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See the highlights of Central Europe on this enchanting cruise between Amsterdam and Budapest. Guided sightseeing in each city shows you the highlights, with an authentic baking demonstration in Miltenberg, a beer tasting in Nuremberg, and inside visits of Würzburg’s Residenz, Regensburg’s Old Chapel, the Benedictine Abbey in Melk, St. Martin’s Cathedral in Bratislava, and Fishermen’s Bastion in Budapest. Also cruise through the scenic canals of Amsterdam and sail through the dramatic Rhine Gorge past the legendary rock of the Lorelei.
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Day 1 - Arrive in Budapest, Hungary (Embarkation)
Welcome to Hungary’s exciting capital city! This afternoon, board your river cruise vessel and meet your crew at a welcome reception. (Dinner) |
Day 2 - Budapest
Budapest, spanning the banks of the Danube, is Eastern Europe’s liveliest and most cosmopolitan metropolis. Seven 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 a sight not to be missed. Shop for renowned peasant embroidery, Herend porcelain, and paprika. (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner) |
Day 3 - 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 4 - Vienna, Austria
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 Ring Boulevard, and awe-inspiring St. Stephen’s Cathedral, to name just a few of the sights on your included tour. Shop in the Kärntnerstrasse and enjoy Sachertorte or Apfelstrudel in a neighborhood café. An optional concert is available tonight. (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner) |
Day 5 - Dürnstein–Melk
Dürnstein, known for the magnificent baroque Stiftskirche with its blue façade, lies right in the heart of the Wachau wine region. Continue through the Wachau Valley to Melk, whose magnificent BENEDICTINE ABBEY dominates the town and is one of Europe’s largest monasteries. The view from the terrace over the Danube and surrounding countryside is breathtaking! This evening you’ll be able to sample some of the FAMOUS WINES of this region. (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner) |
Day 6 - Linz–Passau, Germany
Linz, Austria’s third-largest town, lies on both banks of the Danube and is an important industrial town and busy river port. An optional full-day excursion to Salzburg takes in the popular Sound of Music sights. Passau, ideally located at the confluence of the Rivers Inn, Ilz, and Danube, is a city of graceful arcades and cobblestone streets. St. Stephen’s Cathedral houses the world’s largest church organ with more than 17,000 pipes. (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner) |
Day 7 - Regensburg
Regensburg is one of Germany’s best preserved medieval cities. Architectural highlights include the Old Town Hall and Porta Pretoria—gates to an ancient Roman fort built in 179 AD. The city is the capital of Upper Palatinate, a bustling university town, and one of Bavaria’s cultural centers. It is here you will find Germany’s oldest restaurant, the 12th-century Historische Wurstküche (Old Sausage Kitchen). (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 famous Lebkuchen, toy making, and metal working. After dinner we’ll introduce you to some of Germany’s FAMOUS BEERS! (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner) |
Day 9 - Bamberg
Medieval Bamberg is a beautiful UNESCO World Heritage Site. 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 10 - Würzburg
Known as the “Pearl of the Romantic Road,” Würzburg is surrounded by sloping hills covered with vineyards. The magnificent BISHOP’S RESIDENZ is another UNESCO World Heritage Site. (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner) |
Day 11 - 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. This afternoon, learn how to bake a local SOFT COOKIE specialty. (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner) |
Day 12 - Rüdesheim–Rhine Gorge
Visit SIEGFRIED’S MECHANICAL MUSICAL INSTRUMENT MUSEUM in pretty Rüdesheim. Enjoy a SPECIAL TREAT, then there’s free time to explore the Drosselgasse and pick up some souvenirs. 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. (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner) |
Day 13 - 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 located 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 14 - Amsterdam, Holland
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. There is no better way to see Amsterdam than by CANAL BOAT, cruising through the elegant grachten lined with stately homes. (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner) |
Day 15 - Amsterdam (Disembarkation)
Your vacation ends with breakfast this morning. (Breakfast) |
2010 Departures |
2010 Prices |
| Departure Date |
Cabin rates are per passenger in $USD |
Ship: Avalon Poetry or Avalon Imagery |
Category E Lower Deck fwd
|
Category D Lower Deck aft |
Category B Middle Deck fwd |
Category A Middle Deck aft |
Category P Upper Deck
|
Jr Suite
Upper Deck |
Budapest to Amsterdam (WBA) |
June 6 |
$4,449 |
$4,647 |
$5,447 |
$5,547 |
$5,747 |
$6,847 |
June 13 |
$4,549 |
$4,747 |
$5,547 |
$5,647 |
$5,847 |
$6,947 |
July 4 |
$4,449 |
$4,647 |
$5,447 |
$5,547 |
$5,747 |
$6,847 |
July 11 |
$4,449 |
$4,647 |
$5,447 |
$5,547 |
$5,747 |
$6,847 |
August 1 |
$4,449 |
$4,647 |
$5,447 |
$5,547 |
$5,747 |
$6,847 |
August 8 |
$4,449 |
$4,647 |
$5,447 |
$5,547 |
$5,747 |
$6,847 |
August 29 |
$4,799 |
$4,997 |
$5,797 |
$5,897 |
$6,097 |
$7,197 |
September 5 |
$4,799 |
$4,997 |
$5,797 |
$5,897 |
$6,097 |
$7,197 |
September 26 |
$4,549 |
$4,747 |
$5,547 |
$5,647 |
$5,847 |
$6,947 |
October 3 |
$4,249 |
$4,447 |
$5,247 |
$5,347 |
$5,547 |
$6,647 |
* Port charges are an additional $196 per passenger // Call for single supplement |
Prices Include:
| • Cruise in selected category |
| • Full board meals |
| • Daily guided sightseeing program |
| • Complimentary regional wine, beer, or soft drinks with all onboard dinners |
| • Complimentary coffee and tea available throughout the day |
| • Taxes/ Port Charges /Fees |
Prices Do Not Include:
| • Individual arrival and departure |
| • Travel insurance |
| • Drinks |
| • Other personal expenses |
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