Heart of Europe River Cruise

Friday 30 May

Depart in the evening on Emirates Airlines for a direct flight to Dubai.

Saturday 31 May

Morning arrival, change planes and continue onto Budapest. Arrive midafternoon with time to rest before a Welcome Dinner.

Sunday 01 June

After a leisurely breakfast we transfer to the ‘Avalon Illumination’ for embarkation with time to settle into your home for the next 15 nights. This afternoon there is free time to explore, before a ‘Meet the Crew’ welcome reception in the evening.

Monday 02 June

Spanning the banks of the Danube, Budapest is one of Eastern Europe’s liveliest cities. See the massive hilltop castle complex with its remarkable Fishermen’s Bastion and the city’s eight bridges which connect ancient Buda on the right with Pest on the left. Free afternoon to shop, visit a café or walk one of the iconic bridges. Evening departure out of Budapest.

Tuesday 03 June

After breakfast enjoy a guided walk of Bratislava with its fascinating Old Town of cobbled streets and alleyways. Afternoon free to explore on your own.

Wednesday 04 June

Arrive early morning in Vienna, known as the ‘City of Music’ and once the centre of the mighty Hapsburg Empire. Your guided tour includes many of the city highlights. An optional evening concert is available.

Thursday 05 June

After breakfast, join a guided walking tour where we hear tales of England’s King Richard the Lionheart. Later, sail through the Wachau Valley past vineyards, castles and charming villages on the way to Melk for a guided tour of Benedictine Abbey (A UNESCO site).

Friday 06 June

Passau is uniquely located where the Inn, Liz and Danube rivers converge. Today choose from two optional excursions 

a) Salzburg – the city of Mozart

b) Cesky Krumlov in the Czech Republic – a city on the Vitava River with its 13th century castle. Alternatively, stay on the ship as you cruise into Passau. 

A guided walk of this charming town will take in a maze of narrow, cobblestone streets lined with beautiful patrician houses.

Saturday 07 June

Located at the confluence of the Danube, Naab and Regen rivers, Regensburg is one of Germany’s best-preserved medieval cities and was the only German city not bombed during WWII. The walking tour highlights the best of the city.

Sunday 08 June

Today we have three options to choose from:

a) Enjoy a sightseeing tour of the Bavarian town of Roth with its half-timbered houses, market square and 1535 hunting lodge – Schloss Ratibor.

b) A tour of Nuremberg’s medieval architecture, gilded fountain, Gothic Cathedral and Kaiserburg Castle.

c) A tour of the historic Nuremburg Rally grounds used by the Third Reich.

In the afternoon relax on board as you cruise the Main – Danube Canal.

Monday 09 June

Your guided walking tour of medieval Bamberg, a World Heritage Site takes in the historic centre, winding streets and 18th century mansions. Relax as you cruise along the Main River towards Wurzburg. 

Tuesday 10 June

Join a walking tour of the quaint town of Volkach with its half-timbered houses and cobblestoned streets.

Wednesday 11 June

Wurzburg, surrounded by verdant hillside vineyards, is known as ‘The Pearl’ with its imposing fortress and 15th century bridge. Your morning sightseeing tour includes visiting the largest ceiling fresco ever painted. Afternoon free to explore the city.

Thursday 12 June

On the banks of the Main River there are small towns, many of them tucked away behind walls and towered gates. Relax on board this morning as you sail along the tranquil Main River. An afternoon guided walk of a picturesque small town will acquaint you with the town’s delightful features.

Friday 13 June

On your included morning shore excursion in attractive Rudesheim, visit Siegfried’s Mechanical Musical Instrument Museum. Later cruise through the dramatic Rhine Gorge where ancient castles stand sentry on lofty cliffs high above the river.

Saturday 14 June

Morning arrival in Cologne, one of Germany’s largest cities which straddles both sides of the Rhine and is known for its twin-steepled gothic cathedral. Choose between a guided city walk, or a Jewish heritage walk. Be sure to sample Kölsch beer – locally brewed for more than 100 years.

Sunday 15 June

After arriving in Amsterdam, a unique perspective of the city on an included Canal Cruise, floating along the elegant grachten (canal) lined with stately homes. Free time in the afternoon - you may like to join an optional cycling tour (weather permitting). 

Amsterdam, the Netherland’s sophisticated, 700-year-old capital, has elegant and classic architecture, cafés and restaurants, a lively market place, canals and waterways and more than 400km of cycle paths. 

Monday 16 June

After breakfast, we bid farewell to our floating home and disembark ‘Avalon Illumination ’ Enjoy our city tour which includes  Rijksmuseum and Anne Frank’s House. Check into our hotel to refresh before our Farewell Dinner.

Tuesday 17 June

A day to relax before an evening transfer to the airport for your flight to Dubai or continue with your European holiday.

Wednesday 18 June

Arrive Dubai early morning, change planes for a mid-morning flight to New Zealand.

Thursday 19 June

Arrive Auckland mid-morning