GRAND CHRISTMASTIME CRUISE (WXZV2012)
A 16-Day Avalon Waterways tour starting from $4,098
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| Starting Price: | $4,098 |  |
| Tour Length: | 16 Days | |
| Countries Visited: | Austria, France, Germany, Switzerland | |
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Cities Visited: Title Vacation Overview |
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Meals
Superb dining with meals on board featuring full breakfast (B), lunch (L), and dinner (D), including a welcome reception, Captain’s reception, and farewell dinner; quality wines from Europe’s most famous wine regions with every dinner; one sitting with open seating arrangements
Zürich, Switzerland. Transfer to Basel (Embarkation). Flights into Zürich must arrive before 3 pm. Your river cruise vessel is docked on the Rhine River in Basel, where France, Switzerland, and Germany meet. Before dinner, meet your crew at a welcome reception. (D)
Day 2:
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. There’s no better setting for this time of year than when smoke curls from the chimneys of the traditional Black Forest houses with their long sloping roofs, connoting images of warm and festively decorated interiors. And if there has been a fresh snowfall, this will indeed be a Winter Wonderland! Surely the most well-known products from this region are Black Forest ham, cherry cake, and cuckoo clocks. (B,L,D)
Day 3:
Strasbourg, France. Situated on the border of France and Germany, Strasbourg is influenced by the culture of both countries and is the capital of the Alsace region. It is the seat of the Council of Europe and the European Parliament. A Local Guide shows you the noteworthy sights: the GOTHIC CATHEDRAL, the lovely LA PETITE FRANCE district, Place Kléber, and Place Gutenberg with the statue of the inventor of the printing press. Dating back to 1570, the traditional Christmas market is one of the oldest and finest in Europe. Located around Place de la Cathédrale and Place Broglie, its centerpiece is a giant Christmas tree. As you stroll through the festively decorated and illuminated streets you’ll notice the pleasing aromas of mulled wine, sweets, spice cakes, and biscuits—a truly magical atmosphere! (B,L,D)
Day 4:
Speyer, Germany. Excursion to Heidelberg. This morning, dock in the ancient imperial city of Speyer on the left bank of the Rhine. From here, an included excursion takes you to Heidelberg, of Student Prince fame and Germany’s oldest university town. Take your photos of imposing Heidelberg Castle, built of red sandstone and towering above the city. At this time of year an ice rink is set up at the foot of the castle, and stalls offer Glühwein, Bratwurst, and other tasty treats. The Christmas market itself is scattered over five town squares and you’ll find a wide array of crafts and regional delicacies. (B,L,D)
Day 5:
Frankfurt. Excursion to Rüdesheim. After breakfast this morning a comfortable motorcoach ride takes you to the pretty little town of Rüdesheim, a perfect example of a Rhine Valley wine town. A visit to SIEGFRIED’S MECHANICAL MUSICAL INSTRUMENT MUSEUM is a real surprise! Afterward, there’s free time to explore. The entire town transforms itself into one large Christmas market, offering products and specialties from a number of nations, all presented in a distinctive manner. You’ll be spoiled by the selection of shops offering a vast variety of Christmas presents and decorations. In the Market Square you’ll find Europe’s largest nativity scene, with life-size figures. After lunch, return to Frankfurt. (B,L,D)
Day 6:
Miltenberg–Wertheim. Miltenberg is a picturesque Bavarian village that thrived on income from river traffic. Its cultural wealth and affluence are reflected in the beautiful medieval and renaissance houses and the gothic splendor of the Merchant Hall shown to you during your guided walk. The town center is within walking distance of the ship, as is the Christmas market. After lunch, learn how to bake a local SOFT COOKIE specialty. In the afternoon, there’s free time in Wertheim, whose overlapping half-timbered houses are grouped along winding streets. Glassblowers have a long tradition in this town and, especially in winter, they produce ornaments that hang on Christmas trees all over the world. Marvel at the tasteful Christmas decorations in all the shop windows and stroll through the charming Christmas market. (B,L,D)
Day 7:
Würzburg. Excursion to Rothenburg. Known as the “Pearl of the Romantic Road,” Würzburg is surrounded by sloping hills covered with vineyards. The magnificent BISHO P’S RESIDENZ is another UNESCO World Heritage Site. After lunch, set off on the most scenic section of the Romantic Road to Rothenburg ob der Tauber. This ancient walled city—with its ramparts, fountains, and cobblestone lanes—is steeped in history. Although known for its yearround Christmas market, the real one at this time of the year is an experience you won’t want to miss! Try a Schneeball (snowball), a local specialty not at all suitable for a diet! (B,L,D)
Day 8:
Bamberg. Medieval Bamberg is a beautiful UNESCO World Heritage Site. Your walking tour takes in its breathtaking cathedral, the Old Town Hall straddling the Regnitz River, and serpentine streets with charming houses and 18th-century mansions. At this time of year the town is decked out for Christmas. Especially interesting are the many nativity scenes that are built by local citizens and exhibited throughout the town. Today we’ll introduce you to some of Germany’s FAMOUS BEERS! (B,L,D)
Day 9:
Nuremberg. Although Nuremberg suffered extensive damage during WWII, much of it was restored to its original style. Marvel at this historic city with its fabulous gothic churches and elegant patrician houses. Nuremberg hosts Germany’s most famous Christmas market, which dates back to 1628 and is opened each year by the Christkindl. The Old Town is illuminated with festive lights and decorations. The city’s traditions include famous Lebkuchen, toy making, and metal working. (B,L,D)
Day 10:
Nuremberg. Excursion to Munich. After breakfast, drive to Munich, where a local expert will proudly show you the sights of the Bavarian capital. An inspiring mix of historic buildings and impressive architecture, you’ll see the Olympic Stadium, 1,000-foot high Television Tower, Nymphenburg Palace, MARIENPLATZ in the historic heart of the city with the Old and New Town Halls, and the gothic Frauenkirche. Later, there’s free time to explore on your own. The traditional Christmas market is located on the Marienplatz, with aromas of toasted almonds, roasted chestnuts, and gingerbread filling the air and the strains of alpine Christmas music coming from the town hall. At the nearby Rindermarkt, you’ll find the Kripperlmarkt, one of the largest markets in Germany to specialize in mangers and other nativity accessories. And don’t leave Munich without paying a visit to the famous Hofbräuhaus for a stein of beer! Return to your ship in the late afternoon. (B,D)
Day 11:
Nuremberg. A day to relax and enjoy Nuremberg at your own pace. Stroll through the festively lit streets, write those last-minute postcards, or ask your Cruise Director for suggestions of things to do. (B,L,D)
Day 12:
Regensburg. Regensburg is one of Germany’s best preserved medieval cities. Architectural highlights on your guided tour include the Old Town Hall and the Porta Pretoria–gates to an ancient Roman fort built in 179 AD. The city is the capital of Upper Palatinate, a bustling university town, and one of Bavaria’s cultural centers. The Christmas market is located on the historic market square. Germany is famous for its sausages, and Regensburg is home to the country’s oldest restaurant—Historische Wurstküche (the Old Sausage Kitchen), dating back to the 12th century. (B,L,D)
Day 13:
Passau–Linz, Austria. Passau, ideally located at the confluence of the Inn, Ilz, and Danube Rivers, 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 as well as more Christmas cheer—the traditional carols, the sparkling lights, and the smell of candles and gingerbread! Linz, Austria’s third-largest town, lies on both banks of the Danube and is an important industrial town and busy river port. (B,L,D)
Day 14:
Melk–Vienna. Melk’s magnificent BENEDICTINE ABBEY dominates the town from its commanding hill site and is one of Europe’s largest monasteries. The view from the terrace over the Danube and surrounding countryside is breathtaking! This evening, arrive in Vienna, the “City of Music,” which inspired the creative genius of Mozart, Beethoven, and Strauss. An optional concert is available tonight. (B,L,D)
Day 15:
Vienna. Once the center of the mighty Habsburg Empire, Austria’s capital has much to offer: the lavish Hofburg Palace, the impressive Vienna Opera House, majestic Ring Boulevard, and awe-inspiring St. Stephen’s Cathedral, to name just a few of the sights you will enjoy on your city tour. You do not rush through Vienna—you waltz, taking your time to savor each classic sight and sound. Shop in the Kärntnerstrasse and enjoy Sachertorte or Apfelstrudel in a neighborhood café. Soak up the atmosphere of the Adventszeit (Advent season) and spend some time at the beautiful Christmas markets located throughout the city. (B,L,D)
Day 16:
Vienna (Disembarkation). Your vacation ends with breakfast this morning. (B)
Touring Date |
Land Only |
Land + Air |
Single (Land Only) |
Single (Land + Air) |
11/25/2012 - 12/11/2012 |
$4,098 |
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| Note: Departures appearing above in green are guaranteed to operate by the tour operator. | ||||
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Airfare Disclaimer Documents |
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City Highlights
CRUISE
Deluxe 15-night cruise from Basel to Vienna in an outside stateroom with hotel-style beds.
BREISACH
Excursion to the Black Forest
STRASBOURG
Guided sightseeing, visit La Petite France district and the gothic cathedral
HEIDELBERG
Take pictures of the castle
FRANKFURT
Excursion to Rüdesheim, visit Siegfried’s Mechanical Musical Instrument Museum
MILTENBERG
Guided sightseeing; baking demonstration
WÜRZBURG
Guided sightseeing, visit the Bishop’s Residenz; excursion to Rothenburg
BAMBERG
Guided sightseeing, see the Old Town Hall; beer tasting
NUREMBERG
Guided sightseeing
MUNICH
Guided sightseeing, visit the Marienplatz
REGENSBURG
Guided sightseeing
MELK
Guided visit of the Benedictine Abbey
VIENNA
Guided sightseeing
Notes
Notes:Christmas markets operate from late November until the third week of December, depending on location.In the event of water level problems on stretches of any river, or any problems of a technical nature, it may be necessary to operate part of the itinerary by motorcoach or to alter the program.Included visits and special features are subject to change. If a change become necessary, a substitute will be offered.
Price Details US
Port charges:$225Please call for single accommodation price. Triples not available.Extra nights per person in Zürich:in single room $170, in twin room $115Extra nights per person in Vienna:in single room $218, in twin room $130Prices 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 / PriceD / Indigo Deck / $319B / Sapphire Deck / $1,498A / Sapphire Deck / $1,605P / Royal Deck / $1,819Royal Suite / Royal Deck / $3,641
SAVE $1,000 Per Couple On Select 2013 Avalon Europe River Cruises
SAVE $1,000 Per Couple On Select 2013 Avalon Europe River Cruises
With Avalon Waterway's Book Now Sailings, you can easily and affordably take a cruise that includes everything. Our cruises give you sweeping views of awe-inspiring landscapes every moment of the day and bring you to the heart of small towns and big cities to experience unique destinations like a local. We want to welcome you to the world of Avalon river cruising. Where no matter how long you're aboard, you'll be spoiled with a cruise unlike any other. Book Now Sailings are offered for a limited time only and sell out quickly. Offer also valid for the cruise-only itineraries and full offer details below.
| Cruise | Number of Days | Departures | Map | |
| Tulip Time | 8 days from Amsterdam to Amsterdam | April 6 & April 7, 2013 |
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| Taste of the Danube | 4 days from Vienna to Budapest | April 25 & July 26, 2013 |
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| Taste of the Danube | 5 days from Budapest to Vienna | April 21 & August 12, 2013 |
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| Burgundy and Provence | 11 days from Paris to Côte d'Azur | March 30, April 13, July 6, August 17 & October 12, 2013 |
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| Burgundy and Provence | 11 days from Côte d'Azur to Paris | April 7, July 14 & August 11, 2013 |
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| Paris to Normandy's Landing Beaches | 8 days from Paris to Paris | April 22, July 1, July 15, August 5, August 19 & October 14, 2013 |
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| Blue Danube to the Black Sea | 13 days from Vienna to Bucharest | August 5, 2013 |
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| Blue Danube to the Black Sea | 13 days from Bucharest to Vienna | July 3, 2013 |
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| The Legendary Danube | 11 days from Prague to Budapest | April 9, August 10 & October 30, 2013 |
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| The Blue Danube Discovery | 13 days from Budapest to Prague | July 7, October 24 & Ocober 30, 2013 |
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| Balkin Discovery | 11 days from Budapest to Bucharest | April 17 & July 31, 2013 |
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| Balkin Discovery | 11 days from Bucharest to Budapest | October 25, 2013 |
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| Magnificent Europe | 15 days from Budapest to Amsterdam | April 26, August 1 & October 26, 2013 |
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| Romantic Rhine | 8 days from Zürich to Amsterdam | April 13, April 21, June 22, July 6, July 20, August 3, August 17, October 26 & November 2, 2013 |
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| Romantic Rhine | 8 days from Amsterdam to Basel | April 6, April 14, August 10 & October 26, 2013 |
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| The Upper Rhine-City of Music | 12 days from Zürich to Vienna | July 17, 2013 |
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| European Splendor | 13 days from Amsterdam to Vienna | July 26, 2013 |
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| European Splendor | 13 days from Vienna to Amsterdam | July 14 & August 18, 2013 |
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| Windmills, Vineyards & Paris | 10 days from Amsterdam to Paris | August 10, 2013 |
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| Windmills, Vineyards & Paris | 13 days from Paris to Amsterdam | October 24, 2013 |
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Terms & Conditions: Book a select 2013 Europe Avalon Waterways vacation to receive $500 off per person on the cruise/land only price. Offer available onselect dates of select cruises. Booking must be made, under deposit, and discount applied between February 1 and June 26, 2012 for travel at select times in 2013. Avalon and Royal Suites excluded. Offer reliant on space availability and may be withdrawn at any time. Not combinable with any other offer, other than Journeys Club Repeat Traveler benefit. Applies to new 2013 bookings only, and offer will not be applied to pre-existing bookings. Offer reliant on space availability. Full cancellation penalties will apply. Additional restrictions may apply.
SAVE $500 Per Couple On 2013 Avalon Europe River Cruises
SAVE $500 Per Couple On 2013 Avalon Europe River Cruises
Have you ever taken a cruise that brought you sweeping views every
moment of every day? Or delivered you right to the heart of the cities,
towns and small quiet villages to experience the sights and sounds, the
people and the cultures there. Have you ever taken a cruise where on
shore excursions, and on-board amenities are all included? Have you ever
had a vacation that satisfied your mind, body and soul? Here in the
sanctuary of our world-class ships, we gracefully deliver the world to
you, and you to it. Sit back. Relax. Enjoy. And be spoiled with a cruise
unlike any other, upon the ships of Avalon.
There's never been a better time for you to take the cruise of a lifetime with an all-inclusive Avalon river cruise. We'll pamper you with large suites, luxurious amenities, exquisite cuisine, and ever changing views every moment of every day. And we'll take you right to the heart of charming cities, and towns where you can spend your days seeing the sights like a local, not like a tourist.
Terms & Conditions: Book a 2013 Europe Avalon Waterways vacation to receive $250 off per person on the cruise/land only price. Booking must be made, under deposit, and discount applied between February 1 and September 18, 2012 for travel in 2013. Offer reliant on space availability and may be withdrawn at any time. Not combinable with any other offer, other than Journeys Club Repeat Traveler benefit. Applies to new 2013 bookings only, and offer will not be applied to pre-existing bookings. Offer reliant on space availability. Full cancellation penalties will apply. Additional restrictions may apply.
SAVE $300 Per Couple On 2013 Avalon Exotic River Cruises
SAVE $300 Per Couple On 2013 Avalon Exotic River Cruises
A once-in-a-lifetime destination, deserves a once-in-a-lifetime way to see it.
Ecuador & the Galápagos
9 days from Quito to Guayaquil
This
exciting vacation lets you sample the natural wonders of Ecuador and
the Galápagos Islands. Enjoy guided sightseeing in Quito, have your
photo taken at the "Center of the World," and spend time at leisure in
Guayaquil. Fly over the Pacific to San Cristobal Island, where you'll
embark on an exciting 4-day cruise among various Galápagos Islands.
Then, spend two nights on Santa Cruz Island at the Finch Bay Hotel,
where an expert Naturalist introduces you to indigenous plant and animal
species found only in the Galápagos.
Highlights of Egypt
9 days from Cairo to Cairo
Sail
through 5-thousand years of history on this incredible Nile river
cruise getaway. In Cairo, marvel at King Tutankhamun's treasures and
masterpieces of ancient art, visit the enigmatic Sphinx, and see the
Great Pyramids of Giza. Drive to the ancient capital of Memphis to see
the 40-foot statue of Ramses II. Fly to Luxor, one of the greatest
cities of ancient Egypt, and embark your 4-night Nile River cruise to
Aswan. Along the way, visit the Luxor Temple, Colossi of Memnon, the
Valley of Kings and Valley of Queens, the Temple of Isis, and Aswan Dam.
Magical China & the Yangtze River
11 days from Beijing to Shanghai
Discover
China's ancient history and fascinating culture on this delightful
China river cruise. Sightseeing with a Local Guide shows you the
highlights in Beijing, Xi'an, and Shanghai, with inside visits that
include the Forbidden City, Imperial Palace, Great Wall, Sacred Way of
the Ming Tombs, the Terracotta Warriors, Dayan Pagoda, the Bund, the Yu
Yuan Gardens, and the Children's Palace. Attend an acrobatic show or
visit the Ghost City Temple, and participate in a calligraphy class,
lacquer and cloisonné workshops, and a noodle-making demonstration.
Terms & Conditions: Book a 2013 Asia, Egypt or Galapagos Avalon Waterways vacation to receive $150 off per person on the cruise/land only price. Booking must be made, under deposit, and discount applied between February 1 and September 18, 2012 for travel in 2013. Offer reliant on space availability and may be withdrawn at any time. Not combinable with any other offer, other than Journeys Club Repeat Traveler benefit. Applies to new 2013 bookings only, and offer will not be applied to pre-existing bookings. Offer reliant on space availability. Full cancellation penalties will apply. Additional restrictions may apply.
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All prices are per person, double occupancy, subject to availability. These pages are not endorsed or supported by the tour operator in any way. All information presented is based on promotional material provided by the tour operator. All prices, itineraries, accommodations and dates are subject to change without notice and at any time by the tour operators. Availability is limited and must be reconfirmed at time of booking. The prices on this website are not guaranteed. We are not responsible for errors, omissions, or changes in pricing. Please call us toll free at 1-800-942-3301 to confirm availability and pricing.
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