Home | Contact | Vacations | The World | Activities and Interests | Cruises | Tours | Packages | Send Comments | Comments
Avalon Waterways Arrow Europe 2011 Arrow CHRISTMASTIME ON THE DANUBE - 2011: Panorama
CHRISTMASTIME ON THE DANUBE - 2011: Panorama
9 days from Prague to Vienna or 10 days incl. travel (WNV)
Register Profile
Send me a quote
Email this page
No ratings yet
Add review

Enjoy the festive atmosphere from Prague to Vienna and all along the legendary Danube on this enchanting river cruise vacation. Enjoy guided sightseeing in each city and delight in the sights, smells, and tastes of centuries-old Christmas markets in Prague, Nuremberg, Regensburg, and Vienna. Be sure to sample the Gluhwein, Lebkuchen, and other traditional holiday specialties! Other highlights include a visit of the magnificent Hradcany Castle grounds in Prague, beer tasting in Nuremberg, and a guided visit of the Benedictine Abbey in Melk.

INCLUDED FEATURES

CRUISE:
Deluxe 6-night cruise from Nuremberg to Vienna in an outside stateroom with hotel-style beds

PRAGUE:
Guided sightseeing, see the Astronomical Clock and visit Hradcany Castle grounds

NUREMBERG:
Welcome reception; guided sightseeing; beer tasting

REGENSBURG:
Guided sightseeing

MELK:
Guided visit of Benedictine Abbey

VIENNA:
Guided sightseeing

MEALS - (B) Breakfast (L) Lunch (D) Dinner

Full buffet breakfast (B) in Prague; 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; one sitting with open seating arrangements; complimentary regional wine, beer, or soft drinks with all onboard dinners; complimentary coffee and tea available throughout the day

SUPERIOR HOTELS - (D) Deluxe (SF) Superior First-Class (F) First-Class

PRAGUE Hilton (SF)

NOTE

Combine with another Festive Season Cruise
Combine with Christmas in the Heart of Germany or Christmas in the Heart of Germany and Christmastime in Alsace & Germany. Combined cruises will have other minor itinerary modifications.

Notes:

  • Christmas markets operate from late November until the third week of December, depending on the location (Prague markets are open from early December until the first days of January).
  • 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.
  • Included visits and special features are subject to change. If a change becomes necessary, a substitute will be offered.

    INSIDE VISITS

    Inside visits and special features are shown in the description, including admission charges when applicable.

    Itinerary

    Day 1 Arrive in 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 2 Prague

    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 GROUNDS; St. Vitus Cathedral; and the Charles Bridge. Browse the shops for hand-cut crystal or art books and stroll through the Christmas markets. Rows of brightly decorated wooden huts sell Christmas tree ornaments, wooden toys, and Czech handicrafts. Get a little inner warmth with a cup of svarene vino (hot mulled wine) and a traditional hot sausage from one of the stalls. The beautifully decorated tree in the Old Town is an impressive sight. Christmas is the most important family holiday of the year in most Eastern European countries, and the Czechs begin their preparations and celebrations on December 4th with the feast of St. Barbara. (B)

    Day 3 Prague-Nuremberg, Germany (Embarkation)

    After lunch, drive to Nuremberg, where your river cruise vessel is docked. Before dinner meet your crew for a welcome reception. (B,D)

    Day 4 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. 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. This evening we'll introduce you to some of Germany's FAMOUS BEERS! (B,L,D)

    Day 5 Regensburg

    Regensburg is one of Germany's best preserved medieval cities. Architectural highlights included on your tour are 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. 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 Wurstkuche (the Old Sausage Kitchen), dating back to the 12th century. (B,L,D)

    Day 6 Passau-Linz, Austria

    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 as well as more Christmas cheer-the traditional carols, the sparkling lights, and the smell of candles and gingerbread! Linz, Austria's third-largest town, lies on both banks of the Danube and is an important industrial town and busy river port. (B,L,D)

    Day 7 Melk-Vienna

    Melk's magnificent BENEDICTINE ABBEY dominates the town 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, arrive in Vienna, known as the "City of Music," which inspired the creative genius of Mozart, Beethoven, and Strauss. An optional concert is available tonight. (B,L,D)

    Day 8 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, the 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 Karntnerstrasse and enjoy Sachertorte or Apfelstrudel in a neighborhood cafe. 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 9 Vienna (Disembarkation)

    Your vacation ends with breakfast this morning. (B)

    • Call (770) 552-7809 for more information or to book today! Mention code 9453324
    Cruise LineAvalon Waterways
    OfferOffer valid through 10/31/2010
    Duration
    9 Days
    Cruise Ship
     Panorama
    Click for more information on this ship.
    Itinerary
    DayPortArriveDepart
    Day 1Prague  
    Day 2Prague  
    Day 3Nuremberg  
    Day 4Nuremberg  
    Day 5Regensburg  
    Day 6Linz  
    Day 7Vienna  
    Day 8Vienna  
    Day 9Vienna  
    Dates/Pricing
    Click Quote or call us to get additional information on your chosen travel date. Special offers or competitive pricing may be available!

    DateDescriptionPrice FromQuote
    November 25, 2011Land/Cruise Price$2,019.00 (USD)Quote
    December 25, 2011Land/Cruise Price$2,019.00 (USD)Quote
    Disclaimer
    Port charges:
    $84

    Please call for single accommodation price. Triples not available.

    Extra nights per person in Prague:
    in single room $212, in twin room $118

    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/Queen), add per person:

    Category / Decks / Price
    D / Indigo Deck / $85
    B / Sapphire Deck / $496
    A / Sapphire Deck / $539
    P / Royal Deck / $642
    Royal Suite / Royal Deck / $1,371

    US$ Price Details
  • Applicable taxes and fees (Land-Only or Cruise-Only Vacation)

    Our Volume Buying Power Saves You Money!
    -We may be able to provide you with flight arrangements from your gateway city.
    -Additional accommodations before or after your vacation may be available at our low prices.

    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.

    		•
    Cruises

    CHRISTMASTIME ON THE DANUBE - 2011: Panorama
    From $2,019.00 (USD)
     
     
    ELITE CRUISE SERVICE Specialties
    Alaska Cruise Packages | Caribbean Luxury Travel | Celebrity Alaska Cruises | Crystal Cruise Line | European Cruise Packages | Hawaii Cruise Packages | Las Vegas Vacation Specials | Maui Hawaii Vacation Packages | Princess Cruises Caribbean | Royal Caribbean Cruise Specials
    Online Agency Travel Websites