AVALON 2011: CASTLES ON THE RHINE TO THE CITY OF MUSIC (WZV)

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Tour Operator

Globus

Duration

13 Days

Escorted

Escorted - Yes

Itinerary

Day	Destination	Description
Day 1	Zurich	(Fri.) Flights into Zurich 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	Strasbourg	(Sat.) 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 Kleber, 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 3	Mainz	(Sun.) 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. Take pictures of the ruins of the imposing Heidelberg Castle, built of red sandstone and towering above the city. Rejoin your ship in Mainz and enjoy free time to explore this city on your own. (B,L,D)
Day 4	Wertheim	(Mon.) 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 5	Wurzburg	(Tue.) Known as the 'Pearl of the Romantic Road,' Wurzburg is surrounded by sloping hills covered with vineyards. The magnificent BISHOP'S RESIDENZ is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. (B,L,D)
Day 6	Bamberg	(Wed.) Enjoy a leisurely morning on board as you cruise gently up the Main River. Maybe 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 7	Nuremberg	(Thu.) 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. Before dinner we'll introduce you to some of Germany's FAMOUS BEERS! (B,L,D)
Day 8	Regensburg	(Fri.) Another peaceful morning of cruising as you head through picturesque Altmuhltal to Regensburg, one of Germany's best preserved medieval cities. Architectural highlights on your guided tour this afternoon include the Old Town Hall 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 Wurstkuche (Old Sausage Kitchen). (B,L,D)
Day 9	Linz	(Sat.) 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 10	Durnstein	(Sun.) 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 Durnstein, 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 11	Vienna	(Mon.) 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: 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 Karntnerstrasse and enjoy Sachertorte or Apfelstrudel in a neighborhood cafe. An optional concert is available during your stay. (B)
Day 12	Vienna	(Tue.) 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 13	Vienna	(Wed.) Your vacation ends with breakfast this morning. (B)

Dates/Pricing

Disclaimer

US$ Price Details

Port charges:
$140

Please call for single accommodation price. Triples not available.

Extra nights per person in Zurich :
in single room $130, in twin room $88

Extra nights per person in Vienna:
in single room $210, in twin room $128

Prices shown above include cruise in Category E in an outside Avalon Deluxe Stateroom on Indigo Deck.
To upgrade to a higher category (all staterooms Twin/Double), add per person:

Category / Decks / Price
B / Sapphire Deck / $713
A / Sapphire Deck / $784
P / Royal Deck / $927
Suite / Royal Deck / $1,713

Our Volume Buying Power Saves You Money!
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Additional Information:
-Departure/arrival taxes and fares from other cities will be advised at the time of booking.
-Vacation departures, itineraries and prices are subject to change.

Guaranteed air-inclusive prices:
Air is only available to passengers traveling from the United States and only available when booked in conjunction with a land vacation. An additional $250 non-refundable deposit is required for air booked in conjunction with any land vacation (i.e., air-inclusive vacation.) However, once your airfare is confirmed and Avalon Waterways has received your full air and land deposit, your air-inclusive vacation price is guaranteed.

We also accept your reservation on a land-only basis:
While booking your vacation air-inclusive gives you various advantages, you can also choose the land-only option. But remember, airlines' special fares generally apply to very brief periods. (Our low air-inclusive fares apply throughout the year.) Plus, to get these 'deals' you often are required to pay full fare at the time of booking.

Taxes & fees
Taxes and fees are subject to change and are not guaranteed until full land and air deposit are received.

Applicable Taxes and Fees (Airfare & Charges Not Included in the Price)

Air-Inclusive Vacations
Air-inclusive prices provided online include a September 11th fee up to $10, passenger facility charges of up to $18, Federal domestic flight segment fees of up to $3.50 per segment and U.S. and International arrival and departure and other government imposed fees between $200-$375 depending on your itinerary. The total airfare price, the base airfare price, and the applicable government taxes and fees are broken-out line-by-line and shown while booking online and on the invoice after your travel is booked.

Not Included In Your Vacation Price (Air-Inclusive, Land-Only or Cruise-Only)
Federal inspection fees for the Federal U.S. Customs and Immigrations; International Air Transportation tax; agricultural tax; other per person taxes imposed by government entities: port taxes; passports; visas and vaccinations; tips to your Tour or Cruise Director, Local Host, driver, Local Guides, and/or ships' crew; gratuities on ferries, trains, and cruise ships; laundry; telephone; minibar; alcohol, beverages, and food outside of the contracted menu as presented at a hotel or restaurant (these extra items will be billed to you before leaving the hotel, ship, or restaurant); additional excursions and activities not listed as 'included' in the itinerary; airport transfers on non-qualifying flights; porterage at airports and train stations; Travel Protection premiums; excess baggage fees; and all other items of a personal nature.