CHRISTMASTIME IN GERMANY and AUSTRIA (WVF2010)

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

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)

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.
Touring Date	Land Only	Land + Air	Single (Land Only)	Single (Land + Air)
12/10/2010 - 12/22/2010	$2,769

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.

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)

Avalon Cruise Deals

The views on a Globus European river cruise can transform the way you travel forever. Unwind in contemporary spaces on the youngest European river cruising fleet. Encounter ever-changing landscapes and spectacular panoramic views out floor-to-ceiling windows found throughout the ship. Let the transformation begin.

Receive $150 pp off 2010 Europe Globus river cruise or Avalon Waterways river cruise/land only vacation

OR

Receive $300 pp off 2010 Europe Globus river cruise or Avalon Waterway air-inclusive river cruise vacation

OR

Receive $300 pp off select 2010 Europe Globus river cruise or Avalon Waterway air-inclusive river cruise vacation plus special Alitalia fares to Prague, Budapest or Bucharest.

Note:  Egypt is NOT included as part of Europe for this promo. Discount will apply to individual members of groups.

Not combinable with any other offer other than the Journeys Club benefit, the Alitalia special fares and the 1:10 group allowance.  Combinable with the allowance on either block or live air

Booking Window:

January 6 through March 2, 2010

Travel Window:

Any 2010 Europe river cruise

Disclaimer:

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 March 2, 2010 for travel through December 31, 2010.  Offers not valid with one-another or any other offer other than Journeys Club member benefit and Q1 Alitalia air offer.  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.  

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

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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.

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