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AVALON Waterways
Choice Cruising Customized to You!
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Jewels of Central
Europe
19 DAYS
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JEWELS OF
CENTRAL EUROPE
Westbound |
Duration: 19 days
from Budapest to Paris
Includes: All-inclusive
River Cruise
Visits
to: AUSTRIA,
HUNGARY, GERMANY
and FRANCE
Specially-priced
Air Rates
Available: YES |
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Avalon Waterways
Jewels
of Central Europe - Westbound
19 days from Budapest to Paris
Sail along the Danube, Main, Rhine,
and Moselle Rivers, and through the Main Danube Canal and dramatic
Rhine Gorge on this remarkable river cruise vacation. Begin your trip
with two nights in the vibrant Hungarian capital of Budapest, with
guided sightseeing and time to explore the city on your own. Then, set
sail and enjoy guided sightseeing that shows off the highlights in each
city, including inside visits of Melk’s awe-inspiring Benedictine
Abbey, the Bishop’s Residenz in Würzburg, Siegfried’s Mechanical
Musical Instrument Museum in charming Rüdesheim, and Reichsburg
Castle in Cochem. In Regensburg we’ll introduce you to some of
Germany’s famous beers. Travel by high-speed train to Paris, where your
vacation concludes with two overnights, guided sightseeing, and plenty
of free time to explore the “City of Light” at your own pace!
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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 Budapest,
Hungary
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Welcome to Budapest, Hungary’s lively capital spanning the banks of the
Danube. The remainder of the day is free to start exploring Eastern
Europe’s most cosmopolitan metropolis.
Whether you’re seeing the sights, shopping for handcrafted embroidery
or Herend porcelain, or basking in the coffee house culture over a rich
cream cake in the renowned Gerbeaud Café, Budapest’s unique
energy is positively palatable. On your GUIDED SIGHTSEEING TOUR, see
Heroes’ Square as well as the massive hilltop castle complex with its
remarkable Fishermen’s Bastion—for spectacular views of the city—and
11th-century Matthias Church, the coronation spot of several Hungarian
monarchs. Be sure to take note of the city’s eight bridges—many famous
sights in and of themselves—which connect ancient Buda on the right
bank with Pest on the left. You may even want to walk across Chain
Bridge, built in 1849 and a symbol of Budapest. (Breakfast)
Day 3 Budapest (Embarkation)
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You have time this morning to explore Budapest further. Perhaps visit
St. Stephen’s Basilica for marvelous views of the city from its viewing
platform. This afternoon, board your river cruise vessel and meet your
crew at a welcome reception. (Breakfast, Dinner)
Day 4 Budapest–Vienna,
Austria
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Enjoy a day of relaxation on board and marvel at the beautiful scenery
on both banks of the Danube. Hungary is on your left as you cruise
upriver and Slovakia is on your right. The two countries share the
Danube for a 58-mile stretch, with the border in the middle of the
river. This evening, arrive in Vienna, Austria’s capital. Known as the
“City of Music,” it inspired the creative genius of Mozart, Beethoven,
and Strauss. An optional concert is available during your stay.
(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
Boy’s Choir and dazzling Lipizzaner stallions; the neo-renaissance
Vienna Opera House; and awe-inspiring St. Stephen’s Cathedral—plus,
countless other sights your Local Guide will show you during an
included CITY SIGHTSEEING TOUR. Stroll through 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)
Dürnstein, known for the magnificent baroque, blue Stiftskirche
built in the 1700s, is situated right in the heart of the Wachau wine
region. The main street of this small town—with a population of less
than 1,000 people—is lined with 16th-century residences and charming
cobblestone streets. This morning your Local Guide will take you on an
included 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. During lunchtime, sail the picturesque Wachau Valley
and arrive in Melk in the early afternoon. Here, enjoy a GUIDED VISIT
of the magnificent 11th-century BENEDICTINE ABBEY, one of Europe’s
largest monasteries. The abbey houses an ornate library with over
80,000 printed books and 2,000 manuscripts. You’ll be captivated by the
splendor of the church with its frescoed ceilings, stunning high altar,
marble statues, and 210-foot-high cupola. The view from the terrace of
the abbey over the Danube and surrounding countryside is breathtaking!
This evening you’ll be able to sample some of the Wachau Valley’s
FAMOUS WINES. (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)
Today you can choose from several full-day optional excursions: to
Salzburg, taking in some of the Sound of Music sights; the popular
“Romantic Austria” tour; or to Český Krumlov in the Czech
Republic, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Alternatively, you may choose
to stay on the ship and relax as you cruise to Passau, uniquely located
where the Inn, Ilz, and Danube Rivers converge. Passau is a maze of
narrow cobblestone streets lined with beautiful patrician houses. St.
Stephen’s Cathedral, a masterpiece of Italian baroque architecture,
houses one of the world’s largest church organs with 17,774 pipes. Take
in the highlights on the included GUIDED WALK. (Breakfast, Lunch,
Dinner)
Dating back to the time of the Celts around 500 BC, Regensburg is one
of Germany’s best preserved medieval cities. Established during the
Holy Roman Empire and the only German city not bombed during WWII,
Regensburg has at least 1,300 listed buildings of “historic interest.”
Architectural highlights of your GUIDED WALK 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. Wander through the city’s
lanes and alleys to discover the many mansions with high towers.
Wealthy families built these towers to emphasize their status and
wealth during the Middle Ages, and many still remain today. Walk across
the 12th-century Steinerne Brücke (Stone Bridge), the oldest of
its kind in Germany. Grab a beer and enjoy an included SNACK at the
17th-century Historische Wurstküche (Old Sausage Kitchen), one of
Germany’s oldest restaurants. Here—where the locals congregate—feel the
vibrant atmosphere and take in the remarkable views along the river.
After dinner, we’ll introduce you to some of Germany’s FAMOUS BEERS.
(Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)
Today, spend a relaxing morning of cruising, and before lunch, attend a
fascinating ONBOARD LECTURE about the engineering marvel that is the
Main Danube Canal. The afternoon is dedicated to Nuremberg. 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. Today, 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 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. (Breakfast, Lunch,
Dinner)
Day 10 Nuremberg.
Excursion to Munich
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After breakfast, drive to Munich, capital of Bavaria. With its
historical museums, splendid English Garden, traditional cafés,
and delightful shops, Munich has plenty to see and do. A LOCAL GUIDE
will show you the highlights of this fascinating city, including
Nymphenburg Palace, summer residence of the Bavarian monarchs;
MARIENPLATZ with its Old and New Town Halls; and the gothic
Frauenkirche, a prominent landmark for Munich. Then, enjoy time on your
own in this vibrant city. Watch the famous Glockenspiel, which
recreates a royal wedding from the 16th century; linger at an outdoor
café; visit St. Peter’s, the oldest church in town; or maybe
relax alongside the locals at one of the many Biergarten or breweries
to sample one of the Bavarian beer specialties. Return to your ship in
the afternoon. (Breakfast, Dinner)
In the early morning hours, arrive in medieval Bamberg, former
residence of one of Germany’s most powerful imperial dynasties and
today a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Your GUIDED WALK 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! This afternoon, enjoy some relaxing
time on board as you cruise toward Würzburg on the Main River and
attend an interesting ONBOARD LECTURE about the European Union.
(Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)
Arrive in Würzburg during breakfast. Surrounded by verdant
hillside vineyards, Würzburg, also known as 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 might like to join an optional excursion to
medieval Rothenburg. (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)
Tucked away behind medieval defensive walls and towered gates,
picturesque Bavarian Miltenberg is a cultural gem on the banks of the
Main River. The town’s delightful Marktplatz (market square) centers
around a Renaissance-era fountain, and features striking half-timbered
buildings, cobblestone lanes, and one of the oldest inns in Germany,
Haus zum Riesen (the giant’s house). See all this and marvel at the
gothic splendor of the Merchant Hall on your GUIDED WALK. (Breakfast,
Lunch, Dinner)
Day 14 Rüdesheim–Rhine
Gorge–Boppard
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Pretty 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, 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.Continue to Boppard, a spa town and popular
tourist destination, where there is time to explore on your own before
dinner. (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)
This morning, arrive in Cochem on the river Moselle, a charming,
picturesque town with half-timbered houses and winding streets full of
history and legends that will be brought to life during your included
GUIDED WALK. Visit REICHSBURG CASTLE, built in 1000 AD and furnished
with renaissance and baroque furniture. Sitting dramatically atop a
conical hill covered in vines, this castle offers splendid views of the
little town nestled down below and of the river valley. Cochem is at
the heart of the Moselle wine trade and, most notably, the Riesling
grape is cultivated, producing a dry to sweet, floral white wine. Enjoy
free time here to discover this delightful town at your own pace. As
you sail away, attend an ONBOARD LECTURE to learn more about the
Moselle region. (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)
After breakfast, an excursion takes you to Trier, Germany’s oldest
city. Some say Trier is even older than Rome and that it was populated
over a thousand years before the Romans arrived. Many Roman remains
have survived, including a 20,000-seat amphitheater; the Porta Nigra, a
fortified gate from the original Roman settlement, which still gives
access to the town’s center; imperial baths; and the Roman bridge,
Germany’s oldest bridge, with stone pilings dating from 144 AD—all
evidence of this once-grand Roman city. Trier also offers pleasant
market squares, Germany’s oldest Christian church, and a cornucopia of
architectural styles—Roman, baroque, neo-classicism, renaissance, and
gothic. Choose from the included CITY SIGHTSEEING or the more
history-focused “ROMAN TRIER” guided tour, followed by some free time,
gives you the opportunity to discover this magnificent town. Rejoin
your vessel and head for Remich in the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg.
(Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)
Day 17 Remich,
Luxembourg (Disembarkation)–Paris,
France
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Reach Remich in the early morning hours and say goodbye to your crew
after breakfast. Travel to Luxembourg or to Metz to board the
HIGH-SPEED TRAIN to Paris, where you arrive later in the day.
(Breakfast)
Known as one of the world’s most romantic and lively cities, Paris is a
delight for all your senses. Your INCLUDED CITY SIGHTSEEING shows you
magnificent must-see sights, such as Notre Dame Cathedral, the unique
Louvre Museum with its glass pyramid as a contrast to its ancient
architecture, the commemorative Arc de Triomphe, and the Eiffel Tower.
In your free time, stroll down the Champs-Elysées with its
lavish cafés, or perhaps visit the world-famous Louvre museum or
Montmartre with its gleaming white Sacré Coeur Basilica and bevy
of artists on Place du Tertre. Paris is also well known for its
colorful nightlife, and an optional excursion to one of the world’s
most famous cabaret shows, the Moulin Rouge, is available. All of this
awaits your discovery! (Breakfast)
Your vacation ends with breakfast this morning. (Breakfast)
You may also want to view the EASTBOUND
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.
THE SHIP
Visionary
 Built
2012 | Length 361 | Crew Members 37 | Staterooms 12 | Suites 52
2012 ushered in another exciting Suite
Ship® cruising along Europe's glorious rivers. The Avalon Visionary
delivers an intimate setting, along with two full decks of suites
featuring Wall-to-Wall Panoramic Windows that transform the living
space into a unique Open-Air Balcony®. With 200 square feet,
Panorama Suites are more than 30% larger than the industry standard,
giving you the rare opportunity to wake each morning to the enchanting
scenery and fresh breezes. Onboard amenities include a complimentary
Internet Corner and Wi-Fi access, an expanded Fitness Center, and a
spacious Sky Deck with premium lounge chairs, shade system, whirlpool,
and the delightful Sky Bistro.
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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
Jewels of Central Europe
19 days from Budapest to Paris
You may also want to view the EASTBOUND
VERSION of this cruise/tour.
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From $6039USD
(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!
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|
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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