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Accommodations
Prague: Hilton
Avalon Luminary
The Avalon Luminary, coming in 2010, is the latest addition to the Avalon Waterways river cruising fleet, with a design that reflects the uniqueness of the area, and which differentiates her from the other Avalon river cruise vessels. Carrying a maximum of just 138 passengers with four suites and 65 staterooms, she will one of the smaller Avalon ships, yet the Avalon Luminary staterooms are equally spacious and well appointed, with floor-to-ceiling windows on two decks. Staterooms feature a minimum of 172 square feet of space and are the largest of the European rivers today. In addition, there is an elevator, and the whirlpool on the Sky Deck allows for a refreshing dip after a day of sightseeing. The rear lounge is perfect for small groups.
Features exclusive to the Avalon Luminary staterooms:
Floor-to-ceiling sliding glass doors in most staterooms
French balconies in most staterooms
Flat screen satellite TV & radio
Private bathroom with shower
Comfortable, hotel-style beds
European-style duvets
Egyptian super-combed cotton linens
Large closets
Minibar, hairdryer & safe
Individual climate control Luminary |
Winter Holiday along the Danube
December 24 - January 2, 2010 (LIMITED SPACE AVAILABLE)
Spend two nights in Prague, the magical Czech capital, before driving to Nuremberg to board your luxurious river cruise vessel for a relaxing cruise down the Danube to Vienna. Enjoy guided sightseeing in Nuremberg, Regensburg, and Vienna. Soak up the atmosphere of the holiday season and spend some time in the beautiful Christmas markets located throughout all three cities. In Melk, visit the magnificent Benedictine Abbey, one of Europe’s largest monasteries. A special full-day excursion to Salzburg takes in the popular Sound of Music sights.
DAY-BY-DAY ITINERARY
INCLUDED FEATURES
EXCLUSIVE AVALON WATERWAYS SERVICES
PRE & POST TOUR OPTIONS
Cost Special Tulane pricing is from approximately from $1,892 per person land/cruise only*
Price includes $100 early booking discount, port charges and ship’s crew gratuities
*Prices are per person, double occupancy, and subject to change.
Booking For booking information please contact Avalon Waterways at 800-323-7373, or Tulane Alumni Travel at 877-303-7735.
Specific trip details (itinerary, meals, sightseeing & accommodations) will be published in the brochure.
Brochure Request
DAY-BY-DAY ITINERARY
Day 1
Board your overnight transatlantic flight.
Day 2 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 3 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; 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.
Day 4 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.
Day 5 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.
Day 6 Regensburg
Regensburg is one of Germany’s best preserved medieval cities. Architectural highlights included on your tour are 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 Wurstküche (the Old Sausage Kitchen), dating back to the 12th century. Before dinner we’ll introduce you to some of Germany’s FAMOUS BEERS.
Day 7 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.
Day 8 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.
Day 9 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 Kärnterstrasse and enjoy Sachertorte or Apfelstrudel in a neighborhood café. Soak up the atmosphere of the Adventszeit (Advent season) and spend some time in the beautiful Christmas markets located throughout the city.
Day 10 Vienna
(Disembarkation) Your homebound flight arrives the same day.
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INCLUDED FEATURES
Cruise: Deluxe 6-night cruise from Nuremberg to Vienna in an outside stateroom with hotel-style beds
- Prague: Guided sightseeing, Astronomical Clock; visit Hradcany Castle
- Nuremberg: Guided sightseeing
- Regensburg: Walking tour; beer tasting
- Melk: Guided visit of Benedictine Abbey
- Vienna: Guided sightseeing
MEALS
Buffet breakfast in Prague; superb dining with all meals on board daily featuring full breakfast, lunch, and dinner, including a welcome reception, welcome dinner, and Captain’s dinner; quality wines from Europe’s most famous wine regions with every dinner; one sitting with open seating arrangements
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OPTIONAL PRE & POST TOUR OPTIONS
Extra nights per person in Prague from $150
Extra nights per person in Vienna from $187
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