have a chance to discover Budapest in your own style. Wake up early and get ready to have a delicious breakfast. You can either stroll around the city to explore hidden gems of the city or choose an optional excursion. Optional Tour Option 1: Experience some of Budapest’s most famous sites and most delectable foods on a thrilling guided foodie adventure. Option 2: Unearth Budapest by night and see the city illuminted with sparkling lights. Discover the magic of Budapest at night during this enchanting sightseeing experience featuring the city’s illuminated icons. Option 3: Treat your tastebuds to a wine tasting in the Hungarian countryside for an enriching half-day discovery of the Etyek wine region. Savour a delicious lunch with 2 wine wine cellar visits with wine tasting. Come afternoon, delve deeper into the wonders of Budapest. Immerse into the curative waters of Budapest’s iconic thermal baths or embark on a hike to discover the countryside on either side of the Danube. Alternatively, simple stroll the quaint streets passing an array of shops for unique treasures like handcrafted embroidery, Herend porcelain or local baked goods. |
Wake up to the colorful beauty of Budapest and indulge on a leisurely breakfast, a perfect time to reflect on your incredible journey. Check out of the hotel and bid farewell as you make arrangements for your onward travel. NOTE: This itinerary is provided as an example only – prevailing conditions and local arrangements may cause variation. |
Dates & Prices
The displayed price is a guide for per person, based on Twin occupancy for available Deluxe Staterooms or Panorama Suites or Royal Suites. Please contact us for available cabins and prices.
More Info
- The departure point is Vienna, Austria
- The finish point is Budapest, Hungary
- Major commercial flights provide convenient access to Vienna. The nearest airport to Vienna is Vienna International Airport which is 17.1 km away. Other nearby airports include Bratislava in Slovakia, 61.5 km.
The climate of Austria can be classified as a warm temperate humid climate with the warmest month lower than 72 degrees Fahrenheit (22 degrees Celsius) over average and four or more months above 50 (10 degrees Celsius) over average.
Slovakia a fairly typical European continental climate with warm, dry summers and cold winters. Autumn and winter stretch from around September to May, with January its coldest month, and spring and summer from May to August with, July the warmest month.
Hungary has a continental climate, with hot summers with low overall humidity levels but frequent showers and frigid to cold snowy winters.
Length: 135 metres
Crew: 47
Deluxe Stateroom: 16
Panorama Suites: 65
Royal Suites: 2
The Avalon Suite offers a delightfully intimate cruise setting along the Danube River. It features two full decks of suites featuring Wall-to-Wall Panoramic Windows that transform the living space into a unique Open-Air℠ Balcony. With 200 square feet, Panorama Suites℠ are more than 30% larger than the industry standard, giving you the rare opportunity to wake each morning to the enchanting scenery and fresh breezes. Ship amenities:
- Wall-to-Wall Panoramic Windows
- Sky Deck with premium lounge chairs, whirlpool, and light al fresco lunches at the open-air bistro
- Fitness Center
- Non-smoking interior and staterooms
- Elevator
- Elegant, contemporary design
- Outside viewing deck
- Headsets for guided shore excursions in Europe
- Friendly, English-speaking crew and Cruise Director
- Sightseeing with Certified Local Guides
- Onboard lectures, activities & nightly entertainment
Deluxe Stateroom: Category E & D. 172 square feet. Unique features are two bay windows.
Panorama Suite: Category A, B & P. 200 square feet. Unique features are wall-to-wall Panoramic Window measuring 11'- 50% larger than industry standard, wall-to-wall Panoramic Window opens to transform the living space into a large Open-Air-Balcony and Open-Air-Balcony with spacious sitting area.
Royal Suite: Category S. 300 square feet. Unique features are wall-to-wall Panoramic Window measuring 11'- 50% larger than industry standard, wall-to-wall Panoramic Window opens to transform the living space into a large Open-Air-Balcony and Open-Air-Balcony with spacious sitting area.
Your cruise features excursion and onboard activity options. Select what interests you most so you can experience your cruise your way with 3 different activity types:
- Classic: A local expert is ready to guide you through the history and heritage of local destinations and the “must see” sites.
- Discovery: Inspiring and interactive activities designed to speak to your interests. From cooking classes, to painting workshops, allowing to spend time immersing yourself in the destination’s unique culture.
- Active: Embark on energetic excursions keeping you in motion and on the go. From a guided hiking tour, to biking, and paddling your way through scenic locales.
Onlyluxe Travel acts as travel agency and work with different tour operators.
Payment Detail
All pricing is in Australian dollars and are quoted on a per person twin share basis. A supplementary price is available (see below). Bookings are not confirmed until full payment and the signed Booking Form has been received by Onlyluxe Travel.
A non-refundable 30% deposit is payable within 7 days of your booking, with the final balance due 120 days prior to departure. If a booking is made 120 days or less before departure, the full payment is payable immediately. Last minute bookings are payable before arrival. Failure to pay on time may result in automatic cancellation of a booking with cancellation penalties payable to Onlyluxe Travel. If you pay by credit card or PayPal a surcharge will be added to the total price.
Single Supplement
All accommodation is twin share. Single guests will share with someone of the same gender. If a single room is demanded, a supplementary price of will apply. The supplementary price refers to our quotation and needs to be stipulated at the time of booking.
General Cancellation Policies
- Outside of 120 days monies will be refunded less 30% of full fee
- Within 120 days prior to arrival all monies will be forfeited
- No refunds will be given in the event of non-arrival, any unused services or unused nights due to flight or weather disruption
- We strongly recommend guests protect themselves with travel insurance and medical insurance
Please Note: Cancellations must be advised in email and will take effect from the date they are received.
Liability
The participant agrees to indemnify Onlyluxe Travel, and its servant, tour operator and agents, in relation to any liability, loss and damage which the tour operator, or its servants and/or agents may incur as a result of the participants, negligence or misconduct during the tour.
Smoking is not permitted on the bus, or in tents or in other accommodation being used by tour operator at the time that a trip is being conducted.
Child Policy
Please consult travel consultant on age limit.
Changes to Itineraries
Local conditions may necessitate changes to sightseeing, walking and driving routes, camping and accommodation locations. While every effort will be made to provide the services and experiences as offered in our brochure, on our website, and in our trip letters, we reserve the right to vary your itinerary. In the event that we are forced to change your arrangements, substitute arrangements of a similar standard will be provided. The tour operator will not be liable where interruptions to itineraries are caused by weather conditions, technical problems to transport used by the tour operator, industrial action, political or civil commotion or other circumstances beyond our control. We refer you to the conditions regarding travel insurance.
Changes in Prices
While we will do its utmost to honour its pricing unforeseen circumstances may mean that prices may be subject to change without notice.
Pre-Existing Medical Conditions and Age Limits
You need to advise Onlyluxe travel and the tour operator on any pre-existing medical condition, mobility impairment and/or disability that might reasonably be expected to increase the risk of your requiring medical attention, or that might affect the normal conduct of a trip and the enjoyment of other trip members. Onlyluxe Travel and the tour operator may require an assessment of your medical condition from a qualified medical practitioner. If you fail to adequately notify the tour operator of any pre-existing medical conditions and/or disability, the tour operator reserves the right, at its reasonable discretion, to cancel your participation in a trip at any time, including after the commencement of your trip, with no right of refund if your medical condition, mobility impairment and/or disability could be reasonably expected to affect the normal conduct of the trip and the enjoyment of other trip members.
Cancellation by The Tour Operator
The tour operator is at the mercy of nature in all her beauty and all her fury. The tour operator will under no circumstance knowingly place at risk the health and well-being of our guests and guides. In the case of natural threats, acts of God and the like (e.g. bushfires, impassable snow, etc) the tour operator may need to cancel a tour with very little notice. In some cases, this can occur after the tour has commenced. The tour operator reserves the right to cancel any tour up to 60 days prior to departure if the minimum number requirement is unable to meet for a tour. If the tour operator needs to cancel for any reason, the cost of the tour or any other costs associated with travel to the designated pick up point, overnight accommodation, meals, etc will not be covered by the Onlyluxe Travel and therefore we strongly recommend travel insurance be taken out prior to travel.
Force Majeure
'Force Majeure' means (without restriction) any event which Onlyluxe Travel or its third party providers could not, even with due care, foresee or avoid. Force Majeure covers events such as, but not limited to, adverse weather conditions, fire and all similar events beyond our control. In the case of Force Majeure Onlyluxe Travel will not accept liability, and reserves the right to change and cancel trips.
Evacuations
In rare circumstances, due to injury or unforeseen illness, the tour operator may need to evacuate you from a remote part of the walk. Helicopter evacuations are expensive and in most cases will be at a cost to the customer.
For Australian residents, under the Australian Government Medicare Act, it is prohibited for any domestic travel insurance product to provide any financial reimbursement with regard to ambulance or air ambulance services. We therefore strongly advise our customers to take specific ambulance cover through their health insurance provider. Evacuation cost will not be covered by the Onlyluxe Travel and therefore it is also strongly recommended that our customers take out travel insurance to cover (amongst other things) the costs associated with evacuation.
Travel Insurance
In view of the heavy cancellation penalties applied to cancelled reservations in certain circumstances, we strongly recommends suitable travel insurance be purchased at the time the holding deposit is paid. We recommend insurance cover that covers any loss which may be suffered due to cancellation. We also strongly recommend comprehensive travel insurance against loss of baggage and medical expenses.