The Delightful Danube- Budapest to Prague river cruise with Avalon Waterways 

I adore the Danube River!

     I have sailed it six times and will probably sail it many more.
There is nothing like gliding past the illuminated Parliament in Budapest, I will never tire of that sight!
As it is a long river there are many different itinerary options to choose from.
On each of my journeys there have been new ports to explore and new adventures awaiting me.

Video Budapest Parliament at night ~

      I favor Avalon Waterways when I do river cruises for many reasons, one of the most important is their panorama suites.
They are so much larger than their competitor's cabins and lying in bed facing the full wall of windows is an experience that is really hard to beat.
When the slider is opened up the entire room becomes an open-air balcony, plus, Avalon's cabin has a nice sofa and soft chair to sit on, the others do not. 
     
     My cruise began in Budapest and had an extension in Prague at the end, which is a really nice way to see this part of the world.
Budapest is a great city, it is very "user friendly" they have a great public transportation system to get around on and you can walk easily between attractions.
It took until my third visit to Budapest for me to visit one of the baths, the thermal water comes from deep underground and has wonderful healing properties.
In the bath houses there are numerous pools with different mineral intensity and temperatures, we spent several hours there moving from pool to pool.
I highly recommend you give it a try; it is not expensive and is super relaxing, you can pre-purchase on line a pass and a massage for very little money.
There is so much to see in Budapest we always add on a few days when we visit, from the Fisherman's Bastian to the bustling market hall it is a people watching paradise.

     Most Danube cruises overnight in Vienna which is another great city easy to explore on your own!
We went to the Imperial Crypt, which was super interesting, the coffins were gorgeous, and when we visited the palace later it was fun to match the casket to the bedroom.
The Spanish Riding School is in Vienna, you can go to see the Lipizzaner’s practice which is quite amazing! 
You may not know this but the horses are actually born black and turn white later, I found that out there when chatting to one of the trainers.
The control and talent of the riders (and horses) is something you won't soon forget!
We visited the Belvedere Museum on our own as well, my favorite painting, " The Kiss" hangs there, it was humbling seeing it in person.
What I love about river cruising is that you can really treat the ship like a floating hotel, you are free to come and go as you please and do things on your own.

Imperial Crypt Vienna Video ~

      This is a very picturesque itinerary; you will sail past castles and vineyards that cling to the side of hills overlooking the Danube bend.
The Wachau valley has lovely wines, the ship pairs them perfectly with meals at no charge.
If wine is not your thing, beer is also included with lunch and dinner, sparkling wine is free with breakfast as well, there is a happy hour open bar each day as well!

             
     
     Bikes are available to take off the ship for free if you want to go riding, and there is an adventure host that does all kinds of activities like yoga and hiking.
The included excursions are interesting too, not just things like a guided walk in town.

     For example, we opted to visit Mauthausen Concentration Camp Memorial, it is not for everyone, a sobering day, but something I was glad I did. 
Mauthausen was a Vernichtung durch arbeit" (extermination by work) camp. 
Many parts of it are disturbingly intact which serve as an important reminder to the world to never allow horrors like this to happen again. 
Other people opted to do a more upbeat bike tour with a visit to a local farm and some people when to visit a monastery all choices were included at no charge.

     Cesky Krumlov is a picturesque town that feels like you are stepping right into a storybook complete with a castle with live bears in the moat.
My husband and I explored the narrow cobblestone streets stopping to buy me some amber jewelry at a steal and he had a huge "mystery meat" on a split for lunch.
He saw another man eating it and told the waitress "I will have what he is having!" we later found out that it was a pork knuckle, my husband says it was delicious.

     The trip ended with a few days in Prague which was nice to wind down with a slower pace.
The castle is interesting, as is the astronomical clock, but, I just like wandering around on cobblestone streets exploring and shopping.
We found the best hole in the wall restaurant where I am sure the grandmother was the chef.
There was only room enough for maybe ten patrons and it was the best meal I had the entire three nights I was in Prague.

    River cruising has quickly become my favorite way to travel, having excursions, meals, Wi-Fi , wine, etc. all included in one bill makes budgeting easy!

     I really like how Avalon, although very luxurious, is laid back, I do not have to worry about dragging fancy clothes to Europe.  
They have a smaller guest ratio so it has a country club atmosphere making it easy to get to know fellow passengers right away.
Unpacking once is a plus, I do take bus tours and that is one thing I do not care for having to pack up and move every few days. 
When my hotel (ship) moves right along with me it is so much more relaxing!

   If you are looking for a trip that gives you lots of beautiful scenery, great included excursions, luxurious accommodations with gourmet meals this checks all the boxes!

Cruise on the Danube river- Budapest to Prague Video

View from my bed in a category P Panorama suite on the Avalon Vista