Christmastime on the Danube
Cruise from Vilshofen to Budapest
A special Holiday Cruise tour planned and hosted by Gerhard Meng,
highlighting the Christkindle Markets in the villages and cities along the Danube River
Join me on a relaxing river cruise as we explore some of my favorite towns and villages on the banks of the famed Danube River. We’ll explore Gothic cathedrals, lush vineyards and medieval villages along the way. Wherever we go, it will be a Christmas wonderland with the magical Christkindle markets and the festive holiday decorations. Our journey will be by land in combination with a seven night cruise aboard one of Europe’s newest and most deluxe river ships, the MS Amadolce.
The tour has been planned for your convenience. All gratuities, port charges, shore excursions, transfers and porterage are included in the cost of the tour. All meals, but one dinner and one lunch are included. Complimentary wine, beer or soft drinks are included with each dinner.
It would be my pleasure to share this special trip at this special time of year with you.
DAILY ITINERARY -- December 10th to 19th, 2010
Friday, December 10th – to Europe
Overnight flight to Munich. Relax and enjoy your flight across the Atlantic, as your holiday begins.
Saturday, December 11th – Munich
Arrival in Munich. We will meet you at the airport. Free time to visit the nearby village of Freising or take an easy train ride into Munich, to explore one of Germany’s oldest Christmas markets situated on Marienplatz Square. Kempinski Airport Munich.
Sunday, December 12th – Vilshofen
Our morning city tour of Munich includes the Residenz, Maximilianstrasse and the old town hall. In the afternoon we transfer to the Danube to board our ship in time for a lavish welcome dinner.
Monday, December 13th – Passau
Explore the little port town of Vilshofen before we begin cruising through the picturesque countryside toward the confluence of the Danube, Inn and Ilz rivers. In Passau our guide will take us to see one of the world’s largest pipe organs.
Tuesday, December 14th – Linz
Linz has one of the most beautiful medieval squares in Europe. After lunch we cross the Czech border into Southern Bohemia, known for its charming old towns and lake-strewn wooded countryside. Our walking tour will introduce us to Cesky Krumlov, an architectural jewel. There will be time available for shopping, as there are great bargains here.
Wednesday, December 15th – Krems
Castles, palaces, chapels and monasteries line the riverbanks. In Melk we will tour the lovely 11th century baroque abbey overlooking the river. Afternoon tour of Dürnstein and special evening visit to a weingut for a tasting of the local wines.
Thursday, December 16th – Vienna
Morning tour of Vienna - home of the waltz, the Spanish Riding School, Sacher Torte and the Vienna Boy’s Choir. Afternoon free time for the 700 year old Holiday Market, department stores and inviting boutiques.
Friday, December 17th – Bratislava
Our local guide will introduce us to the history and architecture of Bratislava, capital of the new Slovakian Republic. Adjacent to the colorful Old Town Hall is a wonderful Christmas Market filled with handicrafts made by the local artisans.
Saturday, December 18th – Budapest
A morning guided tour of Budapest, the Hungarian capital and one of Europe’s most beautiful cities. Balance of the day is free to explore the Christmas Markets before the evenings Gala Farewell Dinner.
Sunday, December 19th – return to USA
Our adventure comes to an end. Breakfast at leisure and morning transfer to Budapest airport.
If you have time you may wish to stay in Budapest an extra night.
Questions ? – call 1.800.966.2402
PRICE PER PERSON: $1,995 land cost, $595 single room surcharge
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GROUP SIZE IS LIMITED TO 32 GUESTS
RESERVATIONS: Notify us that you wish to join the tour. Your space will be reserved and a sign-up packet will be forwarded with registration form and an invoice for deposit. Upon receipt of your deposit, an information packet will be forwarded with further confirmation of your reservation and details to help prepare for the tour. Full and final payment is due 95 days prior to departure.
EXTRA NIGHTS: We have special rates available at our hotel in Munich at $220 per double room ($195 single). A buffet breakfast, taxes and service charges are included. If you wish an extra night in Budapest the rate is $215 per double room ($195 single). This includes a morning walking tour of the city center, transfer to the airport, taxes and service charges. The Budapest hotel does not include breakfast. The additional nights are confirmed on a space-available basis.
There is also an option of starting the tour in Prague. Depart North America on Dec. 9th, arrive in Prague on Dec. 10th. Additional cost per person is $360 ($545 single). This includes two nights at the Old Town Hilton Hotel with buffet breakfast each morning, private transfer from the airport to the hotel, a guided tour of Prague and the transfer to the ship in Germany, with a stop in Regensburg. Not included is the gratuity for the local guide in Prague or the airport limousine driver. An AMA Waterways representative will be the escort until you meet Gerhard and Darlene when boarding the ship in Vilshofen.
CABIN UPGRADES: Options and pricing will be detailed and included in the sign-up packet.
The MS Amadolce:
Enjoy total relaxation and uncommon comfort aboard our floating hotel. The ship was newly built in 2009 and accommodates a maximum of 148 guests in well appointed cabins. While sailing enjoy the scenery from the sundeck and the viewing lounge with its panoramic window or relax in the library. The wellness area offers a fitness center, beauty salon and massages. All staterooms have river views and offer bathrobes, television with English news programs, a safe, hair dryer, telephone and the choice of twin or double beds.
FOR ADDITIONAL INFORMATION ABOUT THE SHIP, click here.
November 26 to December 5, 2010 – Germany, Austria and Italy 
Includes Munich, Innsbruck, Garmisch and Bolzano, Italy
December 4 to December 13, 2010 – East Germany
Annaberg, Weimar, Bamberg & the Erzgebirge – home of the wooden ornaments
December 10 to December 19, 2010 – Christmas Cruise on the Danube
Munich, Vilshofen, Passau, Linz, Krems, Vienna, Bratislava & Budapest
Option of two nights in Prague prior to boarding the ship on the Danube