Danube River Cruise with Elgin Area Chamber 10.23.22 to 11.1.22

Description

Departing October 23, 2022

Welcome aboard the MS Amadeus Imperial for a 7 night cruise visiting 4 European countries along the Danube. Our ports of call include Budapest, Bratislava, Vienna, Melk and Linz. We have chartered the entire ship and would love to have you join us on our  Journey of Discovery as we cruise the Danube.  Our cruise is not only a "Memory in the Making" but a great value as well.

We've joined with other local Chambers of Commerce to offer this opportunity to you to travel the Danube. Anyone is welcome to join the trip!

Complete travel information here 


 

•  Itinerary

• HIGHLIGHTS & PORTS
  DAY 1 (Oct 23): USA – Munich
  Depart the USA for Munich today.  
  (in-flight meals)

• Day 2 (Oct 24):  Munich
  Upon arrival in Munich you will be greeted at the airport and transported to your Munich area hotel. Located at the river Isar in the south of Bavaria, is famous for its beautiful architecture, fine culture, and the annual Oktoberfest beer celebration. Munich’s cultural scene is second to none and the city center appears mostly as it did in the late 1800s. 

• Day 3 (Oct 25):  Munich - Passau
  Today you will enjoy a tour of the city of Munich. Admire architectural wonders like the Old Town Hall, St Peter’s Church and the Munich Residenz; stroll through the lively Viktualienmarkt; and see the world-famous Hofbräuhaus beer hall. Accompanied by an expert guide, you’ll have ample opportunities to learn more about Munich’s history, cultural heritage and beer-brewing legacy, while walking between the central squares of Marienplatz and Odeonsplatz. Continuing on you will enjoy a scenic drive to Passau, a fairy-tale city founded more than 2,000 years ago, with its unique charm and atmosphere, Passau is one of the most beautiful and spectacular German cities on the Danube. Later this afternoon we will transfer you to the elegant Amadeus ship. Upon embarkation, you will be greeted with a welcome drink. The 5-star Amadeus Queen is sure to offer outstanding accommodations for your 7 night cruise. This evening enjoy a Welcome Aboard Dinner with your fellow travelers. (B, D)

• Day 4 (Oct 26): Regensburg
  Today enjoy a tour of the historic city of Regensburg. Founded by the Romans in 179 AD as Casta Regina (meaning Fortress by the River Regen), Regensburg is one of Germany’s oldest towns. It was relatively spared from Allied bombings during World War II. Today, many flock to see the wonderfully intact old city and its many medieval structures. The 12th-century Stone Bridge was used by Crusaders en route to the Holy Land. The Regensburg Cathedral  (or Dom St. Peter) is one of southern Germany’s finest examples of Gothic architecture. This evening we will make our way back to Passau. (B, L, D) 

• Day 5 (Oct 27):  Passau - Linz
  The ship returns this morning for a short stop at the three-rivers city of Passau, lying at the confluence of the Danube, the Inn and the 
  Ilz. In the morning, explore the city on your own or take a guided walking excursion. At St. Stephen’s Cathedral, see an organ with 17,774 pipes and 233 registers, the second largest in the world. Passau is also the starting point for the full day optional Salzburg excursion. For those remaining on board, relax on the Sun Deck and take in the scenery as the ship moves toward its late afternoon visit to Linz - the third largest city in Austria. Join the walking tour and stroll down the main street which leads to the medieval town square.  Enjoy the world famous Linzer Torte (Linzer Cake) in one of the local bakeries before returning to the ship. (B,L,D)

• Day 6 (Oct 28): Durnstein - Melk - Vienna
  This morning presents an opportunity to visit the beautiful Baroque Benedictine Abbey of Melk, which sits on a rocky outcrop overlooking the Danube. This Baroque jewel is filled with beautiful frescoes created by pre-eminent artists of the 18th century and a magnificent library with priceless manuscripts. During lunch onboard, the ship continues to  Dürnstein, a picturesque wine growers’ village located in the heart of the UNESCO World Heritage Site of the Wachau Valley. Explore the village with a local guide or choose an excursion to a local vineyard to sample some of the region’s famous Grüner Veltliner wines. The ship arrives in Vienna later this evening. (B,L,D) (Overnight in Vienna)  

• Day 7 (Oct 29):  Vienna
  After breakfast you will explore the fascinating city of Vienna on our included Vienna City Tour. Explore Vienna’s magnificent Ring Boulevard with all its glorious sights such as the Vienna State Opera, Imperial Palace, Parliament and City Hall. You will fall in love with this city. This afternoon enjoy exploring on your own or join our optional Schonbrunn Palace Tour which affords a visit to the former imperial residence of Empress Maria Theresia.  The palace is one of Austria’s most significant cultural sights. This evening, after dinner, you might enjoy our optional Sounds of Vienna Concert. (B,L,D)  

• Day 8 (Oct 30): Bratislava
  This morning we visit Bratislava, the capital of Slovakia, which is situated at the foothills of the Carpathian Mountains on the banks of the Danube River. Enjoy an included City Walking Tour of this carefully restored old town. Stroll through Kapilus Lane, where you will be able see the seminar of the priests as well as the Gothic Church of the Clarissin Order. The market square features the highlights of the Old Town, the Roland fountain, the impressive townhouses of the former nobility and the ‘Primatial Palace’ with its remarkable gallery of famous European artists. The 17th century Gobelin collection is particularly worth seeing.  On the way back to the vessel, you will pass by the ‘Hviedaslav Square’ with the Opera House, the Ganymed Fountain and the concert hall. 
  (B,L,D)

• Day 9 (Oct 31): Esztergom - Budapest
  Relax on board as the ship makes its way to Budapest, Hungary. For those interested in exploring the Hungarian countryside, the optional excursion departs in Esztergom, with its basilica dedicated to Saint Mary, and continues to Szentendre, known for its art galleries and museums. Rejoin the ship after it docks in Budapest in time for lunch. This afternoon, explore the beautiful Hungarian capital of Budapest on a panoramic tour. The unique Chain Bridge straddles the Danube, connecting the Buda side, with its Fisherman’s Bastion, and the Pest side, with its iconic Hungarian Parliament building.  (B, L, D) 
  (Overnight in Budapest)

• Day 10 (Nov 1):  Budapest-USA
  After disembarking, we will travel to the airport for your flight home, taking with you warm memories of new places and friends. (B)

  LEGEND: (  ) = Included meal, B = Breakfast, L = Lunch, D = Dinner