Avalon Waterways 2012 – Romantic Rhine, Zurich to Amsterdam
All inclusive prices starting at: $2799
One of Europe’s most legendary rivers awaits on this fascinating journey. Enjoy guided sightseeing in Strasbourg, Koblenz, and Cologne, as well as a full-day excursion to majestic Heidelberg and a canal cruise in picturesque Amsterdam. Sail through the dramatic Rhine Gorge, take pictures of the famous Lorelei rock, and sample the area’s famous Riesling wines in the quaint wine village of Rudesheim.
Visited Cities
Strasbourg, Heidelberg, Rudesheim, Rhine Gorge, Koblenz, Cologne and Amsterdam
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Itinerary
Day 1: ZURICH, SWITZERLAND. TRANSFER TO BASEL (EMBARKATION)
Flights into Zurich must arrive before 3 pm. Your river cruise vessel is docked on the Rhine River in Basel, where France, Germany, and Switzerland meet. Before dinner, meet your crew at a welcome reception. (D)
Day 2: STRASBOURG, FRANCE
Situated on the border of France and Germany, Strasbourg is influenced by the culture of both countries and is the capital of the Alsace region. It is the seat of the Council of Europe and the European Parliament. A Local Guide shows you the noteworthy sights: the GOTHIC CATHEDRAL, the lovely LA PETITE FRANCE district, Place Kleber, and Place Gutenberg with the statue of the inventor of the printing press. Strasbourg is also home to the Kronenbourg Brewery. An optional excursion into the Alsace wine region is available. (B,L,D)
Day 3: EXCURSION TO HEIDELBERG, GERMANY
Heidelberg is Germany’s oldest university town of Student Prince fame, a world-famous love musical. Take pictures of the ruins of the imposing Heidelberg Castle, built of red sandstone and towering above the city, and enjoy free time to explore. (B,L,D)
Day 4: MAINZ-RUDESHEIM
Situated on the left bank of the Rhine, opposite the mouth of the Main River, Mainz is Germany’s largest and most important wine market. The Old Town has many interesting shops, tea rooms, and restaurants, and a fountain on the Schillerplatz is decorated with scenes of the famous carnival held here every year. Gutenberg, the father of modern printing, was born here and you’ll visit the GUTENBERG MUSEUM. The pretty little town of Rudesheim is the perfect example of a Rhine Valley wine town. SIEGFRIED’S MECHANICAL MUSICAL INSTRUMENT MUSEUM is a real surprise! Enjoy a SPECIAL TREAT, then there’s free time to explore the Drosselgasse and pick up some souvenirs. (B,L,D)
Day 5: RHINE GORGE-KOBLENZ
Downstream from Rudesheim is the dramatic RHINE GORGE, the most beautiful stretch of river and dotted every mile with castles. Pass the legendary rock of the Lorelei, where sweet songs of local beauties lured enchanted sailors to their doom. Situated at the confluence of the Rhine and Moselle Rivers, 2,000-year-old Koblenz is the cultural and business centre of the Middle Rhine region. (B,L,D)
Day 6: COLOGNE
Cologne is the capital of the Rhineland and one of Germany’s largest cities. The soaring twin steeples of Cologne’s magnificent gothic cathedral-which took more than 600 years to build-dominate the river skyline. The Germano-Roman Museum next to the cathedral is a must for history buffs! The Old Town abounds with taverns, cafes, and shops. The favourite local beer here is Kolsch. (B,L,D)
Day 7: AMSTERDAM, HOLLAND
Holland’s capital is sophisticated and modern, with a rich and fascinating history. This delightful 700-year-old city with its elegant and classic architecture, cafes and restaurants, and lively marketplace has a distinct ambience. 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 dating back to Amsterdam’s “Golden Age.” (B,L,D)
Day 8: AMSTERDAM (DISEMBARKATION)
Your holiday ends with breakfast this morning. (B)
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Meals
Breakfast – 7
Lunch – 6
Dinner – 7
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| Ship | Departure No. | Start Date | End Date | Land Price (per person – twin share) please call for single prices |
| MS Felicity | 10522 | 22 May 2011 | 29 May 2011 | $3191 AUD
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| MS Affinity | 10604 | 4 Jun 2011 | 11 Jun 2011 | $3246 AUD |
| MS Felicity | 10605 | 5 Jun 2011 | 12 Jun 2011 | $3246 AUD |
| MS Felicity | 10619 | 19 Jun 2011 | 26 Jun 2011 | $3246 AUD |
| MS Felicity | 10703 | 3 Jul 2011 | 10 Jul 2011 | $3017 AUD |
| MS Felicity | 10717 | 17 Jul 2011 | 24 Jul 2011 | $3017 AUD |
| MS Affinity | 10723 | 23 Jul 2011 | 30 Jul 2011 | $3017 AUD |
| MS Felicity | 10731 | 31 Jul 2011 | 7 Aug 2011 | $3017 AUD |
| MS Affinity | 10806 | 6 Aug 2011 | 13 Aug 2011 | $3017 AUD |
| MS Felicity | 10814 | 14 Aug 2011 | 21 Aug 2011 | $3017 AUD |
| MS Affinity | 10820 | 20 Aug 2011 | 27 Aug 2011 | $3017 AUD |
| MS Felicity | 10828 | 28 Aug 2011 | 4 Sep 2011 | $3126 AUD |
| MS Affinity | 10903 | 3 Sep 2011 | 10 Sep 2011 | $3246 AUD |
| MS Felicity | 10911 | 11 Sep 2011 | 18 Sep 2011 | $3246 AUD |
| MS Felicity | 10925 | 25 Sep 2011 | 2 Oct 2011 | $3246 AUD |
| MS Felicity | 11009 | 9 Oct 2011 | 16 Oct 2011 | $3072 AUD |
| MS Affinity | 11022 | 22 Oct 2011 | 29 Oct 2011 | $2908 AUD |
| MS Felicity | 11023 | 23 Oct 2011 | 30 Oct 2011 | $2799 AUD |
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UPGRADING CABINS
To upgrade to a higher cabin category (all staterooms Twin/Double), add per person:
| Category | Deck | Price |
| B | Sapphire | $544 AUD |
| A | Sapphire | $599 AUD |
| P | Royal | $708 AUD |
| Suite | Royal | $1307 AUD |
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INCLUDED CHARGES
| Type | Name | Price |
| REQUIRED | Port Charges | $112 AUD |
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ACCOMMODATION PRICES
| Pre & Post Tour | City | Start Date | End Date | Single Price | Twin Price |
| PRE | Zurich | 1 Jan 2011 | 31 Dec 2011 | $146 AUD | $99 AUD |
| POST | Amsterdam | 29 Mar 2011 | 30 Jun 2011 | $354 AUD | $214 AUD |
| POST | Amsterdam | 6 Jul 2011 | 14 Sep 2011 | $298 AUD | $180 AUD |
| POST | Amsterdam | 15 Sep 2011 | 3 Nov 2011 | $354 AUD | $214 AUD |
Please note triple rooms not available.
