Welcome to The Fort Worth Chamber of Commerce
Blue Danube 2013
Blue Danube Adventure: Budapest & Nuremberg Special Sailing
October 20-28, 2013
Over nine days, visit four countries-Hungary, Slovakia, Austria and Germany. This cruise will take you into the heart of some of the most breathtaking scenery in Europe. Our itinerary will transport us into the resurgent nations of Central Europe, with calls in the splendid cities of Budapest, Bratislava, Vienna, Dürnstein, Melk, Linz, Passau, Regensburg and Nuremberg. Since we'll be traveling aboard a luxurious river boat, we'll need to unpack only once as we enjoy the unfolding views of the beautiful Danube from the comfort of our spacious cabins. Come join us for this amazing Blue Danube Adventure!
YOUR SPACE SHIP: Laidback elegance and relaxing luxuries are paramount features of the MS Scenic Crystal or MS Scenic Pearl. Enjoy panoramic views of Europe as you walk the outdoor track on the Sun Deck; or, for amore intimate experience, relax on your private balcony. Gourmet meals with wine are available each day in the dining room or on selected evenings in Portobello's, an exclusive Italian restaurant. You can also enjoy coffee and tea, which are available all day. Each cabin and suite boasts a superior queen bed and other amenities, including a flat screen television and minibar. After a full day of touring, relax to live piano music in the ship's lounge.
- *The special early-bird double occupancy price for Fort Worth Chamber-members is $3,199 and for non-members is $3,299, guaranteed with a $600 non-refundable deposit and application form received by 5 p.m., Tuesday, April 30, 2013.
- After April 30th 2013, pricing starts at $3,299-Fort Worth Chamber members; $3,399 non-members.
- A passport is required. For a fee, Chamber member Erik Leighton, e_leighton@justpassports.com, www.justpassports.com can help you with your passport.
Trip includes:
- Transfers from airport to the riverboat and from riverboat to the airport with luggage handling for one checked bag per person.
- Services of a professional cruise director throughout the program.
- Luxurious accommodations for seven nights on the MS Scenic Crystal or similar, inclusive of port charges.
- Daily gourmet meals onboard: a rich buffet breakfast, a festive lunch buffet, afternoon tea & coffee with cake, cookies and sandwichesand a multi-course dinner with free flowing red and white wine from the local regions, beer or soft drinks. Selection of wines and spiritsare also available at additional cost. Free coffee and tea are included all day.
- Free Wi-Fi
- 5* butler service for all Upper Danube Deck Cabins
- Access to the exclusive Portobellos fine Italian restaurant (by reservation only).
- Applicable entrance fees, admission charges.
- Welcome drink upon arrival
- Nightly piano music.
- Deluxe air-conditioned motor coach transportation for all transfers, tours and guided excursions.
- Daily shore excursion program (outlined and included in the itinerary) during the cruise with local English-speaking guides in Budapest,Bratislava, Melk Abbey, Passau, Vienna. The use of our Guide System headsets is also included at no additional cost.
- Optional tour excursions to Salzburg, Vienna and Mozart concert available at an additional cost.
- Jet Vacations holds over 20 years of experience in the travel industry offering assistance and advice in fundraising programs.
Your River Cruise Ship Beautiful view from your room
Luxurious bar area Beautiful lounge with great river views
Itinerary:
Day 1 10/20 DFW/Budapest
Depart Dallas (DFW) for Budapest, Hungary.
Day 2 10/21 Budapest (D)
Welcome to Budapest, one of Eastern Europe's most ancient cites. A Jet Vacations Representative will personally greet you and arrange your transfer* to your luxury Scenic 'Space-Ship'. On board be warmly welcomed by your dedicated crew. After unpacking for the start of your 7 nights voyage, join your fellow travellers for a Welcome Cocktail in the lounge. (Dinner)
Day 3 10/22 Budapest – Bratislava (FB,L,D)
This morning, your sightseeing tour takes you to historic Buda Castle from where you can enjoy a splendid view of the twin cities of Buda and Pest spread over both banks of the River. Your tour also features the distinctive Fisherman's Bastion, the Royal Palace and SI. Matthias Church, which is officially known as The Church of Our Lady and has a long and illustrious history. Afterward, your afternoon is free to explore on your own. Enjoy dinner onboard and in the evening The MS Scenic Crystal or Pearl will sail for Bratislava. As we leave Budapest you will have a chance to see Budapest landmarks such as The Chain Link Bridge and Parliament illuminated at night, a breathtaking sight. (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)
Day 4 10/23 Bratislava -Vienna (FB,L,D)
Wake up this morning in Bratislava, capital of the Slovak Republic. This morning enjoy a walking tour of the city's major sights, including the Old Town Hall, the stunning Mirbach Palace and Gothic St. Martin's Cathedral. Later, there is time to explore on your own, before cruising the Danube enroute to Vienna. Evening in Vienna on your own. Upon arrival in Vienna, you can take an optional tour to see a Mozart concert with included dinner. (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)
Day 5 10/24 Vienna (FB,L,D)
Vienna is a timeless Austrian city which combines beauty and charm with culture, style and sophistication. Enjoy a guided half-day city tour followed by free time in the city center. You will see the Ringstrasse known for such magnificent buildings as the Museum of Applied Arts, the State Opera House, the Museum of Fine Arts and the Museum of Natural History. You will also take a walking tour of St. Stephen's Cathedral. You will have free time to stroll along the main shopping street in Vienna, the Karntnerstrasse, or sample some coffee and pastries in one of Vienna's world-famous coffeehouses. (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)
Day 6 10/25 Durnstein - Melk Abbey (FB,L,D)
In the morning arrive in Dürnstein, where you will have time to explore this lovely town on your own. You will marvel at the magnificent blue façade of the baroque Stiftskirche. Above town you'll spot the ruins of the castle where Richard the Lionheart, King of England, was imprisoned in 1192. Your walking tour through medieval cobblestone streets reveals 16th-century town houses and wine taverns. Afterwards, you will return to the ship and set sail to Melk Abbey location of the famous Benedictine Abbey, one of Europe's largest baroque monasteries, which you will tour today. The Benedictine Abbey, located on the banks of the Danube River between Salzburg and Vienna, stands crowned by towers and is resplendent in a golden hue. Enjoy an Organ concert. (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)
Day 7 10/26 Linz - Passau (FB,L,D)
Arrive in Passau and disembark for a guided city tour which takes you on an in-depth exploration of this fairy-tale city founded more than 2,000 years ago. Situated at the confluence of the rivers Danube, Inn and llz, Passau is known worldwide as "The Three Rivers City". Passau with its unique charm and its atmosphere is one of the most beautiful and spectacular German cities on the Danube. On this day, as a substitution for Passau excursions, you will be able to take an optional tour to Salzburg, the birthplace of Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart. If you have seen the movie The Sound of Music, you may already be familiar with Salzburg, though nothing surpasses experiencing this picturesque Austrian city firsthand. Admittedly, it is difficult not to burst into song when you're walking along the Salzach River, or climbing up to the Hohensalzburg fortress, which looms over the city, but there is a lot more to this compact, courtly city than the Julie Andrews film. (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)
Day 8 10/27 Regensburg (FB,L,D)
This morning’s scenic cruising takes you through the final stretch of the Main-Danube Canal and arrives in Regensburg, one of Germany’s best preserved medieval cities. A guided walking tour will show you the city’s architectural highlights, including the Old Town Hall and the Porta Praetoria, gates to an ancient Roman fort built in 179 AD. On this day, enjoy a Bavarian tour with sausages tasting. Afternoon sailing on to Nuremberg. (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)
Day 9 10/28 Nuremberg (FB)
This Morning you will be transferred* by your Jet Vacations Representative to Munich Airport for your onward or homebound flight or to your post extension to Prague. If you purchased the optional extension to Prague, you will experience a morning World War II” tour, which focuses on Nuremberg during the time of the Third Reich. Designated the City of the Reichsparteitage (Nazi Party Rallies), you will visit the Zeppelin Field where Hitler once held his Nazi rallies, the Coliseum, and the Justice Palace courtroom where the War Crimes Tribunal sat in 1946 (when available), then transfer by deluxe coach to your Hotel in Prague for your 3 night post stay.
Three Night Optional Prague Extension:
- Available for $799 double occupancy / $249 single supplement including a full-day tour of Prague.
Day 9 10/28 Nuremberg - Prague (FB)
Breakfast and transfer by Deluxe coach to your Prague hotel.
Day 10 10/29 Prague (FB)
Breakfast – Full Day tour of Prague
After breakfast, enjoy a full day guided city tour of Prague.
In the morning you will see Strahov Monastery, founded in the 12th century, with its library consisting of two baroque halls for theological and philosophical reading. From the terracie you have an outstanding view of Prague. Continue to Loreto Chapel and to Prague Castle, where you will enjoy a walking tour of the castle district area. Enjoy a visit to St. Vllus Cathedral, the largest of the Prague churches constructed over a period of six centuries. The cathedral reflects many evolving architectural styles from High Gothic to Art Nouveau. Afterwards also visit the Old Royal Palace, St. George's Basilica and Golden Lane with Daliborka Tower.
Free time for lunch.
After free time for lunch, cross the pedestrian Charles Bridge to the Old Town over the Vltava River and continue your sightseeing with the Old Town Square dating from the 12th century. Over the centuries buildings of Romaneque, Baroque and Gothic styles were erected around the market, each bringing them stories of wealthy merchants and political intrigue. You will see the Old Town Hall and Tower with the Astronomical Clock, the Tyn Church and the St. Nicolas Church. Afterwards walk by the Jewish Quarter and see the best preserved complex of Jewish historical monuments in whole Europe. Six Synagogues remained including the Old New Synagogue and the Spanish Syngagogue plus the Jewish Town Hall that is one of the most remarkable of its kind. Finally visit the Wenczelas Square and see the boulevard with the National Museum and the Prague State Opera house.
Your tour ends back at your hotel .
Day 11 10/30 Prague (FB)
Breakfast – Full day at leisure
Day 12 10/31 Departure day (FB)
After Breakfast, pick up at your hotel in Prague and transfer to the Prague airport for your flight back to the US.
- Blue Danube River Adventure Registration
Return your completed registration form by secure fax 1-866-336-2477 or mail to attention Monta Noe, Fort Worth Chamber of Commerce, 777 Taylor St., Ste. 900, Fort Worth, TX, 76102.
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For more info on itinerary, updates and briefings, contact Marilyn Gilbert at 817-338-3330 or Monta Noe at 817-338-3331.