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Danube Dreams River Cruise with Bill Jartz of WBAY
June 14, 2021 to
June 24, 2021
Join WBAY's Bill Jartz on the beautiful Danube River!
Join Bill Jartz and his wife Mary as you cruise through beautiful Danube. Your European adventure begins with two nights in Prague, capital of the Czech Republic. Guided sightseeing shows you its best-known treasures. See the Astronomical Clock, Hradcany Castle, and St. Vitus Cathedral. Regensburg is one of Germany’s best-preserved medieval cities. Guided sightseeing will show you the Old Town Hall, the Porta Pretoria and many mansions with high towers denoting the status and wealth of their early owners. Transfer to Deggendorf where your river cruise journey begins.
Passau, Germany, is called the “City of Three Rivers” as it lies at the confluence of the Danube, Inn, and Ilz rivers. Explore the city with a Local Guide and admire the Patrician houses and baroque St. Stephen’s Cathedral. Linz, Austria, offers the Hauptplatz, Austria’s largest medieval square which forms the center of the city. Enjoy the magnificent views as your river cruise takes you through the picturesque wine region of Wachau Valley. In Dürnstein, see the famous blue and white Stiftskirche and taste some of the local wines. Vienna, the “City of Music,” makes an immediate impression with its lavish Hofburg Imperial Palace and neo-renaissance Vienna Opera House. In Bratislava, the capital of Slovakia, a guided walk takes you through the delightful Old Town and to the gothic St. Martin’s Cathedral.
In Budapest, the vibrant capital of Hungary, you’ll see the must-see sights with a local expert; in your free time stroll along the main shopping street of Váci utca, or take pictures from Fishermen’s Bastion, which provides the best panoramic views of Budapest. From the Golden City of Prague to the Pearl of the Danube in Budapest, your European river cruise is an experience not to be missed!
Itinerary
Your journey begins with a motorcoach transfer from select locations to Chicago O’Hare, where you will board your overnight flight to Prague, Czech Republic.
Welcome to the Golden City of Prague–Explore the City of 100 Spires. Upon arrival in Prague you will be transferred to your hotel. Enjoy free time to explore the Golden City and its surrounding countryside at your leisure.
Hotel: Hilton Old Town Prague (or similar)
Take a Guided City Walk to visit Hradčany Castle Grounds; see St. Vitus Cathedral and Old Town’s Astronomical Clock. Later, you may join a Guided Optional Excursion to reveal the secrets of Prague as your expert local guide takes you to Charles Bridge and Mala Strana—two of Prague’s most romantic and picturesque spots. Consider sampling delicious plum dumplings and traditional Pilsner lager beside the Vltava River. Mingle with the locals and be mesmerized by street performers in Wenceslas Square, or browse the market stalls at Charles Bridge. In the evening, you might like to join an Optional Folklore Dinner Show, sampling traditional Czech cuisine in an authentic Prague setting.
Hotel: Hilton Old Town Prague (or similar)
Meal: Breakfast
Join a Guided City Walk in Regensburg and see Altes Rathaus (Old Town Hall) and Porta Pretoria—built in 179 AD as the entrance to Castra Regina fortress. Take free time to enjoy a hearty lunch and a local beer, then step back in time through historic lanes and squares of today’s modern and vibrant Regensburg. Continue onto Deggendorf to board your Avalon Suite Ship® for a welcome reception.
EVENING CRUISE TO PASSAU
Join a Guided City Walk to learn more about this beautiful “City of Three Rivers.” Or Follow your Avalon Adventure Host for Hiking from Oberhaus along a trail down to the valley and along Ilz River. Spend a little free time before sailing to Linz to walk the cobblestone streets and galleries of Artists’ Alley or peek into St. Stephen’s Cathedral to possibly catch a concert rehearsal.
This afternoon, cruise to Linz through the Schlögen Oxbow, a particularly beautiful horseshoe-shaped bend of the river. Later, enjoy live entertainment on board.
OVERNIGHT DOCKING IN LINZ
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 white-marble Trinity Column. Consider a full-day Guided Optional Excursion to Salzburg—the city of Mozart, or to the picturesque Bohemian town of Cesky Krumlov. Alternatively, feel free to enjoy the afternoon on your own to bike along the banks of the Danube with a picnic from the ship, or hike through Linz’s beautiful nature trails to Pöstlingberg for a bird’s-eye view of the city and river below.
EVENING/OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO MELK
Take a Guided Tour of Melk’s magnificent Benedictine Abbey to marvel at its frescoed ceilings, statues, incredible library, and ornate pipe organ. Later, 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 - Fairytale Castles, Kings, and Cobblestones
Join a Guided Walk and hear the legendary tale of King Richard the Lionheart—who was imprisoned in the castle during the Crusades, OR: Join a Guided Hike up to the castle ruins to take in the spectacular view of the village, Danube, and the Wachau Valley below. Later, enjoy live entertainment on board your ship.
OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO VIENNA
Venture into the Habsburg empire with a morning Guided City Tour of Vienna’s gilded landmarks. See the Imperial Palace complex—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 Schönbrunn Palace—the former imperial summer home and vast gardens with a history spanning 300 years of the Habsburg monarchy. In your free time why not stroll through pedestrian 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 Excursion to a Royal Waltz Concert for an unforgettable evening of music in an elegant hall.
OVERNIGHT DOCKING IN VIENNA
DAY 9: TUESDAY, JUNE 22 - BRATISLAVA, SLOVAKIA - Classic and Contemporary—from Cathedrals and Castle
Enjoy a leisurely morning sail to Bratislava. Take a Guided City Walk, including the quaint streets of Old Town, Town Hall, and fantastic St. Martin’s Cathedral. Enjoy some free time to take Nordic walking sticks from the ship and hike to Bratislava Castle.
OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO BUDAPEST
Enjoy a Guided City Sightseeing, including the iconic Heroes’ Square. Take in the beauty of Budapest while enjoying a free afternoon exploring such famous sights as the Chain Bridge. Get to know the city’s cafés and pubs or take a hike through the hills above the Danube.
OVERNIGHT DOCKING IN BUDAPEST
After breakfast, disembark your ship and transfer to the Budapest Airport for your return flight to Chicago O’Hare. Return by motorcoach to your original pick up location.
Daily Itinerary is subject to change. In the event of water level problems or any problems of a technical nature, it may be necessary to operate the itinerary by motorcoach or to alter the program. Included visits and special features are subject to change. If a change is necessary, a substitute will be offered.
Inclusions
Transportation
- Round-trip flights from Chicago O’Hare to Prague, Czech Republic returning from Budapest, Hungary
- Motorcoach transfers between the airport, ship and hotel, when purchasing our air-inclusive package
Hotel Accommodations
- Two nights’ hotel accommodations including breakfast in Prague at the Hilton Old Town Prague (or similar)
Cruise Details
- Deluxe 7-night Avalon river cruise in a river view stateroom on the stunning Avalon Impression
- Complimentary pre-paid gratuities to your shipboard staff, local guides and coach drivers
- Luxuriously appointed river view staterooms with hotel beds, hair dryer, safe and flat-screen TV with satellite for complimentary movie and entertainment options
Dining & Beverages
- All meals onboard the ship with Chef-inspired regional recipes to include:
- Daily full buffet breakfast with made-to-order egg station, hot and cold menu items
- Daily lunch buffet with pasta or carving stations
- Daily four-course à la carte dinner in the main dining room
- Captain’s welcome & farewell receptions with sparkling wine and canapés
- Complimentary sparkling wine with breakfast; wine, beer, or soft drinks with lunch and dinner are included daily on board your ship
Sightseeing and Services Highlights
- Sightseeing with certified local guides, guided optional excursions and tours, and ample free time to explore on your own. Explore classic sights, embark on active excursions, and make a new discovery through the hands-on cultural and artistic experiences shared by local residents and experts.
- Experienced Fox World Travel Tour Manager to accompany the group*
- Remarkable service from your English-speaking crew and on-board cruise director
- Captivating onboard local entertainment
- Customized informative travel documents containing all trip details and helpful packing and planning information
Not Included: Airline flights on cruise tour only packages, air-imposed baggage fees, gratuities for airport porters, meals (other than those included in the package); optional excursions that may be offered, and any items of a personal nature. Travel insurance protection is not included. Ask your travel consultant about pricing and options.
*A minimum number of passengers are required for the Fox World Travel tour manager to accompany this group. If the minimum is not met, the tour will still include a professional local guide in the destination.
Pricing
Category E
| See special discounts below! |
| Two riverview windows |
| Based on double occupancy |
Category D
| See special discounts below! |
| Two riverview windows |
| Based on double occupancy |
Category B
| See special discounts below! |
| French Balcony |
| Based on double occupancy |
Category A
| See special discounts below! |
| French Balcony |
| Based on double occupancy |
Category P
| See special discounts below! |
| French Balcony |
| Based on double occupancy |
Air Inclusive Tour Packages
Category E
| See special discounts below! |
| Two riverview windows |
| Based on double occupancy |
Category D
| See special discounts below! |
| Two riverview windows |
| Based on double occupancy |
Category B
| See special discounts below! |
| French Balcony |
| Based on double occupancy |
Category A
| See special discounts below! |
| French Balcony |
| Based on double occupancy |
Category P
| See special discounts below! |
| French Balcony |
| Based on double occupancy |
Ship
Part of Avalon’s cutting-edge fleet of Suite Ships®, the Avalon Impression came onto the river cruising scene with a bang. This gorgeous ship features two full decks of Panorama SuitesSM with Wall-to-Wall Panoramic Windows that transform the living space into a unique Open-Air BalconySM. With 200 square feet, Panorama SuitesSM are more than 30% larger than the industry standard, affording you the incomparable opportunity to wake each morning facing the splendid passing scenery. 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.
Meet Your Host
WBAY TV-2 News Anchor Bill Jartz
Raised in Clintonville, Wisconsin, Bill Jartz earned All-State recognition as a high school football player, which took him to Northwestern University on an athletic scholarship. Graduating with a degree in journalism, Bill began his career as a sports anchor in Wausau, then came to WBAY in 1983. After receiving various accolades for sports broadcasting, he became a news anchor in 1998. In addition to anchoring Action 2 News weeknights at 5, 6, and 10, Bill is also the Voice of Lambeau Field at Green Bay Packers home games, joining them as public address announcer in 2005. Bill is very involved in a number of charities and has been married to his wife, Mary, since 1984.
Flights
Roundtrip flights from Chicago O’Hare:
- June 14, 2021: Depart Chicago O’Hare at 10:50PM, arrive Frankfurt at 2:10PM (June 15, 2021)
- June 15, 2021: Depart Frankfurt at 4:40PM, arrive Prague at 5:40PM
- June 24, 2021: Depart Budapest at 11:05AM, arrive Frankfurt at 12:50PM
- June 24, 2021: Depart Frankfurt at 5:15PM, arrive Chicago O’Hare at 7:30PM
Please note: Flight schedules are subject to change and FWT has no control over flight changes, delays or cancellations. Tickets will be non-refundable once issued. Changes will be subject to a fee plus any fare difference. Additional restrictions may apply. Flight schedules are subject to change. Fox World Travel has no control over flight or equipment changes, seat assignments, delays or cancellations. A minimum of 10 passengers is needed for the group air. Checked baggage fees may apply.
Air and Land Package includes a group air economy class ticket. For other air options including seat upgrades, please speak with your agent.
Pricing and flight options from other cities available upon request.
Notes
Optional Motorcoach to/from Chicago O’Hare: $45.00 per person each direction
Group motorcoach transfer to and from Chicago O’Hare from select pick-up points. This option may also be added to Land Only pricing if flight schedule fits with group air package schedule.
Optional Insurance:
Cancellation and travel protection is strongly recommended. Fox World Travel offers several plans with Travel Guard Insurance. Details and rates can be obtained from your travel consultant.
Cancellation Penalties:
- From date of deposit to March 9, 2021: Initial deposit of $400.00 per person
- March 10, 2021 – April 15, 2021: 50% package price cancellation fee + applicable airline fees
- April 16, 2021 – May 12, 2021: 75% package price cancellation fee + applicable airline fees
- May 13, 2021 to 0 days prior to travel: No refunds
Airline tickets are non-refundable once ticketed.
A valid passport is required with a validity of at least six months beyond the return date of the trip.
Book Now
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