Prague, Czech Republic - credit Avalon Waterways
Christmas Markets Vienna to Prague on the Danube
Avalon Waterways • Panorama • Included Sightseeing November 27 - December 6, 2015 • 10 Days • 19 Meals
Escorted by David and Roslyn Craig
Enjoy the festive atmosphere from Vienna to Prague and all along the legendary Danube on this enchanting river cruise vacation. Enjoy guided sightseeing in each city and delight in the sights, smells, and tastes of centuries-old Christmas markets in Vienna, Regensburg, Nuremberg, and Prague. Be sure to sample the Glühwein, Lebkuchen, and other traditional holiday specialties! Other highlights include a guided visit of the amazing Benedictine Abbey in Melk, a fun beer tasting, and a visit of the magnificent Hradcany Castle grounds in Prague. What a fantastic way to start your holiday season!
OUR CRUISE SHIP - Panorama
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 river cruising 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, enjoy the fresh breeze and enchanting scenery from the
comfort of your suite. With 200 square feet, the Panorama
Suite is more than 30 percent larger than the industry
standard, and it gives you the unparalleled opportunity to wake up each morning facing the magnificent passing
scenery. Exciting on board amenities include a
complimentary Internet Corner and Wi-Fi access, a well-stocked library, an expanded fitness center, hair salon and
a spacious Sky Deck with premium lounge chairs, shade
system, whirlpool, game area and delightful Sky Bistro.
The Panorama is equipped with an elevator. The Panorama Bistro serves as a wonderful dining area for
alternate light lunches and dinners.
Elegant, contemporary deluxe 172 sq ft staterooms
offer expanded ‘on-demand’ in-room entertainment on
flatscreen TV’s, Comfort Collection Beds with Memory foam mattress toppers, Egyptian super-combed cotton
linens, European-style duvets, Nightly turn-down service
and choice of bed configuration, easy under-bed luggage
storage, bathrobes and slippers, hairdryer, a full shower with glass door, premium bath products, a vanity, writing
desk and bedside tables with reading lamps and two
windows. The Panorama Suite at 200 sq ft also includes a
six person sitting area with coffee table and sofa and a wall-to-wall panoramic window with Open-Air Balcony® .
The 300 sqft Royal Suite offers a spacious environment
with a luxurious bathroom featuring marble countertops
and double sinks for ease and comfort.
INCLUSIVE FEATURES
Return economy airfare from Canadian cities listed
6 night cruise in an outside cabin on Avalon Panorama or equivalent
2 nights first class accommodations in Prague at Hilton Prague Old Town or similar
Transfers between airports and the ship
Baggage handling shipside
All meals during the cruise
Self-serve beverage station with complimentary tea, hot chocolate and premium coffees
Complimentary regional wines, beer or soft drinks with dinner
Complimentary bottled water in your stateroom
Welcome Reception
Services of your tour escort and / or cruise director and certified local guides
On board lectures, activities and nightly entertainment
On board experiences with local chefs, entertainers, artisans and experts
Complimentary Wi-Fi access
Headsets for all guided shore excursions and use of Nordic walking sticks and complimentary maps
Guided sightseeing and some excursions
All gratuities (including guides and ship staff) and taxes for included services (including departure and port taxes)
Comprehensive insurance coverage
Airport transfers in Canada or equivalent value
TOUR / CRUISE ESCORT
David Craig, President of Craig Travel, and Roslyn bring with them many years of travel experience both as escorts and as tour operators. After attending U of T and York University, David travelled around the world and lived in Australia for a number of years before returning to Canada and Craig Travel. For almost forty years he has devoted his working life to arranging and operating tours and cruises to scores of destinations around the world. An Australian by birth, Roslyn, has lived and worked in the business of travel for most of her life. For over three decades, David and Roslyn have led tours and cruises visiting over 100 countries
and all seven continents.
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. BLD
December 2, Wednesday Regensburg, Germany
Dating back to the time of the Celts around 500 BC, Regensburg is one of Germany’s best preserved medieval cities. The only German city not bombed during WWII, Regensburg has at least 1,300 listed buildings of historic interest. Architectural highlights included on your guided walk are the 13th century Old Town Hall 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. The afternoon is free to visit the Regensburg Christmas market. The tempting aromas of mulled wine, sausage, roasted almonds, and gingerbread create a memorable atmosphere. Before dinner tonight we’ll be introduced to some of Germany’s famous beers! BLD
December 3, Thursday Nuremberg, Germany
Spend a relaxing morning cruising, and before lunch, attend an interesting onboard lecture about the engineering marvel that is the Main Danube Canal. The afternoon is dedicated to Nuremberg. Although 90% of its 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. Choose from an included guided sightseeing tour and marvel at the city’s medieval fortifications, gothic churches, and Kaiserburg (Imperial Castle), or join a Nuremberg Rally Grounds tour. The Old Town is illuminated with festive lights, and the Christmas market is one of the biggest in Germany, featuring 200 stalls selling traditional wares and foods. BLD
November 27, Friday Depart Canada
Tour members from across Canada fly to Vienna.
November 28, Saturday Vienna, Austria
Vienna, Austria’s capital, is known as the “City of Music” and inspired the creative genius of Mozart, Beethoven, and Strauss. This afternoon, board your cruise vessel and meet your crew at an evening welcome reception.
Embark Panorama by 5:00pm (6 nights) D
November 29, Sunday Vienna, Austria
Once the center of the mighty Habsburg Empire, 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. Visit the delightful Christmas market and savor the sounds and smells of holiday cheer. Be sure to enjoy a piece of decadent Sachertorte or Apfelstrudel in one of the classic coffee houses, historic institutions that helped shape Viennese culture! An optional concert is available tonight. BLD
November 30, Monday Drunstein / Melk, Austria
During breakfast this morning, arrive in Dürnstein in the heart of the Wachau wine region and known for the magnificent baroque, blue Stiftskirche. The main street of this small town is lined with 16th-century residences and charming cobblestone lanes. Our local guide will take us on a walking tour and tell the tale of England’s King Richard the Lionheart, who was imprisoned in the castle whose ruins still stand above the town. Then we sail through the picturesque Wachau Valley and arrive in Melk in the early afternoon. 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. You’ll be captivated by the splendor of the church with its frescoed ceilings. This evening we’ll be able to sample some of the famous wines of this region. BLD
December 1, Tuesday Passau, Germany
This morning, you may wish to join an optional full-day excursion to Salzburg to see some of the popular Sound of Music sites. Find out how mice caused the composition of the famous Silent Night carol, and learn how Austrians celebrate Christmas. Rejoin your ship in Passau in the early evening or stay on board and relax as you cruise to Passau, located where the Inn, Ilz, and Danube Rivers converge. Passau is a maze of cobblestone streets, lined
Avalon Panorama
Scenes of the Christmas Market - credit David Craig Market treasures of the Nativity Scene - credit David Craig
CT RATING 2.5 - Slightly Challenging: Excursions and land arrangements include some extensive walks, often over rough surfaces. Cobblestones are used in many European cities, making walking more difficult. Access to some decks and to shore in some ports may involve steep steps. Members should be in good physical condition without mobility issues, to fully enjoy this cruise.
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December 4, Friday Nuremberg / Prague, Czech Republic
After breakfast, say goodbye to your crew and travel by motorcoach to Prague, the ‘Golden City.’
Disembark / Intercontinental Prague (2 nights) B
December 5, Saturday Prague, Czech Republic
Prague is a 1,200-year-old city preserved in time. See its Astronomical Clock, built in 1410 and once the envy of all of Europe; Hradcany Castle Grounds; St. Vitus Cathedral; and the Charles Bridge, the oldest bridge in Prague. Browse the Christmas market’s brightly decorated wooden huts, which sell Christmas ornaments and decorations, handcrafted wooden toys, and other Czech crafts. Get a little inner warmth with a cup of svarene vino (hot mulled wine) and a traditional hot sausage. The beautifully decorated Christmas tree in the Old Town is an impressive sight. B
December 6, Sunday Prague, Czech Republic / Canada
Our journey comes to an end as we transfer to the airport to catch our flights bound for our homes across Canada. B
Cruise Cost in Canadian Dollars (per person) Cruise/Tour Only ....................................................... $3,245 Toronto ...................................................................... $4,540 Ottawa / Montreal ...................................................... $4,690 Halifax ........................................................................ $4,790 Winnipeg / Thunder Bay ............................................ $4,870 Regina / Saskatoon ................................................... $4,970 Calgary / Edmonton / Vancouver............................... $4,920 Victoria ....................................................................... $4,970
Rates are per person based on sharing a Cat E Outside Twin on Indigo Deck. Airfares from other gateways are available on request. Airfares and air carrier are subject to change and will be confirmed prior to final payment. Refer to Inclusive Features for details.
Supplement to Upgrade to higher category:
Category/Description/Deck Sharing Twin
Cat D Deluxe Twin (Indigo) .......................................... $185 Cat B Suite (Sapphire) ................................................. $855 Cat A Suite (Sapphire) ................................................. $895 Cat P Suite (Royal) ....................................................... $985
*Suites have an Open-Air Balcony. Stateroom categories
are subject to availability at time of booking - book early for
best choice. See Deck Plan for full details on various
categories available. Singles are extremely limited - please
ask for rates. Bedding can be confirmed as either twin beds
of one large bed. Cruise price is based on sharing a
stateroom with private bathroom. Prices are based a
minimum 20 members and on rates, taxes, and fees
effective February 2015 and are subject to change due to
factors beyond our control.
The price includes the cost of comprehensive insurance
($215pp - $250pp) for passengers up to and including 74
years on departure date (rate varies by the cost of the trip).
Cost supplements will apply for members aged 75 - 85
years (from $180pp - $342pp). Clients 86 years and older
and / or clients residing outside Ontario - please contact
our staff for procedures. This insurance is effective from
the date of confirmation and carries limitations on pre-
existing medical conditions. Please discuss your insurance
coverage prior to booking. Please check our website for the
most current information.
Final payment will be due August 20, 2015. Deposit is
$500 per person.
To reserve your places on this cruise, complete the
enclosed enrollment form, and forward it with your deposit
of $500 per person to:
CRAIG CANADIAN GROUP TRAVEL LTD
1092 Mount Pleasant Road Toronto ON M4P 2M6
Tel: 416-484-0926 or 1-800-387-8890 / Fax: 416-484-8143
Email: [email protected]
Website: www.craigtravel.com
Past Passenger Bonuses! Travelled on Avalon or with the Globus Family of
Brands before? Be sure to mention if you are part
of their Journeys Club when you book!
Avalon Panorama Club Lounge
Nuremberg, Germany - credit Avalon Waterways
