capitals of central europe

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1 PRICED FROM $2,449 capitals of central europe included features CRUISE Deluxe 7-night cruise in an outside stateroom with Avalon s exclusive Comfort Collection Beds sm SIGHTSEEING Your day-by-day itinerary indicates in UPPERCASE all inside visits, special features, and guided sightseeing. All included guided sightseeing is conducted by a Certified Local Guide. Choose the sightseeing pace that suits you: Leisurely, Traditional, or Independent (where available). local favorites sm Special onboard and onshore experiences presented by entertainers, artisans, and experts, designed to enrich your cruise. attend an onboard performance of slovakian and international music. Personalize your onboard and onshore experiences by choosing from a variety of included or optional excursions, visits & activities. Visit AvalonWaterways.com/MyAvalon to customize your cruise experience. Meals Meals are indicated by breakfast (B), lunch (L), and dinner (D) Captain s welcome & farewell receptions with sparkling wine and canapés Welcome dinner Daily Afternoon Tea Daily Night Fare Farewell dinner Complimentary sparkling wine with breakfast; soft drinks with lunch; and wine, beer, or soft drinks with dinner are included daily on board your vessel SUPERIOR HOTELS Prague InterContinental* (D) Budapest InterContinental* (D) (Cruise WBP) *or similar 92

2 Prague s Charles Bridge 2 PRAGUE CZECH REPUBLIC GERMANY PASSAU LINZ GREIN KREMS MELK 7 VIENNA BRATISLAVA Danube River SLOVAKIA AUSTRIA HUNGARY BUDAPEST Cruise WBP stays 2 additional nights in Budapest Start/End City Post-Extension Pre-Extension cruise wpb - Eastbound 10 days prague to budapest day city / Highlight 1 Prague: welcome to Prague 2 prague: guided sightseeing, see the Astronomical Clock and visit Hradcany Castle grounds 3 Prague Passau (Embarkation): travel by motorcoach to Passau; onboard welcome reception 4 Passau Linz: guided walk in Passau 5 Linz Grein: guided walk in Grein, visit the historical theater 6 Melk Krems: guided visit of the Benedictine Abbey in Melk; choice of guided sightseeing in Krems or enjoy a Wachau wine experience 7 Vienna: guided sightseeing 8 Bratislava: guided sightseeing, visit St. Martin s Cathedral 9 Budapest: guided sightseeing, see Fishermen s Bastion and Heroes Square 10 Budapest (Disembarkation): your vacation ends this morning cruise wbp - westbound 12 days budapest to prague day city / Highlight 1 Budapest: welcome to Budapest 2 Budapest: guided sightseeing, see Fishermen s Bastion and Heroes Square 3 Budapest (Embarkation): onboard welcome reception 4 Bratislava: guided sightseeing, visit St. Martin s Cathedral 5 Vienna: guided sightseeing 6 Vienna: choice of museum visit; time at leisure 7 Krems Melk: guided sightseeing in Krems; guided visit of the Benedictine Abbey in Melk; wine tasting 8 Grein Linz: guided walk in Grein, visit the historical theater 9 Linz Passau: guided walk in Passau 10 Passau (Disembarkation) Prague: travel by motorcoach to Prague 11 Prague: guided sightseeing, see the Astronomical Clock and visit Hradcany Castle grounds 12 Prague: your vacation ends this morning avalonwaterways.com 93

3 Prague capitals of central europe - wpb Prague DAY 1 Arrive in Prague, Czech Republic. Welcome to Prague, capital of the Czech Republic. This fascinating city straddles the Vltava River with domes, cupolas, spires, and pinnacles highlighting its skyline. The remainder of the day is free to start exploring. DAY 2 Prague. Prague is a 1,200-year-old city preserved in time, and, unlike other Central European capitals, it was not bombed during the 20thcentury wars. A LOCAL GUIDE will show you its best-known treasures, such as the Old Town s Astronomical Clock, built in 1410 and once the envy of all of Europe; HRADCANY CASTLE GROUNDS; St. Vitus Cathedral; and the Charles Bridge, the oldest bridge in Prague. Browse the shops for hand-cut crystal or art books. Mix with the locals in Wenceslaus Square, an important meeting point and where people demonstrated against the communist regime; watch performers and shop at the market stalls on Charles Bridge; sample the local plum dumplings and Pilsner; stroll along the Vltava River; or wander around Prague s medieval Old Town, dating from the 10th century. (B) DAY 3 Prague Passau, Germany (Embarkation). After lunch, drive to Passau, ideally located at the confluence of the Rivers Inn, Ilz, and Danube, where your river cruise vessel is docked. Before dinner, meet your crew for a welcome reception. (B,D) DAY 4 Passau Linz, Austria. Passau is a maze of narrow cobblestone streets lined with beautiful patrician houses. St. Stephen s Cathedral, a masterpiece of Italian baroque architecture, houses one of the world s largest church organs with 17,774 pipes. Join your Local Guide for a WALKING TOUR through this charming town, and find out much more about the City of Three Rivers. Later, set sail for Linz, where you arrive in the evening. (B,L,D) DAY 5 Linz Grein. Linz is Austria s third-largest city and an important river port where culture plays a significant role in everyday life. This morning is free to do as you like. Simply relax on board, choose from a variety of optional excursions, or explore Linz on your own. See the Passau 94 Your day-by-day itinerary indicates all inside visits, special features, and guided sightseeing in UPPERCASE. All included guided sightseeing is conducted by a Certified Local Guide.

4 Melk Abbey 13th-century Hauptplatz, Austria s largest medieval square, and the Trinity Column, built in 1723 as thanks for the city escaping the ravages of the plague, war, and fire. Perhaps wander around the old castle grounds and take in the beautiful views of the river, or visit the neo-gothic New Cathedral, Austria s largest church, with capacity for 20,000 visitors. Once you depart for Grein around Noon, enjoy the views of the peaceful riverscapes from the comfort of the Sky Deck. In the late afternoon, arrive in the attractive country resort of Grein, nestled at the foot of a bluff in the shadow of its castle. Take an included GUIDED WALK through town and visit its unique historical THEATER, the oldest in Austria still holding regular performances. A behind-thescenes peek to learn about some of the curiosities of this rococo-style, 167-seat theater will certainly tell you much about life as it was and as it now is in this small town. The turreted houses on the main square make excellent photo subjects. (B,L,D) DAY 6 Melk Krems. Today, an included GUIDED VISIT of the magnificent BENEDICTINE ABBEY in Melk acquaints you with one of Europe s largest monasteries. The abbey houses an ornate library with over 80,000 printed books and 2,000 manuscripts. You ll be captivated by the splendor of the church with its frescoed ceilings, stunning high altar, marble statues, and 210-foot-high cupola. The view from the terrace of the abbey over the Danube and surrounding countryside is breathtaking! Then, reboard your ship and sail into the picturesque Wachau Valley, a UNESCO Krems World Heritage Site. Pass the magnificent baroque Stiftskirche with its blue façade, the landmark of Dürnstein, before arriving in Krems. Join your LOCAL GUIDE to learn more about this town that s situated on the eastern end of the Wachau Valley. Alternatively, you may prefer to join a WINE EXPERIENCE to learn firsthand how wine is Meals are indicated by breakfast (B), lunch (L), and dinner (D) avalonwaterways.com 95

5 Viennese pastry shop so much more than just a drink. Wine is life, culture, inspiration, and the result of a lot of hard work. (B,L,D) DAY 7 Vienna. Wake up this morning in Vienna, known as the City of Music and the place that inspired the creative genius of Mozart, Beethoven, and Strauss. Once the center of the mighty Habsburg Empire, Austria s magical capital on the blue Danube is a showcase of gilded architecture. This is home to the lavish Hofburg Imperial Palace complex with its Vienna Boys Choir and dazzling Lipizzaner stallions; the neo-renaissance Vienna Opera House; and awe-inspiring St. Stephen s Cathedral plus, countless other sights you ll see on your GUIDED SIGHTSEEING TOUR. Stroll through the pedestrian Kärntnerstrasse, and be sure to take a break and enjoy a piece of decadent Sachertorte or Apfelstrudel in a neighborhood café. (B,L,D) Vienna Bratislava DAY 8 Bratislava, Slovakia. At the foothills of the Carpathian Mountains is Bratislava, the dynamic capital of Slovakia. Join your Local Guide for a tour of the city, including a GUIDED WALK of its fascinating Old Town, 96 Your day-by-day itinerary indicates all inside visits, special features, and guided sightseeing in UPPERCASE. All included guided sightseeing is conducted by a Certified Local Guide.

6 Hungarian Parliament where winding cobblestone streets and narrow alleyways twist and turn to reveal the Town Hall, one of the oldest stone buildings in the city. Also visit gothic ST. MARTIN S CATHEDRAL, coronation church for the Kingdom of Hungary from the 16th to 19th centuries. This afternoon is free to explore on your own. (B,L,D) DAY 9 Budapest, Hungary. Spanning the banks of the Danube, Budapest is one of Eastern Europe s liveliest cities. Whether you re seeing the sights, shopping for handcrafted embroidery or Herend porcelain, or basking in the coffee house culture over a rich cream cake in the renowned Gerbeaud Café, Budapest s unique energy is positively palatable. On your INCLUDED TOUR, see Heroes Square as well as the massive hilltop castle complex with its remarkable Fishermen s Bastion with spectacular views of the city and 11th-century Matthias Church, the coronation spot of several Hungarian monarchs. Be sure to take note of the city s eight bridges many famous sights in and of themselves which connect ancient Buda on the right bank with Pest on the left. You may even want to walk across Chain Bridge, built in 1849 and a symbol of Budapest. (B,L,D) DAY 10 Budapest (Disembarkation). Your vacation ends with breakfast this morning. (B) Dates & Prices US$ Cruise WPB: Prague to Budapest Ship Dept.# Start Prague Land/Cruise Cruise Only Impression 0415 Wed 15 Apr Illumination 0416 Thu 16 Apr Impression 0429 Wed 29 Apr Affinity 0705 Sun 05 Jul Panorama 0930 Wed 30 Sep Expression 1012 Mon 12 Oct Panorama 1014 Wed 14 Oct All departures are guaranteed. Port charges: $147 Please call for single accommodation price. Triples not available. Extra nights per person in Prague: Departures & : in single room $328, in twin room $182 Departures 0705: in single room $238, in twin room $135 Extra nights per person in Budapest: Departures & : in single room $250, in twin room $138 Departures 0705: in single room $200, in twin room $113 Prices shown above include cruise in Category E in a deluxe outside stateroom on Indigo Deck. To upgrade to a higher category, add per person: Category Decks Affinity Price Other Ships Price D Indigo Deck $199 B Sapphire Deck $649 $949 A Sapphire Deck $699 $999 P Royal Deck $799 $1,099 Suite/Royal Suite Royal Deck $1,399 $1,799 Cruise Only: Cruise WPB Arrive Passau Day 3 for embarkation between 4 pm and 5 pm. Depart Budapest Day 10 upon disembarkation. NOTES: In the event of water level problems or any problems of a technical nature, it may be necessary to operate the itinerary by motorcoach or to alter the program. Included visits and special features are subject to change. If a change is necessary, a substitute will be offered. Please check visa requirements with your local consulate(s); the responsibility for obtaining a visa rests with the traveler. ADD INTERNATIONAL FLIGHTS TO YOUR VACATION! Competitive prices without the hassle. Free airport transfers included on brochure dates. Meals are indicated by breakfast (B), lunch (L), and dinner (D) avalonwaterways.com 97

7 Heroes Square, Budapest capitals of central europe - wbp DAY 1 Arrive in Budapest, Hungary. Welcome to Budapest, Hungary s lively capital. The remainder of the day is free to start exploring this exciting city. DAY 2 Budapest. Spanning the banks of the Danube, Budapest is one of Eastern Europe s liveliest cities. Whether you re seeing the sights, shopping for handcrafted embroidery or Herend porcelain, or basking in the coffee house culture over a rich cream cake in the renowned Gerbeaud Café, Budapest s unique energy is positively palatable. On your GUIDED TOUR of the city, see Heroes Square as well as the massive hilltop castle complex with its remarkable Fishermen s Bastion and 11th-century Matthias Church, the coronation spot of several Hungarian monarchs. Be sure to take note of the city s eight bridges many famous sights in and of themselves which connect ancient Buda on the right bank with Pest on the left. You may even want to walk across Chain Bridge, built in 1849 and a symbol of Budapest. During your free time this afternoon, perhaps visit St. Stephen s Basilica, with marvelous views of the city from its viewing platform, or stroll along Váci utca, the main shopping street. (B) DAY 3 Budapest (Embarkation). Today you can explore this vibrant city at your own pace. Shop at the Great Market Hall and purchase paprika or embroidery at one of its 180 vendor stalls, or wander around the Royal Palace grounds. In the afternoon, transfer to your river cruise vessel and meet your crew at a welcome reception. (B,D) DAY 4 Bratislava, Slovakia. This morning, enjoy the beautiful scenery on both banks of the Danube. As you cruise upriver, Hungary is on your left 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. At the foothills of the Carpathian Mountains is Bratislava, the dynamic capital of Slovakia, which you reach in mid-morning. Join a LOCAL GUIDE to explore its fascinating Old Town, where winding cobblestone streets and narrow alleyways twist and turn to reveal the Town Hall, one of the oldest stone buildings in the city; and gothic ST. MARTIN S CATHEDRAL, coronation church for the Kingdom of Hungary from the 16th to 19th centuries. (B,L,D) DAY 5 Vienna, Austria. A morning of cruising allows you to relax on board before reaching Vienna around lunchtime. Known as the City of Music, Vienna inspired the creative genius of Mozart, Beethoven, and Strauss. Once the center of the mighty Habsburg Empire, Austria s magical capital on the blue Danube is a showcase of gilded Bratislava 98 Your day-by-day itinerary indicates all inside visits, special features, and guided sightseeing in UPPERCASE. All included guided sightseeing is conducted by a Certified Local Guide.

8 Krems architecture. This is home to the lavish Hofburg Imperial Palace complex with its Vienna Boys Choir and dazzling Lipizzaner stallions; the neo-renaissance Vienna Opera House; and awe-inspiring St. Stephen s Cathedral plus, countless other sights you ll see on your GUIDED SIGHTSEEING TOUR. Stroll through the pedestrian Kärntnerstrasse, and be sure to take a break and enjoy a piece of decadent Sachertorte or Apfelstrudel in a neighborhood café. An optional concert is available tonight. (B,L,D) DAY 6 Vienna. This morning, the choice is yours with VIENNA A LA CARTE. Choose to visit one of a number of museums, such as the Kunsthistorisches Museum (Museum of Fine Arts), or the Schatzkammer (Treasury). Your Cruise Director will give you details of what s on offer. The afternoon is at leisure. (B,L,D) Melk local favorite: Sample some of the Wachau region s famous wines. DAY 7 Krems Melk. This morning, arrive in Krems, and join your LOCAL GUIDE to learn more about this town that s situated on the eastern end of the Wachau Valley. Then, reboard your ship and sail into the picturesque Wachau Valley, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Pass the magnificent baroque Stiftskirche with its blue façade, the landmark of Dürnstein, before arriving in Melk. An afternoon GUIDED VISIT of the magnificent BENEDICTINE ABBEY acquaints you with one of Europe s largest monasteries. The abbey houses an ornate library with over 80,000 printed books and 2,000 manuscripts. Words cannot describe the splendor of the church with its frescoed ceilings, stunning high altar, marble statues, and 210-foot-high cupola. This evening, you ll be able to sample some of the FAMOUS WINES. (B,L,D) DAY 8 Grein Linz. This morning, arrive in the attractive country resort of Grein, nestled at the foot of a bluff in the shadow of its castle. After breakfast, take a GUIDED WALK through the town and visit its unique historical THEATER, the oldest in Austria still holding regular performances. A behindthe-scenes peek to learn about some of the curiosities of this Rococo-style, 167-seat theater will certainly tell you much about life as it was and as it now is in this small town. Then, spend a lazy afternoon on board the ship, Meals are indicated by breakfast (B), lunch (L), and dinner (D) avalonwaterways.com 99

9 Trinity Column, Linz watching the peaceful views of the passing riverscapes from the comfort of the Sky Deck on your way to Linz. Austria s third-largest city, Linz is an important river port where culture plays a significant role in everyday life. Composer Anton Bruckner lived here, and Prague Mozart s Linzer Symphony was composed in the city. There is free time to explore Linz on your own. See the 13th-century Hauptplatz, Austria s largest medieval square, and the Trinity Column, built in 1723 as thanks for the city escaping the ravages of the plague, war, and fire. Perhaps wander around the old castle grounds and take in the beautiful views of the river, or visit the neogothic New Cathedral, Austria s largest church, with capacity for 20,000 visitors. (B,L,D) DAY 9 Linz Passau, Germany. This afternoon, arrive in Passau, located at the confluence of the Rivers Inn, Ilz, and Danube. This is a city of graceful arcades and cobblestone streets. St. Stephen s Cathedral houses one of the world s largest church organs with more than 17,000 pipes. Join a Local Guide for a WALKING TOUR through this charming town, and find out much more about the City of Three Rivers. Alternatively, you might choose to join one of several full-day optional excursions departing from Linz: to medieval Český Krumlov in the Czech Republic, a UNESCO World Heritage Site; to Salzburg with its Sound of Music sites; or the popular Romantic Austria tour. Rejoin your ship in the late afternoon in Passau. (B,L,D) DAY 10 Passau (Disembarkation) Prague, Czech Republic. Today, say goodbye to your crew and to Bavaria, then travel by motorcoach to Prague, also known as the Golden City and capital of the Czech Republic. (B) DAY 11 Prague. Prague is a 1,200-year-old city preserved in time, and, unlike other Central European capitals, it was not bombed during the 20thcentury wars. A LOCAL GUIDE will show you its best-known 100 Your day-by-day itinerary indicates all inside visits, special features, and guided sightseeing in UPPERCASE. All included guided sightseeing is conducted by a Certified Local Guide.

10 Pilsner treasures, such as the Old Town s Astronomical Clock, built in 1410 and once the envy of all of Europe; HRADCANY CASTLE GROUNDS; St. Vitus Cathedral; and the Charles Bridge, the oldest bridge in Prague. Browse the shops for hand-cut crystal or art books. Mix with the locals in Wenceslaus Square, an important meeting point where people demonstrated against the communist regime; watch performers and shop at the market stalls on Charles Bridge; sample the local plum dumplings and Pilsner; stroll along the Vltava River; or wander around Prague s medieval Old Town, dating from the 10th century. (B) DAY 12 Prague. Your vacation ends with breakfast this morning. (B) Dates & Prices US$ Cruise WBP: Budapest to Prague Ship Dept.# Start Budapest Land/Cruise Cruise Only Impression 0408 Wed 08 Apr Illumination 0409 Thu 09 Apr Impression 0422 Wed 22 Apr Affinity 0628 Sun 28 Jun Panorama 0923 Wed 23 Sep Panorama 1007 Wed 07 Oct All departures are guaranteed. Port charges: $147 Please call for single accommodation price. Triples not available. Extra nights per person in Budapest: in single room $250, in twin room $138 Extra nights per person in Prague: Departures & : in single room $328, in twin room $182 Departure 0628: in single room $238, in twin room $135 Prices shown above include cruise in Category E in a deluxe outside stateroom on Indigo Deck. To upgrade to a higher category, add per person: Category Decks Affinity Price Other Ships Price D Indigo Deck $199 B Sapphire Deck $649 $949 A Sapphire Deck $699 $999 P Royal Deck $799 $1,099 Suite/Royal Suite Royal Deck $1,399 $1,799 Cruise Only: Cruise WBP Arrive Budapest Day 3 for embarkation at 3 pm. Depart Passau Day 10 upon disembarkation. NOTES: In the event of water level problems or any problems of a technical nature, it may be necessary to operate the itinerary by motorcoach or to alter the program. Included visits and special features are subject to change. If a change is necessary, a substitute will be offered. Please check visa requirements with your local consulate(s); the responsibility for obtaining a visa rests with the traveler. ADD INTERNATIONAL FLIGHTS TO YOUR VACATION! Competitive prices without the hassle. Free airport transfers included on brochure dates. Prague Meals are indicated by breakfast (B), lunch (L), and dinner (D) avalonwaterways.com 101