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Avalon Waterways:
Central European Experience
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This splendid cruise introduces you to the magnificent Moselle, Rhine, and Main Rivers, as well as to the fascinating Main-Danube Canal. Enjoy city sightseeing in Paris, Prague, Bernkastel, and Bamberg. Also, visit Reichsburg Castle above Cochem; sample the area’s famed Riesling wines in the charming wine village of Rüdesheim; and marvel at Miltenberg’s half-timbered houses and the Bishop’s Residenz in Würzburg.
Itinerary (13 days/12 nights)
Day One: Depart USA/Canada
Board your overnight transatlantic flight.
Day Two: Prague, Czech Republic
Welcome to Prague, the capital of the Czech Republic. The city straddles the Vltava River with domes, cupolas, spires and pinnacles highlighting its skyline.
Day Three: Prague, Czech Republic
Prague is a 1,000-year-old city preserved in time. See its best-known treasures such as 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. Mix with the locals in Wenceslaus Square or stroll along the Vltava River. Your Cruise Director will have other suggestions for things to do. (B)
Day Four: Prague–Nuremberg, Germany (Embarkation)
After lunch, drive to Nuremberg, where the crew of your vessel awaits to welcome you aboard. (B,D)
Day Five: Bamberg
A beautiful UNESCO World Heritage Site is medieval Bamberg. Your walking tour takes in the breathtaking cathedral, the OLD TOWN HALL straddling the River Regnitz, and serpentine streets with charming houses and 18th-century mansions. (B,L,D)
Day Six: Würzburg
Known as the “Pearl of the Romantic Road,” Würzburg is surrounded by sloping hills covered with vineyards. The magnificent BISHOP’S RESIDENZ is another UNESCO World Heritage Site. (B,L,D)
Day Seven: Miltenberg
Located on the Main River, 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. This afternoon, learn how to bake a local soft cookie specialty. (B,L,D)
Day Eight: Rüdesheim–Rhine Gorge–Koblenz
Pretty Rüdesheim is the perfect example of a Rhine Valley wine town and SIEGFRIED’S MECHANICAL MUSICAL INSTRUMENT MUSEUM is a real surprise. A SPECIAL TREAT is planned, then you have time to explore the Drosselgasse and pick up some souvenirs. The dramatic RHINE GORGE is the most beautiful stretch of river. Pass the legendary rock of the Lorelei, where sweet songs of local beauties lured enchanted sailors to their doom. Situated at the confluence of the Rhine and Moselle Rivers, 2,000-year-old Koblenz is the cultural and business center of the Middle Rhine region. The DEUTSCHES ECK, located on a tongue of land where the two rivers converge, holds an impressive equestrian statue of Wilhelm I. The Moselle River is some 312-miles long, rising in the Vosges Mountains of northeastern France and entering Germany at Trier. The entire Moselle Valley is famous for its beautiful and tranquil scenery. (B,L,D)
Day Nine: Cochem
Visit REICHSBURG CASTLE, which sits atop a conical hill covered in vines. From here the views of the little town of Cochem nestled down below and of the river valley are splendid. Cruising the wide, peaceful curves of the river, it quickly becomes obvious that the Moselle is an important wine-growing region. Most notably, the Riesling grape is cultivated, producing a dry to sweet, floral white wine. (B,L,D)
Day Ten: Bernkastel
In the middle of the Moselle region is the charming wine village of Bernkastel with its well-preserved half-timbered houses surrounding the beautiful MARKET PLACE. Wine growers in this area look after Germany’s largest expanse of vineyards, the most celebrated of the vintages being the Bernkasteler Doktor. A special treat this evening: your chance to taste several of this region’s varietals in a local WINE CELLAR. (B,L,D)
Day Eleven: Trier (Disembarkation)–Paris, France
The venerable Episcopal city of Trier is the oldest in Germany and, some claim, even older than Rome! The famous PORTA NIGRA is the only surviving fortified gate from the original Roman settlement and still gives access to the town center. After breakfast, see the highlights of this city on your included tour before traveling to Metz to board the TGV HIGH-SPEED TRAIN for a swift and comfortable journey to Paris. (B)
Day Twelve: Paris
Paris’ famous sights are living history: your included city sightseeing shows you magnificent Notre Dame Cathedral, the unique Louvre Museum with its glass pyramid as a contrast to its ancient architecture, the commemorative Arc de Triomphe, Opéra, Madeleine, Champs Elysées, and the Eiffel Tower, a structural miracle of its age. The city is well known for its colorful nightlife, including some of the world’s most famous cabaret shows. (B)
Day Thirteen: Paris
Your homebound flight arrives the same day. (B)
Day One: Depart USA/Canada
Board your overnight transatlantic flight.
Day Two: Prague, Czech Republic
Welcome to Prague, the capital of the Czech Republic. The city straddles the Vltava River with domes, cupolas, spires and pinnacles highlighting its skyline.
Day Three: Prague, Czech Republic
Prague is a 1,000-year-old city preserved in time. See its best-known treasures such as 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. Mix with the locals in Wenceslaus Square or stroll along the Vltava River. Your Cruise Director will have other suggestions for things to do. (B)
Day Four: Prague–Nuremberg, Germany (Embarkation)
After lunch, drive to Nuremberg, where the crew of your vessel awaits to welcome you aboard. (B,D)
Day Five: Bamberg
A beautiful UNESCO World Heritage Site is medieval Bamberg. Your walking tour takes in the breathtaking cathedral, the OLD TOWN HALL straddling the River Regnitz, and serpentine streets with charming houses and 18th-century mansions. (B,L,D)
Day Six: Würzburg
Known as the “Pearl of the Romantic Road,” Würzburg is surrounded by sloping hills covered with vineyards. The magnificent BISHOP’S RESIDENZ is another UNESCO World Heritage Site. (B,L,D)
Day Seven: Miltenberg
Located on the Main River, 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. This afternoon, learn how to bake a local soft cookie specialty. (B,L,D)
Day Eight: Rüdesheim–Rhine Gorge–Koblenz
Pretty Rüdesheim is the perfect example of a Rhine Valley wine town and SIEGFRIED’S MECHANICAL MUSICAL INSTRUMENT MUSEUM is a real surprise. A SPECIAL TREAT is planned, then you have time to explore the Drosselgasse and pick up some souvenirs. The dramatic RHINE GORGE is the most beautiful stretch of river. Pass the legendary rock of the Lorelei, where sweet songs of local beauties lured enchanted sailors to their doom. Situated at the confluence of the Rhine and Moselle Rivers, 2,000-year-old Koblenz is the cultural and business center of the Middle Rhine region. The DEUTSCHES ECK, located on a tongue of land where the two rivers converge, holds an impressive equestrian statue of Wilhelm I. The Moselle River is some 312-miles long, rising in the Vosges Mountains of northeastern France and entering Germany at Trier. The entire Moselle Valley is famous for its beautiful and tranquil scenery. (B,L,D)
Day Nine: Cochem
Visit REICHSBURG CASTLE, which sits atop a conical hill covered in vines. From here the views of the little town of Cochem nestled down below and of the river valley are splendid. Cruising the wide, peaceful curves of the river, it quickly becomes obvious that the Moselle is an important wine-growing region. Most notably, the Riesling grape is cultivated, producing a dry to sweet, floral white wine. (B,L,D)
Day Ten: Bernkastel
In the middle of the Moselle region is the charming wine village of Bernkastel with its well-preserved half-timbered houses surrounding the beautiful MARKET PLACE. Wine growers in this area look after Germany’s largest expanse of vineyards, the most celebrated of the vintages being the Bernkasteler Doktor. A special treat this evening: your chance to taste several of this region’s varietals in a local WINE CELLAR. (B,L,D)
Day Eleven: Trier (Disembarkation)–Paris, France
The venerable Episcopal city of Trier is the oldest in Germany and, some claim, even older than Rome! The famous PORTA NIGRA is the only surviving fortified gate from the original Roman settlement and still gives access to the town center. After breakfast, see the highlights of this city on your included tour before traveling to Metz to board the TGV HIGH-SPEED TRAIN for a swift and comfortable journey to Paris. (B)
Day Twelve: Paris
Paris’ famous sights are living history: your included city sightseeing shows you magnificent Notre Dame Cathedral, the unique Louvre Museum with its glass pyramid as a contrast to its ancient architecture, the commemorative Arc de Triomphe, Opéra, Madeleine, Champs Elysées, and the Eiffel Tower, a structural miracle of its age. The city is well known for its colorful nightlife, including some of the world’s most famous cabaret shows. (B)
Day Thirteen: Paris
Your homebound flight arrives the same day. (B)
Tour Features
Highlights
Cruise:
Deluxe 7-night cruise from Nuremberg to Trier in an outside stateroom with hotel-style beds
Paris:
Guided sightseeing; Paris-Metz by TGV high-speed train
Trier:
Guided sightseeing; welcome reception
Bernkastel:
Guided sightseeing, visit a wine cellar
Cochem:
Visit Reichsburg Castle
Rüdesheim:
“Winzerexpress” mini train; visit Siegfried’s Mechanical Musical Instrument Museum
Miltenberg:
Guided sightseeing; baking demonstration
Würzburg:
Guided sightseeing, visit the Residenz
Bamberg:
Guided sightseeing
Prague:
Guided sightseeing, visit Hradcany Castle, view the Astronomical Clock
Notes:
In the event of water level problems on stretches of any river, it may be necessary to operate part of the itinerary by motorcoach.
Please check visa requirements with your local consulate(s); responsibility for obtaining visas rests with the traveler.
In the rare event that the high-speed TGV train is unavailable, alternative arrangements will be made and the sightseeing tour of Trier may not be possible.
INSIDE VISITS
Inside visits and special features are shown in the description, including admission charges when applicable.
Highlights
Cruise:
Deluxe 7-night cruise from Nuremberg to Trier in an outside stateroom with hotel-style beds
Paris:
Guided sightseeing; Paris-Metz by TGV high-speed train
Trier:
Guided sightseeing; welcome reception
Bernkastel:
Guided sightseeing, visit a wine cellar
Cochem:
Visit Reichsburg Castle
Rüdesheim:
“Winzerexpress” mini train; visit Siegfried’s Mechanical Musical Instrument Museum
Miltenberg:
Guided sightseeing; baking demonstration
Würzburg:
Guided sightseeing, visit the Residenz
Bamberg:
Guided sightseeing
Prague:
Guided sightseeing, visit Hradcany Castle, view the Astronomical Clock
Notes:
In the event of water level problems on stretches of any river, it may be necessary to operate part of the itinerary by motorcoach.
Please check visa requirements with your local consulate(s); responsibility for obtaining visas rests with the traveler.
In the rare event that the high-speed TGV train is unavailable, alternative arrangements will be made and the sightseeing tour of Trier may not be possible.
INSIDE VISITS
Inside visits and special features are shown in the description, including admission charges when applicable.
Dining:
Buffet breakfast (B) in Paris and Prague; superb dining with all meals on board daily
featuring full breakfast (B), lunch (L), and dinner (D), including a welcome reception,
welcome dinner, and Captain’s dinner; quality wines from Europe’s most famous wine regions with every dinner; one sitting with open seating arrangements
Hotels:
Paris: Le Meridien Montparnasse
Prague: Hilton
Ship
Avalon Tranquility:
The Avalon Tranquility introduces a new type of ship to cruising. The navigational bridge is
located in the stern, behind the passenger section, allowing for a more spacious and gracious interior design.
The lounge and restaurant, located in the front of the vessel, give unimpeded views of the passing landscape.
In addition, the Sky Deck is vast for sunning, taking pictures, or simply just relaxing.
Avalon Tranquility features the Silent Drive System (SDS) created to enhance guest experiences.
SDS features ship engines located at the stern, separating it from the passenger compartment,
allowing for a quieter cruise experience than traditional small ships.
FAQ
Can airfare be arranged?
Yes, we can arrange airfare from your home city.
Should I purchase insurance?
Yes, the purchase of medical and trip cancellation/interruption insurance is strongly recommended.
Can airfare be arranged?
Yes, we can arrange airfare from your home city.
Should I purchase insurance?
Yes, the purchase of medical and trip cancellation/interruption insurance is strongly recommended.
Dates & Cruise Only Prices
| May 27, 2010 | $4,059.00 per person | Ship: Tranquility |
| July 8, 2010 | $4,059.00 per person | Ship: Tranquility |
| August 19, 2010 | $4,059.00 per person | Ship: Tranquility |
| September 30, 2010 | $3,942.00 per person | Ship: Tranquility |
Prices are in CAD.
Prices exclude additional port charges of $99.00
and are per person, cruise-only, based on double occupancy. Other restrictions may apply.
Tour Map
