Avalon Waterways 2011 – The Blue Danube Discovery

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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Europe