CRUISE CONNECTIONS CANADA
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Introducing Avalon Waterways
Choice Cruising
Inspired Dining
A Cruise Unlike Any Other
Welcome Aboard
There are many ways to travel the world, but few compare to the unique, stylish and sophisticated experience of a river cruise. Sail along the world’s most legendary waterways onboard a stunning Avalon Waterway river cruise ship. Bringing you into the heart of the action, you’ll enjoy a leisurely atmosphere and intimate ambiance onboard a beautiful floating boutique hotel.
River cruising is perfect for travelers who are looking for new experiences: See sights that you won’t forget. Immerse yourself in new cultures. Meet new friends who share your passion for unique experiences and discover culinary delights.
Avalon, voted “Best River Cruise Line” by Cruise Critic, offers all-inclusive value, including free shore excursions, free Wi-Fi access and free select beverages with dinner such as wine and beer, and more. At every meal, you'll have the ability to choose from a multitude of dining experiences. All feature the highest-quality local ingredients, hand crafted by true culinary artisans. And all are included at no extra cost.
A part of the wonderful appeal of river cruises is that their vessels are typically intimate, with passengers numbering in the hundreds, not thousands, and Avalon is no exception. Enjoy panoramic windows throughout every ship, luxurious accommodations - the most spacious staterooms in Europe, and more personal and attentive service while onboard.
With an All-Inclusive Value plus Free Roundtrip Air from Toronto and Savings up to $1,400/couple, these amazing offers are not to be missed.
Call us today!
Sanjay Goel
President
Cruise Connections Canada
5 REASONS TO BOOK TODAY
1. All-Inclusive Value
Your river cruise provides exceptional value including Free shore excursions, complimentary beverages such as wine and beer with dinner, Free Wi-Fi access and much more. With an All-Inclusive Value plus Free Roundtrip Air from Toronto and Savings up to $1,400/couple, these amazing offers are not to be missed.
2. Limited Inventory
With smaller and more intimate ships, there are only a limited number of staterooms available. Book your river cruise today to take advantage of our exclusive rates and secure your spot on one of these fantastic journeys.
3. Award-winning Cruise Line
Avalon lets you discover Europe in a world-class way. With their contemporary design, this Swiss line has a passion for details and is continually praised for the beauty of their vessels and the quality of their service including a highly attentive English-speaking crew.
4. It’s River Cruising
River cruises sail to some of the world’s most breathtaking rivers. You’ll enjoy amazing sights along the way, from scenic vineyards and, historic castles to countless UNESCO World Heritage Sites! You can truly feel the culture of a country with this type of cruising: rivers are like the highways of Europe and can take you beyond just seeing the places you’ve read about.
5. We're your trusted friends
Cruise Connections Canada is your friend in the travel industry and our goal is to provide you with a worry-free vacation. We recognize your passion for travel and it is an honour to be trusted with planning something so important to you!
AVALON WATERWAYS AWARDS
Cruise Critic
• Best River Cruise Line
Travel Weekly Readers Choice Awards
• Best River Cruise Ship
Travel Weekly Magellan Awards
• Gold Winner/Cruise Ship: Best Overall River
Cruising
Conde Nast Traveler
• Top Best River Cruise Lines
• Top Cruise Ships
ABOUT CRUISE CONNECTIONS
• Canada's largest cruise retailer
with over 250,000 guests served
• Better Business Bureau A+ Rating
• Ensemble Travel Group - #1 Canadian
member 13 times in the past 14 years out of over 1100 travel agencies across North America.
• Produced the two largest travel programs in
Canadian History - Caribbean Odyssey and the
Mediterranean Odyssey in partnership with The
Globe and Mail, Canada's National Newspaper
• Member of Distinguished Travel Organizations:
- Cruise Lines International Association
- Association of Canadian Travel Agencies
- Canadian Institute of Travel Counsellors
• Open 7 days a week
• Personal Service - Wholesale Prices
Blue Danube Discovery 2012 Sailings
June 25, July 20, 23, 26, August 6, 20
13 days from Budapest to Prague
2 Pre-Hotel nights in Budapest, 7 night River Cruise and 3 Post Hotel nights in Prague
Hotel: 5-Star Intercontinental
FREE Roundtrip Air from Toronto and Montreal
FREE French Balcony Upgrade
FREE Shore Excursions and more...
Low Airfare from $99/person available from other Canadian gateways
Cruise Overview
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 and guided sightseeing. 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 await you on this marvelous vacation!
Meals
B: full buffet breakfast L: lunch D: dinner
Complimentary sparkling wine with breakfast, soft drinks with lunch, and wine, beer, or soft drinks with dinner are included on board your vessel
Day-by-Day Itinerary
Day 0 - Fly FREE from Toronto or Montreal to Budapest. From Budapest airport, you will be transferred to the luxurious Intercontinental Hotel where you will enjoy a 2 night stay prior to your cruise.
Day 1 - Budapest, Hungary - (Intercontinental Hotel)
Welcome to Budapest, Hungary’s lively capital. The remainder of the day is free to start exploring Eastern Europe’s most cosmopolitan metropolis.
Day 2 - Budapest, Hungary - (Intercontinental Hotel)
Budapest straddles both banks of the Danube, with seven bridges, including the famous Chain and Elisabeth Bridges, connecting ancient Buda on the right bank with Pest on the left. The massive hilltop castle complex with Fishermen’s Bastion and the Matthias Church is among the many sights your Local Guide will show you. Shop for renowned peasant embroidery, Herend porcelain, and paprika. (Breakfast)
Day 3 - Budapest (Embarkation)
From the hotel, you will be transferred to the cruise terminal. Board your river cruise vessel and meet your crew at a welcome reception. (Breakfast, Dinner)
Day 4 - Budapest–Vienna, Austria
A day to relax on board and marvel at the beautiful scenery on both banks of the Danube. Hungary is on your left as you cruise upriver and Slovakia is on your right. The two countries share the Danube for a 58-mile stretch, with the border in the middle of the river. Vienna, Austria’s capital, is known as the “City of Music” and inspired the creative genius of Mozart, Beethoven, and Strauss. (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)
Day 5 - Vienna
Once the center of the mighty Habsburg Empire, Vienna has much to offer: lavish Hofburg Palace, the impressive Vienna Opera House, the majestic Ring Boulevard, and awe-inspiring St. Stephen’s Cathedral, to name just a few of the sights you will enjoy during your city tour. You do not rush through Vienna—you waltz, taking your time to savor each classic sight and sound. Shop in the Kärntnerstrasse and enjoy Sachertorte or Apfelstrudel in a neighborhood café. An optional concert is available during your stay. (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)
Day 6 - Dürnstein–Melk
Dürnstein, known for the magnificent baroque Stiftskirche with its blue façade, is situated right in the heart of the Wachau wine region. Above town are the ruins of the castle where England’s King Richard the Lionheart was imprisoned in 1192. This afternoon: Melk, whose magnificent Benedictine Abbey dominates the town from its commanding hill site and is one of Europe’s largest monasteries. The view you have from the terrace over the Danube and surrounding countryside is breathtaking! This evening you’ll be able to sample some of the Wachau Valley’s Famous Wines. (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)
Day 7 - Linz–Passau, Germany
Linz, Austria’s third-largest city, lies on both banks of the Danube and is an important industrial town and busy river port. An optional full-day excursion to Salzburg takes in the popular Sound of Music sights. Passau, ideally located at the confluence of the Rivers Inn, Ilz, and Danube, is a city of graceful arcades and cobblestone streets. St. Stephen’s Cathedral houses the world’s largest church organ with more than 17,000 pipes. (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)
Day 8 - Regensburg
Regensburg is one of Germany’s best preserved medieval cities. Architectural highlights on your guided tour include the Old Town Hall and Porta Pretoria—gates to an ancient Roman fort built in 179 AD. The city is the capital of Upper Palatinate, a bustling university town, and one of Bavaria’s cultural centers. It is here you will find Germany’s oldest restaurant, the 12th-century Historische Wurstküche (Old Sausage Kitchen). (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)
Day 9 - Nuremberg
Although Nuremberg suffered extensive damage during WWII, much of it was restored to its original style. Marvel at this historic city with its fabulous gothic churches and elegant patrician houses—all explained by a local expert. Nuremberg’s traditions include famous Lebkuchen, toy making, and metal working. After dinner you will be introduced to some of Germany’s Famous Beers. (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)
Day 10 - Nuremberg (Disembarkation)–Prague, Czech Republic
Cross the Czech border in the Bohemian Forest and head for Prague, the “Golden City” where you will be transferred to the Intercontinental Hotel and enjoy a 3-night stay prior to your flight back to Toronto. (Breakfast)
Day 11 - Prague, Czech Republic - (Intercontinental Hotel)
Prague is a 1,000-year-old city preserved in time. See its best-known treasures such as the Old Town’s Astronomical Clock, once the envy of all of Europe; Hradcany Castle Grounds, St. Vitus Cathedral, and the Charles Bridge. Browse the shops for hand-cut crystal or art books. Mix with the locals in Wenceslaus Square or stroll along the Vltava River. (Breakfast)
Day 12 - Prague, Czech Republic - (Intercontinental Hotel)
A free day for you to explore the city at your own pace. (Breakfast)
Day 13 - Prague
All good things must come to an end Your vacation ends with breakfast this morning. (Breakfast)
You will be transferred from the hotel to the airport for your FREE flight back to Toronto or Montreal. We hope you enjoyed your voyage. It will be time to say goodbye for now but we look forward to welcoming you back on your next cruise.
