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Avalon Waterways Blue Danube

The delightful Danube sets the stage for this incredible journey. Begin in Budapest where you board your river cruise vessel and sail westward, with guided sightseeing in magical Vienna, Passau, and medieval Regensburg. Also take a guided walk in Dürnstein that shows off the baroque Stiftskirche, visit the Benedictine Abbey and enjoy a wine tasting in Melk, and participate in a guided tour of charming Nuremberg where your river cruise journey ends.

Day to Day Itinerary:

Day 1Arrive in Budapest, Hungary (Embarkation)

Today arrive in Hungary’s capital and embark your luxurious river cruise vessel . Flights into Budapest must arrive by 2 pm. Before dinner, meet your crew at a welcome reception. (Dinner)

Day 2Budapest–Vienna, Austria

A day to relax on board and marvel at the beautiful scenery on both banks of the Danube. Hungary is on your left as you cruise upriver and Slovakia is on your right. The two countries share the Danube for a 58-mile stretch, with the border in the middle of the river. Vienna, Austria’s capital, is known as the “City of Music” and inspired the creative genius of Mozart, Beethoven, and Strauss. (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)

Day 3Vienna

Once the center of the mighty Habsburg Empire, Vienna 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 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 Kärntnerstrasse and enjoy Sachertorte or Apfelstrudel in a neighborhood café. An optional concert is available during your stay. (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)

Day 4Dürnstein–Melk

Dürnstein, known for the magnificent baroque Stiftskirche with its blue façade, lying 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. This afternoon: Melk, whose magnificent BENEDICTINE ABBEY dominates the town from its commanding hill site and is one of Europe’s largest monasteries. The view you have from the terrace over the Danube and surrounding countryside is breathtaking! This evening you’ll be able to sample some of the Wachau Valley’s FAMOUS WINES. (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)

Day 5Linz–Passau, Germany

Linz, Austria’s third-largest city, 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 6Regensburg

Regensburg is one of Germany’s best preserved medieval cities. Architectural highlights on your guided tour 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 7Nuremberg

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—all explained by a local expert. 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 8Nuremberg (Disembarkation)

Your vacation ends with breakfast this morning. Departure flights should not leave before 7 am. (Breakfast)

DEPARTURE DATES AND PRICES

Type of room & price is the "starting at" price and does not include port and other taxes or fees. All rates and cabin categories are subject to availability.

DEPART     START     END         CRUISE  SHIP       CAT E      CAT A, B, P    SUITE

DATE         DATE      DATE        #

04/19/11 04/20/11 04/27/11 10420    Tapestry  $2,439.00 $2,938.00  $3,638.00  

05/07/11 05/08/11 05/15/11 10508    Tranquility $2,639.00  $3,138.00 $3,838.00   

05/10/11 05/11/11 05/18/11 10511    Tapestry  $2,639.00 $3,138.00  $3,838.00  

05/24/11 05/25/11 06/01/11 10525    Tapestry  $2,639.00 $3,138.00  $3,838.00  

05/31/11 06/01/11 06/08/11 10601    Luminary  $2,639.00 $3,138.00  $3,838.00  

06/04/11 06/05/11 06/12/11 10605    Tranquility $2,639.00  $3,138.00 $3,838.00   

06/07/11 06/08/11 06/15/11 10608    Tapestry  $2,639.00 $3,138.00  $3,838.00  

06/28/11 06/29/11 07/06/11 10629    Tapestry  $2,539.00 $3,038.00  $3,738.00  

07/12/11 07/13/11 07/20/11 10713    Tapestry  $2,539.00 $3,038.00  $3,738.00  

07/16/11 07/17/11 07/24/11 10717    Tranquility $2,539.00  $3,038.00 $3,738.00   

07/19/11 07/20/11 07/27/11 10720    Luminary  $2,539.00 $3,038.00  $3,738.00  

07/26/11 07/27/11 08/03/11 10727    Tapestry  $2,539.00 $3,038.00  Sold Out   

08/13/11 08/14/11 08/21/11 10814    Tranquility $2,539.00  $3,038.00 $3,738.00   

08/30/11 08/31/11 09/07/11 10831    Tapestry  $2,749.00 $3,248.00  $3,948.00  

09/06/11 09/07/11 09/14/11 10907    Luminary  $2,849.00 $3,348.00  $4,048.00  

09/13/11 09/14/11 09/21/11 10914    Tapestry  $2,849.00 $3,348.00  $4,048.00  

09/20/11 09/21/11 09/28/11 10921    Luminary  $2,849.00 $3,348.00  $4,048.00  

09/24/11 09/25/11 10/02/11 10925    Tranquility $2,849.00  $3,348.00 $4,048.00   

09/27/11 09/28/11 10/05/11 10928    Tapestry  $2,599.00 $3,098.00  $3,798.00  

10/18/11 10/19/11 10/26/11 11019    Tapestry  $2,439.00 $2,938.00  $3,638.00

Prices shown are "starting at" prices and do not include airfare.

Port charges:
$98

Please call for single accommodation price. Triples not available.

Prices shown above include cruise in Category E in an outside Avalon Deluxe Stateroom on Indigo Deck.
To upgrade to a higher category (all staterooms Twin/Queen), add per person:
Tapestry/Tranquility/Luminary New Ship

Tapestry/Tranquility/Luminary
Category / Decks / Price
B / Sapphire Deck / $499
A / Sapphire Deck / $549
P / Royal Deck / $649
Suite / Royal Deck / $1,199

Panorama
Category / Decks / Price
D / Indigo Deck / $99
B / Sapphire Deck / $579
A / Sapphire Deck / $629
P / Royal Deck / $749
Royal Suite / Royal Deck / $1,599

Airport Transfer Information & Times

Aiport transfers for Avalon Waterways cruises vary by destination, as well as by the type of cruise you purchase (air-inclusive, cruise-only, a cruise without air, etc.). When you book your Avalon vacation air-inclusive, the transfers to and from the airport to the first hotel or your cruise ship and from the last hotel or your cruise ship back to the aiport are included. Land/cruise-only clients who make their own air arrangements on regularly scheduled direct or nonstop flights (but not chartered flights) into international terminals my reserve our aiport transfer service.

CRUISE-ONLY NOTE: Some cruise-only vacations do not include free airport transfers and in some cases, transfers may not be available for purchase. Please discuss your specific transfer options with your Travel Consultants. Time and terminal limitations are below. Different timings may apply to cruise-only vacations.

EXTRA NIGHTS NOTE: Airport transfers may also be arranged when you purchase extranights before or after the vacation and with some cruise-only options. Transfers cannot be provided when you join late or leave early. Flight information for air purchased outside of Avalon will be required prior to final payment to secure your transfer.

Different timing, pricing and availalblity apply to airport transfers offered by Avalon Waterways. Please check with your Travel Consultant on the specifics and details for your cruise. And, please note that transfer times are subject to change.

 

For complete river cruise information and availability, please contact us. specialgrouptours@yahoo.com or 866 725 5250

 

Why Avalon Waterways?

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 with Avalon:

  • Panoramic windows throughout every ship.
  • Spacious designs provide personal space.
  • Included shore excursions with Local Guide.
  • Headsets for shore excursions.
  • Highest-quality craftsmanship.
  • Premium coffees, cappuccinos and lattes.
  • Coffee self-serve beverage station.
  • A lounge serving premium spirit cocktails.
  • Maintain your routine in the fitness center.
  • The Comfort Collection by AvalonSM.
  • Premium L’Occitane bath amenities.
  • Daily early- and late-riser breakfast.
  • Full buffet breakfast with sparkling wine.
  • Made-to-order egg station is at buffet.
  • 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.
  • Beer or soft drinks free 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.
  • Internet access to stay in touch with family.
  • And, much more.

Notes:

  • In the event of water level problems on stretches of any river, it may be necessary to operate part of the itinerary by motorcoach.
  • Included visits and special features are subject to change. If a change becomes necessary, a substitute will be offered.

Special Group Tours

Toll Free: 1 866 725 5250

specialgrouptours@yahoo.com