ROMANTIC RHINE

9 days incl. travel, or 8 days from Amsterdam to Basel (WAZ)

Cruise Overview


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Cruise Overview


One of Europe’s most legendary rivers awaits on this fascinating Rhine River journey. Enjoy guided sightseeing in Cologne, Koblenz, and Strasbourg, a visit to Siegfried’s Mechanical Musical Instrument Museum in Rüdesheim, as well as an excursion to majestic Heidelberg and a canal cruise in picturesque Amsterdam. Also, sail through the dramatic Rhine Gorge and take pictures of the legendary Lorelei rock.

Oberammergau 2010
Add the Oberammergau Passion Play to Your River Cruise

Cruise:
Deluxe 7-night cruise from Amsterdam to Basel in an outside stateroom with hotel-style beds

Amsterdam:
Canal cruise

Cologne:
Guided sightseeing

Koblenz:
Guided sightseeing

Rhine Gorge:
Cruise through the gorge

Rüdesheim:
Visit Siegfried’s Mechanical Musical Instrument Museum

Heidelberg:
Guided visit of the castle including the Giant Vat

Strasbourg:
Guided sightseeing, visit La Petite France district and the gothic cathedral

Notes:
  • In the event of water level problems on stretches of any river, it may be necessary to operate part of the itinerary by motorcoach.
  • Included visits and special features are subject to change. If a change is necessary, a substitute will be offered.

Meals - (B) Breakfast (L) Lunch (D) Dinner

Superb dining with all meals on board daily featuring full breakfast (B), lunch (L), and dinner (D), including a welcome reception, Captain's reception, and farewell dinner; quality wines from Europe's most famous wine regions with every dinner; one sitting with open seating arrangements; Complimentary wine, beer, or soft drinks with all onboard dinners; Complimentary coffee and tea available throughout the day

Please note that some amenities, features and enhancements are only available on 2011 river and small-ship cruise departures.

Map

WAZ

Itinerary


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Day-by-Day Itinerary


Day 1

Board your overnight transatlantic flight.

Day 2Amsterdam, Holland (Embarkation)

Welcome to Amsterdam! Holland’s capital is sophisticated and modern, with a rich and fascinating history. The works of famous Dutch masters can be seen in world-renowned museums such as the Rijksmuseum or the Van Gogh. This afternoon, board your river cruise vessel and meet your crew at a WELCOME RECEPTION. (Dinner)

Day 3Amsterdam

There is no better way to see the city than by CANAL BOAT, cruising through the elegant grachten lined with stately homes dating back to Amsterdam’s “Golden Age.” Afterward, your river cruise vessel sets sail for Cologne. (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)

Day 4Cologne, Germany

Cologne is one of Germany’s largest cities, with a river skyline dominated by the soaring twin spires of its magnificent gothic cathedral. The Germano-Roman Museum located next to the cathedral is a must for history buffs! Try a Kölsch in one of the many taverns and shop for a bottle of 4711, the original “eau de cologne.” (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)

Day 5Koblenz–Rhine Gorge–Rüdesheim

Situated at the confluence of the Rhine and Moselle Rivers, 2,000-year-old Koblenz is the cultural and business center of the Middle Rhine region. The dramatic Rhine Gorge is the most beautiful stretch of river. Pass the legendary rock of the Lorelei, where sweet songs of local beauties lured enchanted sailors to their doom. In Rüdesheim, SIEGFRIED’S MECHANICAL MUSICAL INSTRUMENT MUSEUM is a real surprise! Enjoy a SPECIAL TREAT, then there’s free time to explore the Drosselgasse and pick up some souvenirs. (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)

Day 6Excursion to Heidelberg

Heidelberg is Germany’s oldest university town. The ruins of the imposing red sandstone CASTLE tower above the city. Of particular interest is the GIANT VAT, an 18th-century wine cask holding 49,000 gallons! (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)

Day 7Strasbourg, France

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 the European Parliament. Noteworthy sights are the GOTHIC CATHEDRAL, the lovely LA PETITE FRANCE district, Place Kléber, and Place Gutenberg with the statue of the inventor of the printing press. An optional excursion to the Alsace wine region is available today. (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)

Day 8Breisach, Germany. Excursion to the Black Forest

Located at the foot of Kaiserstuhl Mountain on the French-German border, Breisach is the gateway to Germany’s Black Forest region, an area of unrivaled natural beauty with its forests of thick pine trees. Surely the most well-known products from this region are Black Forest ham and Black Forest cherry cake. (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)

Day 9Basel, Switzerland (Disembarkation)

Homebound flights should not leave Zürich Airport before 10 am. (Breakfast)

BOOK YOUR FLIGHTS WITH US

Learn more about booking an air-inclusive vacation - the reasons why include, you'll receive free airport transfer on published dates and your air will be coordinated with your vacation.

AIRPORT TRANSFER TIMES

Details about airport transfer times, prices and what's included with your vacation.


Please note that some amenities, features and enhancements are only available on 2011 river and small-ship cruise departures.

Cruise Highlights

MEALS - (B) Breakfast (L) Lunch (D) Dinner

SUPERIOR HOTELS - (D) Deluxe (SF) Superior First-Class (F) First-Class

TRANSPORTATION

NOTE


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Optional Excursions


Here's a list of optional excursions you can enjoy during your vacation. Whether it's a special dinner, a local show or a special behind-the-scenes glimpse into an historical site, optional excursions are a wonderful way to enrich your vacation even further. Plus, they give you flexibility. We include the must-see sites and experiences, and we also understand that people take interest in different activities and may want to craft a more personal vacation by hand-picking optional excursions that appeal to them.

Availability is subject to sufficient participation, weather conditions, seasonal suitability, days of operation, group interests, and general feasibility for your vacation. The approximate value listed gives you a good, general idea of what you can expect to pay but may vary once you are on your vacation. Some information provided might be in a foreign currency; you can use our online currency converter for exchange rate information.

CITY: Amsterdam

Rembrandt & Co - A Visit To Amsterdam's Rijksmuseum
The Masterpieces of Amsterdam's Rijksmuseum offer a unique way to view all the highlights of the Golden Age in one place. Discover with our local experts their interrelationships, thematically or chronologically, discover the stories and view the artworks close-up. The most famous painting at the Rijksmuseum is Rembrandt's Night Watch. A national icon that fires the imagination and is always at the centre of discussion; the painting has been successively analyzed, interpreted, praised, abused, damaged and restored; It is, in short, the focus of attention. But what makes this portrait of a group of civic guardsmen so special, apart from being the largest painting that Rembrandt ever made? What is it about, what is its background? Find your answers in this visit to the Rijksmuseum?
Approximate value: EUR €27 per person

Sunflowers & Other Masterpieces In The Van Gogh Museum
A visit to the Van Gogh Museum is a unique experience. The museum contains the largest collection of paintings by Vincent van Gogh in the world. It provides the opportunity to keep track of the artist's developments, or compare his paintings to works by other artists from the 19th century in the collection. The museum also holds an extensive offer of exhibitions on various subjects from 19th century art history. Join your local expert for an introduction to Van Gogh, before you start exploring the collection at your own pace.
Approximate value: EUR €29 per person

"Klompen", Cheese And Peanut Oil - Zaanse Schans
The Zaanse Schans is a delightful old hamlet on the banks of the river Zaan with characteristic green wooden houses, charming stylized gardens, small hump-backed bridges, tradesmen's workshops, historic windmills and engaging little shops. This enchanting hamlet gives an excellent impression of how a typical Zaanse village must have looked like in the seventeenth and eighteenth centuries. Join our local expert for a journey through times when Dutch Sailing Ships crossed the seven seas and goods from all corners of the world traded in Holland. Don't miss your chance to see a working windmill inside and admire the craftsmanship of its mechanics.
Approximate value: EUR €29 per person

CITY: Breisach

Excursion To Colmar
The Isenheim Altarpiece has been described as master piece in numerous art books and is often referred to as example of medieval painting. Your expert will introduce you to the fine arts in the UNTERLINDEN MUSEUM. During your exploration you will learn how the Colmar people defeated in former times their authorities. Furthermore you will hear about the connection there is between the famous Statue of Liberty in New York and the city of Colmar
Approximate value: EUR €34 per person

CITY: Strasbourg

Excursion To The Alsace Countryside
Although modest in size, Alsace's geography is such that it offers an incredible variety of landscapes and climates. With the Vosges mountains and the rest of France to the west, and the Rhine and then Germany to the east, Alsace really is a mini-kingdom to itself, which has absorbed aspects from both French and German cultures. This is not surprising, as the region has changed hands four times in the past few hundred years. Since the Great War, however, Alsace has remained French. The famous Riesling, the Pinot Noir, the Tokay-Pinot Gris, the Gewurztraminer, a Muscat or a Pinot Blanc are the varieties of wine that you find here. But you can discover more. Follow our local expert on a tour of the Alsace with its charming half-timbered houses, the quite villages and the vineyards. Taste some of the wines of the region, as we will visit one of its wine farms...
Approximate value: EUR €36 per person

Please note that some amenities, features and enhancements are only available on 2011 river and small-ship cruise departures.

Dates and Prices


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View the following dates and prices to find just the right date for your cruise. From the chart you will find the date you depart and the day your vacation will start and end to help you with your planning. From the chart, you will see the departure number and ship for your cruise.

Once you've selected your date, you'll move to the next step to get an airfare quote and to begin booking your vacation, including selecting your room. When you book your flights with us, you'll find we offer competitive and hassle-free airfares, flights coordinated with vacation dates and you'll avoid strict Internet terms and conditions.

The price listed does not include your airfare. Once you click "Check Availability", you will be able to receive an air quote.

Reservation Process



Depart
Date

Vacation
Start
Date

Vacation
End
Date

Departure
Number

Calendar

Ship		 Photo represents the
type of room & price is
the "starting at" price.
09/11/10 09/12/10 09/19/10 00912 Luminary $2,489.00 $2,988.00 $3,688.00 NOT AVAILABLE
09/25/10 09/26/10 10/03/10 00926 Luminary $2,489.00 $2,988.00 $3,688.00 NOT AVAILABLE
10/02/10 10/03/10 10/10/10 01003 Felicity $2,389.00 $2,888.00 $3,588.00 NOT AVAILABLE
10/09/10 10/10/10 10/17/10 01010 Luminary $2,389.00 NOT AVAILABLE
10/16/10 10/17/10 10/24/10 01017 Felicity $2,289.00 $2,788.00 $3,488.00
10/23/10 10/24/10 10/31/10 01024 Luminary $2,189.00 $2,688.00 $3,388.00 Please Call
04/02/11 04/03/11 04/10/11 10403 Felicity $1,799.00 $2,298.00 $2,998.00
04/08/11 04/09/11 04/16/11 10409 Affinity $2,079.00 $2,578.00 $3,278.00
04/16/11 04/17/11 04/24/11 10417 Felicity $2,249.00 $2,748.00 $3,448.00
04/30/11 05/01/11 05/08/11 10501 Felicity $2,599.00 $3,098.00 $3,798.00
05/14/11 05/15/11 05/22/11 10515 Felicity $2,699.00 $3,198.00 $3,898.00
05/27/11 05/28/11 06/04/11 10528 Affinity $2,699.00 $3,198.00 $3,898.00
05/28/11 05/29/11 06/05/11 10529 Felicity $2,699.00 $3,198.00 $3,898.00
06/11/11 06/12/11 06/19/11 10612 Felicity $2,749.00 $3,248.00 $3,948.00
06/25/11 06/26/11 07/03/11 10626 Felicity $2,699.00 $3,198.00 $3,898.00
07/09/11 07/10/11 07/17/11 10710 Felicity $2,539.00 $3,038.00 $3,738.00
07/15/11 07/16/11 07/23/11 10716 Affinity $2,539.00 $3,038.00 $3,738.00
07/23/11 07/24/11 07/31/11 10724 Felicity $2,539.00 $3,038.00 $3,738.00
07/29/11 07/30/11 08/06/11 10730 Affinity $2,539.00 $3,038.00 $3,738.00
08/06/11 08/07/11 08/14/11 10807 Felicity $2,539.00 $3,038.00 $3,738.00
08/12/11 08/13/11 08/20/11 10813 Affinity $2,539.00 $3,038.00 $3,738.00
08/20/11 08/21/11 08/28/11 10821 Felicity $2,539.00 $3,038.00 $3,738.00
08/26/11 08/27/11 09/03/11 10827 Affinity $2,639.00 $3,138.00 $3,838.00
09/03/11 09/04/11 09/11/11 10904 Felicity $2,749.00 $3,248.00 $3,948.00
09/17/11 09/18/11 09/25/11 10918 Felicity $2,749.00 $3,248.00 $3,948.00
10/01/11 10/02/11 10/09/11 11002 Felicity $2,649.00 $3,148.00 $3,848.00
10/14/11 10/15/11 10/22/11 11015 Affinity $2,439.00 $2,938.00 $3,638.00
10/15/11 10/16/11 10/23/11 11016 Felicity $2,439.00 $2,938.00 $3,638.00
10/29/11 10/30/11 11/06/11 11030 Felicity $2,239.00 $2,738.00 $3,438.00
Prices shown are "starting at" prices and do not include airfare.
Gateway for departure is Zürich, Switzerland.

Cruise taxes, fees, fares and port charges:
$98

Please call for single accommodation price. Triples not available.

Extra nights per person in Amsterdam:
in single room $539, in twin room $308

Extra nights per person in Zürich:
in single room $193, in twin room $127

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 / Decks / Price
B / Sapphire Deck / $499
A / Sapphire Deck / $549
P / Royal Deck / $649
Jr. Suite / Royal Deck / $1,199

2011 Vacation Information Available - View Details

US$ Price Details

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 vacation 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.
-Vacation departures, itineraries and prices are subject to change.

Guaranteed air-inclusive prices:
Air is only available to passengers traveling from the United States and only available when booked in conjunction with a land vacation. An additional $250 non-refundable deposit is required for air booked in conjunction with any land vacation (i.e., air-inclusive vacation.) However, once your airfare is confirmed and Avalon Waterways has received your full air and land deposit, your air-inclusive vacation price is guaranteed.

We also accept your reservation on a land-only basis:
While booking your vacation air-inclusive gives you various advantages, you can also choose the land-only option. But remember, airlines’ special fares generally apply to very brief periods. (Our low air-inclusive fares apply throughout the year.) Plus, to get these “deals” you often are required to pay full fare at the time of booking.

Taxes & fees
Taxes and fees are subject to change and are not guaranteed until full land and air deposit are received.

Applicable Taxes and Fees (Airfare & Charges Not Included in the Price)

Air-Inclusive Vacations
Air-inclusive prices provided online 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 between $200-$375 depending on your itinerary. The total airfare price, the base airfare price, and the applicable government taxes and fees are broken-out line-by-line and shown while booking online and on the invoice after your travel is booked.

Not Included In Your Vacation Price (Air-Inclusive, Land-Only or Cruise-Only)
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: 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 menu as presented at a hotel or restaurant (these extra items will be billed to you before leaving the hotel, ship, or restaurant); additional excursions and activities not listed as 'included' in the itinerary; airport transfers on non-qualifying flights; porterage at airports and train stations; Travel Protection premiums; excess baggage fees; and all other items of a personal nature.

Please note that some amenities, features and enhancements are only available on 2011 river and small-ship cruise departures.
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