Save $100 per person HRISTMASTIME CRUISE ALONG THE DANUBE. Prague, Nuremberg, Regensburg, Passau, Linz, Melk, Vienna. Avalon Tranquility SM

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1 C Save $100 per person EARLY BOOKING INCENTIVE HRISTMASTIME CRUISE ALONG THE DANUBE Prague, Nuremberg, Regensburg, Passau, Linz, Melk, Vienna December 24, 2008 January 2, 2009 Avalon Tranquility SM

2 St. Stephen s Cathedral, Vienna Vienna The Baroque Abby of Melk Regensburg, Germany Sightseeing in Nuremberg Dear AAAS & Sigma Xi Members, Won t you join us as we explore some of the world s finest cultural wonders, as well as see and participate in some of Central Europe s most cherished holiday traditions? In 1,000-year-old Prague, Christmas is the most important family holiday of the year. In keeping with this, the Czechs launch their Christmas Markets the first week of December and keep them open through early January. The Christmas Markets in Old Town Square and in Wenceslas Square are two of Prague s most popular, with rows of stands offering locally crafted Christmas ornaments, glass jewelry, ceramic mugs, wooden toys, and scented candles, and, of course, the wonderful holiday foods and wines. Nearby, the Havel Christmas Market is held in one of Prague s oldest marketplaces, established in From Prague, we ll travel cross country to Nuremberg where the German holiday traditions linger with the aromas of mulled wine (Glühwein), sweet roasted almonds, Nuremberg sausages (Wurst), and the city s celebrated gingerbread (Lebkuchen). Then board one of the newest and most exciting vessels in Europe to cruise the legendary Danube River to Regensburg, one of Germany s best preserved medieval cities, then Passau, Linz and Melk (with its spectacular Benedictine Abbey), Austria before arriving in glittering Vienna, the City of Music. Here discover a city that was once the center of the Hapsburg Empire, with opulent palaces and the legendary Vienna Opera House with the home of the famous Sachertorte nearby. Our river home for six nights will be the state-of-the-art Avalon Tranquility, launched in 2007, with elegant dining and complimentary local wines at dinner, floor to ceiling sliding glass door windows in most staterooms as well as flat screen TVs, internet access, and a warm and friendly staff dedicated to making this journey one to remember. This trip represents tremendous value! Our price includes accommodations, most meals and excursions, onboard lectures and entertainment all pre-paid in dollars to avoid additional expense due to currency fluctuations. Included excursions are complimented by a selection of optional opportunities to allow each one of us to create our perfect adventure explore further into the countryside or walk the narrow streets and shop the colorful markets of riverside towns. AND through our excellent relationship with our friends at Avalon Waterways, we have been able to secure a savings of $100 per person off the rates shown in this brochure if you confirm your reservation by July 15, Space on this wonderful holiday adventure will go quickly so please book early to avoid disappointment! Best personal regards, Margaret M. Betchart For AAAS Travels & Sigma Xi Expeditions

3 ChristmasTIME cruise Day 1 Board your overnight transatlantic flight. Days 2 & 3 Prague, Czech Republic. Prague is a 1,000-year old city preserved in time. It straddles the Vltava River with domes, cupolas, spires and pinnacles highlighting its skyline. Best-known treasures are 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 and stroll through the Christmas markets. Rows of brightly decorated wooden huts sell Christmas tree ornaments, wooden toys and Czech handicrafts. Get a little inner warmth with a cup of svarene vino (hot mulled wine) and a traditional hot sausage from one of the stalls. The beautifully decorated tree in the Old Town is an impressive sight. Christmas is the most important family holiday of the year in most Eastern European countries, and the Czechs begin their preparations and celebrations on December 4 with the feast of St. Barbara. Day 4 Prague-Nuremberg, Germany. (Embarkation) After lunch drive to Nuremberg where the crew of your vessel awaits to welcome you on board. 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. The city s traditions include famous Lebkuchen, toy making and metal working. Day 6 Regensburg. Regensburg is one of Germany s best preserved medieval cities. Architectural highlights include the Old Town Hall, the beautiful white and gold OLD CHAPEL, and the Porta Pretoria gates to an ancient Roman fort built in 179 A.D. The city is the capital of Upper Palatinate, a bustling university town and one of Bavaria s cultural centers. Germany is famous for its sausages and Nuremberg 5 Main Danube Canal GERMANY 6 Inn Regensburg Passau Ilz 7 Day 1 Linz CZ Salzburg

4 ALONG THE DANUBE 10 days Regensburg is home to the country s oldest restaurant, Die Alte Wurstküche (the Old Sausage Kitchen) dating back to the 12th century. 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. 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! Vienna, known as the City of Music, inspired the creative genius of Mozart, Beethoven and Strauss. An optional concert is available tonight. 2 to 4 Prague ECH REPUBLIC Day 9 Vienna. Once the center of the mighty Hapsburg Empire, Austria s capital has much to offer: the lavish Hofburg Palace, the impressive Vienna Opera House, the majestic Ringstrasse and awe-inspiring St. Stephen s Cathedral, to name just a few of the sights. You do not rush through Vienna, you waltz, taking your time to savor each classic sight and sound. Shop in the Kärnterstrasse and enjoy Sachertorte or Apfelstrudel in a neighborhood café. Day 10 Vienna. (Disembarkation) Your homebound flight arrives the same day. Danube 8 Melk 9 Vienna 10 AUSTRIA

5 Top: Breathtaking scenery along the Danube Right: Prague Christmas market Included Features Prague Guided sightseeing, visit Hradcany Castle Nuremberg Welcome reception; guided sightseeing Regensburg Guided sightseeing Melk Guided visit of Benedictine Abbey Vienna Guided sightseeing Meals Buffet breakfast in Prague; superb dining with all meals on board including cocktail reception, welcome dinner, Captain s dinner, one sitting with open seating arrangements, quality wines from Europe s most famous wine regions with every dinner on board Quality Hotels prague Hilton Standard Included Features Six-night deluxe cruise from Vienna to Nuremberg in outside cabin with hotel-style beds Services of a professional Cruise Director* Sightseeing with Local Guides Nightly piano music on board Inside visits as shown in UPPERCASE in the tour description, including admission charges where applicable *Some optional activities during free time can be booked by your Cruise Director.

6 What sets our ships apart from the rest? Avalon Tranquility From the minute you step on board, you know that this ship is special. The gleaming two-story lobby, illuminated by a central glass skylight, is a preview of the bright, airy feeling that prevails throughout each vessel. The dining room, lounge, and other recreation areas are spacious with both the dining room and lounge offering vast expanses of windows allowing passengers to enjoy generous, panoramic views. Unique to these ships is a glazed lobby that is open through to the Sky Deck with a central glass cupola and a whirlpool that can accommodate up to six people! Our European vessels feature: Large closets, individual climate control, telephone, satellite TV, radio, minibar, safe, hair dryer, and modern bathrooms with shower Comfortable, hotel-style beds, which can be configured as two twins or one queen. European-style duvets and pillows produced to the highest quality standards using anti-allergenic, breathable materials; linens are Egyptian supercombed cotton; and towels are fluffy, soft, and absorbent Outside staterooms and floor-to-ceiling sliding glass doors on Royal and Sapphire Decks 24-hour reception desk service Non-smoking interiors Fitness room and hair salon Nightly piano music onboard English-speaking crew One sitting at mealtimes, with open seating Wine included with all onboard dinners Complimentary coffee and tea available throughout the day Internet access

7 Avalon Tranquility SM Deck Plan 1 Lounge 2 Bar 3 Lobby 4 Hairdresser 5 Restaurant 6 Reception 7 Foyer 8 Fitness center 9 Galley Technical Data Tranquility Built: 2007 Length: 443 ft. Crew members: 43 Staterooms: 81 Jr. Suites: 4 Royal Deck Sapphire Deck Indigo Deck Categories Jr. Suite Cat. P Cat. A Royal Deck Royal Deck Sapphire Deck Forward Cat. B Cat. E Sapphire Deck Aft Indigo Deck Staterooms 172 sq.ft. 1 Bed 2 Toilet 3 Washbasin 4 Shower 5 Closet 6 Writing desk 7 Sliding glass doors Suites 258 sq.ft. 1 Bed 2 Toilet 3 Washbasin 4 Shower 5 Closet 6 Writing desk 7 Sliding glass doors 8 Sofa 9 Coffee table

8 Top photo: The Avalon Tranquility. Left to right: Stateroom accommodations, the Fitness Center and Internet corner on the Avalon Tranquility. Pricing Land/cruise Price Before July 15, 2008 Stateroom Before After You Tranquility Decks Category 7/15/08 7/15/08 Save E Indigo deck $2,171 $2,271 $100 B Sapphire deck aft $2,556 $2,656 $100 A Sapphire deck forward $2,599 $2,699 $100 P Royal deck $2,684 $2,784 $100 Jr. Suite Royal deck $3,113 $3,213 $100 Single prices are available upon request. Singles and suites have limited availability. NOTE: Port taxes are included in the price above. Let Avalon Waterways arrange your air schedule for you. We offer competitive prices with easy coordination for your tour dates which includes free transfers from/to international airport and hotel. Airport Transfers Included if Avalon Waterways issues the tickets. Restrictions apply.

9 Reserve your CHRISTMASTIME CRUISE ALONG THE DANUBE today! Trip Code: WNV Trip #1066 Departure Number: 1225 Send reservations form and deposit information to: Betchart Expeditions, Inc Montebello Road Cupertino, CA For reservations or further information, please call: Taunya DeYoung at (800) or (408) Name(s) (as it appears on passport) First Initial Last First Initial Last Address (no P.O. Box number please) City State Zip Telephone Home Business Fax Preferred name(s) on name badge(s) (1) (2) I/we authorize you to make my/our reservations as follows: n Land/cruise only n Air request from n I prefer single accommodations. Single supplement prices are available upon request (limited availability). n I request assistance in securing a roommate but will accept a single, if one is available at this time, and pay the single supplement. Should a roommate be found, I understand the supplement will no longer apply. Cabin category preference: n First Choice n Second Choice Reservations are subject to availability and processed on a first come, first served basis. Reservations to be paid in full by September 24, 2008 (90 days prior to departure). Reservations received after this date must be accompanied by payment in full. Enclosed is my check for $ as deposit ($200 per person). Final payment is to be made by personal check. Make check payable to Betchart Expeditions, Inc. Trust Account. I understand the terms and conditions and agree to them. Signature Date

10 Terms & Conditions Please Read Carefully Deposit & Final Payment We accept checks in payment. Your payment is not deemed made until it is received by Betchart Expeditions. Unless otherwise noted below, the following applies to all tours. A non-refundable deposit of $200 per cruise, per person is required for us to reserve space for you. Final payment is due 90 days prior to commencement of services. If we do not receive final payment by this date, we reserve the right to cancel the reservation. In the case of billing errors, we reserve the right to re-invoice with correct pricing. Payment in full is required at time of booking for reservations made less than 90 days before departure. Acceptance on the tour is subject to presentation of the Avalon Traveler Certificate which will be enclosed in your final documents. Cancellations & Cancellation Fees If cancellation is received by Betchart before the final payment date, your non-refundable deposit will be retained in addition to any air cancellation fees or penalties. The following per person cancellation fees apply. Total price does not include discounts, promotions, or special incentives days prior to commencement of services: 35% of total price days prior to commencement of services: 50% of total price 29 1 days prior to commencement of services: 80% of total price On departure day and later: 100% of total price Cancellation fees may also apply to any additional services, including accommodations, independently supplied services, and optional excursions, reserved prior to, during and after the tour. If flight changes, including flight cancellations, are requested revision fees or airline cancellation fees will apply. If an air-inclusive tour is canceled after air tickets have been issued, refunds will be processed after air tickets are returned to Avalon. Responsibility: This program is operated by Avalon Waterways. Betchart Expeditions, Inc., AAAS and Sigma Xi are agents only. The purchase of any travel services offered by Avalon Waterways constitutes a contractual arrangement between you and Avalon Waterways and represents your acceptance of Avalon Waterways Terms & Conditions set out herein. Please ensure that you read carefully and understand these Terms & Conditions prior to booking. Avalon reserves the right to cancel or re-schedule any tour departure. If cancellation is made prior to departure, the only responsibility of Avalon will be to refund to the passenger the amount we have received for the reservation. We will try to re-book the same tour with a different departure date, or a similar tour. Where Avalon has confirmed flights, we will try to confirm air seats for the selected new dates, subject to availability. Avalon cannot assume responsibility for any additional costs or any fees relating to the issuance and/or cancellation of air tickets or other travel arrangements not made through Avalon. Revision Fees A fee of $30 per transaction will be charged for any alteration or revision made to a reservation. Airline penalties may also apply. A change of traveler name, tour date, or itinerary within 90 days of commencement of services will be treated as a cancellation and new reservation; standard cancellation fees apply. Participation For the benefit of everyone on your tour, Avalon reserves the right to accept or reject any tour participant and to remove any participant whose conduct is deemed incompatible with the interests of the other participants. Travelers Who Need Special Assistance You must report any disability requiring special attention to Avalon at the time the reservation is made. Avalon will make reasonable attempts to accommodate the special needs of disabled travelers, but is not responsible in the event it is unable to do so, nor is it responsible for any denial of services by carriers, hotels, restaurants, or other independent suppliers. Be aware that outside the U.S. the Americans with Disabilities Act is not applicable and facilities for disabled individuals are limited. Most transportation services, including the touring motorcoach, are not equipped with wheelchair ramps. We regret that we cannot provide individual assistance to a tour participant for walking, dining, getting on and off motorcoaches and other vehicles, or other personal needs. A qualified and physically able companion must accompany travelers who need such assistance, and must assume total responsibility for their well being. Motorized scooters are unsuitable for cruise tours on Avalon Waterways. The majority of our ships do not have elevators. Cabin doors and restrooms are not wide enough to allow access by standard wheelchairs, and bathrooms and other doorways may be fitted with coamings. For safety reasons, passengers in wheelchairs cannot be carried on ramps in ports where the ship is at anchor. Young Travelers Travelers who are less than 18 years old on the departure date must be accompanied by an adult and must share the adult s accommodations. For any special requirements regarding airline tickets for children, contact your airlines directly. Due to heightened security, many countries have adopted practices to prevent international abductions of children. If a child will be traveling with adults other than the parents or with only one parent, it is recommended that a notarized letter be written by the parents or non-traveling parent granting authorization to travel, including the dates of travel. We suggest that you also contact the appropriate consulate and airlines because they may have additional requirements. There is no discount for young travelers though children aged 8 17 are welcome on board our cruises. We regret that we are unable to accept children less than 8 years old on our river cruise tours. Smoking Smoking is not allowed on transportation that is exclusively provided by Avalon nor in the interior of Avalon Waterways vessels. Price Guarantee All tour prices are based on rates (including foreign exchange rates) known at the time of printing and expected to be in effect at the time of departure. Prices are subject to increase without notice if such rates change prior to departure. The current price will be confirmed at the time of reservation. However, once Avalon has received your deposit for any tour departing in 2007, that land price is guaranteed, and any subsequent land-cost increases are at our expense, not including surcharges and any government tax increases departures are subject to itinerary and price modifications. Airfares included as part of air-inclusive tour prices are guaranteed when we receive full payment. Tour prices are per person, based on double occupancy. Single room supplements are listed where applicable. Visas & Passports For tours requiring visas for U.S. citizens, detailed visa information will be mailed or faxed. You are responsible for obtaining and payment for all visas and entry documents prior to travel, and for meeting all health and other requirements and any documents required by laws, regulations, orders, and/or requirements of the countries to be visited. Non-U.S. citizens must consult with appropriate consulates to determine if any visas are needed and are responsible for obtaining all visas and entry documents independently. All passengers traveling internationally are required to have a passport. Most countries require that the passport be valid for at least six (6) months beyond the conclusion of your trip. It is recommended that you have a minimum of six blank pages in your passport when traveling as many countries require blank pages. Multiple-entry visas are required for some tours. You will need to check with your consulate to verify all requirements. Accommodations The accommodations listed on these cruise tours are intended to be used on all departures; however, if a change becomes necessary for any reason, the accommodations substituted will be equivalent in standard to those shown. Every effort is made to reserve only twin-bedded rooms. It may occasionally happen that an accommodation provides some double-bedded rooms instead. These rooms will be allocated to couples. Please note that accommodation check-in times vary worldwide. Private Bath & Single Rooms In exceptional cases where private bath or single rooms as reserved by us are not available, refunds will be made by the Cruise Director or Tour Director. Claims made in this respect cannot be accepted after the tour is completed. Baggage Allowance Size and weight limitations for carry-on and checked baggage vary from airline to airline and even according to destination, and are becoming more restrictive. Avalon Waterways is not responsible for additional fees imposed by air carriers regarding baggage. Regulations within most airports require that travelers handle their own luggage through customs. No responsibility is accepted for loss of or damage to baggage or any of the traveler s belongings. Baggage insurance is recommended. Carry-on bags should not exceed the dimensions of 12 x11 x6. For safety reasons, wheeled carry-on bags are not suitable as hand luggage on motorcoaches and mini-buses. Porterage for one suitcase is included in the tour price. Airport porterage at the beginning and end of the tour is not included. Due to limited coach capacity, bags should have dimensions not exceeding 30 x21 x11 and weight not exceeding 50 lb (22kg) or less if your air carrier has more strict weight/dimension limitations. Travel Documents Travel documents, including any paper air tickets or e-ticket itineraries, are sent by regular ground delivery approximately two to three weeks prior to departure, provided full payment has been received. If available, a service charge per reservation is added for documents requested in advance and/or for two-day delivery in the continental U.S. Please indicate at the time of reservation whether you prefer regular ground delivery or two-day delivery. (Two-day delivery with related charges is required for reservations made within 45 days of commencement of services and for delivery outside the continental United States.) Not Included in the Tour Price Federal Inspection Fees for the Federal U.S. Customs and Immigration; International Air Transportation Tax; agricultural tax; any other taxes; security fees; airport taxes and fees; passports; visas and vaccinations; driver, Local Guide(s), gratuities on ferries, trains, and cruise ships; laundry; telephone; mini bar; alcohol, beverages, and food not on the regular table d hôte menu (these extra items will be billed to you before leaving the hotel, ship, or restaurant); optional excursions; porterage at airports; excess baggage fees; and all other items of a personal nature. PRSRT STD U.S. Postage PAID Denver, CO Permit No AAAS Travels Sigma Xi Expeditions Betchart Expeditions Inc Montebello Road, Cupertino, CA Refunds Please note that any request for refunds is subject to these Terms & Conditions. There are no refunds for unused services on river cruises. Airport transfers are complimentary with air-inclusive bookings on qualifying flights. Customers not using the included transfer will not be given a cash equivalent or tour price reduction. Service Inquiries After the Tour If, after returning from your tour, you wish to inquire about any services provided, please ensure that all correspondence relating to those services is received by Avalon, Traveler Services, Group Voyagers Inc. (see address under Responsibility ), within 60 days of the tour completion date. This will enable Avalon to make a timely investigation. Holidays During local or national holidays, certain facilities such as museums and restaurants, sightseeing tours, and shopping may be limited or not available. Alternatives will be offered whenever possible. Safety Please be aware that during your participation in tours operated by Avalon, certain risks and dangers may arise beyond our control including, but not limited to, the hazards of traveling in undeveloped areas; travel by boat, train, automobile, aircraft, or other means of transportation; the forces of nature; political unrest; acts of lawlessness or terrorism; and accident or illness in remote regions without means of rapid evacuation or medical facilities. Avalon will not have liability regarding provision of medical care or the adequacy of any care that may be rendered. It is understood that Avalon will use its best efforts to ensure that adequate measures are taken. Itinerary Changes Cruises In the event of water level problems on stretches of any river, it may be necessary to operate part of the itinerary by motorcoach. Avalon reserves the right to change the itinerary whenever conditions, in the opinion of the Master of the Ship or local waterways regulations, render it advisable or necessary. Avalon will not be responsible for any loss or expense caused by reason of such changes. Avalon reserves the right to cancel, advance, or postpone any scheduled tour and/or sailing date and may, but is not obligated to, substitute another vessel and shall not be liable for any loss whatsoever to tour/cruise participants by reason of any such cancellation, advancement, or postponement. In the event of cancellation by Avalon only, tour/cruise participants only right of recourse shall be to a refund of monies paid to Avalon in connection with such tour/ cruise. In the event of charters of the vessels, strikes, lockouts, riots, or stoppage of labor for whatever cause or for any other reason whatsoever, Avalon may at any time cancel, advance, or postpone any scheduled sailing and may, but is not obliged to, substitute another vessel and shall not be liable for any loss whatsoever to tour/cruise participants by reason of any such cancellation, advancement, or postponement. Photographs & Pictures Photographs and pictures appearing in this brochure should be used solely as an indication of facilities and attractions. Actual facilities and attractions may vary according to availability. Responsibility Group Voyagers Inc. located at 5301 South Federal Circle, Littleton, Colorado 80123, is an independent company ( the Company ) licensed to market travel products under the Avalon Waterways brand name, and arrange for the tour services offered in this brochure, including transportation, sightseeing, and accommodations through independent contracts. The carriers, accommodations, and other suppliers providing services are independent contractors and are not agents, employees, or servants of, or joint venturers with, the Company or its affiliates. All certificates and other travel documents for services issued by the Company are subject to the Terms & Conditions specified by the supplier, and to the laws of the countries in which the services are supplied. If, after departure, the services included in the tour cannot be supplied, or there are changes in an itinerary for reasons beyond the control of the Company, the Company will arrange for the provision of comparable services. Any resulting additional expense will be payable by travelers, and any resulting savings will be refunded by the Company to tour participants. The Company reserves the right to accept or reject any person as a tour participant; to expel any participant from the tour; to make changes in the itinerary whenever the Company deems it necessary for the comfort, convenience, or safety of the participants; and to cancel a tour at any time. The tour participant agrees that neither the Company nor its affiliates shall be liable for any damage, loss (including personal injury, death, and property loss), or expense occasioned by any act or omission of any supplier providing services or any insurer, or of any other person. Any dispute between the tour participant and the Company directly or indirectly relating to the Terms & Conditions shall be first submitted to mediation at Denver, Colorado, before a mediator mutually agreed to by the parties. If mediation is not successful, the dispute must be resolved by binding arbitration under Colorado law before the Judicial Arbiter Group or its successor located at 1601 Blake Street, Denver, Colorado The prevailing party shall be entitled to an award of costs and reasonable attorney s fees. Any action to enforce the arbitrator s decision shall be brought in the state or federal courts in the State of Colorado. Arbitration against the Company must be commenced within one year following the date of tour completion. Neither the Company nor any affiliate shall in any case be liable for other than compensatory damages, and you hereby waive any right to punitive damages. No person, other than an authorized representative of the Company by a document in writing, is authorized to vary, add, or waive any term or condition on this Web site, including any term or condition set forth in the preceding provisions. Acceptance of Contract By forwarding the deposit, the participant certifies that he/she does not have any mental, physical, or other condition of disability that would create a hazard for him/herself or other participants and accepts the terms and conditions of this contract. Trade Name Avalon Waterways is a service mark registered in the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office. CST#