Avalon Waterways: Symphony of the Danube in Autumn
Avalon Waterways is launching “Symphony of the Danube,” an 8-day autumn river cruise in Italian, departing on October 21, exploring the nature and landscapes of the Western Danube, between Vilshofen and Budapest.
The cruise will be conducted in Italian, including the shore excursions in the countries visited: Germany, Austria, Slovakia, and Hungary, with stops in Vilshofen, Passau, Linz, Melk-Wachau Valley-Dürnstein, Vienna, Bratislava, and Budapest.
Sinfonia del Danubio
Avalon Illumination
During the Symphony of the Danube cruise, Avalon Waterways offers optional excursions and unique experiences that will take guests to discover the places, characters, flavors, and melodies characteristic of these lands. In Austria, the focus will be on Anton Bruckner, whose 200th birthday will be celebrated in 2024. Guests will have the opportunity to explore his connection to his homeland. In Vienna, Bruckner struggled throughout his life to gain the recognition he longed for; it was only in his later years that he received the Knight’s Cross of the Order of Franz Joseph from the Emperor, who even provided him with a residence in the Belvedere Palace, which would become his last home. However, being very attached to Upper Austria, Bruckner is now buried in the St. Florian Abbey, right under the organ. Thanks to Avalon, guests can visit this site through an optional excursion.
Another major highlight of this journey will be the Waltz. When discussing the Waltz, one cannot forget Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, the great composer from Salzburg who spent the last ten years of his life in Vienna, despite his travels to major European courts. Among these travels, Linz is notable, where in 1783 the symphony named after this Danube city was composed. Additionally, another great composer, Johann Strauss, dedicated perhaps the most famous waltz ever written to the Danube a century later. In this city, guests will experience an exclusive concert featuring the greatest classics of the genre performed by the Original Vienna Salon Orchestra.
Belvedere Palace Vienna
Wachau_Avalon_Waterways
For art enthusiasts, the focus will be on painter Marc Chagall, who grew up among the klezmer musicians who enlivened the village festivals of Eastern European Jewish communities. His work illustrates the inextricable link between sounds and colors. The Albertina Museum will dedicate its major autumn exhibition to the important Russian-Jewish and French-adopted master, featuring around 90 works centered on his later years, during which the artist confronted the horrors of World War II and the Holocaust. These works will be viewable during the Avalon Waterways Symphony of the Danube cruise.
The cruise offers a blend of history, culture, and relaxation, thanks to Avalon Waterways‘ ships where the focus is on comfort and relaxation. Onboard, there are energizing activities for body and mind, from Pilates classes and a fitness center to bikes available for exploring the Danube cities or hills independently. The culinary experience is also a highlight, with chefs transforming the kitchen into a gourmet atelier, featuring local ingredients from the cities visited, complemented by a fine selection of international wines. Onboard alternatives include light lunches, a barbecue on the Sky Deck, an aperitif with delicious tapas, or a picnic basket for a romantic outing in a vineyard near Dürnstein, right in the heart of the Wachau.
A cruise that, between a yoga session and a signature cocktail, will captivate everyone with the beauty of the passing landscapes and the exclusive experiences offered by Avalon Waterways.
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