Begin your adventure with a stopover in Doha then onward to Europe and a 2-night stay in Amsterdam, famous for its canals and world-class museums. Then, embark on a 15-day river cruise on the Avalon Illumination from Amsterdam to Budapest. Admire Cologne's gothic architecture, sail the dramatic Rhine Gorge, and explore the wine town of Rüdesheim. Enjoy guided tours in Würzburg, Rothenburg, Bamberg, Nuremberg, and Regensburg. Cruise the Main-Danube Canal, visit Melk's Benedictine Abbey, and sail through the picturesque Wachau Valley. End your journey with guided tours of Vienna, the "City of Music," and vibrant Budapest, to explore its unique energy and must-see sites.
Doha sightseeing
Amsterdam Sightseeing and Canal Cruise
15 Day AVALON CRUISE from Amsterdam to Budapest. Deluxe Outside Stateroom (D)
Onboard amenities include an alternative light dining option in the Panorama Bistro, a Fitness Center, complimentary Wi-Fi access, and a spacious Sky Deck with premium lounge chairs, whirlpool, and light al fresco lunches at the Sky Bistro on the Sky Deck. The Avalon Illumination truly shines on Europe's rivers.
From Amsterdam to Budapest, and many exciting stops along the way, you’ll be immersed in the culture of Central Europe in a unique way on this timeless river cruise holiday. Amsterdam is Holland’s lively capital—both historical and modern. This popular city is set amongst sophisticated architecture and classic squares and canals. See the treasures of this 700-year-old city from a unique perspective—on a canal cruise along the elegant grachten. On to Germany where there’s a guided city walk in Cologne—a 2,000-year-old city known for its gothic architecture. Sail through the dramatic Rhine Gorge, the most beautiful stretch of the Rhine River, and stop in the charming wine town of Rüdesheim. There’s guided sightseeing in Würzburg, Rothenburg, Bamberg, Nuremberg, and Regensburg. You’ll sail the Main Danube Canal connecting the Main and Danube Rivers. First stop in Austria is Melk for a visit of its magnificent Benedictine Abbey, then sail through the picturesque Wachau Valley. In the last days of your holiday, local experts will introduce you to two capital cities: Vienna, Austria, also known as “The City of Music” for inspiring the creative genius of Mozart, Beethoven, and Strauss; and lively Budapest, Hungary, with its unique energy and countless must-see sites. This truly is a river cruise to remember!
Budapest sightseeing.
Cabin Upgrade (share twin per person)
Panorama Suite (A) - $21,840 (single supplement $9,399)
THU 12 JUN – AUCKLAND/DOHA
Depart on Qatar Airways from Auckland at 1.15pm, arrive Doha 9.40pm. Transfer to the hotel for a good nights sleep. Stay 4 Star Hotel Doha (2 nights).
FRI 13 JUN – DOHA SIGHTSEEING B,D
The morning is free then a sightseeing tour of the major sights. Dinner included tonight.
SAT 14 JUN – DOHA/AMSTERDAM B
Depart Doha at 3.15pm and arrive in Amsterdam 9.00pm. Stay 4 Star Amsterdam Hotel (2 nights).
SUN 15 JUN – AMSTERDAM SIGHSTEEING B,D
A city tour including a visit to Anne Franks House a museum dedicated to the Jewish wartime diarist. Also visit the Rijks Museum, the National Museum of the Netherlands showcasing 800 years of Dutch history, with the great masters Rembrandt, Vermeer and Van Gogh.
MON 16 JUN – AVALON RIVER CRUISE B,D
Morning at leisure then board your ship Avalon Illumination for your 15 day cruise from Amsterdam to Budapest.
Consider joining a Guided Optional Excursion to Zaanse Schans to see historic windmills and charming Dutch houses. Spend free time exploring the colourful
streets, bridges, and canals of Amsterdam-with its many cafes and art galleries. OVERNIGHT DOCKING IN AMSTERDAM.
TUE 17 JUN AMSTERDAM B,L,D
Canals of colourful Amsterdam CLASSIC Explore the iconic waterways of Amsterdam with a Guided Canal Cruise past stately homes of Amsterdam's "Golden Age." This afternoon choose among the Guided Optional Excursions available. AFTERNOON/OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO COLOGNE.
WED 18 JUN COLOGNE B,L,D
Prost! Celebrate in the Rhineland Join your Adventure Host for today's special activities. ACTIVE Enjoy a bike ride like the locals in Cologne with your Adventure, OR; DISCOVERY Join a Guided Walking Tour of Cologne's important Jewish heritage sites, OR; CLASSIC Take a Guided City Walk of Cologne-explore theOld City and see its soaring twin-steepled gothic cathedral. Don't miss the chance to enjoy free time over a glass of Kolsch pale lager-locally brewed for over 100 years! This evening, enjoy live entertainment on board your ship. OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO RUDESHEIM.
THU 19 JUN RHINE GORGE B,L,D
Eat, Drink, and Be Merry in Wine Country En route to Rudesheim, sail through the Rhine Gorge (a UNESCO World Heritage site). Take in the breathtaking views of ancient castles perched on cliffs 400 feet above the water, and pass the legendary Rock of the Lorelei-where the mythological siren's songs lured ill-fated
sailors. ACTIVE Take an open-air cable car ride to the Niederwald Monument. Ride or walk back down through the vineyards; enjoy a tasting of the authentic Rudesheimer coffee, OR: DISCOVERY Tour the incredible Mechanical Music Museum for a one-of-a-kind instrumental experience; enjoy a tasting of the
authentic Rudesheimer coffee. Later, local musicians will join us on board for live entertainment. AFTERNOON/OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO MILTENBERG.
FRI 20 JUN MILTENBERG B,L,D
Beauty on the Main River Ask about today's energizing or relaxing Adventure Host activities. CLASSIC Join a Guided Walking Tour of Miltenberg, a showcase of medieval half-timber homes and home to Germany's oldest inn. Spend free time riding a bike through the beautiful villages on the Main River shores. EVENING/OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO WURZBURG.
SAT 21 JUN WURZBURG B,L,D
A Perfect Day in the Pearl of the Romantic Road CLASSIC Take a Guided Sightseeing Tour of Wurzburg with its Old Main Bridge, towering fortress, and baroque Bishop's Residenz-with the largest known ceiling fresco. Enjoy the city on your own or visit a local winery. OVERNIGHT DOCKING IN WURZBURG.
SUN 22 JUN VOLKACH B,L,D
Storybook Settings You may choose to join a Guided Optional Excursion to the beautiful Bavarian town of Rothenburg. See the local sights and enjoy the fairytale atmosphere that has inspired artists. Sail to Volkach and get ready for your afternoon activity. ACTIVE Bike along the Main Danube Canal with yourAdventure Host, OR: CLASSIC Join a Walking Tour of the quaint town of Volkach with its half-timbered houses and cobblestoned streets. EVENING/OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO BAMBERG.
MON 23 JUN BAMBERG B,L,D
The City of Seven Hills ACTIVE Your bike is ready! Hop on and bike along the canals in Bamberg with your Adventure Host, OR: CLASSIC Take a Guided Walking Tour of the former home to imperial dynasties, and see its Romanesque cathedral, Old Town Hall, and seven hills crowned with churches. Later, enjoy liveentertainment performance while sailing this evening. AFTERNOON/OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO ROTH.
TUE 24 JUN ROTH/NUREMBERG B,L,D
Legends and History Lessons Visit the Adventure Centre for today's activities with your Adventure Host. ACTIVE Explore Roth's Lauter valley with your Adventure Host, OR: CLASSIC Enjoy a Guided Sightseeing Tour of the Bavarian town of Roth-with its half-timbered houses, market square, and 1535 hunting lodge Schloss Ratibor, OR; CLASSIC Choose a Guided Tour of Nuremberg's medieval architecture, gilded fountain, gothic cathedral, and Kaiserburg Castle, OR; CLASSIC Join a Guided Tour of the historic Nuremberg Rally Grounds-used by the Third Reich. DISCOVERY Enjoy an Onboard Lecture about the Main-Danube Canal-
linking these two rivers to make a vital connection enabling navigation between the North and Black Seas. AFTERNOON/OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO REGENSBURG.
WED 25 JUN REGENSBURG B,L,D
Bavaria's Medieval Miracle ACTIVE Explore Walhalla by bike with your Adventure Host, OR: CLASSIC Join a Guided City Walk and see Altes Rathaus (Old Town Hall) and Porta Pretoria-built in 179 AD as the entrance to Castra Regina fortress. You may choose to join a Guided Optional Excursion to visit the Benedictine
Monastery in Weltenburg. Alternatively, spend a free afternoon exploring Regensburg on foot or by bike through its charming streets. EVENING/OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO PASSAU.
THU 26 JUN PASSAU B,L,D
Where the Danube, Inn, and Ilz Rivers Meet CLASSIC Join a Guided City Walk to learn more about this beautiful "City of Three Rivers." You may join a full day Guided Optional Excursion to Salzburg, the city of Mozart, or a full-day Guided Optional Excursion to the picturesque Bohemian town of Cesky Krumlov. Alternatively, cruise to the lovely town of Linz. LINZ, AUSTRIA Legendary, Lovely Linz This evening, feel free to explore Linz on your own. Later, enjoy live entertainment on board. OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO MELK.
FRI 27 JUN MELK B,L,D
Frescoes Above and Vineyards Below ACTIVE Join your Avalon Adventure Host for a walk along the Danube river and around Melk, OR: CLASSIC Take a Guided Tour of the frescoed ceilings, statues, incredible library, and ornate pipe organ of Melk's Benedictine Abbey. Enjoy a coffee or cocktail on the Sky Deck as you sail through the picturesque Wachau Valley to wonderful Vienna this afternoon. VIENNA Viennese Waltzes on the Blue Danube Consider joining a Guided Optional Excursion to attend a Royal Waltz Concert in an elegant hall this evening. OVERNIGHT DOCKING IN VIENNA.
SAT 28 JUN VIENNA B,L,D
Royal Collections and Amusing Attractions ACTIVE Explore Vienna's Danube Island by bike with your Adventure Host, OR: CLASSIC After a short walk of Vienna, join a Guided Visit of Austria's largest museum, the legendary Kunsthistorisches Museum (Museum of Fine Arts), OR: CLASSIC Explore the Habsburg Empire with a morning Guided City Tour of Vienna's gilded landmarks. See the Imperial Palace complex-the winter residence of the Imperial Family, the iconic Vienna Opera House and stunning St. Stephen's Cathedral. Join a Guided Optional Excursion to Schonbrunn Palace-summer home of the Habsburg family or choose a Guided Optional Excursion to fascinating Bratislava. Consider a tram ride to Vienna's Prater amusement park or to one of the many museums nearby. Later, enjoy live entertainment as you sail to
Budapest. EVENING/OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO BUDAPEST.
SUN 29 JUN BUDAPEST B,L,D
The Pearl of the Danube ACTIVE Hike up to a magnificent viewpoint in Budapest with your Adventure Host, OR: CLASSIC Enjoy a Guided City Sightseeing tour of Budapest, including the iconic Heroes' Square. This afternoon choose among the Optional Guided Excursions available or enjoy Budapest on your own.
Indulge in a piece of cream cake in one of the many cafes. Consider a scenic hike above the Danube. OVERNIGHT DOCKING IN BUDAPEST.
MON 30 JUN - BUDAPEST DISEMBARK B,D
After breakfast enjoy a sightseeing tour of Budapest and transfer to your hotel. Tonight a Farewell dinner. Stay 4 Star Hotel (1 night).
TUE 01 JUL – BUDAPEST/DOHA B
After breakfast head to the airport for your flight home via Doha. Depart Budapest at 10.20am and arrive Doha at 4.40pm. Late this evening depart on your flight to Auckland. Fly over the Dateline.
THU 03 JUL – AUCKLAND
Arrive Auckland at 2.45am.
