PHOTOGRAPHY: (Left to right) Strasbourg; castle detail in Heidelberg; Cologne bridge ROMANTIC RHINE PRICED FROM $2,199 INCLUDED FEATURES CRUISE LOCAL FAVORITES MEALS ON BOARD Deluxe 7-night cruise in an outside stateroom with Avalon s exclusive Comfort Collection Bedssm Special onboard and onshore experiences presented by entertainers, artisans, and experts, designed to enrich your cruise. 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 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). 66 ENJOY A SPECIAL TREAT IN RÜDESHEIM. Personalize your onboard and onshore experiences by choosing from a variety of included or optional excursions, visits & activities. Go online to customize your cruise experience. See page 188 for more information.
ENGLAND London 3 AMSTERDAM English Channel Rhine River COLOGNE FRANCE CRUISE WZAM 3 Paris Rhine Gorge RÜDESHEIM Mo sell e Rive r KOBLENZ MAINZ HEIDELBERG 7 STRASBOURG Alsace ( WAZ only) BREISACH BASEL Neckar River Rhine River Black Forest ZÜRICH Ü / City CRUISE WZA - NORTHBOUND CRUISE WAZ - SOUTHBOUND 8 DAYS ZÜRICH TO AMSTERDAM 8 DAYS AMSTERDAM TO BASEL DAY CITY / HIGHLIGHT DAY 1 Zürich Transfer to Basel (Embarkation): onboard welcome reception 1 Amsterdam (Embarkation): welcome reception 2 Amsterdam: canal cruise CITY / HIGHLIGHT 2 Strasbourg: guided sightseeing, visit La Petite France district and the gothic cathedral 3 Cologne: choice of guided city walk or Jewish Heritage walk 3 Excursion to Heidelberg: guided visit of the castle, see the Great Vat 4 4 Mainz Rüdesheim: visit the Gutenberg Museum in Mainz; visit Siegfried s Mechanical Musical Instrument Museum in Rüdesheim; enjoy a special treat Koblenz Rhine Gorge Rüdesheim: guided sightseeing in Koblenz; cruise through the Rhine Gorge; visit Siegfried s Mechanical Musical Instrument Museum in Rüdesheim; special treat 5 5 Rhine Gorge Koblenz: cruise through the Rhine Gorge; choice of guided sightseeing in Koblenz or visit Sayn Manor House Mainz. Excursion to Heidelberg: guided walk, visit the Gutenberg Museum in Mainz; excursion to Heidelberg; guided visit of the castle, see the Great Vat 6 6 Cologne: choice of guided city walk or Jewish Heritage walk Strasbourg: guided sightseeing, visit the La Petite France district and the gothic cathedral; onboard woodcarving demonstration 7 Amsterdam: canal cruise 7 8 Amsterdam (Disembarkation): your vacation ends this morning Breisach. Excursion to the Black Forest: visit a local woodcarver s workshop or visit a Black Forest open-air museum 8 Basel (Disembarkation): your vacation ends this morning T R AV E L. AVA LO N WAT E R WAY S.C O M. AU 67
PHOTOGRAPHY: (Clockwise from left) Rüdesheim architecture; Cologne; Rhine Gorge; Carnival Fountain, Mainz ROMANTIC RHINE - WZA DAY 1 Arrive in Zürich, Switzerland. Transfer to Basel (Embarkation). Welcome to Switzerland, home of the Matterhorn and the majestic Alps! Transfer by motorcoach to Basel, where your river cruise vessel is docked. Meet your crew at an evening welcome reception. (NOTE: Flights into Zürich must arrive before 3 pm. Guests must be on board ship by 5 pm.) (D) DAY 2 Strasbourg, France. Situated on the border of France and Germany, Strasbourg blends the cultures of both countries in a delightful way. As capital of the Alsace region and seat of the Council of Europe and European Parliament, it is without a doubt an important city, yet it manages to retain its historic charm. In fact, on your walking tour you will discover Europe at its most quintessential. Visit the monumental red-sandstone GOTHIC CATHEDRAL with its ancient murals, stained-glass windows, and fascinating astronomical clock, as well as the magical LA PETITE FRANCE district, home to half-timbered houses, quaint shops, inviting bistros, and a waterfront promenade. Also spend time exploring Place Kléber, a large historic square in the heart of the city, and Place Gutenberg in the heart of medieval Strasbourg, which features a statue of the inventor of the printing press. This afternoon, optional excursions into the Alsace wine country or to the Black Forest are available. (B,L,D) DAY 3 Excursion to Heidelberg, Germany. After a leisurely morning, an excursion takes you to Heidelberg, home to Germany s oldest university, which was founded in 1386. Visit the imposing ruins of HEIDELBERG CASTLE, towering magnificently over the city and among the most important Renaissance structures north of the Alps. You ll also see the famed GREAT VAT, the World s Largest Wine Barrel. At nearly 23 feet high and 28 feet wide, the cask holds over 58,000 gallons of wine and has a dance floor built on top of it! (B,L,D) 68 DAY 4 Mainz Rüdesheim. Strategically located at the confluence of the Rhine and Main Rivers is Mainz, with civilized origins dating back to around 38 BC. Today, this is Germany s largest and most important wine market. The Altstadt (Old Town) has many intriguing shops and the whimsical Fastnachtsbrunnen (Carnival Fountain) on the Schillerplatz, a tribute to the jesters at the city s annual Carnival celebration. Gutenberg, father of modern printing, was born here and during a GUIDED WALK you ll visit the captivating GUTENBERG MUSEUM. During lunch, depart Mainz and cruise on to pretty Rüdesheim, a typical Rhine Valley wine town. Visit SIEGFRIED S MECHANICAL MUSICAL INSTRUMENT MUSEUM, where you ll see and hear a large collection of self-playing calliopes and music boxes from the 18th to the early 20th centuries. Enjoy a SPECIAL TREAT, then there s free time to pick up some souvenirs on the narrow, cobblestoned Drosselgasse, where colorful flowers, open-air wine gardens, and live music add to the festive atmosphere. (B,L,D) DAY 5 Rhine Gorge Koblenz. Downstream from Rüdesheim is the dramatic RHINE GORGE, the most beautiful stretch of river. Here, ancient castles stand sentry on lofty cliffs rising 400 feet above the waters. past the legendary rock of the Lorelei, where echoes of enchanted siren song lured unwitting sailors to their doom. Then, arrive at the place where the Rhine and Moselle Rivers meet the Deutsches Eck (German Corner) with its impressive equestrian statue of German Emperor William I. Join your Local Guide for a WALKING TOUR of the 2,000-year-old city of Koblenz, which reveals an eventful past through its castles, fortress walls, towers, squares, and monuments; or visit nearby SAYN MANOR HOUSE, belonging to the counts of the same name. (B,L,D) DAY 6 Cologne. One of Germany s largest cities and capital of the Rhineland, Cologne straddles both sides of the Rhine, and is known for its soaring, twin-steepled gothic cathedral. Choose between an included GUIDED CITY WALK or JEWISH HERITAGE
DATES & PRICES US$ CRUISE WZA: ZÜRICH TO AMSTERDAM CRUISE WZAM: ZÜRICH TO LONDON Zürich WZA Amsterdam Only WZAM London Land/ Felicity 0403 03 Apr 10 Apr 2399 16 Apr 4208 Imagery II 0409 09 Apr 16 Apr 2649 22 Apr 4457 Tranquility II 0416 16 Apr 23 Apr 2899 29 Apr 4707 Felicity 0417 17 Apr 24 Apr 2899 30 Apr 4745 Imagery II 0423 23 Apr 30 Apr 2999 06 May 5000 Tranquility II 0430 30 Apr 07 May 3149 13 May 5151 Felicity 0501 01 May 08 May 3149 14 May 5164 Imagery II 0507 07 May 14 May 3149 20 May 5151 Tranquility II 0514 14 May 21 May 3199 27 May 5202 Felicity 0515 15 May 22 May 3199 28 May 5215 Imagery II 0521 21 May 28 May 3199 03 Jun 5202 Tranquility II 0528 28 May 04 Jun 3199 10 Jun 5202 Felicity 0529 29 May 05 Jun 3199 11 Jun 5215 Luminary 0602 02 Jun 09 Jun 3199 15 Jun 5197 Imagery II 0604 04 Jun 11 Jun 3149 17 Jun 5227 Tranquility II 0611 11 Jun 18 Jun 3149 24 Jun 5152 Felicity 0612 12 Jun 19 Jun 3149 25 Jun 5165 Imagery II 0618 18 Jun 25 Jun 3149 01 Jul 5152 Tranquility II 0625 25 Jun 02 Jul 3099 08 Jul 5034 Felicity 0626 26 Jun 03 Jul 3099 09 Jul 5028 Imagery II 0702 02 Jul 09 Jul 2999 15 Jul 4932 Tranquility II 0709 09 Jul 16 Jul 2999 22 Jul 4932 Felicity 0710 10 Jul 17 Jul 2999 23 Jul 4928 Imagery II 0716 16 Jul 23 Jul 2999 29 Jul 4932 Tranquility II 0723 23 Jul 30 Jul 2999 05 Aug 4932 Zürich WZA Amsterdam Only WZAM London Land/ Felicity 0724 24 Jul 31 Jul 2999 06 Aug 4928 Imagery II 0730 30 Jul 06 Aug 2999 12 Aug 4932 Tranquility II 0806 06 Aug 13 Aug 2999 19 Aug 4932 Felicity 0807 07 Aug 14 Aug 2999 20 Aug 4928 Luminary 0811 11 Aug 18 Aug 2999 24 Aug 4928 Imagery II 0813 13 Aug 20 Aug 2999 26 Aug 4932 Tranquility II 0820 20 Aug 27 Aug 2999 02 Sep 4932 Felicity 0821 21 Aug 28 Aug 2999 03 Sep 4962 Imagery II 0827 27 Aug 03 Sep 3049 09 Sep 5051 Tranquility II 0903 03 Sep 10 Sep 3249 16 Sep 5252 Felicity 0904 04 Sep 11 Sep 3249 17 Sep 5340 Imagery II 0910 10 Sep 17 Sep 3249 23 Sep 5252 Tranquility II 0917 17 Sep 24 Sep 3249 30 Sep 5252 Felicity 0918 18 Sep 25 Sep 3249 01 Oct 5265 Imagery II 0924 24 Sep 01 Oct 3149 07 Oct 5152 Tranquility II 1001 01 Oct 08 Oct 2999 14 Oct 5002 Felicity 1002 02 Oct 09 Oct 2999 15 Oct 5015 Imagery II 1008 08 Oct 15 Oct 2949 21 Oct 4952 Tranquility II 1015 15 Oct 22 Oct 2849 28 Oct 4852 Felicity 1016 16 Oct 23 Oct 2849 29 Oct 4865 Imagery II 1022 22 Oct 29 Oct 2799 04 Nov 4639 Tranquility II 1029 29 Oct 05 Nov 2699 ----- ----- Felicity 1030 30 Oct 06 Nov 2699 12 Nov 4522 Imagery II 1105 05 Nov 12 Nov 2599 ----- ----- Imagery II 1203** 03 Dec 10 Dec 2199 ----- ----- WALK. Later, during free time, perhaps look in on the Romano-Germanic Museum, home to a large collection of artifacts from the Roman settlement on which modern Cologne is built a must for history buffs! The Old Town abounds with cafés, shops, and taverns. Be sure to try a Kölsch pale lager, locally brewed in Cologne for over a hundred years! (B,L,D) DAY 7 Amsterdam, Holland. Welcome to Amsterdam! Holland s sophisticated, modern capital has a rich and fascinating history. This delightful 700-year-old city with its elegant and classic architecture, cafés, and restaurants has a distinct ambiance. There is no better way to see Amsterdam than by CANAL BOAT, cruising through the elegant grachten lined with stately homes dating back to Amsterdam s Golden Age. There s free time this afternoon to enjoy the city or perhaps join an optional excursion. (B,L,D) DAY 8 Amsterdam (Disembarkation). Your vacation ends with breakfast this morning. (B) Gateway for arrival is Zürich, Switzerland. ** Special interest cruise Port charges: $147 Gratuities to Local Guides & excursion drivers are included on Avalon portion only. Please call for single accommodation price. Triples not available. Extra nights per person in Zürich - WZA & WZAM: in single room $155, in twin room $105 ALL DEPARTURES ARE GUARANTEED. Extra nights per person in Amsterdam - WZA: in single room from $250 to $330, in twin room from $152 to $185 WZAM - Extra nights per person in London: in single room from $237 to $328, in twin room from $125 to $170 Supplement to ugrade to standard premier on Eurostar train Paris-London: $210 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 Felicity/Luminary Price Other s D Indigo Deck ----- $199 B Sapphire Deck $649 $1,049 A Sapphire Deck $699 $1,099 P Royal Deck $799 $1,199 Suite/Royal Suite Royal Deck $1,399 $1,899 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 becomes necessary, a substitute will be offered. ADD PARIS AND LONDON WITH CRUISE WZAM PRICED FROM $4,208US After your cruise, continue your journey with three exciting nights each in Paris and in London, two highspeed train transfers, and helpful onsite support in both cities from expert Local Hosts. See page 180 for details. ** SPECIAL INTEREST CRUISE: FESTIVE TIME CRUISE: Departure 1203 includes Christmas markets and themes at no additional cost. See pages 20-21 for more details T R A V E L. A V A L O N W A T E R W A Y S. C O M. A U 69
PHOTOGRAPHY: (Clockwise from bottom left) Cologne Cathedral; traditional wooden shoe carving; Heidelberg; Strasbourg ROMANTIC RHINE - WAZ DAY 1 Arrive in Amsterdam, Holland (Embarkation). Welcome to Amsterdam! Holland s sophisticated, modern capital has a rich and fascinating history. This delightful 700-year-old city with its elegant and classic architecture, cafés, and restaurants has a distinct ambiance. The streets, squares, and canals not to mention the bike paths throughout the city make for a vibrant atmosphere, and with over 60 museums, Amsterdam has the highest museum density in the world. Perhaps you would like to take an optional excursion to Zaanse Schans with its traditional houses and Dutch craft workshops. This afternoon, board your river cruise vessel and meet your crew at an evening welcome reception. (NOTE: Guests must be on board ship by 5 pm.) (D) DAY 2 Amsterdam. There is no better way to see Amsterdam DAY 5 Mainz. Excursion to Heidelberg. Strategically morning of cruising before reaching Cologne in the afternoon. One of Germany s largest cities and capital of the Rhineland, Cologne straddles both sides of the Rhine, and is known for its soaring, twin-steepled gothic cathedral. Choose between an included GUIDED CITY WALK or JEWISH HERITAGE WALK. The Old Town abounds with cafés, shops, and taverns. Be sure to try a Kölsch pale lager, locally brewed in Cologne for over a hundred years! (B,L,D) located at the confluence of the Rhine and Main Rivers is Mainz, with civilized origins dating back to around 38 BC. Today, this is Germany s largest and most important wine market. Join your Local Guide for a GUIDED WALK through the Altstadt (Old Town) with its many intriguing shops and the whimsical Fastnachtsbrunnen (Carnival Fountain) on the Schillerplatz, a tribute to the jesters at the city s annual Carnival celebration. Gutenberg, father of modern printing, was born here, and you ll visit the captivating GUTENBERG MUSEUM. After lunch, travel to Heidelberg, home to the oldest university in Germany. With a LOCAL GUIDE, visit the imposing ruins of HEIDELBERG CASTLE, towering magnificently over the city and among the most important Renaissance structures north of the Alps. You ll also see the famed GREAT VAT, the World s Largest Wine Barrel. At nearly 23 feet high and 28 feet wide, the cask holds over 58,000 gallons of wine and has a dance floor built on top of it! (B,L,D) DAY 4 Koblenz Rhine Gorge Rüdesheim. Situated at DAY 6 Strasbourg, France. Situated on the border of the confluence of the Rhine and Moselle Rivers, 2,000-year-old Koblenz is the cultural and business center of the Middle Rhine region. Here, join a Local Guide for a WALKING TOUR of the city France and Germany, Strasbourg blends the cultures of both countries in a delightful way. As capital of the Alsace region and seat of the Council of Europe and European Parliament, it is than by CANAL BOAT, cruising through the elegant grachten lined with stately homes dating back to Amsterdam s Golden Age. There s free time in the city this afternoon you might like to join an optional biking tour (weather permitting). Later, bid tot ziens (farewell) to Holland and set sail for Germany. (B,L,D) DAY 3 Cologne, Germany. Today, enjoy a peaceful 70 that reveals an eventful past through its castles, fortress walls, towers, squares, and monuments. The dramatic RHINE GORGE is the most beautiful stretch of river. Here, ancient castles stand sentry on lofty cliffs rising 400 feet above the waters. past the legendary rock of the Lorelei, where echoes of enchanted siren song lured unwitting sailors to their doom. In Rüdesheim, the quintessential Rhine Valley wine town, visit SIEGFRIED S MECHANICAL MUSICAL INSTRUMENT MUSEUM to see and hear a large collection of self-playing calliopes and music boxes from the 18th to the early 20th centuries. Enjoy a SPECIAL TREAT before returning to your ship for dinner. (B,L,D)
DATES & PRICES US$ CRUISE WAZ: AMSTERDAM TO BASEL Amsterdam Basel Only Amsterdam Basel Only Tranquility II 0409 Sat 09 Apr Sat 16 Apr 2649 Felicity 0410 Sun 10 Apr Sun 17 Apr 2649 Imagery II 0416 Sat 16 Apr Sat 23 Apr 2899 Tranquility II 0423 Sat 23 Apr Sat 30 Apr 2999 Felicity 0424 Sun 24 Apr Sun 01 May 2999 Imagery II 0430 Sat 30 Apr Sat 07 May 3149 Tranquility II 0507 Sat 07 May Sat 14 May 3149 Felicity 0508 Sun 08 May Sun 15 May 3199 Imagery II 0514 Sat 14 May Sat 21 May 3199 Tranquility II 0521 Sat 21 May Sat 28 May 3199 Felicity 0522 Sun 22 May Sun 29 May 3199 Imagery II 0528 Sat 28 May Sat 04 Jun 3199 Tranquility II 0604 Sat 04 Jun Sat 11 Jun 3149 Felicity 0605 Sun 05 Jun Sun 12 Jun 3149 Imagery II 0611 Sat 11 Jun Sat 18 Jun 3149 Tranquility II 0618 Sat 18 Jun Sat 25 Jun 3149 Felicity 0619 Sun 19 Jun Sun 26 Jun 3149 Imagery II 0625 Sat 25 Jun Sat 02 Jul 3099 Tranquility II 0702 Sat 02 Jul Sat 09 Jul 2999 Felicity 0703 Sun 03 Jul Sun 10 Jul 2999 Imagery II 0709 Sat 09 Jul Sat 16 Jul 2999 Tranquility II 0716 Sat 16 Jul Sat 23 Jul 2999 Felicity 0717 Sun 17 Jul Sun 24 Jul 2999 Imagery II 0723 Sat 23 Jul Sat 30 Jul 2999 Tranquility II 0730 Sat 30 Jul Sat 06 Aug 2999 Felicity 0731 Sun 31 Jul Sun 07 Aug 2999 Luminary 0804 Thu 04 Aug Thu 11 Aug 2999 Imagery II 0806 Sat 06 Aug Sat 13 Aug 2999 Tranquility II 0813 Sat 13 Aug Sat 20 Aug 2999 Felicity 0814 Sun 14 Aug Sun 21 Aug 2999 Imagery II 0820 Sat 20 Aug Sat 27 Aug 2999 Tranquility II 0827 Sat 27 Aug Sat 03 Sep 3049 Felicity 0828 Sun 28 Aug Sun 04 Sep 3049 Imagery II 0903 Sat 03 Sep Sat 10 Sep 3249 Tranquility II 0910 Sat 10 Sep Sat 17 Sep 3249 Felicity 0911 Sun 11 Sep Sun 18 Sep 3249 Imagery II 0917 Sat 17 Sep Sat 24 Sep 3249 Tranquility II 0924 Sat 24 Sep Sat 01 Oct 3149 Felicity 0925 Sun 25 Sep Sun 02 Oct 3149 Visionary 0929 Thu 29 Sep Thu 06 Oct 3049 Imagery II 1001 Sat 01 Oct Sat 08 Oct 2999 Tranquility II 1008 Sat 08 Oct Sat 15 Oct 2949 Felicity 1009 Sun 09 Oct Sun 16 Oct 2949 Imagery II 1015 Sat 15 Oct Sat 22 Oct 2849 Tranquility II 1022 Sat 22 Oct Sat 29 Oct 2799 Felicity 1023 Sun 23 Oct Sun 30 Oct 2799 Imagery II 1029 Sat 29 Oct Sat 05 Nov 2699 Tranquility II 1105 Sat 05 Nov Sat 12 Nov 2599 Imagery II 1126** Sat 26 Nov Sat 03 Dec 2199 Imagery II 1210** Sat 10 Dec Sat 17 Dec 2199 ALL DEPARTURES ARE GUARANTEED. without a doubt an important city that manages to retain its historic charm. On your GUIDED SIGHTSEEING TOUR, visit the monumental red-sandstone GOTHIC CATHEDRAL with its ancient murals, stained-glass windows, and fascinating astronomical clock, as well as the magical LA PETITE FRANCE district, home to half-timber houses, quaint shops, inviting bistros, and a waterfront promenade. Also spend time exploring Place Kléber, a large historic square in the heart of the city, and Place Gutenberg in the heart of medieval Strasbourg, which features a statue of the inventor of the printing press. An optional excursion into the Alsace wine country is available today. After dinner tonight, enjoy an onboard WOODCARVING demonstration. (B,L,D) DAY 7 Breisach, Germany. Excursion to the Black Forest. Located at the foot of Kaiserstuhl Mountain on the French-German border, Breisach is the gateway to Germany s BLACK FOREST region, an area of unrivaled natural beauty with its forests of thick pine trees. The area got its name because the forests are so dense that local residents described them as black. Surely the most well-known products from this region are Black Forest ham, Black Forest cherry cake, and cuckoo clocks. You may opt for a visit to the workshop of a local woodcarver who produces clocks and other carvings, or to the open-air Museum of Vogtsbauernhof to see how life was lived in this area centuries ago. (B,L,D) DAY 8 Basel, Switzerland (Disembarkation). Your vacation ends with breakfast this morning. (NOTE: Departure flights should not leave Zürich Airport before 10 am.) (B) Gateway for departure is Zürich, Switzerland. ** Special interest cruise Port charges: $147 Gratuities to Local Guides & excursion drivers are included. Please call for single accommodation price. Triples not available. Extra nights per person in Amsterdam: in single room from $250 to $330, in twin room from $152 to $185 Extra nights per person in Zürich: in single room $205, in twin room $125 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: Felicity/Luminary Category Decks Price Other s Price D Indigo Deck ----- $199 B Sapphire Deck $649 $1,049 A Sapphire Deck $699 $1,099 P Royal Deck $799 $1,199 Suite/Royal Suite Royal Deck $1,399 $1,899 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 becomes necessary, a substitute will be offered. ** SPECIAL INTEREST CRUISES: FESTIVE TIME CRUISE: Departures 1126 and 1210 include Christmas markets and themes at no additional cost. See pages 20-21 for more details T R A V E L. A V A L O N W A T E R W A Y S. C O M. A U 71