the legendary danube & THE blue danube discovery

Transcription

1 PRICED FROM $2,199 the legendary danube & THE blue danube discovery included features CRUISE Deluxe 7-night cruise in an outside stateroom with Avalon s exclusive Comfort Collection Beds sm SIGHTSEEING Your day-by-day itinerary indicates in UPPERCASE all inside visits, special features, and guided sightseeing. All included guided sightseeing is conducted by a Certified Local Guide. Choose the sightseeing pace that suits you: Leisurely, Traditional, or Independent (where available). local favorites sm Special onboard and onshore experiences presented by entertainers, artisans, and experts, designed to enrich your cruise. Learn about the Main Danube Canal at an onboard lecture, and attend a german beer tasting. Personalize your onboard and onshore experiences by choosing from a variety of included or optional excursions, visits & activities. Visit AvalonWaterways.com/MyAvalon to customize your cruise experience. Meals Meals are indicated by breakfast (B), lunch (L), and dinner (D) Captain s welcome & farewell receptions with sparkling wine and canapés Welcome dinner Daily Afternoon Tea Daily Night Fare Farewell dinner Complimentary sparkling wine with breakfast; soft drinks with lunch; and wine, beer, or soft drinks with dinner are included daily on board your vessel SUPERIOR HOTELS Prague InterContinental* (D) or Hilton Prague* (SF) Budapest InterContinental* (D) (Cruise WBN) *or similar 102

2 Regensburg NUREMBERG Main Danube Canal REGENSBURG GERMANY 3 PASSAU LINZ (Cruise WNB only) SALZBURG AUSTRIA PRAGUE CZECH REPUBLIC 7 MELK DÜRNSTEIN (Cruise WBN only) VIENNA Danube River BUDAPEST HUNGARY Cruise WBN stays 2 additional nights in Budapest Start/End City Post-Extension Pre-Extension cruise WNB - Eastbound (the legendary danube) 11 days prague to budapest day city / Highlight 1 Prague: welcome to Prague 2 Prague: guided sightseeing, see the Astronomical Clock and visit Hradcany Castle grounds 3 Prague: full day at leisure 4 Prague Nuremberg (Embarkation): travel by motorcoach to Nuremberg; onboard welcome reception 5 nuremberg: choice of guided sightseeing or Nuremberg Rally Grounds tour; onboard lecture 6 regensburg: guided walk; enjoy a snack at the Historische Wurstküche; beer tasting 7 Passau Linz: guided walk in Passau 8 Melk Vienna: guided visit of the Benedictine Abbey in Melk 9 Vienna: guided sightseeing 10 Budapest: guided sightseeing, see Fishermen s Bastion and Heroes Square 11 Budapest (Disembarkation): your vacation ends this morning cruise wbn - westbound (the blue danube discovery) 13 days budapest to prague day city / Highlight 1 Budapest: welcome to Budapest 2 Budapest: guided sightseeing, see Fishermen s Bastion and Heroes Square 3 Budapest (Embarkation): onboard welcome reception 4 Budapest Vienna: cruising 5 Vienna: guided sightseeing 6 Dürnstein Melk: guided walk in Dürnstein, see the Stiftskirche; guided visit of the Benedictine Abbey and wine tasting in Melk 7 Passau: guided walk 8 Regensburg: guided walk; enjoy a snack at the Historische Wurstküche; beer tasting 9 Nuremberg: onboard lecture; choice of guided sightseeing or Nuremberg Rally Grounds tour 10 Nuremberg (Disembarkation) Prague: travel to Prague Prague: guided sightseeing, see the Astronomical Clock and visit Hradcany Castle grounds; free time 13 Prague: your vacation ends this morning avalonwaterways.com 103

3 Vienna s Belvedere Palace the legendary danube - wnb DAY 1 Arrive in Prague, Czech Republic. Welcome to Prague, capital of the Czech Republic. This fascinating 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 1,200-year-old city preserved in time, and, unlike other Central European capitals, it was not bombed during the 20th-century wars. A LOCAL GUIDE shows you its best-known treasures, such as the Old Town s Astronomical Clock, built in 1410 and once the envy of all of Europe; HRADCANY CASTLE GROUNDS; St. Vitus Cathedral; and the Charles Bridge, the oldest bridge in Prague. Browse Prague the shops for hand-cut crystal or art books. Mix with the locals in Wenceslaus Square, an important meeting point and where people demonstrated against the communist regime; or watch performers on Charles Bridge. (B) DAY 3 Prague. Enjoy a free day to explore the city at your own pace. Perhaps visit the Communist Museum; sample the local plum dumplings and Pilsner; stroll along the Vltava River. 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 90% of Nuremberg s Old Town suffered extensive damage during WWII, much of it has been restored to the glory it once knew as the unofficial capital of the Holy Roman Empire. Today, choose from an included GUIDED SIGHTSEEING TOUR and marvel at this thousand-year-old city s medieval fortifications, extraordinary gothic churches, and the Kaiserburg (Imperial Castle), or join a more specialized NUREMBERG RALLY GROUNDS tour. During free time, be sure to make a wish at the beautiful fountain in the Hauptmarkt (main square). Legend says your wish will come true if you turn its gold ring three times. Then, enjoy a tranquil afternoon of cruising. Take in an interesting ONBOARD LECTURE about the engineering marvel that is the Main Danube Canal. (B,L,D) DAY 6 Regensburg. Arrive in Regensburg after breakfast. Dating back to the time of the Celts around 500 BC, Regensburg is one of Germany s best preserved medieval cities. 104 Your day-by-day itinerary indicates all inside visits, special features, and guided sightseeing in UPPERCASE. All included guided sightseeing is conducted by a Certified Local Guide.

4 Grab a snack at the Old Sausage Kitchen in Regensburg. Established during the Holy Roman Empire and the only German city not bombed during WWII, Regensburg has at least 1,300 listed buildings of historic interest. Architectural highlights of your GUIDED WALK include the Altes Rathaus (Old Town Hall), built in the 13th century, and Porta Pretoria, gates to an ancient Roman fort built in 179 AD. Wander through the city s lanes and alleys to discover the many mansions with high towers. Wealthy families built these towers to emphasize their status and wealth during the Middle Ages, and many still remain today. Walk across the 12th-century Steinerne Brücke (Stone Bridge), the oldest of its kind in Germany. Grab a beer and enjoy an included SNACK at the Historische Wurstküche (Old Sausage Kitchen), one of Germany s oldest restaurants. Bask in the vibrant atmosphere and take in the remarkable views along the river. Before dinner we ll introduce you to some of Nuremberg Germany s FAMOUS BEERS! (B,L,D) DAY 7 Passau Linz, Austria. This morning, dock in Passau. Uniquely located where the Inn, Ilz, and Danube Rivers converge, Passau is a maze of narrow cobblestone streets lined with beautiful patrician houses. St. Stephen s Cathedral, a masterpiece of Italian baroque architecture, houses one of the world s largest church organs with 17,774 pipes. Take in the highlights on the included GUIDED WALK. Then, sail to Linz, Austria s third-largest town, which lies on both banks of the Danube and is an important industrial town and busy river port. Alternatively, choose from several full-day optional excursions: to Salzburg to see some of the Sound of Music sights; the popular Romantic Austria tour, or to Český Krumlov in the Czech Republic, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Rejoin the ship in Linz. (B,L,D) DAY 8 Melk Vienna. This morning, enjoy an included GUIDED VISIT of Melk s magnificent 11th-century BENEDICTINE ABBEY, one of Europe s largest monasteries. The abbey houses an ornate library with over 80,000 printed books and 2,000 manuscripts. You ll be captivated by the splendor of the church with its frescoed ceilings, stunning high altar, marble statues, and 210-foothigh cupola. The view from the terrace of the abbey over the Danube and surrounding countryside is breathtaking! During lunchtime, cruise through the picturesque Wachau Valley, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Pass the magnificent baroque Stiftskirche with its blue façade, the landmark of Dürnstein, before arriving in Vienna this evening. Known as the City of Music, it Passau Meals are indicated by breakfast (B), lunch (L), and dinner (D) avalonwaterways.com 105

5 Budapest s Chain Bridge Strauss Statue, Vienna you by your Local Guide during your included CITY TOUR. Shop in the delightful pedestrian Kärntnerstrasse, and be sure to take a break and enjoy a piece of decadent Sachertorte or Apfelstrudel in one of the classic Viennese coffee houses, historic institutions that helped shape Viennese culture! In the late afternoon, leave Vienna for Budapest. (B,L,D) Café, Budapest s unique energy is positively palatable. On your GUIDED SIGHTSEEING TOUR, see Heroes Square as well as the massive hilltop castle complex with its remarkable Fishermen s Bastion and 11th-century Matthias Hungarian souvenirs inspired the creative genius of Mozart, Beethoven, and Strauss. An optional concert is available tonight. (B,L,D) DAY 9 Vienna. Once the center of the mighty Habsburg Empire, Austria s magical capital on the blue Danube is a showcase of gilded architecture. This is home to the lavish Hofburg Imperial Palace complex with its Vienna Boys Choir and dazzling Lipizzaner stallions; the neo-renaissance Vienna Opera House; and awe-inspiring St. Stephen s Cathedral plus, countless other sights shown to DAY 10 Budapest, Hungary. Spanning the banks of the Danube, Budapest is one of Eastern Europe s liveliest cities. Whether you re seeing the sights, shopping for handcrafted embroidery or Herend porcelain, or basking in the coffee house culture over a rich cream cake in the renowned Gerbeaud 106 Your day-by-day itinerary indicates all inside visits, special features, and guided sightseeing in UPPERCASE. All included guided sightseeing is conducted by a Certified Local Guide.

6 Viennese Fiaker Church, the coronation spot of several Hungarian monarchs. Be sure to take note of the city s eight bridges many famous sights in and of themselves which connect ancient Buda on the right bank with Pest on the left. You may even want to walk across Chain Bridge, built in 1849 and a symbol of Budapest. Perhaps visit St. Stephen s Basilica; shop at the Great Market Hall and purchase paprika at one of its 180 vendor stalls; wander around the Royal Palace grounds; or stroll along Váci utca, the main shopping street. (B,L,D) DAY 11 Budapest (Disembarkation). Your vacation ends with breakfast this morning. (B) Budapest ** SPECIAL INTEREST CRUISE: Departure 1024 is offered as an exclusive Wine Appreciation cruise including special lectures and features at no additional cost. See pages for more details. Dates & Prices US$ Cruise WNB: Prague to Budapest Ship Dept.# Start Prague Land/Cruise Cruise Only Impression 0331 Tue 31 Mar Luminary 0407 Tue 07 Apr Illumination 0430* Thu 30 Apr Expression 0523 Sat 23 May Illumination 0526 Tue 26 May Visionary 0601 Mon 01 Jun Vista 0606 Sat 06 Jun Impression 0609 Tue 09 Jun Luminary 0616 Tue 16 Jun Panorama 0623 Tue 23 Jun Visionary 0629 Mon 29 Jun Expression 0704 Sat 04 Jul Illumination 0707 Tue 07 Jul Vista 0718 Sat 18 Jul Impression 0721 Tue 21 Jul Visionary 0727 Mon 27 Jul Panorama 0804 Tue 04 Aug Expression 0815 Sat 15 Aug Luminary 0825 Tue 25 Aug Vista 0829 Sat 29 Aug Impression 0901 Tue 01 Sep Panorama 0915 Tue 15 Sep Visionary 0921 Mon 21 Sep Expression 0926 Sat 26 Sep Illumination 0929 Tue 29 Sep Vista 1010 Sat 10 Oct Impression 1013 Tue 13 Oct Visionary 1019 Mon 19 Oct Vista 1024 ** Sat 24 Oct All departures are guaranteed. **Special interest cruise Port charges: $147 Extra nights per person in Prague: Departures 0331 & : in single room $238, in twin room $135 Departures & : in single room $328, in twin room $182 Extra nights per person in Budapest: Departures & : in single room $250, in twin room $138 Departures & 1024: in single room $200, in twin room $113 Please call for single accommodation price. Triples not available. Prices shown above include cruise in Category E in a deluxe outside stateroom on Indigo Deck. To upgrade to a higher category, add per person: Category Decks Luminary Price All other ships Price D Indigo Deck $199 B Sapphire Deck $649 $949 A Sapphire Deck $699 $999 P Royal Deck $799 $1,099 Suite/Royal Suite Royal Deck $1,399 $1,799 Cruise Only: Cruise WNB Arrive Nuremberg Day 4 for embarkation between 4 pm and 5 pm. Depart Budapest Day 11 upon disembarkation. NOTES: * Departure 0430: due to closure of the Main Danube Canal, this departure will embark the ship in Passau, with modifications to the itinerary. In the event of water level problems or any problems of a technical nature, it may be necessary to operate the itinerary by motorcoach or to alter the program. Included visits and special features are subject to change. If a change is necessary, a substitute will be offered. Please check visa requirements with your local consulate(s); responsibility for obtaining visas rests with the traveler. ADD INTERNATIONAL FLIGHTS TO YOUR VACATION! Competitive prices without the hassle. Free airport transfers included on brochure dates. Meals are indicated by breakfast (B), lunch (L), and dinner (D) avalonwaterways.com 107

7 Fishermen s Bastion, Budapest the blue danube discovery - WBN DAY 1 Arrive in Budapest, Hungary. Welcome to Budapest, Hungary s lively capital spanning the banks of the Danube. The remainder of the day is free to start exploring Eastern Europe s most cosmopolitan metropolis. DAY 2 Budapest. Whether you re seeing the sights, shopping for handcrafted embroidery or Herend porcelain, Budapest or basking in the coffee house culture over a rich cream cake in the renowned Gerbeaud Café, Budapest s unique energy is positively palatable. On your GUIDED SIGHTSEEING TOUR, see Heroes Square as well as the massive hilltop castle complex with its remarkable Fishermen s Bastion for spectacular views of the city and 11th-century Matthias Church, the coronation spot of several Hungarian monarchs. Be sure to take note of the city s eight bridges many famous sights in and of themselves which connect ancient Buda on the right bank with Pest on the left. You may even want to walk across Chain Bridge, built in 1849 and a symbol of Budapest. (B) DAY 3 Budapest (Embarkation). You have time this morning to explore Budapest further. Perhaps visit St. Stephen s Basilica for marvelous views of the city from its viewing platform. This afternoon, board your river cruise vessel and meet your crew at a welcome reception. (B,D) DAY 4 Budapest Vienna, Austria. Enjoy a day of relaxation on board and marvel at the beautiful scenery on both banks of the Danube. Hungary is on your left as you cruise upriver and Slovakia is on your right. The two countries share the Danube for a 58-mile stretch, with the border in the middle of the river. This evening, arrive in Vienna, Austria s capital. Known as the City of Music, it inspired the creative genius of Mozart, Beethoven, and Strauss. An optional concert is available during your stay. (B,L,D) DAY 5 Vienna. Once the center of the mighty Habsburg Empire, Austria s magical capital on the blue Danube is a showcase of gilded architecture. This is home to the lavish Hofburg Imperial Palace complex with its Vienna Boys Choir and dazzling Lipizzaner stallions; the neo-renaissance Vienna Opera House; and awe-inspiring St. Stephen s Cathedral plus, countless other sights your Local Guide will show you during an included CITY SIGHTSEEING TOUR. Stroll through the delightful pedestrian Kärntnerstrasse, and be sure to take a break and enjoy a piece of decadent Sachertorte or Apfelstrudel in one of the classic Viennese coffee houses, historic 108 Your day-by-day itinerary indicates all inside visits, special features, and guided sightseeing in UPPERCASE. All included guided sightseeing is conducted by a Certified Local Guide.

8 Passau institutions that helped shape Viennese culture! (B,L,D) DAY 6 Dürnstein Melk. Dürnstein, known for the magnificent baroque, blue Stiftskirche built in the 1700s, is situated right in the heart of the Wachau wine region. The main street of this small town with a population of less than 1,000 people is lined with Dürnstein 16th-century residences and charming cobblestone streets. This morning your Local Guide will take you on an included WALKING TOUR and tell you the tale of England s King Richard the Lionheart, who was imprisoned in the castle whose ruins still stand above the town. During lunchtime, sail the picturesque Wachau Valley and arrive in Melk in the early afternoon. Here, enjoy a GUIDED VISIT of the magnificent 11th-century BENEDICTINE ABBEY, one of Europe s largest monasteries. The abbey houses an ornate library with over 80,000 printed books and 2,000 manuscripts. You ll be captivated by the splendor of the church with its frescoed ceilings, stunning high altar, marble statues, and 210-foot-high cupola. The view from the terrace of the abbey over the Danube and surrounding countryside is breathtaking! This evening you ll be able to sample some of the Wachau Valley s FAMOUS WINES. (B,L,D) DAY 7 Passau, Germany. Today, you can choose from several full-day optional excursions: to Salzburg taking in some of the Sound of Music sights, the popular Romantic Austria tour, or to medieval Český Krumlov in the Czech Republic, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Alternatively, you may choose to stay on the ship and relax as you cruise to Passau, uniquely located where the Inn, Ilz, and Danube Rivers converge. Passau is a maze of narrow cobblestone streets lined with beautiful patrician Wachau Valley houses. St. Stephen s Cathedral, a masterpiece of Italian baroque architecture, houses one of the world s largest church organs with 17,774 pipes. Take in the highlights on the included GUIDED WALK. (B,L,D) DAY 8 Regensburg. Dating back to the time of the Celts around 500 BC, Regensburg is one of Germany s best preserved medieval cities. Established during the Holy Roman Empire and the only German city not bombed during WWII, Regensburg has at least 1,300 Meals are indicated by breakfast (B), lunch (L), and dinner (D) avalonwaterways.com 109

9 Prague listed buildings of historic interest. Architectural highlights of your GUIDED WALK include the Altes Rathaus (Old Town Hall), built in the 13th century, and Porta Pretoria, gates to an ancient Roman fort built in 179 AD. Wander through the city s lanes and alleys to discover the many mansions with high towers. Wealthy families built these towers to emphasize their status and wealth during the Middle Ages, and many still remain today. Walk across the 12thcentury Steinerne Brücke (Stone Bridge), the oldest of its kind in Germany. Grab a beer and enjoy an included SNACK at the 17thcentury Historische Wurstküche (Old Sausage Kitchen), one of Germany s oldest restaurants. Here where the locals congregate feel the vibrant atmosphere and take in the remarkable views along the river. Regensburg After dinner, we ll introduce you to some of Germany s FAMOUS BEERS. (B,L,D) DAY 9 Nuremberg. Today, spend a relaxing morning of cruising, and before lunch, attend a fascinating ONBOARD LECTURE about the engineering marvel that is the Main Danube Canal. The afternoon is dedicated to Nuremberg. Although 90% of Nuremberg s Old Town suffered extensive damage during WWII, much of it has been restored to the glory it once knew as the unofficial capital of the Holy Roman Empire. Today, choose either a GUIDED SIGHTSEEING TOUR and marvel at this thousand-year-old city s medieval fortifications, extraordinary gothic churches, and the Kaiserburg (Imperial Castle), or join a more specialized NUREMBERG RALLY GROUNDS tour. During free time, be sure to make a wish at the beautiful fountain in the Hauptmarkt (main square). Legend says your wish will come true if you turn its gold ring three times. (B,L,D) DAY 10 Nuremberg (Disembarkation) Prague, Czech Republic. After breakfast, say goodbye to your crew and travel by motorcoach to Prague, the Golden City. (B) DAY 11 Prague. Prague is a 1,200-year-old city preserved in time, and, unlike other Central European capitals, it was not bombed during the 20thcentury wars. A Local Guide shows you its best-known treasures, such as the Old Town s Astronomical Clock, built in 1410 and once the envy of all of Europe; HRADCANY CASTLE GROUNDS; St. Vitus Cathedral; and the Charles Bridge, the oldest bridge in Prague. Browse the shops for hand-cut crystal or art books. Mix with the locals in Wenceslaus Square, an important meeting point 110 Your day-by-day itinerary indicates all inside visits, special features, and guided sightseeing in UPPERCASE. All included guided sightseeing is conducted by a Certified Local Guide.

10 Dates & Prices US$ Cruise WBN: Budapest to Prague local favorite: Enjoy a tasting of some of Germany s famous beers. Nuremberg where people demonstrated against the communist regime; or watch performers on Charles Bridge. (B) DAY 12 Prague. Enjoy a free day to explore the city at your own pace. Perhaps visit the Communist Museum or take an optional excursion around the Jewish Quarter. Sample the local plum dumplings and Pilsner; stroll along the Vltava River. Your Cruise Director will have other suggestions for things to do. (B) DAY 13 Prague. Your vacation ends with breakfast this morning. (B) ** special INTEREST CRUISES: Departure 0701 is offered as an exclusive Wellness cruise Departure 0715 is offered as an exclusive Opera cruise Departure 0729 is offered as an exclusive Jewish Heritage cruise Departure 0809 is offered as an exclusive Author cruise and will be accompanied by renowned author Patricia Schultz Departure 1101 is offered as an exclusive Wine Appreciation cruise These include special lectures and features at no additional cost. See pages for more details. Ship Dept.# Start Budapest Land/Cruise Cruise Only Luminary 0401 Wed 01 Apr Expression 0517 Sun 17 May Illumination 0520 Wed 20 May Vista 0531 Sun 31 May Impression 0603 Wed 03 Jun Visionary 0609 Tue 09 Jun Luminary 0610 Wed 10 Jun Panorama 0617 Wed 17 Jun Expression 0628 Sun 28 Jun Illumination 0701 ** Wed 01 Jul Visionary 0707 Tue 07 Jul Vista 0712 Sun 12 Jul Impression 0715 ** Wed 15 Jul Panorama 0729 ** Wed 29 Jul Visionary 0804 Tue 04 Aug Expression 0809 ** Sun 09 Aug Luminary 0819 Wed 19 Aug Vista 0823 Sun 23 Aug Impression 0826 Wed 26 Aug Panorama 0909 Wed 09 Sep Expression 0920 Sun 20 Sep Illumination 0923 Wed 23 Sep Visionary 0929 Tue 29 Sep Vista 1004 Sun 04 Oct Impression 1007 Wed 07 Oct Vista 1018 Sun 18 Oct Visionary 1027 Tue 27 Oct Luminary 1028 Wed 28 Oct Vista 1101 ** Sun 01 Nov All departures are guaranteed. **Special interest cruise Port charges: $147 Extra nights per person in Budapest: Departures & : in single room $250, in twin room $138 Departures : in single room $200, in twin room $113 Extra nights per person in Prague: Departures & : in single room $328, in twin room $182 Departures & : in single room $238, in twin room $135 Please call for single accommodation price. Triples not available. Prices shown above include cruise in Category E in a deluxe outside stateroom on Indigo Deck. To upgrade to a higher category, add per person: Category Decks Luminary Price All other ships Price D Indigo Deck $199 B Sapphire Deck $649 $949 A Sapphire Deck $699 $999 P Royal Deck $799 $1,099 Suite/Royal Suite Royal Deck $1,399 $1,799 Cruise Only: Cruise WBN Arrive Budapest Day 3 for embarkation at 3 pm. Depart Nuremberg Day 10 upon disembarkation. NOTES: In the event of water level problems or any problems of a technical nature, it may be necessary to operate the itinerary by motorcoach or to alter the program. Included visits and special features are subject to change. If a change is necessary, a substitute will be offered. Please check visa requirements with your local consulate(s); responsibility for obtaining visas rests with the traveler. ADD INTERNATIONAL FLIGHTS TO YOUR VACATION! Competitive prices without the hassle. Free airport transfers included on brochure dates. Meals are indicated by breakfast (B), lunch (L), and dinner (D) avalonwaterways.com 111