By: Cindy Brunner, Travel Consultant

Welcome to Prague or as the Europeans say Praha. I was welcomed for my Central European Experience with Avalon Waterways the minute I arrived by Avalon and whisked away to the Art Deco Imperial Hotel. Perfect historical building in new town and a 20 minute walk to Old Town Praha. We walked around for hours and then we went back to the hotel for dinner reservations which is required. 5 star Michelin restaurant. Dinner was superb.

Day Two

Central European Experience With Avalon

We have a full day in Praha. Today we started out and with a walking tour of Hradcany Castle grounds, saw the St. Vitus Cathedral and Astronomical Clock. We then spent the day shopping in Old Town. Crystal is beautiful and a good price in Praha. We did a symphony and dinner in the evening.

Day Three

Central European Experience With Avalon

Today we travel to Nuremberg to board our ship. This was a beautiful drive and we arrived in Nuremberg and did a walking tour of the Kaiserburg Castle, Gothic cathedral and walked the town. The medical architecture was magnificent. We were welcomed by the ship as all the staff was there to greet us. Wonderful dinner and vino from the region.

Day Four

Central European Experience With Avalon

Bamberg was our first German city to stop. After buffet breakfast we boarded the bus for our classic tour. We learned the history. Quaint village with walk around town. The tour lasted about one hour leaving us with free time to enjoy the breweries and some shopping. Each building had an ornate sign above the door to signify their business. Adorned with gold and intricate design. Some hundreds of years old. Dinner was local flavor.

Day Five

Central European Experience With Avalon

Woke up with a castle and church view up in the mountain of Würzburg We toured the residence of the bishop. This was a highlight. Murals depicting the history of the town. Then an hour trip to Rothenburg. Saw family vineyards on steep hills where the grapes are handpicked. The city was medieval with a wall for protecting the city. Shopping was good; strolling along with an ice cream.

Day Six

This morning we woke up on the beautiful river and headed out to Miltenberg. This is a Bavarian village with the walls protecting the town. Picturesque with every turn. We found this to be the best price on items like the beer steins and other sovereigns.

Day 7

Today we arrived in Rudesheim. Another great little town on the Rhine. We toured the incredible Mechanical Music Museum for a one of the kind instrumental experience. This is the town to buy music boxes. We then were treated to a special coffee. Coffee with brandy and lots of whipped cream and chocolate shavings. Then returned to the ship and sat on the sun deck and cruised the Rhine Gorge. What beautiful scenery. Miles of vineyards and castles. Quite a spectacular view.

Day 8

Gracious German vineyards of the Moselle valley. We toured the charming wine village of Bernkastel with its medieval marketplace and 17th century half timbered houses. We joined a wine tasting and experienced the tradition of legendary German wine making.

Day 9

Remich, Luxembourg and excursion to Trier. Took a guided tour of Trier. Germany’s oldest city with ancient Roman remnants dating from 144 -152. In the afternoon we toured Luxembourg with its dramatic views, ancient ruins, and modern architecture in its deep gorge terrain. We had a great time on the Central European Experience with Avalon Waterways.