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Highlights
A taste of your adventure…
Budapest Parliament at sunset
The Pearl of Danube
Melk Abbey
Baroque beauty in Melk
Cologne Cathedral
Gothic towers over Rhine
Amsterdam canals
Canal reflections at dusk
Vineyards along
the Danube
Old-world
Vienna charm
Life aboard Avalon
Germany’s storybook towns
Walk the streets and
discover medieval marvels
About Your Journey
Unforgettable 22-day journey through the heart of Europe
Discover the magic of Europe on this inspiring 22-day escorted cruise tour, designed for over 60s New Zealand travellers who want to experience the continent’s grand capitals, medieval towns, and scenic rivers in comfort and style.
After a relaxing two-night stopover in Seoul, fly to Budapest and board your luxurious Avalon Illumination suite ship for a 15-day glide along the Danube, Main, and Rhine rivers. From Vienna’s imperial palaces to Amsterdam’s timeless canals, every day brings new wonders – all seamlessly arranged so you can simply relax and immerse yourself in Europe’s timeless beauty.
Itinerary
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Depart Auckland on Korean Air and settle into your central Seoul hotel for two nights, ready to ease into the adventure ahead.
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Enjoy a relaxed morning at leisure before an afternoon tour of this fascinating city of contrasts. Discover vibrant neighbourhoods alongside moments of calm that reflect its rich cultural heritage.
Included: B D
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Fly to Budapest, the “Pearl of the Danube.” Settle into your elegant 4-star hotel with a traditional Welcome Dinner.
Included: B D
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Full day at leisure to explore this vibrant city at your own pace. Wander the Danube Promenade, cross the iconic Chain Bridge, admire sweeping views from Fisherman’s Bastion, or simply enjoy the summer café culture and leafy boulevards.
Included: B D
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Morning at leisure, then step aboard your elegant suite ship for the magnificent 15-day cruise. Overnight docked in Budapest.
Included: B D
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The Pearl of the Danube comes alive. Choose an active hike to a magnificent viewpoint or a classic guided city tour including Heroes’ Square. Indulge in cream cake at a historic café or simply soak up the summer energy. Overnight cruise to Bratislava.
Included: B L D
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Explore castles, vineyards, and cosmopolitan culture. Hike to lofty Bratislava Castle or join a guided walking tour through cobblestone Old Town streets and the Gothic splendour of St. Martin’s Cathedral. Later, enjoy live entertainment onboard. Overnight cruise to Vienna.
Included: B L D
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Royal collections and timeless elegance. Bike along the Danube Island or take a guided tour of the Habsburg Empire’s gilded landmarks, including the Imperial Palace, Vienna Opera House, and St. Stephen’s Cathedral. Optional evening Royal Waltz Concert in an elegant hall. Overnight cruise to Dürnstein.
Included: B L D
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A king’s ransom and castle ruins in the breathtaking Wachau Valley. Hike to ancient castle ruins for spectacular views or follow the legendary tale of King Richard the Lionheart. Later, tour the frescoed ceilings, grand library, and ornate organ of Melk’s Benedictine Abbey, followed by a wine tasting onboard. Overnight cruise to Passau.
Included: B L D
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Where the Danube, Inn, and Ilz rivers meet. Join a guided city walk through this beautiful “City of Three Rivers” or choose an optional full-day excursion to Mozart’s Salzburg or the fairy-tale town of Český Krumlov. Overnight cruise to Regensburg.
Included: B L D
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Bavaria’s medieval miracle. Bike to Walhalla or wander with a guide past the Old Town Hall and the ancient Porta Pretoria (built 179 AD). Free afternoon to explore charming streets, perhaps by bicycle. Live entertainment after dinner as you cruise toward Roth.
Included: B L D
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Legends and history lessons. Enjoy an onboard lecture on the Main-Danube Canal, then choose a guided tour of Roth’s half-timbered houses and 1535 hunting lodge or explore Nuremberg’s medieval architecture, gothic cathedral, and Kaiserburg Castle. Overnight cruise to Bamberg.
Included: B L D
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The City of Seven Hills. Guided walking tour of this former imperial home, featuring its Romanesque cathedral and beautifully preserved Old Town Hall. Overnight cruise to Würzburg.
Included: B L D
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A perfect day in the “Pearl of the Romantic Road.” Easy bike ride along the river or a guided sightseeing tour of this enchanting city with its grand Residenz palace and charming old quarter. Overnight cruise to Miltenberg.
Included: B L D
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Charming half-timbered houses and romantic Main River vistas. Stroll the picturesque market square and medieval lanes of this quintessential German village, or join a guided walk revealing its 12th-century castle and fairy-tale atmosphere. A delightful day of gentle discovery as you sail deeper into the heart of the Romantic Road.
Included: B L D
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Sail through one of Europe’s most spectacular landscapes – the UNESCO-listed Rhine Gorge. Towering castles, steep vineyards, and dramatic cliffs unfold around you. In Rüdesheim, wander the famous Drosselgasse alley with its lively wine taverns, or take a cable car to the Niederwald Monument for breathtaking river views. A day of pure scenic magic.
Included: B L D
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Where the Rhine and Moselle rivers meet. Explore this historic city at the gateway to the Rhine Gorge with its charming Old Town, flower-filled squares, and the mighty Ehrenbreitstein Fortress. Choose a guided walk or simply relax and watch the world go by from the riverside promenade. Overnight cruise toward Cologne.
Included: B L D
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Home of the iconic Gothic cathedral. Marvel at the towering spires of Cologne Cathedral (a UNESCO masterpiece), then wander the vibrant Old Town with its lively squares and riverside cafés. Optional chocolate museum visit or a gentle bike ride along the Rhine – the perfect blend of culture and relaxed discovery. Overnight cruise to Kinderdijk.
Included: B L D
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Iconic Dutch windmills and polder landscapes. Visit this UNESCO World Heritage site and see 19 historic windmills gracefully turning against the sky – a quintessential Dutch scene. Take a guided tour or enjoy a peaceful bike ride through the countryside. A serene and photogenic finale to your river journey. Overnight in Amsterdam.
Included: B L D
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Disembark your floating hotel and step into vibrant Amsterdam. Visit the moving Anne Frank House and marvel at the masterpieces in the Rijksmuseum. Enjoy free time to wander the canals, browse boutique shops, or relax in a sunny café.
Included: B
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Free time in Amsterdam before your return flights home.
This is an unforgettable 22-day journey through the heart of Europe
Reserve your place on this unforgettable tour. Numbers are limited, so don’t delay.
Why you’ll love this trip
Travelwise’s exceptional planning takes care of every detail – flights, luxury river ship, transfers, and daily excursions – so you can simply relax and absorb Europe’s magic. Your dedicated Tour Leader, David Libeau, brings caring professionalism, deep local knowledge, and genuine warmth, creating a true sense of community among like-minded over 60s New Zealand travellers. Thoughtful tour design blends structured highlights with generous free time, while high-quality service and spacious suites turn this journey into the stress-free, enriching adventure you deserve.
Inclusions & Activities
15-night luxury cruise aboard Avalon Illumination (spacious, panoramic views) port charges, and gratuities
Return flights Auckland–Seoul–Budapest, and Amsterdam–Auckland, and airport transfers,
Travelwise Tour Leader throughout, plus local guides
Two nights central Seoul hotel + two nights 4-star Budapest hotel
Daily guided excursions with choice of Active, Classic or Discovery options
Most meals onboard plus selected meals on land
David Libeau, Tour Leader
Your Tour Leader
David Libeau
David is an experienced and highly regarded Tour Leader with Travelwise Holidays and he has an extensive background in the travel industry. He is known for his warm personality, sense of humour and caring approach.He creates a relaxed and enjoyable atmosphere where guests feel well looked after.
Before you book, you should know
Activity Level 3: A more active touring style with longer days and greater physical activity. Suitable for travellers confident walking longer distances, managing steps and varied terrain, keeping pace with busier sightseeing days, and managing variable temperatures, especially in much warmer, humid climates.
Departure: Tuesday 7 July 2026 (22 days total).
Other Notes: This is a popular tour with strong demand – early booking is recommended.
Insurance: Comprehensive travel insurance is strongly recommended at time of deposit.
