avalon waterways river cruise - ms imagery

Magnificent Europe River Cruise

15 days Amsterdam to Budapest
14 night cruise from Amsterdam to Budapest

All inclusive prices starting at: $5154 

See the highlights of Central Europe on this enchanting cruise between Amsterdam and Budapest. Guided sightseeing in each city shows you the highlights, with an authentic baking demonstration in Miltenberg, a beer tasting in Nuremberg, and inside visits of Würzburg’s Residenz, Regensburg’s Old Chapel, the Benedictine Abbey in Melk, St. Martin’s Cathedral in Bratislava, and Fishermen’s Bastion in Budapest. Also cruise through the scenic canals of Amsterdam and sail through the dramatic Rhine Gorge past the legendary rock of the Lorelei.

Itinerary

Day 1 AMSTERDAM, HOLLAND (EMBARKATION).Holland’s delightful 700-year-old capital is sophisticated and modern, with a rich and fascinating history. The works of famous Dutch masters can be seen in world-renowned museums such as the Rijksmuseum or the Van Gogh. This afternoon, Board your river cruise vessel and meet your crew at a WELCOME RECEPTION.
Day 2 AMSTERDAM. There is no better way to see Amsterdam than by CANAL BOAT, cruising through the elegant grachten lined with stately homes. Afterward, your river cruise vessel sets sail for Cologne.
Day 3 COLOGNE, GERMANY.Cologne is one of Germany’s largest cities, with a river skyline dominated by the soaring twin spires of its magnificent gothic cathedral. The Germano-Roman Museum next to the cathedral is a must for history buffs! Try a Kolsch in one of the many taverns and shop for a bottle of 4711, the original “eau de cologne.”
Day 4 RHINE GORGE – RUDESHEIM.The dramatic Rhine Gorge is the most beautiful stretch of river. Pass the legendary rock of the Lorelei, where sweet songs of local beauties lured enchanted sailors to their doom. Visit SIEGFRIED’S MECHANICAL MUSICAL INSTRUMENT MUSEUM in pretty Rudesheim. Enjoy a SPECIAL TREAT, then there’s free time to explore the Drosselgasse.
Day 5 MILTENBERG.Located on the Main River, Miltenberg is a picturesque Bavarian village that thrived on income from river traffic. Its cultural wealth and affluence are reflected in the beautiful medieval and renaissance houses and the gothic splendour of the Merchant Hall shown to you during your guided sightseeing. This afternoon, learn how to bake a local SOFT COOKIE specialty.
Day 6 WURZBURG.Known as the “Pearl of the Romantic Road,” Wurzburg is surrounded by sloping hills covered with vineyards. The magnificent BISHOP’S RESIDENZ is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Day 7 BAMBERG.Another beautiful UNESCO World Heritage Site is medieval Bamberg. Your walking tour takes in its breathtaking cathedral, the OLD TOWN HALL straddling the River Regnitz, and serpentine streets with charming houses and 18th-century mansions.
Day 8 NUREMBERG.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. Nuremberg’s traditions include its famous Lebkuchen, toy making, and metal working. After dinner we’ll introduce you to some of Germany’s FAMOUS BEERS!
Day 9 REGENSBURG.One of Germany’s best preserved medieval cities, Regensburg’s architectural highlights include the Old Town Hall and the beautiful white and gold OLD CHAPEL
Day 10 PASSAU – LINZ, AUSTRIA.Ideally located at the confluence of the Rivers Inn, Ilz, and Danube, Passau 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. An optional full-day excursion to Salzburg takes in the popular Sound of Music sights
Day 11 MELK – DURNSTEIN.Melk’s magnificent BENEDICTINE ABBEY dominates the town from its commanding hill site and is one of Europe’s largest monasteries. Durnstein, known for the baroque STIFTSKIRCHE with its blue facade, lies 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. Vienna, known as the “City of Music,” inspired the creative genius of Mozart, Beethoven, and Strauss.
Day 12 VIENNA.Once the centre of the mighty Habsburg Empire, Austria’s capital has much to offer: the 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. Shop in the Karntnerstrasse and enjoy Sachertorte or Apfelstrudel in a neighbourhood cafe. An optional concert is available tonight
Day 13 BRATISLAVA, SLOVAKIA.Situated at the foothills of the Carpathian Mountains, Bratislava is the dynamic capital of Slovakia. The charming Old Town with its Town Hall and Mirbach Palace, as well as the gothic cathedral of ST. MARTIN, should not be missed.
Day 14 BUDAPEST, HUNGARY.Budapest, spanning the banks of the Danube, is Eastern Europe’s liveliest and most cosmopolitan metropolis. Seven bridges connect ancient Buda on the right bank with Pest on the left. The massive hilltop castle complex with FISHERMEN’S BASTION and the Matthias Church is among the impressive sights you’ll see on your included tour. Shop for renowned peasant embroidery, Herend porcelain, and paprika
Day 15 BUDAPEST (DISEMBARKATION). Your holiday ends with breakfast this morning.

 Departure Dates and Prices

March 2010

Ship Start Date End Date Land Price (per person – twin share)
MS Poetry 28 Mar 2010 11 Apr 2010 $5154 AUD

 April 2010

Ship Start Date End Date Land Price (per person – twin share)
MS Imagery 25 Apr 2010 9 May 2010 $6134 AUD

May 2010

Ship Start Date End Date Land Price (per person – twin share)
MS Poetry 2 May 2010 16 May 2010 $6414 AUD
MS Imagery 23 May 2010 6 Jun 2010 $6554 AUD
MS Poetry 30 May 2010 13 Jun 2010 $6554 AUD

 June 2010

Ship Start Date End Date Land Price (per person – twin share)
MS Imagery 20 Jun 2010 4 Jul 2010 $6834 AUD
MS Poetry 27 Jun 2010 11 Jul 2010 $6834 AUD

 July 2010

Ship Start Date End Date Land Price (per person – twin share)
MS Imagery 18 Jul 2010 1 Aug 2010 $6694 AUD
MS Poetry 25 Jul 2010 8 Aug 2010 $6694 AUD

 August 2010

Ship Start Date End Date Land Price (per person – twin share)
MS Imagery 15 Aug 2010 29 Aug 2010 $6834 AUD
MS Poetry 22 Aug 2010 5 Sep 2010 $6974 AUD

 September 2010

Ship Start Date End Date Land Price (per person – twin share)
MS Imagery 12 Sep 2010 26 Sep 2010 $7184 AUD
MS Poetry 19 Sep 2010 3 Oct 2010 $7184 AUD

 October 2010

Ship Start Date End Date Land Price (per person – twin share)
MS Imagery 10 Oct 2010 24 Oct 2010 $6134 AUD

 UPGRADING CABINS

To upgrade to a higher cabin category (all staterooms Twin/Double), add per person:

Category Deck Price
D Indigo Deck $278 AUD
B Sapphire Deck $1398 AUD
A Sapphire Deck $1538 AUD
P Royal Deck $1818 AUD
Jr. Suite Royal Deck $3358 AUD

 About The Avalon Waterways River Cruise Experience