Small group 8 days luxury Rhine River Cruise on Avalon Felicity starting on 15th July '18 from Frankfurt and ending in Amsterdam. From just Rs Rs 154,500 pp including stay, all meals, essential sightseeing and more!
A new
and exciting way to river cruise and to actively discover well-known and
off-the-beaten-path treasures along the Rhine. You will be introduced you to
the wine of the region at a tasting in Eltville, the art of chocolate making
when you visit the Chocolate Museum in Cologne, and German delicacies during a
culinary tour in Duisburg. You can walk the mining corridors of an ancient
volcano and visit the Zollverein Coal Mine, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Perhaps a Roman Clothes Workshop will intrigue you, or you might like
to try your hand with a paintbrush at a painting class in Amsterdam, join a
guided walk in Cologne, take a cable car to Ehrenbreitstein Castle in Koblenz,
and cruise the canals of Amsterdam. Cruise through the dramatic Rhine Gorge,
also a UNESCO World Heritage site, attend a concert at Castle Engers, and enjoy
onboard specialty dinners of the region. An unforgettable river cruise
experience that offers something for everyone!
Itinerary
DAY 1 – 15TH JULY 2018 – ARRIVAL
IN FRANKFURT ; TRANSFER TO WIESBADEN
Flights
into Frankfurt must arrive before 3 pm. Guests must be on board ship by 5 pm.
Welcome to
Frankfurt, Germany’s financial capital! This afternoon, transfer by motorcoach
to Wiesbaden where the AVALON FELICITY is docked.
After a
mandatory safety exercise, meet your friendly crew and fellow travelers at a
WELCOME RECEPTION. (D)
DAY 2 – 16TH JULY 2018 -
WIESBADEN, EXCURSION TO ELTVILLE–RÜDESHEIM
This
morning, start your day with a delicious buffet breakfast, after which an
excursion takes you to nearby Eltville. Here, CHOOSE YOUR ACTIVITY:
1. On a visit
to the EBERBACH MONASTERY, savor the simple beauty of the Monastery’s
monumental Romanesque church, and discover this outstanding backdrop to the
famous movie, "The Name of the Rose,” that brought the Middle Ages back to life
here in this monastery, or;
2. Eltville
am Rhein is picturesquely situated amid forest, vineyards, and the Rhine River
and is well known as "the City of Wine, Sekt (sparkling wine), and Roses.” An
ideal city for a GUIDED WALK through the historic Old Town and a TASTING of
some of the local wine, or;
3. For some
exercise before lunch, HIKE around on the first-class hiking trail,
"Rheinsteig.” Wander through Eltville’s idyllic forest or explore the numerous
scenic trails through the vineyards. This afternoon is free to relax on board,
explore on your own, or perhaps join a local expert for an optional guided walk
of Frankfurton- the-Main. (B, L, D)
Before
dinner, set sail for Rüdesheim, and this evening, enjoy a dinner of Rhineland
specialties, such as Sauerbraten (slow-cooked beef roast marinated in wine),
Reibekuchen (potato pancakes), and more.
DAY 3 – 17TH JULY 2018 -
RÜDESHEIM–RHINE GORGE–BOPPARD–KOBLENZ – ENGERS
Be prepared
for a day of gorgeous scenery! This morning, explore Rüdesheim—a quaint,
quintessential Rhine Valley wine town—on your own. Alternatively, if you are
feeling active, one of our optional excursions may be just right for you.
During lunch, marvel at today’s SCENIC HIGHLIGHT as you cruise through the
dramatic Rhine Gorge, the most beautiful stretch of river. Here, ancient
castles stand sentry on lofty cliffs rising 400 feet above the water. Cruise
past the legendary rock of the Lorelei, where echoes of enchanted siren song
lured unwitting sailors to their doom. This afternoon, we make a stop in Boppard,
and here CHOOSE YOUR ACTIVITY:
1.If you
don’t mind climbing steps, join an excursion to MARKSBURG, the only castle on
the Middle Rhine to escape destruction or ruin. You’ll be taken through the
kitchens and dining area, along the battlements overlooking the Rhine, to the
bedrooms and torture room, and to the chapel. Marksburg Castle is one of the
principal sites of the WORLD HERITAGE Rhine Gorge, or;
2. Explore the ancient city of Koblenz on a
GUIDED WALK with an expert guide. Then, take a cable car ride up to historic
EHRENBREITSTEIN CASTLE and soak up the beautiful panoramic view from above the
banks of the Rhine, or;
3.Participate in a unique VOLCANO EXPERIENCE! A
short coach transfer from your ship takes you to the "LAVA CITY” of Mendig,
where basalt, cold lava, was mined. Tour this labyrinth of mining corridors
which, in the early 19th century, became beer storage cellars.
(B, L, D)
Rejoin your
ship and spend some free time in Koblenz late this afternoon. Standing at the
confluence of the Rhine and Moselle Rivers, this 2,000-year-old city is the
cultural and business center of the Middle Rhine region. During dinner, cruise
to Engers where you dock overnight and enjoy a CONCERT performance at Castle
Engers.
DAY 4 – 18TH JULY 2018 -
BONN–COLOGNE
A leisurely
start this morning as you head for Bonn, Germany’s seat of Government before
the country was reunified. The morning is yours to explore on your own, or you
may prefer to participate in an optional excursion. A short sail during
lunchtime brings you to Cologne, one of Germany’s largest cities and capital of
the Rhineland. The city straddles the Rhine and is known for its soaring,
twin-steepled gothic cathedral. Step ashore and CHOOSE YOUR ACTIVITY:
1.Cologne
is home to unusual museums that offer a unique perspective on German history,
life, and death. COLOGNE OFF THE BEATEN TRACK leaves the hubbub of
well-traveled tourist attractions to explore offbeat sites, including a
cemetery, and museums featuring the Olympics; tolerance; and European
handicrafts. And you’ll be introduced to the Kölsch lifestyle and mindset, or;
2.Chocaholics
may delight at visiting the CHOCOLATE MUSEUM and learn about the role of
chocolate in old South American cultures, such as the Mayas and the Aztecs, and
the European elite. Visitors are taken through the process of chocolate
production from the farm to the candy store, continuing through a greenhouse
where two species of cacao trees are grown and then on through the industrialization
of chocolate production, including vintage advertising campaigns, or;
3.For the
more traditionally minded, a CITY WALK is a journey of discovery taking
visitors through the area immediately surrounding the Cathedral and the narrow
alleyways of the Old Town. The walk passes by the Romano-Germanic Museum with
its famous Dionysus mosaic, the Town Hall, Alter Markt (the old market) and
Gross St. Martin (Great St. Martin).
(B, L, D)
Your ship
remains docked in Cologne until late tonight.
DAY 5 – 19TH JULY 2018 -
DÜSSELDORF–DUISBURG
This
morning, wake up in Düsseldorf where after breakfast you might like to join an
optional biking tour, or visit some microbreweries to try a variety of
Altbiers. Rejoin your ship for lunch and enjoy leisurely sailing to Duisburg.
Located on the western edge of the Ruhr industrial area, Duisburg is renowned
for its steel industry and its large inland harbor (one of the largest in the
world), and is therefore an important venue for commerce. Here, CHOOSE YOUR
ACTIVITY:
1.Visit the
ZOLLVEREIN COAL MINE, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Hundreds of coal mines
produced coal in the Ruhr area, but only one has the distinction of being a
World Heritage Site—with good reason: the Zollverein Coal Mine is a masterpiece
of industrial architecture, or;
2.For a
more active option, discover the idyllic landscapes and forests around Duisburg
on a GUIDED HIKE, or;
3.The
culinary spectrum of the multicultural Metropolis Ruhr is gigantic. Local
cuisine, with both hearty and refined creations, spoils its customers. Join us
on a CULINARY WALK and experience the real life of German Essen (food) on a
behind-the-scenes look at the city.
(B, L, D)
Sail away
from Duisburg in the early evening.
DAY 6 – 20TH JULY 2018 - XANTEN
Today you
are in Xanten, a historic Roman city in the German region of North Rhine
Westphalia. The city is known for its archaeological park and is altogether a
treasure for archaeologists as it is the only Roman town north of the Alps
which has not been built over since the collapse of the Roman Empire. This
afternoon, CHOOSE YOUR ACTIVITY:
1.You are
invited to participate in the ROMAN GAMES at the Archaeological Park, where you
will get first-hand experience of life during the Roman Empire, or;
2.Take part
in a ROMAN CLOTHES WORKSHOP. The course provides an opportunity to dress up in
genuine Roman attire—even in antiquity it was said, "You are what you wear!”
or;
3. Enjoy a BIKE TOUR along the Rhine.
(B, L, D)
This
evening, prepare for a special GALA FAREWELL DINNER featuring dishes that were
similar to those served in Roman times.
DAY 7 – 21ST JULY 2018 -
AMSTERDAM, HOLLAND
Holland’s
vibrant and sophisticated capital has a rich 700-year history and a distinct
ambiance, where there is always a plethora of things to see and do. After
breakfast this morning, CHOOSE YOUR ACTIVITY:
1.Discover
your inner artist by joining a PAINTING CLASS to discover some of the secrets
of famous names like Van Gogh, Rembrandt, or Warhol! A warm welcome with
coffee, tea, and petit fours sets the tone for this interesting and artistic
workshop which is sure to inspire your creativity. Get to work like Van Gogh or
paint a selfportrait like Rembrandt! Of course, your work of art is yours to
take home with you, or;
2.Perhaps a
more active choice is more appealing: a RUNNING TOUR in Amsterdam is a great
way to explore a city! Enjoy the beauty of Amsterdam while burning off a few
calories! No need to worry about the pace—we’ll take it easy with regular stops
at the major sights. The distance is about 7.5 Kms (4.6 miles) and a "running
commentary” is provided by experienced runners, all native "Amsterdammers”, or;
3.Take a
traditional tour of the city’s grachten on a CANAL CRUISE. Besides providing a
stunning backdrop to the city’s historical center, floating down Amsterdam’s
canals is one of the most memorable ways to discover the city’s sights and
attractions. After the canal cruise, explore some of the off-the-beaten-track
parts of the city with your expert guide. Return to your ship for an excellent
buffet lunch and then decide how to spend your afternoon. Perhaps you wish to
venture out and explore more of the city on your own (but look out for the
bicycles!), or stay busy by joining one of our optional excursions, such as biking
in the Dutch countryside?
(B, L, D)
Your last
dinner on board reminds you that you are in Holland and introduces you to some
Dutch specialties.
DAY 8 – 22ND JULY 2018 -
AMSTERDAM (DISEMBARKATION)
Your
vacation ends with breakfast this morning! (B)
The transfer
to the airport will be arranged for you.
*** Return home with wonderful
memories ***
Price
includes
1.8 nights’ accommodation on board the Avalon
Felicity (Sapphire Deck) on a twin-sharing basis
2.Airport Transfers in Frankfurt to Wiesbaden on
arrival and in Amsterdam on departure
3.Transportation in a private vehicle for the
entire duration of the trip
4.All Meals as given below
5.Captain’s welcome & farewell receptions with
sparkling wine and canapés
6.Welcome dinner
7.Farewell dinner
8.Daily full buffet breakfast with made-to-order
egg station, hot and cold menu items
9.Early and Late Riser breakfast
10.Daily lunch buffet with pasta or carving
stations
11.Alternative light lunch or (weather permitting)
grill fare at the Sky Bistro on the Sky Deck
12.Daily four-course à la carte dinner in the main
dining room
13.Alternative dinner of petite portions or
regional specialties with wines, in the Panorama Bistro
14.Daily Afternoon Tea
15.Daily Night Fare
16.Complimentary sparkling wine with breakfast;
wine, beer, or soft drinks with lunch and dinner are included daily on board
your vessel
17.Shore excursions as per the programme given
above
18.Local English speaking guide
19.Entrance fees where applicable
20.GST at 5% included
Price
excludes
1.Air ticket for travel to and from Frankfurt /
Amsterdam
2.Visa for Germany
3.Services of an Odyssey Tour escort
4.Trip Cancellation Policy (optional, but
recommended at US$ 90 pp)
5.Overseas Medical Insurance policy
6.Meals and sightseeing not mentioned
7.Tips (US$ 119 pp – mandatory)
8.Items of a personal nature
9.Anything not specifically mentioned under "Price
includes”
Booking
& Cancellation Policy
1.Booking deposit $250 per person + Trip
Protection if applicable (payable in equivalent INR)
2.Balance payment due by 10th April 2018
Cancellation
90-60 days
prior to commencement of services: 45% of total price*
59-30 days
prior to commencement of services: 60% of total price*
29-8 days
prior to commencement of services: 90% of total price*
7-0 days
prior to commencement of services: 100% of total price*
Notes:
1.Rates subject to change without prior notice due
to circumstances beyond our control e.g. fuel increases, rate of exchange
fluctuations.
2.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.
3.Included visits and special features are subject
to change. If a change is necessary, a substitute will be offered.
4.Please note that your passport should be valid
for more than 6 months beyond the date of travel and that you must have at
least 2 blank pages on your passport.
5.Please contact us if you would like to book
pre-tour or post-tour accommodation in Frankfurt / Amsterdam
6.ROE calculated at 1 USD = Rs. 65.5 Any
fluctuations at the time of payment will alter the cost
Price
based on a minimum of 2 people travelling together
Price per person on a twin-sharing basis: INR 1,54,500
About the
Ship
FELICITY
Enjoy
cruising along Europe's celebrated rivers aboard this magnificent ship.
Accommodating only 138 passengers, the Avalon Felicity offers the intimate
feeling of a small ship while providing the spaciousness passengers have come
to expect from the Avalon fleet. The roomy and well-appointed staterooms
feature a minimum of 172 square feet of space and are the largest of the
European rivers today. All staterooms and suites include a well-stocked
minibar, spacious closet, flatscreen satellite TV and radio, Comfort Collection
Beds, and a large private bathroom complete with a full shower, hairdryer, and
premium bath amenities. For the more active guests, desirable onboard amenities
include a Fitness Center and Sky Deck complete with whirlpool. Complimentary
computer use in public areas and Wi-Fi access allow passengers to share their
experience with friends and family at home.
INCLUDED AMENITIES
·Wall-to-Wall Panoramic Windows
·Non-smoking interior and staterooms
·Elegant, contemporary design
·Headsets for guided shore excursions in Europe
·Sightseeing with Certified Local Guides
·Room service for Continental breakfast &
beverages (service fee applies)
·Complimentary computer use in public areas
·Hair salon
·Self-serve beverage station with complimentary
tea, hot chocolate & premium coffees, including decaf options
·Bicycles available onboard for complimentary
check-out
·Behind-the-scenes galley tour
·Nordic walking sticks available onboard for
complimentary check-out
·English-speaking TV channels with over 100 free
movie options
·Sky Deck game area
·Well-stocked library
·Full-size closet mirror
·Sky Deck with premium lounge chairs and shade
awnings
·Elevator
·Outside viewing deck
·Friendly, English-speaking crew and Cruise
Director
·Onboard lectures, activities & nightly
entertainment
·Sky Deck whirlpool
·Fitness Center
·Lounges and upscale bar serving premium spirits
·Biking excursions available in Amsterdam and
Breisach
·Avalon Choice® cruising experience
·Choice of Leisurely, Traditional or Independent
sightseeing pace options
·Local FavoritesSM onboard experiences to bring
the customs, cultures and tastes of your destinations to life, including local
entertainers, artisans & experts
·Onboard assistance is available to recommend,
reserve and further personalize your cruise
·Complimentary Wi-Fi access
·Fresh fruit available throughout the day