Grand Danube Passage
Journey from Prague to Sofia and through eight countries, discovering old-world capitals and strolling through charming villages along the Danube River. After three nights exploring Prague, embark the MS Amadeus Silver for an eight-night river cruise. Visit Passau, Melk and Dürnstein before sailing through the Wachau Valley toward the Austrian capital of Vienna. Explore Bratislava and Budapest. Wander through Kalemegdan Citadel in Belgrade. Sail through the Iron Gate Gorge. Disembark for two nights in Sofia.
Itinerary
Depart U.S. for Prague, Czech Republic.
Upon arrival, transfer to the Art Deco Imperial Hotel. Independent Exploration: Spend the afternoon at leisure in Prague. Later, gather with your fellow travelers for a Welcome Reception.
Explore Prague's Old Town. See the Castle Square, the Chapel of the Holy Cross and the Prague Castle Gallery, home to works of art by Titian, Rubens and other renowned artists. Visit the Royal Palace and St. Vitus Cathedral. Walk along the Golden Lane, Charles Bridge and the Old Town Square. The afternoon and remainder of the day is at leisure. (B)
Explore the Jewish Quarter and the Prague National Jewish Museum, a showcase of Jewish history and religious treasures. Spend your last afternoon in Prague pursuing individual interests. (B)
After breakfast, transfer to Passau, Germany. Passau has been called “one of the most beautifully situated towns in the world.” See the many highlights of this delightful village, including the medieval Veste Oberhaus, Altes Rathaus, Niedernburg Abbey and St. Stephen’s Cathedral. Embark your first-class river ship. This evening, gather with travelers for a Welcome Aboard Reception and Dinner. (B,D)
Visit Melk’s Benedictine abbey, an architectural jewel with impressive interiors. The baroque building dates from 1736, and an amazing view of the mighty Danube awaits on the abbey’s terrace. This afternoon, enjoy daytime sailing through the picturesque Wachau Valley, one of the finest landscapes in all of Europe.
Choose one of these excursions in Dürnstein:
•Dürnstein Walking Tour. Here, where King Richard the Lionheart of England was held captive during the Crusades, tour baroque architecture, pass by gorgeous scenery, see vineyards and visit the magnificent Stiftskirche.
•Cycling the Danube. During this two-hour adventure, explore parts of the 745-mile (1,200-kilometer) Danube Bicycle Trail, which runs from Germany to Hungary, with an expert guide.
•Wachau Winery. Head out of Dürnstein, passing stunning vineyards and lush scenery en route to a local winery, where you will enjoy a tour and samples from its cellar. (B,L,D)
Choose one of these excursions this morning in Vienna:
•Imperial Vienna. Explore the Imperial Apartments of Hofburg Palace, then drive along the Ringstrasse, one of the most magnificent boulevards in the world. See the University, the Houses of Parliament and the Opera House.
•Art and Wine. Overlooking the Danube, the 12th-century Klosterneuburg Monastery, home to the Verdun Altar, boasts a winding cellar. Explore the maze, learn about winemaking and enjoy a sampling.
•Schönbrunn Palace. Enjoy a visit to the stunning UNESCO World Heritage site of Schönbrunn Palace, the former summer residence of the imperial family. See the luxurious State Apartments and Hall of Mirrors, and wander through the estate’s vast gardens.
Spend the afternoon at leisure in Vienna. Enjoy a Viennese coffee or Sacher Torte, the famous Austrian cake. Tonight, delight in an evening of Viennese Waltz as ballroom guides pass on secrets of ballroom etiquette and steps from the original Viennese Waltz. Try the steps yourself, glide across the dance floor and make memories! (B,L,D)
This morning, hear a lecture about The Velvet Revolution. Discover how this pivotal event led to the end of communism in Czechoslovakia and preceded the country’s split into two countries.
Choose one of these excursions in Bratislava:
•A Taste of Bratislava. Marvel at St. Martin’s Cathedral, once the site of Hungarian coronations. See the Slovak National Theatre and St. Michael’s Gate. Visit Primate’s Palace, and enjoy a strudel tasting and coffee at a café.
•Sounds of Bratislava. Explore Old Town, focusing on the venues associated with these renowned composers, before listening to a performance by a talented young musician.
•Castle Hill and Beer. Discover Pressburg, as Bratislava once was called. See the imposing Bratislava Castle, which serves as the venue for the Slovak Parliament and houses collections of the Slovak National Museum. Tour Old Town and experience the region’s rich brewing tradition with a visit to a local pub for a tasting of Slovak beers. (B,L,D)
Arrive to Budapest today, and enjoy one of these excursions:
•Highlights of Budapest. This capital was once two cities — Buda and Pest — on opposite sides of the Danube. Visit Heroes’ Square, the Opera House and the Gothic-style Parliament Building. Enjoy stunning views of the Danube from Fisherman’s Bastion.
•Living Local. Take a guided tour of Budapest’s 19th-century Great Market Hall. Continue to a local coffee house to learn how pastry chefs craft the tastiest strudels. Enjoy a piece of strudel and a sampling of palinka, Eastern European popular schnapps.
•Jewish History Tour. Explore Budapest’s Jewish Quarter, including a visit to the 19th-century Great Synagogue. Continue to the Glass House, and Shoes on the Danube, a moving tribute to the Jews who fell into the Danube after being shot by Nazis in the 1940s. End your tour at the Holocaust Memorial Center. (B,L,D)
Enjoy a walking tour of Pécs, known for its Roman ruins and Ottoman mosques, which have been turned into churches. Also, discover the satisfying flavors of the region during a wine tasting. Rejoin the ship in Mohács. (B,L,D)
Hear a lecture about the former Yugoslavian state of Serbia, then explore Belgrade. This fourth-century capital now is a hub of architecture and culture. Marvel at the ornate Orthodox cathedral and step into St. Sava, a shining feature of Belgrade’s cityscape. Enjoy the afternoon at leisure. A shuttle will be available. (B,L,D)
Sail past the cliffs of the Carpathian Mountains. Enter the Iron Gate Gorge, one of Europe’s most magnificent natural wonders that serves as the boundary between Romania and Serbia. Arrive Drobeta and enjoy a unique wine sampling. During a walking tour, see the remains of the famous Trajan Bridge, the busts of King Decebak and the Traian Emperor and the World War I Memorial built in remembrance to fallen Romanian soldiers. This evening, join your fellow travelers for a Farewell Reception on the ship followed by a Farewell Dinner. (B,L,D)
After breakfast, disembark the ship in Vidin. During a panoramic tour of one of Bulgaria’s oldest towns, see the Mosque, Library of Osman Pazvantouglu and other highlights. Visit the 17th-century St. Panthaleimon Church and the ninth-century Baba Vida fortress. Savor a memorable lunch and stunning views of rock formations at The Rocks restaurant. After lunch, continue to Sofia and check in to the Sheraton Sofia Hotel Balkan. (B,L)
Bulgaria’s capital is a fascinating wonder. Today, discover its many landmarks. See the ancient ruins of Serdica. Admire St. George Rotunda, Alexander Battenberg Square, home to the former Royal Palace, and the Alexander Nevsky Cathedral. The remainder of the day is free to continue exploring Sofia on your own. In the evening, join your fellow travelers for a Farewell Reception and Dinner. (B,D)
After breakfast, transfer to the airport for the return flights home. (B)
Cost and Details
Cabin Categories (Prices are per person)
Category-Deck Full Price Discount Early Booking Price
E-Haydn (Aft) $4,945 $250 $4,695*
D-Haydn (Midship) $5,445 $250 $5,195*
B-Strauss (Midship) $5,545 $250 $5,295*
A-Mozart (Aft) $5,745 $250 $5,495*
Suite-Mozart (Midship) $6,245 $250 $5,995*
*VAT and Port Tax supplement is an additional $395 per person.
Categories A, B, and C feature a drop-down panoramic window. Categories D and E feature a window.Suites feature a balcony.
All prices quoted are in USD, per person, based on double occupancy and do not include air transportation.
Single supplement is waived for solo travelers on this departure. Single cabins are currently sold out.
Included:
Three nights in Prague at the deluxe Art Deco Imperial Hotel; Eight nights aboard the MS Amadeus Silver; Two nights in Sofia at the deluxe Sofia Hotel Balkan; 13 breakfasts, 8 lunches and 9 dinners; Tea or coffee is included with all meals; Wine with lunch and dinner; Welcome Reception and Dinner; Farewell Reception and Dinner; Educational programs presented by local experts; Excursions as outlined in the itinerary; Personal listening devices to hear your expert guides; Detailed travel and destination information to assist in planning; Services of an experienced Travel Director throughout; Tipping of excursion guides and drivers.
Included:
International Airfare; Airport transfer costs for those not participating in AHI's FlexAir; Fees for passports and, if applicable, visas; Entry / Departure fees; Personal gratuities; Laundry and dry cleaning; Excursions, wines, liquors, mineral waters and meals not mentioned under included features; Optional travel insurance; All items of a strictly personal nature.
The level of activity on this trip is Moderate to Active. Most excursions involve walking and travelers should be able to walk on streets with cobblestones, uneven pavement, and use stairs. Guests will have to transfer to/from the cruise ship via a gangplank/walkway.
Educational Highlights
In addition to expert local guides, several guest lecturers on board will provide formal presentations on a variety of topics.
Terms and Conditions
Cancellation
All cancellations for any reason will be subject to a $250 per person administrative fee. You may choose, at the time of cancellation, to apply the withheld administrative fee to a future AHI Travel program that will operate in the current calendar year or year following. Cancellation from 120 days to 76 days prior to departure will result in forfeiture of 10% of the entire cost of the trip per person; 75-30 days, 50% of the trip cost per person; cancellation from 29 days up to the time of departure will result in 100% forfeiture of the entire cost of the trip. TRIP CANCELLATION INSURANCE IS AVAILABLE. AN APPLICATION WILL BE SENT AFTER YOU RESERVE. All cancellations must be submitted in writing to AHI Travel and Commonwealth Club of California. CANCELLATION OF TRIP OPTIONS-Purchases of optional excursions, trip extensions and additional hotel nights become fully nonrefundable 45 days prior to departure. Air transportation and private transfer purchases are subject only to penalties assessed by the airlines and transfer suppliers.
Mobility and Fitness to Travel
The right is retained to decline to accept or to retain any person as a member of this trip who, in the opinion of AHI Travel is unfit for travel or whose physical or mental condition may constitute a danger to themselves or to others on the trip, subject only to the requirement that the portion of the total amount paid which corresponds to the unused services and accommodations be refunded. Passengers requiring special assistance, including without limitation those who permanently or periodically use a wheelchair, must be accompanied by someone who is fit and able to assist them, and who will be totally responsible for providing all required assistance.
Air Transportation
The price of air transportation offered by AHI Travel is based on Advance Purchase Excursion fares. After tickets are issued, penalties up to 100% of the ticket price may be levied. If connecting flights are requested, special promotional fares may be used, in which case penalties of as much as 100% may be assessed by the airlines if reservations are changed or canceled after ticketing. After departure, if the reservations are changed, you will be charged the higher, all year Economy class fare. VARIATIONS TO THE GROUP ITINERARY MUST BE REQUESTED NO LATER THAN 60 DAYS PRIOR TO DEPARTURE. Passengers who choose to make their own airline reservations independently will be wholly responsible for arrival and departure transfers, and any airline fees or penalties incurred as a result of program cancellation and/or change in travel dates, or airline schedule(s).
Baggage
Baggage restrictions vary according to the airline policy and the class of service flown. Details will be provided with your pre-departure information. Baggage allowances are subject to change by the carrier without notice. Excess baggage charges for additional or oversized/overweight pieces are expensive and not included in your trip price; plan your wardrobe accordingly. Transport of baggage and personal effects is at the owner's risk throughout the travel program.
Eligibility
We require membership to the Commonwealth Club to travel with us. People who live outside of the Bay Area may purchase a national membership. To learn about membership types and to purchase a membership, visit our membership page or call (415)597-6720.
Authority to Use Images and Audio Recordings
On occasion, AHI Travel obtains, from its staff, or from trip participants, photographic or video images of passengers and trip activities. By participating in this travel program, you authorize AHI Travel, without providing compensation to you, or obtaining additional approvals from you, to include photographic and video recordings of you, as well as voice recordings included with any videos, in AHI Travel's sales, marketing, advertising, publicity and/or training activities.
Responsibility
AHI Travel and The Commonwealth Club of California do not own or operate any entity which provides goods or services for this program, and act only as agents for the independent suppliers of travel conveyance, transport, accommodations or other services. All such persons or entities are independent contractors. As a result, AHI Travel and the Sponsoring Association are not liable for any negligence or willful act of any such person or entity or any third person. In addition and without limitation, AHI Travel and the Sponsoring Association are not responsible for any delays, delayed departure or arrival, missed carrier connections, loss, death, damage or injury to person or property or accident, mechanical defect, failure or negligence of any nature howsoever caused in connection with any accommodations, transportation or other services or for any substitution of hotels or of common carrier equipment, with or without notice, or for any additional expenses occasioned thereby. Dates, Program Details and Tour costs, although given in good faith and BASED ON TARIFFS, EXCHANGE Rates and other information CURRENT AT THE TIME OF PRINTING, ARE SUBJECT TO CHANGE AT OR BEFORE THE TIME OF DEPARTURE. No revisions of the printed itinerary or its included features are anticipated; however, the right is reserved to make any changes, with or without notice, that might become necessary, with the mutual understanding that any additional expenses will be paid by the individual passenger. Baggage and personal effects are the sole responsibility of the owners at all times. If the entire program is cancelled for any reason, participants shall have no claim other than for a full refund. By forwarding the deposit, the passenger certifies that he/she has no physical, mental or other condition of disability that would create a hazard for himself/herself or other passengers and accepts the terms of this contract set out herein and in more specific pre-departure passenger information. The airlines and other transportation companies concerned are not to be held responsible for any act, omission, or event, during the time passengers are not on board their conveyances. The passage contract in use, when issued, shall constitute the sole contract between the company(ies) and the passenger and/or purchaser of this trip.
