Our Avalon River Cruise Danube Dreams Experience
(424 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!
Can Be Reached At
1-763-231-8893
Our View from Melk Abbey - Melk, Austria
After exploring the Rhine with AmaWaterways, I was excited to take on the Danube Dreams sailing, this time with Avalon Waterways! I went on this journey with my mom, and I’m so glad I did. The look on her face as we boarded the Avalon Envision and explored both small towns and grand cities made this trip an unforgettable adventure I’ll cherish forever.
Our journey began in Budapest, Hungary, and let me tell you—this city took my breath away! It’s cosmopolitan, with wide boulevards and awe-inspiring historic architecture. As I wandered the streets, I couldn't help but marvel at the contrast to my Rhine river cruise. That’s when I realized—when people ask me if they should sail the Rhine or the Danube, my answer now is simple: it’s not about which one to choose, it’s about which one to sail first.
Bratislava, Slovakia
Our next stop was Bratislava, and I absolutely loved it here! The Old Town Square was full of shops, including a vintage thrift shop where I scored some fun blazers. The city is full of hidden courtyards, narrow streets, and colorful buildings everywhere you turn. It’s a super walkable city, and there are quirky statues like “Cumil,” the “Man at Work” statue, perfect for photo ops! We also stumbled into a charming old-time candy store, adding a little extra sweetness to our day.
Vienna, Austria
Ah, Vienna. This city is overflowing with history, incredible architecture, and a culture you can feel in every corner. The buildings and cathedrals here are stunning, with towering statues and a mix of baroque and gothic styles that had me staring in awe. Some of the structures even have a timeless quality, reminiscent of the 1600s to the 1900s! Vienna is a haven for anyone who appreciates art, architecture, and music. Speaking of music, Vienna is home to legends like Mozart, Beethoven, and the Strauss family. We experienced a Classical Music Concert: Royal Waltz, and it was absolutely breathtaking.
The Spanish Riding School, with its beautiful white Spanish horses, was another highlight. The equestrian performances are simply magnificent. Vienna also has an abundance of places to dine, from traditional coffee houses to casual pubs serving up great beer and wine. With its elegance and charming cobblestone streets, Vienna is a city you’ll want to revisit time and time again. And when the city lights up at night? That’s when you truly see how special it is.
Dürnstein & Wachau Valley
Dürnstein was one of my favorite stops on this trip. There’s just something about smaller towns and villages that I absolutely adore. Dürnstein captured that timeless European charm, offering a sense of peace and calm that’s hard to put into words. Walking through the streets of this quaint village felt like stepping back in time, and I couldn’t get enough of it.
Linz, Austria
Next, we visited Linz, and I absolutely loved it! The city has such a charming vibe with its quaint shops, delicious smells wafting from the bakeries, and impressive architecture that makes every corner feel special. From the stunning cathedrals to the castles with their incredible views, Linz definitely exceeded my expectations and was a delightful part of the journey.
While I was here, I also wanted to experience the somber tour of the Mauthausen concentration camp, located just outside Linz. It was the last camp to be liberated by the Allies, and walking through it was a deeply moving, humbling experience. It’s a place that forces reflection on the tragic history of WWII.
Schlogen Oxbow
As we made our way to the next stop, I couldn’t help but take in the stunning views of the river’s beautiful horseshoe-shaped bend, just before arriving in Passau, the “City of Three Rivers.” It was one of those moments where you just have to pause and appreciate the beauty surrounding you.
Passau, Germany
Passau was my second favorite city on the trip. It has this unique blend of history and charm. Our walking tour took us through Hell Alley, where we saw buildings from the 1400s and 1500s. Passau is also home to three breweries, and if you visit with a group, you can even get a beer fountain if you buy a barrel!The standout for me, though, was St. Stevens Church, home to the largest organ in the world. This church took my breath away—it was by far the most impressive church I’ve ever visited. The architecture, history, and grandeur were simply overwhelming in the best way. If you’re ever in Passau, I highly recommend a tour with Josephine. She gave us a 30-minute tour that turned into an hour and a half, and I was thrilled with every minute.
Deggendorf
The trip ended in Deggendorf, and while I was sad to say goodbye, the memories of this journey with my mom will last a lifetime. Every city, every moment, and every shared experience made this trip something truly special. Until next time—if you’re thinking about a river cruise, let me know! The Danube, like the Rhine, is an experience every traveler should have at least once in their lifetime!
Next Up: Beautiful Bordeaux w/Scenic!