 |
AVALON Waterways
Choice Cruising Customized to You!
|
Magnificent Europe
15 DAYS
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| MAGNIFICENT EUROPE Westbound |
Duration: 15 days
from Budapest to Amsterdam
Includes: All-inclusive
River Cruise
Visits
to: HOLLAND,
GERMANY
, AUSTRIA and HUNGARY
Specially-priced
Air Rates
Available: YES |
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Avalon Waterways
Magnificent
Europe
- Westbound
15 days from Budapest to Amsterdam
See the highlights of Central Europe
on this enchanting cruise between Budapest and Amsterdam. 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 in Melk, and Würzburg’s Bishop’s
Residenz. Cruise through the dramatic Rhine Gorge past the legendary
Lorelei rock, and glide past quaint towns, beautiful scenery, and
historic buildings along the Danube, Main and Rhine Rivers. Your
vacation concludes with a scenic cruise through the delightful canals
of Amsterdam.
 |
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
(Embarkation)
|
Welcome to Hungary’s exciting capital city! This afternoon, 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.
Spanning the banks of the Danube, Budapest is one of Eastern Europe’s
liveliest cities. 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 TOUR of the city, 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. 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. In your free time this afternoon you may want to walk across
Chain Bridge, built in 1849 and a symbol of Budapest; visit St.
Stephen’s Basilica with marvelous views of the city from its viewing
platform; or stroll along Váci utca, the main shopping street.
(Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)
Day 3 Bratislava,
Slovakia
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Today, arrive in Bratislava, situated at the foothills of the
Carpathian Mountains and the dynamic capital of Slovakia. Join a Local
Guide for a tour of the city, including a GUIDED WALK of its
fascinating Old Town, where winding cobblestone streets and narrow
alleyways twist and turn to reveal the Town Hall, one of the oldest
stone buildings in the city. Also visit gothic ST. MARTIN’S CATHEDRAL,
coronation church for the Kingdom of Hungary from the 16th to 19th
centuries. Later, enjoy free time to explore on your own. Tonight,
depart for Vienna. (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 included GUIDED 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! An optional concert is
available tonight. (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)
Dürnstein, situated in the heart of the Wachau wine region, is
known for the magnificent baroque, blue Stiftskirche built in the
1700s. 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. 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. Relax
on your ship’s Sky Deck as you sail through the picturesque Wachau
Valley and on your way to Melk. The magnificent 11th-century
BENEDICTINE ABBEY dominates the town and is one of Europe’s largest
monasteries. The abbey houses an ornate library with over 80,000
printed books and 2,000 manuscripts. Words will escape you as you
marvel at the splendor of the church with its frescoed ceilings,
stunning high altar, marble statues, and 210-foot-high cupola. The view
you have 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 FAMOUS WINES of this region. (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)
Today, choose from a variety of 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. Rejoin your ship in Passau in the early
evening. 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. 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. 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 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. Before
dinner, we’ll introduce you to some of Germany’s FAMOUS BEERS.
(Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)
This morning, relax on board, then before lunch, attend a fascinating
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. This morning, choose 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. (Breakfast,
Lunch, Dinner)
This morning, arrive in medieval Bamberg, former residence of one of
Germany’s most powerful imperial dynasties and today a UNESCO World
Heritage Site. 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! Rejoin your ship in time for lunch.
This afternoon, cruise gently along the Main River as you head for
Würzburg, and attend an interesting ONBOARD LECTURE to learn more
about the European Union. (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 included 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)
Tucked away behind medieval defensive walls and towered gates, the
picturesque Bavarian village of Miltenberg is a cultural gem on the
banks of the Main River. This afternoon’s GUIDED WALK will acquaint you
with the town’s delightful Marktplatz (market square), which centers
around a Renaissance-era fountain and features striking half-timbered
buildings, cobblestone lanes, one of the oldest inns in Germany, Haus
zum Riesen (the giant’s house), and the gothic splendor of the Merchant
Hall. (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)
Day 12 Rüdesheim–Rhine
Gorge
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At lunchtime today, arrive in Rüdesheim, a 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.
Enjoy a SPECIAL TREAT, then head downstream from Rüdesheim,
through the dramatic RHINE GORGE, 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
echoes of enchanted siren song lured unwitting sailors to their doom.
(Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)
Arrive in Cologne in the early morning hours. 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 an included GUIDED CITY WALK or 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! The Old Town
abounds with cafés, shops, and taverns. Be sure to try a
Kölsch pale lager, locally brewed in Cologne for over a hundred
years! (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)
Day 14 Amsterdam,
Holland
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Holland’s sophisticated, modern capital has 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. With over 60 museums, Amsterdam has the highest
museum density in the world. Get a unique perspective of the city on an
included CANAL CRUISE, floating along 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 join a biking optional
excursion (weather permitting) or to Zaanse Schans, with its
traditional houses and workshops of Dutch crafts. (Breakfast, Lunch,
Dinner)
Day 15 Amsterdam (Disembarkation)
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Your vacation ends with breakfast this morning. (Breakfast)
You may also want to view the EASTBOUND
VERSION of this cruise/tour.
|
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.
| Panorama |
PLEASE NOTE: This cruise also offered on
sister ships - Expression and
Vista.
|
 Built
2011 | Length 443 | Crew Members 47 | Staterooms 17 | Suites 66
A
brand new kind of ship, the Avalon Panorama
set sail in 2011, taking inspired design to a whole new level. A unique
'Suite Ship', the Avalon Panorama was the first of its kind in the
industry - with two full decks of suites featuring a Wall-to-Wall
Panoramic Window that transforms the living space into a unique
Open-Air Balcony. As you cruise along Europe's finest rivers - the
Danube, Rhine, or Main - enjoy the fresh breeze and enchanting scenery
from the comfort of your suite. With 200 square feet, the Panorama
Suite is more than 30% larger than the industry standard, and it gives
you the unparalleled opportunity to wake up each morning facing the
magnificent passing scenery. Exciting onboard amenities include an
Internet corner and Wi-Fi access, a well-stocked library, an expanded
fitness center, and a spacious Sky Deck with premium lounge chairs,
shade system, whirlpool, and delightful Open-Air Bistro. There's no
better way to cruise in Europe than in the spacious comfort offered on
the Avalon Panorama. |
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
|
- 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
|
| Illumination |
PLEASE NOTE: This cruise also offered on
sister ships - Impression,
Expression, Vista and Panorama. |
Built
2014 | Length 443 | Crew Members 47 | Staterooms 17 | Suites 67
2014
is a big year for Avalon, as we expand our fleet of dynamic Suite Ships
once again. In addition to the Avalon Poetry II and Avalon Impression,
the beautiful Avalon Illumination will grace the waterways of Europe.
Like its sister ship, the Avalon Expression, the Illumination features
two full decks of Panorama Suites with Wall-to-Wall Panoramic Windows
that transform the living space into a unique Open-Air Balcony. Cruise
along the legendary Rhine, Main, and Danube Rivers, enjoying fresh
breezes and enchanting scenery from the comfort of your suite. With 200
square feet, Panorama Suites are more than 30% larger than the industry
standard, affording you the incomparable opportunity to wake each
morning facing the splendid passing scenery. Onboard amenities include
an alternative dining option in the Panorama Bistro, an expanded
fitness center, complimentary Wi-Fi access, and a spacious Sky Deck
with premium lounge chairs, whirlpool, and light al fresco lunches at
the open-air bistro.
|
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
|
- 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
|
| Impression |
PLEASE NOTE: This cruise also offered on
sister ships - Illumination,
Expression, Vista and Panorama. |
Built
2014 | Length 443 | Crew Members 47 | Staterooms 16 | Suites 67
Avalon's
cutting-edge fleet of Suite Ships will grow by three in 2014! In
addition to the Avalon Poetry II and Avalon Illumination, the striking
Avalon Impression will grace the waters of Europe's Rhine, Main, and
Danube Rivers. Like its sister ship, the Avalon Expression, the
Impression features two full decks of Panorama Suites with 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, affording you the incomparable
opportunity to wake each morning facing the splendid passing scenery.
Onboard amenities include an alternative dining option in the Panorama
Bistro, an expanded fitness center, complimentary Wi-Fi access, and a
spacious Sky Deck with premium lounge chairs, whirlpool, and light al
fresco lunches at the open-air bistro.
|
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
|
- 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
|
Avalon Waterways
MAGNIFICENT EUROPE
15 days from Budapest to Amsterdam
You may also want to view the EASTBOUND
VERSION of this cruise/tour.
|
|
From $4799USD
(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! |
|
|
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!
|
| 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.
|
|
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
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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
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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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