Austria

A great combination of journeying through the former Austro-Hungarian Empire and Germany’s Bavaria visiting the jewels of Central Europe – Austria & Germany

The first part of the trip is in Austria, as we cruise the famed Danube River. We start in Vienna, the glittering capital of the Hapsburg Empire for more than 600 years. Then we cruise the Danube to Linz, with its traces of the past. Then we end our cruising in the romantic town of Passau. After disembarkation, we board our coach to the “Sound of Music” city, Salzburg, known for its old-world charm

The 2^nd part of our tour is in Germany and features its most popular city, Munich, a joyous showcase for art, music, great food and fun. Included in our Munich stay will be a full day touring the historic region of fairytale castles in Bavaria

This tour includes just about everything you need on your trip – flights, accommodations, cruising, sightseeing, entertainment, most of your meals, all drinks while cruising, plus enjoying the sites of two of Europe’s most popular countries – Austria & Germany

Please note. Because of our cruise’s popularity at this time of the year, we have been given a limited cabin allotment as indicated in the pricing chart. So reservations will be accepted on a first-come first-served basis.

ITINERARY

Day 1- Friday, March 30: Depart Montauk & East Hampton
This afternoon, we depart Montauk and also East Hampton for our ride to the airport to board our overnight flight to Vienna.

Day 2- Saturday, March 31: Arrival Vienna and transfer to the cruise ship (L/D)
Morning arrival, where we will transfer to board our cruise ship and settle into our cabins. After lunch, we will have an afternoon tour of the famous baroque Schönbrunn Palace that that was built in 1713 and was generally used as the summer residence of the Habsburgs. Emperor Francis Joseph, who was born here in 1830, spent the last years of his life entirely in Schönbrunn. Owing to its historical importance, (it has been a world cultural heritage site since 1996), beautiful location, magnificent architecture and the splendid layout of its gardens, this palace is considered the top sight in Vienna. A special gem is the baroque style park surrounding the palace. After our visit, what better way to be introduced to Vienna than with some Applestrudel in the “Schönbrunn Old Bakery.” an old time romantic cellar with the “Hofbackstube Schönbrunn.” Here you have the chance to watch first hand an original professional sugar baker making the world famous and delicious “Viennese Apple Strudel ,” followed by a tasting. Then return to our cruise ship for dinner. Overnight on the cruise ship, the A-Rosa Donna.

Day 3- Sunday, April 1: In Vienna – Full day touring Vienna (B/L/D)
After breakfast, we depart our ship for a unique way of seeing Vienna – “RMC Style.” We start with a transfer to the Prater Amusement Park where we will get onboard cabins of the world famous (and city landmark) Ferris wheel for a unique view of Vienna. After our Ferris wheel ride we disembark and have a walking tour of the city including the Opera House, the Cathedral, etc. This is followed by a typical Viennese lunch at a local restaurant before returning to our cruise ship about 3:30 pm. We have the balance of the day free for independent exploration. Dinner and overnight on board the cruise ship.

Day 4- Monday, April 2: Cruise the Danube to Linz (B/L/D)
Morning cruising on the Danube as we pass old castles and small villages. Afternoon arrival in Linz. After lunch, we have a city tour of this charming old Austrian town. We start by boarding the “Linz City Express” – a small sightseeing train – takes us on a comfortable ride through the capital of Upper Austria to explore the traces of the past. Enjoy the ride along the Main Square, past the various sights and to the New Cathedral while listening to information about the city. After visiting the New Cathedral – also known as the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception, we will discover Linz’s tradition in the Cafe Jindrak with a piece of “Linzer Torte” and a coffee. The Cafe Jindrak is one of the traditional confectioneries in Linz and is the official house of the “Linzer Torte.” From here, we can comfortably walk back to the ship at our own pace. Overnight on the cruise ship.

Day 5- Tuesday, April 3: Cruise to Passau where cruise part of the tour ends & onto Salzburg by coach (B/D)
Continue our cruise into Passau, once described as “one of the most beautifully situated cities in the world” due to its remarkable position on the confluence of three rivers. After breakfast, we disembark our cruise ship and board our coach to the “Sound of Music” city, Salzburg. Lunch is on our followed by an afternoon walking sightseeing tour of the UNESCO-protected Old Town seeing landmarks including the Cathedral, Mozarteum and St Peter’s Cemetery, whose colonnades famously provided hiding for the Von Trapp family in the 1960 Sound of Music musical. We walk along the cobbled Getreidegasse shopping street, and learn about Salzburg’s most famous former resident, Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, as we pause outside the composer’s house. See the Mirabell Palace and its gardens, the backdrop to the famous ‘Do Re Mi’ scene in The Sound of Music, and take in the views of the Hohensalzburg, the hilltop fortress looming over the city. Return to our hotel where we have dinner and our overnight in Salzburg.

Day 6- Wednesday, April 4: Morning in Salzburg. Afternoon to Munich (B/D)
Morning free for independent activities in charming Salzburg. A chance to walk around and do some shopping in this fairytale town of narrow streets and enticing shops. In the afternoon, we board our coach for the short journey into Germany and the gateway to Bavaria’s capital, Munich, known as one of Europe’s most beautiful cities. Welcome dinner this evening at a Bavarian “brauhaus” to enjoy some German beer and wine.

Day 7- Thursday, April 5: In Munich. Morning City Tour. Afternoon optional tour to Dachau (B)
After breakfast, we have an introduction city tour that will give us a great overview of Munich. We cross Konigsplatz, and pass the renowned art galleries Lenbachhaus, plus the Old and New Pinakothek museums. We will see the former artists’ quarter Schwabing and travel along the impressive Ludwig and Prinzregentenstreet, which are lined by magnificent buildings such as the Theatiner Church, the Hall of Generals (Feldherrnhalle), the House of Arts, the Bavarian National Museum and the Angel of Peace.
The afternoon is free, or take an optional tour to uncover the history behind the Nazi concentration camp at Dachau. Outside the town of Dachau, a memorial site stands on the grounds of the former concentration camp. Dachau was the first Nazi concentration camp in Germany during the Holocaust, and it was the originator and training ground for the vast order of brutality that spread over half of Europe in the wake of the armies of the Third Reich, and which ultimately culminated in history’s greatest crime. On this half-day tour, you’ll spend around three hours exploring the memorial site with your guide. Tour the exhibition center and former compound, and learn about the history of Dachau, World War II, and the Holocaust. See reconstructed barracks, guardhouses, cells, crematorium, and administration headquarters, and take a moment to reflect at the site’s memorials. While each camp was responsible for its own particular form of barbarism, what distinguished Dachau is that almost everything that happened in the system as a whole happened at some level there. Evening on our own. 

Day 8- Friday, April 6: In Munich – Full day Castle Tour excursion to the Bavaria Alps (B/L/D)
A truly royal day with a full day excursion to the fairytale castles of Linderhof and Neuschwanstein (The one in Disneyworld) as we travel through the Bavaria Alps including the picturesque village of Oberammergau. Departing Munich, we start with a visit the smallest of the Royal castles, Linderhof, which was built by King Ludwig II during the 19th century as a hunting lodge. Built in French Rococo style, the castle has a Moorish pavilion that will be visited during our one hour stay After departing Linderhof, we continue for a lunch stop in Oberammergau, world-famous for its woodcarvers, richly painted houses (Luftl-paintings) and its well-known Passion Play. After lunch, we continue to Neuschwanstein, where it will quickly become clear as to why this magnificent neo-Romanesque style castle is the most well-known castle in the world. It appears through the mist like something out of a fairytale, and you will not be surprised to hear that the man who conceived its design – “Mad King Ludwig,” was considered quite eccentric. If it all seems very familiar, it may be because the castle was the inspiration for Disneyworld and also Disney’s Sleeping Beauty Castle. Return to Munch in the late afternoon and after a bit of time to refresh ourselves. Then we are off to our evening Farewell dinner at Munich’s famous Ratskeller restaurant in the town’s old City Hall that opened in 1867 and has treated guests in its rooms with Bavarian specialties for many years.

Day 9- Saturday, April 7: Back to NYC – Tour Ends (B)
Transfer to the Munich Airport and board our flight back to JFK where after Immigration & Customs, we head back to the East End. 

Your Tour Includes:
* Round trip transportation from the East End to JFK
* Round trip flights to Vienna and return from Munich
* Airport transfers
* A 4-Day/3-Night cruise on board our Danube River cruise ship, the “A-Rosa”
* Outside cabin accommodations in the deck level you select
* Breakfast, lunch, dinner with regional & seasonal specialties, which cruising
* Afternoon coffee, tea and cake while cruising
* ALL DRINKS on board the cruise including alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages
* Free Wi-Fi onboard
* Onboard entertainment
* Use of the cruise ship’s Fitness Center
* First Class hotel accommodations for 1 night in Salzburg and 3 nights in Munich
* All hotel taxes and service charges
* Breakfast every day at hotels
* Lunches on some of the full day sightseeing tours
* Dinner at the Salzburg hotel, plus additional dinners in Munich (see below)
* Coach transportation in Austria and Germany

Extra Features:
* Special Welcome to Bavaria dinner in Munich
* Farewell dinner with Oom-pa-pa music at Munich’s famous Ratskeller restaurant first opened in 1867
* Sightseeing city tours of Vienna, Linz, Salzburg and Munich
* Full day sightseeing tour to the Bavarian Alps
* Visit Neuschwanstein Castle (the real one duplicated in Disneyworld) and the Passion Play town, Oberammergau
* Optional Tour to the Nazi Concentration Camp at Dachau

OUR CRUISE SHIP
Part of the stylish A-Rosa fleet, the A-Rosa Donna has 100 air-conditioned outside cabins. Her extensive public amenities promise relaxation and recreation, as well as opportunities for fitness and well-being. Take some time to get pampered in the Spa Rosa or enjoy the views from the upper deck. Even hone your golf skills on the putting green. This is a bi-lingual ship with information provided in both English and German, and an international cruise host on board.

Cabins
This tour features all Outside Staterooms: Our cozy Outside stateroom, although like all river cruise ships, is small, but is very comfortable and features the experience of German & Austrian hospitality. Twin beds, air conditioning, private bathroom, hair dryer, TV and safety deposit box They are designed to be the ideal personal space, while at the same time the cabin stewards with their flawless personalized service make sure we have everything we need.

Restaurant
The A-Rosa Donna has a large restaurant with its own area for al fresco dining. Dining on board is a relaxed affair with no set seating plans or dress codes. Breakfast, lunch and dinner are included on all cruises. And each day, the chef will prepare varied buffets. We can enjoy freshly prepared regional, traditional and seasonal specialties such as grilled meat and fish, plus there is also a selection of light, healthy dishes including salads, fruit and soups.

Lounge Bar
The A-Rosa Donna boasts a large lounge and bar area, complete with dance floor. Relax and take in the stunning views by day. In the evening, enjoy the lively entertainment as you chat with your friends.

Sun Deck
Onboard the A-Rosa Donna you will find an extensive and well-equipped Sun Deck, featuring both shaded and open areas, a bar, shuffleboard, putting green and a whirlpool. Relax on a sun lounger and enjoy a drink as you take in the stunning Danube views. On occasion, we may also be able to enjoy a meal prepared on deck by the chefs from the open-air cooking station.

Spa
Enjoy utter relaxation in the onboard spa. Facilities include a sauna with views of the river, a steam room, massage and beauty treatments are available. The spa is stocked with a wide range of beauty and body treatments with high-quality St Babor and St Barth products.

Gym
The ship has its own fitness room, equipped with cardiovascular equipment. There also will be a selection of excursions available will also generally include some optional cycling tours and possibly Nordic walking, so keeping fit on board is both easy and enjoyable.

CABIN DESCRIPTIONS & ALLOTMENTS
Category B Twin/Double Cabin (Deck 3) – THIRTEEN (13) CABINS AVAILABLE
The ship’s 7 Category B Cabins are located on Deck 3, the upper accommodation deck. These stylish cabins feature floor-to-ceiling panoramic windows offering some excellent river views. The cabins are fully air-conditioned, have en-suite shower, WC and are furnished with twin beds or together to form a double.

Category C Twin/Double Cabin (Deck 2) TWO (2) CABINS AVAILABLE
These premium cabins are found on Deck 2 and with full length windows and a Juliet balcony, they offer the best views on the ship. The Category C Cabins are furnished with twin beds. As with all accommodation on the ship, these cabins have private en suite facilities, air-conditioning and cabin amenities include a television and telephone.

Category “A” TRIPLE Cabin (Deck 1) – TWO (2) CABINS AVAILABLE
The Category A Cabins are situated on the lower accommodation deck and feature twin beds, which can be pushed together to form a double, as well as a sofabed for a third passenger. The cabins are fully air-conditioned, offer river views through a small window and have modern en-suite bathrooms with shower and WC.

Please Read the Terms and Conditions for this Tour

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PRICE PER PERSON

IN “B” CATEGORY CABIN & TWIN-BEDDED ROOM AT HOTELS
Per Person in Double Occupancy Cabin
$3,199 via check or money order
$3,369 via credit card

Per Person in Single Occupancy Cabin (very limited availability):
$3,499 via check or money order
$3,689 via credit card

IN “C” CATEGORY CABIN & TWIN-BEDDED ROOM AT HOTELS
Per Person in Double Occupancy Cabin
$3,299 via check or money order
$3,49 via credit card

Per Person in Single Occupancy Cabin (very limited availability):
$3,399 via check or money order
$3,579 via credit card

IN “A” CATEGORY TRIPLE CABIN & TRIPLE-BEDDED ROOM AT HOTELS
Per Person in Triple Occupancy Cabin
$2,999 via check or money order
$3,539 via credit card

Add to above costs:
U.S. airline facility, security, taxes and Surcharge $385 ($409 via credit card)
Prepaid Gratuities onboard the cruise and also for guides, etc. $115 ($121 via credit card)

Optional afternoon tour to Dachau – $49 ($52)