Active And Discovery On The Danube
Experience the wonder of river cruising!
Join Alicia On This Amazing Adventure in 2027!
Imagine waking up to sweeping river views, coffee in hand, as Europe quietly glides past your window. Life aboard the Avalon Illumination is relaxed, spacious, and beautifully designed for enjoying the journey as much as the destinations — from vibrant cities to charming riverside towns.
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Each day, you'll get to choose how you’d like to explore, whether that means staying active, discovering local culture, or simply soaking it all in from the comfort of the ship. I’m Alicia of Evening Star Travel, and I’ll be sailing alongside the group — sharing the experience providing guidance along the way.
on this journey visit:
Vienna
Budapest
visegrad
Krems
Whether you walk through winding alleyways, hike to a castle, bike to a palace or row to your own sanctuary of scenery, this diverse offering of stops and excursions along the Danube redefines the perception of River Cruising.
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Classic sightseeing is always available in every port along the way.
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OR......
Get off the beaten path and relish the world when you:
•See the ancient jousting skills of the St. George Knightly Order at Visegrád Castle.
•Savor an early morning walk, to see Vienna’s infamous café culture and with VIP access to an art museum.
•Meet the Count of Clam at Austria’s 12th-century and beautifully preserved Clam Castle.
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Or, enjoy a little get-up-and-go on your cruising vacation when you:
•Sink your teeth into Count Dracula’s Visegrád prison tower on a hike to new heights.
•Paddle a canoe on an excursion through the picturesque Bend region.
•Pedal along the postcard-perfect Wachau Valley.
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Discovery the Danube, your way.
How Do I Book?
1
Pick a Cabin
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Confirm Your Details
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Cruise Only or Extend with Pre- and/or Post-Stays
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Pay Your Deposit
3
Reserve Your Spot
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Look Forward To An Amazing Adventure!
Is This Trip a Good Fit for You?
This Active & Discovery itinerary is perfect for travelers who enjoy exploring Europe their way - staying active when they want to, slowing down when they don’t, and choosing experiences that match their interests each day.
This journey would be great for:
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Curious, active adults who enjoy learning and experiencing places beyond the surface
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Couples
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Friend groups (think girls trip!)
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Families traveling with adult children (the younger can go canoeing while the older visit the vineyards)
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Independent travelers who appreciate flexibility
Ship Overview
Avalon Illumination
Shining bright in Avalon's award-winning fleet of Suite Ships, the Avalon Illumination features two full decks of Panorama Suites with wall-to-wall, floor-to-ceiling panoramic windows that transform your living space into river cruising's only Open-Air Balcony.
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This ship is built around maximizing the views of the gorgeous Danube river. Making sure you can see out in every part of her while still being comfortable. From the Club Lounge at the rear of the ship, to your cabin, to the Sky Lounge forward, the Panorama Bistro, and the Panorama Lounge. Take in those views from everywhere.
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Built: 2014
Passenger Capacity: 166
Crew: 47
Pick your cabin on the avalon illumination
Prices based on double occupancy - single occupancy rates available.
Window
Deluxe Stateroom
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$5,456 CAD per person / $4,001 USD per person
This down below cabin has a lovely "swan-level" window. It's a spacious at 172sqft and perfect if all you are going to do is sleep in your cabin.
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Balcony
Panorama Suite
*Starting At
$7,655* CAD per person /$6,000 USD per person
I would argue that this is the best balcony cabin on the rivers. 200sqft with lots of storage and amazing views. ​
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Suite
Royal Suite
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$9,855 CAD per person / $7,900 USD per person
Looking to be pampered? This suite has all the space. 300sqft with a beautiful sitting area and two large sliding glass door windows to maximize the view.
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- Special Limited Time Offer -
Take an additional $200 CAD / $145 USD off!
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AND
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Free pre-paid onboard gratuities!
(a $220 CAD / $156 USD value)
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AND
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No booking fee!
(a $200 CAD / $145 USD value)
What's Included
For Seven Night River Cruise Only
This is a summary
Price Includes:​
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Base Rate
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All taxes, fees, and port expenses
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Pre-paid onboard gratuities (gratuities off the ship aren't included)​
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Accommodation in stateroom of your choice
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All onboard meals
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All excursions as listed
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Wine and beer with lunch and dinner as well as a happy hour.
Price Doesn't Includes: ​
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Insurance
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Flights
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Pre- or Post- Cruise Stay (both are available as an add on)​
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Transfers
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Personal spending money, and optionals
Suites and Staterooms
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Open–Air BalconiesSM and Wall-to-Wall Panoramic Windows in all Panorama SuitesSM
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Comfort Collection BedsSM with choice of mattress firmness
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Egyptian super-combed cotton linens
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Bathrobes & slippers
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Premium L'Occitane® bath products & hairdryer
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Large bathroom featuring shower with glass door
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Wide selection of free movie channels and English-speaking TV
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Individual climate control and in-room safe
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Full-size closet and mirror
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Additional under-bed storage
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Well-stocked mini-bar
want to extend your stay in europe?
Join me on the 1 Night Budapest Pre-Cruise and 2 Night Prague Post-Cruise
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Prices based on double occupancy - single occupancy rates available.
1 Night Pre-Cruise
$503 CAD per person /
$389 USD per person
Extend your stay in Budapest before your cruise with a one night stay and enjoy an excursion the morning prior to your river cruise. ​
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2 Night Post-Cruise
$993 CAD per person /
$749 USD per person
One of the best ways to extend your Danube river cruise is with an extension to Prague. This two night stay expands your trip to this amazing city - with all the logistics taken care of.
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Fulfil your bucket list
What to do something else? I can absolutely put together a custom personalized pre- or post- trip extension to your river cruise. ​
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Other costs may apply. Reach out to start planning.
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Wait, who are you again?
Hi! I'm Alicia Mitchell
I'm the owner of Evening Star Travel and a river cruise specialist. Over the past 10 years, I’ve helped clients plan trips that balance comfort, curiosity, and flexibility.
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To celebrate this 10 year anniversary milestone, I wanted to host a journey that reflects the kind of travel I truly love - immersive, flexible, and unrushed. This Active & Discovery river cruise along the Danube felt like the perfect fit.
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I’ll be sailing alongside the group, sharing the experience and celebrating this special journey together. I’m so excited to travel with you and can’t wait to see where the river takes us.
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Happy Travels Everyone!
Ready to Book?
Complete this form to submit your request.
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THIS WILL NOT BOOK YOUR CABIN!
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Once I receive this request, I will put a hold on your cabin, and reach out to collect your final details before authorize the payment for your deposit.