A Danube River Cruise as a Culinary Extravaganza


Imagine combining the delights of Prague and Passau, the wine of the Wachau Valley, the splendor of Vienna and the beauty of both Bratislava and Budapest in one glorious Gourmet experience from start to finish.  That’s what’s in store for Guests aboard Avalon Waterways Avalon View as she makes “Danube Dreams” come true this July.

Aboard the newest addition to Avalon’s “Suite Ships” will be Internationally renowned Chef Vikram Vij.  Born in India and now Canada’s pride and joy, Chef Vij is the ideal host on this 2-day land exploration in Prague and 7-night river cruise. Chef Vij started his career in Austria in the 80s. It was there that he learned the art of European cooking which the Chef has incorporated into some of his most stunning dishes.  Chef Vij is best known for pairing international flavors in Indian dishes to create something entirely new: a fusion of East meets West–a perfect combination of color and flavor and exquisite tastes. Now, he invites like-minded travelers to join him as he returns to the Danube. All along the way, Chef Vikram will host inspirational gatherings aboard Avalon View.  Punctuated by his reminiscences of his time in Austria, cooking demonstrations, and food lore, ashore there’s even more!  Fluent in German, Chef Vikram’s shore excursions will encompass wine tastings and market visits. And there will still be plenty of time to explore this magical part of the world.

Aboard Avalon View everything was created for your comfort.

With all outside staterooms, Avalon View lives up to its name. It offers the widest views of any ship on Europe’s waterways. Guests can choose from two full decks of Panorama Suites, with their stunning wall-to-wall and floor-to-ceiling panoramic windows.  These open to transform your living space into a unique Open-Air Balcony. Your “Bed with a View”, an Avalon exclusive, means you’ll never miss a moment’s sightseeing. The entire ship features free Wi-Fi access. Step outside your suite and marvel at all the amenities. There are three dining options ranging from the casual Panorama Bistro, to the al fresco Sky Grill, to the elegant glass-walled Dining Room. And from premium coffees to wines and beers all are included in your fare.  In the Club Lounge you’ll find Library books, cards, board games and a 24-hour self-service beverage station replete with treats throughout the day.  Step into the Observation Lounge, the perfect vantage point to watch the world go by. Or head to expansive Sky Deck with its whirlpool tub, premium lounge chairs, deck games and both sun and shaded areas.

Be as active as you want to be. Or do nothing at all. The choice is up to you.

Avalon View includes a state-of-the-art Fitness Center for your workouts. Then let your Avalon Adventure Host help plot your active excursions.  The Adventure center includes bikes and active gear and there’s never a charge for either.  The friendly crew and Cruise Director are all English-speaking.  And oh, the places you’ll see!  There’s Passau, the “City of Three Rivers” because the Danube, Inn and Ilz all converge in this beautiful, walkable town. In Linz, stroll the Hauptplatz, Austria’s largest medieval square. No need to leave the ship as it sails through Austria’s most picturesque wine region, the Wachau Valley.  Then stop at Melk. Its extraordinary Benedictine Abbey’s library is a must-see. In Durstein, a wine tasting awaits. On to Vienna, the majestic “City of Music” with its lavish Opera House and Hofburg Imperial Palace. Your included guided tour will leave you plenty of time to explore Vienna on your own. Sacher torte anyone?  Bratislava is next. The Slovakian capital has a delightful Old Town and St. Martin’s Cathedral, a Gothic masterpiece.  Finally Avalon View arrives in Budapest, surely one of the most photogenic cities in Europe. Your cruise is complete but not before you have been expertly guided on a tour that takes in all of Budapest’s breath-taking sights.

Could there possibly be any more? YES! Single Supplement waived on the Cruise Portion of this Avalon Waterways River Cruise.  For absolutely everything you need to know, including exclusive pricing, contact shemin@renshawtravel.com Tel: +1 604 762 0007.

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Monte Mathews

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