LERC SEE Cruise 6 - Romantic Danube River Cruise

SEE Cruise 6

Romantic Danube River Cruise

Northwest Lions Eyeglass Recycling Center
Fundraising Cruise

8-day Danube River Cruise on the Viking Danube

September 25 – October 2, 2010

During this 8-day journey, encounter the grand cities and quaint villages along the celebrated Danube River. Explore both sides of Hungary’s capital—traditional "Buda" and more cosmopolitan "Pest"—and from Fishermen’s Bastion, see how the river divides this fascinating city. Experience Vienna’s imperial architecture and gracious culture, and tour riverside towns in Austria’s Wachau Valley. And in Germany, explore a baroque cathedral and stroll cobbled streets lined with half-timbered houses. Savor the tastes of authentic dishes, learn about local legends, and understand why Strauss immortalized the "Blue Danube" in his famous melody.

Day 1Nuremberg

Welcome to Nuremberg, Bavaria’s second largest city. We will meet you at the airport and transfer you to your ship.* After boarding, you have free time to explore the city on your own—or join our "welcome walk" to stretch your legs and start getting oriented. (D)

Day 2Nuremberg & Main-Danube Canal

Your morning tour of Nuremberg features the former Nazi parade grounds and the Palace of Justice, historic home of the Nuremberg Trials. You have a brief stop at the Court House before walking from the imperial castle grounds past the Albrecht Dürer House to the Main Market Square in the Old Town area enclosed by ancient city walls.

After lunch aboard, participate in lively and entertaining discussion about the European Union as you sail through a number of locks that comprise the Main-Danube Canal. The canal, an engineering marvel stretching 106 miles from Bamberg on the Main River to Kelheim on the Danube, enables river travel from the North Sea to the Black Sea. Dinner is served aboard and you cruise through the night. (B, L, D)

Day 3Kelheim & Regensburg

This morning, meet your guide dockside for a walking tour through the scenic town of Regensburg, considered one of Europe’s best-preserved medieval cities. See one of the largest groupings of 13th- and 14th-century church spires, towers and patrician houses north of the Alps. You also encounter the 12th-century Old Stone Bridge, St. Peter’s Cathedral and a number of idyllic courtyards. Take time to stroll the streets or shop—as always, your Program Director can help you plan your free time.

This afternoon, spend more time in Regensburg, perhaps visiting the Alte Wurstküche, Germany’s oldest restaurant. Or, choose an optional excursion to Kelheim at the southernmost point of the Main-Danube Canal. Travel by road to Kelheim, then embark on a ferryboat ride to explore the Danube Gorge’s dramatic scenery and its spectacular 400-foot chalk cliffs. You also visit the renowned Weltenburg Abbey, famous for its dark ale, brewed here by monks since 1050. Rejoin your ship for dinner and cruise through the night. (B, L, D)

Day 4Passau

Arrive early morning in Passau, at the confluence of the Inn, Ilz and Danube Rivers. Your guided walk along the town’s narrow streets takes you through the Old Town and past traditional patrician houses. You see the Oberhaus Fortress and visit the impressive baroque St. Stephan’s Cathedral with its ornate interior. Inside, you are treated to a special concert played on the 17,000-pipe organ, considered Europe’s largest church organ.† Eat lunch aboard, but return to the city for further exploration on your own before an early evening departure and cruise through the night. (B, L, D)

†Passau organ concert not available after November 1.

Day 5Melk & Vienna

Join a guided tour through the ornate interior of this baroque gem of architecture—the Benedictine abbey at Melk. See its elaborate frescoes and admire the library's extensive collection of medieval manuscripts; enjoy the garden courtyard and the terrace views. Rejoin your ship for lunch and an afternoon cruise through the extraordinarily scenic Wachau Valley. Later, enjoy a workshop about Viennese coffee, complete with apple strudel. Arrive after dinner in Vienna and enjoy an evening at leisure, or you may choose to attend an optional evening concert in this "City of Waltzes." (B, L, D)

Day 6Vienna

After breakfast, begin your half-day city tour. See some of Vienna’s gracious architecture, then ride along the beautiful Ringstrasse with sights including the Opera House, Stadtpark and Hofburg Theater. You then see St. Stephan’s Cathedral. After lunch aboard, the afternoon is yours to further explore this city on your own. Shop along the Kärtnerstrasse or take an optional excursion to Schönbrunn Palace, home of Maria Theresa and summer residence of the Habsburgs. Dinner is served aboard. (B, L, D)

Day 7Budapest

Arrive in Budapest, Hungary’s vibrant capital divided by the Danube River. Take a panoramic city tour through the more modern "Pest" side of the city—Journey along Andrássy Avenue and see the 19th- and 20th-century mansions, National Opera House, Parliament Building and Chain Bridge. Stop in Heroes’ Square to learn more about Hungarian history, then cross the Danube to Buda’s Castle District. Walk up the hill to Fishermen’s Bastion and Matthias Church; enjoy brilliant views of the city below. Return to your ship for lunch and the rest of the day is yours to explore both sides of the city. (B, L, D)

Day 8Budapest

After breakfast, disembark and we will take you to the airport for your return flight.* Or, extend your time in Budapest for 2 nights, so you can explore the city in greater depth. (B)

The following meals are included:
B = Breakfast; L = Lunch; D = Dinner

*Airport meet & greet transfers included when air is purchased from Viking River Cruises.

Ask about a pre or post
Cruise Package

3-night pre-cruise in Prague

2-night post-cruise in Budapest

Viking Danube

Overview

Viking River Cruises will take you on an unforgettable journey to discover the treasures of Europe. They own and operate their ships according to the highest standards of Swiss hotel management. Experience the heart of Europe on this state-of-the-art vessel.

Reception/Lobby

The upper deck lobby area is your information center during your voyage. Your Program Director’s desk is located here, so that you can easily ask questions or discuss the day’s activities. There is a public address system to announce events; there are also restrooms and an onboard boutique.

Sun Deck

Enjoy sunshine and fresh air while you take in 360-degree views of the scenery as you sail past castles, towns, villages, trees and vineyards. Stand at the railings or relax in a comfortable deck chair. Seating just aft of the bridge is covered with a canopy for those who prefer shade. There is an access way from the sun deck to the bridge. The Sun Deck also features an unheated swimming pool (14 ft. x 28 ft. x 3.28 ft.) perfect for a refreshing dip. This deck is accessible to the upper deck via stairs and chair lift.

Restaurant

The restaurant is where all meals are served during your cruise. Because it features panoramic windows, you will not miss any of the scenery while you are dining. It seats 150 guests at 23 tables which vary in size, accommodating 4, 6 or 8 guests per table. The dining room is open seating, so you are free to sit where you like—a great way to make new friends. The atmosphere is casual but elegant, with high-quality table linens, china, cutlery and glassware. The room has a stereo system for playing quiet music during meals. The restaurant is accessible to the upper deck via staircase and elevator.

Observation Lounge/Bar

The observation lounge is a terrific place to meet friends before and after meals. It boasts a large sitting area with chairs, small tables, sofas and a bar area with barstools; there is a 24-hour tea and coffee station with a fruit basket. The lounge has a projector and screen installed in the ceiling, so slides can be shown, and there is a stereo system and dance floor.

Library

The library has comfortable seating and excellent reading light. Our ships’ libraries carry approximately 80 books, in various languages but mostly English, and several games such as chess, backgammon and playing cards.

Spa Facilities

Complete relaxation is yours in this onboard mini-spa facility, available by reservation. Enjoy private use of the sauna, whirlpool and solarium (tanning bed).

Pricing per person Double Occupancy :

Category Description Cruise Only

A Deluxe Stateroom Upper Deck Request

B Deluxe Stateroom Middle Deck $2,945.50**

C Deluxe Stateroom Middle Deck $2,855.50**

D Deluxe Stateroom Main Deck
(Windows do not open) $2,475.50**

E Deluxe Stateroom Main Deck
(windows do not open) SOLD OUT

Optional Air add on from Seattle is $1,495.00
please ask about air prices from other cities.

*Prices include Port Charges of $112. Airfare includes all government air taxes/fees of approximately $160 as well as all air fuel surcharges. All prices are subject to change.

WHAT IS INCLUDED

8-day cruise with outside river view stateroom
6 guided tours with audio headset
Most Meals: 7 Breakfast, 6 Lunches, 7 Dinners featuring regional specialties and including Welcome cocktail Reception and Dinner and Captain's Farewell Dinner
Old World Highlights: Viennese coffee workshop, apple strudel demonstration , Bavarian folkloric entertainment, gypsy music.
Cultural Curriculum: German language lesson, The European Union, Great Canals and Locks, Life and works of Mozart
Free Internet Service

Book and deposit early
for best
stateroom selection

For More Information or to Book your Cruise Contact Lyell at:
Vacations Unlimited
Phone: 360-459-5240 Toll Free 877-659-5240 email lyell@vacation-4-you.com

*2010 Early Booking Discount Terms&Conditions Fares listed are per person based on double occupancy and group discounts in U.S. dollars, in lowest available category at time of publication, and include port charges and Early Booking Discount offer. Must request Early Booking Discount and pay in full by July 31, 2009. Offer valid for U.S. and Canadian residents only on new 2010 bookings as of 6/1/09. 2-for-1 cruise, international air discount of $400 off per person and complimentary wine are considered a single offer and are not combinable with any other offer except Past Guest Travel Credit and Referral Rewards Credit. Single stateroom pricing is 50% off brochure fare. Complimentary wine (two glasses with dinner on board) is included with cruise purchase; international air does not have to be purchased to get cruise offer. Subject to availability and other restrictions apply. Viking River Cruises reserves the right to revise pricing or dates throughout the season. Offer expires 7/31/09. CST# 2052644-40.

*Prices are Cruise only, per person in US dollars, based on double occupancy, capacity controlled and are subject to availability. Government Fees and Taxes are included but are subject to change. Other restrictions may apply. Prices are subject to change. Refer to appropriate brochure for terms, conditions and definitions which will apply to all bookings. Air transportation and transfers are additional for all guests unless otherwise stated. Promotion ends 12/18/2009.

Prices include a donation to the Northwest Lions Eyeglass Recycling Center, a 501(c)3 corporation. Please contact your tax advisor to determine tax deductibility of this donation. Matching donations are subject to minimum sailed passenger requirements.
Ship's registry: Germany Viking River Cruises CST# 2052644-40.