Culture & Conquest: Exploring Art, Architecture, & the Reformation Along the Romantic Danube: Prague to Budapest

Transcription

1 Culture & Conquest: Exploring Art, Architecture, & the Reformation Along the Romantic Danube: Prague to Budapest On the AmaWaterways AmaStella With the Reverend Canon Arnold Klukas With optional pre-cruise extensions to Prague, Berlin, Wittenberg & Dresden Cruise only: Prague Pre-Cruise: October 21-28, 2016 October 18-21, 2016

2 Dear Friends, The Danube has been as much a cultural conduit as it has been a trade route. Prague was the seat of the Holy Roman Emperor throughout the Middle Ages, and Vienna became the capital of the Austro-Hungarian Empire that dominated European politics and culture from the Reformation until World War I. Along the banks of the Danube are still to be found some of the greatest achievements of European art and science. Our focus will be on the cultural diversity [and often conflict] of the region, and on the period of the region s greatest flourishing in the 15th to 18th centuries; from soaring late Gothic spires of Prague s Cathedral to the ecstatic interiors of Baroque churches such as Melk. Every village along the Danube has its own unique folk history and its own artistic treasures. Those who include the Berlin to Dresden pre-tour will visit sites related to the Lutheran Reformation, such as Wittenberg, where Luther posted his 95 Theses in 1517, and the newly rebuilt Frauenkirche in Dresden. Highlights of the cruise include Regensburg, Vilshofen, Passau, Linz, Weissenkirchen, Vienna, Bratislava, and Budapest. We ll discover UNESCO World Heritage Sites, famous monastic sites, and cities that are thousands of years old. We ll enjoy outstanding concerts, fine dining, and well as award-winning accommodations aboard the AmaWaterways brand-new ship the AmaStella. Please join me next fall for Culture & Conquest, and do call Connoisseurs Tours right away if you are interested in receiving more information or would like to register for this tour. Sincerely, The Reverend Canon Arnold Klukas The Rev. Canon Arnold Klukas, Ph.D. has degrees in theology from Yale and Oxford and a doctorate in Art History from the University of Pittsburgh. He has taught Early Christian and Medieval Art at Oberlin and Smith colleges, Theology and the arts at Emory University and Trinity School for Ministry, and Liturgics and Ascetical Theology at Nashotah House. He is currently an adjunct professor at Trinity School for Ministry. He lectures and publishes widely in Christianity and the visual arts, liturgy and architecture, and in Christian spirituality. Dr. Arnold Klukas and Mrs. Carol Klukas have led study tours to The British Isles, Italy, Germany and now Greece and Turkey.

3 PRAGUE PRE-CRUISE EXTENSION: DAY 1 - OCT. 18: ARRIVE IN PRAGUE, CZECH REPUBLIC Arrive in Prague and check-in to your hotel. The balance of the day is free to start exploring this beautiful city. DAY 2 - OCT. 19: PRAGUE Your morning sightseeing tour takes you to Prague s historic city center, recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Enjoy a panoramic tour of the city before visiting the 1,000 year-old Prague Castle. DAY 4 - OCT. 21: PRAGUE/REGENSBURG/ VILSHOFEN Depart Prague this morning and stop in Regensburg for a guided walking tour of one of Germany s best preserved medieval cities, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. After lunch on your own, continue on to the charming 1,200 year-old Bavarian town of Vilshofen and board your luxurious ship. Later this afternoon, Afterwards, walk over Charles Bridge to the Old Town Square. This evening, an optional Folklore Dinner Show provides an opportunity to learn about Czech music, dance and traditions. (B) DAY 3 - OCT. 20: PRAGUE Spend the day at your leisure or take an optional excursion to Terezin, the infamous Nazi WWII concentration camp that is now a memorial to those who perished. Or choose an optional excursion to Lobkowicz Palace. (B) ** $ per person. Transfer to the ship on the 21st is included. join your fellow passengers at a private Oktoberfest celebration in Vilshofen, with traditional beers and Bavarian folk music and dancing. Later, enjoy a festive Welcome Dinner aboard the ship. (B,D) ** For Cruise Only, all arrivals must be into Prague by October 20th. Overnight in Prague and transfer to Vilshofen is additional cost and must be purchased. DAY 5 - OCT. 22: VILSHOFEN/PASSAU This morning you are free to explore Vilshofen s beautiful old town before cruising to Passau. In the CRUISE EMBARKATION afternoon you will have a walking tour of this 2,000 year-old city, noted for its Gothic and Italian Baroque architecture, cobblestone streets, and St. Stephan s Cathedral. (B,L,D) DAY 6- OCT. 23: LINZ, AUSTRIA The ship arrives this morning in Linz. Enjoy a walking tour of the second largest city in Austria. Later, you will

4 was once imprisoned. Tonight, after dinner on board, enjoy a wine tasting at a local winery. (B,L,D) DAY 8 - OCT. 25: VIENNA During your morning city tour of Vienna, you will see the famous Opera House, the Ringstrasse, and St. Stephen s Cathedral. The afternoon is free to stroll through the historic city center, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, or take an optional excursion to Schonbrunn Palace. This evening, you will have the have a choice of three different excursions. The first option is a visit to the Austrian Lake District, the scenic Salzkammergut region, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The second option is an excursion to the Czech town of Cesky Krumlov, a wonderfully preserved medieval town nestled in the hills just over the Austrian-Czech border. The third choice is an excursion to Salzburg, Mozart s birthplace, where you will take a walking tour of the historic center made famous by the Sound of Music. (B,L,D) DAY 7- OCT. 24: WEISSENKIRCHEN Cruise through the narrow Strudengau this morning en route to Weissenkirchen. A guided tour will take you through Melk s magnificent Benedictine Abbey, one of Europe s largest and most famous monastic sites, home to religious relics and a library filled opportunity to enjoy an optional Mozart and Strauss concert. The ship moors in Vienna overnight. (B,L,D) DAY 9 - OCT. 26: BRATISLAVA Enjoy a scenic morning cruise to Bratislava, Slovakia, where you will have a walking tour that includes the Old Town Hall, Mirbach Palace and St. Martin s Cathedral. As an alternative, take a Communist tour that includes such architectural landmarks as the Radio Building, Liberty Square and Soviet War Memorial. The remainder of the day is free to explore on your own. (B,L,D) DAY 10 - OCT. 27: BUDAPEST This morning, your sightseeing tour takes you to the historic Buda Castle, which offers a splendid view of with medieval manuscripts. From here, continue on to the enchanting town of Dürnstein. On your walking tour of this picturesque old town, you ll see the magnificent blue façade of the local abbey church and the ruins of a castle where Richard the Lionheart

5 BERLIN/WITTENBERG/DRESDEN PRIVATE GERMAN TOUR OCTOBER 15-18, 2016 The Reverend Dr. Arnold & Mrs. Carol Klukas will offer a pre-cruise tour to Wittenberg and other prime locations in Germany where Martin Luther played vital roles as the Reformation unfolded. the river and the twin cities of Buda and Pest, Hungary. Your tour also features the Fisherman s Bastion, the Royal Palace, St. Stephen s Basilica, and Heroes Square. After dinner, the ship will sail a special Illuminations Cruise past the illuminated river front of Budapest. (B,L,D) This small, private German tour will include Berlin, Wittenberg, and Dresden, with 2 Nights in Berlin at the Movenpick Berlin Hotel, and 1 Night at the Steinberger Hotel de Saxe in Dresden. Full breakfast & dinner for 2 nights, all sightseeing, transportation, and guides from Berlin to Prague. Please indicate your interest when you register for the tour. ** $ per person. DAY 11 - OCT. 28: DISEMBARKATION Your cruise comes to an end as you prepare for your homeward flight. (B)

6 FARES & INFORMATION: What s Included in this Cruise: 7 nights deluxe cruise accommodation in an outside state room. Most staterooms offer French balconies or revolutionary Twin Balconies Life enriching tours and excursions daily Entertainment on demand in all staterooms featuring free highspeed Internet access, hit Hollywood movies, extensive music library and English language TV stations Complimentary Wi-Fi access on board Terry bathrobes and white-on-white plush bedding in all staterooms Fine dining with all meals included during your cruise Multiple dining venues on select vessels Free-flowing red & white wines from Europe s great wine regions, beer & soft drinks with every lunch and dinner on board Bottled water in every stateroom replenished daily Cocktail Reception, Welcome Dinner & Captain s Gala Dinner Special highlights including lectures, cooking demonstrations, onboard music performances, and piano music Bicycles to explore on your own & guided bicycle tours Services of professional Cruise Manager All English language on board in a non-smoking environment (smoking permitted only on the Sun Deck) Transfers between hotel and ship are included with the purchase of cruise and land package; airport transfers are included with the purchase of airfare from AmaWaterways All local taxes Pre-Cruise Extension $ per person: 3 nights, 4 days hotel in Prague at the Inter-Continental or Hilton Old Town (or similar), including daily buffet breakfast, tour of the historic city center and other sites, Folklore Dinner Show and leisure time. Transfer from Prague to the ship in Vilshofen included with the Prague extension package, but is an additional cost for Cruise Only Cruise Pricing*: Category Deck Stateroom Cruise Only Cruise & Pre- Cruise Prague Extension Plan E Piano FIxed Windows WAITLIST ONLY $3,199 $2,948 $3,979 $3,748 D Piano Fixed Windows $3,498 $3,248 $4,278 $4,028 C Violin/Cello French Balcony $4,098 $3,848 $4,878 $4,628 BB Cello French & Outside Balcony $4,598 $4,348 $5,378 $5,128 BA Violin French & Outside Balcony $4,798 $4,548 $5,578 $5,328 AB Cello French & Outside Balcony $4,998 $4,748 $5,778 $5,528 AA Violin French & Outside Balcony $5,198 $4,948 $5,978 $5,728 Suite Violin French & Outside Balcony WAITLIST ONLY $6,798 $6,598 $7,598 $7,348 *Fares are per person, based on double occupancy and reflect all savings. *Port charges: $ per person, double occupancy. Category BB pictured above

7 GENERAL INFORMATION, TERMS & CONDITIONS Please read the Terms & Conditions in their entirety prior to making any payment for this tour. Any payment made towards a tour booking shall constitute a confirmation by the Guest on behalf of themselves and all other persons named on their booking that he or she has read, understood, accepted and agreed to the Terms & Conditions of this tour, the terms of which will apply to the Guest and all other persons named on their booking. DEPOSIT & FINAL PAYMENT A Deposit of $ per person is due to reserve a place on this tour. Deposits and payments can be paid by check or any major credit card. Final payment is due July 1, PRICE OF CRUISE & TOUR Cruise prices begin at $ per person double occupancy, depending on the cabin selected. Single Supplement Rates are available, please contact us. The 3-night Prague pre-cruise package adds $ per person double occupancy. Tour cost does not include items of a personal nature. The Travel Insured Group Deluxe travel insurance protection plan is strongly recommended. The cost for the insurance depends on the stateroom selected. Please call us for more information and for Single traveler prices. CONNOISSEURS TOURS PROTECTION PLAN PROVIDED BY TRAVEL INSURED Traveling is a big investment. It pays to protect yourself against unforeseen circumstances that can result in trip cancellation and additional expenses such as costs related to medical emergencies. This Travel Insured Protection Plan is specifically designed to provide you with peace of mind knowing you are protected against the financial impact of unexpected events while on your trip. Additional insurance is available to include the cost of your airfare. Please contact Connoisseurs Tours if you would like to insure the cost of your airline tickets after your have purchased your airline tickets. See below for the Schedule of Coverage: Trip Cancellation* (not applicable if $0 trip cost) Trip Cost* Trip Interruption** ($500 return air only if $0 trip cost) 150% of Trip Cost* Cancel for Work Reasons Trip Cost* Trip Delay 6 hours $750 ($150/day) Baggage/Personal Effects $1,500 Baggage Delay 24 hours $400 Accident & Sickness Medical Expense $50,000 Emergency Evacuation & Repatriation $250,000 Accidental Death & Dismemberment $25,000 Worldwide Emergency Assistance Services Included *Up to the lesser of the Trip Cost paid or the limit of Coverage for which benefits are requested and the appropriate plan cost has been paid. Maximum limit of $10,000 **150% of Trip Cost paid up to a maximum of $10,000 for the unused portion of Your Trip and the transportation cost to re-join the Trip or return home. CANCELLATION CHARGES $ from the time of booking to 120 days prior to departure is non-refundable. $ per person from 120 days to 90 days prior to departure is non-refundable. 50% of the cruise & land price from 89 to 60 days prior to departure. 100% of the cruise & land price from 59 to 0 days prior to departure. All cancellations must be in writing. RESPONSIBILITY Connoisseurs Tours acts only as an agent for the traveler with respect to transportation, accommodations and other services offered on the tour. Connoisseurs Tours and their agents assume no responsibility or liability for any act, error or omission, or for any injury, loss, accident or delay or irregularity that may be caused by any defect in any aircraft, ship, train, bus or other carrier or through neglect or default of any sub- contractor or other third party. The passage contract in use by the carriers when issued shall constitute the sole contract between the carriers and the traveler. Connoisseurs Tours and/or their agents will not be responsible for loss, injury, damages or expenses to person or property, due to illness, weather, strikes, local laws, hostilities, wars, terrorist acts, acts of nature or other such causes in connection with the tour for anything beyond their reasonable control. Connoisseurs Tours is not responsible for transportation or other delays or changes in the tour program beyond their control, nor any additional expenses or loss of time that may be incurred by the traveler. It may be necessary or advisable for the well-being of all travelers to alter the itinerary at any time, without notice to the travelers, and such alterations will be made without penalty to Connoisseurs Tours. Connoisseurs Tours reserves the right to decline or not to retain any person as a member of any tour or to change or withdraw a tour as circumstances demand. All rates quoted are based on tariffs in effect at the time the tour was planned and are subject to change in the event of adjustment therein. Baggage is carried at the owner s risk and baggage insurance is recommended. Connoisseurs Tours reserves the right to substitute hotels of equal or superior quality. The proposals of this section are governed by Georgia law, and final payment by the traveler to Connoisseurs Tours shall be deemed to be consent to the above provisions. VALIDITY October 28, 2015 through April 28, 2017

8 Name: Address: City: State: Zip: Telephone: Rooming With: Please Reserve RESERVATION FORM Culture & Conquest, Oct , 2016 Prague Pre-Cruise Oct , 2016 place(s) for this tour A deposit in the amount of $ per person is required for a reservation I wish to purchase single accommodations: I wish to purchase the Connoisseurs Tours Protection Plan Please contact me about airline reservations Yes, I am interested in the Prague Pre-Cruise Extension: October 18-21, 2016 Yes, I am interested in the Berlin pre-cruise Extension: October 15-18, 2016 Enclosed is a deposit of $ for people Check (Checks should be made payable to Connoisseurs Tours) Credit Card: Visa Mastercard Amex Discover Card# Exp. Date: / Sec. Code: I have read and understand the Terms and Conditions of this tour. Signature: Please mail your reservation form and deposit to: Connoisseurs Tours 110 McIntosh Dr. Savannah, GA