Uncover the wonders of Europe on this unforgettable 21-day journey. Begin with a taste of exotic Dubai—soaring towers, spice-filled souks, and a view from the world's tallest building. Then fly to Budapest, the "Pearl of the Danube," to board your luxurious Avalon suite ship. Cruise in comfort through grand capitals like Vienna and Amsterdam to charming medieval towns like Dürnstein and Miltenberg. Daily excursions offer everything from castle hikes and cathedral tours to wine tastings, music concerts, and cultural encounters. End with a meaningful visit to Anne Frank’s House and masterpieces at the Rijksmuseum in Amsterdam.
Activity Level 3
Early Booking Discount - Book by 21 Jul, 2025 and save an extra $250 per person
Home pick up and return within the Auckland Metropolitan area (if applicable)
Travelwise Holidays Tour leader throughout.
Economy airfares on Emirates Airways, Auckland-Dubai, Dubia-Budapest, Amsterdam-Dubai, Dubai-Auckland.
Service charges, Government taxes, port taxes & prepaid gratuities.(Cruise gratuities included $509pp)
Travelwise Holidays documentation and travel bag
15 day River Cruise aboard Avalon ship Illumination in Deluxe Outside Stateroom Room (D)
Dubai stopover and sightseeing - Burj Khalifa Tower and charming Old Dubai.
Pre cruise night and traditional Welcome Dinner in Budapest.
Post cruise night and sightseeing in Amsterdam.
AVALON CRUISE FROM BUDAPEST TO AMSTERDAM
Stretch out on your Comfort Collection bed and cruise with the world at your feet. Onboard amenities include an alternative light dining option in the Panorama Bistro, a Fitness Centre, complimentary Wi-Fi access, and a spacious Sky Deck with premium lounge chairs, whirlpool, and light al-fresco lunches at the Sky Bistro on the Sky Deck. You're sure to be impressed with the relaxed luxury and unequalled amenities of the Avalon Illumination!
From Budapest to Amsterdam, and in many exciting stops along the way, experience the culture of Central Europe in a unique way on this timeless European river cruise vacation. Begin by visiting three of Europe’s vibrant capital cities: Budapest (Hungary), Bratislava (Slovakia), and Vienna (Austria).
A Local Guide will show you the must-see sites in each city with plenty of time to explore on your own. See the famous Heroes’ Square in Budapest, stroll through Bratislava’s Old Town with its winding streets and bronze sculptures, and stop in a classic Viennese café for a decadent treat.
Sail through the picturesque views of the Wachau Valley and the dramatic Rhine Gorge. Visit Melk’s magnificent Benedictine Abbey and Würzburg’s Baroque-style Bishop’s Residenz. Enjoy a tasting of wonderful local Wachau wines.
Explore quaint towns like Dürnstein with its blue and white Baroque-style Stiftskirche; Passau, known for its narrow cobblestone streets and the stunning St. Stephen’s Cathedral; and Bamberg, with its town hall straddling the River Regnitz.
Enjoy guided tours in historic Nuremberg, Würzburg, and Regensburg—one of Germany’s best-preserved medieval cities.
In the charming Rhine Valley town of Rüdesheim, enjoy a stroll through its famous cobblestone Drosselgasse lined with shops, restaurants, and lively taverns.
Straddling both sides of the Rhine River is Cologne, Germany—a 2,000-year-old city known for its Gothic-style architecture. Here, enjoy a guided walk and see its famous twin-spired cathedral.
Conclude in lively Amsterdam. See the treasures of this 700-year-old city from a unique perspective—on a canal cruise along the elegant grachten.
Amsterdam sightseeing - Ann Frank House museum, built around the former home and hiding place of the Frank family during World War II - where Anne Frank and her family, along with four others, hid from Nazi persecution for two years. Later visit the impressive Rijksmuseum, featuring masterpieces from the Dutch Golden Age, including works by Rembrandt, Vermeer, and Frans Hals.
Cabin Upgrade (share twin per person)
Panorama Suite (A) - $22,565 (single supplement $9,749)
Panorama Suite (P) - $22,935 (single supplement $9,949) on request
WED 08 JUL – AUCKLAND/DUBAI
Depart on Emirates from Auckland at 8.30pm. Fly overnight to Dubai. A mesmerising city of skyrocketing buildings, futuristic architecture, and charming old Dubai.
THU 09 JUL – DUBAI SIGHTSEEING
Arrive Dubai 5.35am, check straight into the hotel. Have a sleep, freshen up and then this afternoon visit Dubai Mall with its Aquarium and Underwater Zoo, and its stunning revamped fountains. Later ride up to the observation desk of the Burj Khalifa tower, the world’s tallest building. A welcome dinner tonight. Included: D
FRI 10 JUL – DUBAI/BUDAPEST
Depart Dubai at 10.30am, arrive Budapest 2.20pm. The “Pearl of the Danube" with its stunning riverfront and impressive buildings along the Danube River - Castle Hill and the Hungarian Parliament Building to name a few. A traditional Welcome Dinner included tonight. 1 night at a 4 Star Budapest Hotel. Included: B, D
SAT 11 JUL – BUDAPEST/CRUISE
Morning at leisure then board your suite ship Avalon Illumination for your magnificent 15 day cruise from Budapest to Amsterdam. OVERNIGHT DOCKING IN BUDAPEST. Included: B, D
SUN 12 JUL - BUDAPEST
The Pearl of the Danube. Activities - ACTIVE Hike up to a magnificent viewpoint in Budapest with your Adventure Host, OR: CLASSIC Enjoy a Guided City Sightseeing tour of Budapest, including the iconic Heroes' Square. This afternoon choose among the Optional Guided Excursions available or enjoy Budapest on your own. Indulge in a piece of cream cake in one of the many cafes. Consider a scenic hike above the Danube. OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO BRATISLAVA. Included: B, L, D
MON 13 JUL - BRATISLAVA
Castles, Vineyards, and Cosmopolitan Culture. ACTIVE EXCURSION Follow your Avalon Adventure Host on a short hike to lofty Bratislava Castle, OR: CLASSIC EXCURSION Join a Guided Walking Tour of Old Town’s cobblestone streets to Town Hall. Visit the Gothic halls of St. Martin’s Cathedral—Hungary’s centuries-old coronation church. Alternatively, in your free time take a bicycle and a picnic from the ship to explore the local sights along the Danube. Later, enjoy live entertainment onboard. OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO VIENNA. Included: B, L, D
TUE 14 JUL - VIENNA
Royal Collections and Amusing Attractions. ACTIVE EXCURSION Explore Vienna's Danube Island by bike with your Adventure Host, OR: CLASSIC EXCURSION Explore the Habsburg Empire with a morning Guided City Tour of Vienna’s gilded landmarks. See the Imperial Palace complex—the winter residence of the Imperial Family, the iconic Vienna Opera House, and stunning St. Stephen’s Cathedral. Join a Guided Optional Excursion to Schönbrunn Palace—summer home of the Habsburg empire. Consider a tram ride to Vienna’s Prater amusement park or to one of the many museums nearby. Later, consider joining an Optional Excursion to attend a Royal Waltz Concert in an elegant hall. OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO DÜRNSTEIN
Included: B, L, D
WED 15 JUL - DURNSTEIN
A King’s Ransom and Castle Ruins. ACTIVE EXCURSION Take a Guided Hike up to the castle ruins to take in the spectacular view of the village, Danube, and the Wachau Valley below, OR: CLASSIC EXCURSION Join a Guided Walk, and hear the legendary tale of King Richard the Lionheart—who was imprisoned in the castle above the village during the Crusades. Later, stretch out on the Sky Deck as you sail through the Wachau Valley past vineyards, castles, and charming villages on your way to Melk.
MELK Frescoes Above and Vineyards Below. ACTIVE EXCURSION Join your Avalon Adventure Host for a walk along the Danube River and around Melk, OR: CLASSIC EXCURSION Take a Guided Tour of the frescoed ceilings, statues, incredible library, and ornate pipe organ of Melk’s Benedictine Abbey. DISCOVERY EXCURSION Later, enjoy a Wine Tasting on board as you prepare to sail to Passau. EVENING/OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO PASSAU. Included: B, L, D
THU 16 JUL - PASSAU
Where the Danube, Inn, and Ilz Rivers Meet. CLASSIC EXCURSION Join an afternoon Guided City Walk to learn more about this beautiful “City of Three Rivers.” Alternatively, you may join a full day Guided Optional Excursion to Salzburg, the city of Mozart, or a full day Guided Optional Excursion to the picturesque Bohemian town of Cesky Krumlov. EVENING/OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO REGENSBURG. Included: B, L, D
FRI 17 JUL - REGENSBERG
Bavaria’s Medieval Miracle. ACTIVE EXCURSION Explore Walhalla by bike with your Adventure Host, OR: CLASSIC EXCURSION Join a Guided City Walk and see Altes Rathaus (Old Town Hall) and Porta Pretoria—built in 179 AD as the entrance to Castra Regina fortress.
You may choose to join a Guided Optional Excursion to visit the Benedictine Monastery in Weltenburg. Spend a free afternoon exploring Regensburg on foot or by bike through its charming streets. This evening, enjoy live entertainment after dinner as you cruise toward Roth. EVENING/OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO ROT. Included: B, L, D
SAT 18 JUL - ROTH
Legends and History Lessons. CLASSIC EXCURSION Enjoy an Onboard Lecture about the Main-Danube Canal—linking these two rivers to make a vital connection enabling navigation between the North and Black Seas. CLASSIC EXCURSION Enjoy a Guided Sightseeing Tour of the Bavarian town of Roth—with its half-timbered houses, market square, and 1535 hunting lodge, Schloss Ratibor, OR: CLASSIC EXCURSION Choose a Guided Tour of Nuremberg’s medieval architecture, gilded fountain, gothic cathedral, and Kaiserburg Castle, OR: CLASSIC EXCURSION Join a Guided Tour of the historic Nuremberg Rally Grounds—used by the Third Reich. Tonight, relax onboard with live entertainment as you sail to Bamberg. EVENING/OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO BAMBER. Included: B, L, D
SUN 19 JUL - BAMBERG
The City of Seven Hills. CLASSIC EXCURSION Take a Guided Walking Tour of the former home to imperial dynasties, and see its Romanesque cathedral, Old Town Hall, and seven hills crowned with churches. DISCOVERY EXCURSION Attend an onboard lecture to learn about European history and culture. AFTERNOON/OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO WÜRZBURG
Included: B, L, D
MON 20 JUL - WURZBURG
A Perfect Day in the Pearl of the Romantic Road. ACTIVE EXCURSION Enjoy an easy bike ride along the river with your Adventure Host, OR: CLASSIC EXCURSION Take a Guided Sightseeing Tour of Würzburg with its Old Main Bridge, towering fortress, and baroque Bishop’s Residenz —with the largest known ceiling fresco. This afternoon, enjoy leisurely sailing. AFTERNOON/OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO MILTENBERG
Included: B, L, D
TUE 21 JUL - MILTENBERG
Beauty on the Main River Join your Adventure Host for today’s special activities. ACTIVE EXCURSION Discover Miltenberg by bike with your Adventure Host, OR: CLASSIC EXCURSION Join a Guided Walking Tour of Miltenberg, a showcase of medieval half-timber homes and home to Germany’s oldest inn. Later, enjoy onboard entertainment as you cruise to Rüdesheim. AFTERNOON/OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO RÜDESHEI. Included: B, L, D
WED 22 JUL - RUDESHEIM
Eat, Drink, and Be Merry in Wine Country. ACTIVE EXCURSION Enjoy a hike with your Avalon Adventure Host through the picturesque vineyards of Rüdesheim, OR: DISCOVERY EXCURSION Take a Guided Visit to the historic 18th-century wooden-barrel cellar of Johannisberg Castle and enjoy a delicious wine tasting, OR: CLASSIC EXCURSION Tour the incredible Mechanical Music Museum for a one-of-a-kind instrumental experience; enjoy a tasting of the authentic Rüdesheimer coffee.
This afternoon cruise through the dramatic Rhine Gorge and see the famous rock of the Lorelei—where mythological siren lured ill-fated sailors to shore. DISCOVERY EXCURSION Enjoy a remarkable classical music concert in a lovely baroque venue at Engers Castle, home to the Villa Musica Rhineland-Palatinate National Foundation, one of Germany’s largest music institutions. OVERNIGHT DOCKING IN ENGERS. Included: B, L, D
THU 23 JUL - COLOGNE
Prost! Celebrate in the Rhineland. ACTIVE EXCURSION Enjoy a bike ride like the locals in Cologne with your Adventure Host, OR: DISCOVERY EXCURSION Join a Guided Walking Tour of Cologne’s important Jewish heritage sites, OR: CLASSIC EXCURSION Take a Guided City Walk of Cologne—explore the Old City and see its soaring twin-steepled Gothic cathedral. Spend free time over a glass of Kölsch pale lager—locally brewed for over 100 years! AFTERNOON/OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO AMSTERDAM
Included: B, L, D
FRI 24 JUL - AMSTERDAM
Colourful Canals of Amsterdam. ACTIVE EXCURSION Start your day joining your Adventure Host on an early morning walk in Amsterdam, OR: CLASSIC EXCURSION Discover the true beauty of Amsterdam with an off-the-beaten-path Guided Walking Tour through its cobblestone streets for a captivating look at this legendary city, OR: CLASSIC EXCURSION Explore the iconic waterways of Amsterdam with a Guided Canal Cruise past stately homes of Amsterdam’s “Golden Age.” In the afternoon you may join an Optional Culinary Walk through Amsterdam to sample savoury and sweet Dutch specialties. Or choose an Optional Biking Tour to discover the countryside. You might also consider a Guided Optional Excursion to Zaanse Schans to see historic windmills and charming Dutch houses. Spend free time on your own to explore the coloUrful cafés, galleries, bridges, and canals of Amsterdam. OVERNIGHT DOCKING IN AMSTERDAM. Included: B, L, D
SAT 25 JUL - DISEMBARK CRUISE /AMSTERDAM
Your cruise ends with breakfast this morning. After disembarkation enjoy a tour of the Ann Frank House museum, built around the former home and hiding place of the Frank family during World War II - where Anne Frank and her family, along with four others, hid from Nazi persecution for two years. Later visit the impressive Rijksmuseum, showcasing over 8,000 objects from the Middle Ages to the present day. Notably, it features masterpieces from the Dutch Golden Age, including works by Rembrandt, Vermeer, and Frans Hals. A fabulous farewell dinner this evening. Stay 4 Star Hotel Amsterdam 1 night. Included: B, D
SUN 26 JUL - AMSTERDAM/DUBAI
Free day to take in more sights or some last minute shopping. Late hotel check out and depart Amsterdam on Emirates at 9.50pm. Included: B
MON 27 JUL - DUBAI/AUCKLAND
Arrive Dubai 6.30am and then depart Dubai at 10.05am.
TUE 28 JUL - AUCKLAND
Arrive Auckland at 9.50am.
Deposit: $2,000pp
