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2011 WINE RIVER CRUISES
Expand your horizons on these marvelous wine-themed river cruises. Learn the differences between an Austrian Grüner Veltliner and a French Sauvignon Blanc. A distinguished wine authority explains how various grape varieties are cultivated, and teaches you what to look for in a good wine. Visit a wine village and taste the wines to test your newfound talent. An adventure Bacchus himself would enjoy!
Windmills, Vineyards & Paris Wine River Cruise
13 days from Paris to Amsterdam or 14 days incl. travel (Tour Code: WRA)
October 2, 2011 departure from USA.
Vineyards, vintages, varietals, and some very fine wines are the focus of our exciting “Windmills, Vineyards & Paris” Wine river cruise. As you leisurely float past the legendary vineyards along the Rhine and Moselle Rivers, a distinguished wine authority will describe how various grape varieties are cultivated, and will teach you what to look for in a good wine. On board your ship, the luxurious Avalon Luminary©, participate in onboard tastings of regional wines, attend fascinating lectures on French and German wines, and be pampered at a food and wine pairing gala dinner.
Highlights:
- Tastings of Moselle wines
- Lectures on Moselle and France wines
- Vineyard visits
- Food and Wine pairing dinner
Experience France, Luxembourg, Germany, Belgium, and Holland on this fantastic river cruise vacation. Your adventure starts with two overnights and guided sightseeing in Paris, the incomparable “City of Light.” Take the high-speed TGV train from Paris to Metz, then travel to Remich, Luxembourg, to board your river vessel. Enjoy guided sightseeing in Trier, Cologne, and Middelburg, cruise through the dramatic Rhine Gorge, take pictures of the famous windmills at Kinderdijk, and visit the Delta Works in Veere. Also visit a local wine cellar in Bernkastel, Reichsburg Castle in Cochem, and Siegfried’s Mechanical Musical Instrument Museum in the pretty wine village of Rüdesheim. In Arnhem, take a guided tour that features the Airborne Museum Hartenstein, visit St. Baaf’s Cathedral in Ghent, and explore Amsterdam on a cruise through its fascinating system of canals.
Wine River Cruise
Departure on October 2, 2011 from the USA is offered as an exclusive Wine River Cruise, aboard the Avalon Luminary© including special lectures and tastings, available at no additional cost.
Day 1
(Sun.) Board your overnight transatlantic flight.
Day 2 Arrive in Paris, France
(Mon.) Welcome to Paris, France’s capital on the River Seine and the “City of Light,” where romance fills the air!
(Tue.) Paris’ famous sights are living history: your included city sightseeing shows you magnificent Notre Dame Cathedral, the unique Louvre Museum with its glass pyramid as a contrast to its ancient architecture, the commemorative Arc de Triomphe, Opéra, Madeleine, Champs Elysées, and the Eiffel Tower, a structural miracle of its age. The city is well known for its colorful nightlife, including some of the world’s most famous cabarets. (Breakfast)
Day 4 Paris–Metz–Remich, Luxembourg (Embarkation)
(Wed.) This morning, board a HIGH-SPEED TGV TRAIN for a swift and comfortable journey to Metz. From here we drive to Remich in the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg, where your river cruise vessel is docked. Before dinner, meet your crew at a welcome reception. (Breakfast, Dinner)
(Thu.) This venerable Episcopal city on the Moselle River is the oldest in Germany and, some claim, even older than Rome! The famous Porta Nigra is the only surviving fortified gate from the original Roman settlement and it still gives access to the town center. The Moselle is some 312-miles long, rising in the Vosges Mountains of northeastern France and entering Germany at Trier. The entire Moselle Valley is famous for its beautiful and tranquil scenery. (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)
Day 6 Bernkastel
(Fri.) In the middle of the Moselle region is the charming wine village of Bernkastel with its well-preserved half-timbered houses surrounding the beautiful MARKETPLACE. Wine growers in this area look after Germany’s largest expanse of vineyards, the most celebrated of the vintages being the Bernkasteler Doktor. Before dinner, visit a local WINE CELLAR and taste several of this region’s varietals. (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)
Day 7 Zell–Cochem
(Sat.). Enjoy a few hours of free time in the charming town of Zell before continuing to Cochem. Visit REICHSBURG CASTLE, which sits atop a conical hill covered in vines. From here the views of the little town nestled down below and of the river valley are splendid. Cruising the wide, peaceful curves of the river, it quickly becomes obvious that the Moselle is an important wine-growing region. Most notably, the Riesling grape is cultivated, producing a dry to sweet, floral white wine. (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)
Day 8 Rüdesheim–Rhine Gorge
(Sun.)
Rüdesheim is the perfect example of a Rhine Valley wine town and 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. Downstream from RÜdesheim, 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. (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)
Day 9 Cologne, Germany
(Mon.) Cologne is the capital of the Rhineland and one of Germany’s largest cities. The soaring twin steeples of the magnificent gothic cathedral dominate the river skyline. The Germano-Roman Museum, next to the cathedral, is a must for history buffs! The Old Town abounds with taverns, cafés, and shops. Try a Kölsch, the favorite local beer, and shop for a bottle of 4711, the original “eau de cologne.” (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)
Day 10 Arnhem, Holland–Dordrecht. Excursion to Kinderdijk
(Tue.) One of the major tragedies of World War II was the Battle of Arnhem, featured vividly in the AIRBORNE MUSEUM HARTENSTEIN and the inspiration for the movie A Bridge Too Far. This afternoon we cruise to charming Dordrecht, situated between two branches of the Rhine and the inspiration for many painters in the 17th and 18th centuries. From here, enjoy an excursion to nearby KINDERDIJK with its picturesque row of windmills. (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)
(Wed.) In a unique way, Ghent, the “diamond” of Flanders, has managed to preserve its medieval charm and power while keeping up with the times. A Local Guide will proudly point out that the city center alone is a showcase of medieval Flemish wealth and commercial success, and take you into ST. BAAF’S CATHEDRAL. From here, an optional excursion to fascinating Bruges, with its criss-crossed canals and charming old patrician houses, is available. (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)
Day 12 Middelburg, Holland–Veere–Delta Works
(Thu.) It is certain that Middelburg was originally built as a stronghold to protect the population of Zeeland from the water and enemies. Later, it became a prosperous merchant city that spent great wealth on the construction of important buildings such as the town hall. The eye-catching high tower of the town hall dominates the charming town of Veere, which was once an important wool-trading center. Take your photos before continuing to one of the most complex engineering projects, the DELTA WORKS, located nearby. After the flood of 1953, during which more than 1,800 people drowned in one night, the Delta Plan was born to prevent another disaster of this magnitude. The final defense in the battle against the water is the storm flood barrier, almost six-miles long and considered a technical miracle. The project took 30 years to complete. (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)
Day 13 Amsterdam
(Fri.) 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. 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.” There is plenty of free time to explore on your own. Your Cruise Director will have suggestions of how to make the most of your stay. (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)
(Sat.) Your vacation ends with breakfast this morning. (Breakfast)
Book Now Choose tour code WRA, October 2, 2011 departure.
Burgundy & Provence Wine River Cruise
11 days from Côte d’Azur to Paris or 12 days incl. travel
(Tour Code: WAC)
October 30, 2011 departure from the USA.
Whether you’re a wine connoisseur or just an enthusiast, you’ll expand your horizons on our exciting “Burgundy & Provence” Wine river cruise. As you leisurely float by the legendary vineyards along the Saône and Rhône Rivers, a distinguished wine authority will describe how various grape varieties are cultivated, and will teach you what to look for in a good wine. Visit a wine cave in Beaune, and participate in tasting excursions of France’s famed Burgundy, Chardonnay, and Châteauneuf-du-Pape wines. On board your ship, the magnificent Avalon Scenery, attend a Beaujolais wine tasting, a food and wine pairing gala dinner, and a scrumptious wine and chocolate tasting. An adventure Bacchus himself would enjoy!
Opportunities abound on this grand vacation to learn about and to taste France’s sumptuous wines and local cuisine. Guided sightseeing acquaints you with vibrant Paris and with Nice, the “Queen of the Riviera,” while a deluxe 7-night cruise along the Saône and Rhône Rivers takes you into the heart of this beautiful country. Enjoy orientation walks in fascinating Beaune and medieval Tournon, and see the sights with Local Guides in Lyon, France’s gastronomic capital, as well as in Avignon and Arles.
Wine River Cruise Departures
Departures on October 30, 2011 are offered as exclusive Wine-Theme River Cruises aboard the Avalon Scenery©, including special lectures and tastings, available at no additional cost.
Day 1 Arrive in Côte d’Azur,
France. Welcome to France! Time at leisure to get acquainted with your new surroundings.
Day 2 Côte d’Azur–Arles (Embarkation)
This morning, enjoy free time before transferring by motorcoach to Arles in the Provence region, where you’ll board your river cruise vessel. Before dinner, meet your crew at a welcome reception. (Breakfast, Dinner)
Day 3 Arles
On the northern tip of the Camargue, Arles is the capital of the Provence and was once known as the “Little Rome of Gaul.” See the church of St. Trophime; “Les Alyscamps,” the remains of the Gallo-Roman burial road; and visit the ROMAN AMPHITHEATER. Vincent Van Gogh was inspired by the special light of the Provence and spent a very productive year in Arles. The “Foundation Vincent Van Gogh” is a tribute to the artist. (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)
Day 4 Avignon
The fortified city of Avignon is the capital of the Vaucluse region, the most picturesque part of Provence. Also referred to as the “City of Popes,” it was the center of the Catholic Church in the 14th century and the city landscape is dominated by the grandiose PALACE OF THE POPES. A photo of the bridge of the popular song is a must, and optional outings to Pont du Gard or to the famed wine cellars of Châteauneuf-du-Pape are available this afternoon. (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)
Day 5 Cruising–Viviers
A leisurely morning on board to relax and enjoy the passing scenery as you glide gently by. The charming town of Viviers was developed around its ROMANESQUE CATHEDRAL, and the OLD TOWN has an appealing mix of Christian, Roman, and medieval influences. (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)
Day 6 Tournon/Tain l’Hermitage–Vienne
The twin cities of Tournon and Tain l’Hermitage lie nestled among vineyards between the Rhône River and the granite slopes of the Hermitage. Tournon, with its imposing 16th-century castle and Roman ruins, is one of France’s oldest medieval cities. This afternoon, enjoy Vienne, another charming little town surrounded by steep hills. (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)
Day 7 Lyon
Lyon is France’s second-largest city and its gastronomic capital. Founded by the Romans in 43 BC, the city’s prosperity dates back to the 16th century and is due to commercial, industrial, and banking activities. Roman remains, many excellent museums, and much renaissance architecture delight the visitor. Survey the city from Fourviére Hill and explore the Old Town, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, with its maze of medieval alleyways, Place des Terreaux, and the beautiful Place Bellecour. Beaujolais is the wine of the region and wine connoisseurs will know that the grapes must be hand picked. Tradition dictates that the “Beaujolais Nouveau” is tasted for the first time on the third Thursday of November each year. (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)
Day 8 Mâcon–Tournus–Chalon-sur-Saône
Wake up this morning in Mâcon on the Saône River, a city that plays an important role in the wine trade. There’s free time for exploring after breakfast, then enjoy a short cruise to Tournus. Here, the cloister of St. Philibert or the Burgundy Museum’s folklore collection, located in an old family mansion, are worth a visit. A choice of optional excursions, including a visit to a wine cellar, is available. Before dinner, arrive in Chalon-sur-Saône. (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)
Day 9 Chalon-sur-Saône (Disembarkation)–Beaune–Paris
After breakfast, head for Beaune, the unofficial capital of the Côte d’Or area which produces the Burgundy region’s finest vintages. Its most famous historical site, the Hôtel-Dieu charity hospital, houses Van der Weyden’s painting of the Last Judgement and is one of France’s architectural highlights. After lunch, continue north past the forest of Fontainebleau to Paris, the “City of Light.” (Breakfast)
Day 10 Paris
Paris’ famous sights are living history: your included city sightseeing shows you magnificent Notre Dame Cathedral, the unique Louvre Museum with its glass pyramid as a contrast to its ancient architecture, the commemorative Arc de Triomphe, Opéra, Madeleine, Champs Elysées, and the Eiffel Tower, a structural miracle of its age. The city is well known for its colorful nightlife that includes some of the world’s most famous cabaret shows. (Breakfast)
Day 11 Paris
Your vacation ends with breakfast this morning. (Breakfast)Book Now Choose the tour code WAC on the October 31, 2011 departure.
The Legendary Danube Wine River Cruise
12 days incl. travel, or 11 days from Prague to Budapest (Tour Code: WNB)
Prague to Budapest - October 26, 2011 departure from the USA.
Enhance your knowledge and love of European wines on our exhilarating “The Legendary Danube” Wine river cruise. Learn the differences between an Austrian Grüner Veltliner and a German Riesling Spätlese—and a whole lot more! A distinguished wine authority will describe how various grape varieties are cultivated, and will teach you what to look for in a good wine. Participate in a wine tasting excursion in Prague, marvel at Austria’s legendary Wachau Wine Valley, and consider visiting the Wine Academy or a typical Wachau wine cellar in Melk. On board your ship, the splendid Avalon Tranquility©, attend an Austrian sweet wine lecture and tasting, and be pampered at a food and wine pairing gala dinner.
From the splendor of Prague to the Gypsy violins of Budapest, you’ll treasure every moment of this memorable Danube River cruise. In captivating Nuremberg, embark your ship and sail through the fascinating Main Danube Canal, enjoy a guided visit of medieval Regensburg, tour Melk’s magnificent Benedictine Abbey, and experience the music, art, culture, and historical sites in romantic Vienna.
Wine River Cruise
Departure number 1027on the Avalon Tranquility© is offered as an exclusive Wine Cruise, including special lectures and tastings, available at no additional cost.
Day 1
Board your overnight transatlantic flight.
Day 2 Prague, Czech Republic
Welcome to Prague, capital of the Czech Republic. The city straddles the Vltava River with domes, cupolas, spires and pinnacles highlighting its skyline. The remainder of the day is free to start exploring.
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. Mix with the locals in Wenceslaus Square or stroll along the Vltava River. (B)
Day 4 Prague
A free day for you to explore the city at your own pace. Your Cruise Director will have other suggestions for things to do. (B)
Day 5 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. (B,D)
Day 6 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’s traditions include its famous Lebkuchen, toy making, and metal working. (B,L,D)
Day 7 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. Before dinner we’ll introduce you to some of Germany’s FAMOUS BEERS! (B,L,D)
Day 8 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. Linz, Austria’s third-largest town, lies on both banks of the Danube and is an important industrial town and busy river port. (B,L,D)
Day 9 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. (B,L,D)
Day 10 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 during your city tour. You do not rush through Vienna; you waltz, taking your time to savor each classic sight and sound. Shop in the Kärntnerstrasse and enjoy Sachertorte or Apfelstrudel in a neighborhood café. (B,L,D)
Day 11 Budapest, Hungary
Budapest, spanning the banks of the Danube, is Eastern Europe’s liveliest and most cosmopolitan metropolis. Seven bridges, including the famous Chain and Elisabeth Bridges, connect ancient Buda on the right bank with Pest on the left. The massive hilltop castle complex with FISHERMEN’S BASTION and the Matthias Church is among the many sights your Local Guide will show you. Shop for renowned peasant embroidery, Herend porcelain, and paprika. (B,L,D)
Day 12 Budapest (Disembarkation)
Your homebound flight arrives the same day. (B)
Book Now Choose tour code WNB on the October 27, 2011 departure.