CHRISTMASTIME IN GERMANY and AUSTRIA (WVF2010)

A 13-Day Avalon Waterways tour starting from $2,769

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Starting Price: $2,769 Printer Friendly Page
Tour Length: 13 Days
Countries Visited: Austria, Central Europe, Germany
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  • Single Supplement Waived on Select River Cruises
  • Save $100 per person on Groups of 5 or more
 
More Information About This Tour:
Tour Type: Other Avalon Tours
Tour Category: RIVER CRUISE
Tour Operator: Avalon Waterways
Tour Code: WVF-2010
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An E-Brochure is available - click to view

Cities Visited:
See Description


Vacation Overview
Austria and Germany—there are no better places to savor Gemütlichkeit, Glühwein, and Lebkuchen during the festive time of year! You’ll be enthralled by the beautiful decorations, the festive lights, and the special atmosphere that only a visit to a Christmas market on a cold, crisp winter’s day can bring. Other highlights of this river cruise vacation: explore the charming towns along the Danube and Main with a local expert, visit the Benedictine Abbey of Melk, and learn how a local cookie specialty is made in picturesque Miltenberg.

 

Ship
Avalon Luminary

City Highlights


Cruise:
Deluxe 11-night cruise from Vienna to Frankfurt in an outside stateroom with hotel-style beds

Vienna:
Welcome reception; guided sightseeing

Dürnstein:
Walking tour

Melk:
Guided visit of the Benedictine Abbey; wine tasting

Regensburg:
Walking tour

Nuremberg:
Guided sightseeing; beer tasting

Munich:
Guided sightseeing

Bamberg:
Guided sightseeing, Old Town Hall

Würzburg:
Guided sightseeing, visit the Residenz; excursion to Rothenburg

Miltenberg:
Guided sightseeing; baking demonstrationNotes:Christmas markets operate from late November until December 25Included visits and special features are subject to change. If a change becomes necessary, a substitute will be offered.In the event of water level problems on stretches of any river, it may be necessary to operate part of the itinerary by motorcoach.

 


Meals
Superb dining with meals on board featuring full breakfast (B), lunch (L), and dinner (D), including a welcome reception, Captain’s receptions, 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
 
Day 1:
Board your overnight transatlantic flight.

Day 2:
Vienna, Austria (Embarkation). Welcome to Vienna, Austria’s romantic capital! This afternoon, board your river cruise vessel and meet your crew at a WELCOME RECEPTION. (D)

Day 3:
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 in the beautiful Christmas markets located throughout the city. (B,L,D)

Day 4:
Dürnstein–Melk. This morning, enjoy a guided walk around Dürnstein, known for the magnificent baroque STIFTSKIRCHE with its blue façade. After lunch, visit the magnificent BENEDICTINE ABBEY that dominates the town of Melk 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 you'll sample some of the region’s FAMOUS WINES. (B,L,D)

Day 5:
Linz–Passau, Germany. Linz, Austria’s third-largest town, lies on both banks of the Danube and is an important industrial town and busy river port. 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. 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. (B,L,D)

Day 6:
Regensburg. Regensburg is one of Germany’s best preserved medieval cities. Architectural highlights on your guided tour include the Old Town Hall, the beautiful white and gold OLD CHAPEL, 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 7:
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, all explained by a local expert. Nuremberg hosts Germany’s most famous Christmas market, which dates back to 1628. The Old Town is illuminated with festive lights and decorations. The city’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 8:
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 specializing 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 9:
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 10:
Bamberg. A beautiful UNESCO World Heritage Site is medieval Bamberg. 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. At this time of year the town is decked out for Christmas and especially interesting are the many nativity scenes that are built by local citizens and exhibited throughout the town. (B,L,D)

Day 11:
Würzburg. Excursion to Rothenburg. 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. 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 cobbled lanes, is steeped in history. Although known for its year-round Christmas market, the real one at this time of the year is an experience not to be missed. Try a Schneeball (snowball), a local specialty that is not at all suitable for a diet! (B,L,D)

Day 12:
Wertheim–Miltenberg. This morning, stop 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 decorations that hang on Christmas trees all over the world. Marvel at the tasteful Christmas decorations in the shop windows and stroll through the charming Christmas market. 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. Before lunch, learn how to bake a local SOFT COOKIE specialty. (B,L,D)

Day 13:
Frankfurt. Your homebound flight arrives the same day. (B)

 

Don't miss our current specials:

  • No Single Supplement on Select River Cruises
  • Save up to $1,000 per Stateroom on Select 2010 Avalon River Cruises**
  • Avalon Waterways Will Not Be Undersold!
         
Touring Date
Land Only
Land + Air
Single
(Land Only)
Single
(Land + Air)
12/10/2010 - 12/22/2010
$2,769
Get A Quote
Get A Quote
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Airfare Disclaimer
A NOTE ABOUT AIRFARE: We encourage you to buy your airfare from the tour operator, because if your tour cancels then your airlines tickets will be covered. Purchasing flights separately at a lesser rate and incorporating it with a Non-Guaranteed Departure Date can result in loss of total cost of your flight investment. Depending on the fare rules, flights may be Non-Refundable and/or Non-Transferable. Neither the tour operator and/or Atlas Cruises & Tours will be held responsible for loss if a tour is cancelled for Lack of Participation. If you would like to check for discounted fares on Guaranteed Departures or for competitive pricing on air and hotel packages, we invite you to follow this link.

Documents
TRAVEL DOCUMENTS: Necessary Travel Documents such as Passports and Visas is the responsibility of the traveler. Passports must be valid six months from your return travel date.

Avalon Luminary

The Avalon Luminary, coming in 2010, is one of the latest additions to the Avalon Waterways river cruising fleet, with a design that reflects the uniqueness of the area, and which differentiates her from the other Avalon river cruise vessels. Carrying a maximum of just 138 passengers with four suites & 65 staterooms, she will be one of the smallest of the Avalon ships, yet the Avalon Luminary staterooms are equally spacious and well appointed, with floor-to-ceiling windows on two decks. Staterooms feature a minimum of 172 square feet of space and are the largest of the European rivers today. 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 the Avalon Luminary 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
Avalon Luminary

Staterooms (Click thumbnails to see full size image

Category E

Category E

Category E Staterooms - 172 sq. ft.

1 Bed
2 Toilet
3 Sink
4 Shower
5 Closet
6 Writing Desk
7 Windows


Jr. Suites
Jr. Suites

Jr. Suites

Jr. Suites - 258 sq. ft.

1 Bed
2 Toilet
3 Sink
4 Shower
5 Closet
6 Writing Desk
7 Sliding Glass Doors
8 Sofa
9 Coffee Table


Sateroom
Sateroom

Sateroom

Staterooms - 172 sq. ft. | Categories B, A & P

1 Bed
2 Toilet
3 Sink
4 Shower
5 Closet
6 Writing Desk
7 Sliding Glass Doors


Ship Facts:

  • Inagurated: 2010
  • Length: 361 ft.
  • 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
Cruise taxes, fees, fares and port charges: $154Please call for single accommodation price. Triples not available.Extra nights per person in Frankfurt:in single room $303, in twin room $220Extra nights per person in Vienna:in single room $308, in twin room $187Prices 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 / Decks / PriceB / Sapphire Deck / $784A / Sapphire Deck / $863P / Royal Deck / $1,020Jr. Suite / Royal Deck / $1,884

Related Tours
WFV|Christmastime in Germany & Austria (Frankfurt to Vienna)

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.