THE BLUE DANUBE DISCOVERY 13 days Budapest/Prague (WBN)
Spend two nights in Budapest, seven nights cruising to Nuremberg, and three nights in Prague on this delightful 14-day vacation. Enjoy guided sightseeing in Budapest with its Fishermen’s Bastion and Buda Castle, and in Vienna with the lavish Hofburg Palace and impressive Opera House. In Dürnstein, marvel at the magnificent blue façade of the baroque Stiftskirche. Relax during a leisurely cruise through the Main Danube Canal. Enjoy a guided tour of Regensburg and historic Nuremberg with its storybook 900-year-old ramparts. Disembark and drive to Prague for guided sightseeing and time on your own to enjoy the charming cafés or to shop for Bohemian crystal.
Day 1(Thu.) Depart US
Days 2-3 Budapest, Hungary
(Fri. & Sat.) Budapest, spanning the banks of the Danube, is the liveliest and most cosmopolitan metropolis of Eastern Europe. Seven bridges, including the famous Chain and Elisabeth Bridges, connect ancient Buda on the right bank with Pest on the left. The massive hilltop castle complex with FISHERMEN'S BASTION and the Matthias Church are sights not to be missed. Shop for renowned peasant embroidery, Herend porcelain, and paprika. Your Cruise Director will have more suggestions for interesting outings and things to do. (BB)
Day 4 Budapest. (Embarkation)
(Sun.) This afternoon, the crew of your vessel waits to welcome you aboard. (BB,D)
Day 5 Budapest–Vienna, Austria
(Mon.) A day to relax on board and marvel at the beautiful scenery on both banks of the Danube. Hungary is on your left as you cruise upriver and Slovakia is on your right. The two countries share the Danube for a 58-mile stretch, with the border in the middle of the river. Vienna, Austria’s capital, is known as the “City of Music” and inspired the creative genius of Mozart, Beethoven, and Strauss. (FB,L,D)
Day 6 Vienna
(Tue.) Once the center of the mighty Habsburg Empire, Vienna has much to offer: the lavish Hofburg Palace, the impressive Vienna Opera House, the majestic Ringstrasse, and awe-inspiring St. Stephen’s Cathedral, to name just a few of the sights. You do not rush through Vienna, you waltz, taking your time to savor each classic sight and sound. Shop in the Kärntnerstrasse and enjoySachertorte or Apfelstrudel in a neighborhood café. An optional concert is available during your stay. (FB,L,D)
Day 7 Dürnstein–Melk
(Wed.) Dürnstein, known for the magnificent baroque Stiftskirche with its blue façade, lies right in the heart of the Wachau wine region. Above town are ruins of the castle where England’s King Richard the Lionheart was imprisoned in 1192. 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! (FB,L,D)
Day 8 Linz–Passau, Germany
(Thu.) 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. 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. (FB,L,D)
Day 9 Regensburg
(Fri.) Regensburg is one of Germany’s best preserved medieval cities. Architectural highlights include the Old Town Hall; the beautiful white and gold OLD CHAPEL; and Porta Pretoria, gates to an ancient Roman fort built in 179 A.D. 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 Alte Wurstküche (Old Sausage Kitchen). (FB,L,D)
Day 10 Nuremberg
(Sat.) 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’s traditions include famous Lebkuchen, toy making, and metal working. (FB,L,D)
Day 11 Nuremberg (Disembarkation)–Prague, Czech Republic
(Sun.) Cross the Czech border in the Bohemian Forest and head for Prague, the “Golden City.” (FB)
Days 12-13 Prague
(Mon. & Tue.) Prague is a 1,000-year-old city preserved in time. It straddles the Vltava River with domes, cupolas, spires, and pinnacles highlighting its skyline. Best-known treasures are the Old Town’s Astronomical Clock, once the envy of all of Europe; HRADCANY CASTLE; St. Vitus Cathedral, and the Charles Bridge. Browse the shops for hand-cut crystal or art books. Mix with the locals in Wenceslaus Square or stroll along the Vltava River. Your Cruise Director will have more suggestions for things to do. (BB daily)
Day 14 Prague
Departure Details
Departure Date
Tour Start Date
Return Date
Land/Cruise Price Only
Status
Tapestry
4/4/2010
4/5/2010
4/17/2010
$3,189.00
French Balcony $3,738 for TWO
Poetry
4/15/2010
4/16/2010
4/28/2010
$3,189.00
French Balcony $3,949 for TWO
Tapestry
4/25/2010
4/26/2010
5/8/2010
$3,429.00
$200/$300 Off per person
Tapestry
5/9/2010
5/10/2010
5/22/2010
$3,529.00
$200/$300 Off per person
Tranquility
5/20/2010
5/21/2010
6/2/2010
$3,529.00
$200/$300 Off per person
Tapestry
5/30/2010
5/31/2010
6/12/2010
$3,529.00
$200/$300 Off per person
Tapestry
6/13/2010
6/14/2010
6/26/2010
$3,529.00
Tranquility
7/1/2010
7/2/2010
7/14/2010
$3,529.00
Tapestry
7/4/2010
7/5/2010
7/17/2010
$3,529.00
Tapestry
7/18/2010
7/19/2010
7/31/2010
$3,529.00
Tapestry
8/8/2010
8/9/2010
8/21/2010
$3,529.00
Tranquility
8/12/2010
8/13/2010
8/25/2010
$3,529.00
Tapestry
8/22/2010
8/23/2010
9/4/2010
$3,679.00
Tapestry
9/12/2010
9/13/2010
9/25/2010
$3,679.00
Tranquility
9/23/2010
9/24/2010
10/6/2010
$3,679.00
$200/$300 Off per person
Tapestry
9/26/2010
9/27/2010
10/9/2010
$3,429.00
$200/$300 Off per person
Tapestry
10/10/2010
10/11/2010
10/23/2010
$3,329.00
$200/$300 Off per person
Tranquility
10/21/2010
10/22/2010
11/3/2010
$3,229.00
$200/$300 Off per person
Tapestry
10/24/2010
10/25/2010
11/6/2010
$3,229.00
$200/$300 Off per person
Cruise taxes, fees, fares and port charges: $98
Please call for single accommodation price. Free single supplement April Dates Extra nights per person in Budapest: Departures 0405-0614 & 0913-1025: in single room $414, in twin room $207 Departures 0702-0823: in single room $337, in twin room $167
Extra nights per person in Prague: Departures 0405-0614 & 0913-1025: in single room $420, in twin room $224 Departures 0702-0823: in single room $267, in twin room $150
Cruise-Only Option From $1,999 Day 4 Budapest (Embarkation) - Day 11 Nuremberg (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 / Decks / Price B / Sapphire Deck / $499 A / Sapphire Deck / $549 P / Royal Deck / $649 Jr. Suite / Royal Deck / $1,199
Note for April 4, 2010 Departure Date: Due to lock closures the ship will only be able to sail as far as Passau and the following modifications have been made:
Day 9 and 10: All shore excursions to Regensburg and Nuremberg will be included and operated by motorcoach
- Drive time from Passau to Regensburg is approximately 1.5 hrs - Drive time from Passau to Nuremburg approximately 2.5 hrs - Passengers will still overnight on the ship - All meals are still included, with lunches being at local restaurants
Day 11: Disembarkation for this departure will be Passau instead of Nuremberg. The transfer from Passau to Prague is similar in length as Nuremberg to Prague
Note for April 15, 2010 Departure Date:
Days 9 & 10: All shore excursions to Regensburg and Nuremberg will be included and operated by motorcoach (Passengers will still overnight on the ship and all meals are still included, with lunches being at local restaurants)
Day 11: Disembarkation for this departure will be Passau instead of Nuremberg. The transfer from Passau to Prague is similar in length to Nuremberg to Prague
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 for departures Jan 1, 2009-Dec. 31, 2009 (or published 2010 departures) and Globus has received your full air and land deposit, your air-inclusive vacation price is guaranteed. Departure is based on the land start date as listed in the vacation itinerary.
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 of up to $300 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.
For vacation departures Jan 1, 2009 – Dec. 31, 2009 your final air-inclusive vacation price is guaranteed when your air schedule has been confirmed and your full air and land deposit have been received. Departure is based on the land start date as listed in the vacation itinerary.
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); optional excursions; 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
New in 2006, the Avalon Tapestry® is a new type of ship for river cruising, offered exclusively by Avalon Waterways on the English-speaking market.
Contrary to other vessels on the rivers today, the navigational bridge is located in the stern, behind the passenger section, thereby allowing for more spacious and gracious interior designs. The lounge and restaurant, located in the front of the vessel, give unimpeded views on three sides of the passing river landscape. The Sky Deck is a vast area for sunning, taking your pictures, or just relaxing!
The Avalon Tapestry provides a complete break from the pressures of every day. The public rooms are elegant, and the dining room is extra spacious. The cuisine and wines on board will surpass your expectations. Pampered by our crew, our guests will make new friends and enjoy the casual camaraderie that leisurely cruising creates. You unpack only once, then enjoy life by lazing on the Sky Deck as timeless landscapes pass before you.
Avalon Tapestry features the Silent Drive System (SDS) created to enhance guest experiences. SDS features ship engines located at the stern, separating it from the passenger compartment, allowing for a quieter cruise experience than traditional small ships.
Prices always lower than the cruise lines .
We have sailed the ships, slept in the beds, taken the shore excursions and eaten the food. Our prices are lower than the cruise lines. This weeks best values: Avalon French Balconies $1,000 Off Per person Tulip Time, Legendary, Windmills, France & Blue Danube April Dates.
