LUXURY RIVER CRUISE ALONG THE BLUE DANUBE RIVER
VISITING PRAGUE, VIENNA, BUDAPEST AND MORE
WITH 3 NIGHT POST CRUISE LAND STAY
IN BEAUTIFUL PRAGUE !
(plus an optional day trip from our river cruise ship to Munich Germany)
AUG. 5-16, 2010

 

Back by popular demand, following the great success of our Luxury River Cruise on the Rhine in 2009, we are very pleased to offer another such cruise, this time on the glorious Danube River, often called the Blue Danube, for its sparkling color.
Join us for a unique cruise and land based touring experience.
This trip will visit some of the most scenic spots in Eastern Europe including Prague, Vienna, Budapest and even an optional day trip to Munich Germany. 
This cruise gives you the chance to enjoy not only the destinations, but also the luxury and grace of the means by which we will reach those destinations.

We will be sailing again on AMA Waterways, the leader in luxury river cruising across Europe. This year we will sail on the Amalegro, the twin sister ship to the Amacello on which we sailed the Rhine
The Amalegro, just like her sister, is one of the most stunning of all river cruising vessels.
AMA WATERWAYS owns and operates the newest, most state-of-the-art fleet of river cruise vessels in Europe. Since its debut in 2002, the line has redefined European river cruising with innovations that have set new standards in the industry.
The MS Amalegro debuted in 2007, joining the MS Amadagio (2006). Since then, two more new ships were added to the deluxe fleet, the MS Amadante and MS Amacello. These vessels set new standards in European river cruising and offer a number of features which no other European river cruise ship can match. Each AMAWATERWAYS vessel carries 148 passengers in unequaled luxury, comfort and style and is staffed by a highly-trained professional crew, with an ongoing emphasis on personal service

 

The latest high-tech features are onboard the Amalegro:

• STATEROOMS: Inside your exquisitely decorated stateroom, you'll find all the amenities of a fine hotel with white-on-white plush bedding, a cozy sitting area, hair dryer, safe, plush terry bathrobes, individually controlled air-conditioning and ample closet space. All staterooms are outside cabins with picturesque river views; over 82% feature large French balconies, which are a true delight when relaxing in your stateroom.

• English language TV stations in each room, a large movie selection and numerous music programs. Our satellite telephone system allows you to call home for a nominal fee.

• WELLNESS AREA: Located in the aft area of the Violin Deck, this generously designed space includes a glassed-in fitness room with state of the art exercise equipment as you would find on large cruise ships, plus a massage and beauty salon; the aft lounge offers modern wicker furniture and French doors to enjoy the fresh river air.

• SUNDECK  - Enjoy lounging in the sun with cool river breezes, while you relax on one of the many comfortable lounge chairs, or relax in the Jacuzzi on the sundeck as you watch the scenic Blue Danube glide by. 

•   A lounge with dance floor and piano entertainment is also onboard. 

• ELEVATOR: Each ship has an elevator, which very few river cruise ships feature. The elevator reaches four different levels: the Restaurant level (1), the Staterooms on the Cello Deck (2), the Lobby and Panorama Lounge (3) and the Staterooms on the Violin Deck (4).

• INFOTAINMENT SYSTEMS: Every stateroom is equipped with an Infotainment System, featuring a flat screen TV and computer keyboard offering complimentary internet access from the comfort of your own stateroom

•  BICYCLES: Each ship has plenty of bicycles onboard which can be used by passengers, free of charge, to explore the small towns at your leisure if you wish. Most regions offer well-maintained bicycle paths along the river.

Each evening, we will enjoy local entertainment with native performances featuring song and dance shows representative of the region we visited that day. 
Selected evenings will also offer guided walking tours showing the highlights of the town as lit up in the evening sky.
Most nights are spent docked in a scenic town or major European tourist city, offering free time to explore at our own leisure, the nightlife of each, with the freedom to return to our ship at our own schedule each night.

 

           
PHOTO OF LUXURIOUSSLY APPOINTED RIVER VIEW ROOMS ON OUR SHIP   

 

 

DETAILED ITINERARY

	DAY 1, DEPART USA. Board your overnight flight to Budapest, Hungary. DAY 2, ARRIVE IN BUDAPEST, HUNGARY. Arrive in Budapest where you will be met and transferred to our luxurious river cruise ship. The afternoon is at leisure to explore the ship, relax on the sun deck, take a dip in the Jacuzzi, or even step into town and explore Budapest at your leisure if you wish.  One of the most striking and memorable features of Budapest’s beauty is the river that flows through it – the Danube. In the sunshine its swirling currents dance with gold. At night its black velvet surface mirrors the city lights.  It’s easy to understand how it moved Johann Strauss to compose his famous Blue Danube Waltz. This evening, meet your fellow travelers at the Welcome Cocktail Reception followed by dinner. (D) DAY 3, BUDAPEST. Your morning sightseeing includes Buda & Pest. From historic Buda Castle, a splendid view of the twin cities of Buda and Pest spread over both banks of the River. Your tour also features the distinctive Fisherman’s Bastion, the marvelous Royal Palace, St. Stephen’s Basilica and much more. Your afternoon is free to explore on your own. (B,L,D) DAY 4, BRATISLAVA, SLOVAKIA - VIENNA, AUSTRIA Wake up this morning in Bratislava, capital of the Slovak Republic. This morning’s walking tour reveals the city's major sights, including the Old Town Hall, the stunning Mirbach Palace and Gothic St. Martin's Cathedral. Later, there is time to explore on your own, before cruising this afternoon to Vienna. Tonight, explore the vibrant capital on your own or join an optional evening Mozart and Strauss concert. (B,L,D) DAY 5, VIENNA Savor the baroque elegance of romantic Vienna during your morning guided sightseeing tour, including the lavish Hofburg Palace, the impressive Vienna Opera House, the majestic Ringstrasse, elegant Kärtnerstrasse and awe-inspiring St. Stephen's Cathedral.                           THE ENTRANCE TO VIENNA’S HOFBURG PALACE The afternoon, we cruise to charming Krems, where the ship overnights. After dinner onboard you will enjoy local Wachau Valley wine tasting. (B,L,D) DAY 6, KREMS (DÜRNSTEIN) – MELK. This morning you visit Dürnstein, where you will marvel at the magnificent blue façade of the baroque Stiftskirche. Above town you'll spot the ruins of the castle where Richard the Lionheart, King of England, was imprisoned in 1192. Your walking tour through medieval cobblestone streets reveals 16th-century town houses and wine taverns. You will then cruise the Wachau Valley to Melk, location of the famous Benedictine Abbey, one of Europe's largest baroque monasteries, which you will tour this afternoon. The ship moors here tonight giving all the chance to explore the local flavor of the town by night. (B,L,D) DAY 7, LINZ - GMUNDEN This morning arrive in Linz, Austria’s second city. This morning you will tour the town, seeing its beautiful Baroque buildings, large square and enjoy its environment friendly culture. This afternoon we visit the “Salzkammergut” The World Heritage UNESCO Site The Austrian Lake District; and the town of Gmunden, on the beautiful “Traunsee” Lake Traun. Here there is time to visit the picturesque Ort Castle with its beautiful details, Renaissance frescos and triangular inner courtyard, or enjoy a scenic cruise across the lake, or for the more adventurous you can take a cable car ride up Grünberg mountain for spectacular views over the lake. For those passengers not wishing to visit the lake district, you can join an excursion to the Czech town of Cesky Krumlov. This is a wonderfully preserved medieval town, nestled in the hills just over the Austrian-Czech border. (B,L,D) DAY 8, LINZ – PASSAU, GERMANY - VILSHOFEN. Early this morning, cruise through Upper Austria to Passau in Germany, where, the rivers Inn and Ilz join the Danube. Your city tour takes you on an exploration of this fairy-tale city founded more than 2,000 years ago. This afternoon, the ship cruises to Vilshofen, a charming 1200-year-old Bavarian town, on the confluence of the river Vils and the Danube. For those that wish, you can join an optional tour this afternoon to Munich. Departing in mid morning from Passau you will drive to Munich arriving in time for lunch at the Hofbrauhaus, the most famous beer hall in Germany, offering the most authentic atmosphere to enjoy local beers and Bavarian foods. In the afternoon you will enjoy a walking tour of the historic city centre, seeing its famous Town Hall with glockenspiel, located in Marienplatz and see Frauenkirche and “devils footprint” before rejoining your fellow travelers in Vilshofen.  Tonight everyone will enjoy “Oktoberfest” in Vilshofen, oom-pah-pah band, music, song and dance Bavarian style. Long tables and benches with traditional beer, a perfect way to celebrate end your cruise. (B,L,D) DAY 9, VILSHOFEN - REGENSBURG PRAGUE, CZECH REPUBLIC This morning, we disembark our cruise ship and board our motorcoach for the drive to Prague. We will stop in Regensburg, which is one of Germany’s best preserved medieval cities. After lunch on your own, continue on to Prague where we will check into our hotel for our 3 night post cruise hotel stay. (passengers may choose to do the cruise without the 3 night post cruise hotel stay in Prague if desired (B) DAY 10, PRAGUE. This morning's sightseeing reveals why Prague is considered one of Europe's most attractive cities. Visit the 1,000-year-old Hradcany Castle courtyard and St. Vitus, and then walk over the Charles Bridge to the Old Market Square. The evening is free to mix with the locals at Wenceslas Square, shop for souvenirs or enjoy one of the charming cafés or restaurants. (B)   1,000-year-old Hradcany Castle, waterfront in Prague DAY 11, PRAGUE. Today is a free day to relax or visit a museum or a gallery, wander along the banks of the Vlatava River, dine at an outdoor restaurant or shop for local handicrafts and art work. If you wish, join the optional tour to Terezin, the infamous Nazi WWII concentration camp, now a memorial to those who perished. (B) DAY 12, DEPART PRAGUE. Bid farewell to Prague and transfer to the airport for your onward flight home. (B)

   
INFOTAINMENT COMPUTER SYSTEMS IN EACH AND EVERY STATEROOM 
Providing complimentary internet access from the comfort of your room

 

                                                                                      
DAILY EXCURSIONS:  each day brings a new and exciting adventure or activity.  Each day provides an included excursion to visit the sights of another magnificent port of call.  Free time is offered in many ports following our included excursion, so passengers may choose to explore further at their own pace, or sign up for optional excursions to nearby regions.

DINING ONBOARD SHIP
Our onboard culinary staff offers sophisticated menus comprised of wonderful soups, fresh produce, high quality choice cut meats, and fresh fish and seafood. Your Maitre d' always welcomes you to the restaurant with a bright smile.
Start your day with a lavish gourmet champagne breakfast buffet. Choose from a rich assortment of breads, croissants and pastries, a variety of fresh fruit, yogurt, cereals, and smoked salmon. Sample the delicious cheeses, cold cuts and local sausages, as well as our daily regional specials. An array of traditional breakfast items is also available from the menu.
Return from your included daily shore excursion to a delicious lunch onboard ship.  Start with mouth-watering hot or cold appetizers, homemade soups, then choose from a selection of great entrees and finish off with a delectable dessert and complimentary cappuccino.
In the evening, be our honored guest for an elegant dinner or a traditional theme night with a feast of regional specialties. Enjoy delicious cuisine and complimentary free-flowing wines from the local vintners with dinner each evening. Beer and soft drinks are also complimentary with each dinner onboard our ship. Our ship’s kitchen crew knows how to orchestrate a truly memorable dining experience. 
There are no formal dress requirements, so all passengers can feel at ease to dine in their own choice of informal dining attire

 

The elegant Restaurant onboard our ship

 

	Aft Lounge onboard our luxury river cruise vessel

                                                                                     
PRICING: INCLUDES

• OUR 7 NIGHT CRUISE IN DELUXE RIVER VIEW CABINS
• Terry Bathrobes and White-on-white plush Bedding in all Staterooms
• ALL MEALS ONBOARD OUR CRUISE
•  UNLIMITED BEER, WINE AND SOFT DRINKS WITH MEALS
•  EXCURSIONS EACH DAY WITH A PROFESSIONAL AMA WATERWAYS GUIDE
• ENTERTAINMENT ON SELECTED EVENINGS (Special Highlights including Folklore Dances, Lectures, Theme Dinners, onboard Music Performances and afternoon & evening Piano Music)
• WELCOME ABOARD COCKTAIL PARTY ON BOARD THE SHIP
• FAREWELL “OKTOBERFEST” STYLE BAVARIAN PARTY IN VILSHOVEN WITH BAVARIAN SONG, DANCE AND FUN ON THE FINAL NIGHT OF THE CRUISE.
• Use of Bicycles to explore on your own
• Services of Professional Cruise Director
• All English Language onboard in a non-smoking Environment (smoking permitted only on the Sun Deck)
• FREE ROOMMATE MATCHING BASED ON AGE, SEX AND SMOKING OR NON SMOKING
• 3 NIGHT POST CRUISE HOTEL ACCOMMODATIONS IN PRAGUE, CZECH REPUBLIC
• COACH TRANSPORT FROM THE SHIP TO PRAGUE

BASED ON CABIN CATEGORY E - $3089 + $133 TAX
                                 CATEGORY D - $3258 + $133 TAX
                                 CATEGORY C - $3588 + $133 TAX
                                 CATEGORY B – 3788 + $133 TAX
                                 CATEGORY A – 3888 + $133 TAX

 

OPTIONAL SINGLE SUPPLEMENT FOR THOSE NOT WISHING THE FREE ROOMMATE MATCHING: ASK US FOR SINGLE SUPPLEMENT PRICING FOR THE CATEGORY YOU ARE INTERESTED IN BOOKING

OPTIONAL AIR; ASK FOR RATES ON OPTIONAL AIR FROM YOUR HOME CITY OR BOOK YOUR OWN AIR IF YOU WISH.

DEPOSITS/PAYMENTS/CANCELATIONS:

A $400 deposit is required at time of booking.  Deposits are refundable if cancelled by November  20th.

 Cancellations between Nov. 20th and March 20th – Loss of $200; cancellations March 21stuntil final payment is due on May 1st will result in loss of full $400 deposit.  After final payment is made, cancellations received between May 1st and June 15th will result in loss of 50% of full trip cost if accompanied by a doctor’s notice or 100% loss without such notice (passengers that purchase our travel insurance will receive a 100% refund from the insurance company with a medical notice of a covered reason for cancellation). Cancellations after June 15th will be 100% non refundable unless covered by travel insurance. (please ask us for rates and coverages of travel insurance)