AVALON 2010: CHRISTMASTIME IN GERMANY & AUSTRIA (WVF)
13 days incl. air, or 12 days from Vienna to Frankfurt
Germany and Austria-what better place to be during the festive time of the year to savor Gemutlichkeit, Gluhwein, and Lebkuchen? 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. See the highlights of the towns along the Main and Danube with a local expert, visit the Benedictine Abbey of Melk, and learn how a local cookie specialty is made on this festive river cruise vacation.
Call 1 (800) 999-2599 for more information or to book today! Mention code 8095220
- Tour Operator
- Globus
- Duration
- 13 Days
- Escorted
- Escorted - Yes
| Day | Destination | Description |
| Day 1 | Board your overnight transatlantic flight | Board your overnight transatlantic flight. |
| Day 2 | Vienna | 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 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 4 | Melk | This morning, enjoy a guided walk around Durnstein, known for the magnificent baroque STIFTSKIRCHE with its blue facade. 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 | Passau | 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 Wurstkuche (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 | 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 Hofbrauhaus 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 | Wurzburg Excursion to Rothenburg | Known as the 'Pearl of the Romantic Road,' Wurzburg 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 | 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) |
- Dates/Pricing
- Disclaimer
- US$ Price Details
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
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 tour 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.
-2008, 2009 & 2010 vacation itineraries and prices are subject to change.
Guaranteed Air-Inclusive Price:
Air-inclusive prices do not 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. Please see the Applicable Airfare Taxes and Fee link above for more information.
Air booked in conjunction with a land vacation is considered an air-inclusive vacation. Air can only be booked by Globus in conjunction with a land package and is only available for passengers traveling from the United States. For vacation departures in 2008, your final air-inclusive vacation price is guaranteed when your air schedule had been confirmed and your entire vacation package has been paid in full. For vacation departures in 2009, an additional $250 non-refundable deposit (total $500 non-refundable) is required for air booked in conjunction with any land vacation and your final air-inclusive vacation price is guaranteed when your flight information is confirmed and Globus has received your full land and air deposit.
Not Included in the Vacation Price:
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; airport taxes and fees including the September 11th Security fee up to $10 per person, Passenger facility charges up to $18 per person, Federal domestic flight segment fees up to $3.50 per segment and U.S. and International arrival and departure, and other government imposed fees up to $300 per person; 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 Globus 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; all airline imposed baggage fees (including internal flights); and all other items of a personal nature.