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THE UPPER RHINE TO THE CITY OF MUSIC (WZV2010)
A 14-Day Avalon Waterways tour starting from $3,559
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| Starting Price: | $3,559 |  |
| Tour Length: | 14 Days | |
| Countries Visited: | Austria, Central Europe, France, Germany, Switzerland | |
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Cities Visited:
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City Highlights
Cruise:
Deluxe 10-night cruise from Basel to Vienna in an outside stateroom with hotel-style beds
Strasbourg:
Guided sightseeing, visit La Petite France district and the gothic cathedral
Mannheim:
Choice of excursion to Speyer or Heidelberg
Wertheim:
Orientation
Würzburg:
Guided sightseeing, visit the Residenz
Bamberg:
Guided sightseeing
Main Danube Canal:
Cruise in the canal
Nuremberg:
Guided sightseeing; beer tasting
Regensburg:
Guided sightseeing, visit the Old Chapel
Passau:
Guided sightseeing
Melk:
Guided visit of the Benedictine Abbey
Vienna:
Guided sightseeingNotes:In the event of water level problems on stretches of any river, it may be necessary to operate part of the itinerary by motorcoach.Included visits and special features are subject to change. If a change is necessary, a substitute will be offered.
Ship
Avalon Affinity
Hotels
Vienna
Hotel Intercontinental (D)
Meals
Buffet breakfast (B) in Vienna; superb dining with all meals on board daily 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; Complimentary wine, beer, or soft drinks with all onboard dinners; Complimentary coffee and tea available throughout the day
(Fri.) Board your overnight transatlantic flight.
Day 2:
Zürich, Switzerland. Transfer to Basel (Embarkation). (Sat.) 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 3:
Strasbourg, France. (Sun.) 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 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 its statue of the inventor of the printing press. Strasbourg is also home to the Kronenbourg Brewery. An optional excursion into the Alsace wine region is available. (B,L,D)
Day 4:
Mannheim–Mainz, Germany. (Mon.) After breakfast this morning, choose from an included guided excursion to either Germany’s ancient imperial city of Speyer or to the university city of Heidelberg. Speyer, located on the left bank of the Rhine, was a bishopric and boasts a Romanesque CATHEDRAL with six imposing towers and the finest and largest crypt in Germany. Four Holy Roman Emperors and four German kings are buried in the impressive Royal Vault. Heidelberg is Germany’s oldest university town of Student Prince fame. The ruins of imposing HEIDELBERG CASTLE, built of red sandstone, tower above the city. Of particular interest is the GIANT VAT, an 18th-century wine cask holding 49,000 gallons! Rejoin your ship in Mainz and enjoy free time to explore this city on your own. (B,L,D)
Day 5:
Miltenberg–Wertheim. (Tue.) Time at leisure this morning in charming Miltenberg, 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. Wertheim, situated at the confluence of the Tauber and Main Rivers, is known for its medieval town center, its castle, glass blowing, and its wine. (B,L,D)
Day 6:
Würzburg. (Wed.) Known as the “Pearl of the Romantic Road,” Würzburg is surrounded by sloping hills covered with vineyards. The magnificent BISHOP’S RESIDENZ is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. (B,L,D)
Day 7:
Bamberg. (Thu) Enjoy a leisurely morning on board as you cruise gently up the Main River. The more energetic might like to join an optional excursion to Bayreuth, best known for its connection with Richard Wagner and the annual Bayreuth Festival, when the composer’s operas are performed for a month. This afternoon, arrive in medieval Bamberg, another beautiful UNESCO World Heritage Site. Your walking tour takes in its breathtaking cathedral, the OLD TOWN HALL straddling the River Regnitz, and serpentine streets with charming houses and 18th-century mansions. (B,L,D)
Day 8:
Nuremberg. (Fri.) 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—all explained by a local expert. Nuremberg’s traditions include famous Lebkuchen, toy making, and metal working. After dinner we’ll introduce you to some of Germany’s FAMOUS BEERS! (B,L,D)
Day 9:
Regensburg. (Sat.) Another peaceful morning of cruising as you head through picturesque Altmühltal to Regensburg, one of Germany’s best preserved medieval cities. Architectural highlights on your guided tour this afternoon include the Old Town Hall, the beautiful white and gold OLD CHAPEL, and 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. It is here you will find Germany’s oldest restaurant, the 12th-century Historische Wurstküche (Old Sausage Kitchen). (B,L,D)
Day 10:
Passau–Linz, Austria. (Sun.) Passau, ideally located at the confluence of the Rivers Inn, Ilz, and Danube, 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. (B,L,D)
Day 11:
Melk–Dürnstein. (Mon.) Today is dedicated to the beautiful and romantic Wachau Valley, where so much of the excellent Austrian wines are grown and produced. This morning, visit Melk’s impressive BENEDICTINE ABBEY, which towers over the town. Lounge on the Sky Deck with a glass of white wine while enjoying the scenery as you sail to Dürnstein, whose baroque blue and white STIFTSKIRCHE stands right on the river bank. Explore on your own or choose one of a variety of optional excursions your Cruise Director will propose. (B,L,D)
Day 12:
Vienna (Disembarkation). (Tue.) After breakfast, say goodbye to your vessel and crew, and enjoy the sights of Vienna, Austria’s capital. Also known as the “City of Music,” Vienna inspired the creative genius of Mozart, Beethoven, and Strauss. Once the center of the mighty Habsburg Empire, the city has much to offer: the lavish Hofburg Palace, the impressive Vienna Opera House, the majestic Ring Boulevard, and awe-inspiring St. Stephen’s Cathedral, to name just a few of the sights your Local Guide will show you during your included tour. Shop in the Kärntnerstrasse and enjoy Sachertorte or Apfelstrudel in a neighborhood café. An optional concert is available during your stay. (B)
Day 13:
Vienna. (Wed.) A full day at leisure to explore this city at your own pace. Your Cruise Director will have suggestions for things to do. (B)
Day 14:
Vienna. (Thu.) Your homebound flight arrives the same day. (B)
Touring Date |
Land Only |
Land + Air |
Single (Land Only) |
Single (Land + Air) |
5/14/2010 - 5/27/2010 |
$3,559 |
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7/9/2010 - 7/22/2010 |
$3,559 |
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9/3/2010 - 9/16/2010 |
$3,559 |
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10/29/2010 - 11/11/2010 |
$3,559 |
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Airfare Disclaimer Documents |
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Avalon Affinity
The Avalon Affinity, which set sail in May of 2009, is one of the latest additions to the Avalon fleet, with a design that reflects the uniqueness of the area, and which differentiates her from the other Avalon vessels. Carrying a maximum of just 138 passengers with four suites, she is one of the smallest of the Avalon Waterways river cruise ships, yet the staterooms are equally spacious and well appointed, with floor-to-ceiling windows on two decks. In addition, there is an elevator, and the whirlpool on the Sky Deck allows for a refreshing dip after a day of sightseeing. The rear lounge is perfect for small groups.
Features exclusive to Avalon Affinity staterooms:
- Floor-to-ceiling sliding glass doors in most staterooms
- French balconies in most staterooms
- Flatscreen satellite TV & radio
- Private bathroom with shower
- Comfortable, hotel-style beds
- European-style duvets
- Egyptian super-combed cotton linens
- Large closets
- Minibar, hairdryer & safe
- Individual climate control
Staterooms (Click thumbnails to see full size image
Avalon Affinity Jr. Suite
1 Bed
2 Toilet
3 Sink
4 Shower
5 Closet
6 Writing Desk
7 Sliding Glass Doors
8 Sofa
9 Coffee Table
Avalon Affinity Stateroom
Category Staterooms - 172 sq. ft.
1 Bed
2 Toilet
3 Sink
4 Shower
5 Closet
6 Writing Desk
7 Windows
Category E Staterooms
Category E Staterooms - 172 sq. ft.
1 Bed
2 Toilet
3 Sink
4 Shower
5 Closet
6 Writing Desk
7 Windows
Ship Facts:
- Inagurated: 2009
- Length: 361 ft
- Decks: 4 decks including the Sky Deck
- Staterooms: 65
- Passenger Capacity: 138
- Voltage: 220v
- Onboard Currency: Euro
Ship Amenities:
- Headsets for all guided shore excursions in Europe
- Services of a professional Cruise Director
- Sightseeing with Local Guides
- Revolutionary engineering
- Non-smoking interior
- Internet access & Wi-Fi hotspots
- Elegant polished metal & glass throughout
- Onboard lectures, activities & nightly piano music
- Panoramic picture windows for landscape viewing
- Hair Salon
- Fitness Center
- Spacious Sky Decks with shade system for sunning
- 6-person whirlpool
- Lounge & Bar
- Complimentary coffee & tea available throughout the day
- Fine dining
- Buffet breakfast items are conveniently color coded to indicate foods that are low calorie, low fat/low calorie, high fiber, low cholesterol, and high energy
- Complimentary wine, beer or soft drinks will be included on all onboard dinners
- Open seating throughout the dining room for all meals
- Flatscreen satellite TV & radio
- Comfortable, hotel-style beds
- Comfortable beds that can be configured as two twins or one queen
- European-style duvets
- Egyptian super-combed cotton linens
- Private bathroom with shower
- Large closets
- Minibar, hairdryer & safe
- Individual climate control
- Royal Deck passengers can order Continental breakfast to their staterooms
- All staterooms are outside and those on Royal and Sapphire Decks have floor-to-ceiling sliding glass doors and French balconies
Price Details US
Gateway for arrival is Zürich, Switzerland.Cruise taxes, fees, fares and port charges: $140Please call for single accommodation price. Triples not available.Extra nights per person in Zürich:in single room $193, in twin room $127Extra nights per person in Vienna:in single room $308, in twin room $187Cruise-Only Option From $3,049Day 2 Zürich, Switzerland. Transfer to Basel (Embarkation) - Day 12 Vienna (Disembarkation)Cruise-only option allows you to participate in just the river cruise portion of the vacation, removing the overnight stays at the beginning or end of the cruise itinerary. Ask your Travel Consultant for details at the time of booking.Prices shown above include cruise in Category E in a deluxe outside stateroom on Indigo Deck.To upgrade to a higher category (all staterooms Twin/Double), add per person:Category / Affinity Decks / PriceB / Sapphire Deck / $713A / Sapphire Deck / $784P / Royal Deck / $927Jr. Suite / Royal Deck / $1,713
No Single Supplement on Select River Cruises
This is a special limited time offer! Take advantage of this extraordinary deal before it sails away!
A Taste of the Danube | View itinerary
5 days incl. travel, or 4 days from Vienna to Budapest
April 24, 2010
A Taste of the Danube | View itinerary
6 days incl. travel, or 5 days from Budapest to Vienna
Tulip Time | View itinerary
9 days incl. travel, or 8 days from Amsterdam to Amsterdam
March 27, 2010
March 31, 2010
April 3, 2010
The Legendary Danube | View itinerary
12 days incl. travel, or 11 days from Prague to Budapest
April 10, 2010
Burgundy & Provence | View itinerary
12 days incl. travel, or 11 days from Cote d’Azur to Paris
April 11, 2010
Burgundy & Provence | View itinerary
12 days incl. travel, or 11 days from Paris to Nice
April 3, 2010
Central European Experience | View itinerary
13 days incl. travel, or 12 days from Paris to Prague
April 22, 2010
The Blue Danube Discovery | View itinerary
14 days incl. travel, or 13 days from Budapest to Prague
April 4, 2010
April 15, 2010
European Splendor | View itinerary
14 days incl. travel, or 13 days from Vienna to Amsterdam
May 3, 2010
Windmills, Vineyards & Paris | View itinerary
14 days incl. travel, or 13 days from Paris to Amsterdam
April 19, 2010
Windmills, Vineyards & Paris | View itinerary
15 days incl. travel, or 14 days from Amsterdam to Paris
April 10, 2010
Magnificent Europe | View itinerary
16 days incl. travel, or 15 days from Budapest to Amsterdam
March 27, 2010
Jewels of Central Europe | View itinerary
18 days incl. travel, or 17 days from Paris to Budapest
April 22, 2010
*Book a select 2010 Europe Avalon Waterways/Globus River Cruise vacation to receive $500 off per person. Offer available on select dates of select cruises listed above. Booking must be made, under deposit, and discount applied anytime after October 28, 2009 for travel at select times in 2010. Applies to new 2010 bookings only, and offer will not be applied to pre-existing bookings. Offer reliant on space availability and may be withdrawn at any time. Not combinable with any other offer other than Journeys Club member benefit. Full cancellation penalties will apply. Additional restrictions may apply.
Save up to $1,000 per Stateroom on Select 2010 Avalon River Cruises**
Save up to $600 per stateroom on Avalon Europe River Cruises.*
$600 off per stateroom on air-inclusive European River Cruise Vacations.*
$300 off per stateroom on cruise only European River Cruise Vacations.*
Knowing that you’re more careful than ever about spending your money, Avalon Waterways is an undeniable value. Our prices include accommodations, local sightseeing, many meals and complimentary wine with dinner. You can feel confident investing your valuable vacation dollars with Avalon.
Save $1,000 per stateroom on these select 2010 Avalon Waterways River Cruises.**
This is a special limited time Spring Fling offer! Take advantage of this extraordinary deal before it sails away!
A Taste of the Danube | View itinerary
5 days incl. travel, or 4 days from Vienna to Budapest
April 24, 2010
May 2, 2010
July 3, 2010
A Taste of the Danube | View itinerary
6 days incl. travel, or 5 days from Budapest to Vienna
April 20, 2010
June 29, 2010
Tulip Time | View itinerary
9 days incl. travel, or 8 days from Amsterdam to Amsterdam
March 27, 2010
April 10, 2010
The Legendary Danube | View itinerary
12 days incl. travel, or 11 days from Prague to Budapest
April 10, 2010
Burgundy & Provence | View itinerary
12 days incl. travel, or 11 days from Cote d’Azur to Paris
April 11, 2010
Central European Experience | View itinerary
13 days incl. travel, or 12 days from Paris to Prague
April 22, 2010
July 15, 2010
European Splendor | View itinerary
14 days incl. travel, or 13 days from Vienna to Amsterdam
May 3, 2010
July 19, 2010
Windmills, Vineyards & Paris | View itinerary
14 days incl. travel, or 13 days from Paris to Amsterdam
April 19, 2010
August 9, 2010
Windmills, Vineyards & Paris | View itinerary
15 days incl. travel, or 14 days from Amsterdam to Paris
April 10, 2010
June 5, 2010
July 31, 2010
Magnificent Europe | View itinerary
16 days incl. travel, or 15 days from Budapest to Amsterdam
March 27, 2010
June 12, 2010
July 20, 2010
Magnificent Europe (reverse itinerary)
16 days incl. travel, or 15 days from Amsterdam to Budapest
June 19, 2010
June 26, 2010
July 17, 2010
July 24, 2010
Jewels of Central Europe | View itinerary
18 days incl. travel, or 17 days from Paris to Budapest
April 22, 2010
Blue Danube to the Black Sea | View itinerary
14 days incl travel or 13 days from Vienna to Bucharest
July 6, 2010
Reverse itinerary July 16, 2010
Black Sea Discovery | View itinerary
12 days incl travel or 11 days from Budapest to Bucharest
June 17th
Reverse itienrary June 25th
Grand Black Sea | View itinerary
20 days incl travel or 19 days from Bucharest to Prague
June 25, 2010
*Book a 2010 Europe Globus or Avalon River Cruise air-inclusive vacation to receive the $300 off per person offer. Europe Cruise-only bookings are eligible for the $150 off per person offer. Must be made, under deposit, and discount applied between January 6 and April 6, 2010 for travel through December 31, 2010. Offers not valid with one-another or any other offer other than Journeys Club member benefit. Applies to new 2010 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.
**Book a select 2010 Europe Avalon Waterways River Cruise vacation to receive $500 off per person. Offer available on select dates of select cruises listed above. Jr. Suites excluded. Booking must be made, under deposit, and discount applied anytime after February 3, 2010 for travel at select times in 2010. Applies to new 2010 bookings only, and offer will not be applied to pre-existing bookings. Offer reliant on space availability and may be withdrawn at any time. Not combinable with any other offer other than Journeys Club member benefit. Full cancellation penalties will apply. Additional restrictions may apply.
***Book a select 2010 Europe Avalon Waterways River Cruise vacation in order to waive the single supplement fee. Only five promotional staterooms available each departure. Offer available on select dates of select cruises listed above. Booking must be made, under deposit, and discount applied between November 18, 2009 and February 16, 2010 for travel at select times in 2010. Applies to new 2010 bookings only, and offer will not be applied to pre-existing bookings. Offer reliant on space availability and may be withdrawn at any time. Not combinable with any other offer other than Journeys Club member benefit. Full cancellation penalties will apply. Additional restrictions may apply.
Avalon Waterways Will Not Be Undersold!
Avalon will match competitor pricing on 2010 European river cruises!*
Call today and gives us the name and departure date of a competitor's river cruise you are considering. If Avalon has a comparable 2010 cruise available, they'll match the per diem price - with the newest fleet on the market, why not?
*Book a Europe Avalon River cruise vacation to receive the match offer. Must provide the name and departure date of the competitor cruise in order to qualify. Must be made, under deposit, and discount applied prior to March 2, 2010 for travel through December 31st, 2010. Offer good in conjunction with other qualifying offers including Journeys Club. Offer is subject to change and could be withdrawn at any time. Applies to new 2010 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.