LLV Danube RIVER CRUISE 2024
June 11-20, 2025
Ultra-Luxury, All-Inclusive Cruise
LLV Danube River Cruise 2025
June 11-20, 2025
RIVER CRUISE PRAGUE TO BUDAPEST
2 OPTIONAL NIGHTS IN PRAGUE + 7 NIGHT SAILING
Join Luxury Lifestyle Vacations (LLV) and 86 other friendly, sexy, and discerning couples for another amazing river cruise journey. You can start with a 3-day, 2-night pre-cruise stay in Prague, long known as one of the most beautiful cities in the world. Home to breathtaking architecture, fabulous cuisine and unmatched history, it’s often referred to as the “crown of the world”.
This 8-day, 7-night cruise down the Danube will start in Vilshofen, Germany, and finish in Budapest, Hungary. In between, you’ll visit Linz, sail through the gorgeous Wachau Valley, and spend time in Vienna, the City of Music, Linz, and beautiful Bratislava!
River cruises are a wonderful way to see parts of Europe you could never visit on a large cruising vessel. Everything is included with the price of your cabin, from all meals and snacks to all your spirits and off-ship excursions. Known for its intimate atmosphere and fabulous cuisine, a river cruise is a fantastic way to travel with like-minded friends. And don’t forget the sexy vibe that LLV will always bring to their events. You will have an amazing time at nightly-themed parties, a playroom, and world-class entertainment – whether it’s your first or fifth river cruise.
What to Expect
Picture Postcard Destinations
When you visit this picturesque part of the world, you will think you are in a movie—maybe The Sound of Music or another classic. Keep your camera ready; there will be Kodak moments around every bend.
Staterooms & Suites
All of the cabins are riverfront, and most of them have panoramic windows that give amazing views of the Danube river as you travel from Germany to Hungary.
Architecture & History
Every port will have included tours (you can pick an active or a classic tour), on which you will walk back in time, seeing incredible architecture and cities that pre-date the US.
Upscale Dining
With an elegantly simple design, you can enjoy a full buffet breakfast or lunch with special options for those who wish to eat lightly and delicious four-course dinners in the evening.
all-inclusive
TIMELESS MUSIC
BEAUTIFUL SCENERY
guided TOURS INCLUDED
sensual onboard experiences
Itinerary and Ports
Optional 3 Day/2 Night Add On - June 11-12 - PRAGUE, CZECH REPUBLIC
Come a couple of days early and see the wonder of Prague, a real jewel of Eastern Europe.
Prague is the capital of the Czech Republic and is bisected by the Vltava River. Nicknamed “the City of a Hundred Spires,” it's known for its Old Town Square, the heart of its historic core, with colorful baroque buildings, Gothic churches, and the medieval Astronomical Clock, which gives an animated hourly show.
Completed in 1402, pedestrian Charles Bridge is lined with statues of Catholic saints.
The beauty of Prague is equal to that of Paris. Its history goes back a millennium. And the beer? The best in Europe.
Prague is equal parts historic and fun. No other place in Europe has become popular so quickly. And for good reason: Prague — the only Central European capital to escape the large-scale bombing of the last century's wars — is one of Europe's best-preserved cities.
Day 1 - June 11 - VILSHOFEN, GERMANY (EMBARKATION)
Welcome to Germany. Your Suite Ship is Ready for Boarding.
Flights into Munich must arrive by 2 pm.
Guests must be on board the ship by 5 pm.
Explore your ship and enjoy dinner on your first evening on board.
This small town on the Danube is about 14 miles upriver from the much more frequented port of Passau. Known as the "Little Three Rivers Town," Vilshofen is situated at the entrance of the Lower Bavarian-Upper Austrian Danube Gorge.
No matter what the calendar says, passengers can attend an Oktoberfest-style party before heading down the Danube or find one waiting for them at the end of their cruise. The town puts on the party, and cruisers get two vouchers for beers — served traditionally in big, Bavarian-style mugs.
EVENING CRUISE TO PASSAU
Day 2 - June 12 - PASSAU–SCHLÖGEN OXBOW
Where the Danube, Inn, and Ilz Rivers Meet
ACTIVE Tour: Follow your Avalon Adventure Host for Hiking from Oberhaus along a trail down to the valley and along Ilz River, OR CLASSIC Tour: Join a Guided City Walk to learn more about this beautiful “City of Three Rivers".
Before sailing to Linz, take some free time to explore Passau’s cobblestone streets and galleries of Artists’ Alley. Maybe stop at St. Stephen’s Cathedral to catch a concert rehearsal.
This afternoon, cruise to Linz through the Danube’s dramatic horseshoe bend called Schlögen Oxbow. Later, enjoy live entertainment on board.
OVERNIGHT DOCKING IN LINZ
Day 3 - June 14 - LINZ, AUSTRIA
Legendary and Lovely Linz
Visit the Adventure Center for today’s activities with your Adventure Host.
CLASSIC: Take a Guided Walk through the city’s historic and beautiful sites along the shore of the Danube. See Hauptplatz—Austria’s largest medieval square—and the towering white-marble Trinity Column.
Consider a full-day Guided Optional Excursion to Salzburg—the city of Mozart, or to the picturesque Bohemian town of Cesky Krumlov.
You may otherwise spend the afternoon on a biking picnic along the banks of the Danube or hike through Linz’s beautiful nature trails to Pöstlingberg for a bird’s-eye view of the city and river below.
EVENING/OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO YBBS
Day 4 - June 15 - YBBS. EXCURSION TO MELK–WACHAU VALLEY
Frescoes Above and Vineyards Below
CLASSIC Tour: Visit the Lower Austrian little town of Ybbs. Walk through the doors of Austrian history with a guided sightseeing tour of Artstetten Castle or CLASSIC Tour: Take a Guided Tour of Melk’s magnificent Benedictine Abbey to marvel at its frescoed ceilings, statues, incredible library, and ornate pipe organ.
Later, stretch out on the Sky Deck as you sail through the Wachau Valley past vineyards, castles, and charming villages on your way to Dürnstein.
DÜRNSTEIN: A King’s Ransom and Castle Ruins
ACTIVE Join 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 Join a Guided Walk and hear the legendary tale of King Richard the Lionheart—who was imprisoned in the castle here during the Crusades.
Later, enjoy live entertainment on board your ship.
OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO VIENNA
Day 5 - June 16 - VIENNA
Viennese Waltzes on the Blue Danube
ACTIVE Tour: Explore Vienna's Danube Island by bike with your Adventure Host or CLASSIC Tour. 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—the summer home of the Habsburg monarchy.
Spend free time strolling on the pedestrian Kärntnerstrasse, central Vienna's most famous shopping avenue. You can also bike through the city and stop in a local café to enjoy Sachertorte or Apfelstrudel.
Enjoy an unforgettable musical performance with an Optional Excursion to attend a Royal Waltz Concert in an elegant hall this evening.
OVERNIGHT DOCKING IN VIENNA
Day 6 - June 17 - BRATISLAVA, SLOVAKIA
Cathedral Coronations and a Crowning Castle
ACTIVE Tour: Follow your Avalon Adventure Host on a hike to lofty Bratislava Castle or CLASSIC Tour: Take a Guided City Walk, including the quaint streets of Old Town, Town Hall, and the sight of royal coronations at St. Martin’s Cathedral.
Enjoy free time to discover Bratislava on your own. This beautiful capital of Slovakia is rich in history and culture and is also a green city with its forests and parks just a hop away from the city center.
Bratislava, the capital of Slovakia, is set along the Danube River by the border with Austria and Hungary and is surrounded by vineyards and the Little Carpathian mountains, crisscrossed with forested hiking and cycling trails. The pedestrian-only, 18th-century old town is known for its lively bars and cafes.
OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO BUDAPEST
Day 7 - June 18 - BUDAPEST, HUNGARY
War Heroes and Hot Water
ACTIVE Tour: Hike up to a magnificent viewpoint in Budapest with your Adventure Host or CLASSIC Tour: Enjoy a Guided City Sightseeing, including the iconic Heroes’ Square.
This afternoon, choose among a wide range of Optional Guided Excursions or take in the beauty of Budapest while enjoying some free time exploring famous sights such as the Chain Bridge. Get to know the city’s cafés and pubs, or hike through the hills above the Danube.
OVERNIGHT DOCKING IN BUDAPEST
Day 8 - June 19 - BUDAPEST, HUNGARY (DISEMBARKATION)
Your cruise ends with breakfast this morning.
Budapest is an amazing city, and we love its historic thermal baths and goulash. Stay a few nights in Budapest before heading home (or to your next destination), and you won’t be sorry.
NOTE:
o In the event of technical or water level issues, it may be necessary to operate the itinerary by motorcoach or alter the program, including hotel overnight when necessary.
o Guided Tours, Optional Excursions, activities, sailing, and docking schedules may be contingent on weather conditions or other issues
Once you sail on a river cruise, you will be hooked. Check out some photos of the Avalon Expression to see why this trip will be a great “bucket list” option for booking today.
Avalon Expression Ship Profile & Stats
Ship Type: River Cruiser/Canal Boat
Line Class: River Cruise
Year Built: 2013
Year Last Refurbished:
Capacity: 166 passengers
Decks: 4
Gross Tonnage: 2,775
Length: 443 ft
Beam: 36 ft
Average Speed: 18 knots
Outside Cabins: 83
Nationality of Officers: European
Nationality of Crew: European
Number of Crew: 47
The Ship
Part of Avalon's award-winning fleet of Suite Ships, the Avalon Expression features two decks of Panorama Suites with wall-to-wall, floor-to-ceiling panoramic windows that transform the living space into river cruising's only Open-Air Balcony.
A few of the amenities you’ll find onboard the ship include the Observation and Panorama Lounge, Sky Bistro, Panorama Bistro, Fitness Center, and the main Dining Room.
The Avalon Expression has a few dining options, some of which are a little more casual. You can enjoy open-seating in the Main Dining Room, which is located on the Sapphire Deck (Deck 2). There are also two Bistro restaurants onboard: the Panorama Bistro is located on the Royal Deck (Deck 3), and the Sky Bistro is located on the top deck (Deck 4).
If you like to mingle with other guests in a lounge atmosphere, the Observation Lounge, Panorama Lounge, and Club Lounge are on Deck 3, and the Sky Lounge is on Deck 4.
A few other areas to enjoy on the Avalon Expression include the Deck Game Area and a Whirlpool, both located on the Sky Deck.
Staterooms & Suites
There are six different stateroom categories aboard the Avalon Expression. Categories are further differentiated by their relative position on the ship and their square footage:
Staterooms
The ship has three main categories: Deluxe Staterooms, Panorama Suites, and Royal Suites.
Standard Stateroom: There are 16 staterooms available located in this category. This category features two windows that do not open. The stateroom size is 172 square feet.
Panorama Suite: This category has 64 cabins and features a Wall-to-Wall Panoramic Window with an Open-Air Balcony®. The staterooms are 200 square feet.
Royal Suite: Only two Royal Suites (#310 and #312) are available. Both are located Midship. This category features a Wall-to-Wall Panoramic Window with an Open-Air Balcony®. The stateroom is 300 square feet.
Dining
Dining Room: A spacious, open-seated dining room with elegant dining service and large panoramic windows is located on the Sapphire∘ deck. With an elegantly simple design, you can enjoy a full buffet breakfast or lunch with special options for those who wish to eat lightly and delicious four-course dinners in the evening.
Sky Grill: On a sunny day, enjoy hand-carved meats and expansive buffets, including fresh salads and amazing homemade soups, all with a view courtesy of the Sky Grill.
Room Service: Room service is available for Continental breakfast & beverages.
Bars
Sky Lounge: On the Sun deck, you will find the Sky Lounge, where you can relax and catch the sun's rays whilst enjoying a drink or snack from the nearby Sky Bistro.
Observation Lounge: The Observation Lounge on the Royal Deck, gives guests a prime view to enjoy the premium spirits.
Club Lounge: Enjoy a quiet moment in the Club Lounge whilst enjoying a cappuccino.