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Highlights
A taste of your adventure…
Budapest
Roth
Vienna
River views
Regensburg
Nuremberg
Amsterdam
Wachau Valley castles
Cologne Cathedral
About Your Journey
An unforgettable 22-day journey from Budapest to Amsterdam
Discover the heart of Europe on this inspiring 22-day escorted cruise-tour, designed for over 60s New Zealand travellers who want to experience grand capitals, medieval towns, and scenic rivers in comfort and style.
After a stopover in vibrant Seoul, fly to Budapest and board the Avalon Impression for a 14-night cruise along the Danube, Main, and Rhine. From Vienna’s imperial palaces and Melk’s Benedictine Abbey to the dramatic Rhine Gorge and Amsterdam’s canals, every day brings new wonders — with a choice of Classic, Active, or Discovery excursions so you can enjoy the journey at a pace that suits you. Your dedicated Tour Leader, Al Fleming, looks after the details so you can simply relax and immerse yourself in Europe’s timeless beauty.
Itinerary
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Depart Auckland this morning on Korean Air, arrive Seoul in the evening. Stay Seoul hotel, 2 nights.
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Morning at leisure, followed by an afternoon Seoul city tour.
Included: B D
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After breakfast, fly Korean Air to Budapest. Transfer to your hotel. Stay Budapest, 1 night.
Included: B
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Morning at leisure to explore Budapest — perhaps the Chain Bridge, Buda Castle, or Parliament. This afternoon embark the Avalon Impression, your home for the next 14 nights.
Included: B, D
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Choose an Active hike to a viewpoint or a Classic guided city tour including Heroes’ Square. Afternoon free or optional excursions. Overnight cruise to Bratislava.
Included: B, L, D
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Choose a short hike to Bratislava Castle or a Classic walking tour of Old Town and St Martin’s Cathedral. Evening entertainment onboard. Overnight cruise to Vienna.
Included: B, L, D
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Choose a bike ride on Danube Island, a Classic city tour of imperial landmarks, or a House of Strauss visit with coffee and cake. Optional Royal Waltz Concert. Overnight cruise to Dürnstein.
Included: B, L, D
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In Dürnstein, choose a hike to the castle ruins or a Classic walk with the story of Richard the Lionheart. Sail through the Wachau Valley to Melk for a Classic tour of the Benedictine Abbey or a riverside walk, followed by a wine tasting onboard. Overnight cruise to Passau.
Included: B, L, D
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Choose a hike along the Ilz River or a Classic walking tour of the “City of Three Rivers.” Optional full-day excursions to Salzburg or Český Krumlov. Overnight cruise to Regensburg.
Included: B, L, D
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Choose a bike ride to Walhalla or a Classic walking tour of the Old Town Hall and Porta Pretoria. Optional excursion to Weltenburg Monastery. Overnight cruise to Roth.
Included: B, L, D
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Onboard lecture on the Main-Danube Canal. Choose a guided tour of Roth, historic Nuremberg, or the Nuremberg Rally Grounds. Overnight cruise to Bamberg.
Included: B, L, D
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Classic walking tour of Bamberg’s cathedral, Old Town Hall, and seven hills. Onboard lecture on European history. Overnight cruise to Würzburg.
Included: B, L, D
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Choose an easy riverside bike ride or a Classic tour of Würzburg including the Bishop’s Residenz and its famous ceiling fresco. Leisurely afternoon sailing. Overnight cruise to Miltenberg.
Included: B, L, D
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Choose a bike ride or a Classic walking tour of this medieval town of half-timbered houses. Evening entertainment onboard. Overnight cruise to Rüdesheim.
Included: B, L, D
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Choose a vineyard hike, a wine tasting at Johannisberg Castle, or a visit to the Mechanical Music Museum with Rüdesheimer coffee. Afternoon cruise through the dramatic Rhine Gorge past the Lorelei. Evening classical concert at Engers Castle. Overnight cruise to Cologne.
Included: B, L, D
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Choose a bike ride, a Jewish heritage walking tour, or a Classic city walk to Cologne’s twin-spired Gothic cathedral. Free time for a glass of Kölsch. Overnight cruise to Amsterdam.
Included: B, L, D
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Choose an early morning walk, a Classic walking tour, or a canal cruise through the Golden Age waterways. Optional culinary walk, countryside bike ride, or Zaanse Schans windmills. Overnight docking in Amsterdam.
Included: B, L, D
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Disembark after breakfast and enjoy a half day sightseeing. Dinner at our hotel this evening.
Included: B, D
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Further sightseeing today to Anne Frank House and Riijkmuseum. Dinner this evening at a local restaurant.
Included: B, D
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Morning at leisure followed by a tour to Zaanse Schans, famous for its 18th and 19th century windmills. Transfer to the airport and depart Amsterdam for Seoul this evening.
Included: B
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Arrive Seoul, transfer to your flight to Auckland
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Arrive Auckland mid-morning.
Grand cities, beautiful rivers — Europe at its best.
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, a Seoul stopover, quality hotels, and your 14-night Avalon Impression cruise, so you can simply relax and enjoy Europe’s rivers. Your dedicated Tour Leader, Al Fleming, brings caring professionalism and genuine warmth, creating a true sense of community among like-minded over 60s New Zealand travellers. Thoughtful tour design offers a choice of Classic, Active, or Discovery excursions each day, while high-quality service and panoramic suites turn this journey into the stress-free, enriching adventure you deserve.
Inclusions & Activities
Airfares: Return Economy class airfares Auckland to Budapest and Amsterdam to Auckland
Cruise: 15 day river cruise with Avalon Waterways onboard Avalon Impression in a Deluxe Stateroom (D), including all meals with wine and beer onboard, daily Happy hour drinks and a choice of included Classic, Active or Discovery shore excursions
Accommodation: 3 nights pre cruise, 2 nights post cruise at quality accommodation
Sightseeing: All sightseeing and attractions as shown, including a variety of Avalon Waterways tours, Anne Franks house in Amsterdam and more
Meals: Daily breakfasts plus lunches and dinners as specified
Transfers: Home pick up and drop off in Auckland Metro area
Tour Leader: Travelwise Tour Leader throughout, plus local guides
Al Fleming, Tour Leader
Your Tour Leader
Al Fleming
Al is an engaging, nature-loving Tour Leader at Travelwise who connects deeply with landscapes, history, and people. Al’s easy-going spirit and passion for the ocean and discovery make him the ideal guide for travellers who want to feel inspired and connected.
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. A good choice if you prefer: A fuller, more immersive experience, high levels of daily activity. Choice of Active, Classic, or Discovery excursions allows you to tailor each day.
Departure: 25 May 2027
Other Notes:
Deposit: $2,000 per person
Balance Payment Date: 25 March 2027
Bookings may still be available after this date. Please contact us for availability.
Insurance: Comprehensive travel insurance is mandatory for this tour and must be in place by the final payment date. We recommend arranging cover when you pay your deposit, so you are protected from the time of booking. Please ask us if you need assistance arranging insurance.
