Join Me on the Danube in July
Monday, July 25, 2011 at 11:57PM 
Cruise the Danube River through Hungary, Slovakia, Austria and Germany with Alpana Singh & Burt Wolf and help support PBS.
Burt Wolf, the host of the public television series Travels & Traditions, and Alpana Singh, Master Sommelier and host of WTTW’s Check Please!, invite you to join them on a 7-night Danube River Cruise through Hungary, Slovakia, Austria, and Germany with stops in: Budapest, Bratislava, Vienna, Dürnstein, Melk, Linz, Passau, and Vilshofen.
CRUISE PRICED FROM $3,660 TO $4,859 PER PERSON (plus airfare)
DEPART U.S. 4TH JULY 2012 – RETURN TO U.S. 12TH JULY 2012
ADD AN OPTIONAL 3-NIGHT POST-CRUISE TOUR IN MUNICH
ALPANA AND BURT WILL BE YOUR ON-BOARD HOSTS THROUGHOUT THE ENTIRE CRUISE
During our trip, Alpana and Burt will offer a series of private on-board tastings of the regional wines, beers, liquors and foods related to the area through which we cruise. In addition, they will talk about European Architecture, the History of Wine, and the History of Chocolate. This is a unique opportunity to travel with Alpana and Burt, see some of Europe’s most fascinating cities, and experience the places where your favorite public television programs are filmed.
DANUBE RIVER CRUISE ITINERARY
CRUISE DAY 1 – WEDNESDAY 4 JULY 2012 * DEPART U.S. FOR BUDAPEST, HUNGARY
CRUISE DAY 2 – THURSDAY 5 JULY 2012 * ARRIVE BUDAPEST - BOARD SHIP
Arrive in Budapest and transfer to our ship. This evening we will meet our fellow passengers at the Welcome Cocktail Reception followed by dinner. (D)
CRUISE DAY 3 – FRIDAY 6 JULY 2012 * BUDAPEST
This morning, our sightseeing tour takes us to historic Buda Castle from where we can see the twin cities of Buda and Pest spread over both banks of the river. Our tour also visits the Fisherman's Bastion, the Royal Palace, St. Stephen's Basilica, the famous Heroes Square and more. The afternoon is free to explore on our own. (B,L,D)
CRUISE DAY 4 – SATURDAY 7 JULY 2012 * BRATISLAVA, SLOVAKIA - VIENNA, AUSTRIA
We start the day in Bratislava, capital of Slovakia. There is a choice of two tours today. The first option is a walking tour of the city's major sights, including the Old Town Hall, Mirbach Palace and the Gothic St. Martin's Cathedral. In the alternative, there is a “Communist Tour” that includes architectural landmarks like the Radio Building, Liberty Square and the Soviet War Memorial. Later, we’ll have free time before the ship cruises to Vienna, the music capital of the world. After dinner, we visit a traditional Austrian Heuriger, a wine village near Vienna to enjoy the year’s newest vintage. (B,L,D)
CRUISE DAY 5 – SUNDAY 8 JULY 2012 * VIENNA
We start with a guided sightseeing tour that includes the Vienna Opera House, the majestic Ringstrasse and St. Stephen’s Cathedral. The afternoon is free to stroll through town, sample Vienna's famous pastries and walk the historic city center. After dinner, there is an optional Mozart and Strauss concert in one of the great formal concert houses of Imperial Vienna. Following the concert, there will be an illumination tour of the Ringstrasse before returning to the ship. (B,L,D)
CRUISE DAY 6 – MONDAY 9 JULY 2012 * DÜRNSTEIN – MELK
This morning we arrive in Dürnstein, where our walking tour through medieval cobblestone streets passes 16th century town houses, wine taverns, and the blue façade of its famous baroque church. Above the town are the ruins of the castle where Richard the Lionheart, King of England, was imprisoned in 1192. As an alternative to a walking tour of Dürnstein, there is a guided bike tour from Dürnstein to Melk (capacity controlled). During the afternoon the ship arrives in Melk, where we tour the spectacular Melk Abbey, one of Europe’s largest baroque monasteries. The ship moors overnight in Melk. (B,L,D)
CRUISE DAY 7 – TUESDAY 10 JULY 2012 * LINZ – GMUNDEN or CESKY KRUMLOV or SALZBURG
This morning the ship arrives in Linz, the second largest city in Austria. The walking tour takes us along the Landstrasse to the city’s main square. We’ll see St. Mary’s Cathedral, the Marian Column, Landestheatre and St. Martin’s, the oldest church in Austria. This afternoon we have the choice of three different excursions. The first option is a visit to the scenic “Salzkammergut” region, the Austrian Lake District, which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. We’ll explore the historic town of Gmunden, on the shore of Lake Tranusee, and visit the Castle Ort. The second option is 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. Best known for the art and architecture of its historic old town, Cesky Krumlov also has Bohemia’s second largest castle. After the tour, there’s free time to explore the historic city center, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The third choice this afternoon is an optional excursion to Salzburg. The excursion begins with a drive from Linz to Salzburg, with a walking tour of the historic center, famous as the birthplace of Mozart. The tour includes a visit to the Mirabell Gardens, Salzburg Cathedral, Mozart’s Square, and much more. Enjoy free time on your own, before returning to the ship with a scenic drive through the majestic countryside of Austria’s Lake District. (B,L,D)
CRUISE DAY 8 – WEDNESDAY 11 JULY 2012 * PASSAU, GERMANY – VILSHOFEN
Early this morning we cruise through Upper Austria to Passau in Germany, where the rivers Inn and Ilz join the Danube. Our tour takes us through a city that was founded more than 2,000 years ago. Highlights include St. Stephan’s Cathedral, home to the largest cathedral organ in the world. As an alternative to a walking tour of Passau, explore the city on a guided bike tour (capacity controlled). This afternoon, the ship cruises to Vilshofen, a charming 1,200-year-old Bavarian town on the confluence of the river Vils and the Danube. There, we’ll take part in “Oktoberfest.” Relax at long tables and benches, sampling local food and beer accompanied by Bavarian folk music, song and dance. Afterwards, explore the town on your own and then join everyone for a Farewell Dinner. (B,L,D)
CRUISE DAY 9 – THURSDAY 12 JULY 2012 * VILSHOFEN (DISEMBARK) - DEPART FOR U.S.
This morning after breakfast onboard, disembark and head to the airport for homebound flights which arrive back in U.S. on the same day (Thursday 12th July 2012). (B)
THE MOST LUXURIOUS SHIPS ON THE RIVERS
AMAWATERWAYS’ newest ship, the MS AmaCerto, debuts in April of 2012. This deluxe 164-passenger vessel incorporates the most advanced design with spacious staterooms featuring twin balconies (step-out and French); a heated swimming pool; multiple fine dining venues plus complimentary Internet access and interior details that are new to the great rivers of Europe.
Unlike ocean cruising, our river cruise often docks right in the city center so we can tour close to the ship or venture farther into town. The ship’s entire interior is non-smoking and all announcements are in English. AmaCerto’s English-speaking Captain, Cruise Manager and Crew are experienced professionals dedicated to our comfort.
Please note: AMAWATERWAYS makes their best efforts to keep to the itinerary as noted, however, factors may arise during the tour that compel AMAWATERWAYS to adjust the schedule.
EXCELLENT FOOD
One of the most popular aspects of a Alpana Singh and Burt Wolf River Cruise is the excellence of the food. Each full day on- board, there is a full breakfast, lunch, and dinner – with open seating arrangements. There is also a Cocktail Welcome Reception and Dinner, and a Farewell Dinner. AMAWATERWAYS’ on-board culinary staff offers sophisticated menus comprised of homemade soups, fresh produce, high-quality meats, and fresh fish and seafood.
Breakfast on-board: Start each day on-board with a champagne breakfast buffet. Choose from an assortment of breads, pastries, a variety of fresh fruit, yogurt, cereals, cheeses, cold cuts and local sausages, as well as a daily regional special. An array of traditional breakfast items is also available from the menu.
Lunch on-board: Start with hot or cold appetizers and soups, then choose from a selection of entrees, finish off with a dessert and complimentary cappuccino.
Dinner on-board: In the evening, there is a five-course dinner or a theme night with a selection of regional specialties. White and red wines, beer and soft drinks are complimentary throughout dinner. Specialty coffees are available at no charge throughout the day.
YOUR HOSTS
ALPANA SINGH
Master Sommelier Alpana Singh is the host of the three-time Emmy Award-winning restaurant review television show, Check, Please! which airs weekly in Chicago on WTTW. Alpana’s website is www.alpanasingh.com.
BURT WOLF
Since 1982, Burt has written and produced over 4,000 segments for Cable News Network (CNN), 800 segments for ABC (the American Broadcasting Company), 125 half-hour programs for the travel division of The Discovery Channel, and 300 half hours for Public Broadcasting. He has been nominated for two Cable Ace Awards and a national Emmy in connection with culture and history.
EXPENSES NOT INCLUDED
Expenses not included in the Cruise Cost: roundtrip airfare (airline reservation may be made privately or through AMAWATERWAYS), optional travel insurance, port tax ($147.00), optional excursions, miscellaneous on-board expenses (laundry, telephone, minibar, liquor/food not on the regular menu, airport porters, excess baggage fees, gratuities to your Cruise Manager, guides, crew), passport, airport transfers in Europe, lunches/dinners during the optional Post-Cruise Munich Land Tour, and all other items of a personal nature.
For more information please call Burt Wolf Tours & Cruises, LLC toll-free: 1.888.365.3443
or email us at: tour@burtwolf.com.