Supertrip 2015 Events 1
ITINERARY OVERVIEW October 24 October 25 October 26 October 27 October 28 October 29 October 30 October 31 November 1 November 2 November 3 Prague Prague Prague - Nuremburg Nuremburg Nuremburg Regensburg Passau Linz Melk Vienna Vienna Budapest Departures The following itinerary outlines the general program, including options to customize your personal experience. Your participants will spend 2 nights in Prague and 1 night in Nuremburg before boarding Avalon s beautiful Vista ship as we cruise from Nuremburg to Budapest down the legendary Danube. Our luxury adventure offers some breathtaking sightseeing, outstanding food and wine, and unforgettable experiences as we make our way through the Czech Republic, Germany, Austria and Hungary. To customize your experience, various activities and short excursions are available through Avalon Waterways; others are available exclusively to you by design. Activities have been pre-selected and pre-booked based on your selections during registration. Additional activities may be booked on site, pending availability, and may be submitted for ARP reimbursement. The ship offers daily on-board activities, including wine tastings. Schedules will be made available once we board. Your personal excursion selections will also be available for review on arrival in Prague. For questions, contact reneec@paragon-group.com. SATURDAY, 10/24 (Day 1) - PRAGUE, CZECH REPUBLIC After arrival in Prague, check in to the hotel and join us for dinner and an evening at leisure. All Day Arrivals Mark Luxury Hotel Airport meet and greet service will be provided for your transfer. 11 AM 6 PM Hospitality Desk Open Check in with the Hospitality desk for program materials and hotel check in support. 7 9 PM Dinner Café Imperial 2
After nearly 100 years, Café Imperial still retains an unforgettable atmosphere in the style Grand Café and features the best of Czech cuisine. 9 9:30 PM Self-guided mini tour of the Square Clock Tower If interested, join us for an after-dinner walk to the famous Prague astronomical clock, a medieval relic first installed in 1410. It is the third-oldest astronomical clock in the world and the oldest one still working. SUNDAY, 10/25 (Day 2) - PRAGUE, CZECH REPUBLIC Following breakfast, enjoy a day of sightseeing in Prague, lunch, and free time to shop and to explore. Our evening will close with a beautiful welcome dinner in classic Czech style.. 7:30 9 AM Breakfast at leisure Mark Luxury Hotel 9:30 AM 4 PM Treasures of Prague Tour Enjoy a day of sightseeing and touring as we stroll through historic Prague. Visit Prague Castle, the Chapel of the Holy Cross, the Old Royal Palace and legendary Golden Lane. We ll visit Hradcany Square and nearby treasures before stopping for lunch at Kampa Park, where celebrities dine. Before making our way back, we ll visit the famous Charles Bridge, one of the oldest and most beautiful in all of Europe. 6:30-9:30 PM Classic Cars Czech Tour & Dinner En route to dinner this evening, we ll be whisked away in beautifully renovated and restored historical Praga brand Czech vehicles from the early 1930 s. See the sights of Prague as we make our way to dinner at Francouska Restaurant, an experience of early 20 th century finesse. MONDAY, 10/26 (Day 3) - NUREMBERG, GERMANY Check out from the hotel after breakfast, and enjoy the view in private chartered vehicles to Nuremburg. Along the route, we ll see breathtaking landscape and iconic sights. A lunch stop will include beer tasting and bratwurst for a culinary and gastronomic experience before checking into the hotel in Nuremburg. Our day will close with dinner at the property. 7-8:45 AM Breakfast and hotel check-out By 8:45 AM, complete check-out for any incidentals you may have incurred. 9 AM 3:30 PM Scenic Drive and Day in Nuremberg We ll board luxury coaches for the scenic drive from Prague to Nuremberg, enjoying the countryside and historic sights. Lunch will feature some of the best of the region s bratwurst, apple strudel and 3
custard. Afterwards, we ll enjoy a 1 hour walking tour of the Imperial Castle of Nuremberg, one of the most important of the Holy Roman Empire. 3:30 PM Check in Hotel Le Meridien Check in to your room for overnight accommodations 4:30 5:30 PM Walking Tour Old Town in Nuremberg Feel free to join us on a stroll through Old Town, once a powerful imperial city and a center of economic activity. The prosperous city provided the ideal foundation for cultural and intellectual life. Even today numerous buildings and monuments reflect its former place within the Holy Roman Empire. Itinerary Overview 7:15 PM Dinner Brasserie Le Meridien Enjoy a luxurious dinner with the group. Brasserie, conveniently at our hotel, is known for its excellent cuisine with numerous, freshly prepared, regional and international dishes. TUESDAY, 10/27 (Day 4) - NUREMBERG, GERMANY After breakfast, you will check out of hotel to visit Dachau for an unforgettable day trip experience rich with history, leading directly into our arrival to the Avalon Vista port. That evening we ll join the ship passengers for a welcome reception and dinner on board. 8-9:15 AM Hotel check out and departure. 9:30 AM 4 PM Sightseeing Day Trip - Dachau Concentration Camp No trip to this region would be complete without a trip to the Dachau Concentration Camp. The first of its kind, it opened in 1933 under the Nazi government. The camp is now a memorial to the more than 40,000 people who died and over 200,000 who were imprisoned here during the Nazi regime. Lunch will be provided. 4-5 PM Board the Avalon Vista We ll pull into port, check in, and get settled in on board. 5:30-6:30 PM Welcome Reception Avalon Vista Join us for a Captain s Welcome Reception and ship s safety meeting. Relax and enjoy your first night on the ship. 7 PM Dinner at Leisure Avalon Vista The ship begins dinner service nightly at 7 PM. Seating is at your leisure. 4
WED, 10/28 (Day 5) - NUREMBERG, GERMANY Breakfast is at leisure, followed by morning sightseeing in Nuremberg. Choose from one of two an included guided ship s sightseeing tours as described below, or stay on board to relax. After exploring, we ll return to the ship for lunch and an afternoon of cruising and ship activities. Dinner and will be at your leisure aboard the Vista. Note that actual departure time may vary based on sailing conditions; passengers will be notified. CHOICE of Tour - Avalon 8:30 AM 1 PM Included Guided Tour: Nuremberg City On this 4.5 hour tour, start with a visit of the castle grounds of the Kaiserburg and end with a panoramic drive to the city s market square, which is located at the heart of the city center, surrounded by a multitude of must-see sights. 8:30 AM 1 PM Included Tour: Rally Grounds Tour This area of eleven square kilometers (4.25 sq. miles) was intended as an impressive backdrop for the Nazi party rallies staged here to demonstrate their power. Visit the key historic sights and centers. 12 PM Lunch Service Avalon Vista Lunch is generally served between 12 12:30 PM but is made available to those returning from tours and excursions. Afternoon Sailing to Regensberg Avalon Vista Enjoy the ship s service and activities as we sail to Regensberg. 7 PM Dinner Service Avalon Vista Dine at your leisure on board the ship and enjoy evening programming. THURS, 10/29 (Day 6) - REGENSBURG, GERMANY Arrive in Regensburg, one of Germany s best preserved Medieval cities, and take advantage of the ship s tours and excursions. Select from the guided walking tour or the upgraded experience to visit Weltenburg Abbey. Dine this evening at leisure with guests on board. CHOICE of Tour- Avalon 8:30 AM 1 PM Included Guided Tour: Altes Rathas/Porta Pretoria Architectural highlights on this walking tour 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. Grab a beer and enjoy an included snack at the Historische Wurstküche (Old Sausage Kitchen), one of Germany s oldest restaurants. 5
8:30 AM 1 PM Optional Tour: Weltenburg Abbey/ Gorge $52 USD The Weltenburg Abbey is located on a peninsula directly beneath the cliffs of the Gorge. The present Benedictine abbey dates back to the 18th century when it was extensively rebuilt in baroque style. The Weltenburg Abbey houses the oldest abbey brewery in the world, as the monks have been brewing beer since 1050. A beer and a pretzel are a welcome refreshment. 12 PM LUNCH Avalon Vista Itinerary Overview AFTERNOON Sail to Passau Enjoy the ship s activities and sights as we sail down the Danube. 7:00 PM Dinner Avalon Vista Enjoy at your leisure. FRIDAY, 10/30 (Day 7) - PASSAU LINZ, GERMANY/AUSTRIA Start the morning with a complimentary guided walking tour through the highlights of Passau then sailto Linz, Austria s third largest town, which straddles both banks of the Danube. As an alternative, select one of several full day excursions as an upgrade; each will start in Passau and will rejoin the ship in Linz for dinner. If you select the Walking Tour, you ll return to the boat to cruise to Linz during the afternoon. CHOICE of Tour- Avalon 8:30-10 AM Included Guided Tour: Walking Tour of Passau During the guided walk, we will see the highlights of Passau's Old Town, including picturesque places, romantic lanes and enchanting riverfront promenades. 8 AM - 6 PM Optional Tour: CESKY KRUMLOV $72 USD Enjoy the scenic route across the rolling hills of Upper Austria and Bohemia to one of the most beautiful, charming and romantic little towns that is to be found in Europe. This hidden gem, a colorful place with over 300 historic buildings, small lanes, art galleries, charming shops and medieval inns, is truly a stunning experience with small cobblestone streets. This is tour requires a great deal of walking, and guests must be in good health. Lunch is included; return in time for dinner. 8 AM 6 PM Optional Tour: Salzkammergut Lake District $77 USD View the picturesque mountain lakes, the luscious green of the hills and fields, the striking mountain cliffs and the romantic villages of the magnificent landscape of Salzkammergut region, shared between the provinces of Salzburg, upper Austria and Styria. Let us reveal to you the unspoiled beauty of Gmunden and St. Wolgang region and some of the most panoramic routes in Austria. Return to the ship for dinner. 6
8 AM -6 PM Optional Tour: SALZBURG Sound of Music $72 USD On our scenic ride by coach, admire the beauty of the region on this special tour. Picturesquely located at the foothills of the Alps the city is known as the birth-place of Mozart. Salzburg is also the setting for the Sound of Music Movie. It is a city full of beautiful baroque buildings and is perched between the mountains and green waters of the Salzach River. Stroll through the busy lanes with their wrought iron signs, using a cable car to ride up to the castle on the hill for views or just passing time by relaxing on one of the many terraces makes you feel part of the scenery. Return to the ship for dinner. 7 PM Dinner Avalon Vista Enjoy the company of great passengers and entertainment on board. SATURDAY, 10/31 (Day 8) - MELK VIENNA, AUSTRIA Enjoy the cruise s guided visit of Benectine Abbey, one of Europe s largest monasteries. During lunch, cruise through the picturesque Wachau Valley, passing through the baroque Stiftskiriche, the landmark of Durnstein, before arriving in Vienna. During the evening, we ll attend a special dinner concert. CHOICE 8:30 AM of Tour - Included Avalon Tour: Melk & Benedictine Abbey Sightseeing Visit Melk s magnificent 11th-century Benedictine Abbey, one of Europe s largest monasteries. 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! 12-6 PM Lunch and an afternoon of sailing to Vienna Special Included Evening Event: Disembark in Vienna 6:30 11 PM Group Exclusive Viennese Waltz, Concert & Dinner Prepare for a truly unique and authentic Viennese experience as we dine in elegance at the Palais Daun-Kinsky, learn to waltz in traditional style and enjoy an exclusive evening of concert chamber music. The sounds of Vienna will long be remembered. SUNDAY, 11/1 (Day 9) - VIENNA, AUSTRIA The day includes a memorable array of city sights, sounds and gastronomy as we offer the highlights of Vienna. In the morning, take advantage of the ship s included guided tour, and follow up with an 7
exclusive tour that afternoon. In the early evening we will leave Vienna and cruise through dinner en route to our final destination, Budapest. CHOICE of Tour - Avalon 8:30 12 PM Included Tour: Vienna City Tour Visit Hofburg Imperial Palace complex; the neo-renaissance Vienna Opera House; and the awe-inspiring St. Stephen s Cathedral plus, countless other sights shown to you. Shop in the delightful Kärntnerstrasse, and be sure to enjoy a piece of decadent Sachertorte or Apfelstrudel in one of the classic Viennese coffee houses. 12 PM Lunch Avalon Vista 1:30 4 PM Optional Tour: Schönbrunn Imperial Palace $50 USD Visit Schonbrunn, the former summer residence of the Imperial family and known to be one of the most beautiful buildings in Vienna. Today, the palace is part of UNESCO's cultural heritage due to its historic importance, its unique grounds and its splendid furnishings. Visit Empress Sisi's former summer residence; afterwards take your time to stroll through the park and enjoy the impressive gardens. 1:00 4:30 PM Optional Tour: Exclusive Vienna Guided Tour $135 USD As a trip participant only our private group excursion will enjoy the sights, sounds and tastes of Vienna! On private vintage trams, we ll tour the 150-year old Ringstrauss beginning at City Center and will stop for wine tasting and an authentic Heuringer experience in Grinzing, once home to Beethoven. (Minimum requirement: 16 passengers) NOTE: For those who select morning cruise excursions, we recommend staying in the city, enjoying lunch at the famous Café Demel, and meeting the group at the Opera House for the vintage tram and Grinzing experience. 5 PM 7 PM Ship departure for Budapest Dinner Avalon Vista Enjoy dinner with fellow passengers at leisure on board. MONDAY, 11/2 (Day 10) - BUDAPEST, HUNGARY Experience the best of Budapest today. The ship s complimentary tour takes us through hilltop castles and over the bridges that connect ancient Buda on the right bank with the Pest on the left. The optional tours, including the private option for our group only, offers hidden gems and an insider s perspective. Later, we ll come together for a final Farewell Captain s dinner aboard the ship before an optional tour of Budapest city lights. CHOICE of Tour - Avalon 8
8:30 AM 12 PM Included Tour: Budapest City Tour See Heroes Square as well as the massive hilltop castle complex with its remarkable Fishermen s Bastion and 11th-century Matthias Church Take note of the city s eight bridges many famous sights in and of themselves or perhaps visit St. Stephen s Basilica; shop at the Great Market Hall or wander around the Royal Palace grounds and stroll along Váci utca, the main shopping street. 9 AM 12 PM Optional PRIVATE Tour: Jewish Heritage Price Varies On this private tour of the Jewish Quarter, see first-hand the Jewish history that dates back to Roman times. The tour includes an interior visit to the Dohany Street Synagogue (the largest in Europe) and in the Jewish Museum, which has a wealth of artifacts and documents relating to Jewish history in Hungary and Eastern Europe. Continue to The Raoul Wallenberg Memorial Park with the Tree of Life; it was created to remind us of the 600,000 Jews, who perished in the Holocaust. Pricing varies by number of participants on final count and are noted in PER PERSON RATES 2 - $185; 4 - $105; 6 - $95; 8 to 12 - $65 USD 9 AM 12:30 PM Optional Tour: Gold & Glamorous: "Belle Époques $50 USD Join a coach trip along the Danube embankment with a short walk to one of the hidden treasures of Budapest - the House of Hungarian Art Nouveau. It houses a unique exhibition representing the refined world of Art Nouveau, including paintings, furniture, decorative objects and interiors, to give an insight into the atmosphere of middle-class life in Budapest in the "happy pre-war times". Then visit the Hungarian State Opera House. The building enchants not only the lovers of opera and ballet, but everyone who is amazed by the fine neo-renaissance architecture. Then enjoy a coffee and a cake in the Book Cafe, the glamorous main hall of the Paris Department Store, one of the hidden secrets of the city. 12 PM Lunch 1:30 PM 5 PM Optional Exclusive Guided Tour Szentendre: The Town of Artists $75 USD Szentendre, a picturesque town on the north side, near the Danube, has become a local favorite of resident artists and visiting art aficionados. The tiny town squares, narrow streets, Servian temples, and Baroque buildings make for a unique atmosphere and enchanting afternoon. Our tour includes a guided walk, a visit to the world-famous ceramics exhibit at the Kovacs Margit Museum, and time to shop, enjoy a coffee, or stroll at leisure. 7:00 PM Farewell Captain s Dinner aboard the Avalon Vista Enjoy the final evening with your cruise mates with a special reception to include sparkling wine and appetizers. Meet the Captain and recap our adventures! CHOICE of Tour Avalon 9
9-10:30 PM Optional Tour: Budapest s Night Lights $24 USD On this late evening tour by coach and expert guide, let the unique atmosphere of this magnificent city enchant you, and learn about the hidden secrets and stories behind the facades. Do not miss out on a visit to the must-see viewpoint from the highest hill in Budapest, a view overlooking this splendid city with an illumination rivaling the one of Paris. See unforgettable sights and enjoy the magic of lights, guaranteed during this panoramic tour with photo opportunities. TUESDAY, 11/3 (Day 11) - BUDAPEST, HUNGARY Itinerary Overview After breakfast, departure transfers return us to the airport. Or, enjoy an additional extended night in Budapest at your leisure before returning to the US or venturing on to your next destination. Depending on the group s schedule, we have reserved lunch options in Budapest and can arrange for private tours. 7-10 AM Breakfast on board and Disembarking Close out your personal accounts and disembark for transfers to the airport. 10:30 AM Final Ship s Transfer to the Airport Afternoon For those continuing on, enjoy additional tours and activities at leisure! We ll prereserve space for our attendees at a local restaurant favorite for lunch, pending interest and schedules. 10