Christmastime on the Danube
with optional 2 Nights in Prague
Cruise only: December 3-9. 2024
Add Prague: December 9-11, 2024
Everyone's Bucket List Trip: A Christmas Market Cruise!
Cruise on Avalon Waterways with Blue Skies Travel Center
Call 302-893-4571
or email: margo@blueskiestravelcenter.com
Fully escorted by Avalon Waterways, accompanied by your travel advisor Margo McDonough.
With Special Guest Artisan Kathie Giaquinta presenting demonstrations and talks in the Club Lounge throughout the week.
This Christmastime river cruise begins in Austria’s magical capital of Vienna, home to the sounds of Mozart, Strauss, and the Vienna Boys’ Choir. Then cruise through the wintery landscape of the Wachau Valley to Melk. Here, you’ll tour the magnificent 11th century Benedictine Abbey. Arrive in Passau, Germany, with its St. Stephen’s Cathedral, a masterpiece of baroque architecture. In Regensburg, after a guided tour of the city, savor traditional sausages at one of Germany’s oldest restaurants and enjoy local beers. Learn about Christmas traditions as you cruise to Nuremberg, a thousand-year-old city with medieval fortifications and Gothic churches. Then, make your way to Prague, the capital of the Czech Republic—one of Europe’s most beautiful cities.
Throughout the week you will visit Christmas markets that offer an array of Christmas tree ornaments, wooden toys, and handicrafts. Explore to your heart’s content with a warm cup of svařené vino (hot mulled wine) among the rows of brightly decorated wooden huts.
Day 1:
Vienna, Austria (Embarkation)
Your Suite Ship is ready for boarding. All guests must be on board by 5 p.m. (You have the option to fly in with Margo McDonough, arriving Dec. 2 and staying at a hotel 1 night before boarding the ship together.) Meet your Avalon Cruise Director at a welcome reception.
Special guest event: Join Kathie Giaquinta in the Club Lounge and enjoy her talk about the origins of the Christmas card.
Cocktail Hour, Dinner & Snacks included today.
Day 2:
Vienna
Explore the Habsburg empire this morning on a guided city tour of Vienna's gilded landmarks. See the Imperial Palace Complex, the iconic Vienna Opera House and the the stunning St. Stephen's Cathedral. Spend free time on your own enjoying the Christkindlesmarkkt, then relax by a fireplace in a classic Viennese café. In the afternoon, join an optional tour of Schönbrunn Palace—summer home of the Habsburg dynasty for 300 years. This evening, perhaps join an optional excursion to a Royal Waltz Concert for an unforgettable evening of music in an elegant hall.
OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO MELK
Breakfast, Lunch, Cocktail Hour, Dinner & Snacks included today.
Day 3:
Melk-Grein
Take a guided tour of Melk’s magnificent Benedictine Abbey to marvel at its frescoed ceilings. Enjoy an Austrian Cookie Tasting onboard while sailing to Grein. Once we have arrived, take a guided walk of Grein, including its historic theater, the oldest in Austria still holding regular performances.
Special Guest Event: Before dinner, gather in the Club Lounge for Kathie's paper art demonstration. After dinner, enjoy live entertainment onboard.
OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO PASSAU
Breakfast, Lunch, Cocktail Hour, Dinner & Snacks included today.
Day 4:
Passau
Join a guided city walk to learn more about this beautiful “City of Three Rivers.”
Later spend some free time in Passau’s charming Christkindlmarkt near magnificent St. Stephen’s Cathedral. You may choose to join a guided optional excursion to Salzburg, Austria. See the setting of The Sound of Music, and learn the story behind the beloved Christmas hymn, Silent Night.
EVENING/OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO REGENSBURG
Breakfast, Lunch, Cocktail Hour, Dinner & Snacks included today.
Day 5:
Regensburg
Join a Guided City Walk and see Altes Rathaus (Old Town Hall) and Porta Pretoria—entrance to the Castra Regina fortress built in 179 AD. Take time to browse Regensburg’s sparkling Christmas markets. Enjoy hot-mulled wine, candied almonds, gingerbread, or bratwurst. Later, enjoy live entertainment on board.
Special Guest Event: Kathie gives a talk compareing European and U.S. Christmas cards and other paper art.
EVENING/OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO ROTH
Breakfast, Lunch, Cocktail Hour, Dinner & Snacks included today.
Day 6
Nuremberg
Enjoy a Christmas Traditions Lecture on board while sailing this morning.
Choose a guided tour of Nuremberg’s medieval architecture, gilded fountain, Gothic cathedral, and Kaiserburg Castle, OR join a guided tour of the Nuremberg Rally Grounds used by the Third Reich.
Spend free time on your own to browse the spruce stalls of the Christmas Markets of Nuremberg. Sample favorite Bavarian fare—from dozens of bratwurst varieties, gingerbread, mulled blueberry wine, and countless other culinary delights of the Christkindlmarkt.
OVERNIGHT DOCKING IN NUREMBERG
Breakfast, Lunch, Cocktail Hour, Dinner & Snacks included today.
Day 7
Nuremberg (Disembarkation) Prague
Bid your crew farewell. Those staying on for the optional 2 night land extension will continue on to Prague. Stroll through the streets of this exquisite city and spend a free evening in one of Prague's cafés for dinner and Czech beer.
Breakfast included today.
Day 8
Prague
Take a Guided City Walk to visit Hradčany Castle Grounds; see St. Vitus Cathedral, and Old Town’s Astronomical Clock. Spend the afternoon on your own to browse the exquisite Christmas Markets of Prague. Stroll through the brightly colored wooden stalls for ornaments and handmade toys and handicrafts.
Special Guest Event: Join Kathie for dinner (extra cost) at one of Prague's oldest restaurants.
Breakfast included today.
Day 9
Prague
Your vacation ends with breakfast this morning.
Breakfast included today.
River cruising on Avalon represents a tremendous value -- on this 8-day cruise, all meals are included, tea, coffee, cold beverages and snacks 24/7, quality beer and wine at lunch and dinner, cocktails at happy hour, most excursions (and usually 3-4 different options each day), the list goes on!
Our ship only holds 166 passengers max, with a very nice guest-staff ratio -- 47 staff members on board.
Cruise only pricing (includes taxes and port charges)
Double Occupancy
Category D stateroom D $3,300 per person
Category A Panorama Suite $ $4,457 person
Category P Panorama Suite $4,500 per person
Category S Royal Suite $5,443 per person
Single Occupancy
Category A Panorama Suite $6,947 single
Category P Panorama Suite, $7,014 single
Please ask about D and S pricing.
Prices with Prague extension (includes taxes and port charges)
Double Occupancy
Category D stateroom D $3,889 per person
Category A Panorama Suite $5,046 per person
Category P Panorama Suite $5,089 per person
Category S Royal Suite $6,032 per person
Single Occupancy
Category A Panorama Suite $7,885 single
Category P Panorama Suite, $7,952 single
Please ask about D and S pricing
Travel protection per person starting at $359 and required at time of deposit.
A deposit of $250 per person is due upon reservation.
Space is limited and reservations are made on a first-come, first-serve basis.
Final payment is September 4, 2024.
Ask me about airfare and traveling together on the same flights.
Rates, availability and all terms and conditions subject to change until booking.
About Your Group Trip Coordinator
Margo McDonough started Blue Skies Travel Center in 2016, after earlier stints in the travel industry for such companies as J.P. Morgan Chase. She has planned several group trips for Osher Institute of Lifelong Learning, including a Paris to Normandy river cruise in October 2018, facilitated by special guest expert Professor Ray Callahan, and a trip to the Tournament of Roses Parade in December 2019. She is offered a Collette "Islands of New England" trip September 22-29, 2023 and a Tulip Time river cruise April 14-21, 2024.
Other partnerships include The Food Bank of Delaware. Partial proceeds from a Globus "Canyon Country Adventure" trip will benefit the Food Bank.
McDonough is a member of the American Society of Travel Advisors, is fully insured, and is supported by host agency Uniglobe Travel Center and Virtuoso, a luxury travel consortium. Much like Osher members, she has a passion for lifelong learning and is currently studying for a doctoral degree at West Chester University.
Your Ship:
Part of Avalon's award-winning fleet of Suite Ships, the Avalon Impression features two full decks of Panorama Suites with wall-to-wall, floor-to-ceiling panoramic windows that transform the living space into river cruising's only Open-Air Balcony. With 200 square feet, Panorama Suites are more than 30% larger than the industry standard, affording you the incomparable opportunity to wake each morning to splendid passing scenery from your window-facing bed. Stretch out on your Comfort Collection bed and cruise with the world at your feet. 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. You're sure to be impressed with the relaxed luxury and unequaled amenities of the Avalon Impression!
Rates, availability and all terms and conditions subject to change until booking.
Don't miss out; contact Margo McDonough at Blue Skies Travel Center today.
302-893-4571 or margo@blueskiestravelcenter.com.
As you are planning your vacation, and before finalizing any booking with Blue Skies Travel, check for travel warnings and alerts. These are available through
sites like the U.S. State Department
https://travel.state.gov/content/passports/en/alertswarnings.html
and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention http://www.cdc.gov/travel.
Christmastime on the Danube
with optional 2 Nights in Prague
Cruise only: December 3-9. 2024
Add Prague: December 9-11, 2024
Everyone's Bucket List Trip: A Christmas Market Cruise!
Cruise on Avalon Waterways with Blue Skies Travel Center
Call 302-893-4571
or email: margo@blueskiestravelcenter.com
Fully escorted by Avalon Waterways, accompanied by your travel advisor Margo McDonough.
With Special Guest Artisan Kathie Giaquinta presenting demonstrations and talks in the Club Lounge throughout the week.
This Christmastime river cruise begins in Austria’s magical capital of Vienna, home to the sounds of Mozart, Strauss, and the Vienna Boys’ Choir. Then cruise through the wintery landscape of the Wachau Valley to Melk. Here, you’ll tour the magnificent 11th century Benedictine Abbey. Arrive in Passau, Germany, with its St. Stephen’s Cathedral, a masterpiece of baroque architecture. In Regensburg, after a guided tour of the city, savor traditional sausages at one of Germany’s oldest restaurants and enjoy local beers. Learn about Christmas traditions as you cruise to Nuremberg, a thousand-year-old city with medieval fortifications and Gothic churches. Then, make your way to Prague, the capital of the Czech Republic—one of Europe’s most beautiful cities.
Throughout the week you will visit Christmas markets that offer an array of Christmas tree ornaments, wooden toys, and handicrafts. Explore to your heart’s content with a warm cup of svařené vino (hot mulled wine) among the rows of brightly decorated wooden huts.
Day 1:
Vienna, Austria (Embarkation)
Your Suite Ship is ready for boarding. All guests must be on board by 5 p.m. (You have the option to fly in with Margo McDonough, arriving Dec. 2 and staying at a hotel 1 night before boarding the ship together.) Meet your Avalon Cruise Director at a welcome reception.
Special guest event: Join Kathie Giaquinta in the Club Lounge and enjoy her talk about the origins of the Christmas card.
Cocktail Hour, Dinner & Snacks included today.
Day 2:
Vienna
Explore the Habsburg empire this morning on a guided city tour of Vienna's gilded landmarks. See the Imperial Palace Complex, the iconic Vienna Opera House and the the stunning St. Stephen's Cathedral. Spend free time on your own enjoying the Christkindlesmarkkt, then relax by a fireplace in a classic Viennese café. In the afternoon, join an optional tour of Schönbrunn Palace—summer home of the Habsburg dynasty for 300 years. This evening, perhaps join an optional excursion to a Royal Waltz Concert for an unforgettable evening of music in an elegant hall.
OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO MELK
Breakfast, Lunch, Cocktail Hour, Dinner & Snacks included today.
Day 3:
Melk-Grein
Take a guided tour of Melk’s magnificent Benedictine Abbey to marvel at its frescoed ceilings. Enjoy an Austrian Cookie Tasting onboard while sailing to Grein. Once we have arrived, take a guided walk of Grein, including its historic theater, the oldest in Austria still holding regular performances.
Special Guest Event: Before dinner, gather in the Club Lounge for Kathie's paper art demonstration. After dinner, enjoy live entertainment onboard.
OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO PASSAU
Breakfast, Lunch, Cocktail Hour, Dinner & Snacks included today.
Day 4:
Passau
Join a guided city walk to learn more about this beautiful “City of Three Rivers.”
Later spend some free time in Passau’s charming Christkindlmarkt near magnificent St. Stephen’s Cathedral. You may choose to join a guided optional excursion to Salzburg, Austria. See the setting of The Sound of Music, and learn the story behind the beloved Christmas hymn, Silent Night.
EVENING/OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO REGENSBURG
Breakfast, Lunch, Cocktail Hour, Dinner & Snacks included today.
Day 5:
Regensburg
Join a Guided City Walk and see Altes Rathaus (Old Town Hall) and Porta Pretoria—entrance to the Castra Regina fortress built in 179 AD. Take time to browse Regensburg’s sparkling Christmas markets. Enjoy hot-mulled wine, candied almonds, gingerbread, or bratwurst. Later, enjoy live entertainment on board.
Special Guest Event: Kathie gives a talk compareing European and U.S. Christmas cards and other paper art.
EVENING/OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO ROTH
Breakfast, Lunch, Cocktail Hour, Dinner & Snacks included today.
Day 6
Nuremberg
Enjoy a Christmas Traditions Lecture on board while sailing this morning.
Choose a guided tour of Nuremberg’s medieval architecture, gilded fountain, Gothic cathedral, and Kaiserburg Castle, OR join a guided tour of the Nuremberg Rally Grounds used by the Third Reich.
Spend free time on your own to browse the spruce stalls of the Christmas Markets of Nuremberg. Sample favorite Bavarian fare—from dozens of bratwurst varieties, gingerbread, mulled blueberry wine, and countless other culinary delights of the Christkindlmarkt.
OVERNIGHT DOCKING IN NUREMBERG
Breakfast, Lunch, Cocktail Hour, Dinner & Snacks included today.
Day 7
Nuremberg (Disembarkation) Prague
Bid your crew farewell. Those staying on for the optional 2 night land extension will continue on to Prague. Stroll through the streets of this exquisite city and spend a free evening in one of Prague's cafés for dinner and Czech beer.
Breakfast included today.
Day 8
Prague
Take a Guided City Walk to visit Hradčany Castle Grounds; see St. Vitus Cathedral, and Old Town’s Astronomical Clock. Spend the afternoon on your own to browse the exquisite Christmas Markets of Prague. Stroll through the brightly colored wooden stalls for ornaments and handmade toys and handicrafts.
Special Guest Event: Join Kathie for dinner (extra cost) at one of Prague's oldest restaurants.
Breakfast included today.
Day 9
Prague
Your vacation ends with breakfast this morning.
Breakfast included today.
All this is included:
Accommodations on board the Avalon Passion, many daily excursions, ground transportation, admission to attractions, services of an expert Avalon cruise director as well as local guides plus all meals on board, beer and wine at lunch and dinner, daily happy hour. Plus, snacks and hot and cold beverages 24/7 in the Club Lounge
Cruise only pricing (includes taxes and port charges)
Double Occupancy
Category D stateroom D $3,300 per person
Category A Panorama Suite $ $4,457 person
Category P Panorama Suite $4,500 per person
Category S Royal Suite $5,443 per person
Single Occupancy
Category A Panorama Suite $6,947 single
Category P Panorama Suite, $7,014 single
Please ask about D and S pricing.
Prices with Prague extension (includes taxes and port charges)
Double Occupancy
Category D stateroom D $3,889 per person
Category A Panorama Suite $5,046 per person
Category P Panorama Suite $5,089 per person
Category S Royal Suite $6,032 per person
Single Occupancy
Category A Panorama Suite $7,885 single
Category P Panorama Suite, $7,952 single
Please ask about D and S pricing
Travel protection per person starting at $359 and required at time of deposit.
Ask me about airfare and traveling together on the same flights.
Rates, availability and all terms and conditions subject to change until booking.
A deposit of $250 per person is due upon reservation.
Space is limited and reservations are made on a first-come, first-serve basis.
Final payment is September 4, 2024.
Your Ship: Avalon Impression
Part of Avalon's award-winning fleet of Suite Ships, the Avalon Impression features two full decks of Panorama Suites with wall-to-wall, floor-to-ceiling panoramic windows that transform the living space into river cruising's only Open-Air Balcony. With 200 square feet, Panorama Suites are more than 30% larger than the industry standard, affording you the incomparable opportunity to wake each morning to splendid passing scenery from your window-facing bed. Stretch out on your Comfort Collection bed and cruise with the world at your feet. 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. You're sure to be impressed with the relaxed luxury and unequaled amenities of the Avalon Impression!
Rates, availability and all terms and conditions subject to change until booking.
Don't miss out; contact Margo McDonough at Blue Skies Travel Center today.
302-893-4571 or margo@blueskiestravelcenter.com.
As you are planning your vacation, and before finalizing any booking with Blue Skies Travel, check for travel warnings and alerts. These are available through
sites like the U.S. State Department
https://travel.state.gov/content/passports/en/alertswarnings.html
and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention http://www.cdc.gov/travel.
*As you are planning your vacation, and before finalizing any booking with Blue Skies Travel, check for travel warnings and alerts. These are available through sites like the U.S. State Department https://travel.state.gov/content/passports/en/alertswarnings.html and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention http://www.cdc.gov/travel.
302-893-4571
©2017 BY BLUE SKIES TRAVEL