See the highlights of Central Europe on this enchanting cruise. Guided sightseeing in each city is conducted by Certified Local Guides and shows you the highlights. In Regensburg, we’ll introduce you to some of Germany’s famous beers, and there’s wine tasting in Austria’s Wachau Valley. Visit Vienna, charming Dürnstein, Regensburg, Nuremberg, medieval Bamberg, pictureque Rüdesheim, and Cologne. Also enjoy inside visits of Bratislava’s gothic St. Martin’s Cathedral, the amazing Benedictine Abbey of Göttweig, and Würzburg’s Bishop’s Residenz. Cruise through the dramatic Rhine Gorge past the legendary Lorelei rock; glide past quaint towns, beautiful scenery, and historic buildings along the Danube, Main and Rhine Rivers; and enjoy a scenic cruise through the delightful canals of Amsterdam. After disembarking your Avalon cruise ship in Amsterdam, we transfer you by high-speed train to Paris for your exciting Monograms extension. We’ve arranged your hotel reservations, daily breakfast, sightseeing with local experts, transfers from/to your hotels to/from the train stations, and more. Plus, we know you are not familiar with the cities, so we’ve arranged the services of friendly and knowledgeable Local Hosts® to answer questions, share inside information, help you arrange your activities and excursions, and more. The moment you arrive in Paris, you’ll feel the magic. We know the very best place to photograph the iconic Eiffel Tower, and we’ll take you there to get your shots! We’ll also take you to Notre Dame Cathedral to admire its amazing stained-glass Rose Window, then for a different perspective of the city, we’ve arranged for you to enjoy a cruise along the Seine. With three overnights, the “City of Light” is yours for discovering. Next, bid “Au Revoir” as an included high-speed train transfer whisks you from Paris to London for three nights and plenty of time to investigate just what makes England so jolly. We’ll pick you up at your hotel for exclusive, guided sightseeing with a local expert. You’ll hear the inside stories around places like Westminster Abbey, where Prince William and Kate Middleton were married, and the Houses of Parliament. We’ll take you inside St. Paul’s Cathedral, the iconic cathedral where Prince Charles and Lady Diana were married. We’ll also take you to see the Changing of the Guard at Buckingham Palace (if available). In both cities you’ll have a full day to explore on your own. From Paris, perhaps hunt for the many celebrity tombstones in the Père Lachaise Cemetery, take a French cooking lesson, or enjoy a cabaret show at the world-famous Moulin Rouge. In London, you may want to ride the London Eye, shop at the iconic Harrods department store, ride a red double-decker bus or the “Tube,” or take in a West End theater show.

City Highlights

Cruise: deluxe 14-night cruise in an outside stateroom with Avalon’s exclusive Comfort Collection BedsSMDay 1 Budapest (Embarkation): welcome receptionDay 2 Budapest: guided sightseeing, see Fishermen’s Bastion and Heroes’ SquareDay 3 Bratislava: guided sightseeing, visit St. Martin’s CathedralDay 4 Vienna: guided sightseeingDay 5 Excursion to Göttweig Abbey–Dürnstein: guided visit of the Benedictine Abbey of Göttweig; guided walk in Dürnstein, see the Stiftskirche; wine tastingDay 6 Passau: guided walk in PassauDay 7 Regensburg: guided walk; enjoy a snack at the Historische Wurstküche; beer tastingDay 8 Nuremberg: choice of guided sightseeing or Nuremberg Rally Grounds tourDay 9 Bamberg: guided walk, see the Old TownDay 10 Würzburg: guided sightseeing, visit the Bishop’s ResidenzDay 11 Main River Village: guided walkDay 12 Rüdesheim–Rhine Gorge: visit Siegfried’s Mechanical Musical Instrument Museum; enjoy a special treat; cruise through the Rhine GorgeDay 13 Cologne: choice of guided walk or Jewish Heritage walkDay 14 Amsterdam: canal cruiseParis and London: 6 nights hotel accommodation with buffet breakfast (B); Monograms Local Host Service & Destination Guides with city maps; guided sightseeing, inside visits and special features are shown in UPPERCASE; high-speed Thalys train (firsit-class) from Amsterdam to Paris; high-speed Eurostar train (standard class*) from Paris to London (porterage available for one suitcase on Paris–London stretch only); transfers to/from train stations; discounts at the famous Galeries Lafayette department store in Paris.

Meals

Captain’s welcome & farewell receptions with sparkling wine and canapésWelcome dinnerDaily Afternoon TeaDaily Night FareFarewell dinnerComplimentary sparkling wine with breakfast; wine, beer, or soft drinks with lunch and dinner are included daily on board your vesselBreakfast daily while in Paris and London

Notes

NOTES: In the event of water level problems or any problems of a technical nature, it may be necessary to operate the itinerary by motorcoach or to alter the program.Included visits and special features are subject to change. If a change becomes necessary, a substitute will be offered.Please check visa requirements with your local consulate(s); responsibility for obtaining visas rests with the traveler.

PRODUCT_LINE: AVALON-WBA1-2017