Avalon Visionary
Ship Facts
Ship's Registry: Germany
Passenger Capacity: 128
Crew Members: 37
Year Built: 2012
Length: 361 feet
Passenger Decks: 4
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Winter Wonderland & Christmas Markets
Main River All-Lesbian Cruise Tour 2019
December 3 – 11, 2019
Avalon Waterways Avalon Visionary
Sleigh bells ringing, beautiful lights glistening on pristine snow, mulled wine for your drinking and holiday music and singing...these are a few of the favorite things you will experience on this beautiful winter wonderland lesbian river cruise. For the second time, we are providing an experience to take you to the delights of the winter season in Europe with the Christmas Markets in Germany and Prague. Experience the festive food and drinks, lights, markets, and decorated trees of the holiday season. Bring your jackets and mittens, and enjoy the festivities with the women of Olivia.
In Wiesbaden, board your ship decorated and dressed up in Christmas colors, and embark on this festive Christmastime river cruise through the heart of Germany—ending with two nights in marvelous Prague, Czech Republic.
Historical treasures of Germany and magnificent Prague are perfectly paired with the sights, sounds, and tastes of the joyous holiday season on this unforgettable European river cruise.
On the banks of the Main River, behind medieval walls and towered gates, is the picturesque Bavarian village of Miltenberg. Take a step back in time during your guided walk of this cultural gem with half-timbered houses and narrow streets. Celebrate the season in charming Würzburg, known as the “Pearl of the Romantic Road,” and surrounded by sloping hills covered with vineyards. Visit the ornate Bishop’s Residenz—home to the largest ceiling fresco ever painted, then stroll through the Christmas markets while you sip Glühwein (hot mulled wine). Continue your Christmastime river cruise to Bamberg, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, where the many nativity scenes exhibited throughout the town are sure to delight. Then Nuremberg, where, after your guided tour, you are free to visit the Christmas market, one of the most famous in the world. Be sure to savor some traditional lebkuchen (spicy gingerbread), a Nuremberg specialty. While on board, you’ll also learn how to bake a traditional cookie and hear all about German Christmas traditions. Disembark your ship and travel to Prague, Czech Republic—a 1,200-year-old city preserved in time. Stand in front of the medieval Astronomical Clock, walk across Charles Bridge, and browse the Christmas markets where rows of brightly decorated wooden huts sell Christmas tree ornaments, wooden toys, and Czech handicrafts. And you can’t miss the beautifully decorated tree in Old Town!
Your Ship - Avalon Visionary
The Avalon Visionary delivers an intimate setting, along with two full decks of suites featuring Wall-to-Wall Panoramic Windows that transform the living space into a unique Open-Air Balcony. With 200 square feet, Panorama Suites are more than 30% larger than the industry standard, giving you the rare opportunity to wake each morning to the enchanting scenery and fresh breezes.
Onboard amenities include complimentary computer use in public areas and Wi-Fi access, a Fitness Center, and a spacious Sky Deck with premium lounge chairs, shade system, whirlpool, and the delightful Sky Bistro.
Some of the features and amenities you'll enjoy onboard:
• Wall-to-Wall Panoramic Windows
• Sky Deck with premium lounge chairs and shade awnings
• Fitness Center
• Non-smoking interior and staterooms
• Elevator
• Elegant, contemporary design
• Outside viewing deck
• Headsets for guided shore excursions in Europe
• English-speaking friendly crew, staff & professional Cruise Director
• Sightseeing with Certified Local Guides
• Onboard lectures, activities & nightly entertainment
• Room service for Continental breakfast & beverages (service fee applies)
• Sky Deck whirlpool
• Complimentary computer use in public areas
• Hair salon
• Complimentary Wi-Fi access
• Bicycles available onboard for complimentary check-out
• Sky Deck game area
• Alternate light lunch and dinner in the Panorama Bistro
• Avalon Choice cruising experience
• Choice of Leisurely, Traditional or Independent sightseeing pace options
• Nordic walking sticks available onboard for complimentary check-out
• Local Favorites onboard experiences to bring the customs, cultures and tastes of your destinations to life, including local entertainers, artisans & experts
• Self-serve beverage station with complimentary tea, hot chocolate & premium coffees, including decaf options
• Well-stocked library
• Fresh fruit available throughout the day
• Full-size closet mirror
Dining:
• Avalon Fresh healthy cuisine options at every meal
• Self-serve beverage station with complimentary tea, hot chocolate & premium coffees, including decaf options
• Captain's reception with sparkling wine & canapés
• Welcome dinner
• Five-course farewell dinner
• Spacious, open-seating dining room
• Daily early-riser breakfast
• Daily late-riser breakfast
• Full buffet breakfast with sparkling wine and made-to-order egg station
• Lunch buffet with carving and pasta stations
• Sky Bistro lunch option on the Sky Deck
• Cocktails with a view on the Sky Deck
• Healthy Corner options including low calorie, low fat, high fiber, low cholesterol, and high energy choices
• Vegetarian options at every meal, as well as vegan and allergy-free selections
• Afternoon Tea featuring tea, coffee, and sweet treats
• Happy Hour every evening including featured drink specials
• Seasonal cuisine featuring the freshest local ingredients
• Delectable regional & Western cuisine with all onboard meals
• Four-course dinners with choice of appetizers, soups, salads, entrées and desserts or cheese
• Complimentary wine, beer, or soft drinks with lunch and dinner
• Room service for Continental breakfast & beverages (service fee applies)
• Upscale bar serving premium spirits
• Night Fare served at 10:30 pm
• Healthy meal options
• Delectable petite portions of regional specialties, with wines, in the Panorama Bistro
• Tastings - sample the destination's famous delicacies
• Alternate light lunch and dinner in the Panorama Bistro
• Coffee or tea after dinner
Deluxe Staterooms & Suites Amenities:
• Comfort Collection Beds
• Egyptian super-combed cotton linens
• Soft & firm pillows
• Choice of bed configuration
• Bedside tables with reading lamps
• L'Occitane bath products
• Easy under-bed luggage storage
• Alarm clock
• Direct-dial telephone
• Well-stocked minibar
• In-room safe
• Elegant, contemporary design
• Marble countertops in bathroom
• Wall-to-Wall Panoramic Window with Open-Air Balcony
• Full shower with glass door
• Vanity and lighted makeup mirror
• Coffee table
• Luxurious mattress toppers
• European-style duvets
• Extra blankets
• Nightly turn-down service
• Hairdryer
• Spacious 3-door closets with shelves for ample storage
• Flatscreen satellite TV with movie channel
• Make-up mirror
• Bathrobes & slippers
• Complimentary bottled water
• Individual climate control
• Large mirror in bathroom
• Complimentary Wi-Fi
• 6-person sitting area
• Writing desk and chair
• Sofa
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Winter Wonderland & Christmas Markets Main River
Lesbian Cruise/Tour 2019 Itinerary
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Date |
Port |
Meals |
| 03 Dec |
Frankfurt, Germany |
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| 04 Dec |
Frankfurt / Wiesbaden |
B, D |
| 05 Dec |
Miltenberg, Germany |
B, L, D |
| 06 Dec |
Würzburg, Germany |
B, L, D |
| 07 Dec |
Bamberg, Germany |
B, L, D |
| 08 Dec |
Nuremberg, Germany |
B, L, D |
| 09 Dec |
Nuremberg, Germany / Prague, Czech Republic |
B |
| 10 Dec |
Prague, Czech Republic |
B |
| 11 Dec |
Prague, Czech Republic |
B |
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Frankfurt, Germany
Tuesday, December 3, 2019
Welcome to Frankfurt, Germany! Settle into your hotel room, and enjoy a free day to rest, or take in the various Christmas Markets.
Frankfurt / Wiesbaden (Embarkation)
Wednesday, December 4, 2019
This afternoon, transfer from Frankfurt to Wiesbaden to board your ship (transfer included). Meet your ship and Olivia crew at a welcome reception before dinner, as you set sail along the Main River.
Miltenberg, Germany
Thursday, December 5, 2019
Tucked away behind medieval defensive walls and towered gates, the picturesque Bavarian village of Miltenberg is a cultural gem on the banks of the Main River. This morning’s guided walk will acquaint you with the town’s delightful Marktplatz (market square), which centers around a Renaissance-era fountain and features striking half-timbered buildings, cobblestone lanes, and one of the oldest inns in Germany, Haus zum Riesen (the giant’s house) and the gothic splendor of the Merchant Hall. Later, continue your cruise on the Main River to Würzburg and enjoy a cookie-baking demonstration on board.
Würzburg, Germany
Friday, December 6, 2019
Known as the “Pearl of the Romantic Road,” Würzburg is surrounded by sloping hills covered with vineyards. The city makes an immediate impression with imposing Marienberg Fortress perched above town and the 15th-century Alte Mainbrücke (Old Main Bridge). On your guided sightseeing tour, visit the magnificent baroque Bishop’s Residenz, home to the largest ceiling fresco ever painted. This afternoon you are free to explore the beautifully decorated streets on your own, visit the Christmas markets, or perhaps join an optional excursion to medieval Rothenburg, where you will have the opportunity to visit the Christmas Museum. Here, try a Schneeball (snowball), a local specialty not at all suitable for a diet!
Bamberg, Germany
Saturday, December 7, 2019
Learn everything about Christmas traditions during an onboard lecture this morning. In the afternoon, focus on medieval Bamberg, former residence of one of Germany’s most powerful imperial dynasties and today a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Your guided walking tour takes in its historic center, including the great 13thcentury Romanesque cathedral and the fascinating Altes Rathaus (Old Town Hall)—built on an island in the middle of the Regnitz River when the bishop refused to give the townspeople land for a town hall! This time of year, the town is decked out for Christmas. Enjoy the Christmas market, where, in addition to candles and decorations, you’ll find regional delicacies such as gingerbread and nut bread.
Nuremberg, Germany
Sunday, December 8, 2019
Although 90% of Nuremberg’s Old Town suffered extensive damage during WWII, much of it has been restored to the glory it once knew as the unofficial capital of the Holy Roman Empire. Choose either a guided sightseeing tour and marvel at this thousand-year-old city’s medieval fortifications, gothic churches, and the Kaiserburg (Imperial Castle), or join a more specialized “Nuremberg Rally grounds” tour. The Old Town is illuminated with festive lights and decorations, and the Christmas market is one of the most famous in the world. You’ll find dozens of stalls offering traditional wares, including Nuremberg Lebkuchen (spicy gingerbread), baked goods and sweets, Christmas decorations, ornaments, and more. Shuttle service to the ship will be at your disposal.
Nuremberg, Germany (Disembarkation) / Prague, Czech Republic
Monday, December 9, 2019
After breakfast today, travel with your Olivia staff by motor coach to Prague, the “Golden City.” We’ll stop for you to purchase a lunch snack and arrive in the afternoon for free time and dinner on your own.
Prague, Czech Republic
Tuesday, December 10, 2019
Prague is a 1,200-year-old city preserved in time. See its bestknown treasures, such as the Old Town’s Astronomical Clock, built in 1410 and once the envy of all of Europe; Hradcany Castle Grounds; St. Vitus Cathedral; and the Charles Bridge, the oldest bridge in Prague. Browse the Christmas markets, where rows of brightly decorated wooden huts sell Christmas tree ornaments, wooden toys, and Czech handicrafts. Get a little inner warmth with a cup of svarene vino (hot mulled wine) and a traditional hot sausage. The beautifully decorated tree in the Old Town is an impressive sight. Afternoon will include some optional tours or enjoy more free-time on your own to explore the Old Town and Christmas Markets.
Prague, Czech Republic
Wednesday, December 11, 2019
Your vacation ends after breakfast today.
NOTE: Itinerary and stops subject to change due to traffic, weather, and river water levels.
What's Included?
• 1-night hotel in Frankfurt (breakfast)
• Transfer from host hotel in Frankfurt to the ship on December 4
• Accommodations on cruise for 5 nights in Comfort Collection beds with Egyptian super-combed cotton linens, December 4-9
• Accommodations for 2 nights at
Intercontinental Prague Hotel , December 9-11
• Included sightseeing tours in Miltenburg, Würzburg, Bamberg, Nuremburg and Prague
• Visits to several different Christmas markets
• All meals as indicated below while on board the ship
• Breakfast while in Frankfurt & Prague hotels
• Wine, beer, or soft drinks with included onboard lunches and dinners and complimentary sparkling wine with onboard breakfast
• Coffee, tea, juices during all meals on board the ship
• Premium coffees, cappuccinos, lattes, hot chocolate, and teas on board the ship
• Cookies and fresh fruit available throughout the day on board the ship
• Complimentary bottled water replenished in rooms daily on board the ship
• Complimentary Wi-Fi on board the ship
• Complimentary Nordic walking sticks on board the ship
• Transfer from ship in Nuremberg to Prague on December 9
• Tips to all local guide’s and bus drivers on all included tours and optional tours
• Gratuities to ships staff and Avalon Cruise Director
• Olivia’s signature entertainment and programming
• Olivia Staff assistance throughout
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Avalon Visionary
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Occupancy: 128 • Crew: 37 • Length: 361 feet • Built: 2012 • Registry: Germany
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Winter Wonderland & Christmas Markets Main River All-Lesbian Cruise Tour 2019 Rates
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RS - Royal Suite |
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Royal Deck. 2 twins convert to queen, wall-to-wall panoramic window, sliding glass doors, sofa, coffee table, full-size bathroom, full shower with glass door, writing desk (300 sq. ft.)
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P - Panorama Suite |
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Royal Deck. 2 twins convert to queen, wall-to-wall panoramic window, sliding glass doors, sofa, coffee table, full-size bathroom, full shower with glass door, writing desk (200 sq. ft.)
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A - Panorama Suite |
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Sapphire Deck. 2 twins convert to queen, wall-to-wall panoramic window, sliding glass doors, sofa, coffee table, full-size bathroom, full shower with glass door, writing desk (200 sq. ft.)
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B - Panorama Suite |
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Sapphire Deck. 2 twins convert to queen, wall-to-wall panoramic window, sliding glass doors, sofa, coffee table, full-size bathroom, full shower with glass door, writing desk (200 sq. ft.)
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D - Deluxe Stateroom |
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Indigo Deck. 2 twins convert to queen, writing desk, full-size bathroom, shower with glass door, high windows. Room below water line; windows do not open. (172 sq. ft.)
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E - Deluxe Stateroom |
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Indigo Deck. 2 twins convert to queen, writing desk, full-size bathroom, shower with glass door, high windows. Room below water line; windows do not open. (172 sq. ft.)
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Pre/Post Cruise Packages
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We will be offering a 1-night post stretcher in Prague, December 11-12, 2019. This will be offered no later than 9 months prior to the trip date.
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Special Airfares
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Rates: Prices are per person based on double occupancy. Pricing does not include airfare, insurance, fuel surcharge or NDA of $499 per person (subject to change).
Early bird prices valid until June 6, 2019.
Availability updated weekly and is provided for informational purposes only. The accuracy is not guaranteed. Olivia & HappyGay Travel will not be held responsible for any errors, omissions or inaccuracies. It is advised for guests to check information provided on this site with an HappyGay Travel Travel Consultant.
For more information please read Olivia Terms & limit of responsibility
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