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AVALON Waterways
Choice Cruising Customized to You!
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European Splendor
13 DAYS
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| EUROPEAN
SPLENDOR Eastbound |
Duration: 13 days
from Amsterdam to Vienna
Includes: All-inclusive
River Cruise
Visits
to: AUSTRIA,
GERMANY
and HOLLAND
Specially-priced
Air Rates
Available: YES |
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Avalon Waterways
European
Splendor - Eastbound
13 days from Amsterdam to Vienna
This magnificent vacation includes a
deluxe cruise that reveals the
best of Europe along the Rhine, Main, and Danube Rivers. Enjoy a canal
cruise past Amsterdam’s 16th-century merchant houses and through the
impressive Main Danube Canal. Sail through the dramatic Rhine Gorge
past the legendary Lorelei rock, visit Siegfried’s Mechanical Musical
Instrument Museum in charming Rüdesheim, have fun at a beer
tasting in Nuremberg, and enjoy a tasting of local specialties in
Bavaria’s picturesque Wertheim. You’ll also see the sights with
Certified Local Guides in Cologne, Bamberg, Nuremberg, Grein, and
Vienna. See the Stiftskirche in Dürnstein, and visit the splendid
Benedictine Abbey in Melk and the Bishop’s Residenz—a UNESCO World
Heritage Site—in Würzburg. While on board, be sure to have your
camera ready for the majestic scenery and charming towns you’ll pass on
this memorable vacation!
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DISCOUNT
OFFERED FOR THIS TOUR! |
INCLUDED
FEATURES
It's about you. You are the reason
we've used our 80-plus
years of travel expertise to design the very best river cruise
experience. Inspired by you, we've taken everything special about river
cruising and made it even better. Here are some of the features and
amenities you'll experience on board our Avalon ships.
- Panoramic
windows throughout every ship.
- Elegant,
contemporary design throughout.
- Included
shore excursions with Local Guide.
- Headsets
for shore excursions.
- Complimentary
Wi-Fi access.
- Personalized
room options & excursions.
- Space
to
relax & unwind
- Premium
coffees, cappuccinos and lattes.
- Coffee
self-serve beverage station.
- A
lounge
serving premium spirits.
- Maintain
your routine in the fitness center.
- The
Comfort Collection BedsSM.
- Premium
L'Occitane bath amenities.
- Daily
early- and late-riser breakfast.
- Full
buffet breakfast with sparkling wine.
- Complimentary
juices with breakfast.
- Made-to-order
egg station at breakfast.
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- Complimentary
soft drinks with lunch.
- Al
fresco
lunches on the Sky Bistro.
- Chef-inspired
regional recipes.
- Four-course
dinners with open seating.
- Nightly
choice of appetizers, entrées, desserts or
cheese.
- Complimentary
regional wines at dinner.
- Free
soft
drinks or beer with dinner.
- Night
Fare
served at 10:30 p.m.
- Remarkable
service throughout the cruise.
- English-speaking
crew.
- Non-smoking
interior.
- Large
bathrooms - showers w/ glass doors.
- Flatscreen
satellite TV with movie channels.
- Spacious
3-door closets for ample storage.
- Alternative
dinners of light regional specialties and wines
in the Panorama Bistro on Suite ShipsSM.
- And,
much
more.
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MEALS
- Meals are indicated by
breakfast, lunch, and dinner
- Captain’s welcome & farewell
receptions with sparkling wine and canapés
- Welcome dinner
- Daily Afternoon Tea
- Daily Night Fare
- Local chef dinner
- Farewell dinner
- Complimentary sparkling wine with
breakfast; soft drinks with lunch; and wine, beer, or soft drinks with
dinner are included daily on board your vessel
AIRPORT
TRANSFERS
Airport
transfers
may be included when you make your flight arrangements
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Day 1 Arrive in Amsterdam (Embarkation)
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Welcome to Amsterdam! Holland’s capital is sophisticated and modern,
with a rich and fascinating history. This delightful 700-year-old city
with its elegant and classic architecture, cafés and
restaurants, and lively marketplace has a distinct ambiance. The
streets, squares, and canals—not to mention the bike paths throughout
the city—make for a vibrant atmosphere. Early this afternoon, why not
take an optional excursion to Zaanse Schans, with its traditional
houses and Dutch craft workshop. Later, board your river cruise vessel
and meet your crew at an evening welcome reception. (Dinner)
NOTE:
Guests must be on board ship by 5 pm.
There is no better way to see Amsterdam than by CANAL BOAT, cruising
through the elegant grachten lined with stately homes dating back to
Amsterdam’s “Golden Age.” There’s free time this afternoon to enjoy the
city or perhaps to join a biking optional excursion (weather
permitting). Afterward, bid tot ziens (farewell) to Holland and set
sail for Germany. (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)
Today, enjoy some peaceful morning cruising before reaching Cologne.
One of Germany’s largest cities and capital of the Rhineland, Cologne
straddles both sides of the Rhine, and is known for its soaring,
twin-steepled gothic cathedral. Choose between a GUIDED CITY WALK or a
JEWISH HERITAGE WALK. Later, during free time, perhaps look in on the
Romano-Germanic Museum, home to a large collection of artifacts from
the Roman settlement on which modern Cologne is built—a must for
history buffs! Be sure to try a Kölsch pale lager, locally brewed
in Cologne for over a hundred years! (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)
Day 4 Rhine
Gorge–Rüdesheim
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The dramatic RHINE GORGE is the most beautiful stretch of river. Here,
ancient castles stand sentry on lofty cliffs rising 400 feet above the
waters. Cruise past the legendary rock of the Lorelei, where enchanted
siren song lured unwitting sailors to their doom, before arriving in
Rüdesheim, the quintessential Rhine Valley wine town. Visit
SIEGFRIED’S MECHANICAL MUSICAL INSTRUMENT MUSEUM, where you’ll see and
hear a large collection of self-playing calliopes and music boxes from
the 18th to the early 20th centuries; and enjoy a SPECIAL TREAT.
(Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)
Today, relax on board until your afternoon arrival in Wertheim.
Situated at the confluence of the Tauber and Main Rivers, a GUIDED WALK
shows you its medieval center. Enjoy a TASTING of local specialties and
free time before departing for Würzburg. (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)
Surrounded by verdant hillside vineyards, Würzburg, the “Pearl of
the Romantic Road,” makes an immediate impression with imposing
Fortress Marienberg perched above town and the 15th-century Alte
Mainbrucke (Old Main Bridge). On your GUIDED SIGHTSEEING TOUR, visit
the magnificent baroque BISHOP’S RESIDENZ, home to the largest ceiling
fresco ever painted. This afternoon you are free to explore on your
own, or perhaps join an optional excursion to medieval Rothenburg.
(Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)
Enjoy a leisurely morning on board as you cruise gently along the Main
River. Before lunch, attend a fascinating ONBOARD LECTURE to learn more
about the European Union. This afternoon, arrive in medieval Bamberg,
former residence of one of Germany’s most powerful imperial dynasties.
Your GUIDED WALKING TOUR takes in its historic center, including the
great 13th-century Romanesque cathedral and the fascinating Altes
Rathaus (Old Town Hall)—built on an island in the middle of the Regnitz
River when the bishop refused to give the townspeople land for a town
hall! Wander the town’s serpentine streets with their charming houses
and 18th-century mansions. (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)
Although 90% of Nuremberg’s Old Town suffered extensive damage during
WWII, much of it has been restored to the glory it once knew as the
unofficial capital of the Holy Roman Empire. This morning, choose
either a GUIDED SIGHTSEEING TOUR and marvel at this thousand-year-old
city’s medieval fortifications, extraordinary gothic churches, and the
Kaiserburg (Imperial Castle), or join a more specialized NUREMBERG
RALLY GROUNDS tour. During free time, be sure to try some tasty
Lebkuchen and make a wish at the beautiful fountain in the Hauptmarkt
(main square). Legend says your wish will come true if you turn its
gold ring three times. This afternoon, relax on board and attend an
interesting LECTURE about the engineering marvel that is the Main
Danube Canal. Before dinner, we’ll introduce you to some of Germany’s
FAMOUS BEERS. (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)
Dating back to the time of the Celts around 500 BC, Regensburg is one
of Germany’s best preserved medieval cities. Architectural highlights
of your GUIDED WALK this morning include the Altes Rathaus (Old Town
Hall), built in the 13th century, and Porta Pretoria, gates to an
ancient Roman fort built in 179 AD. In the Middle Ages, many mansions
were built with high towers to emphasize the status and wealth of their
owners, and many still remain today. Grab a beer and enjoy an included
SNACK at the Historische Wurstküche (Old Sausage Kitchen), one of
Germany’s oldest restaurants. Bask in the vibrant atmosphere and take
in the remarkable views along the river. (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)
Day 10 Linz,
Austria–Grein
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This morning your LOCAL GUIDE will acquaint you with Linz, Austria’s
third-largest city and an important river port. See the 13th-century
Hauptplatz, Austria’s largest medieval square, and the Trinity Column,
built in 1723 as thanks for the city escaping the ravages of the
plague, war, and fire. Maybe wander around the old castle grounds and
take in the beautiful views of the river, or visit the neo-gothic New
Cathedral, the largest church in Austria, with capacity for 20,000
visitors. In the late afternoon, arrive in the attractive country
resort of Grein, nestled at the foot of a bluff in the shadow of its
castle. Join a Local Guide for a GUIDED WALK and take pictures of the
turreted houses on the main square. Its castle is the oldest
residential castle in Austria, and its THEATER—built in 1791—is
Austria’s oldest theater. Alternatively, you might like to join a
full-day optional excursion to Salzburg; or the popular “Romantic
Austria” tour; or to medieval Český Krumlov in the Czech
Republic, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Rejoin your ship in the late
afternoon in Grein. (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)
This morning, cruise through the picturesque Wachau Valley before
arriving in Dürnstein. Standing on the banks of the Danube, the
magnificent baroque Stiftskirche with its blue façade is without
a doubt the landmark of this small town which lies in the heart of the
Wachau wine region. A Local Guide will take you on a WALKING TOUR and
tell you the tale of England’s King Richard the Lionheart, who was
imprisoned in the castle whose ruins still stand above the town. This
evening, arrive in Vienna, where an optional concert is available
tonight. (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)
Once the center of the mighty Habsburg Empire, Austria’s magical
capital on the blue Danube is a showcase of gilded architecture. This
is home to the lavish Hofburg Imperial Palace complex with its Vienna
Boys’ Choir and dazzling Lipizzaner stallions; the neo-renaissance
Vienna Opera House; and awe-inspiring St. Stephen’s Cathedral—plus,
countless other sights you’ll see on your GUIDED TOUR. Shop in the
delightful pedestrian Kärntnerstrasse, and be sure to take a break
and enjoy a piece of decadent Sachertorte or Apfelstrudel in one of the
classic Viennese coffee houses, historic institutions that helped shape
Viennese culture! (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)
Day 13 Vienna
(Disembarkation)
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Your vacation ends with breakfast this morning. (Breakfast)
You may also want to view the WESTBOUND
VERSION of this cruise/tour.
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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
is necessary, a substitute will be offered.
Luminary
 Built
2010 | Length 361 | Crew Members 39 | Staterooms 65 | Suites 4
Cruising
on the Avalon Luminary is the ideal way to experience the majesty,
extensive history and fascinating culture of some of Europe's oldest
cities along the Rhine, Main, Danube and Moselle rivers. Built in 2010,
the Avalon Luminary is one of the latest additions to the Avalon fleet,
and holds a maximum of just 138 passengers. Visit multiple countries
and cities and unpack only once, so you spend your time experiencing
and enjoying Europe rather than dealing with the logistics of travel.
Enjoy a highly personalized cruise experience, spacious deluxe
staterooms and suites, contemporary décor, and popular onboard
amenities, including a large Sky Deck with deck chairs and whirlpool,
multiple lounges and a bar, Internet corner, fitness center, hair
salon, and elevator. |
Included Amenities
- Wall-to-Wall
Panoramic Windows
- Sky
Deck with
shade awnings
- Expanded
fitness
center
- Elevator
- Outside
Viewing
Deck
- English-speaking
crew
- Cruise
Director
- Revolutionary
engineering
- Internet
Corner
- Lounges
and
upscale bar serving premium spirits
- Relax
and
enjoy
onboard movie nights
- 2013
- Biking
excursions available in Amsterdam and Durnstein
- Avalon
Choice
cruising experience
- Choice
of
excursions - Leisurely, Traditional or Essential Sightseeing options
- Culture
&
Cruise onboard experiences with local chefs, entertainers, artisans and
experts
- Guest
Services
is
available to recommend, reserve and further personalize your cruise
- Sky
Deck Game
Area
- Fitness
Center
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- Sky Deck with shade
system & premium lounge chairs
- Sky Deck Whirlpool
- Non-smoking interior
- Elegant, contemporary
design throughout
- Headsets for all
guided shore excursions in Europe
- Sightseeing with a
Certified Local Guide
- Onboard lectures,
activities & nightly entertainment
- Room service
available featuring Continental breakfast and beverages
- Hair salon (manicures
available)
- Self-serve beverage
station with complimentary tea, hot chocolate & premium coffees
- Access to iPad mobile
digital devices (Royal Suites only)
- Alternate dining
experience with regional specialties and lighter fare in the Panorama
Bistro
- Behind-the-scenes
ship tour
- Complimentary maps
and use of Nordic walking sticks
- Expanded "on-demand"
in-room entertainment
- Panorama Bistro
- Complimentary Wi-Fi
Access
- Well-stocked library
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Avalon Waterways
EUROPEAN SPLENDOR
13 days from Amsterdam to Vienna
You may also want to view the WESTBOUND
VERSION of this cruise/tour.
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From $4199USD
(Less applicable
Globus Discounts)
Prices
are
per person based on double occupancy and are cruise only. We also offer
competitive group-based airfares from your home city airport that fit
with this particular touring program.
We provide an additional agency point-of-sale discount for
all Globus,
Cosmos
and Avalon
Waterways
tour programs. Offer subject
to availability and change without notice.
Order
Your
AVALON BROCHURE HERE! |
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TALK
TO AN EXPERIENCED
 |
As a full-service travel provider, we
can
help
you in finding your
perfect tour at the best price available, today. We've been
representing the GLOBUS Family of
Brands for
over 35 years as a Premier Agency
Partner - a designation only awarded to the top tier agencies
that are authorized to represent the full Globus Family of Brands. We
can take you all the way from your own hometown to
some of the most beautiful touring experiences in Europe and then back
again - all with the expertise of a seasoned GLOBUS professional
representative.
When it is important to get it right, you can trust the services of our
own professional GLOBUS Certified travel specialists. Please feel free
to call us or email us or we would be happy to provide your information
via email
on the tour form, below.
Requesting Availability
We
will check your requested tour program and accommodations for the
date range that you may specify in the boxes below and reply back to
you
as soon as possible. Of course the more information that you can
provide
us, the closer we will be in matching your needs and preferences. We
will
not
knowingly sell or pass along your information that you provide to any
third
party for any reason (see Liabilities
and Privacy Policy). And we use
SSL Technology to safeguard your information on our tour request forms
that we have posted throughout our website.
We
are available to answer
your inquiries in person Monday - Friday (except holidays) from 8:30am
until 5:30pm CST (1-877-510-4653 |
817-788-5210). We are available from
time to time
on
the weekends via email to answer your questions. Our typical response
time
for your email request ranges from 3 hours to as many as 72 depending
upon
the availability of onsite resources and those of the tour companies
and
resorts/lodging establishments, as well as any variations you may
request
from our listed programs. For those inquirers requesting a trip within
two weeks, we will give you a priority due to your need to establish an
immediate plan. At any rate, we will respond to your requests as
quickly
as possible and as soon as we have all components of your package
confirmable.
All tour program rates are based upon double occupancy unless otherwise
specified.
Thank
you for
your interest in this quality tour by The GLOBUS Family
of Brands!
Randy C.
Gardner
President
Gardner Travel
Service,
Inc.
We
look forward to serving
your travel needs and wants!
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| REQUEST
RATES, AVAILABILITY AND
OTHER INFORMATION HERE |
To request our LOW
UNPUBLISHED RATE and
availability for this tour please view
our
scheduled departures listed HERE. Then, email
us on the form BELOW and
we
will provide our private rate back to you by email
response or phone call
as you prefer it.
PLEASE NOTE:
We have access to the
U.S./Canada reservations only for this tour.
If
you reside outside of the U.S./Canada please contact the closest Globus
Family of Brands travel agent in your country of origin.
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Exceptional
Vacations
Celebrating
over 80 Years of Travel!
|
|
BOOK IT ONLINE or CHECK AVAILABILITY
|
HOW TO READ OUR LIVE
AVAILABILITY
DISPLAY:
You
may reserve this tour by using our Globus/Cosmos secure server (right)
by
clicking on any of the "Book Now!"
departures.
Book Now!
- Tour is available to reserve.
Not
Available - Tour is currently sold out.
Please
Call - There may be 1-4 seats available but tour is selling out.
Please have the names of passengers as listed in each
passport available to complete the brief booking process. This online
reservations engine will not calculate our additional GLOBUS/COSMOS
Preferred
LOWER rate. Although this portal will not show or add our
discounts,
they will be added when we receive your booking and an adjusted quote
will be provided by our experienced GLOBUS Family of Brands agent.
OR
You may provide your
information ABOVE via EMAIL REQUEST and we will return a quote to you
including our
lowest available discount for this tour.
How
We Will Handle Your Request and Your Privacy:
Your request will be handled by a responsible and knowledgeable tour
specialist that can not only check availability for this particular
tour but can further advise you as to other general queries that you
may have about traveling conditions, passport/visa requirements,
immunization requirements and other valuable information that you may
need before making your reservation. We are a full service travel
company and we have always catered to the individual traveler and
his/her specific needs. We want to get to know you as a valued friend
in travel. We are always available with our email service but feel free
to call upon us if you have an immediate request at 1-817-788-5210.
 We use SSL
Technology for secure data and information
transfer to protect your privacy.
Humans
do it best!
Your
Privacy is also very important to us. If you elected to be listed with
us in the above Optional Advisory List then, you will be added to our mail list for the
particular area(s) of interest that you have selected to be informed
about. If you do not elect to be on our mail list, simply do not
complete that section and we will not add you to our list. We will not
add you to any other mai llist either. We do not sell or otherwise pass
along any information that you may provide to to us in the process of
completing your inquiry. For further information on your privacy please
see Liabilities
and Privacy Policy.
Our 35TH Year!
representing
the Globus Family of Brands |
GARDNER
TRAVEL
SERVICE
1-877-510-4653
817-788-5210
Monday - Friday from 8:30am to 5:30pm
Central
Standard Time
FOR
MORE INFORMATION E-MAIL US AT
globusfamily@gardnertravel.com
|
Traditional
Service Values with a
Southern Flavor since 1979!
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Cruise
Staterooms & Comfort
The
Roomiest
Staterooms.
We have always
provided river cruisers the most spacious staterooms in Europe. With
our Panorama-style Suite Ships, we're not only offering cruisers our
award-winning Avalon Deluxe Staterooms, we're featuring 200-square foot
Panorama Suites (30 percent larger than the average stateroom) and
300-square foot Royal Suites, offering cruisers even more room to relax
and take in 360-degree views of Europe.
Inspired by design, our ships are crafted to entice all five senses.
Some enhancements, including deluxe woven carpeting, flowers, premium
L'Occitane products and scented sticks in our staterooms are subtle.
Other offerings, such as Avalon-branded premium bedding (Comfort
Collection BedsSM), marble bathrooms as well as a perfect balance of
warm interiors, natural lighting and panoramic views are distinctive
and unexpected. Combined, all elements provide travelers with a unique
feeling of space, freedom and comfort not found with any other river
cruise line.
Avalon Waterways offers cruisers an exclusive, premium-bedding suite
(Comfort Collection Beds) in all of our staterooms, fleet-wide, in
Europe. Comfort Collection Beds provides travelers a choice of pillows
as well as orthopedic mattresses, high-comfort mattress covers,
European-style duvets, Egyptian super-combed cotton linens, extra
blankets and bed configuration options.
Peering through the looking glass to determine how we can continue to
improve our cruisers on-board experiences, we have invested in the
finest bathroom appointments available and such luxury touch-points
such as L'Occitane toiletries, quality robes and slippers in each room,
fleet-wide. We've also designed contemporary staterooms with the most
available storage space, and plenty of "comfort touches" like
complimentary bottled water and fully stocked mini-bars.
For some cruisers, comfort comes in the form of connection: staying in
touch with friends, colleagues and family members while away. Because
of this, Avalon has taken great strides to enhance the technology
available to guests on ship. In addition to offering them flat-screen
televisions, providing a plethora of news and entertainment options,
Avalon provides cruisers with FREE Wi-Fi fleet-wide. Furthermore, Royal
Suites guests will have access to in-room iPads.
On any deck, your well-appointed Avalon Deluxe Stateroom is a spacious
refuge of inviting home-awayfrom- home features. Delight in the large
private bathroom featuring full shower with glass shower door; deluxe
beds with premium mattress covers, Egyptian super-combed cotton linens,
European-style duvets, and a choice of soft or firm pillows; and ample
closet space. And, of course, don't miss out on the never-ending views
from the large windows or floor-to-ceiling sliding-glass doors. In
fact, you'll love your Avalon Deluxe Stateroom so much, you may never
want to go home!
Avalon
Deluxe
Staterooms Include:
Award-Winning
Deluxe Staterooms by Avalon
Waterways
- Comfort
Collection Beds featuring premium
memory foam mattress
toppers with special construction for increased air flow and ventilation
- Egyptian
super-combed cotton linens, woolen
blankets
& Europeanstyle duvets
- Soft
and firm pillows
- Choice
of bed configuration (two twins or one
queen)
- Floor-to-ceiling
sliding-glass door with French
Balcony (most staterooms & suites)
- Private
bathroom with full shower with glass
door,
hairdryer & premium L'Occitane® bath products
- Spacious
3-door closets with shelves for ample
storage
- Flatscreen
satellite TV with movie channels
- Bathrobes
& slippers
- Well-stocked
minibar with complimentary bottled
water
- In-room
safe
- Individual
climate control
- Extra
blankets
- Nightly
turn-down service
- Bedside
tables with reading lamps
- Easy
under-bed luggage storage
- Alarm
clock
- Writing
desk/vanity with comfortable chair
&
mirror
- Complimentary
Wi-Fi access
- Direct-dial
telephone
- Continental
breakfast & beverage room
service
available
Panorama
Suites & Royal Suites Include (in addition to the above):
- Nearly
11' Wall-to-Wall Panoramic Window—50% wider
than industry standard
- Wall-to-Wall
Panoramic Window opens to create a
large Open-Air Balcony
- Open-Air
Balcony with full 6-person seating area
- Complimentary
use of iPad mobile digital devices*
while onboard (Royal Suites only)
*
iPad is a trademark of Apple Inc.
Your River Cruise
Voyage Your Way
On an Avalon Waterways river cruise,
"included" is the name of the game. Spacious outside staterooms with
expansive riverscape views—included. VIP access into the must-see
sites—included. Your choice of enriching shore excursions led by
Certified Local Guides—included. Wi-Fi access—included. Sparkling wines
with breakfast, regional beers and wines at every onboard dinner, and
unlimited lattes and premium coffees—included. And we're proud to offer
Avalon Choice®, an exciting concept in river cruising that gives
you the freedom to personalize so many elements of your cruise.
Our
Cuisine is
Choice - So are the ways to Enjoy it.
Avalon dining has always freed taste
buds from the ordinary. And now — it frees you from restrictions. At
every meal, you'll have the ability to choose from a multitude of
dining experiences. All feature the highest-quality local ingredients,
hand crafted by true culinary artisans. And all are included at no
extra cost.
Discovery By Your
Design - Cruise Excursions.
We've done our due diligence
pre-selecting Certified Local Guides who truly are the best in the
world. But what you see and the pace in which you see it, is completely
up to you. And the best part? Unlike other cruise operators, our
preplanned discoveries are included at no extra charge to you. We even
provide Nordic walking sticks for active guests looking for an extra
spring in their step.
River Cruise
Vacation Excursions
This.
That. And
Everything.
Having the most thoughtfully designed,
newest ships in the industry isn't the only advantage of Avalon. We
tailor experiences too. Our handpicked Cruise Directors and Certified
Local Guides in Europe, Asia, Egypt, U.S. and South America are the
best in the business.
Avalon's inspired, 360-degree, engaging cruise experiences afford
travelers the chance to immerse themselves into a destination and
culture thanks to award-winning land programs and world-class guides.
Our Egyptologists (along the Nile), Naturalists (in the
Galápagos), Cruise Directors (in Europe, Southeast Asia, U.S.
and China) and special guest lecturers also offer them a vast onboard
educational program, giving cruisers the chance to soak in the history
and culture of a region as they drift from village to village or island
to island.
It's not easy to be an expert on everywhere. Thanks to Avalon's
relationship with Globus – an award-winning tour company with more than
85 years of experience and 300 support staff on the ground in 65
countries around the world — our cruisers are privy to the best,
all-inclusive land programs available.
We transform tourists into travelers and storytellers and help them
truly experience each destination with 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 thanks to highly skilled Cruise and Tour Directors.
Biking
Excursions
Avalon is also encouraging cruisers to
drive their personal enrichment by experiencing ports on two wheels
(from the seat of a bicycle). Adding to our already robust roster of
activities, we have partnered with bicycle tour specialists in
Amsterdam, Lyon, Durnstein, Vienna, and Breisach for optional, guided
excursions.
Stroll
Along Ancient
Roads & Feel the Strange Become Familiar.
Custom
River Cruise Excursions by Avalon
Waterways
At Avalon, we never lose sight of the reason you're
traveling—to see the people, places, and sights on shore. And because
we're part of the Globus family of brands, we're backed by more than 85
years in the travel business…which means you'll experience the world in
a way that no other river cruise operator can deliver!
Included
Guided
Sightseeing & Excursions
When it comes to showing you the world,
we select the very best guides—professionals who are certified locally
in each destination and selected by the Globus family of brands. These
Certified Local Guides are recognized for their expertise, enthusiasm,
and knowledge of the area. They will lead you on engaging, included
sightseeing tours, delivering genuine, behind-the-scenes destination
experiences. You'll even benefit from the use of personal headsets for
sightseeing, which gives you the freedom to roam through some of
Europe's most famous attractions without missing a moment of
fascinating commentary.
MyAvalonSM
Avalon offers a great selection of
optional excursions to help you further personalize your cruise.
Whether it's a classical music concert in Vienna, a visit to a French
winery, time at the colossal Romanian Parliament building in Bucharest,
or a guided bicycle tour through town, with MyAvalon, selecting and
paying for your optional excursions before your cruise is a cinch! Just
go to AvalonWaterways.com/MyAvalon.
Sightseeing
at Just
the Right Pace
Sightseeing should never be a one-size-fits-all proposition. Travelers
like to see the sights in different ways, so we've developed three
sightseeing pace options to choose from:
Leisurely
Sightseeing
A Certified Local Guide shows you the
destination's highlights in a relaxed and unhurried way.
Traditional
Sightseeing
Led by a Certified Local Guide, you'll
explore a wide range of sights at a moderate pace.
Essential
Sightseeing
This orientation shows you the must-see
sights, with plenty of time to explore on your own.
Explore on
Your Own
Feel like discovering your destination
on your own? Your onboard Guest Services is happy to assist you in
making a dinner reservation on shore, getting tickets to the opera or a
local cultural performance, or hiring a taxi so you can visit a friend
or explore outlying areas. And for a more active experience on shore,
consider the complimentary use of a Nordic walking stick.
We
invite you to come experience a cruise unlike any other.
Some
big-ship cruise deals sound like an incredible bargain...until you are
on board and have to pay extra for everything. On an Avalon Waterways
river cruise, "included" is the name of the game – and has been since
we came on the scene a decade ago.
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Awards
For
thirteen years in a row, Globus has been selected by
Recommend Magazine as the best Tour Operator to Europe, and a top
finalist for North America, Asia, Latin America and Africa. The brand
was also named in Travel Weekly's 2013 Reader's Choice Awards as Best
Tour Operator - Europe and 2013 Reader's Choice Awards as Best Tour
Operator - Europe, Best Tour Operator - International and Best Tour
Operator - Asia and South Pacific.
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If
you like the above tour program
you
may also want to view the following tour programs for
comparison:
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EUROPE
GRAND TOURS
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Europe in
Depth 
31 Days
ENGLAND, BELGIUM, HOLLAND, GERMANY, SWITZERLAND, AUSTRIA, ITALY, SPAIN
and FRANCE |
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The
Grand
European 
23 Days
ENGLAND, HOLLAND, GERMANY, SWITZERLAND, ITALY, SPAIN AND FRANCE |
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| European
Tapestry
14 Days
ENGLAND, HOLLAND, BELGIUM, GERMANY, SWITZERLAND, AUSTRIA, ITALY and
FRANCE |
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| Europe's
Highlights
15 Days
ENGLAND, BELGIUM, HOLLAND, GERMANY, AUSTRIA, SWITZERLAND, ITALY
and FRANCE |
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| East
Meets West 14 Days
AUSTRIA, SLOVENIA, CROATIA, BOSNIA-HERZEGOVINA and MONTENEGRO |
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| European
Charm
13 Days
HOLLAND, GERMANY, AUSTRIA, ITALY, SWITZERLAND and FRANCE |
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| European
Sampler London to London 10 Days
ENGLAND, HOLLAND, BELGIUM, GERMANY, SWITZERLAND, and FRANCE |
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| European
Sampler London to Paris
9 Days
ENGLAND, HOLLAND, BELGIUM, GERMANY,
SWITZERLAND, and FRANCE |
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| Bohemian
Dream London to London 9 Days
HUNGARY, SLOVAKIA, AUSTRIA and CZECH REPUBLIC |
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THE BRITISH ISLES | England,
Scotland, Ireland and Wales
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| ITALY | GREECE | TURKEY
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| FRANCE | GERMANY |
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| SWITZERLAND | AUSTRIA
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| RUSSIA | NORTHERN/EASTERN EUROPE
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| SPAIN | PORTUGAL | MOROCCO |
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Globus River and Small Ship Cruising
- Is River Cruising for You?
View
the short video about touring Europe (right) via the decks of these
beautifully appointed and specialized ships! >>>
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ENJOY THE GAME OF
GOLF?
Check out our SOUTHERN BREEZE
GOLF TOURS - golf packages for some fantastic destinations
throughout the U.S!
Click on the banner
below to visit our golf site.
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TOURS
BY REGION
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Gardner
Travel Service, Inc.
Serving
Dallas/Fort Worth and the World
Our
Hours
Are:
Monday - Friday
from 8:30am to 5:30pm
Central Standard
Time
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