Exclusive Chartwell Trips Majestic Treasures of the Danube River
|
Press (Ctrl+D) to add the page!
You have to do this manually!
Please fill the form below
|  |
Majestic Treasures of the Danube River
For those who long to explore Old World Europe and its diverse cultures, architecture, fine food and wine, and music – Majestic Treasures along the Danube is an inspired journey custom-designed for you. This land and cruise river adventure takes you from vibrant Budapest to Vienna, Melk, Wachau Valley, Linz (Salzburg), and Passau.
A rich pre-cruise stay of two nights in Hungary’s capital, Budapest, is included! While in Budapest you will guided by an expert, award-winning guide who will lead you to; private tours of Hapsburg treasures, medieval castles & Communist-era sites, dinner at the famous Gundel Restaurant; a private cooking lesson with a taste of
authentic Hungarian goulash; and an excursion to the Lázár Equestrian Parka where you’ll see a brilliant display of horsemanship.
Depart USA: Wednesday, June 16, 2010 Return: Sunday, June 27, 2010
Price: from $3664 per person/double
Plus government tax: $98
Program Includes
- Two nights pre-cruise at the five-star Kempinski Hotel Corvinus
- Complimentary spa service at Kempinski Hotel Corvinus
- Private tours of Hapsburg treasures, medieval castles & Communist-era sites
- Dinner at the famous Gundel Restaurant
- Private cooking lesson with a taste of authentic Hungarian goulash
- Brilliant display of horsemanship at the Lázár Equestrian Park
- Seven nights aboard the brand-new River Beatrice in a riverview stateroom
- All meals & entertainment onboard
- Complimentary wine, beer & soft drinks served during dinner
- Private cocktail party & dinner al fresco
- Six excursions ashore with expert guides
- Ensemble® Experience concert in Vienna
DAY 1 DEPART FOR BUDAPEST
Thursday, June 17
Fly overnight to this royal Hungarian capital. The city on the right bank – Buda – and its
Óbuda [which means “Old Buda”] united with the left-bank metropolis of Pest in 1873 to
form the grand city we know as “Budapest.” Its rich history began with a first millennium
Celtic settlement called it Ak-Ink [Abundant Water] and was later occupied by the Romans.
DAY 2 ARRIVE IN BUDAPEST
Friday, June 18
Your flight arrives this morning at Ferihegy International Airport – Ferihegyi Nemzetközi
Repülõtér. Enjoy a luxury transfer to towering Kempinski Hotel Corvinus. This modern hotel
boasts 335 beautifully appointed rooms. Take advantage of your complimentary treatment at
the Asian-accented Kempinski SPA: It is graced with hand-crafted furniture from Indonesia
and China, and features therapies inspired by ancient massage practices. Dine at your leisure
this evening at the hotel’s Bistro Jardin – savor à la carte Hungarian specialities. Dinner
DAY 3 BUDAPEST
Saturday, June 19
Today, discover the beauty of Buda: Cross Széchenyi Chain Bridge [the city’s first span across
the Danube, it joins Buda to Pest] to the rise of the Castle District, whose first royal residence was constructed in the 13th century by King Béla IV. The southern wing of the complex houses the Budapest History Museum and Hungarian National Gallery. From the district’s heart rises Matthais Church – coronation site of Hungary’s kings since 1309. Officially the
Church of Our Lady, it is popularly referred to as Matthais after the beloved 15th-century King Matthias Corvinus. Castle “hill” is also home to the Halászbástya [Fisherman’s Bastion]. Enjoy the panorama of Duna, Margaret Island, and Pest from its towers [the seven towers represent the seven Magyar tribes that settled here in 896]. Then, it is a short drive to the
Pest-side town of Szentendre, home to generations of Hungarian artists. After a private cooking lesson and fabulous “goulash” lunch, visit the shops and galleries. Tonight’s dinner at Gundel Étterem will be divine: The restaurant – founded in 1894 and reopened in 1992 under George Lang and Ronald Lauder – is adored by Budapest society. Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner
DAY 4 BUDAPEST / BOARD RIVER BEATRICE
Sunday, June 20
While Buda is hilly, Pest is rather flat, and is the economic and political hub. Begin with a
guided tour of Országház [Hungarian Parliament] – seat of the National Assembly and home
to the crown jewels. Continue on to circa 1850 Great Dohány Street Synagogue: It can hold
nearly 3,000 worshippers! A drive along iconic Andrássy Avenue – with its neo-Renaissance
palaces – brings you to Hero’s Square and the Millennium Memorial, whose carved statues
include the leaders of the seven founding tribes. A private organ concert at Vajdahunyad
Castle is your prelude to embarking River Beatrice. Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner
DAY 5 BUDAPEST
Monday, June 21
A cruise aboard the deluxe River Beatrice is a fabulous way to explore the Danube. Awake in
your lavishly appointed stateroom with made-to-order English Savoir™ beds. Breakfast on
board precedes a visit to the Lázár Equestrian Park for a day of exhibitions, competitions,
dining … and Gypsy music! The park was founded by brothers Vilmos and Zoltán Lázár –
champion horsemen. Its two grand stables are home to mainly royal Habsburg-breed Lipica
horses. This evening, enjoy the Captain’s Welcome Dinner. Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner
DAY 6 CRUISE THE DANUBE / VIENNA
Tuesday, June 22
After your extensive visit to Budapest, a day on the world’s most enchanting river is a perfect
respite. Relax on the Sun Deck as River Beatrice meanders through a series of locks, along the
shores of Slovakia, and under a succession of bridges en route to the imperial city of Vienna.
Enjoy an informative lecture – Austria’s History in the Context of the House of Habsburg –
between photo snaps. Arrive in Vienna early this evening and step ashore for your Ensemble®
Experience: a performance of works by Mozart and Strauss. Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner
DAY 7 VIENNA
Wednesday, June 23
Vienna is a treasure trove of secular and sacred gems, such as St. Stephen’s Cathedral and the
stately Ringstrasse. After a panoramic overview, stroll from the Hofburg to St. Stephen’s. Then
visit the Baroque State Hall of the Austrian National Library – said to be the most beautiful
library room in the world. Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner
DAY 8 DÜRNSTEIN / CRUISE WACHAU VALLEY / MELK
Thursday, June 24
Awaken in the tiny Baroque village of Dürnstein and visit Domäne Wachau for a tasting of the
famous Wachau Valley Rieslings. This quality-oriented cooperative is deeply rooted in the
Wachau region and its members cultivate about 30% of the entire Wachau vineyard area. Enjoy
a leisurely exploration of this charming village before departing for Melk. Cruise vineyard-rich,UNESCO-designated Wachau Valley, one of the most beautiful river valleys in Europe, before arriving in Melk. Tour Melk’s 900-year-old Benedictine abbey, a masterpiece of Baroque art and architecture, perched on a cliff high above the Danube. Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner
DAY 9 LINZ [SALZBURG]
Friday, June 25
Today’s adventure takes you to Salzburg – known for its well-preserved medieval town center
and musical heritage. During your guided walking tour, marvel at the 15th-century cathedral;
stroll the busy shopping street, Getreidegasse, where you will pass the birthplace and childhood home of Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart; and admire the Mirabellgarten, featured in the Academy Award-winning film The Sound of Music. Breakfast/Dinner
DAY 10 PASSAU
Saturday, June 26
Situated at the confluence of three rivers, Passau’s wealth through trade is reflected in its simply stunning medieval merchants’ houses. A stroll along winding streets and narrow alleyways leads you to St. Stephan’s Cathedral for an organ concert on Europe’s largest pipe organ. This evening’s onboard festivities include the Captain’s Farewell Dinner. Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner
DAY 11 PASSAU / HOME
Sunday, June 27
Even magical adventures come to a close! Transfer to Munich’s airport for your flight home. Breakfast
|
Kempinski Hotel Corvinus Budapest Distance from Hotel to Budapest Airport, 30 minutes by car. Designed by the internationally renowned Hungarian architects Jozsef Finta and Antal Puhl, the Kempinski Hotel Corvinus is globally recognized as Hungary's leading luxury hotel for the business and leisure traveller. It's impeccable location, near the British Embassy and within walking distance of many of Budapest's best shops, also make this luxurious hotel a winning choice. A relaxing atmosphere, luxurious rooms and elegant restaurants await you. Enjoy the ambience and service of this hotel, experience its unique hospitality and expect to find state-of-the-art technology and equipment. Kempinski Hotel Budapest provides high-speed wireless Internet connection in all of its rooms free of charge as well in all public areas on the ground floor and on the first (conference and banquet) floor. Room features & services: River Beatrice River Beatrice began her inaugural season in March 2009 along the Enchanting Danube, and evokes the essence of this inspirational region being she possess grace, refinement, and is simply the most deluxe and comfortable ship to ever sail any European river. Inaugurated: 2009 Staterooms onboard the majestic River Beatrice: Lavishly appointed riverview staterooms and suites have made-to-order English Savoir™ beds, draped in fine linens. Those on the Rhine and Danube decks have French balconies. Stateroom and suite amenities include: generous built-in closets, hair dryer, safe, individual thermostat for air conditioning and heating, direct dial telephone, flat-screen TV with satellite, bottled water, and well appointed bathroom stocked with L'Occitane body products, magnifying mirror, and plush bathrobes All suites have additional amenities with special Butler service, including: packing and unpacking assistance, free laundry service, in-room breakfast, daily fruit and cookie plate, slippers, flat-screen TVs with private DVD, coffee machine, refrigerator, shoe shine service, and bottle of wine upon arrival, and a special evening of dinner in the captain's lounge. Facilities onboard the majestic River Beatrice: |
|
AIRFARE: Airfare is not included in this package. Chartwell can coordinate roundtrip airfare from your choice of gateway cities in economy, business or first class. Please ask your Chartwell Vacation Planner for more details. DEPOSIT: $750 per person at time of reservation via check or major credit card (American Express, Visa, MasterCard or Discover). CANCELLATION POLICY: A special cancellation policy exists for this program. Please ask for details. We strongly recommend cancellation insurance. TRAVEL INSURANCE: Chartwell highly recommends you purchase travel insurance which covers your cancellation penalty in the event of an unforeseen medical circumstance prevents you from traveling. PASSPORT REQUIREMENT: A valid passport is required to participate on this trip. |
