It's about you. You are the reason we've used our 80-plus years of travel expertise to design the very best river cruise experience. Inspired by you, we've taken everything special about river cruising and made it even better. Here are some of the features and amenities you'll experience on board our Avalon ships.

Day 1 Passau, Germany (Embarkation)

Your river cruise vessel is docked in Passau, ideally located at the confluence of the Rivers Inn, Ilz, and Danube. Before dinner, meet your crew for a welcome reception. (Dinner)

Day 2 Passau-Linz, Austria

Passau is a city of graceful arcades and cobblestone streets. St. Stephen's Cathedral houses one of the world's largest church organs with more than 17,000 pipes. Join a Certified Local Guide for a walking tour through this charming town, and find out much more about the "City of Three Rivers." During lunchtime, set sail for Linz, where you arrive in the early evening. (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)

Day 3 Linz-Grein

Linz is Austria's third-largest city, an important river port where culture plays a significant role in everyday life. Composer Anton Bruckner lived here, and Mozart's Linzer Symphony was composed in the city. Today is free to do as you like. Explore Linz on your own or simply spend a relaxing day on board. Once you depart for Grein around Noon, enjoy the views of the peaceful riverscapes from the comfort of the Sky Deck-or, alternatively, choose one of a variety of optional excursions. The choice is yours. In the late afternoon, arrive in the attractive country resort of Grein, nestled at the foot of a bluff in the shadow of its castle. Take a guided walk through town and visit its unique historical THEATER, the oldest in Austria still holding regular performances. A behind-the-scenes peek to learn about some of the curiosities of this Rococo-style, 167-seat theater will certainly tell you much about life as it was, and as it now is, in this small town. (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)

Day 4 Melk-Krems

Depart Grein in the early morning hours to arrive in Melk after breakfast. The magnificent BENEDICTINE ABBEY dominates the town from its commanding hill site, and is one of Europe's largest monasteries. After your included visit of this impressive baroque edifice this morning, sail into the picturesque Wachau Valley, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Pass the magnificent baroque Stiftskirche with its blue facade, the landmark of Durnstein, before arriving in Krems. Join a Certified Local Guide to learn more about this town situated on the eastern end of the Wachau Valley. Or, you may prefer to join a wine experience to learn firsthand how wine is so much more than just a drink. Wine is life, culture, inspiration, and the result of a lot of hard work. This evening, depart for Vienna. (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)

Day 5 Vienna

Wake up this morning in Vienna, known as the "City of Music" and the place that inspired the creative genius of Mozart, Beethoven, and Strauss. Once the center of the mighty Habsburg Empire, Austria's capital has much to offer: lavish Hofburg Palace, the impressive Vienna Opera House, the majestic Ringstrasse, and awe-inspiring St. Stephen's Cathedral, to name just a few of the sights you will enjoy during your city tour. You do not rush through Vienna-you waltz, taking your time to savor each classic sight and sound. Shop in the Karntnerstrasse and enjoy Sachertorte or Apfelstrudel in a neighborhood cafe. (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)

Day 6 Bratislava, Slovakia

Situated at the foothills of the Carpathian Mountains, Bratislava is the dynamic capital of Slovakia. The charming Old Town, with its Town Hall, Mirbach Palace, and gothic ST. MARTIN'S CATHEDRAL, should not be missed. (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)

Day 7 Budapest, Hungary

Budapest, spanning the banks of the Danube, is Eastern Europe's liveliest and most cosmopolitan metropolis. Eight bridges connect ancient Buda on the right bank with Pest on the left. The massive hilltop castle complex with Fishermen's Bastion and the Matthias Church is among the impressive sights you'll see on your included tour. Shop for renowned peasant embroidery, Herend porcelain, and paprika. (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)

Day 8 Budapest (Disembarkation)

Your vacation ends with breakfast this morning. (Breakfast)