Danube Dreams with Avalon Waterways: Castles to Countryside

Mary Graham
Aug 1
5 min read

Updated: Sep 8

If you’ve ever dreamed of wandering through cobblestoned streets, sipping local wines, hiking to ancient castles, and cruising past fairytale villages, Avalon Waterways' Danube Dreams itinerary is everything the name promises—and more.

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Kicking Things Off in Magical Prague

Our journey began in Prague, a city that effortlessly blends Gothic drama with Bohemian charm. Upon arriving at the airport, I was met with my transfer to the hotel. The service was exceptional. I loved the hotel selection, Prague Marriott. The rooms were spacious and comfortable. They also had a nice restaurant with a massive breakfast buffet, a bar, and a coffee counter. The location was perfect for exploring independently.

On the first night, our Cruise Director, Ingrid, held a welcome session. She provided an overview of what to expect. I appreciate having the Cruise Director with us to offer suggestions for our free time and answer any questions. After a good night's rest, we enjoyed a lovely breakfast. Then, we dove right into our first tour - the Historic Highlights of Prague. We explored the city’s most iconic sights: Old Town Square, the Astronomical Clock, and, of course, the stunning Charles Bridge.

But it was the Hidden Treasures of Prague tour that truly stole my heart. Tucked-away courtyards, quiet alleyways, and secret gardens gave us a more intimate look at the city’s soul. One evening, Avalon treated us to a lively Czech Dinner & Folklore Show. It featured hearty local cuisine, dancing, and lively traditional music—a warm and festive look into the traditions of the Czech people.

A Taste of Regensburg

On our scenic coach ride from Prague to Vilshofen, where we’d board our ship, we stopped for a walking tour in Regensburg. This medieval town along the Danube is beautifully preserved and bustling with character. The narrow alleys, colorful facades, and ancient Roman ruins made this surprise stop a real treat.

Boarding the Avalon Passion

Arriving at our ship, we were definitely ready to relax, unpack, and get settled. That's one thing I love about river cruises and Avalon Waterways. They make embarkation so effortless. Within minutes of stepping onboard, we had our keys and were on our way to our Panorama Suite. It has everything you could possibly want or need. There's even a pillow menu with SIX choices!

After unpacking and getting freshened up, we joined our new Avalon family for Happy Hour. Our welcome talk from our lovely Cruise Director, Ingrid, was engaging. Then it was off to a delicious meal in the dining room. We had choices of salads, soups, entrees, and desserts—all paired with free-flowing wines and beer. The evening wrapped up with music in the Panorama Lounge.

Hiking, and History

Our first port on the itinerary was Passau, where three rivers meet. The day dawned with blue skies and sunshine. Here, I chose an invigorating Hike with our Adventure Host, Klaudie. Her enthusiasm was contagious, and the panoramic views at the top were absolutely worth the considerable climb.

In Linz, I joined the Gems of Linz: Castles, Cathedrals and Mozart tour. The city’s baroque architecture and musical history (hello, Mozart!) made for a rich cultural experience. I enjoyed exploring this charming town. Other choices included a full-day tour to Cesky Krumlov or Salzburg, both of which many guests selected.

Hungarian Farms and Hiking

On our next morning, we had two port stops scheduled. In Ybbs, Austria (please don't ask me to pronounce that!), we selected one of the most unique tours on the journey—Traditions and Tastes of Austrian Farms. We visited two working family-owned farms, sampled homemade pumpkin seed oil, strawberry wine, cheeses, and fresh bread. This felt like stepping into a page of an Austrian country cookbook. I brought home a bottle of the pumpkin seed oil and strawberry vinegar—they were so yummy!

Some guests selected a very active option to bike from Ybbs to Dürnstein. We stayed onboard for a scenic cruise through the stunning Wachau Valley. Visions of vineyards and apricot farms lined the surrounding hills.

In the late afternoon, we arrived in Dürnstein. In this charming town, we had scheduled a hike to the hilltop castle ruins. I'll never forget this hike! It was breathtaking—both literally and figuratively. Midway through the hike, a thunderstorm rolled in, soaking us to the bone. But honestly? That only added to the adventure. We were able to send our wet clothes out to be laundered by the ship crew.

Vienna: Shopping, Wandering & Sky Deck Dining

We spent our day in Vienna exploring independently. From grand palaces to quaint boutiques, the city dazzled. We wrapped up the day with a leisurely lunch on Avalon’s Sky Deck. We soaked in views of the Danube and toasted to the perfect blend of exploration and relaxation.

Bratislava

In charming Bratislava, we could have hiked up to the castle. However, I had done this recently, and it was raining. Instead, we decided to wait until the afternoon and explore on our own. Bratislava is easy to navigate, and we enjoyed meandering and shopping.

Budapest: Grand Finale

The trip concluded in Budapest, and what a finale it was. Our morning Breathtaking Budapest tour lived up to its name—highlighting both the unique history of Hungary and the charm of Fisherman’s Bastion.

In the afternoon, we joined an excursion to the Hungarian countryside for wine tasting. With rolling vineyards, flavorful pours, and a peaceful atmosphere, it was the perfect way to savor the final day. You may not have heard of Hungarian wines because they keep it all local here. If you ever have the chance, however, you will definitely want to sample some and even bring home a couple of bottles.

Final Thoughts:

I truly was not ready for my river cruise to be over and wished I could stay onboard another week. With every little thing taken care of onboard, this is truly worry-free travel. While your time in each port may be short compared to a land/hotel trip, I like the comfort of being settled in my floating hotel and restaurant. Traveling for a week with the same small group of people means that I can make friends with other guests from around the world, adding to the overall experience.

Whether it was stormy hilltop hikes, cozy farm visits, or elegant city strolls, Danube Dreams offered a perfectly curated balance of adventure, culture, and comfort. If you’re looking to unpack once and experience the heart of Europe—one unforgettable stop at a time—this itinerary is a dream come true.

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