Avalon Luminary
Ship Facts
Ship's Registry: Germany
Passenger Capacity: 138
Crew Members: 39
Year Built: 2010
Length: 361 feet
Passenger Decks: 3
What's Included?
• Ship accommodations and all meals on ship as indicated (B/L/D)
• Accommodations and breakfast at 4-star hotel in Prague in a Classic City-View room for 3 nights
• Bus transfer from Passau to Prague
• Complimentary beer, wine and soft drinks at dinner on board the ship
• Complimentary soft drinks with lunch on board the ship
• Daily tour in each port with audio headsets
• Complimentary Wi-Fi on board the ship
• Gratuities to ship's crew
• Two Olivia entertainers on board
• Local entertainment
• Olivia assistance throughout
|
|
Budapest to Prague Danube River Cruise
July 1 – 11, 2017
Avalon Waterways Avalon Luminary
Set sail from Budapest to Bratislava, Vienna, Weissenkirchen, Melk, Grein, Linz, and Passau, with guided sightseeing tours. Sail through the locks of the fascinating main Danube Canal and witness the scenic beauty as you cruise past quaint towns. Tour Melk's splendid Benedictine Abbey, and experience the music, art, culture, and historical sites in romantic Vienna. Walk the cobblestone streets of Passau, or rent a bike and ride along the Danube for the afternoon. Then, drive to Prague to enjoy three nights in a 4-star, centrally located hotel with guided sightseeing, as well as time to explore this marvelous city on your own.
As Europe's second-longest river and a vital means of transportation for 2,000 years, the Danube is the only major European river to flow from west to east. The Danube river rises in Germany's Black Forest and flows through or along the borders of 10 countries – Germany, Austria, Slovakia, Hungary, Croatia, Serbia, Bulgaria, and Romania, where it divides into an expansive delta, the northernmost branch of which continues along the border of Ukraine and Moldova, before entering the Black Sea. The Main-Danube canal, which joins the Main and Danube rivers and stretches for a length of 106 miles from Bamberg to Regensburg in Germany, with a total of 16 locks, has made it possible to travel by river cruise ship from the North Sea to the Black Sea.
Your Ship - Avalon Luminary
The Avalon Luminary, brand new in 2010, is one of the latest additions to the Avalon Waterways river cruising fleet. This beautifully-designed ship features elegant polished metal and glass throughout, panoramic picture windows for easy sightseeing, and carries a maximum of 138 passengers. Avalon Luminary staterooms and suites are spacious and well appointed, with floor-to-ceiling windows on two decks. They feature a minimum of 172 square feet of space and are the largest of the European rivers today. After a day of sightseeing, relax in the lounge, or enjoy the whirlpool on the Sky Deck. The ship also boasts a fitness center, library, hair salon, bar, Wi-Fi hotspots, and spacious decks for sitting and sunning.
Some of the features and amenities you'll enjoy onboard:
• Wall-to-Wall Panoramic Windows
• Sky Deck with premium lounge chairs
• Sky Deck with shade awnings
• Non-smoking interior
• Elevator
• Elegant, contemporary design
• Outside viewing deck
• Headsets for all guided shore excursions in Europe
• English-speaking crew
• Sightseeing with Certified Local Guides
• Onboard lectures, activities & nightly entertainment
• Revolutionary engineering
• Room service for Continental breakfast & beverages (service fee applies)
• Sky Deck whirlpool
• Internet Corner
• Fitness Center
• Hair salon (manicures available)
• Lounges and upscale bar serving premium spirits
• Self-serve beverage station with complimentary tea, hot chocolate & premium coffees
• Onboard movie nights
• Avalon Choice cruising experience
• Behind-the-scenes ship tour
• Choice of Leisurely, Traditional or Independent sightseeing options
• Use of Nordic walking sticks
• Local Favorites onboard experiences with local chefs, entertainers, artisans & experts
• Expanded "on-demand" in-room entertainment
• Sky Deck game area
• Complimentary Wi-Fi access
• Well-stocked library
Dining:
• Self-serve beverage station with complimentary tea, hot chocolate & premium coffees
• Captain's reception with sparkling wine & canapés
• Welcome dinner
• Five-course farewell dinner
• Spacious, open-seating dining room
• Daily early-riser breakfast
• Daily late-riser breakfast
• Full buffet breakfast with sparkling wine and made-to-order egg station
• Complimentary juices with breakfast
• Sky Bistro on the Sky Deck
• Cocktails with a view on the Sky Deck
• Lunch buffet with carving and pasta stations
• Breakfast buffets with foods that are low calorie, low fat, high fiber, low cholesterol, and high energy
• Afternoon Tea featuring tea, coffee, and sweet treats
• Social hour and drink specials in Panorama Lounge
• Seasonal cuisine featuring the freshest local ingredients
• Chef-inspired regional & Western recipes
• Four-course dinners with choice of appetizers, soups, salads, entrées and desserts or cheese
• Complimentary regional wines, beer, or soft drinks with dinner
• Complimentary soft drinks with lunches
• Night Fare served at 10:30 pm
• Room service for Continental breakfast & beverages (service fee applies)
• Upscale bar serving premium spirits
• Healthy meal options
• Tastings - sample the destination's famous delicacies
• Coffee or tea after dinner
• Alternative light lunch
Deluxe Staterooms & Suites Amenities:
• Alarm clock
• Bedside tables with reading lamps
• Coffee table
• Complimentary bottled water
• Easy under-bed luggage storage
• Elegant, contemporary design
• Extra blankets
• Floor-to-ceiling sliding-glass door with French Balcony
• Hairdryer
• In-room safe
• L'Occitane bath products
• Memory foam mattress toppers
• Sofa
• Spacious 3-door closets with shelves for ample storage
• Well-stocked minibar
• Bathrobes & slippers
• Choice of bed configuration
• Comfort Collection BedsSM
• Direct-dial telephone
• Egyptian super-combed cotton linens
• European-style duvets
• Flatscreen satellite TV with movie channel
• Full shower with glass door
• Individual climate control
• Large mirror in bathroom
• Marble countertops in bathroom
• Nightly turn-down service
• Soft and firm pillows
• Vanity
• Writing desk
|
Budapest to Prague Danube River Cruise/Tour Itinerary
|
Date |
Port |
Meals |
| 01 Jul |
Budapest, Hungary |
D |
| 02 Jul |
Bratislava, Slovakia |
B, L, D |
| 03 Jul |
Vienna, Austria |
B, L, D |
| 04 Jul |
Vienna, Austria |
B, L, D |
| 05 Jul |
Weissenkirchen – Melk, Austria |
B, L, D |
| 06 Jul |
Grein – Linz, Austria |
B, L, D |
| 07 Jul |
Passau, Austria |
B, L, D |
| 08 Jul |
Prague, Czech Republic |
B |
| 09 Jul |
Prague, Czech Republic |
B |
| 10 Jul |
Prague, Czech Republic |
B |
| 11 Jul |
Prague, Czech Republic |
B |
|
|
|
|
Budapest, Hungary (Embarkation)
Saturday, July 1, 2017
 Welcome to Budapest, 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 cuisine is positively palatable. 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. This afternoon, embark your ship.
Bratislava, Slovakia
Sunday, July 2, 2017
 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, 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.
Vienna, Austria
Monday, July 3, 2017
 Vienna is 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.
Vienna, Austria
 Tuesday, July 4, 2017
Before we leave this morning, 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.
Weissenkirchen – Melk, Austria
Wednesday, July 5, 2017
 This morning, sail into the picturesque Wachau Valley, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Stop in Weissenkirchen ("White Church") for either a guided walk through this pretty little town, or join a wine tasting. Wine plays an important role in this region and is so much more than just a drink. Wine is life, culture, inspiration, and the result of a lot of hard work. The local varietals are excellent! Upon entering Weissenkirchen, be sure to look out for the magnificent baroque Stiftskirche of Dürnstein, with its blue façade. This afternoon, 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!
Grein – Linz, Austria
Thursday, July 6, 2017
 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 the town and visit its unique historical theater, the oldest in Austria still holding regular performances. A behind-the-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. The turreted houses on the main square make excellent photo subjects. Linz is Austria's third-largest city and an important river port where culture plays a significant role in everyday life. This afternoon 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 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.
Passau, Austria
Friday, July 7, 2017
 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."
Transfer by bus to Prague
Saturday, July 8, 2017
After breakfast, say goodbye to your crew and travel by motorcoach to Prague, the "Golden City."
Prague, Czech Republic
Sunday, July 9, 2017
 Welcome to Prague, capital of the Czech Republic. This fascinating city straddles the Vltava River with domes, cupolas, spires, and pinnacles highlighting its skyline. Prague is a 1,200-year-old city preserved in time, and, unlike other Central European capitals, it was not bombed during the 20th-century 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.
Prague, Czech Republic
Monday, July 10, 2017
 Enjoy a free day to explore the city at your own pace. Perhaps visit the Communist Museum or take an optional excursion around the Jewish Quarter. Sample the local plum dumplings and Pilsner; stroll along the Vltava River. Your Cruise Director will have other suggestions for things to do.
Prague, Czech Republic
Tuesday, July 11, 2017
Your trip ends with breakfast this morning.
Traveler Info
Currency
The Czech Republic uses the Koruna, Hungary uses the Forint and Germany and Austria use the Euro.
Languages
Hungarian, German, Austrian, Czech
Climate
July in Eastern Europe is relatively warm, with weather ranging between 72°-78°F (22°-26°C) during the day and cooler at night, ranging between 53°-58°F (12°-14°C). June is a beautiful time to be there as the flowers are in bloom, and the air temperature is very comfortable at this time of year.
Travel documentation and identification
You will need a passport that is valid for six months past the date of the trip. If you are not a U.S., or EU citizen, please check with both your country's consulate and the consulates of the countries we will be visiting to make sure that you do not need an entry visa or other additional documentation.
Where to fly into/out of
You will need to fly into Budapest International Airport (BUD) and out of Prague (PRG) International Airport. We encourage all passengers to extend their trip with our pre-trip stretchers in Budapest to enjoy it, as well as to avoid the stress of unexpected delays.
Luggage allowances
While there is no luggage limit on the cruise itself, airlines often restrict (or charge) for excess baggage. Because each airline is different, and the regulations change over time, please check with your airline for baggage allowances. For travel in Europe, we recommend no more than one large piece and a smaller carry-on for ease of travel.
Dining
Fine dining on board offers European cuisine. Breakfast and lunch are served buffet style, and dinner is sit-down menu service.
Entertainment
We will bring two Olivia entertainers to perform on several evenings, as well as utilize some of the local entertainment along the way.
Narration about the Danube will be given as we sail down the historical areas and go through the many locks, and there will be special talks about the history of the areas we visit.
Excursions
A walking and/or city tour is included in each of the ports visited. Optional tours are available to book on board that range from approximately €39 to €50. These tours do not conflict with the included tours.
We will designate a group on each included tour as a "gentle walkers" group. This is for those who need a little extra time walking, perhaps have scooters, canes and even for photographers who like to stop and take more photos.
|
|
