AVALON 2010: CASTLES ON THE RHINE TO THE CITY OF MUSIC (WZV)
14 days incl. air, or 13 days from Zurich to Vienna
Four countries, three rivers, and the masterful Main Danube Canal are the basis of this delightful 14-day river cruise vacation. Start in Zurich, Switzerland, then enjoy guided sightseeing in the cities of Strasbourg, Wurzburg, Nuremberg, and Vienna. There's an excursion to Heidelberg with its imposing castle ruins, and a visit to the beautiful Benedictine Abbey of Melk. Guided walks of the smaller towns show you their highlights, and there's a chance to sample some of Germany's famous beers on this Rhine river cruise vacation!
HOTELS
Vienna Hilton Stadtpark (D)
HOTELS
Vienna Hilton Stadtpark (D)
Call 1 (800) 999-2599 for more information or to book today! Mention code 8095247
- Tour Operator
- Globus
- Duration
- 14 Days
- Escorted
- Escorted - Yes
| Day | Destination | Description |
| Day 1 | Board your overnight transatlantic flight | (Fri.) Board your overnight transatlantic flight. |
| Day 2 | Zurich | (Sat.) 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 3 | Strasbourg | (Sun.) 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 4 | Mainz | (Mon.) 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. The ruins of imposing HEIDELBERG CASTLE, built of red sandstone, tower above the city. Of particular interest is the GIANT VAT, an 18th-century wine cask holding 49,000 gallons! Rejoin your ship in Mainz and enjoy free time to explore this city on your own. (B,L,D) |
| Day 5 | Wertheim | (Tue.) 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 6 | Wurzburg | (Wed.) 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 7 | Bamberg | (Thu) Enjoy a leisurely morning on board as you cruise gently up the Main River. The more energetic might like to 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 8 | Nuremberg | (Fri.) 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. After dinner we'll introduce you to some of Germany's FAMOUS BEERS! (B,L,D) |
| Day 9 | Regensburg | (Sat.) 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, the beautiful white and gold OLD CHAPEL, 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 10 | Linz | (Sun.) 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 11 | Durnstein | (Mon.) 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 12 | Vienna | (Tue.) 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: 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 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 13 | Vienna | (Wed.) 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 14 | Vienna | (Thu.) Your homebound flight arrives the same day. (B) |
- Dates/Pricing
- Disclaimer
- US$ Price Details
Gateway for arrival is Zurich, Switzerland.Port charges: $140Please call for single accommodation price. Triples not available.Extra nights per person in Zurich:in single room $193, in twin room $127Extra nights per person in Vienna:in single room $308, in twin room $187Cruise-Only Option From $3,049Day 2 Zurich, Switzerland. Transfer to Basel (Embarkation) - Day 12 Vienna (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 / Affinity Decks / PriceB / Sapphire Deck / $713A / Sapphire Deck / $784P / Royal Deck / $927Jr. Suite / Royal Deck / $1,713
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.