Sailing the Danube: Our Avalon River Cruise
(425 Reviews)
99% Recommended
Pam MacIntyre
Maple Grove, MN
Australia & New Zealand Specialist
New Zealand
In all my years as a Travel Professional, I’ve asked countless people, “What’s on your must-see list?” And without fail, New Zealand is always at the top! Honestly, who wouldn’t want to experience this majestic ...
New Zealand
In all my years as a Travel Professional, I’ve asked countless people, “What’s on your must-see list?” And without fail, New Zealand is always at the top! Honestly, who wouldn’t want to experience this majestic part of the world?
I was fortunate enough to visit both the North and South Islands, and what I love about New Zealand is that it offers the perfect blend of laid-back charm and action-packed adventure, all while being nothing short of epic.
The country is home to endless national parks, a rich Maori culture, and unforgettable experiences like sailing through the sounds while dolphins playfully follow your yacht. And let’s not forget the awe-inspiring moment of witnessing a sperm whale off the coast of Kaikoura—talk about jaw-dropping beauty!
Oh, and did I mention wine? If you’re a fan of great wine (and who isn’t?), New Zealand is a must-visit for its world-class Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, Merlot, and more. How do I know? Because I couldn’t resist visiting a winery or two during my travels!
Honestly, I could go on and on about the magic of New Zealand, but if you’re reading this, you already know you want to explore this incredible part of the world. Let’s work together to create your perfect New Zealand adventure!
Australia
Let me start by saying, I’ve wanted to visit Australia since I was a child. Why, you ask? Well, to pet a kangaroo, of course! And yes, I did! Not only did I pet a kangaroo, but I actually fed FOUR at the same time. Childhood dream come true, right? And I can’t wait to go back for round two.
While I was in Sydney, I had the chance to experience the spectacular Vivid Sydney Festival, celebrating its 10th year. It was honestly WOW! Never in my wildest dreams did I think Australia would be so perfect to visit during their winter season. But coming from Minnesota, their “winter” felt more like our fall—absolutely ideal! Seeing the Sydney Opera House light up during the festival was something I’ll never forget.
And then there’s the Blue Mountains region—so lovely to explore on foot. From there, we ventured to Hunter Valley (known to the locals as "The Hunter"), where wine flowed freely, and every glass was more delicious than the last.
Australia’s size is truly hard to grasp until you’ve experienced it firsthand. To put it in perspective: Sydney would be in Florida, Cairns (home of the Great Barrier Reef) would be in Maine, Uluru (Ayers Rock) would be in Kansas, Melbourne would be in New Orleans, and Perth would be in Los Angeles.
Whether you're dreaming of visiting the world’s largest Great Barrier Reef, immersing yourself in Aboriginal culture, swimming with whale sharks, or gazing upon the majestic Uluru, Australia has endless possibilities waiting for you.
Let’s make your dream trip to Australia a reality—one that you’ll remember for the rest of your life!
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Our View from Melk Abbey - Melk, Austria
After exploring the Rhine with AmaWaterways, I was thrilled to set sail on the Danube Dreams itinerary with Avalon Waterways! This time, I had the pleasure of sharing the experience with my mom, and I’m so glad I did. Watching the look on her face as we boarded the Avalon Envision and visited both charming small towns and grand cities made this trip truly unforgettable.
Our journey began in Budapest, Hungary, and let me tell you—this city is absolutely breathtaking! It has a cosmopolitan vibe, with wide boulevards and awe-inspiring historic architecture. As I walked through the city, I couldn’t help but compare it to my Rhine river cruise. That’s when it hit me—when people ask me whether to sail the Rhine or the Danube, my answer is simple: it’s not about choosing one over the other, it’s about deciding which one to sail first!
Bratislava, Slovakia
Next, we made our way to Bratislava, and I was absolutely charmed! The Old Town Square is full of unique shops, and I even found a vintage thrift shop where I picked up a few fun blazers. The city has narrow streets, hidden courtyards, and colorful buildings around every corner. It’s super walkable, and there are quirky statues—like Cumil, the “Man at Work”—that make for great photo ops. We even stumbled upon a charming candy store, which added a sweet little surprise to our day.
Vienna, Austria
Ah, Vienna. This city is overflowing with history and culture, and the architecture will have you in awe. From baroque to gothic styles, Vienna’s buildings are stunning, with some dating back to the 1600s and 1900s. If you’re an art, music, or architecture lover, Vienna is the place for you.
Speaking of music, Vienna is home to legends like Mozart, Beethoven, and the Strauss family. We had the chance to attend a Classical Music Concert: Royal Waltz, and it was simply magical. Another highlight was the Spanish Riding School, where we watched the incredible Spanish horses perform. The equestrian show was absolutely breathtaking.
Vienna is also a foodie’s paradise. From elegant coffee houses to casual pubs with great beer and wine, this city knows how to treat your taste buds. And when the sun sets and the city lights up? That’s when Vienna truly shines.
Dürnstein & Wachau Valley
Dürnstein was one of my favorite stops on this journey. There’s something so special about small towns, and Dürnstein had that perfect mix of charm and tranquility. Walking through its quaint streets felt like stepping back in time, and I couldn’t get enough of the village’s peaceful, timeless vibe.
Linz, Austria
Next, we visited Linz, and it definitely exceeded my expectations. The city has a charming, welcoming vibe, with cute shops, delicious smells wafting from bakeries, and impressive architecture. From stunning cathedrals to castles offering panoramic views, Linz is a hidden gem worth exploring.While we were there, I took the opportunity to visit Mauthausen, a concentration camp just outside of the city. It was the last camp liberated by the Allies, and walking through it was a somber, emotional experience. It’s a place that forces you to reflect on history and the impact of WWII.
Schlogen Oxbow
Before arriving in Passau, we passed the incredible Schlogen Oxbow, a river bend shaped like a horseshoe. The views were absolutely stunning—one of those moments where you just have to stop and take it all in.
Passau, Germany
Passau quickly became my second favorite city of the trip. This charming city is a beautiful blend of history and culture. We took a walking tour through Hell Alley, where we saw buildings dating back to the 1400s and 1500s. Passau is also home to three breweries, and if you're visiting with a group, you can even get a beer fountain with a barrel!
The real standout for me, though, was St. Stevens Church. Home to the world’s largest organ, it was by far the most impressive church I’ve ever visited. The architecture, history, and grandeur were overwhelming in the best way. If you visit Passau, don’t miss a tour with Josephine—her tour went from 30 minutes to an hour and a half, and I was captivated the entire time.
But the cherry on top? I managed to find my guy a few bottles of Blanton’s Gold, a bourbon that wasn’t being produced in the U.S. at the time and was tough to find. He’d never had it before, so it was a fun little discovery that made the stop even more memorable!
Deggendorf
Our journey ended in Deggendorf, and while I was sad to say goodbye, the memories of this trip with my mom will stay with me forever. Each city, every stop, and every shared experience made this an adventure I’ll always cherish.
Next Up: Beautiful Bordeaux with Scenic!
Note: This trip was taken in October 2022.