Day 1: ARRIVE IN PRAGUE, CZECH REPUBLIC. Welcome to Prague, capital of the Czech Republic. The city straddles the Vltava River with domes, cupolas, spires and pinnacles highlighting its skyline.
Day 2: PRAGUE Prague is a 1000 year old city preserved in time. See its best known treasures such as the Old Town's Astronomical Clock, once the envy of all of Europe; Hradcany Castle Grounds, St Vitus Cathedral and the Charles Bridge. Browse the shops for hand-cut crystal or art books. Mix with the locals in Wenceslaus Square or stroll along the Vltava River. (B)
Day 3: PRAGUE A free day for you to explore the city at your own pace. Your Cruise Director will have other suggestions for things to do. (B)
Day 4: PRAGUE-NUREMBERG, GERMANY (EMBARKATION) After lunch, drive to Nuremberg, where your river cruise vessel is docked. Before dinner, meet your crew at a welcome reception. (B, D)
Day 5: NUREMBERG Although Nuremberg suffered extensive damage during WW2, 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. (B, L, D)
Day 6: REGENSBURG Regensburg is one of Germany's best preserved medieval cities. Architectural highlights included on your tour are the Old Town Hall and the Pretoria - gates to an ancient Roman fort built in 179 AD. Before dinner we will introduce you to some of Germany's famous beers. (B, L, D)
Day 7: PASSAU-LINZ, AUSTRIA Passau, ideally located at the confluence of the Rivers Inn, Ilz and Danube, is a city of graceful arcades and cobblestone streets. An optional full day excursion to Salzburg takes in the popular Sounds of Music sights. Linz, Austria's third largest town, lies on both banks of the Danube and is an important industrial town and busy river port. (B, L, D)
Day 8: MELK-VIENNA Melk's magnificent Benedictine Abbey dominates the town from its commanding hill site and is one of Europe's largest monasteries. This evening, arrive in Vienna, known as the "City of Music", which inspired the creative genius of Mozart, Beethoven and Strauss. An optional concert is available tonight. (B, L, D)
Day 9: VIENNA Once the centre of the mighty Habsburg Empire, Austria's capital 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. Shop in the Karntnerstrasse and enjoy Sachertorte or Apfelstrudel in a neighbourhood cafe. (B, L, D)
DAYS 10 & 11, BUDAPEST, HUNGARY Spanning the banks of the Danube, Budapest is Eastern Europe's liveliest and most cosmopolitan metropolis. Seven bridges, including the famous Chain and Elisabeth 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 many sights your Local Guide will show you. Not far from the city and an integral part of Hungarian rural life is the Puszta, the vast grasslands where the country's beloved fiery horses are reared. (B, L, D daily)
Day 12: KALOCSA-PECS Kalocsa was founded by St. Stephen in 1009 as an archbishopric and has a most turbulent history. This quiet town, which is best known for paprika and folklore art, is dominated by the Archbishop's Palace and Kalocsa Cathedral. Here, enjoy an organ concert before continuing to Pecs, Hungary's fifth largest city and the richest in terms of Turkish architecture. (B, L, D)
DAY 13: NOVI SAD, SERBIA Overlooking the city of Novi Sad, with a spectacular view of the Danube and surroundings, is Marshal Vauban's unconquerable Petrovaradin Fortress. Dramatic events in the recent past have shaped both the present and the future of this region. (B, L, D)
Day 14: BELGRADE The capital of Serbia is situated at the confluence of the Danube and Sava Rivers. A local expert will be proud to show you its main sights, which include the city's principal landmark Kalemegdan Fortress; St Sava, the worlds largest Orthodox Church and Marshal Tito's tomb and monument. The city centre has a lively pedestrian area and charming outdoor cafes. (B, L, D)
Day 15: IRON GATES The Serbian fortresses of Smederevo and Golubac and the Trajan Table marking the Roman conquest of Dacia are impressive sights on the right bank of the Danube. The most spectacular scenery must surely be the dramatic gorge of the Iron Gates, a narrow and formerly very dangerous passage dividing Europe's Alps in the northwest from the Carpathians in the southeast and forming a natural border between Serbia and Romania. (B, L, D)
Day 16: SVISTOV, BULGARIA. EXCURSION TO VELIKO TARNOVO & ARBANASSI-ROUSSE A comfortable ride away from the river port of Svistov is the ancient Bulgarian capital of Veliko Tarnovo. Situated on three hills surrounding the Yantra River, the city was a natural fortress with ancient stone houses clinging to the steep slopes. The oldest part is Tsarevets Hill, home of the Royal Fortress, palaces and the Patriarch's Church. The historic village of Arbanassi is best known for its Ethnographical Museum and the outstanding collection of frescoes in the Church of the Nativity. Today, Rousse is Bulgaria's largest inland port. (B, L, D)
Day 17: SILISTRA, BULGARIA. EXCURSION TO VARNA, BLACK SEA Located in northeastern Bulgaria at the country's border with Romania, Silistra is a port city and the capital of an important agricultural region. After breakfast, travel by road to Varna. This city on the Black Sea is not only an important naval base and sea resort, but also has a long history. Roman baths are among the younger artifacts. During your sightseeing you will visit the National Archaeological Museum, home of the Gold of Varna, as featured in National Geographic some years ago. (B, L, D)
Day 18: OLTENITA (DISEMBARKATION) - BUCHAREST Bucharest, Romania's lively capital, is only a short drive from Oltenita. Its wide boulevards and Arc de Triomphe have gained it the name "Paris of the East". During the included tour this afternoon, see the impressive Parliament Building, the second largest building in the world after the Pentagon. The former Royal Palace now houses the National Art Museum. (B)
Day 19: BUCHAREST Your vacation ends with breakfast this morning. (B)
This itinerary operates in the reverse direction from Bucharest to Prague on the following dates:
12 April, 2012
14 April, 2012
31 May, 2012
02 June, 2012
21 June, 2012
23 June, 2012
30 August, 2012
01 September, 2012
04 October, 2012
06 October, 2012
* Ports of call may vary based on itinerary and departure dates selected
Cabin Pricing
Ports
Prague
Prague: The magical city of bridges, cathedrals, gold-tipped towers and church domes, whose image has been mirrored in the surface of the Vltava river for more than ten centuries. Prague is also a modern European metropolis full of energy, music, and art. It's a city of contrasts: Serene green isles in the river and peaceful parks draping the city's seven hills are just steps away from the architectural treasures and bustling street life of the city center.
Country - Czech Republic Distance from port to City - 0kms Distance from Port to Airport - 14kms Currency - Czech Koruna (CZK)
Places of Interest Old Town Square, Charles Bridge, National Theatre, Prague Observatory, Prague Botanic Gardens, Prague Zoo, Old-new Synagogue
Nuremberg
Visitors to Nuremberg, a lively city with a medieval feel, will find evidence of its 950-year history at every turn. These legacies of the past also reveal much about the past and present of the German people. Here in Nuremberg, monuments to the city's inventiveness and its cultural self-confidence over many centuries stand in the midst of the hustle and bustle of a modern, dynamic urban centre.
Country - Germany Distance from port to City - 0kms Distance from Port to Airport - 6kms Currency - Euro (EUR)
Places of Interest Castle, City Wall, Zoo, Toy Museum, Verkehrs Museum, Old Quarter
Regensburg
Regensburg bills itself as "Germany's best-preserved medieval city." It's hard to argue with that description, at least when you're wandering through the Altstadt (old city) with its 13th to 15th Century houses or crossing the Steinerne Bruke (Stone Bridge), which has carried traders and touists across the Danube since the 1100s. Preservation may be Regensburg's most important industry after the BMW and Siemens plants in the modern suburbs. The medieval streets in the city center have been protected by strict laws since the 1970s, and the Bavarian state's conservation experts keep a close eye on all maintenance or renovation
Country - Germany Distance from port to City - 0kms Distance from Port to Airport - 78kms Currency - Euro (EUR)
Places of Interest Medieval city centre, Historic Sausage Kitchen, Johannes Kepler Memorial House
Passau
Passau is not merely a transfer point but a destination unto itself. Life is easy-going and lived outdoors where street cafes and restaurants abound. Student life is vibrant and multifaceted. Guests can actively interface with young people from around the world over a Hacklbräu, Andorfer Weissbier or Passauer Löwenbräu brew in the beer gardens.
Country - Germany Distance from port to City - 0kms Distance from Port to Airport - 100kms Currency - Euro (EUR)
Places of Interest Bavarian Forest, Local Breweries, Danube River
Linz
Linz is a city of the third millennium. In and around the city, its Roman and medieval past slumbers. The opulence of the Baroque and the boldness of industrial architecture from the early 20th century are part of present-day life. Linz on the Danube is manageable, cosy, cherishes its traditions and, as the third biggest city in a small country, it is both metropolis and province, Central European crossroads and regional niche.
Country - Austria Distance from port to City - 0kms Distance from Port to Airport - 11kms Currency - Euro (EUR)
Places of Interest Old Town, Linz Castle, Arts Electronica Centre, Brucknerhaus Concert Hall
Melk
Empress Maria Theresa said of Melk, "If I had never come here, I would have regretted it." The center of Melk is the Abbey and the Stiftskirche (the abbey church), some of the best examples of Baroque architecture anywhere in the world. The abbey library contains allegorical paintings by Troger on the ceiling while the Stiftskirche, has works by Rottmayr and Troger and is almost completely decorated in gold. Stand on the terrace of the abbey and view the river much as Napoleon did during the campaign against Austria so many years ago.
Country - Austria Distance from port to City - 0kms Distance to Airport - 105kms Currency - Euro (EUR)
Places of Interest Melk Abbey and Museum
Vienna
Vienna is known worldwide as a city of music. Quality orchestras and ensembles are its seal of excellence. Along with well-established ensembles for contemporary music classical music continues to play a vital role, as made evident by the City of Vienna Concert Orchestra and the Vienna Symphony Orchestra, amongst others. The Vienna Academy, the Vienna Chamber Orchestra and the Women's Chamber Orchestra are dedicated to tradition and modern music alike. International artists are a great gain to cultural life in Vienna.Vienna's cultural life is multi-faceted. You have the choice of 50 theatres, four opera houses, two stages for musicals, 100 museums and numerous theatre, music and dance festivals. The museum quarter with its baroque facade is home to one of the biggest cultural districts in Europe.
CountryAustria Distance from port to City - 0kms Distance from Port to Airport - 15kms Currency -Euro (EUR)
Places of Interest Hofburg Palace, Vienna Opera House, Spanish Riding School, Prater Park, Danube Tower, Vienna Zoo
Budapest
Budapest possesses a rich and fascinating history as well as a vibrant cultural heritage. Recognizing the unique value of its traditions it has managed to maintain its magic and charm, and is rightly known as the Queen of the Danube. It has also been called the City of Spas, as there are a dozen thermal baths complexes served by over a hundred natural thermal springs.
Country - Hungary Distance from port to City - 0kms Distance from Port to Airport - 14kms Currency - Forint (HUF)
Places of Interest Ecseri Flea Market, Royal Palace, National Gallery, Great Synagogue and Jewish Museum, Fisherman's Bastion, Statue Park
Kalocsa
Kalocsa is the Episcopal see of one of the four Roman Catholic archbishops in Hungary. Amongst its buildings are a fine cathedral, the archiepiscopal palace, an astronomical observatory, a seminary for priests, and colleges for training of male and female teachers. The inhabitants of Kalocsa and its wide-spreading communal lands are chiefly employed in the cultivation of the vine, fruit, flax, hemp and cereals, in the capture of water-fowl and in fishing
Country - Hungary
Distance from port to City - 0kms
Distance from Port to Airport - 90kms
Currency - Forint (HUF)
Places of Interest Holy Trintiy Square, King Stephen monument, Paprika Festival
Pecs
Pecs is best known for its city symbol, the Mosque Church, which is the largest building from the Turkish occupation that still stands in Hungry. Pecs is home to several museums including the Victor Vasarely Museum and the Zsolnay Porcelain Exhibit.
Country - Hungary Distance from port to City - 0kms Distance from port to Airport - 168kms Currency - Forint (HUF)
Places of Interest Mosque Church, Pannonia Champagne Factory
Novi Sad
Country - Serbia Distance from port to City - 0kms Distance from Port to Airport - 60kms Currency - Serbian Dinar (CSD)
Places of Interest EXIT Festival, Dvorac Dundjerski Castle, Vojvodina Museum
Belgrade
Belgrade is a very old city, dating back to several thousand years before Christ. The city can be divided into three parts: Zemun, Novi Beograd and Stari Grad, or the Old City.
Country - Serbia Distance from port to City - 0kms Distance from Port to Airport - 18kms Currency - Serbian Dinar (CSD)
Places of Interest Sava and Danube Rivers, Fortress of Kalemegdan
Silistra
Country - Bulgaria Distance from port to City - 4kms Distance from port to Airport - 170kms Currency - Lev (BGN)
Places of Interest
Varna
Country - Bulgaria Distance from port to City - Distance to Airport - Currency - Bulgarian Lev (BGN)
Places of Interest
Oltenita
Country - Romania Distance from port to City - 2kms Distance from port to Airport - 70kms Currency - Ieu (RON)
Places of Interest
Bucharest
Bucharest is Romania's capital and largest city, as well as the most important industrial and commercial center of the country. With its 2 million inhabitants in the city proper and more than 2.4 million in the urban area, it is also one of the largest cities in Eastern Europe. Country - Romania Distance from port to City - 0kms Distance from Port to Airport - 7.5kms Currency - Ieu (RON)
Places of Interest Piata Unirii (Union Plaza), Little Paris, Palace of Parliament
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Avalon Waterways
Now that you know why river cruising should be your next vacation, you need to decide which cruise company to choose. Thats easy, When you travel with Avalon Waterways, you can relax in the knowledge that you've made the best choice. Newest Ships
Avalon sets a new standard in river cruising Europe's newest ships; you cruise in amazing, one-of-a-kind travel comfort. Sleek and elegant, they are part of a new generation of river cruisers, with state-of-the-art technology. These ships offer larger accommodations with hotel-style beds, private facilities, satellite television, and much more, including email or internet access, and floor to ceiling sliding glass doors in many staterooms. Travellers will enjoy a fitness centre, hair salon and massage services.
The Most Enriching Experiences
Our Enrichment Program is among the best in river cruising. Experienced local guides will take you on sightseeing tours of wonderful towns and cities, plus you can spend the evening on shore, if the schedule permits. In addition to fascinating sightseeing on each itinerary, you can choose from a few optional outings, and there's always time to make your own discoveries as well. Back on board, you'll enjoy interactive presentations with area experts, wine tastings, local entertainment, and more. Look on each cruise itinerary page to see the Included Features and Special Highlights listed for each vacation.
Created for the English Speaking Market
These new ships are built for the English Speaking Market, with non-smoking interiors and English speaking crew. They feature larger staterooms than most other river cruise vessels with comfortable beds and large windows to view the passing scene. Meals are European cuisine tailored to western tastes with coffee and tea available at no extra charge throughout the day. The Enrichment Program is geared towards those that like to travel with lively itineraries, time for individual discovery, and onboard entertainment.
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Whether you savour time-tested recipes or experiment more boldly, with Avalon you'll taste the true flavours of Europe, Egypt and China. Meals enjoyed in the company of your travelling companions are a major part of your vacation experience. On Avalon's ships, you'll enjoy open seat dining with one sitting, wine included with all onboard dinners, and panoramic views from your restaurant.
Quality Hotels
On several itineraries, you'll either begin or end your experience with a stay on land. We understand the importance of hotel quality to your vacation; that's why any hotels included in your itinerary are rated first class (F) or above (SF). Look for the exact ratings on the itinerary pages.
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We include all the main features of a destination without extra cost. Our volume buying power saves you money. And we handle all the logistics and details, leaving you free to relax and enjoy your cruise. Plus we provide all meals on board, a rich land excursion program and much more!
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Avalon - Europe River Cruises
All European river cruise ships feature elegant interiors with abundant glass, polished metal, and vibrant colors, modern designs with contemporary appointments, state-ofthe-art technology, personalized service, fine dining, remarkable amenities, and spacious outside staterooms.
Avalon Waterways offers the most modern river cruising fleet on Europe's legendary rivers.
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