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Vineyards, Chateaux & Bordeaux 2025
22 Day River Cruise Basel to Bordeaux
Tour Description:
Immerse yourself in German and French culture on this fabulous Europe river cruise vacation along the Rhine, Seine, Garonne, and Dordogne Rivers. Your adventure begins in Breisach, Germany, the gateway to unrivaled beauty of Germany’s Black Forest. Soak in the sights of Strasbourg, France, located on the French-German border—perfectly blending the cultures of both countries. Sail through the dramatic Rhine Gorge, the most beautiful view of the Rhine River where ancient castles peer from 400-foot cliffs above the shores. History comes to life in Cologne, Germany—the 2,000-year-old city best known for its Gothic architecture and towering twin-spired cathedral. Continue to Amsterdam and board a canal cruise for an immersive view of the tall, narrow houses in the capital of Holland. Be whisked away via high-speed train to Paris to board your Seine River cruise to be wined, dined, and delighted by French culture, cuisine, and captivating charm. Discover the true heart of Paris on a guided walk or see the legendary landmarks of the Louvre Museum, Arc de Triomphe, and Eiffel Tower—to name a few.Your European river cruise vacation gets even better with a captivating cruise on France’s Garonne and Dordogne Rivers. Sail through the brilliant Bordeaux region—famed for its legendary vineyards and lovely villages. Be carried away with your choice of Avalon’s included Classic, Active, and Discovery experiences—from the regal histories of castles and Châteaux to the romantic cellars where wine bouquets and bon-vivant cuisine tempt the palate. While the landscapes and lush pastoral treasures are plentiful along the shores of the Garonne and Dordogne, Avalon elevates each immersive experience for a deeper discovery of the cultural and architectural treasures that recall the rich traditions of Southwest France. From unparalleled panoramic drives to forested two-wheel excursions by bike to the delicacies of seaside Arcachon—the world is your oyster on this adventure in la belle vie of Bordeaux!
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Dates & Pricing
| Monday 19 May 25 — Tuesday 10 Jun 25 | Starting at $11,897 |  SPECIAL | Get a Quote |
| Monday 30 Jun 25 — Tuesday 22 Jul 25 | Starting at $11,697 | SPECIAL | Get a Quote |
| Monday 28 Jul 25 — Tuesday 19 Aug 25 | Starting at $11,697 | SPECIAL | Get a Quote |
| Monday 11 Aug 25 — Tuesday 02 Sep 25 | Starting at $11,897 | SPECIAL | Get a Quote |
| Monday 08 Sep 25 — Tuesday 30 Sep 25 | Starting at $12,497 | SPECIAL | Get a Quote |
| Monday 22 Sep 25 — Tuesday 14 Oct 25 | Starting at $12,197 | SPECIAL | Get a Quote |
| Monday 06 Oct 25 — Tuesday 28 Oct 25 | Starting at $11,797 | SPECIAL | Get a Quote |
Disclaimer: Prices listed are per person, based on double occupancy, and in USD. All promotions are valid for new bookings only, capacity controlled and valid on select dates and departures. Individual Terms and Conditions will apply to all promotions. Any promotion can be withdrawn at any time without notice. Please speak with your Pavlus Travel Planner for complete vendor terms and conditions, including eligible tour and cruise dates.
Destination & Sightseeing
Destination & Sightseeing| Day 1 Basel (Embarkation): | Onboard welcome reception |
| Day 2 Breisach: | Choice of excursion to Black Forest, or sightseeing of Freiburg or bike with your Adventure Host |
| Day 3 Strasbourg: | Choice of guided sightseeing, visit La Petite France district and the Gothic cathedral or bike with your Adventure Host |
| Day 4 Mainz: | Choice of guided tour of Heidelberg Castle, see the Great Vat, or walk Philosophers’ Way with your Adventure Host, or visit the Gutenberg Museum in Mainz |
| Day 5 Rüdesheim–Rhine Gorge–Koblenz: | Visit Siegfried’s Mechanical Musical Instrument Museum in Rüdesheim or hike in the vineyards with your Adventure Host; cruise through the scenic Rhine Gorge with breathtaking views of ancient castles, towering cliffs, and the legendary Rock of the Lorelei; free time in Koblenz |
| Day 6 Cologne: | Choice of “Cologne Highlights” walking tour, or Jewish Heritage walking tour or bike with your Adventure Host |
| Day 7 Amsterdam: | Choice of canal cruise or walk with your Adventure Host |
| Day 8 Amsterdam–Paris: | Travel from Amsterdam to Paris by high speed train; onboard welcome reception |
| Day 9 Vernon–Les Andelys: | Choice of excursions to Giverny or Bizy Castle or walk with your Adventure Host; choice of guided walk or guided hike in Les Andelys; onboard crêpe tasting and Pastry Demonstration |
| Day 10 Caudebec: | Choice of excursion along the “Normandy Abbeys Route” or bike with your Adventure Host |
| Day 11 Caudebec: | Choice of full-day excursions to Normandy landing beaches or 'A Taste of Normandy' excursion |
| Day 12 Rouen: | Choice of guided sightseeing, see the Astronomical Clock and visit the cathedral or bike tour |
| Day 13 Conflans: | Choice of excursions to Auvers-sur-Oise or Napoleon and Josephine's Château de Malmaison or bike with your Adventure Host |
| Day 14 Paris: | Choice of guided sightseeing or historic sights on 'Heart of Paris' walking tour or walk with your Adventure Host |
| Day 15 Paris (Disembarkation)–Bordeaux (Embarkation): | Transfer to Bordeaux; onboard welcome reception |
| Day 16 Cadillac-sur-Garonne: | Choice of guided visit to Château de la Brêde or Sauternes tasting in a local Château |
| Day 17 Cussac Fort Médoc: | Choice of wine tasting in a Médoc-area Château or e-bike guided tour in the vineyards |
| Day 18 Blaye–Bourg: | Choice of Panoramic drive with visit to the Citadel of Blaye or art and wine experience; free time in Bourg |
| Day 19 Libourne–Bordeaux: | Visit to Saint-Émilion village |
| Day 20 Bordeaux: | Guided walking tour |
| Day 21 Bordeaux: | Choice of guided visit to Arcachon with oysters tasting or biking with your Adventure Host |
| Day 22 Bordeaux (Disembarkation): | Your cruise ends this morning |
Notes:
- In the event of technical or water level issues, it may be necessary to operate the itinerary by motorcoach or alter the program, including hotel overnight when necessary.
- Guided Tours, Optional Excursions, activities, sailing and docking schedules may be contingent on weather conditions or other issues outside of our control and could therefore be subject to change at any time.
- Please check visa requirements with your local consulate(s); responsibility for obtaining visas rests with the traveler.
- Due to “Sail Amsterdam” departure August 12 will end in Rotterdam instead of Amsterdam with modifications to the itinerary.
ITINERARY
ITINERARYDay 1
BASEL, SWITZERLAND (EMBARKATION) Welcome to Switzerland!
Your Suite Ship® is Ready for Boarding.
Flights into Zürich or Basel must arrive by 3 pm. Guests must be on board ship by 5 pm.
Enjoy dinner and explore the ship on your first night on board.
EVENING CRUISE TO BREISACH
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Day 2
BREISACH, GERMANY. EXCURSION TO BLACK FOREST German Winemaking and the Beautiful Black Forest
Visit the Adventure Center for today’s activities with your Adventure Host.
ACTIVE Enjoy the view on a relaxing bike ride along the Rhine with your Adventure Host, OR:
DISCOVERY Join a full-day Guided Tour to the magical Black Forest to experience the Vogtsbauernohf open-air-museum, visit an authentic water mill, and see a traditional butter-making demonstration, OR:
CLASSIC Join A Guided Tour to explore Freiburg’s medieval city center, sheltered by the Black Forest amid vineyards and gardens of the Upper Rhine Valley.
You may choose to join a Guided Optional Excursion to visit the charming village of Colmar in the morning, with its half-timbered medieval and early renaissance buildings.
EVENING CRUISE TO STRASBOURG
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BreakfastLunch Dinner
BreakfastLunch
DinnerDay 3
STRASBOURG, FRANCE A Grand Cathedral and La Petite France
ACTIVE Discover Strasbourg by bike with your Adventure Host, OR:
CLASSIC Join a City Sightseeing Tour, including Strasbourg’s Gothic, stained-glass cathedral with its celebrated ancient murals and astronomical clock, as well as the magical La Petite France District.
You may also choose to join a Guided Optional Excursion to the historic Maginot Line—the pre-WWII fortifications designed to protect the eastern border of France, or visit Alsace’s wine country today. Alternatively, take some free time in Strasbourg to visit a museum or stroll across the city center.
EVENING/OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO MAINZ
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BreakfastLunch Dinner
BreakfastLunch DinnerDay 4
MAINZ, GERMANY. EXCURSION TO HEIDELBERG Castle Walls and the World’s Biggest Wine Barrel
ACTIVE Join your Avalon Adventure Host for an inspiring walk in Heidelberg, the Philosophers' Way, OR:
CLASSIC Enjoy a Guided Tour to Heidelberg Castle to see the ruins of the magnificent renaissance treasure towering above the city, and its famed Great Vat, the “World’s Largest Wine Barrel,” OR:
CLASSIC Enjoy a Guided City Walk in Mainz, including a visit to the Gutenberg Museum to see the captivating history of printing.
This evening, enjoy live entertainment on board your ship after a short sailing to Rüdesheim.
OVERNIGHT DOCKING IN RÜDESHEIM
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BreakfastLunch Dinner
BreakfastLunch DinnerDay 5
RÜDESHEIM–RHINE GORGE Eat, Drink, and Be Merry in Wine Country
ACTIVE Enjoy a hike with your Avalon Adventure Host through the picturesque vineyards of Rüdesheim, OR:
DISCOVERY Take a Guided Tour of the incredible Mechanical Music Museum for a one-of-a-kind instrumental experience; enjoy a tasting of the authentic Rüdesheimer coffee.
En route to Koblenz, sail through the Rhine Gorge (a UNESCO World Heritage site). Take in the breathtaking views of ancient castles perched on cliffs 400 feet above the water and pass the legendary Rock of the Lorelei—where the mythological siren’s songs lured ill-fated sailors.
KOBLENZ
2000 Years Of Monumental History
Enjoy free time in Koblenz before a relaxing evening on board with dinner and live entertainment.
OVERNIGHT DOCKING IN KOBLENZ
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BreakfastLunch Dinner
BreakfastLunch DinnerDay 6
COLOGNE Prost! Celebrate in the Rhineland
Join your Adventure Host for today’s special activities.
ACTIVE Enjoy a bike ride like the locals in Cologne with your Adventure Host, OR:
DISCOVERY Choose a Guided Walking Tour of Cologne’s important Jewish heritage sites, OR:
CLASSIC Take a Guided City Walk of Cologne—with its soaring twin-steepled Gothic cathedral.
Spend free time over a glass of Kölsch pale lager—locally brewed for over 100 years!
AFTERNOON/OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO AMSTERDAM
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BreakfastLunch Dinner
BreakfastLunch DinnerDay 7
AMSTERDAM, HOLLAND Canals of Colorful Amsterdam
ACTIVE Start your day joining your Adventure Host on an early morning walk in Amsterdam, OR:
CLASSIC Explore the iconic waterways of Amsterdam on a Guided Canal Cruise past stately homes of Amsterdam’s “Golden Age.”
During tulip season, you may take a Guided Optional Excursion to Keukenhof gardens—with more than seven million tulips, daffodils, and hyacinths, as well as other bulbs, planted each year. Outside of tulip season, join a Guided Optional Excursion to Zaanse Schans to see historic windmills and charming Dutch houses. You may also choose an Optional Biking Tour to discover the countryside.
Take some free time to explore Amsterdam’s colorful streets, canal houses, galleries, and shops.
OVERNIGHT DOCKING IN AMSTERDAM
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BreakfastLunch Dinner
BreakfastLunch DinnerDay 8
AMSTERDAM (DISEMBARKATION)–PARIS, FRANCE (EMBARKATION) This morning, board a high-speed train for Paris to embark on your Avalon Suite Ship® and enjoy dinner onboard this evening.
EVENING/OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO VERNON
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Day 9
VERNON Monet’s Fleurs and Crêpes du Jour
Visit the Adventure Center for today’s activities with your Adventure Host.
ACTIVE Explore Vernon's Chateau des Tourelles by foot with your Adventure Host, OR:
CLASSIC Take a Guided Tour of Giverny, home and inspiration of the master impressionist painter Claude Monet. Walk the grounds and see Monet’s charming residence, and the flower and water gardens captured in his masterpieces*, OR:
CLASSIC Join a Guided Visit to Bizy Castle—called “Normandy’s Versailles” for its magnificent courtyard, water garden, and stables.
DISCOVERY While sailing, enjoy a traditional French luncheon of authentic French crêpes, followed by a Pastry Demonstration.
This afternoon, enjoy a beautiful cruise to the picturesque town of Les Andelys.
LES ANDELYS
Serenity on the Seine
ACTIVE Join a Guided Hike up to the castle ruins of Château Gaillard—historic home of King Richard the Lionheart, OR:
CLASSIC Take a Guided Walking Tour of Les Andelys—one of France’s most picturesque spots on the Seine.
EVENING/OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO CAUDEBEC
*Monet’s House is closed in March and November. During this period this excursion will be replaced with a Guided Tour of La Roche-Guyon and its castle.
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BreakfastLunch Dinner
BreakfastLunch DinnerDay 10
CAUDEBEC Ancient Abbeys Along the Seine
ACTIVE Enjoy a relaxing bike ride along the river with your Adventure Host, OR:
CLASSIC Take a Guided Trip along the Normandy Abbeys Route—where more than 100 medieval Benedictine and Augustine abbeys and churches were built along the Seine.
This afternoon, you may choose a Guided Optional Excursion to the old seaside town of Honfleur.
OVERNIGHT DOCKING IN CAUDEBEC
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BreakfastLunch Dinner
BreakfastLunch DinnerDay 11
CAUDEBEC. EXCURSION TO NORMANDY Heroic Bravery on Normandy Beaches and French Farming Traditions
CLASSIC Join a Guided Tour of Normandy’s WWII landing beaches, visit significant U.S. sites, including Omaha Beach, the Pointe du Hoc monument, and the American Cemetery, OR:
CLASSIC Take a full-day Guided Tour of the British and Canadian commemorative sites, including the British cemetery, Pegasus Memorial, the seaside town of Arromanches, the Juno Beach Center, and the Bény-sur-Mer Canadian War Cemetery, OR:
CLASSIC Join “A Taste of Normandy” Guided Tour for an in-depth look at this rich agricultural region. See the famous Bayeux Tapestry, visit the beautiful village of Beuvron en Auge and taste Calvados at a local distillery.
Later, enjoy live entertainment on board your ship.
EVENING CRUISE TO ROUEN
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BreakfastLunch Dinner
BreakfastLunch DinnerDay 12
ROUEN The Cathedral of Our Lady and a Heroine for France
ACTIVE Take a Guided Bike Tour to discover and explore the most famous monuments and the lesser known hidden gems of Rouen on two wheels, OR:
CLASSIC Take a Guided Walking Tour of Rouen—site of Saint Joan of Arc’s martyrdom—and see the medieval quarter with its 16th-century Astronomical Clock, and Notre-Dame Cathedral.
EVENING/OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO CONFLANS
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BreakfastLunch Dinner
BreakfastLunch DinnerDay 13
CONFLANS The Footsteps of Van Gogh, Bonaparte, and Louis XIV
ACTIVE Enjoy a relaxing bike ride along the Seine with your Adventure Host, OR:
CLASSIC Join a Guided Visit to Auvers-sur-Oise, home and resting place of Vincent van Gogh, OR:
CLASSIC Take a Guided tour of the opulent Château de Malmaison*—home of Napoléon Bonaparte and his wife Josephine.
Perhaps, join a Guided Optional Excursion to the Palace of Versailles—home to a succession of French kings.
EVENING CRUISE TO PARIS
*Château de Malmaison is closed the 1st Sunday of each month and on 21st September. On these dates, this excursion will be replaced by a visit to Château de Chantilly.
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BreakfastLunch Dinner
BreakfastLunch DinnerDay 14
PARIS Cafés, Cathedrals and Canvases in the City of Light
Join your Adventure Host for today’s special activities.
ACTIVE Experience the Seine river by foot with your Adventure Host, OR:
CLASSIC Discover the ancient heart of Paris on a captivating Guided Walk featuring the Palais-Royal, Louvre pyramid, ancient sites on Île de la Cité, the Left Bank, bustling Latin Quarter, and more, OR:
CLASSIC Join a Guided City Tour, that shows you the iconic sites of Paris, such as the Louvre Museum, the Arc de Triomphe, the Eiffel Tower, Opéra Garnier, and the famous Champs-Élysées.
Stroll through Paris on your own or linger over wine in a literary café on the Left Bank.
OVERNIGHT DOCKING IN PARIS
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BreakfastLunch Dinner
BreakfastLunch DinnerDay 15
PARIS (DISEMBARKATION)–BORDEAUX (EMBARKATION) Your Suite Ship® is Ready for Boarding
This morning, travel to Bordeaux to board your Suite Ship® and start your cruise on the Garonne and Dordogne Rivers.
OVERNIGHT DOCKING IN BORDEAUX
*Ship may sail in the evening to Cadillac-sur-Garonne based on tide and water levels.
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Day 16
CADILLAC-SUR-GARONNE On the Steps of Montesquieu
CLASSIC Take a guided tour of Château de la Brêde—birthplace of Montesquieu—political philosopher and author of “The Spirit of Law.” Visit the fortress-style castle still reflected in its impressive moat, OR:
DISCOVERY Join a Guided Visit with wine tasting at a local château. Sip the sweet notes and fresh acidity of Sauternes, the beloved golden-yellow wine.
This evening, enjoy live entertainment on board your Suite Ship® .
OVERNIGHT DOCKING IN CADILLAC-SUR-GARONNE
*Sailing to Cadillac-sur-Garonne pending tides and water levels. Alternative motorcoach transportation for today’s excursions provided.
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BreakfastLunch Dinner
BreakfastLunch DinnerDay 17
CUSSAC FORT MÉDOC Bikes, Vines, and Wines
This morning, enjoy a leisurely sailing to Cussac Fort Médoc
Visit the Adventure Center for today’s activities with your Adventure Host.
ACTIVE Enjoy a relaxing E-bike guided tour in Bordeaux’s finest wine region. You will be amazed by the picturesque countryside while you enjoy a wonderful ride through the vineyards, OR:
DISCOVERY Take a Guided Visit to an historic Château in the Médoc area and enjoy a tasting of their wonderful wines, with Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon as protagonists.
OVERNIGHT DOCKING IN CUSSAC FORT MÉDOC
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BreakfastLunch Dinner
BreakfastLunch DinnerDay 18
BLAYE–BOURG Fine Art, Fine Bubbly, and a Fine Day for a Drive
A brief morning sailing to Blaye. Ask your Adventure Host for today’s special activities.
CLASSIC Take a guided visit to the Citadel of Blaye, an UNESCO World Heritage site, followed by a panoramic drive following the famed Route de la Corniche along the right banks of the River Dordogne, OR:
DISCOVERY Join a Guided Tour to discover Blaye from a different perspective, including a visit to a local art gallery with wine tasting.
Relaxing afternoon sailing on the Dordogne River to Bourg. Enjoy free time to explore this storybook village or join an optional guided excursion to learn how the Fine Champagne of Cognac is made while enjoying a Rémy Martin tasting.
Later, enjoy live entertainment on board your ship.
OVERNIGHT DOCKING IN BOURG
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BreakfastLunch Dinner
BreakfastLunch DinnerDay 19
LIBOURNE. EXCURSION TO SAINT-ÉMILION The Village Amid the Vineyards
CLASSIC Join a guided tour of the medieval village of Saint-Émilion—a UNESCO World Heritage site of legends and legendary landscapes.
Later, sail Bordeaux.
OVERNIGHT DOCKING IN BORDEAUX
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BreakfastLunch Dinner
BreakfastLunch DinnerDay 20
BORDEAUX Bordeaux Sights and Brilliant Lights
Join your Adventure Host for today’s special activities.
CLASSIC Join a guided walking tour to discover the heart of Bordeaux with a stroll amid its stunning squares, avenues, and cathedrals sights.
This afternoon, consider an optional guided excursion to Les Bassins des Lumières for a breathtaking visit to the submarine base where art and music surround you in an immersive experience.
OVERNIGHT DOCKING IN BORDEAUX
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BreakfastLunch Dinner
BreakfastLunch DinnerDay 21
BORDEAUX. EXCURSION TO ARCACHON’S BAY Seas, Shells, and Sips
ACTIVE Join your Adventure Host for a bike ride along Bordeaux’ postcard river views of the Les Quais, OR:
CLASSIC Join a full-day guided tour of the seaside resort of Arcachon on the Atlantic coast. Gaze upon its 19th-century architectural treasures and taste its local delicacy of oysters and wine.
OVERNIGHT DOCKING IN BORDEAUX
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BreakfastLunch Dinner
BreakfastLunch DinnerDay 22
BORDEAUX (DISEMBARKATION) Your cruise ends with breakfast this morning.
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Accommodations
Accommodations| Zurich | Bordeaux |
Radisson Blu Airport
Superior First-Class
Hotel as shown or similar
Zuerich Flughafen Zurich Switzerland
This modern, stylish hotel 330-room property conveniently offers direct access to the airport terminal, the perfect location for arrivals & departures. Dining options include an Italian restaurant specializing in fresh Italian dishes crafted with a modern twist and a Grill restaurant offering seafood and steaks dishes prepared in an open kitchen. The atrium bar has a 16m-high glass wine tower with over 4,000 bottles of wine and champagne and the outdoor terrace is the place for cocktails and light bites. Other amenities include two fitness centers (one on site and one at the airport), a hammam, as well as a sauna set in a plane's cockpit. Free internet access is available throughout the entire hotel.
Superior First-Class
Hotel as shown or similar
Zuerich Flughafen Zurich Switzerland
This modern, stylish hotel 330-room property conveniently offers direct access to the airport terminal, the perfect location for arrivals & departures. Dining options include an Italian restaurant specializing in fresh Italian dishes crafted with a modern twist and a Grill restaurant offering seafood and steaks dishes prepared in an open kitchen. The atrium bar has a 16m-high glass wine tower with over 4,000 bottles of wine and champagne and the outdoor terrace is the place for cocktails and light bites. Other amenities include two fitness centers (one on site and one at the airport), a hammam, as well as a sauna set in a plane's cockpit. Free internet access is available throughout the entire hotel.
Disclaimer: Prices listed are per person, based on double occupancy, and in USD. All promotions are valid for new bookings only, capacity controlled and valid on select dates and departures. Individual Terms and Conditions will apply to all promotions. Any promotion can be withdrawn at any time without notice. Please speak with your Pavlus Travel Planner for complete vendor terms and conditions, including eligible tour and cruise dates.
