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EUROPEAN SPLENDOUR
CRUISING along the RHINE, MAIN and DANUBE RIVERS
September 18 - 30, 2012

 


Travel Broker Tours invites you to join Denise Johnson, on a magnificent 12 Night European River Cruise Vacation that reveals the best of Europe along the Rhine, Main and Danube Rivers!

We will enjoy a canal cruise past Amsterdam's 16th-century merchant houses and through the impressive Main Danube Canal. We will sail through the dramatic Rhine Gorge past the legendary Lorelei rock, visit Siegfried's Mechanical Musical Instrument Museum in charming Rudesheim, and pause for a baking demonstration in Bavaria's picturesque Miltenberg. We will discover the sights with local guides in Cologne, Bamberg, Passau, Grein and Vienna.

Rivers have played a major role in the history of Europe, and most of the villages and cities along the rivers have existed for hundreds of years. The culture, history, and architecture of the settlements, combined with the spectacular natural beauty of the vineyards, farms, and rolling hills along the river, make this a wonderful cruise vacation option for travelers.

The Rhine and the Danube formed most of the northern inland frontier of the Roman Empire and, since those days, the Rhine has been a vital and navigable waterway carrying trade and goods deep inland. It has also served as a defensive feature and has been the basis for regional and international borders. The many castles and prehistoric fortification along the Rhine testify to its importance as a waterway. River traffic could be stopped at these locations, usually for the purpose of collecting tolls, by the state that controlled that portion of the river.

Captured in art, poetry and music, the Danube River is one of the world's most romantic waterways. On a Danube River cruise you can see the half-timbered homes of Nuremberg and the baroque architecture of Vienna. Visit the splendid Benedictine abbey of Melk, with its library of 16,000 books, and enjoy a concert on Europe's largest church organ in Passau.

Our Program

  • 12 Nt - Deluxe European River Cruise along the Rhine, Main and Danube Rivers


Tour Escort

Denise Johnson

Highlights Include:

  • 12 Nt Deluxe European River Cruise along the Rhine, Main and Danube Rivers: 12 Night Amsterdam to Vienna cruise on the Avalon Affinity in an outside stateroom including portholes, all meals, sightseeing and excursion program as per itinerary.
  • Guided sightseeing excursions in Cologne, Miltenberg, Würzburg, Bamberg, Nuremburg, Regensburg, Passau, Grein and Vienna - Daily port lectures, sightseeing and shore excursions (with personal headsets) with an expert local guide and VIP access into key destinations, no waiting in lines. Included sightseeing and excursions per itinerary. Optional excursions available.
  • Welcome reception and farewell Captain's dinner - Enjoy a welcome reception on day of embarkation, Captain's reception and 5-course farewell dinner.

Detailed Itinerary

MON SEPT 17 - Depart HOME CITY
Departure on your international flight (not included in tour price) to Amsterdam, Holland. As a full service travel agency, we are happy to assist you to arrange your flight and transfer details from your home city to join this tour.

Day 1: TUE SEPT 18, ARRIVE in Amsterdam, 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 we board our river cruise vessel and meet our crew at the welcome reception. 
Meals: (D) Dinner
Lodging: Avalon Affinity

Day 2: WED SEPT 19, AMSTERDAM
There is no better way to see Amsterdam than by canal boat, cruising through elegant grachten lined with stately homes dating back to Amsterdam's "Golden Age". This afternoon, there is time to explore or perhaps join an optional excursion to nearby picturesque small town before your ship sets sail for Cologne.
Meals: (BLD) Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Lodging: Avalon Affinity

Day 3: THU SEPT 20, COLOGNE, 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 Roman - Germanic Museum 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".
Meals: (BLD) Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Lodging: Avalon Affinity

The Roman - Germanic Museum
In the heart of the city center right to the side of the Cologne Cathedral, lies Cologne’s German/Roman Museum. The Roman-Germanic Museum (RGM, in German: Römisch-Germanisches Museum) is one of the better archaeological museums in the region. This museum houses and protects a humongous collection of Roman artifacts from the Roman settlement Colonia Claudia Ara Agrippinensium, on which modern Cologne is built. The museum is also an archaeological site as it also protects the original place of a Roman town villa, down in the basement, of which the large Dionysus Mosaic remains in its original place and the related Roman Road just outside. Within the museum is an institution to preserve the Cologne Roman cultural    heritage, and therefore preserves wonderful Roman glass from Roman funerals and burial.

Day 4: FRI SEPT 21, RHINE GORGE - RÜDESHEIM
The dramatic Rhine Gorge is the most beautiful stretch of river. We pass the legendary rock of the Lorelei, where sweet songs of local beauties lured enchanted sailors to their doom. Visit Siegfried's Mechanical Musical Instrument Museum in pretty Rüdesheim. We will enjoy a special treat, then there's free time to explore the Drosselgasse and pick up some souvenirs.
Meals: (BLD) Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Lodging: Avalon Affinity

Day 5: SAT SEPT 22, MILTENBERG
Located on the Main River, Miltenberg is a picturesque Bavarian village that thrived on income from river traffic. Its cultural wealth and affluence are reflected in the beautiful medieval and renaissance houses and the gothic splendor of the Merchant Hall. This afternoon, we will learn how to bake a local soft cookie specialty.
Meals: (BLD) Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Lodging: Avalon Affinity

Day 6: SUN SEPT 23, WÜRZBURG
Known as the "Pearl of the Romantic Road," Wurzburg is surrounded by sloping hills covered with vineyards. The magnificent Bishop's Residenz is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Meals: (BLD) Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Lodging: Avalon Affinity

Day 7: MON SEPT 24, BAMBERG
Another beautiful UNESCO World Heritage Site is medieval Bamberg. Our walking tour takes in its breathtaking cathedral, the Old Town Hall straddling the River Regnitz, and serpentine streets with charming houses and 18th-century mansions.
Meals: (BLD) Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Lodging: Avalon Affinity

 

The Rhine - Main - Danube Canal
The Rhine - Main - Danube Canal (also called Main-Danube Canal, RMD Canal or Europa Canal), located in Bavaria, Germany, connects the Main and the Danube rivers across the European Watershed, running from Bamberg via Nuremberg to Kelheim. The canal connects the North Sea and Atlantic Ocean to the Black Sea, providing a navigable artery between the Rhine delta (at Rotterdam in the Netherlands) and the Danube Delta in eastern Romania. The present canal was completed in 1992 and is 171 km (106 miles) long.

Day 8: TUE SEPT 25, 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 - all explained  by a local expert. Nuremberg's traditions include famous Lebkuchen, toy making, and metal working.
Meals: (BLD) Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Lodging: Avalon Affinity

Day 9: WED SEPT 26, REGENSBURG
Regensburg is one of Germany's best preserved medieval cities. Architectural highlights on our guided tour include the Old Town Hall and 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. It is here we will find Germany's oldest restaurant, the 12th-century Historische Wurstküche (Old Sausage Kitchen). Before dinner we'll introduce you to some of Germany's famous beers!
Meals: (BLD) Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Lodging: Avalon Affinity

Day 10: THU SEPT 27, PASSAU
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.
Meals: (BLD) Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Lodging: Avalon Affinity

Day 11: FRI SEPT 28, GREIN, AUSTRIA - MELK
At the foot of a bluff in the shadow of its castle, Grein's turreted houses on the main square offer excellent photo opportunities. Situated in the picturesque Wachau Valley, Melk is home to the magnificent Benedictine Abbey that dominates the town and is one of Europe's largest monasteries. The view from the terrace over the Danube and surrounding countryside is breathtaking!
Meals: (BLD) Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Lodging: Avalon Affinity

Grien
On the left bank of the Danube, southeast of Ardagger, comes the picturesque little town of Grein (239m/784ft), the life of which is closely associated with shipping. Above the town to the west towers the imposing Greinburg castle, which now houses the Austrian Shipping Museum. The castle, built in the 15th century, has a charming 17th century arcaded courtyard. In the Stadtplatz will be found an unusual little Roccoco theater (1791) with seating for only 163; plays are performed in the summer months. As the boat sails past Grein, it enters a reach which was formerly a very dangerous stretch of rapids, the Greiner Strudel; the rocks were blasted away in the 19th century to make the passage easier.

Day 12: SAT SEPT 29, VIENNA
Vienna, Austria's capital is known as the "City of Music" and inspired the creative genius of Mozart, Beethoven, and Strauss. Once the center of the mighty Habsburg Empire, the city has much to offer: 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 we will enjoy during our included tour. We do not rush through Vienna; we waltz, taking your time to savor each classic sight and sound. Shop in the Kärntnerstrasse and enjoy Sachertorte or Apfelstrudel in a neighbourhood café. An optional concert is available during our stay.
Meals: (BLD) Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Lodging: Avalon Affinity

Day 13: SUN SEPT 30, DEPART Vienna, Austria for HOME CITY - DISEMBARKATION
Our tour ends with breakfast this morning. We disembark in Vienna, Austria filled with memories of Europe!
Meals: (B) Breakfast

INTERESTED in extending your holiday....
As a fully licensed travel agency we are happy to assist in arranging your flights or any other custom arrangements either before or after this program.

Pricing:

† CRUISE ONLY- September 18 to September 30, 2012
Prices per person in Canadian Dollars (CA$)
In a Twin
Port Taxes
EARLY BOOKING BONUS - Per Person
(For deposits received by August 29, 2011)
$500.00
-----

Category E - Deluxe Stateroom - 172 sq. ft.
Porthole - Indigo Deck
$4,192.00
$180.00

Category B - Deluxe Stateroom - 172 sq. ft.
Floor-to-ceiling sliding-glass door with French Balcony - Sapphire Deck Aft
$5,110.00
$180.00

Category A - Deluxe Stateroom - 172 sq. ft.
Floor-to-ceiling sliding-glass door with French Balcony - Sapphire Deck Forward
$5,194.00
$180.00

Category P - Deluxe Stateroom - 172 sq. ft.
Floor-to-ceiling sliding-glass door with French Balcony - Royal Deck
$5,361.00
$180.00

Category S - Deluxe Stateroom - 258 sq. ft.
Panoramic windows with French Balcony - Royal Deck
$6,364.00
$180.00
  • †International flights to Amsterdam, Holland and return from Vienna, Austria are not included in the above pricing but can be arranged with Travel Broker Tours - A division of The Travel Broker and Cruise Centre.
  • Deposit at time of booking CA$500.00 per person + insurance premium if applicable (See details below)
  • Single accomodation rate available upon request.

River Ship Deck Plan:

River Ship Staterooms:

Avalon Suite (Cat. Suite) - 258 sq. ft.
Avalon Deluxe Stateroom (Cat. B, A, P) - 172 sq. ft.
Avalon Deluxe Stateroom (Cat.E) - 172 sq. ft.

Cruise Inclusions:

  • 12 Nt European River Cruise: 12 Night Amsterdam to Vienna cruise on the Avalon Affinity in the Stateroom category that you have choosen, ship and stateroom amenities, dining, lectures, guided sightseeing, shore excursions (as per itinerary above and detailed below).
  • Ship Amenities: Wall-to-Wall Panoramic Windows, Sky Deck with premium lounge chairs, Sky Deck with shade system, Wi-Fi access, Non-smoking interior, Elevator, Modern Finishings, Outside Viewing Deck, English-speaking crew, Sightseeing with a Local Guide, Cruise Director, Onboard lectures, activities & nightly entertainment, Revolutionary Engineering, Room service available featuring Continental breakfast and beverages, Sky Deck whirlpool, Internet corner, Fitness center and Hair salon
  • Stateroom Amentities: Comfort Collection by Avalon, Deluxe beds with premium mattress covers, Egyptian super-combed cotton linens, European-style duvets, Choice of soft or firm pillows, Extra blankets, Choice of bed configuration, Nightly turn-down service, Bedside tables with reading lamps, Hairdryer, L'Occitane bath amenities, Spacious 3-door closets with shelves for ample storage, Easy under-bed luggage storage, Flatscreen satellite TV with movie channels, Alarm clock, Direct-dial telephone, Bathrobes & slippers, Well-stocked minibar, Complimentary bottled water, In-room safe, Individual climate control, Modern Finishings, Large mirror in bathroom.
  • Dining: Self-serve beverage station with complimentary tea, hot chocolate & premium coffee, Captain's reception with sparkling wine and 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, Open-Air Bistro on Sky Deck, Lunch buffet with carving or pasta station, 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 Main 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, and coffee or tea after dinner, Complimentary soft drinks with lunches, Night Fare served at 10:30 pm, All-inclusive drink package for purchase (alcohol or non-alcohol), Room service available featuring Continental breakfast and beverages, Upscale bar serving premium spirits, Healthy meal options.
  • Lectures, Guided Sightseeing and Shore excursions: Guided sightseeing in every port (complete with headsets), daily port lectures, VIP access into key destinations, no waiting in lines and great cultural immersion and storytelling by highly skilled Cruise and Tour Directors.
  • Bicycle Rentals: For those interested in exploring each port on two wheels, Avalon Waterways has partnered with local companies specializing in bike rentals.
  • Tour Escort and Cruise Director: Escorted by Denise Johnson of The Travel Broker will travel with the group from Canada. Services of a professional Cruise Director while onboard cruise.
  • Taxes: Local taxes on all included ground transportation, cruise services, hotel accommodation and meals

Cruise Exclusions:

  • †International flights to Amsterdam, Holland and return from Vienna, Austria are not included in the above pricing but can be arranged with Travel Broker Tours - A division of The Travel Broker and Cruise Centre.
  • Airport Transfers
  • Personal Insurances (travel, baggage, cancellation, etc.)
  • Passport & Visa Fees and Immunizations.
  • All alcoholic beverages and bar beverages (soft drinks, juice, sparkling water, etc.) not mentioned in the inclusions above.
  • Personal Charges (excess baggage fees, laundry, souvenirs, personal hotel or cruise charges, etc.)
  • All optional excursions or deviations from the itinerary.
  • Any item not mentioned in the itinerary or in the inclusions above.
  • Tips or gratuities to your tour escort, local host, tour drivers, local city guides, hotel staff (hotel porters, chambermaids and dining staff) and cruise ship staff (cruise stewards and servers).

Deposits and Final Payments:

  • Deposits: At time of booking CA$500.00 per person + insurance
    premium if applicable.
  • Final Payment: Final payment due on June 15, 2012. Payments may be made by personal cheque, Visa or Mastercard

Cancellation Charges:

  • Once a deposit has been paid the following scale of cancellation charges will apply:
    (Note that insurance premiums, once paid, are non-refundable)
  • Cancellation notice received prior to June 15, 2012 - 100% of Deposit
  • Cancellation notice received 89 - 60 days prior to departure  - 35% penalty
  • Cancellation notice received 59 - 30 days prior to departure  - 50% penalty
  • Cancellation notice received less than 30 day prior to departure - 100% penalty
  • No Show - 100 % penalty

Cruise Notes:

  • In the event of water level problems on stretches of any river, it may be necessary to operate part of the itinerary by motor coach.
  • Please check visa requirements with your local consulate(s); responsibility of obtaining visa(s) rests with the traveller.
  • Included features, visits, excursions, sightseeing and itinerary details are subject to change; if a change becomes necessary, a substitute will be offered.

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For more information or to register for this tour please contact Denise Johnson at:

Travel Broker Tours
A division of The Travel Broker & Cruise Centre
1758 Bath Road Kingston, ON Canada
Telephone: 613-389-7914 or 1-800-387-7678
Email: denise@thetravelbroker.ca