River Discounts Arrow WALTZING THE DANUBE
WALTZING THE DANUBE
This seven-night cruise begins and ends in Budapest. Fly into Hungary’s capital and transfer by motorcoach to Esztergom, where your river cruise vessel awaits you. Cruise upriver as far as Passau, enjoying city sightseeing in Bratislava. Visit Melk’s spectacular Benedictine Abbey and the charming resort town of Grein along the way. Returning downriver, stop in Dürnstein for a walking tour before reaching Vienna. Guided sightseeing shows you the city’s highlights, and, as a special treat in this “City of Music,” you will learn a classic dance during waltz lessons. End your vacation in Budapest with sightseeing of Buda and Pest, located on either side of the Danube.
Day 1  (Sat.) Board your overnight flight.
Day 2  Arrive in Budapest, Hungary. Transfer to Esztergom. (Embarkation) (Sun.) Flights into Budapest must arrive before 2.30 pm. A comfortable drive from Budapest brings you to Esztergom, one of Hungary's most historical and sacred cities. Here your vessel and crew await to welcome you on board. (D)
Day 3  Bratislava, Slovakia. (Mon.) Situated at the foothills of the Carpathian Mountains, Bratislava is the dynamic capital of Slovakia. The charming Old Town with its Town Hall and Mirbach Palace, as well as the Gothic cathedral of ST. MARTIN should not be missed. (FB,L,D)
Day 4  Melk, Austria-Grein. (Tue.) Melk’s magnificent BENEDICTINE ABBEY dominates the town from its commanding hill site and is one of Europe’s largest monasteries. The view from the terrace over the Danube and surrounding countryside is breathtaking! An attractive country resort, Grein lies at the foot of a bluff in the shadow of its castle. The turreted houses on the main square make excellent photo material. (FB,L,D)
 
Day 5  Passau, Germany-Linz, Austria. (Wed.) Ideally located at the confluence of the rivers Inn, Ilz and Danube, Passau is a city of graceful arcades and cobblestone streets. St. Stephen’s Cathedral houses the world’s largest church organ with over 17,000 pipes. An optional fullday excursion to Salzburg takes in the popular Sound of Music sights. Linz, Austria’s third-largest town, lies on both banks of the Danube and is an important industrial town and busy river port. (FB,L,D)
Day 6  Dürnstein-Vienna. (Thu.) Dürnstein, known for the magnificent baroque Stiftskirche with its blue façade, lies right in the heart of the Wachau wine region. Above town are the ruins of the castle where Richard the Lionheart, the King of England, was imprisoned in 1192. Once the center of the mighty Habsburg Empire, Vienna, Austria’s capital, has much to offer: the lavish Hofburg Palace, the impressive Vienna Opera House, the majestic Ringstrasse and awe-inspiring St. Stephen’s cathedral, to name just a few of the sights. (FB,L,D)
Day 7  Vienna. (Fri.). Vienna is known as the “City of Music” and inspired the creative genius of Mozart, Beethoven and Strauss. You do not rush through Vienna, you waltz, and today is your chance to learn to dance to the strains of the Blue Danube. Take your time to savor each classic sight and sound the city has to offer. Shop in the Kärntnerstrasse and enjoy Sachertorte or Apfelstrudel in a neighborhood café. An optional concert is available during your stay. (FB,L,D)
Day 8  Budapest, Hungary. (Sat.) Budapest, spanning the banks of the Danube, is the liveliest and most cosmopolitan metropolis of Eastern Europe. Seven bridges, connect ancient Buda on the right bank with Pest on the left. The massive hilltop castle complex with FISHERMEN'S BASTION and the MATTHIAS CHURCH are sights not to be missed. Shop for renowned peasant embroidery, Herend porcelain and paprika. (FB,L,D)
Day 9  Budapest. (Disembarkation) (Sun.) Your homebound flight arrives the same day. (FB)

What sets the Avalon Poetry apart from the rest?
From the minute you step on board you know these vessels are different. The gleaming two-story lobby, lit by a central glass skylight, is a preview of the light, airy feel and the spectacular views you'll enjoy. Built to the highest standards and equipped with state of the art technology, these modern and spacious ships will make river cruising a delight! Add the friendliness and unsurpassed personal service of the English-speaking staff on board, and you'll immediately feel welcome and at home.

The interiors are designed by the well-known interior architect, Hans Sabert. There are four junior suites on the Avalon Poetry and the vessels boast some of the largest staterooms (at 172 square feet) of any river cruiser; they are all outside staterooms. Some have picture windows, while 70% have a floor to ceiling sliding glass door from which to enjoy the passing scenery. The Avalon Poetry accommodates 176 passengers in 84 staterooms and 4 junior suites.  The dining room, lounge and other recreation areas are spacious and airy with both the dining room and lounge offering floor to ceiling windows so passengers can enjoy panoramic views. Unique to these two vessels is the glazed lobby that is open through to the Sky Deck with a central glass cupola - a sparkling welcome to passengers. Each vessel has an exercise room outfitted with fitness equipment and a whirlpool that can accommodate six people. There is also a hair salon on board.

Included values aboard the Avalon Poetry

  • All staterooms feature modern bathrooms with shower, large closets, individual climate control, telephone, color satellite TV, radio, minibar, safe and hair dryer
  • All staterooms are outside; 70% have panoramic sliding glass doors, the rest have picture windows. There are no portholes
  • Beds may be configured as two twins or one queen
  • Connecting rooms are available
  • The interior of the ship is non-smoking
  • Relax at the Sky Bar or in the Club Lounge
  • Enjoy the onboard exercise room and whirlpool
  • Enjoy personal service from our English-speaking staff
  • Open seating with one sitting at mealtimes
  • Wine included with all onboard dinners
  • Coffee and tea are available free of charge throughout the day
  • The Sky Deck is fitted with newly developed shade systems, which are lowered and guaranteed to be back in position immediately after passing under a bridge
  • Internet access available

Avalon Poetry Technical Data

Built: 2005; Length: 426 ft.; Crew members: 43; Staterooms: 84; Jr. Suites: 4
Poetry
Avalon Poetry Deck Plan
1 Sky Deck with Deck Chairs
2 Navigating Bridge
3 Sky Bar
4 On-board Camera
5 Restaurant
6 Lounge
7 Hairdresser
8 Reception
9 Galley
10 Café
11 Foyer
12 Gym

Avalon Poetry
Categories

French Balconies on Royal and Sapphire Decks
Poetry Royal Deck
Poetry Royal Deck
Poetry Sapphire Deck Aft
Poetry Sapphire Deck Forward
Poetry Indigo Deck Aft
Poetry Indigo Deck Forward

Avalon Poetry
Cabins

Staterooms - 172 sq. ft.
1 Bed
2 Toilet
3 Washbasin
4 Shower
5 Cabinet
6 Writing Desk
7 French Window


Poetry
Suites - 258 sq. ft.
1 Bed
2 Toilet
3 Washbasin
4 Shower
5 Cabinet
6 Writing Desk
7 French Window
8 Sofa
9 Coffee Table


Poetry

Price Details

Sailing Dates from June - Nov  Cruise only rates from $1,399-$1,999 per person based on sailing date

 Airfares from $799-$1,299 based on sailing date, airline and number of stops.

  • Port charges: $84 per person.
  • Please call for single accommodation price. Triples not available.
  • Extra nights per person in Budapest: in single room $255, in twin room $138.
  • Prices shown above include cruise in Category E in a deluxe outside cabin on Indigo Deck. To upgrade to a higher category (all cabins Twin/Double), add per person:
All prices subjest to availability at the time of booking.
Category Decks Price
D Indigo $99
B Sapphire $449
A Sapphire $499
P Royal Deck $549
Jr. Suite Royal Deck $999

 
This weeks best offers

 

 A New forum for experienced and novice river cruisersRiver Cruise Network

Avalon $500 per person Off Air

Amawaterways 50% off  Cruise Rate

Viking 2 for 1 plus $300 off per cabin.

Uniworld Double Discounts 

Call 800-640-4899

This Weeks Best Values

Blue Danube Discovery 14 Days 2 for 1 Offer

Hotels, cruise in a French Balcony cabin, all meals on board, shore excursions and wine with diner.

From $3,979 for TWO

 

Online Agency Travel Websites