We are excited to include this new Avalon Waterways itinerary for 2017 which is perfect for the more active travellers amongst us. Offering a range of action packed sightseeing options allowing you to bike, hike or canoe along the Danube River, and meet locals in the most active and engaged ways imaginable.
The choice is always yours – whether you taste locally produced cheese and beer brewed by Trappist monks near Linz; hike along an old smugglers’ route; bike to an ancient border defense near Mauthausen; visit WWII’s largest concentration camp; paddle a canoe down the Danube; meet a local produce grower in the Wachau Valley; take a jogging tour around Vienna; attend a medieval knights’ tournament in Visegrad….the list goes on! It’s the Old World in a whole new way.
This is all while enjoying the comfort of your Avalon ship with its delectable meals and unmatched service – most certainly your home away from home while you explore your new surroundings every day.
20 days departing Auckland 5 August 2017
From $11,299pp, twin share (Save $700 per person. Based on a Category E cabin; upgrades available).
Package includes:
– Return economy airfares from Auckland (including taxes)
– 3 night stopover in Hong Kong including accommodation, city sightseeing tour and night lights cruise
– 4 day Prague Monograms City Stay package, including city sightseeing tour
– 12 day deluxe Avalon “Active Discovery on the Danube” river cruise
– Breakfast daily plus 6 lunches and 8 dinners
– Professional Cruise Director throughout the Active Discovery river cruise with knowledgeable local guides in Hong Kong and Prague
– Highlights: Guided Hong Kong & Prague sightseeing with local host, visit Budapest, and much more! ⎫ Non-stop train from Prague to Budapest
– Airport transfers in Hong Kong, Prague and Munich
– Gratuities included on your Avalon cruise
– Escort to travel with you from Auckland to Budapest (incl Hong Kong stopover & Prague city stay)
Full day-to-day itinerary
Day 1 – Sunday 6 August
AUCKLAND – HONG KONG
This AFTERNOON we meet at Auckland Airport for the start of our journey. We arrive in Hong Kong in the evening and transfer to our hotel.
Day 2 – Monday 7 August
HONG KONG
This morning’s sightseeing begins with a CABLE-CAR RIDE up Victoria Peak for panoramic vistas of this one-of-a-kind port city. Drive by Repulse Bay, a popular beach area, then to the Aberdeen fishing village for a SAMPAN RIDE on the harbour. Next stop is STANLEY MARKET, a narrow street jammed with stalls offering clothing, arts, and crafts. This evening we enjoy dinner at a local restaurant before experiencing the lights of Hong Kong from the sea. (B, D)
Day 3 – Tuesday 8 August
HONG KONG
Enjoy today at leisure to explore more of this vibrant city. Perhaps join one of the optional excursions to Lantau Island or Macau. (B)
Day 4 – Wednesday 9 August
HONG KONG – PRAGUE
After enjoying breakfast this morning, we transfer to the airport for our flight to Prague. On arrival in the early evening, we will be transferred to our hotel where we spend the next three nights. (B)
Day 5 – Thursday 10 August
PRAGUE
Morning guided sightseeing includes views of 1,000-year-old Hradcany Castle and a walk in the CASTLE COURTYARDS. See STAROMESTSKE SQUARE, which dates back to the 12th century and started life as the central marketplace for the city. It is surrounded by historic buildings, beautiful churches, and the Astronomical Clock on the Old Town Hall tower. Also admire Prague’s famous Charles Bridge, a masterpiece of engineering and one of the oldest stone bridges in Europe. (B)
Day 6 – Friday 11 August
PRAGUE
Your Local Host will have many possibilities for your day at leisure. You might choose an excursion to Southern Bohemia with Cesky Krumlov and Ceske Budejovice, a guided visit of Prague Castle, a Czech beer tour, a cooking class, or shopping at the art nouveau Lucerna Gallery. (B)
Day 7 – Saturday 12 August
PRAGUE – BUDAPEST
Welcome to Budapest, the beautiful “Pearl of the Danube.” This evening, join your Cruise Director for a WELCOME COCKTAIL and brief chat about how you can enjoy the city to the fullest! (B)
Day 8 – Sunday 13 August
BUDAPEST (EMBARKATION) – SCENIC CRUISING AROUND THE DANUBE BEND – VISEGRAD
One of Eastern Europe’s most dynamic cities, Hungary’s capital practically begs you to get out and explore! Awaken refreshed and dig in to a hearty breakfast before making the day your own. CHOOSE YOUR ACTIVITY: – Take an enjoyable 2-hour WALKING TOUR with some “Fungarian” instruction of useful local words and phrases; – Ride a new-model, 24-gear bicycle on a GUIDED BIKE TOUR along the bike paths and car-free areas for a safe and enjoyable way to see the city’s most fantastic sights, or; – See the best of Budapest on a CITY SIGHTSEEING TOUR featuring Heroes’ Square, Fishermen’s Bastion, Matthias Church, and an inside visit of the OPERA HOUSE. Afterward, you have free time to shop for Hungarian paprika or handcrafted souvenirs, to savour a piece of cream cake in the world-famous Gerbeaud Cafe, or to join an optional tour of Budapest’s limestone cave system or to play nine holes of golf. This afternoon, transfer to the AVALON LUMINARY for embarkation. After a mandatory safety exercise, meet your friendly crew and fellow shipmates at a WELCOME RECEPTION. As your ship pulls away from the dock, be sure to have your camera ready for an unforgettable view of the beautifully illuminated Parliament. At dinner, your ship’s chef will delight your tastebuds with Hungarian specialties. Later, as scenic panoramas of the Danube Bend drift by, consider toasting your adventure with a cocktail on the Sky Deck. Your ship docks for the night near Visegrad. (B,D)
Day 9 – Monday 14 August
VISEGRAD
Another exciting day is on tap. After breakfast, CHOOSE YOUR ACTIVITY: – Cheer your favourite champion at a MEDIEVAL KNIGHTS TOURNAMENT at Visegrad’s Lower Castle, featuring targeting and fighting demonstrations by members of the St. George Knightly Order. During free time here, be sure to explore Palotahaz, where stonemasons, smiths, potters, and paper-makers produce their traditional items using age-old techniques, or; – Spend your day in the great outdoors on a GUIDED HIKE through Danube-Ipoly National Park, home to eagles, falcons, bats, terrapins, fire salamanders, and other wildlife. This afternoon, your ship passes by the mighty Esztergom Basilica, coronation church of Hungary’s monarchs. Relax on board as we sail upstream towards Austria. After a delectable dinner of Viennese specialties, experience the first of 10 locks your ship will pass through on this cruise. (B,L,D)
Day 10 – Tuesday 15 August
VIENNA, AUSTRIA
Once the centre of the mighty Habsburg Empire, this “City of Music” inspired the creative genius of Mozart, Beethoven, and Strauss-and will inspire you, as well! Waltz ashore and CHOOSE YOUR ACTIVITY: – Enjoy a BIKE TOUR that takes in the sights along the famed Ringstrasse and areas of Vienna inaccessible to buses and cars; – slip on your sneakers and join a JOGGING TOUR that shows you the highlights as you run between sites; – Take a unique INSIDERS TOUR that features something different every day. It could be anything, from a visit to a musical instrument maker to a crash course on etiquette and protocol at diplomatic gatherings. You will meet locals, have the chance to prepare some food at a cooking class, and will enjoy other surprises as well, or; – Get a proper introduction to Vienna during a CITY SIGHTSEEING TOUR that includes an inside visit of Belvedere Palace to see Klimt’s celebrated Kiss. Afterward, you have free time to explore on your own. Maybe stroll through the pedestrian Karntnerstrasse, take a break for a piece of decadent Sachertorte, or join an optional excursion. Tonight’s onboard dinner pays a delicious tribute to the former Austrian-Hungarian Empire. (B,L,D)
Day 11 – Wednesday 16 August
VIENNA
A second full day in Vienna presents even more opportunities to immerse yourself in the magic. CHOOSE YOUR ACTIVITY for an experience most meaningful to you: – Wrap yourself in the peace of the city at sunrise during an EARLY RISER WALKING TOUR that includes breakfast at a Viennese cafe and an exclusive viewing of the Habsburg family’s private art collections at the Museum of Fine Arts; – For a more leisurely start to your morning, skip the walking tour and onshore breakfast and simply join us for the MUSEUM VISIT, which includes time in the ITALIAN & DUTCH MASTERS GALLERY, or; – Perfect for military history buffs, begin with the MUSEUM VISIT of the Habsburg collection, then explore the MILITARY MUSEUM, commemorating the heroic past of the Habsburg Empire. In your free time later, consider joining an optional guided hike through the vineyards outside town, with a wine tasting and dinner at a Heurigen wine tavern. (B,L,D)
Day 12 – Thursday 17 August
KREMS – WACHAU VALLEY & STRUDENGAU SCENIC CRUISING – GREIN
Early this morning, arrive in Krems, the eastern gateway to the famed Wachau Valley. After breakfast, CHOOSE YOUR ACTIVITY: – PADDLE A CANOE on a guided tour down the Danube and along some of its tributaries, for a completely unique perspective of the river and riverbank villages; – Bask in the fresh air and incredible views on an easy guided BIKE TOUR from Krems to Spitz. Enjoy sightseeing in Durnstein that includes the mesmerising blue Stiftskirche, and enjoy a break to sample local specialties; join an interactive WINE WORLD EXPERIENCE with wine tasting, or; – Get a hands-on LOCAL ENCOUNTER that showcases production of regional fruits, vegetables, wine, or other products, depending on the season. A snack and beverage are included. Back on board, marvel at today’s SCENIC HIGHLIGHT as you cruise through the picturesque Wachau Valley. Slowly cruise past the stately Benedictine Melk Abbey, and through the stunning Strudengau, popular among climbers and hikers for its enticing geological formations. Arrive in Grein, and visit GREINBURG or CLAM CASTLE, where you will meet the owner. (B,L,D)
Day 13 – Friday 18 August
GREIN – MAUTHAUSEN – LINZ
This morning, a GUIDED WALK through Grein features a visit of its unique historical THEATRE, the oldest in Austria still holding regular performances. Back on board, relax, enjoy lunch, and bask in the breathtaking scenery. Disembark in Mauthausen, with evidence of human habitation dating back to the Neolithic Age. Here, we let you place your own personal stamp on your day as you CHOOSE YOUR ACTIVITY: – Take a GUIDED BIKE TOUR to an ancient Roman border defense fort dating back to the 2nd century AD. Visit the museum dedicated to the site, with military weaponry, accounts of daily life, ceiling frescoes, sacred art objects, and more; – Visit the 9th-century ST. FLORIAN MONASTERY, an architectural rival to Melk Abbey. While exploring, you may meet one of the monks (when available) or attend a short music recital, or; – Join a heart-wrenching tour of MAUTHAUSEN CONCENTRATION CAMP, one of World War II’s largest and most brutal Nazi work camps. Later, join an onboard TASTING of local specialties on the way to Linz, Austria’s third-largest city. This evening, optional theatre and music excursions are available-or you can mingle with the locals at a fun pub crawl! (B,L,D)
Day 14 – Saturday 19 August
ENGELHARTSZELL – SCHLOGEN OXBOW SCENIC CRUISING – LINZ
As you slept, your ship arrived in the pretty market town of Engelhartszell near the German border. Step ashore and CHOOSE YOUR ACTIVITY: – Visit the stunning rococo ENGELSZELL ABBEY to tour its brewery, explore its SENSORY GARDEN-complete with stone labyrinth, herb garden, and vineyard-and attend a TASTING of locally produced cheeses and beer brewed by the Trappist monks, or; – Join a fun GUIDED HIKE along the route that smugglers took during World War II, when a tightly controlled border existed between Austria and Germany. Back on your ship, an excellent lunch of Bavarian specialties will leave you energised and ready to join an exhilarating HIKE ALONG THE DANUBE. Fresh air and incredible vistas await as you watch the Avalon Luminary pass through the Schlogen Oxbow, a particularly beautiful horseshoe-shaped curve of the river. Join the ship in Aschach, and prepare for an exquisite GALA FAREWELL DINNER featuring foods specially paired with just the right area wines or beers. (B,L,D)
Day 15 – Sunday 20 August
LINZ (DISEMBARKATION) – SALZBURG
Say goodbye to your crew after breakfast and drive to Salzburg. This afternoon, CHOOSE YOUR ACTIVITY: – Join a casual BIKE RIDE in the company of a Local Guide, to Hellbrunn Palace were you get an inside visit, or: – Explore the city of Salzburg on a GUIDED WALK that shows you not only the most scenic but also the fastest route from your hotel to the city centre. See some of the Sound of Music sites, walk lovely Mirabell Gardens and get lost in the maze of lanes and little streets of Salzburg’s Old Town, or; – You may prefer to strike out on your own on a SELF GUIDED HIKE – guidance material is available. Start along the river Salzach, up the Monchsberg Mountain with a great orientation view, before returning via the city centre with perhaps a stop in a beer garden? The evening is free for dinner in town or for independent activities. (B)
Day 16 – Monday 21 August
SALZBURG: EXCURSION TO THE SALZKAMMERGUT AREA
Today you can spend an entire day in Salzburg doing as you please. Alternatively, you may prefer to join us for the excursion to the Salzkammergut. An early morning start takes you to this region of natural beauty, where this morning you can choose from a variety of optional excursions such as a cable car ride up to Dachstein mountain where you visit an ice cave, or a crash course in either archery or mountain climbing. For a more leisurely activity, we suggest a guided walk up Feuerkogel mountain with a promise of refreshment when you reach the top! In the afternoon CHOOSE YOUR INCLUDED ACTIVITY: – Join an easy MOUNTAIN HIKE up the Siriuskogel for a delightful view over the town of Bad Ischl and the Traun River valley, or; – Enjoy a GUIDED WALK OF Bad Ischl, including an inside visit of the IMPERIAL VILLA. If you prefer to work off some excess energy, then we have optional suggestions such as canoeing on the river Traun, or guided mountain biking or trekking (good physical fitness is required). (B)
Day 17 – Tuesday 22 August
SALZBURG – MUNICH (GERMANY)
After yesterday’s exertions, a chance to take it easy this morning. Alternatively you may wish to join an optional excursion to the source of Salzburg’s beauty and wealth – a visit to a nearby salt mine, or to Hohenwerfen Castle for a guided tour and a demonstration of falconry. This afternoon a comfortable motorcoach ride takes you to Bavaria’s capital, Munich, where you might wish to celebrate the final night of this marvelous holiday with a visit to one of the famous beer halls. (B)
Day 18 – Wednesday 23 August
MUNICH – HONG KONG
Day 19 – Thursday 24 August
HONG KONG In Transit
Day 20 – Friday 25 August
HONG KONG – AUCKLAND
Our journey ends today on arrival back into Auckland airport, in the late morning.
For more information call 0800 267 672 or email GrownupGroups@globusfamily.co.nz
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