Danube Passage: Prague to Sophia - SOLD OUT

Journey through eight countries, discover old-world capitals and charming villages along the Danube River. After three nights exploring Prague, embark the MS Amadeus Star for an eight-night river cruise. Visit Passau, Melk and Dürnstein, the Wachau Valley, Vienna, Bratislava and Budapest. Wander through Kalemegdan Citadel in Belgrade, and sail through the Iron Gate Gorge. Disembark for two nights in Sofia.

Dates
Sep 3 - Sep 17, 2019  (15 Days)
Cost

from $4,995 per person, double occupancy

For more Information
travel@commonwealthclub.org

(415) 597-6720

    Tuesday, September 3
    In Transit

    Depart your gateway city for Prague, Czech Republic.

    Wednesday, September 4
    Prague, Czech Republic

    Upon arrival in Prague, transfer to the Art Deco Imperial Hotel. Enjoy a free afternoon to create your own itinerary in Prague, a magnificent city spread along both banks of the Vltava River. Tonight, gather for a Welcome Reception. 
    Art Deco Imperial Hotel (R,D)

    Thursday, September 5
    Prague

    Explore Prague's Old Town and Charles Bridge. See the famous Clock Tower, whose 15th-century astronomical clock still works on its original system. Then stroll along the ornate Charles Bridge, Prague’s most familiar landmark. The remainder of the day is at leisure to make discoveries in beautiful Prague.
    Art Deco Imperial Hotel (B)

    Friday, September 6
    Prague

    Choose one of these morning excursions:

    Lobkowicz Palace and Museum: Set within the Prague Castle complex, this 16th-century palace features stunning masterpieces, art, weapons and musical instruments from the 12th-20th centuries. During your visit, learn about the legacies of the noble Lobkowicz family.

    Prague’s Jewish Quarter: Explore the Jewish Quarter and the Prague National Jewish Museum, a showcase of Jewish history and treasures. Housed in the quarter’s synagogues, the exhibits provide fascinating insight into Jewish history.

    Art Nouveau and Cubism: See Prague’s 20th-century architecture including buildings built in the art nouveau and cubist fashions. Learn to recognize the different architectural styles, and listen to historical accounts.

    Spend the afternoon pursuing your own interests. Visit some of Prague’s museums and galleries, or wander through the Old Town.
    Art Deco Imperial Hotel (B)

    Saturday, September 7
    Prague / Passau, Germany

    After breakfast, transfer to Passau, Germany. Nestled at the confluence of the Danube, Ilz and Inn rivers, Passau has been called “one of the world’s most beautifully situated towns.” See many highlights, including St. Stephen’s Cathedral, Veste Oberhaus and Niedernburg Abbey. Embark your first-class ship and kick off your Danube cruise during a Welcome Aboard Reception and Dinner.
    MS Amadeus Star (B,D)

    Sunday, September 8
    Melk, Austria / Dürnstein

    Visit Melk’s Benedictine abbey, an architectural jewel that dates from 1736, and admire spectacular views of the Danube from the abbey’s terrace. This afternoon, enjoy sailing through the Wachau Valley, one of Europe’s finest landscapes where the riverbanks boast charming villages clustered around churches and medieval castles.

    Choose one of these excursions in Dürnstein:

    Dürnstein Walking Tour: This picturesque tour is steeped in baroque architecture and gorgeous scenery. Plus, visit the magnificent Stiftskirche, known for its blue tower.

    Cycling the Danube: Join a guide for a leisurely cycle along the Danube. See vineyards of the Wachau Valley region, and enjoy a relaxing stop to indulge in coffee and cake. (Active)

    Wachau Winery: Travel into the center of Dürnstein to visit a local winery in a beautiful old building. Learn about the winery’s most popular vintages and sample a few of the wines.
    MS Amadeus Star (B,L,D)

    Monday, September 9
    Vienna

    Choose one of these excursions in Vienna:

    Imperial Vienna: Explore the Imperial Apartments of Hofburg Palace, and drive along the Ringstrasse, one of the world’s most magnificent boulevards. See the University, the Houses of Parliament and the Opera House.

    Klosterneuburg Monastery and Wine:  The 12th-century Klosterneuburg Monastery is home to the gilded copper Verdun Altar. Witness an art collection and taste local wines from the cellar.

    Schönbrunn Palace: Visit the UNESCO World Heritage site of Schönbrunn Palace, the former summer residence of the Imperial family. See the luxurious State Apartments, the Hall of Mirrors and the estate’s vast gardens.

    Enjoy a free afternoon where you might try Viennese coffee or Sacher Torte, a tasty Austrian cake.
    MS Amadeus Star (B,L,D)

    Tuesday, September 10
    Bratislava, Slovakia

    Choose one of these excursions in Bratislava:

    Old Town and Café: Discover Bratislava’s rich past. See St. Martin’s Cathedral, Slovak National Theatre, St. Michael’s Gate and Primate’s Palace, where Hungarian archbishops spend their winters, and sample pastry at a café.

    Old Town and Music: Explore the cobbled streets of charming Old Town, viewing many of Bratislava’s most iconic sights, and revel in a performance by a talented young musician.

    Iron Curtain Bike Tour: Join a leisurely bike tour along the Danube to explore the SlovakAustrian border, once part of the Iron Curtain. Delight in vistas of the marvelous Bratislava Castle, see a pre-WWII bunker and learn about the area’s urban transformation. 
    MS Amadeus Star (B,L,D)

    Wednesday, September 11
    Budapest, Hungary

    Choose one of these excursions in Budapest:

    Highlights of Budapest: Enjoy a panoramic tour, passing Heroes’ Square, the Opera House, the Gothic-style Parliament and Fisherman’s Bastion, an iconic viewpoint in Budapest.

    Living Local: Browse food and craft stalls in the Great Market Hall, enjoy a strudel demonstration and taste the local schnapps.

    Budapest’s Jewish Quarter: Explore the Jewish Quarter, and see the Great Synagogue, Glass House and Shoes on the Danube. Then visit the Holocaust Memorial Center.

    Enjoy a free afternoon. This evening, experience Budapest's illuminated cityscape as the ship departs.
    MS Amadeus Star (B,L,D) 

    Thursday, September 12
    Pécs / Osijek, Croatia / Vukovar

    Explore Pécs, known for its Roman ruins and Ottoman mosques. Savor regional flavors during a wine tasting. 

    Continue with an outing in Croatia’s Slavonia region with a visit to rural house, located in a small village. Sample Slavonian foods and learn about local traditions while viewing a short video. Take a walking tour through Osijek, passing baroque buildings, military complexes and university facilities. See the plague column, built in 1729. This monument gives thanks for protection from a plague outbreak, which killed a third of the city’s population. Continue to Vukovar to embark on a panoramic tour of its historic center. Rejoin the ship in Mohács and sail to Belgrade.
    MS Amadeus Star (B,L,D)

    Friday, September 13
    Belgrade, Serbia

    Choose one of these excursions in Belgrade:

    Highlights of Belgrade: This fourth-century capital is a hub of architecture and culture. Marvel at the ornate Orthodox cathedral, and step into St. Sava, a shining feature of Belgrade.

    Eating Like a Local: Take a sensory journey of Serbian gastronomy. Taste creamy kajmak and many more local flavors during this thrilling fusion of spices and textures. Along the way, learn about Serbia’s customs and traditions.

    Science and Scientist Tour: At the Nikola Tesla Museum, discover how this 19th-century inventor left his imprint on wireless technology while exploring interactive exhibits, original documents and short films.

    Enjoy the afternoon at leisure. A shuttle will be available. After dinner, delight in a lively, colorful Serbian folk show on the ship.
    MS Amadeus Star (B,L,D)

    Saturday, September 14
    Iron Gate Gorge

    Sail past the cliffs of the Carpathian Mountains. Enter the Iron Gate Gorge, one of Europe’s most magnificent natural wonders, which serves as the boundary between Romania and Serbia. Watching the Danube thunder through the gap is a thrilling sight! Then it's all hands on deck for Frühschoppen, a German mid-morning tradition! Relax and enjoy a spread of warm pretzels, sausages, beer and more. Join a Farewell Reception and Dinner tonight.
    MS Amadeus Star (B,L,D)

    Sunday, September 15
    Vidin, Bulgaria / Sofia

    After breakfast, disembark the ship in Vidin.  Tour ancient Vidin, one of Bulgaria’s oldest towns, and see the Osman Pazvantoglu Library and Mosque, plus other intriguing highlights. Visit the 17th-century St. Panthaleimon Church and the medieval Baba Vida Fortress. Savor a memorable lunch and stunning views of rock formations at The Rocks restaurant. After lunch, continue to Sofia and check in to the Sofia Hotel Balkan. (B,L)

    Monday, September 16
    Sofia

    Today we discover Bulgaria’s capital, Sofia. See the ancient ruins of Serdica, and admire St. George Rotunda, Alexander Nevsky Cathedral and Alexander Battenberg Square, home to the former Royal Palace. During leisure time, you may wish to explore Town Square or marvel at the beautiful icons and frescoes inside Sofia’s churches. In the evening, join your fellow travelers for a Farewell Reception and Dinner. Sofia Hotel Balkan (B,D)

    Tuesday, September 17
    In Transit

    After breakfast, transfer to the airport for the return flights to your gateway city. (B)

    Map

    Cabin Categories (Prices are per person)

    Category-Deck                  Full Price                    Discount        Early Booking Price

    E-Haydn (Aft)                      $5,245                            $250                    $4,995

    D-Haydn (Midship)             $5,445                             $250                    $5,195

    C-Strauss (Aft)                    $5,745                            $250                    $5,495

    B-Strauss (Midship)           $5,845                            $250                    $5,595

    A-Mozart (Aft)                     $6,045                            $250                    $5,795

    Suite-Mozart (Midship)      $6,545                            $250                    $6,295

    *VAT and Port Tax supplement is an additional $395 per person. 

    Categories A, B, and C feature a drop-down panoramic window. Categories D and E feature a window.Suites feature a balcony.

    All prices quoted are in USD, per person, based on double occupancy and do not include air transportation. 
    Single supplement is waived for solo travelers on this departure.

    Included:
    Accommodations (with baggage handling); 3 nights in Prague, Czech Republic, at the deluxe Art Deco Imperial Hotel; 8 nights aboard the exclusively chartered, first-class MS Amadeus Star; 2 nights in Sofia, Bulgaria, at the deluxe Sofia Hotel Balkan; All deluxe motor coach transfers in the Land / Cruise Program and baggage handling; Extensive Meal Program: 13 breakfasts, 8 lunches and 9 dinners, including Welcome and Farewell Dinners; Tea or coffee with all meals, plus wine, beer or soft drinks with lunch and dinner; Opportunities to sample authentic cuisine and local flavors; Expert-led Enrichment programs enhance your insight into the region; Discovery excursions highlight the local culture, heritage and history; A personal VOX headset to hear your English-speaking guide clearly; Tipping of guides and drivers

    Not Included:
    Airport transfer costs for those not participating in AHI's FlexAir; Fees for passports and, if applicable, visas; Entry/departure fees; Personal gratuities; Laundry and dry cleaning; Excursions, wine, liquors, mineral waters and meals not mentioned in this brochure under included features; Traven Insurance; All items of a strictly personal nature.

    What to Expect

    This is a moderately active tour.  For safety and enjoyment of each participant and the group, participants must be able to: 

    • Walk on average 2-3 miles at a steady pace. On this tour, you’ll be walking in cities and town and should be able to walk at a steady pace for approx. 2-4 hours.
    • Be able to walk on cobblestone, gravel and pavement.  Some of walking excursions require good balance as you walk over cobblestone sidewalks/roads and uneven pavement.  
    • Stand for up to approx. 2 hours at a time each day.
    • Walk up and down stairs without hand rails, without the assistance of another person.
    • Get off and on tour vehicles and the ship (via a gangplank) without assistance

    In addition to expert local guides, several guest lecturers on board will provide formal presentations on a variety of topics. 

    Topics Include:

    Timeless Vienna
    The Velvet Revolution 
    Modern Serbia
    A Prologue to the Bulgarian Revolution

     

     

    Cancellation
    All cancellations for any reason will be subject to a $300 per person administrative fee. You may choose, at the time of cancellation, to apply the withheld administrative fee to a future AHI Travel program that will operate in the current calendar year or year following.

    • Cancellation from 120 days to 76 days prior to departure will result in forfeiture of 15% of the entire cost of the trip per person
    • 75-30 days, 50% of the trip cost per person
    • cancellation from 29 days up to the time of departure will result in 100% forfeiture of the entire cost of the trip

    TRIP CANCELLATION INSURANCE IS AVAILABLE. AN APPLICATION WILL BE SENT AFTER YOU RESERVE. All cancellations must be submitted in writing to AHI Travel and Commonwealth Club of California. CANCELLATION OF TRIP OPTIONS-Purchases of optional excursions, trip extensions and additional hotel nights become fully nonrefundable 45 days prior to departure. Air transportation and private transfer purchases are subject only to penalties assessed by the airlines and transfer suppliers.

    Mobility and Fitness to Travel
    The right is retained to decline to accept or to retain any person as a member of this trip who, in the opinion of AHI Travel is unfit for travel or whose physical or mental condition may constitute a danger to themselves or to others on the trip, subject only to the requirement that the portion of the total amount paid which corresponds to the unused services and accommodations be refunded. Passengers requiring special assistance, including without limitation those who permanently or periodically use a wheelchair, must be accompanied by someone who is fit and able to assist them, and who will be totally responsible for providing all required assistance.

    Air Transportation
    The price of air transportation offered by AHI Travel is based on Advance Purchase Excursion fares. After tickets are issued, penalties up to 100% of the ticket price may be levied. If connecting flights are requested, special promotional fares may be used, in which case penalties of as much as 100% may be assessed by the airlines if reservations are changed or canceled after ticketing. After departure, if the reservations are changed, you will be charged the higher, all year Economy class fare. VARIATIONS TO THE GROUP ITINERARY MUST BE REQUESTED NO LATER THAN 60 DAYS PRIOR TO DEPARTURE. Passengers who choose to make their own airline reservations independently will be wholly responsible for arrival and departure transfers, and any airline fees or penalties incurred as a result of program cancellation and/or change in travel dates, or airline schedule(s).

    Baggage
    Baggage restrictions vary according to the airline policy and the class of service flown. Details will be provided with your pre-departure information. Baggage allowances are subject to change by the carrier without notice. Excess baggage charges for additional or oversized/overweight pieces are expensive and not included in your trip price; plan your wardrobe accordingly. Transport of baggage and personal effects is at the owner's risk throughout the travel program.

    Eligibility
    We require membership to the Commonwealth Club to travel with us. People who live outside of the Bay Area may purchase a worldwide

    membership. To learn about membership types and to purchase a membership, visit our membership page or call (415)597-6720.

    Authority to Use Images and Audio Recordings
    On occasion, AHI Travel obtains, from its staff, or from trip participants, photographic or video images of passengers and trip activities. By participating in this travel program, you authorize AHI Travel, without providing compensation to you, or obtaining additional approvals from you, to include photographic and video recordings of you, as well as voice recordings included with any videos, in AHI Travel's sales, marketing, advertising, publicity and/or training activities.

    Responsibility
    AHI Travel and The Commonwealth Club of California do not own or operate any entity which provides goods or services for this program, and act only as agents for the independent suppliers of travel conveyance, transport, accommodations or other services. All such persons or entities are independent contractors. As a result, AHI Travel and the Sponsoring Association are not liable for any negligence or willful act of any such person or entity or any third person. In addition and without limitation, AHI Travel and the Sponsoring Association are not responsible for any delays, delayed departure or arrival, missed carrier connections, loss, death, damage or injury to person or property or accident, mechanical defect, failure or negligence of any nature howsoever caused in connection with any accommodations, transportation or other services or for any substitution of hotels or of common carrier equipment, with or without notice, or for any additional expenses occasioned thereby. Dates, Program Details and Tour costs, although given in good faith and BASED ON TARIFFS, EXCHANGE Rates and other information CURRENT AT THE TIME OF PRINTING, ARE SUBJECT TO CHANGE AT OR BEFORE THE TIME OF DEPARTURE. No revisions of the printed itinerary or its included features are anticipated; however, the right is reserved to make any changes, with or without notice, that might become necessary, with the mutual understanding that any additional expenses will be paid by the individual passenger. Baggage and personal effects are the sole responsibility of the owners at all times. If the entire program is cancelled for any reason, participants shall have no claim other than for a full refund. By forwarding the deposit, the passenger certifies that he/she has no physical, mental or other condition of disability that would create a hazard for himself/herself or other passengers and accepts the terms of this contract set out herein and in more specific pre-departure passenger information. The airlines and other transportation companies concerned are not to be held responsible for any act, omission, or event, during the time passengers are not on board their conveyances. The passage contract in use, when issued, shall constitute the sole contract between the company(ies) and the passenger and/or purchaser of this trip.

    Registration
    Commonwealth Club of California-CST# 2096889-40 AHI: CST Registration No. 2028271-20. Fla. Seller of Travel Reg. No. ST-33300 Iowa Seller of Travel No. 520 Ohio Seller of Travel Reg. No. 8889139. Washington State Seller of Travel Reg. No. 601-820-781. PARTICIPATING AIRLINES-all IATA and ARC Member Carriers.