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Day 4 - September 12 | Spitz—Vienna
Exciting activities abound today! CHOOSE YOUR ACTIVITY:
• PADDLE A CANOE on a guided tour down the Danube and along some of its tributaries, for a completely unique
perspective of the river and riverbank villages;
• Bask in the fresh air and incredible views on an easy guided BIKE TOUR from Spitz to Krems. Enjoy a break in
Dürnstein to see the mesmerizing blue Stiftskirche, and sample local specialties;
• Join an interactive WINE WORLD EXPERIENCE with wine tasting, or;
• Get a hands-on LOCAL ENCOUNTER that showcases production of regional fruits, vegetables, wine, or other
products, depending on the season. A snack and beverage are included.
This evening arrive in Vienna where you have free time to join an optional guided hike through the vineyards outside
town, with a wine tasting and dinner at a Heurigen wine tavern. (B, L, D)
Day 5 - September 13 | Vienna
Once the center of the mighty Habsburg Empire, this “City of Music” inspired the creative genius of Mozart,
Beethoven, and Strauss—and will inspire you, as well! Waltz ashore and CHOOSE YOUR ACTIVITY:
• Enjoy a BIKE TOUR that takes in the sights along the famed Ringstrasse and areas of Vienna inaccessible to buses
and cars;
• Slip on your sneakers and join a JOGGING TOUR that shows you the highlights as you run between sites;
• Take a unique INSIDERS TOUR that features something different every day. It could be anything, from a visit to
a musical instrument maker to a crash course on etiquette and protocol at diplomatic gatherings. You will meet
locals, have the chance to prepare some food at a cooking class, and will enjoy other surprises as well, or;
• Get a proper introduction to Vienna during a CITY SIGHTSEEING TOUR that includes an inside visit of Belvedere
Palace to see Klimt’s celebrated Kiss.
Afterward, you have free time to explore on your own. Maybe stroll through the pedestrian Kärntnerstrasse, take a
break for a piece of decadent Sachertorte, or join an optional excursion. Tonight’s onboard dinner pays a delicious
tribute to the former Austrian-Hungarian Empire. (B, L, D)
Day 6 - September 14 | Vienna
A second full day in Vienna presents even more opportunities to immerse yourself in the magic. CHOOSE YOUR
ACTIVITY for an experience most meaningful to you:
• Wrap yourself in the peace of the city at sunrise during an EARLY RISER WALKING TOUR that includes breakfast at a
Viennese café and an exclusive viewing of the Habsburg family’s private art collections at the Museum of Fine Arts;
• For a more leisurely start to your morning, skip the walking tour and onshore breakfast and simply join us for the
MUSEUM VISIT, which includes time in the ITALIAN & DUTCH MASTERS GALLERY, or;
• Perfect for military history buffs, begin with the MUSEUM VISIT of the Habsburg collection, then explore the
MILITARY MUSEUM, commemorating the heroic past of the Habsburg Empire.
Tonight, enjoy a delectable dinner of Viennese specialties on board. (B, L, D)
Day 7 - September 15 | Visegrád, Hungary–Budapest
This morning, the Avalon Luminary passes by mighty Esztergom Basilica, coronation church of Hungary’s monarchs.
Later, arrive in Visegrád, where another exciting day is on tap. CHOOSE YOUR ACTIVITY:
• Cheer your favorite champion at a MEDIEVAL KNIGHTS TOURNAMENT at Visegrád’s Lower Castle, featuring
targeting and fighting demonstrations by members of the St. George Knightly Order. During free time here, be sure
to explore Palotaház, where stonemasons, smiths, potters, and paper-makers produce their traditional items using
age-old techniques, or;
• Spend your day in the great outdoors on a GUIDED HIKE through Danube-Ipoly National Park, home to eagles,
falcons, bats, terrapins, fire salamanders, and other wildlife.
Later this afternoon, your ship arrives in Budapest, affording magnificent views of the beautiful Parliament Building.
Prepare for an exquisite GALA FAREWELL DINNER featuring foods specially paired with just the right area wines or
beers. (B, L, D)
Day 8 - September 16 | Budapest (Disembarkation)
One of Eastern Europe’s most dynamic cities, Hungary’s capital spans the Danube in a majestic way. Awaken refreshed
and dig in to a hearty breakfast before disembarking and deciding how you would like to explore. CHOOSE YOUR
ACTIVITY:
• Take an enjoyable, 2-hour WALKING TOUR that includes some “Fungarian” instruction of useful local words and
phrases;
• Join a GUIDED BIKE TOUR along the bike paths and car-free areas for a safe and enjoyable way to see the city’s
most fantastic sights, or;
• See the best of Budapest on a CITY SIGHTSEEING TOUR featuring Heroes’ Square, Fishermen’s Bastion, Matthias
Church, and an inside visit of the OPERA HOUSE.
Afterward, you have free time to shop for Hungarian paprika or handcrafted souvenirs, savor a piece of cream cake in
the world-famous Gerbeaud Café, or join an optional tour of Budapest’s limestone cave system. (B)
Day 9 - September 17 | Budapest
Your vacation ends with breakfast this morning! (B)