Avalon Waterways is also helping river cruisers explore more of the world on its waterways with five new itineraries.
NEW, UNIQUE EUROPE CRUISES:
Many cruisers have explored Netherlands’ Tulips in southern Holland, but in 2013, Avalon is encouraging them to try the NEW 8-day Tulips of Northern Holland vacation.
Originating in Amsterdam, on this itinerary, cruisers will enjoy the region of “North Holland” where tulip fields abound before cruising farther north to the region known as “Friesland,” famous for its black and white cows. They’ll sail across the Ijsselmeer and take a walking tour of the small town of Hoorn. They will also visit the ZuiderZee Museum in Enkhuizen, the Batavia shipyard in Lelystad and a windmill outside the fishing village of Volendam, with even more excursion choices in Arnhem and Rotterdam. Onboard, they will delight in a sampling of local Dutch cheeses and Genever tastings as part of Avalon’s new Culture & Cruise program.
For cruisers interested in central and Eastern Europe, Avalon also has new choices from which to choose the perfect river cruise vacation, including:
- Austrian Highlights & Bavaria: On this 9-day cruise vacation, travelers will visit Austria’s capital, Vienna, as well as charming small towns like Melk, Dürnstein and Grein before heading into Germany’s Bavaria. First, they will enjoy Vienna, with its spectacular museums, awe-inspiring St. Stephen’s Cathedral and delightful music. In Dürnstein, cruisers will explore the small town above which stand the ruins of the castle where King Richard the Lionheart was imprisoned in 1192. They will also visit magnificent Melk Abbey, and Grein’s quaint historical theater. In Germany, visits will include the Bavarian capital of Munich, the charming town of Oberammergau and the fairytale castles of Neuschwanstein and Linderhof. Onboard, as part of the complimentary Culture & Cruise offerings, a local chef will prepare regional specialties and travelers will enjoy a wine tasting from the Wachau valley.
- Highlights of Germany: On this new 13-day journey from Munich to Basel, Avalon guests will visit two of King Ludwig’s most famous castles: Neuschwanstein, the inspiration for Sleeping Beauty’s castle, and Linderhof. They will also enjoy a beer tasting in Nuremberg and exploration throughout Regensburg, one of Germany’s best-preserved medieval cities. Itinerary visits also include UNESCO World Heritage sites in Bamberg and Würzberg. Onboard, travelers will have another the opportunity to taste a variety of German beers, courtesy of Avalon’s Culture & Cruise program.
- Capitals of Central Europe: With both 10- and 12-day options, this itinerary focuses on Europe’s splendid capital cities – Vienna, Bratislava and Budapest – as well as the many small towns that dot the landscape along the way. Travelers can shop for paprika in Budapest, visit St. Martin’s Cathedral in Bratislava, savor a Sachertorte in Vienna and explore the grounds of majestic Hradcany Castle in Prague. In addition to these amazing and fun cities, there’s even more, including a choice of excursions in Krems that include Austrian wine tastings, visiting Austria’s oldest theater still holding regular performances in the resort town of Grein and exploring one of Europe’s largest and most spectacular monasteries at Melk. And, as part of the Culture & Cruise experience, cruisers will have the opportunity to attend an onboard Slovak folk music performance.
NEW ASIA OFFERINGS:
For the next cruise season, Avalon Waterways is also introducing two new ships in Asia – The Century Legend and Century Paragon – and adding a fourth itinerary (a Small Group Discovery vacation): 15-day NEW! Enchanting China & the Yangtze River.
Source: Avalon Waterways
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