Cruise the Heart of Europe

Journey through five countries, and navigate the fabled Rhine, Main and Danube rivers aboard the M.S. Amadeus II. Discover the walled city of Nuremberg and the stunning imperial capitals of Vienna, Bratislava and Budapest. Explore Amsterdam’s canals, and take walking tours of Cologne and Würzburg. Explore charming river towns, and marvel at the beauty of the Middle Rhine and Wachau Valleys. Optional pre-tour extension in Prague and post-tour in Amsterdam available.

Dates
Oct 13 - Oct 28, 2018  (16 Days)
Cost

from $4,995 per person, with early booking discount. No single supplement (limited).

For more Information
travel@commonwealthclub.org

(415) 597-6720

    Saturday, October 13
    In Transit

    Depart your gateway city for Budapest, Hungary.

    Sunday, October 14
    Budapest, Hungary

    Upon arrival, transfer to the pier and embark the MS Amadeus Silver II.  Gather for a Welcome Reception and Dinner. MS Amadeus Silver II (D)

    Monday, October 15
    Budapest

    During a panoramic Highlights of Budapest city tour, see Heroes’ Square and the Opera House, and marvel at the Gothic-style Parliament Building and Fisherman’s Bastion. Browse colorful food and craft stalls in Budapest’s Great Market Hall, and taste strudel and the local schnapps at a coffee house.  Explore the Jewish Quarter. See the Great Synagogue and the Glass House, and contemplate history at the moving Shoes on the Danube.  In the evening, relish an illuminated cityscape as the ship departs Budapest, an unforgettable experience!  MS Amadeus Silver II (B,L,D)

    Tuesday, October 16
    Bratislava, Slovakia

    Explore Bratislava’s Old Town. See the Slovak National Theater, St. Martin’s Cathedral, St. Michael’s Gate and Primate’s Palace. Taste local pastry at a café. Or, you can explore venues associated with Beethoven and other composers, and enjoy a performance by a young musician. Or you can choose an excursion that explores old Bratislava, seeing its castle, and touring the Old Town, rich with charm and impressive architecture before relaxing over a beer tasting at a cheerful pub. The ship departs for Vienna, Austria, tonight. MS Amadeus Silver II (B,L,D)

    Wednesday, October 17
    Vienna, Austria

    Experience Imperial Vienna. Visit the sumptuous Imperial Apartments at Hofburg Palace, and drive along the Ringstrasse past monuments and more.  Or, you can enjoy an Art and Wine Tour, marvel at a gilded copper altar at the Klosterneuburg monastery, see an art collection and delight in a wine tasting. Another option allows you to marvel at Schönbrunn Palace, the baroque summer home of the royal Hapsburgs. See the lavish State Apartments, the Hall of Mirrors and the pretty manicured gardens.  In the evening, delight in a Viennese Waltz performance by professional dancers accompanied by a musical trio. Then learn the steps of this classic, graceful dance. MS Amadeus Silver II (B,L,D)

    Thursday, October 18
    Dürnstein / Melk

    During a guided walk around Dürnstein, admire baroque architecture and visit the landmark Stiftskirche, known for its blue tower. Or, you can choose a cycling excursion in Wachau. Pedal through villages and vineyards while exploring part of the nation-spanning Danube Cycle Path. Another option is to visit a Wachau Winery. Pass by scenic vineyards on your way to a local winery. Take a tour and enjoy a tasting of Wachau Valley wines. This afternoon, sail through the picturesque Wachau Valley to Melk. Tour Melk’s abbey, a baroque jewel perched on a hill over the Danube. MS Amadeus Silver II (B,L,D)

    Friday, October 19
    Passau, Germany

    Stroll by the Veste Oberhaus fortress, Niedernburg Abbey and Holy Cross Church. Pause to gaze at the immense pipe organ at St. Stephen’s Cathedral. MS Amadeus Silver II (B,L,D)

    Saturday, October 20
    Regensburg

    Those who wish may explore historic Regensburg. See the old Roman tower and gate, the 12th-century Stone Bridge, the Old Town Hall and St. Peter’s Cathedral. Another option is to go behind the scenes at a BMW factory to see how these luxury German cars are manufactured. MS Amadeus Silver II (B,L,D)

    Sunday, October 21
    Nuremberg

    See the World War II courthouse and the city’s hilltop castle. Stroll to the Hauptmarkt, an open square dominated by the Schöner Brunnen, a 14th-century fountain. Or, you can choose an excursion that includes the courthouse used for World War II trials, and examine Nuremberg’s role during the war at the Documentation Center.  Another option is to visit a family-run Franconian farm, enjoying stops in idyllic villages along the way.  Later, the ship sails through the Main-Danube Canal, a feat of modern civil engineering. MS Amadeus Silver II (B,L,D)

    Monday, October 22
    Bamberg

    Explore Bamberg. Walk under the rococo archway of the Obere Brücke, and admire red-roofed fishermen’s houses and baroque mansions. Or you can nibble your way through Bamberg on a culinary excursion. Sample local specialties, including the Bamberger Hörnla, Bamberger Weck, smoked beer, the region’s famous licorice and more. MS Amadeus Silver II (B,L,D)

    Tuesday, October 23
    Würzburg

    Explore the Residenz, an elegant, 18th-century palace that exemplifies baroque architecture. In the historic city center, see St. Kilian’s Cathedral and the Old Town Hall. MS Amadeus Silver II (B,L,D)

    Wednesday, October 24
    Miltenberg

    Tour the medieval city of Miltenberg to see picture-perfect half-timbered houses, a 16th-century fountain and quaint shops. Visit a distillery for a tasting of Franconian brandies. MS Amadeus Silver II (B,L,D)

    Thursday, October 25
    Koblenz

    Marvel at one of the most gorgeous areas of Germany this morning while sailing through the Upper Middle Rhine Valley. An age-old German tradition awaits you on the sun deck. Sip a beer and enjoy a snack of pretzels and sausages, which you can try with a variety of tasty mustards. Or you can explore Koblenz. More than 2,000 years ago, the Romans established a settlement at the confluence of the Mosel and Rhine rivers. Today, the town of Koblenz occupies that same location. Walk through Koblenz and see the Town Hall, the Liebfrauenkirche, the Old Castle, the Deutsches Eck and many more highlights. MS Amadeus Silver II (B,L,D)

    Friday, October 26
    Cologne

    Tour the medieval quarter of Cologne, and visit Kölner Dom, the famous 12th-century cathedral. The church was badly damaged by bomb blasts during World War II, but it was one of the few structures in Cologne that survived Tonight, celebrate your exciting journey with a special onboard Farewell Reception and Dinner. MS Amadeus Silver II (B,L,D)

    Saturday, October 27
    Amsterdam, Netherlands

    Discover the paintings from the Dutch Golden Age at the world-famous Rijksmuseum, and browse portraits and scenes of daily life by renowned Dutch masters.  Or, you can enjoy a Waterland Bicycle Ride. Take a guided bike tour of scenic Waterland, and pedal through historic villages and pretty countryside. Then relax over a break with pastry and coffee. Another option is to explore the Canal District. Enjoy a walking tour of the Herengracht, and view fascinating multimedia exhibits at the Museum of the Canals. Admire some of Amsterdam’s 1,500 bridges and the harbor’s architectural gems aboard a canal boat. MS Amadeus Silver II (B,L,D)

    Sunday October 28
    In Transit

    Following breakfast, transfer to the airport for the return flight to your gateway city. (B)

    Map
    Pre-Tour Extension in Prague: Oct 11-14

    Step into the fairy-tale setting of Prague, Czech Republic, and see the wonders of the City of a Hundred Spires. Take in the highlights of Prague, including the 15th-century astronomical clock, on a guided tour and stroll on the Charles Bridge. Enjoy ample free time to explore Prague at your leisure. You may wish to visit Prague Castle, discover the history of the Jewish Quarter or take a leisurely cruise on the Vltava River. Near the castle, Strahov Monastery Library, a beautiful baroque landmark, awaits, and you also can tour the monastery. If you still have energy, head to Petrin hill and climb the 299 steps to the top of the lookout tower.

    Post-Tour in Amsterdam: Oct 28-30

    Embrace Europe’s best-preserved 17th-century city during a two-night extension in Amsterdam. Set out on a walking excursion along the old harbor, and visit the National Maritime Museum, which traces the long history of Dutch seafaring ventures. The museum, which was built in the 17th century on an artificial island as the arsenal for the Dutch Navy, has a full-scale replica of a Dutch East India Company ship. Spend your leisure time exploring the city on your own. Explore the trendy Jordaan neighborhood, which is home to many art galleries and shops, or visit the Anne Frank House.

    All prices quoted are in US dollars, per person, based on double occupancy and do not include air transportation (unless otherwise stated):

    Category – Deck                                                                        Full Price          Save $250*
    E – Haydn Deck (Aft) featuring a window:                                    $5,245       or        $4,995
    D – Haydn Deck (Midship) featuring a window:                           $5,445       or        $5,195
    C – Strauss Deck (Aft), drop-down panoramic window:             $5,745       or        $5,495
    B – Strauss Deck (Midship), drop-down panoramic window:    $5,945       or        $5,695      
    A – Mozart Deck (Aft), drop-down panoramic window:              $6,245        or       $5,995
    Suite – Mozart (Midship), featuring a balcony:                            $6,745        or       $6,495       

    * Special price is booked before March 13, 2018

    Port Charges are an additional $495 per person.

    Single Room Supplement: Waived for solo travelers, but space is limited and sells out quickly.

    Included 
    14 nights aboard the first-class MS Amadeus Silver II; Baggage handling during cruise; 14 breakfasts, 13 lunches and 14 dinners, including Welcome and Farewell Dinners; tea or coffee with all meals, plus wine, beer or soft drinks with lunch and dinner; Leisure time to try the local cuisine independently;  Expert-led Enrichment programs enhance your insight into the region; Excursions highlight the local culture, heritage and history; your own VOX headset to clearly hear your English-speaking guide; Tipping of guides and drivers.

    Not Included  
    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 in this brochure under included features; travel insurance; all items of a strictly personal nature. Airport transfer costs for those not participating in AHI's FlexAir

    Optional Pre-Tour: Prague 
    $795 per person, double occupancy
    $1,145 single occupancy

    Included
    Two nights at the Cosmopolitan Hotel, two breakfasts, a city walking tour, services of an AHI Travel Director, transfer to the ship, gratuities for guide and driver, and all taxes and service charges.

    Optional Post-Tour: Amsterdam 
    $695 per person, double occupancy
    $1,090 single occupancy

    Included
    Two nights at the DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Amsterdam Centraal Station, two breakfasts, a city walking tour, services of an AHI Travel Director, transfer from the ship, gratuities for guide and driver, and all taxes and service charges.

    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.

    Registration 
    Commonwealth Club of California-CST# 2096889-40 AHI: CST Registration No. 2028271-20. Fla. Seller of Travel Reg. No. ST-33300 Iowa Seller of Travel No. 520 Ohio Seller of Travel Reg. No. 8889139. Washington State Seller of Travel Reg. No. 601-820-781. PARTICIPATING AIRLINES-all IATA and ARC Member Carriers.