AMSTERDAM, COLOGNE, RUDESHEIM, WURZBURG, NUREMBURG, REGENSBURG, VIENNA, BUDAPEST
MAGNIFICENT EUROPE
15 DAYS FROM $4,399 US Details below or
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See the highlights of Central Europe on this enchanting river cruise between Amsterdam and Budapest. Guided sightseeing in each city shows you the highlights, with a cruise through the scenic canals of Amsterdam and through the dramatic Rhine Gorge past the legendary Lorelei rock. Spend time in magnificent Cologne, the charming wine village of Rüdesheim, medieval Bamberg, historical Nuremberg, and magical Vienna. Attend a baking demonstration of a traditional cookie in Miltenberg and a beer tasting in Regensburg. Also enjoy inside visits of Würzburg’s Bishop’s Residenz, the phenomenal Benedictine Abbey in Melk, and St. Martin’s Cathedral in Bratislava. While on board, be sure to have your camera ready to capture the scenic beauty, quaint towns, fascinating architecture, and historic buildings dotting the landscape as you sail along.
Enjoy a Music Themed Cruise on October 30, 2013
On your cruise, local experts will provide fascinating insights into European music, and onboard piano recitals will entertain you. You'll also visit a violin maker, and will enjoy an excursion to Salzburg featuring music and lunch, a concert in Ansfelden, a Royal Waltz concert in Vienna, and an organ recital in Melk. This is a music lover's perfect getaway!
Day 1 Arrive in Amsterdam, Holland (Embarkation) Holland's delightful 700-year-old capital is sophisticated and modern, with a rich and fascinating history. The works of famous Dutch masters can be seen in world-renowned museums such as the Rijksmuseum or the Van Gogh. This afternoon, board your river cruise vessel and meet your crew at a welcome reception at 6 pm. (Dinner)
Day 2 Amsterdam There is no better way to see Amsterdam than by CANAL BOAT, cruising through the elegant grachten lined with stately homes. Afterward, your river cruise vessel sets sail for Cologne. (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)
Day 3 Cologne, Germany Cologne is one of Germany's largest cities, with a river skyline dominated by the soaring twin spires of its magnificent gothic cathedral. The Germano-Roman Museum next to the cathedral is a must for history buffs! Try a Kölsch in one of the many taverns and shop for a bottle of "4711," the original eau de cologne. (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)
Day 4 Rhine Gorge-Rüdesheim The dramatic RHINE GORGE is the most beautiful stretch of river. Pass the legendary rock of the Lorelei, where sweet songs of local beauties lured enchanted sailors to their doom. Visit SIEGFRIED'S MECHANICAL MUSICAL INSTRUMENT MUSEUM in pretty Rüdesheim. Enjoy a SPECIAL TREAT, then there's free time to explore the Drosselgasse. (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)
Day 5 Miltenberg Located on the Main River, Miltenberg is a picturesque Bavarian village that thrived on income from river traffic. Its cultural wealth and affluence are reflected in the beautiful medieval and renaissance houses and the gothic splendor of the Merchant Hall shown to you during your guided sightseeing. This afternoon, learn how to bake a local SOFT COOKIE specialty. (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)
Day 6 Würzburg Known as the "Pearl of the Romantic Road," Würzburg is surrounded by sloping hills covered with vineyards. The magnificent BISHOP'S RESIDENZ is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The World Heritage List includes over 800 properties with cultural and/or natural heritage of global significance(Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)
Day 7 Bamberg Another beautiful UNESCO World Heritage Site The World Heritage List includes over 800 properties with cultural and/or natural heritage of global significanceis medieval Bamberg. Your walking tour takes in its breathtaking cathedral, the Old Town Hall straddling the River Regnitz, and serpentine streets with charming houses and 18th-century mansions. (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)
Day 8 Nuremberg Although Nuremberg suffered extensive damage during WWII, much of it was restored to its original style. Marvel at this historic city with its fabulous gothic churches and elegant patrician houses. Nuremberg's traditions include its famous Lebkuchen, toy making, and metal working. (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)
Day 9 Regensburg One of Germany's best preserved medieval cities, Regensburg's architectural highlights include the Old Town Hall and Porta Pretoria-gates to an ancient Roman fort built in 179 AD. Before dinner we'll introduce you to some of Germany's FAMOUS BEERS. (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)
Day 10 Passau-Linz, Austria Ideally located at the confluence of the Rivers Inn, Ilz, and Danube, 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. An optional full-day excursion to Salzburg takes in the popular Sound of Music sights. (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)
Day 11 Melk-Dürnstein-Vienna Melk's magnificent BENEDICTINE ABBEY dominates the town from its commanding hill site and is one of Europe's largest monasteries. Dürnstein, known for the baroque Stiftskirche with its blue façade, lies right in the heart of the Wachau wine region. Above town are the ruins of the castle where England's King Richard the Lionheart was imprisoned in 1192. Vienna, known as the "City of Music," inspired the creative genius of Mozart, Beethoven, and Strauss. (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)
Day 12 Vienna 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. Shop in the Kärntnerstrasse and enjoy Sachertorte or Apfelstrudel in a neighborhood café. An optional concert is available tonight. (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)
Day 13 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 and Mirbach Palace, as well as gothic ST. MARTIN'S CATHEDRAL, should not be missed. (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)
Day 14 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 15 Budapest (Disembarkation) Your vacation ends with breakfast this morning. (Breakfast)
Highlights & Sightseeing:
Amsterdam: Welcome reception; canal cruise
Cologne: Guided walk
Rhine Gorge: Cruise through the gorge
Rüdesheim: Visit Siegfried's Mechanical Musical Instrument Museum; special treat
Miltenberg: Guided walk; baking demonstration
Würzburg: Guided sightseeing, visit the Bishop's Residenz
Bamberg: Guided sightseeing, see the Old Town Hall
Main Danube Canal: Cruise in the canal
Nuremberg: Guided sightseeing
Regensburg: Guided sightseeing; beer tasting
Passau: Guided walk
Melk: Guided visit of the Benedictine Abbey
Dürnstein: Guided walk, see the Stiftskirche
Vienna: Guided sightseeing
Bratislava: Guided sightseeing, visit St. Martin's Cathedral
Budapest: Guided sightseeing, see Fishermen's Bastion
Meals B: full buffet breakfast L: lunch D: dinner Complimentary sparkling wine with breakfast, soft drinks with lunch, and wine, beer, or soft drinks with dinner are included on board your vessel.
NOTES: In the event of water level problems or any problems of a technical nature, it may be necessary to operate the itinerary by motorcoach or to alter the program.
Included visits and special features are subject to change. If a change is necessary, a substitute will be offered.
Please check visa requirements with your local consulate(s); responsibility for obtaining visas rests with the traveler.
Always Included: 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.
Panoramic windows throughout every ship.
Elegant, contemporary design throughout.
Included shore excursions with Local Guide.
Headsets for shore excursions.
Complimentary Wi-Fi access.
Personalized room options & excursions.
Space to relax & unwind
Premium coffees, cappuccinos and lattes.
Coffee self-serve beverage station.
A lounge serving premium spirits.
Maintain your routine in the fitness center.
The Comfort Collection BedsSM.
Premium L'Occitane bath amenities.
Daily early- and late-riser breakfast.
Full buffet breakfast with sparkling wine.
Complimentary juices with breakfast.
Made-to-order egg station at breakfast.
Complimentary soft drinks with lunch.
Al fresco lunches on the Sky Bistro.
Chef-inspired regional recipes.
Four-course dinners with open seating.
Choice of appetizers, soups & salads.
Nightly option of entree, dessert or cheese.
Complimentary regional wines at dinner.
Free soft drinks or beer with dinner.
Night Fare served at 10:30 p.m.
Remarkable service through the cruise.
English-speaking crew.
Non-smoking interior.
Large bathrooms - showers w/ glass doors.
Flatscreen satellite TV with movie channels.
Spacious 3-door closets for ample storage.
And, much more.
Avalon Panorama A brand new kind of ship, the Avalon Panorama set sail in 2011, taking inspired design to a whole new level. A unique 'Suite Ship', the Avalon Panorama was the first of its kind in the industry - with two full decks of suites featuring a Wall-to-Wall Panoramic Window that transforms the living space into a unique Open-Air Balcony. As you cruise along Europe's finest rivers - the Danube, Rhine, or Main - enjoy the fresh breeze and enchanting scenery from the comfort of your suite. With 200 square feet, the Panorama Suite is more than 30% larger than the industry standard, and it gives you the unparalleled opportunity to wake up each morning facing the magnificent passing scenery. Exciting onboard amenities include an Internet corner and Wi-Fi access, a well-stocked library, an expanded fitness center, and a spacious Sky Deck with premium lounge chairs, shade system, whirlpool, and delightful Open-Air Bistro. There's no better way to cruise in Europe than in the spacious comfort offered on the Avalon Panorama.
DEPARTURE DATES
April - October
PRICES
From
$4,399 US per person double
occupancy
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