Hmmmmm.... I was certain that I would get at least one query regarding a river cruise down the Danube at Christmas time after yesterday's blog. But I didn't get a single bite. But worry not. I come from a long line of people who like fishing. I can dangle my line out in the water with the best of them.
So, let's just have a little "look see" shall we, regarding this magnificent Christmas cruise that I've been touting. First of all, we're looking at a 9 day trip from Vienna to Prague. Or if you like you can go from Prague to Vienna. There are several things you need to keep in mind when considering an Avalon River Cruise. The first is that most of the activities that I will mention are included in the price of your cruise. Additionally, sparkling wine at breakfast, soft drinks at lunch and beer or wine at dinner are also included in the price of your cruise. So you don't end up with an outrageous bar tab on the morning you leave. Also, Avalon offers these amazing Panorama suites in which the windows slide back and your entire suite almost becomes a balcony. They are truly amazing. Even without springing for the most expensive room, you'll at least have a terrific view of the beautiful scenery as you pass.
One of the big draws when it comes to river cruising is that you are on a nice calm river with no high seas and land is always visible from your ship. So, if you are freaked out by the thought of an ocean cruise, you don't have most of those worries on a river cruise. Additionally, if you think you couldn't stand to be cooped up on a ship for days without getting off, no worries here. You'll be stopping daily sometimes even more than once in a day. Finally, don't like the idea of being just one of thousands on board? That's not a concern on an Avalon river cruise. You'll be one of only about 180 with a crew to passenger ratio that will blow your mind. So let's get on with our cruise....
Day 1 Arrive in Vienna, Austria on December 3, 2014. You'll have until 5 PM to enjoy the City of Music on your own. Once you board, you'll meet your crew at a welcome reception prior to your first dinner on board.
Day 2 This day will also be spent in Vienna so don't worry if your plane arrived late yesterday! Today you'll enjoy a guided tour that is included in your cruise and you'll see the Hofburg Imperial Palace where you will see the Vienna Boys Choir. Youl'll also see the Lipizzaner Stallions, the Vienna Opera House and St. Stephen's Cathedral along with other sights. You'll have time to visit the Christmas market. There is an optional concert available tonight. But in my mind, the concert wouldn't be optional for me. How could anyone go to Vienna and not attend a concert?
Day 3 Durnstein - Melk - We'll arrive in Durnstein today as we enjoy our breakfast. Durnstein is the heart of the Wachau wine region. So this is looking to be a pretty good day. A local guide will take us on a walking tour of the town and tell us about King Richard the Lionheart of England, who was imprisoned in the castle whose ruins still stand above the town. After the walking tour, we will re-board the beautiful Avalon Panorama and sail through the Wachau Valley arriving at Melk in the early afternoon. Here we'll visit the 11th century Benedictine Abbey which is one of Europe's largest monasteries. This evening back on board, we'll sample some of the Famous Wines of the region.
Day 4 Linz - Passau, Germany - Linz which is Austria's 3rd largest city is situated on both sides of the river. From here if you choose, you can take an optional all day tour to Salzburg to see the Sound of Music sites! During this tour you'll also learn about how mice caused the composition of the carol Silent Night and learn how Austrians celebrate Christmas. You'll catch back up with the ship in Passau, Germany in the early evening. If you choose not to take the optional tour, you can stay on board and relax as you cruise on to Passau. Once there, you can see the highlights of the city in a guided walk which includes St. Stephen's Cathedral which is one of the worlds largest churches boasting organs with nearly 18,000 pipes.
Day 5 Regensburg - The Celts were in Regensburg in 500 BC and this is one of Germany's best preserved medieval cities since it is the only German city not bombed during WWII. We'll have a guided walk in the city featuring some of the 1,300 listed buildings of historic interest. We'll walk across the 12th century Steinerne Brucke (Stone Bridge), the oldest of it's kind in Germany. You can get a beer to enjoy your included snack with at the Histrische Wurstkuche (Old Sausage Kitchen). You'll be able to spend the afternoon on your own visiting the Regensburg Christmas market and buying up gingerbread before boarding the ship again. Tonight before dinner we'll have a beer tasting on board and enjoy some of the Famous Beers of Germany.
Day 6 Nuremberg - This morning we will cruise down the Danube before lunch and listen to an onboard lecture about the Main Danube Canal. This afternoon in Nuremberg, you can choose from two different included excursions either the Guided Sightseeing Tour which will feature some of the cities medieveal fortifications including Kaiserburg or you can go on a Nuremberg Trails tour and see the Old Town illuminated with festive lights and the Christmas market.
Day 7 Nuremberg (Disembarkation - Prague, Czech Republic - After breakfast, we'll say so long to the crew and head to Prague by motorcoach. Lunch and dinner will be on your own.
Day 8 Prague - One of the main sights and first on our list is the Astronomical Clock which was built in 1410. We'll visit Hradcany Castle Grounds, St. Vitus Cathedral and the Charles Bridge on our guided tour today. Then we be able to spend the rest of the day shopping in the Christmas markets while sipping svarene vino (hot mulled wine) before returning to our Prague hotel the Hilton Prague. Breakfast is included today. Lunch and dinner will be on your own as you visit the city.
Day 9 Prague - Your vacation ends with breakfast.
All of this starts as $2,319 per person for the land and cruise. I can't imagine a more beautiful time of year to visit this amazing part of Europe and just think of the wonderful Christmas gifts you'll bring back from all the markets. If this sounds like your ultimate Christmas gift to yourself, call me at 469-828-0254 or send me an email at susmeyers@yahoo.com. You could buy it for yourself this year and take the trip next year!
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