Floating through Europe: Our Unforgettable Danube River Cruise with Avalon Waterways
Kris Porter (me!) on my European adventure
Have you ever dreamed of waking up in a new European city each morning without the hassle of packing and unpacking? That's exactly what I experienced on my recent Avalon Waterways cruise along the beautiful Danube River! Our floating boutique hotel delivered us right to the doorstep of some of Europe's most enchanting cities, making exploration effortless and truly magical.
What sets Avalon apart is their commitment to authentic local experiences both on and off the ship. On several special evenings, local musicians came aboard to serenade us with regional melodies, adding a wonderful cultural dimension to our journey. The culinary team crafted local specialties that gave us a true taste of each destination, while the bar offered specialty cocktails inspired by the regions we visited! Starting and ending in Budapest, our journey took us through Slovakia, Austria, and back to Hungary—each stop more charming than the last.
Our adventure began in Bratislava, Slovakia, where a guided walking tour introduced us to the city's rich history before we set off to explore on our own. The cobblestone streets led us to hidden gems and local cafés, and after enjoying a delicious meal with friends, we simply strolled back to our waiting ship—no taxis or public transit needed! The next morning found us in Krems, Austria, where we participated in the "Austrian Vineyards & Treasured Farming Traditions" excursion. The orchard owner was incredibly welcoming, and the apricot wine was absolutely divine! With trees just beginning to bloom, the countryside looked like something from a fairytale. One of the absolute highlights of our cruise was sailing through the stunning Wachau Valley, sipping regional specialty cocktails on the sun deck while castle ruins, terraced vineyards, and charming villages drifted by. This picture-perfect moment truly embodied why river cruising is such a magical way to travel! The following day, since our ship had docked overnight, we enjoyed a leisurely walk through the quiet town of Stein into Krems for a delightful local breakfast—another perk of having your hotel parked right in town!
Our journey continued to Melk, home to the magnificent Melk Abbey, which took our breath away with its incredible baroque architecture and ornate interiors. What makes this abbey particularly special is that it's still an active Benedictine monastery and school with monks living on-site, continuing a tradition that spans nearly 1,000 years! While we couldn't take photos inside, the breathtaking library, church, and imperial rooms left an indelible impression. After Melk, we sailed on to Vienna, which quickly became our favorite stop. The city's grand architecture, vibrant shopping districts, and incredible dining options kept us thoroughly enchanted. We easily navigated Vienna's excellent public transportation system and even toured the spectacular Schönbrunn Palace—truly a cultural gem of Austria!
Our adventure concluded back in Budapest, where a guided walking tour took us through the local market and up to the top of the Basilica for breathtaking views. Avalon saved the best for last with a special night sailing, allowing us to witness Budapest's illuminated skyline from the water—a magical finale to our unforgettable journey! Have you considered a river cruise for your next European adventure? Trust me when I say there's simply no better way to experience the heart of Europe than sailing right into its historic cities, unpacking just once, and letting the destinations come to you!