Compare Danube Symphony – Eastbound by Avalon Waterways vs European Whirl (Paris, Base) by Trafalgar
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| Trip |
5 | Excellent
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4.5 | Great
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| Duration | 8 days | 14 days |
| Price From | $ 2,909 | $ 3,895 |
| Price Per Day | $ 364 | $ 278 |
| Highlights |
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| Trip Style | River cruise | Group tour |
| Lodging Level | Standard | Premium |
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| Countries Visited | ||
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N/A |
| Flights & Transport | No | No |
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| Meals Included | N/A |
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| Description | Your Danube river cruise adventure begins with two nights in the magnificent city of Munich, capital of Bavaria, Germany, and ends in romantic Vienna, the capital of Austria. An excursion takes you to the most dream-like castles in all of Europe—Neuschwanstein Castle—said to have inspired the tales of Walt Disney. And the magic of the day continues as you travel to Oberammergau, an idyllic village known for its once-a-decade performance of the Passion Play, and its typical Bavarian houses painted with scenes from fairytales. While in Munich, a Local Guide will show you all the famous attractions. Then, travel by motorcoach to Passau, the “City of Three Rivers,” and explore its narrow cobblestone streets. Afterward, you can relax with a glass of wine atop the Sky Deck of your ship as you cruise along the Danube River into Austria. A highlight will be a guided visit to the majestic Benedictine Abbey in Melk, one of Europe’s largest monasteries, which sits high on a bluff overlooking the Danube. In Dürnstein, enjoy a guided walk and see the baroque Stiftskirche, with its luminous blue and white façade.To round out this unforgettable European river cruise, visit Vienna, the “City of Music”—known to have inspired the creative genius of Mozart, Beethoven, and Strauss. After guided sightseeing, stroll along the pedestrian walkway of Kärntnerstrasse, or try a piece of Apfelstrudel in an elegant Viennese café as a perfect ending to your river cruise adventure. | The tring-tring of bicycles sounds the start of your European Whirl. Kick back on the canals of Amsterdam and Venice, in the quiet lakeside beauty of Lucerne and among the Tuscan hills near Florence, with flavors of Italian Chianti setting the tone for an unforgettable trip. |
Day 1
MUNICH, GERMANY Welcome to MunichSpend free time today by relaxing, exploring, or strolling through the streets of Munich.
Day 2
MUNICH Storybook Villages and Fairytale Castles CLASSIC Take a Guided Excursion to the garden landscape of the Bavarian Alps to visit Neuschwanstein Castle—the historic home of King Ludwig. Continue on to Oberammergau—the storybook Bavarian village famous for its once-a-decade Passion Play. (B)
Day 3
MUNICH– PASSAU (EMBARKATION) Modern Metropolis and Alpine Monarchs CLASSIC Enjoy a Guided City Tour which will show you the highlights of fascinating Munich. See Nymphenburg Palace—a former residence of Bavarian monarchs, along with the Old and New Town Halls of Marienplatz.This afternoon transfer to Passau to board your Avalon Suite Ship®OVERNIGHT DOCKING IN PASSAU (B,D)
Day 4
PASSAU Go for Baroque in Passau—with Treasures Both Grand and Quaint CLASSIC Join a Guided City Walk in Passau to learn more about this beautiful “City of Three Rivers” where the Danube, Inn, and Ilz Rivers meet.Sail through the Schlögener Schlinge—named the Natural Wonder of Austria, carved by the power of the river into a dramatic landscape—to Linz.OVERNIGHT DOCKING IN LINZ (B,L,D)
Day 5
LINZ, AUSTRIA Fall in Love with Legendary Art, Music, and the Linzer Torte!CLASSIC Take a Guided Walk through the city’s historic and beautiful sites along the shore of the Danube and see Hauptplatz—Austria’s largest medieval square—and the towering whitemarble Trinity Column.Alternatively, take a full-day Guided Optional Excursion to Salzburg—the city of Mozart—or to the picturesque Bohemian town of Český Krumlov.Cruise to Grein this afternoon or meet your ship after your excursion GREIN Dramatic Castle Views and the Oldest Theater in Austria Explore on your own this attractive country resort, nestled at the foot of a bluff in the shadow of its castle.OVERNIGHT DOCKING IN GREIN(B,L,D)
Day 6
MELK Ornate Architecture and Scenic SplendorsCLASSIC Join a Guided Sightseeing Tour of Melk’s 11th-century Benedictine Abbey. Explore its frescoes, statues, library, and spectacular pipe organ in the monastery’s lofty perch above the Danube.You may stretch out on the Sky Deck as you sail through the Wachau Valley past vineyards, castles, and charming villages on your way to Dürnstein. DÜRNSTEIN Vistas and Vineyards Beyond the Blue Stiftskirche CLASSIC Join a Guided Walking Tour, and hear the legendary tale of King Richard the Lionheart—who was imprisoned during the Crusades in the castle above the village.DISCOVERY Enjoy the flavors of the Wachau Valley at a Wine Tasting this afternoon.After dinner enjoy live entertainment on board.OVERNIGHT DOCKING IN DÜRNSTEIN(B,L,D)
Day 7
VIENNA Strauss, Schnitzel, Strudel, and Sachertorte DISCOVERY Visit Austria’s largest art museum, the Kunsthistorisches Museum, including the Kuntskammer’s remarkable collection of more than 2,100 valuable objects, which were collected through the centuries by the emperors and archdukes of Habsburg, OR:CLASSIC Venture into 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 historic Vienna Opera House and stunning St. Stephen’s Cathedral.You may decide to take a Guided Optional Excursion to opulent Schönbrunn Palace—the former imperial summer home and vast gardens with a history spanning 300 years of the Habsburg monarchy.Enjoy a free afternoon by strolling through Kärntnerstrasse—the most famous shopping avenue in central Vienna. Take a bike ride through the city and stop in a local café to enjoy authentic Austrian confections of Sachertorte or Apfelstrudel.Later this evening, you may choose to attend an Optional Royal Waltz Concert to hear quintessential Viennese music in an elegant concert hall.OVERNIGHT DOCKING IN VIENNA(B,L,D)
Day 8
VIENNA (DISEMBARKATION) Your vacation ends this morning with breakfast.(B)
Day 1: Welcome to London
The vibrant British capital where you will spend the next two nights, enjoying the pomp and pageantry of a city that effortlessly combines old and new.
The Tower
Day 2: Discover Historic London
Join a Local Specialist this morning for a tour to see the iconic sites of London, including Big Ben, the imposing Houses of Parliament and Westminster Abbey. Spend a leisurely afternoon shopping on Carnaby Street, consider visiting one of London’s museums or wander along the Thames watching ambitious Londoners pound the pavements.
The Tower
Breakfast
Day 3: Eurostar™ to Brussels and on to Amsterdam
This morning we meet our Travel Director before traveling to London's St. Pancras International where we will board the Eurostar™ for a high-speed train journey to Brussels and a luxury coach journey to Amsterdam. Enjoy an orientation of this historic Dutch city before joining your fellow travelers and Travel Director for a dinner cruise on its canals.
Mercure City
Breakfast, Dinner
Day 4: Journey to the Rhineland and a Scenic Cruise
Driving through the lush landscapes of the Netherlands and Germany, we arrive in Boppard where we board a cruise along the Rhine to St. Goar, passing vineyard-clad hills and medieval castles perched above riverside towns. Arriving in the Baroque city of Heidelberg, we explore its unexpected highlights before traveling to our Rhineland hotel.
Sinsheim
Breakfast, Dinner
Day 5: Off to Innsbruck
Crossing the Swabian Alps on the edge of the Black Forest, we arrive in the Bavarian capital of Munich. Our orientation takes us past the Hofbrauhaus, reputedly the most famous Beerhall in the world, and the neo-Gothic Town Hall which dominates the Marienplatz. We cross the Austrian border next, arriving in Innsbruck, the capital of the Alps. Admire the Gothic, Renaissance and Baroque architecture of the Old Town, including Emperor Maximilian's famous Golden Roof with its ornate façade and consider an evening of traditional Tyrolean entertainment.
Tivoli Innsbruck
Breakfast
Day 6: Onwards to the Canals of Venice Make Travel Matter
Journey through the emerald-green landscape along the Brenner Pass into Italy and across the Dolomite Mountains to Venice. We cruise the beautiful Venetian lagoon by private launch to the gateway of Venice, St. Mark's Square. View the ornate Doge's Palace and the Bridge of Sighs, so named for the sound made by condemned prisoners as they took one last longing look at their beautiful city before meeting their fate. Enjoy a MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience where you’ll witness the centuries-old craft of Venetian glassblowing. You’ll learn how the master craftsmen shape the molten glass to make the exquisite and delicate works of art that adorn homes all over the world and perhaps be inspired to buy your own souvenir as a reminder of this special visit. There’s time later to enjoy the city your way. Get lost in Venice, cross bridges and discover hidden campi where locals share their daily stories over a glass of Venetian Spritz.
Novotel Mestre Castellana
Breakfast
Day 7: All Roads Lead to Rome Connect with Locals
Travel south across the Veneto Plain, passing Bologna and the dramatic Apennine Mountains as well as the green and golden fields of Lazio before reaching Rome, the 'Eternal City'. En route, we Connect With Locals over lunch at a Be My Guest experience and enjoy true Tuscan hospitality with a local family on their private estate in the Chianti countryside.
A. Roma Lifestyle
Breakfast, Lunch
Day 8: Discover Ancient Rome and the Vatican City
Our first stop today sees us discover the divine beauty of the Vatican City. We'll visit St. Peter's Basilica with a Local Specialist to view Michelangelo's Renaissance masterpiece, the Pietà. We continue to Ancient Rome to view Roman Forum, the walls of the iconic Colosseum and Circus Maximus, once the site of exhilarating chariot races centuries ago. The afternoon is yours to explore the city on your terms. Sit on the Spanish Steps savoring a tasty gelato, shop up a storm on the trendy Via Condotti or perhaps join an Optional Experience to see the magnificent frescoed ceiling of the Sistine Chapel.
A. Roma Lifestyle
Breakfast
Day 9: Continue to Renaissance Florence
From Rome, we travel north through the rolling countryside of Tuscany and along the Arno valley to the 'Cradle of the Renaissance', Florence. Delve into the rich Medici heritage of this beautiful medieval city with your Local Specialist. Visit the political hub of the city, Piazza della Signoria, with its impressive sculptures and stunning palazzi. View the imposing Duomo, crowned by Brunelleschi’s dome, and the Baptistery, renowned for its sculptured bronze doors.
Hilton Metropole
Breakfast
Day 10: Across the Alps to Lucerne
Drive via the scenic Italian Lakes District, across the Alps into beautiful Switzerland, where we'll spend the next two nights in the medieval lakeside city of Lucerne. View the mournful, mortally wounded lion hewn from rock to commemorate the Swiss Guards who lost their lives defending Louis XVI. Walk along the flower-lined 14th-century covered Chapel Bridge, crossing the river Reuss.
Grand Europe
Breakfast
Day 11: Explore Lucerne
This morning join an exciting Optional Experience to one of the surrounding peaks for breath taking views of the Swiss countryside. We have some time later to discover the best Swiss chocolates in town.
Grand Europe
Breakfast, Dinner
Day 12: On to Captivating Paris
Crossing the border into France this morning, we travel past the picturesque vineyards and country towns of Burgundy en route to the 'City of Lights'. Spend some time this evening strolling along the Seine and grand boulevards in search of a cozy bistro for fine French cuisine or consider an Optional Experience to a colorful Parisian cabaret.
Evergreen Laurel
Breakfast
Day 13: Discover the Sights of Paris
Join a Local Specialist today for a sightseeing tour of this romantic city. View the sophisticated Champs-Élysées, Place de la Concorde, the 19th-century Arc de Triomphe, honoring those who fought for France, and Notre Dame Cathedral, then enjoy a stroll through the Latin Quarter. Our European Whirl is almost at its end, we spend the evening with fellow travelers and our Travel Director, enjoying a Farewell Dinner in a local bistro.
Evergreen Laurel
Breakfast, Dinner
Day 14: Farewell Paris
Today bid adieu to your fellow travelers and Travel Director at the end of your memorable experience.
Breakfast
