Day 1: 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. The remainder of the day is free to start exploring.
Day 2: PRAGUE.
Prague is a 1,000-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, 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 for a WELCOME RECEPTION. (B,D)
Day 5: 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. (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, the beautiful white and gold OLD CHAPEL, and the 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 centres. Before dinner we'll 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. 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. 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. The view from the terrace over the Danube and surrounding countryside is breathtaking! 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. You do not rush through Vienna; you waltz, taking your time to savour each classic sight and sound. Shop in the Karntnerstrasse and enjoy Sachertorte or Apfelstrudel in a neighbourhood cafe. (B,L,D)
Day 10: BUDAPEST, HUNGARY.
Budapest, spanning the banks of the Danube, 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. Shop for renowned peasant embroidery, Herend porcelain, and paprika. (B,L,D)
Day 11: BUDAPEST (DISEMBARKATION).
Your holiday ends with breakfast this morning. (B)
* 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
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Avalon - Europe River Cruises Cabin Info
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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.
Fine Dining
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.
Unbeatable Value
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!
Ship info
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.
Click on the Ship name for details about each specific ship.
