* MUSIC CRUISE *
On board the magnificent RIVER CLOUD
June 19 - 26, 2004
Regensburg, Passau, Melk, Dürnstein, Vienna, Bratislava, Esztergom, Budapest
The answer to deluxe river cruising in Europe
- The finest, deluxe ship on Europe's waterways accommodating only 90 passengers
- On-board concerts by leading operatic and instrumental artists
- Lectures by a prominent art historian
- Organ concerts in the famous churches in Passau and Melk
- Cruise in comfort and style past ancient villages and dramatic vistas
- Visit some of Europe's most charming towns and picturesque scenery
- Interesting and well-paced sightseeing in each port of call
- Gourmet cuisine and exceptional service throughout
- Pre-cruise tour in Munich
- Post-cruise tour in Prague
- Personally hosted by Dailey-Thorp
Classical concerts on board the boat will be presented by a group of internationally acclaimed artists: Soprano from the New York City Opera and the Chicago Lyric Opera, Julianna Rambaldi; Brian Hunter, Tenor with a superb recital program; famous Bass-Baritone of the Chicago Lyric Opera and the New York City Opera, Victor Benedetti; internationally celebrated Concert Pianist, Richard Dowling; and Yuri Vodovoz, leading Russian Concert Violinist. These noted musicians will perform scheduled concerts throughout the voyage.
In addition to our artists, one of your lecture hosts and cruise companions will be Dr. Henry Hopkins, one of America's foremost art historians. Henry’s greatest joy is to be able to share his knowledge with fellow travelers.
* * * I T I N E R A R Y * * *
Saturday, June 19 - REGENSBURG
Independent arrivals in Regensburg. Please note that River Cloud will provide a transfer service from the Munich Airport to Regensburg on June 19th.
Embarkation begins at 4:00 PM in Regensburg. The RIVER CLOUD will sail at 5:00 PM. All passengers are invited to attend the Captain's welcome cocktail and dinner party.
Concerts will take place during the cruise and will be announced after sailing.
During the cruise, breakfast, lunch, afternoon tea, dinner, and a midnight snack will be served on board daily. Early morning risers will find coffee and rolls awaiting them.
Sunday, June 20 - VILSHOFEN
Arrive Vilshofen at 3:30 AM. The RIVER CLOUD rests quietly at its dock awaiting the dawn. This morning a guided walking tour of the old town in PASSAU, including a public organ concert at the cathedral featuring the largest organ in the world. The tour ends at the famous glass museum adjacent to the RIVER CLOUD dockage.
Return to the ship for lunch. Sail from Vilshofen at 1:00 PM. Along our route on the Danube this afternoon the RIVER CLOUD passes through one of the most beautiful parts of the Danube known as "Schloegener Schlinge". Dinner on board.
Monday, June 21 - MELK/DÜRNSTEIN
Arrive Melk at 4:30 AM. Later this morning, after breakfast, we will enjoy an excusion to the ABBEY OF MELK, the crown of Austrian Baroque architecture with its lavish decoration of frescoes and gold ornamentation, for a short organ prelude in the abbey to enjoy the sound of the instrument. Meanwhile, the ship sails without us from Melk to find us again in Dürnstein.
We return to the ship by coach through the WACHAU VALLEY arriving Dürnstein at 1:00 PM for lunch and a short tour of this charming little town and its church. Reboard the RIVER CLOUD for dinner. After dinner, a wine tasting party at the SCHLOSS RESTAURANT right near the ship. Lots of fun!
Tuesday, June 22 - VIENNA
Sail from Dürnstein at 3:30 AM. Arrive Vienna at 8:00 AM. Morning sightseeing: A guided city tour to include the RINGSTRASSE with its magnificent neoclassical buildings from the time of the Hapsburg Empire. Visit several of the famous composers' homes.
OPTIONAL PERFORMANCE: Strauss’s DAPHNE at the Vienna State Opera.
The cast: Marjana Lipovsek, Ricarda Merbeth, Walter Fink, Michael Schade, Johan Botha; Semyon Bychkov conducts this new production. Please let us know if you would like to attend the opera this evening so that we can secure tickets for you.
Wednesday, June 23 - VIENNA
This morning continue sightseeing in Vienna with a guided visit to SCHOENBRUNN PALACE, summer residence of the Hapsburgs. Return to the ship for lunch, or you may elect to remain in the city for independent activities. The balance of the day is free to enjoy Vienna on your own.
OPTIONAL PERFORMANCE: Gounod’s ROMEO ET JULIETTE at the Vienna State Opera. The cast: Andrea Rost, Marcelo Alvarez; Marcello Viotti conducts. Tickets upon request.
Thursday, June 24 - BRATISLAVA/ESZTERGOM
The RIVER CLOUD leaves Vienna at 3:30 AM. Arrival in Bratislava at 8:00 AM. A short, guided walking tour and concert in the city. Time to shop for the famous local crystal. Quite a treat! Sail at Noon. Arrive Esztergom at 7:00 PM.
Friday, June 25 - ESZTERGOM/BUDAPEST
After breakfast, a short sightseeing visit to see the famous CASTLE and CATHEDRAL, the largest cathedral in Hungary. Reboard the ship at 10:00 AM for a 10:30 AM departure to Budapest. Luncheon on board.
Arrive Budapest at 2:00 PM. The city tour will include MATTHIAS CHURCH, then FISHERMAN'S BASTION, the splendid OPERA HOUSE and HERO'S SQUARE. Before dinner, enjoy our last concert on board as performed by our resident artists. Then the captain invites us to a farewell cocktail and dinner party. After dinner, for the adventuresome, a visit to MATHIS PINCE, an old, typically Hungarian restaurant, for gypsy music, wine and appetizers with local flavor.
Saturday, June 26 - BUDAPEST
After breakfast, disembark the RIVER CLOUD at 9:00 AM. Transfers will be available to the Budapest Airport for flights home or to Prague for those who have selected the post-cruise optional hotel package in Prague.
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Cruise Prices:
"A" CATEGORY Junior Suite (Cabins 1-6): $4,595.00 per person sharing a suite * Single Supplement: $2,175.00
"B" CATEGORY Double-bedded Cabin Cabins (11, 14-16): $3,995.00 per person sharing a cabin * Single Supplement: $625.00
"C" CATEGORY Twin-bedded Cabin (7-10, 12, 17-46): $3,495.00 per person sharing a cabin * Single Supplement: $525.00
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The deposit required to hold space on this tour is $1,500.00 per person.
* OPTIONAL PRE-CRUISE TOUR to MUNICH *
June 17 - 19, 2004 - 2 nights
Thursday, June 17 - MUNICH
Independent arrivals in Munich. Accommodations at the sophisticated BAYERISCHERHOF HOTEL, one of the city's leading hotels, beautifully located on the Promenadeplatz. Welcome reception and dinner at the hotel.
Friday, June 18 - MUNICH
A morning orientation tour of the elegant Bavarian capital with its famous landmarks including the glorious NYMPHENBURG PALACE. The tour will end at the MARIENPLATZ in time to watch and hear the amazing GLOCKENSPIEL. This afternoon will feature a tour, with our expert guide, of some of Munich’s famous museums -- all within walking distance of each other: ALTE PINAKOTHEK, NEUE PINAKOTHEK, PINAKOTHEK DER MODERNE.
Dinner at SPATENHAUS AN DER OPER, the great Bavarian eatery, popular with the opera crowd.
Saturday, June 19 - REGENSBURG
By leaving Munich this morning, we will have a chance for lunch and a guided city walk in Regensburg before boarding the RIVER CLOUD at 4:00 PM. First visit the distinguished THURN & TAXIS PALACE. Lunch at BISCHOFSHOF RESTAURANT AM DOM.
After lunch, a short walking tour to see the historic STONE BRIDGE, built in 1135, one of the oldest river bridges in Germany, still in use (and still solid!), as well as the famous cathedral. Embark RIVER CLOUD at 4:00 PM.
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Land Arrangements: $1,545.00 per person sharing
Single Room Supplement: $245.00
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* OPTIONAL POST-CRUISE TOUR to PRAGUE *
June 26 - 29, 2004 - 3 nights
Saturday, June 26 - PRAGUE
Depart Budapest by CZECH AIRLINES Flight #0787, at 10:30 AM, for Prague. Arrive Prague at 11:50 AM. Immediate transfer from the airport to the hotel. Accommodations at the fine PALACE HOTEL, an intimate, tastefully restored Jugendstil building, located in the heart of the Old Town near most of the city’s historic sights. Welcome dinner in the hotel’s CLUB RESTAURANT with Czech specialties.
This evening, a performance of Mozart’s LE NOZZE DI FIGARO at the historic Estates Theater.
Sunday, June 27 - PRAGUE
This morning explore the OLD TOWN of one of Europe's most beautifully preserved cities. The architecture of Prague represents elements from the Romanesque, Renaissance, Gothic, Baroque, Jugendstil and even Cubist periods. See the ASTRONOMICAL CLOCK, the Royal Way of the Czech kings, WENCESLAUS SQUARE as well as one of Europe's most important JEWISH QUARTERS, its synagogues and cemetery.
Next, a special backstage tour of the restored jewel-like ESTATES THEATER where Mozart premiered "Don Giovanni", "La Clemenza di Tito" and his “Prague Symphony”.
Luncheon in the rooftop GOLDEN PRAGUE restaurant of the InterContinental Hotel that affords wonderful views overlooking the Old Town and the Vltava River.
Afterwards, a visit to villa BERTRAMKA where Mozart stayed and composed portions of "Don Giovanni".
This evening, a concert, ballet or opera performance. Performance schedules to be announced early in 2004.
Monday, June 28 - PRAGUE
Leave the hotel this morning to visit the CASTLE AREA (Hradcany) on the other side of the Vltava River, where Forman's "Amadeus" was filmed. Each cobblestone is filled with the history of central Europe -- Charles IV, Jan Hus, the beginning of the Thirty Years War, the alchemists, Maria Teresa, Franz Kafka, Jan Masaryk.
Afternoon at leisure to explore Prague on your own.
Farewell dinner at LA PERLE DE PRAGUE restaurant, located atop one of Europe's most famous new modern structures. Designed by acclaimed architect Frank Gehry, the building is nicknamed "The Dancing Couple" since the sweeping lines remind one of Fred Astaire and Ginger Rogers dancing. The restaurant overlooks the Vltava and affords a sweeping panoramic view of Prague's Castle, the river and the Old Town.
Tuesday, June 29 - HOMEWARD BOUND
Transfers to accommodate independent departures will be arranged. Our suggestion: AUSTRIAN AIRLINES Flight #5704, departing Prague Airport at 8:45 AM. Arrive Vienna at 9:40 AM. Immediate connection with AUSTRIAN Flight #87 at 11:30 AM; arrive New York, Kennedy Airport, at 2:40 PM.
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Land Arrangements: $2,195.00 per person sharing
Single Room Supplement: $450.00
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* GENERAL INFORMATION *
DEPOSIT to hold space on this cruise is $1,500.00 per person and may be made by check or American Express Card.
FINAL PAYMENT is due on or before 90 days prior to departure.
RIVER CLOUD TECHNICAL DATA: 5-star deluxe vessel built in 1996, 45 cabins, 3 decks, no elevator; capacity: 90 passengers; crew: 36. Electrical voltage: 220/380 V - 50 Hz; satellite television; air conditioning; registered: Basel. "Junior Suites on Panorama Deck (cabins 1 through 6): 204 sq. ft. "Double Bed" Cabins (11, 14 through 16) category cabin: 140 sq. ft. "Twin Bed" Cabins (7 through 10, 12, 17-46): 129 sq. ft.; no handicapped cabin.
CRUISE PRICE INCLUDES: * All meals daily. * Shipboard accommodations. * All shore excursions and sightseeing outlined in the itineraries. * Concerts/opera on land, except those marked as optional. * On board entertainment. * All taxes, entrance fees. * All transfers. * Wine with all included lunches and dinners. * Airport transfers after the ship docks at the final port. Cruise price does NOT include: Air transportation, items of a personal nature, accident/baggage/
cancellation insurance; tips/gratuities to the ship's crew and the Dailey-Thorp cruise director.
OPTIONAL PRE-CRUISE and POST-CRUISE TOUR PACKAGES INCLUDE:
* Breakfast daily. Munich: 1 lunch, 2 dinners; Prague: 1 lunch, 2 dinners. * Accommodations at the deluxe Bayerischerhof Hotel in Munich and the Palace Hotel in Prague. * All taxes, entrance fees. * All transfers where necessary. * Wine with all included lunches and dinners. Price does NOT include: Air fare, items of a personal nature; tips/gratuities to tour director and chambermaids. Sea Cloud Cruises and Dailey-Thorp reserve the right to make any changes in this itinerary as deemed necessary.
AIR TRAVEL: Dailey-Thorp offers its clients a complete air reservation service. We are prepared to reserve your air itinerary of choice together with the best fares available. Each ticket issued will be sent to you together with a detailed flight itinerary for your information and guidance.
CANCELLATION OF CRUISE/TOUR: For cancellation by the client, these charges will apply: Cancellations received 90 days or more prior to commencement of the cruise = $200.00 per person: 89-60 days prior = 30% of cruise price; 59 days prior to commencement of the cruiser through completion of tour =100% of cruise price; no appearance/no written notice = 100% of the cruise price. No refunds will be made for any part of the tour package purchased by the client, such as sightseeing, meals, performances, transfers, which are voluntarily omitted by any tour member; the tour is sold as a package. We must strictly adhere to our cancellation policy to offset costs incurred prior to the commencement of the tour. All cancellations must be in writing. All tour programs subject to change.
AIR TRANSPORTATION: Cancellation of AIR FLIGHTS will be subject to the cancellation policy of the airline.
TRIP INSURANCE: An application for travel insurance will be included with our acknowledgment of your reservation. We suggest that you apply for it as soon as possible after signing up for a tour. Should it become necessary for you to cancel due to illness, if insured, the policy would cover you up to the amount of the insurance purchased. Please note that reasons of business are not covered.
All cancellations must be in writing. All tour programs subject to change.
CANCELLATION INSURANCE IS HEARTILY RECOMMENDED!
#1164 --- 12/30/2003