Avalon Waterways 2011 – Christmas Time on the Danube

Overview
Enjoy the festive atmospheres from Vienna to Nuremberg and all along the legendary Danube on this enchanting river cruise vacation. Enjoy guided sightseeing in each city and delight in the sights, smells, and tastes of centuries-old Christmas markets in Vienna, Regensburg and Nuremberg. Be sure to sample the Glühwein, Lebkuchen, and other traditional holiday specialties! Other highlights include a guided visit of the Benedictine Abbey in Melk and beer tasting in Nuremberg.
CRUISE:
Deluxe 6-night cruise from Vienna to Nuremberg in an outside stateroom with hotel-style beds
VIENNA:
Welcome reception; guided sightseeing
DÜRNSTEIN:
Walking tour, see the Stiftskirche
MELK:
Guided visit of the Benedictine Abbey; wine tasting
PASSAU:
Guided sightseeing
REGENSBURG:
Walking tour
NUREMBERG:
Guided sightseeing
Meals – (B) Breakfast (L) Lunch (D) Dinner
Superb dining with all meals on board daily featuring full breakfast (B), lunch (L), and dinner (D), including a welcome reception, Captain’s reception, and farewell dinner; one sitting with open seating arrangements; complimentary regional wine, beer, or soft drinks with all onboard dinners; complimentary coffee and tea available throughout the day
Combine with another Festive Season Cruise
Combine with Christmas in the Heart of Germany or Christmas in the Heart of Germany and Christmastime in Alsace & Germany. Combined cruises will have other minor itinerary modifications.
Notes:
Christmas markets operate from late November until the third week of December, depending on the location (Prague markets are open from early December until the first days of January).
In the event of water level problems on stretches of any river, it may be necessary to operate part of the itinerary by motorcoach.
Please check visa requirements with your local consulate(s); responsibility for obtaining visas rests with the traveler.
Included visits and special features are subject to change. If a change becomes necessary, a substitute will be offered.
TRANSFER TIMES:
Transfers available: Vienna on Arrival between 7 am and 5 pm
Transfers available for purchase: Nuremberg on Departure between 5 am and 12 noon
Itinerary
Day 1Arrive in Vienna, Austria (Embarkation)
(Sat.) Welcome to Vienna, Austria’s romantic capital! This afternoon, board your river cruise vessel and meet your crew at a welcome reception. (Dinner)
Day 2Vienna
(Sun.) Once the center of the mighty Habsburg Empire, Austria’s capital has much to offer: the lavish Hofburg Palace, the impressive Vienna Opera House, majestic Ring Boulevard, and awe-inspiring St. Stephen’s Cathedral, to name just a few of the sights you will enjoy on 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. Soak up the atmosphere of the Adventszeit (Advent season) and spend some time in the beautiful Christmas markets located throughout the city. (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)
Day 3Dürnstein–Melk
(Mon.) This morning, enjoy a guided walk around Dürnstein, known for the magnificent baroque Stiftskirche with its blue façade. After lunch, visit the glorious BENEDICTINE ABBEY, which dominates the town of Melk from its commanding hill site 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 sample some of the FAMOUS WINES of the region. (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)
Day 4Linz–Passau, Germany
(Tue.) 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 fullday excursion to Salzburg takes in the popular Sound of Music sights as well as more Christmas cheer—the traditional carols, the sparkling lights, and the smell of candles and gingerbread. Passau, ideally located at the confluence of the Inn, Ilz, and Danube Rivers, 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 5Regensburg
(Wed.) Regensburg is one of Germany’s best preserved medieval cities. Architectural highlights on your guided tour include the Old Town Hall and the 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. The Christmas market is located on the historic market square. Germany is famous for its sausages, and Regensburg is home to the country’s oldest restaurant—Historische Wurstküche (the Old Sausage Kitchen), dating back to the 12th century. (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)
Day 6Nuremberg
(Thu.) 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 hosts Germany’s most famous Christmas market, which dates back to 1628; the Old Town is illuminated with festive lights and decorations. The city’s traditions include famous Lebkuchen, toy making, and metal working. (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)
Day 7Nuremberg (Disembarkation)
(Fri.) Your vacation ends with breakfast this morning. (Breakfast)
CHRISTMASTIME ON THE DANUBE – CATEGORY E
Tour Code – WVN-E
9 days Vienna to Prague
6-night cruise from Vienna to Nuremberg & 2 nights in Prague
| Prices are in Australian Dollars | ||||
| December 2011 | ||||
| Ship | Departure No. | Start Date | End Date | Land Price (per person – twin share) please call for single prices. |
| MS Panorama | 11203 | 3 Dec 2011 | 11 Dec 2011 | $2533 AUD |
*The departure date above is based on starting your vacation on day 1 of the itinerary.
UPGRADING CABINS
To upgrade to a higher cabin category (all staterooms Twin/Double), add per person:
| Category | Deck | Price |
| D | Indigo | $93 AUD |
| B | Sapphire | $541 AUD |
| A | Sapphire | $588 AUD |
| P | Royal | $700 AUD |
| Royal Suite | Royal | $1494 AUD |
INCLUDED CHARGES
| Type | Name | Price |
| REQUIRED | Port Charges | $96 AUD |
| REQUIRED | Gratuity | $ AUD |
OPTIONAL CHARGES
| Type | Name | Price |
| OPTIONAL | Drink Package No Alcohol | $116 AUD |
| OPTIONAL | Drink Package Alcohol | $184 AUD |
ACCOMMODATION PRICES
| Pre & Post Tour | City | Start Date | End Date | Single Price | Twin Price |
| PRE | Vienna | 26 Mar 2011 | 31 Dec 2011 | $236 AUD | $144 AUD |
| POST | Prague | 30 Apr 2011 | 13 Jul 2011 | $329 AUD | $178 AUD |
| POST | Prague | 17 Jul 2011 | 14 Sep 2011 | $239 AUD | $133 AUD |
| POST | Prague | 17 Sep 2011 | 16 Nov 2011 | $329 AUD | $178 AUD |
| POST | Prague | 21 Nov 2011 | 31 Dec 2011 | $239 AUD | $133 AUD |
Please note triple rooms not available.
.
Europe