River Cruises
The Blue Danube Discovery
The delightful Danube sets the stage for this incredible journey as you sail through beautiful scenery and quaint towns. Begin in Budapest, Hungary, with two overnights, guided sightseeing, and a visit to imposing Fishermen’s Bastion. Enjoy Hungarian cuisine, explore its famous produce market—Central Market Hall, wander around the former Royal Palace grounds, explore its famous churches, or visit one of the many museums. Then, board your river cruise vessel and sail westward, with guided sightseeing in magical Vienna, Passau, and medieval Regensburg. Also take a guided walk in the charming town of Dürnstein and see the baroque Stiftskirche; visit the awe-inspiring Benedictine Abbey in Melk and marvel at its beauty. Enjoy a wine tasting in Melk and a beer tasting in fascinating Nuremberg. Disembark your ship and travel to the “Golden City” of Prague for a final three overnights, guided sightseeing, and plenty of free time to discover the Hradcany Castle grounds, wander through Prague’s Jewish Quarter, shop for hand-cut crystal, savor authentic Czech dumplings, stand in the square where protestors demonstrated against Communism, or visit one of the many churches. All of this and more awaits you on this marvelous vacation!
Your Itinerary
The Blue Danube Discovery
What you need to know about River Cruises
Welcome on board
Unpack only once as you enjoy a journey of culture, comfort and convenience, right into the heart of your destination on board your River Cruise. River Cruising allows you to enjoy the exceptional and attentive service of highly trained crew, the sumptuous food and fine wines and the relaxed, sociable atmosphere that you have come to expect from ocean cruising, plus so much more.

River cruising enables you, the discerning traveller to break down the barriers of landlocked Europe, or the huge land masses of China or Russia and open them up to the world of cruising. The banks of Europe’s waterways for example are home to some of the planet’s most treasured culture-hubs and quaintest villages and you sail into the heart of your destination every time. Be in the middle of the action, instead of seeing it from afar. Whether you are a culture vulture or prefer to watch the world go by as you relax in comfort, then River Cruising is for you.
 
Life on board
Whilst River Cruise vessels do not feature huge amounts of on board space, there is ample space and light entertainment to enjoy a relaxed and sociable experience. A River Cruise is much more about destination rather than on board entertainment so expect entertainment to be musicians and games for example. The top deck is normally an open deck, ideal for sitting watching the scenery change by the second, relaxing with a drink and the day and evening away.

Dress code
River cruising tends to be a much more casual affair than some ocean cruises. Some River Cruises may require a smarter dress code for dinner. The general rule of thumb is smart casual in the evening and practical and comfortable during the day. There is usually a special captain’s dinner at some point during a River Cruise, where most people tend to dress in cocktail dresses for women and jacket and tie for men. There may also be a fancy dress evening along the way but these are completely optional.

Your Ship
Avalon Waterways pride themselves on having the youngest fleet of ships in Europe's rivers - averaging just two years in age, compared to the industry average of seven years. New ships are regularly added to the fleet, offering guests the very latest ship design and innovative technologies, including enhanced soundproofing and the highest standard of features and services.
The Avalon Fleet
Avalon Visionary - 2012
Avalon Vista - 2012
Avalon Panorma - 2011
Avalon Luminary - 2010
Avalon Felicity - 2010
Avalon Affinity - 2009
Avalon Creativity - 2009
Avalon Scenery - 2008
Avalon Tranquility - 2007
Avalon Imagery - 2007
Avalon Tapestry - 2006
Your Ship - Facilities
Wherever you are on board, large sweeping windows greet you at every turn, providing the finest views of passing landscape, iconic landmarks and famous cities. Avalon's ships feature huge panoramic windows in all public areas and full floor-to-ceiling panoramic sliding windows creating a French balcony in all staterooms (apart from the Indigo deck). Each ship is beautifully appointed with an elagant and contemporary decor, state-of-the-art facilities and designed so that you can always enjoy the best views.

You will find plenty of comfortable seating and cosy spots to relax and take it all in - in the restaurant, club lounge, lobby or Sky Deck. The impressive public areas give you a feeling of space to enjoy your precious time on board. As well as the spaciously designed public areas and staterooms with panoramic windows, you will be amazed at the impressive choice of amenities that will make your cruise so memorable.
Aft Lounge
Your Ship - Accommodation
Avalon Deluxe Staterooms & Suites include:
Comfort Collection by Avalon, featuring premium mattress covers, Egyptian super-combed cotton linens & European style duvets

A choice of soft or firm pillows


A choice of bed configuration (two twins or one queen)


Nightly turn-down service


Bedside tables with reading lamps


Large floor-to-ceiling panoramic windows in most Deluxe Staterooms & Suites


French balconies in most Deluxe Staterooms & Suites


A fully equiped large private bathroom with full shower and L'Occitane bath products


Large three-door wardrobe with shelved storage space


Under-bed luggage storage
Flat screen satellite TV with film channels

Alarm clock


Writing desk/dressing table with chair and table


Direct-dial telephone


Complimentary Wi-Fi access


Bathrobes and slippers


Hairdryer


A minibar with complimentary bottled water


Safe


Individual climate control


Continental breakfast and drinks service available
Stateroom
Panorama Bathroom
Category E Stateroom
Panorama & Royal Suites include
all the above, plus:
Wall-to-wall panoramic window measuring 11-feet wide

Wall-to-wall panoramic window opens to transform the living space into a large open-air balcony


Open-air balcony with six-person seating area


A choice of bed configuration - twins or one queen or one king (Royal Suite only)


Deisgner bathroom with full shower, marble countertops, large mirror, night lighting


Complimentary use of iPad mobile digital devices
(Royal Suites only)
Panorama Suite
Your Ship - Dining
Dining
Main Restaurant
Delicious Food
Full panoramic windows with wonderful views provide a scenic backdrop whilst you enjoy an excellent choice of delicious dishes at each meal. Choose to have breakfast when it suits you - early or late - or if continental breakfast in bed sounds appealing, breakfast room service is available. At lunchtime, you can eat outside at the open-air bistro or in the restaurant where a varied lunch buffet with tasty hot and cold options are on offer with complimentary soft drinks. Tea is served mid-afternoon with hot drinks and cakes in the lounge or on the top deck. At dinner, chef inspired regional and classic dishes are prepared using the freshest local ingredients that will tempt your taste buds. Savour the finest quality four-course dinner served with a choice of complimentary regional wines, beers or soft drinks.
Avalon Dining Choices
 
Captain's reception with sparkling wine and canapés

Special Welcome dinner and five course Farewell dinner

Daily Early-Riser or Late-Riser breakfasts

Full buffet breakfast with made-to-order egg station

Complimentary juices and sparkling wine with breakfast/soft drinks with lunch

Open-air bistro on Sky Deck

Full buffet lunch with pasta and carving stations

Afternoon tea served with tea, coffee and cakes

Four course dinners with seasonal cuisine using the freshest local ingredients

Complimentary regional wines, beers or soft drinks and coffee or tea with dinners

Room service available featuring continental breakfast and drinks

Night fare buffet served at 10.30pm

Social Hour and Drinks specials in the main lounge
Bookable Special Touches
Private cocktail parties in Panorama and Avalon Suites

All-inclusive drink packages for purchase (alcohol or non-alcohol)

Avalon celebration packages
Cruise.co.uk fares (from £pp)
Stateroom Type
 
Cat. E
Cat. D
Cat. B
Cat. A
Cat. P
Suite
Spring / Autumn Sailings






16 Apr '12
2279
2279
2569
2629
2679
2979
20 Apr; 26 Oct '12
2325
2325
2615
2675
2725
3025
30 Apr; 4 Oct '12
2419
2419
2709
2769
2819
3119
11, 17, 21, 25^ May '12
2489
2489
2779
2839
2889
3189
12 Oct '12
2375
2375
2665
2725
2775
3075
15 Oct '12
2349
2349
2639
2699
2749
3049
29* Oct '12
2239
2239
2529
2589
2639
2939
Cruise.co.uk fares (from £pp)
Stateroom Type
 
Cat. E
Cat. D
Cat. B
Cat. A
Cat. P
Suite
Summer Sailings






4, 8 Jun '12
2499
2499
2789
2849
2899
3199
25, 29 Jun '12
2465
2465
2755
2815
2865
3165
6^, 9, 20, 23*, 26* Jul '12
2449
2449
2739
2799
2849
3149
6 Aug; 28^ Sep '12
2445
2445
2735
2795
2845
3145
17^, 20 Aug '12
2469
2469
2759
2819
2869
3169
31 Aug '12
2559
2559
2849
2909
2959
3259
24 Sep '12
2515
2515
2805
2865
2915
3215
7, 10, 14 Sep '12
2595
2595
2885
2945
2995
3295
^Denotes sailing on Avalon Vista, which will require an additional supplement to the price shown.
*Denotes Themed Cruise (23 Jul - Wine. 26 Jul - European History & Politics. 29 Oct - Jewish Heritage).
Book with confidence
To book, check availability or if you have any questions concerning our River Cruises please call one of our specialist cruise consultants. Or if you can't find what you are looking for, we'd be more than happy to put something together for you...
FREEPHONE 0800 408 6202
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