avalon waterways the blue danube

Overview

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.

THEME CRUISES

July 16 departure is offered as an exclusive Wine Cruise, including special lectures and tastings available at no additional cost.

CRUISE:

Deluxe 7-night cruise from Budapest to Nuremberg in an outside stateroom with hotel-style beds

BUDAPEST:

Welcome reception

VIENNA:

Guided sightseeing

DÜRNSTEIN:

Guided walk, see the Stiftskirche

MELK:

Guided visit of the Benedictine Abbey; wine tasting

PASSAU:

Guided sightseeing

REGENSBURG:

Guided sightseeing

MAIN DANUBE CANAL:

Cruise in the canal

NUREMBERG:

Guided sightseeing; beer tasting

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

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.

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 is necessary, a substitute will be offered.

TRANSFER TIMES:

Transfers available for purchase:

Budapest on Arrival between 6 am and 3 pm

Nuremberg on Departure between 5 am and 12 noon

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)

Tour Code – WBN-E

13 days Budapest to Prague
2 nights Budapest, 7 night cruise from Budapest to Nuremberg, 3 nights Prague

Prices are in Australian Dollars
April 2011
Ship Departure No. Start Date End Date Land Price (per person – twin share)
please call for single prices.
MS Tapestry 10418 18 Apr 2011 30 Apr 2011 Hotel List

$4117 AUD

May 2011
Ship Departure No. Start Date End Date Land Price (per person – twin share)
please call for single prices.
MS Tranquility 10506 6 May 2011 18 May 2011 Hotel List

$4335 AUD

MS Tapestry 10509 9 May 2011 21 May 2011 Hotel List

$4335 AUD

MS Tapestry 10523 23 May 2011 4 Jun 2011 Hotel List

$4335 AUD

MS Luminary 10530 30 May 2011 11 Jun 2011 Hotel List

$4335 AUD

June 2011
Ship Departure No. Start Date End Date Land Price (per person – twin share)
please call for single prices.
MS Tranquility 10603 3 Jun 2011 15 Jun 2011 Hotel List

$4335 AUD

MS Tapestry 10606 6 Jun 2011 18 Jun 2011 Hotel List

$4335 AUD

MS Tapestry 10627 27 Jun 2011 9 Jul 2011 Hotel List

$4226 AUD

July 2011
Ship Departure No. Start Date End Date Land Price (per person – twin share)
please call for single prices.
MS Tapestry 10711 11 Jul 2011 23 Jul 2011 $4226 AUD
MS Luminary 10718 18 Jul 2011 30 Jul 2011 $4226 AUD
MS Tapestry 10725 25 Jul 2011 6 Aug 2011 $4226 AUD
August 2011
Ship Departure No. Start Date End Date Land Price (per person – twin share)
please call for single prices.
MS Tranquility 10812 12 Aug 2011 24 Aug 2011 $4226 AUD
MS Tapestry 10815 15 Aug 2011 27 Aug 2011 $4226 AUD
MS Tapestry 10829 29 Aug 2011 10 Sep 2011 $4455 AUD
September 2011
Ship Departure No. Start Date End Date Land Price (per person – twin share)
please call for single prices.
MS Luminary 10905 5 Sep 2011 17 Sep 2011 $4564 AUD
MS Tapestry 10912 12 Sep 2011 24 Sep 2011 $4564 AUD
MS Luminary 10919 19 Sep 2011 1 Oct 2011 $4564 AUD
MS Tranquility 10923 23 Sep 2011 5 Oct 2011 $4564 AUD
MS Tapestry 10926 26 Sep 2011 8 Oct 2011 $4291 AUD
October 2011
Ship Departure No. Start Date End Date Land Price (per person – twin share)
please call for single prices.
MS Tapestry 11017 17 Oct 2011 29 Oct 2011 $4117 AUD
MS Tranquility 11021 21 Oct 2011 2 Nov 2011 $4063 AUD
MS Tapestry 11031 31 Oct 2011 12 Nov 2011 $3627 AUD
November 2011
Ship Departure No. Start Date End Date Land Price (per person – twin share)
please call for single prices.
MS Panorama 11114 14 Nov 2011 26 Nov 2011 $3583 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 (Panorma only) Indigo $108 AUD
B Sapphire $544 AUD
B (Panorama only) Sapphire $632 AUD
A Sapphire $599 AUD
A (Panorma only) Sapphire $686 AUD
P Royal $708 AUD
P (Panorma only) Royal $817 AUD
Suite Royal $1307 AUD
Royal Suite (Panorama only) Royal $1743 AUD

INCLUDED CHARGES

Type Name Price
REQUIRED Port Charges $112 AUD
REQUIRED Gratuity $ AUD

OPTIONAL CHARGES

Type Name Price
OPTIONAL Drink Package No Alcohol $136 AUD
OPTIONAL Drink Package Alcohol $214 AUD

ACCOMMODATION PRICES

Pre & Post Tour City Start Date End Date Single Price Twin Price
PRE Budapest 14 Apr 2011 27 Jun 2011 $293 AUD $160 AUD
PRE Budapest 7 Jul 2011 29 Aug 2011 $236 AUD $129 AUD
PRE Budapest 1 Sep 2011 14 Nov 2011 $293 AUD $160 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.

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