THE ROMANTIC DANUBE
JEWISH HERITAGE CRUISE 

Sail on board the luxurious AMA cruises
A 7-night cruise from Budapest to Vilshofen, then spend 3 nights in Prague
U.S. departure dates 2012

July 22, The Legendary Danube Jewish Heritage.

The 11-night itinerary starts with two nights in Prague, Czech Republic with a tour of Josefov, the former Jewish ghetto which is now the second largest Jewish museum in the world. Passengers will next enjoy a stop in Karlovy Vary, famous for its Bohemian Spas. Passengers travel to Nuremberg, Germany to embark on the Danube River onboard AmaWaterways’ newest ship: AmaCerto. In Nuremberg, passengers visit Zeppelin Field and view Hitler’s Party Rally grounds and Justice Palace where the war crimes tribunal sat in 1946. Passengers then cross the Continental Divide on their way to Regensburg to explore Germany’s best preserved medieval cities. The itinerary includes excursions to the oldest Jewish Ghetto in Germany; the Regensburg Synagogue; Jewish Cemetery “Judenau” and Oscar Shindler’s House.

Passengers also visit Austria’s beautiful cities such as Passau, Linz, Melk and Vienna. The itinerary includes excursions to Salzburg, the setting for “The Sound of Music,” and a Benedictine Abbey tour in Melk. In Vienna, travelers enjoy excursions to the Jewish Museum, Judenplatz; Sigmund Freud’s House; Jewish Cemetery and the Jewish Quarter in Vienna’s 2nd District. Also available is a Vienna city tour and an optional Mozart and Strauss concert.  

Ending in Budapest, Hungary, passengers explore old Buda and modern Pest which includes sightseeing stops at the Sankt Stephen Park where travelers visit the statues of Raoul Wellenberg and Gabor Sztehlo, both credited with saving thousands of Hungarian Jews during World War II. Other excursions include visits to the Jewish District, 1956 Hungarian Revolution Tour, and a visit to the Parliament building still bearing bullet holes from the Soviet intervention. Travelers will also visit the “House of Terror,” a feared location of the Hungarian secret police. North American travelers can book this special itinerary now with a U.S. departure date of July 22, 2012.

Aug 2, October 24, October 25 – Blue Danube discovery – The 13-night itinerary starts with two nights in the beautiful and historical city of Budapest. Passengers explore Sankt Stephan Park and the Jewish District for a walking tour featuring stops at the Dohany St. Synagogue, the Old Jewish Cemetery and the Tree of Life. Passengers also visit the distinctive Fisherman’s Bastion, the Royal Palace, St. Stephen’s Basilica and the famous Heroes’ Square before embarking onboard the AmaDolce or AmaLegro.

Cruising along the Danube River, passengers stop in Bratislava, Slovakia to visit the tomb of Chatam Sofer, Bratislava’s most famous Rabbi. Passengers can take a walking tour of Bratislava to visit landmarks such as the Old Town Hall, Mirbach Palace and the Gothic St. Martin’s Cathedral. Other shore excursions include the Bratislava Communist Tour to discover bizarre architecture of the “Slovensky Rozhlas” (Slovak Radio;) a visit to Liberty Square; visit to the memorial and cemetery for fallen soldiers of the Russian Army that helped liberate the city during World War II.

Traveling form Slovakia to Austria, passengers stop in Vienna, the country’s capital. Excursions include visits to the Jewish Museum, Judenplatz, Sigmund Freud’s House, the Jewish Cemetery and Jewish Quarter in Vienna’s second district. Additional stops in the itinerary include Melk, Linz and Salzburg, the setting for the “Sound of Music;” Regensburg, home to Oscar Schindler’s House; Nuremberg, where passengers visit Zeppelin Field to view Hitler’s Party Rally grounds and Justice Palace where the war crimes tribunal sat in 1946. The itinerary ends with two nights in Prague, Czech Republic with a tour of Josefov, the former Jewish ghetto.  North American travelers can book this special itinerary now with U.S. departure dates of August 2, October 14 and October 25, 2012.

Each ship has only 71 cabins, space is limited, call us while space is still available

A unique opportunity to experience Jewish heritage, history and culture in Europe.

Exclusive “Jewish Heritage Cruises” will highlight centuries-old traditions, as well as modern day museums and monuments dedicated to conserving the rich Jewish legacy of the region. Complimentary Jewish Heritage tours include synagogue visits, Jewish districts tours and sightseeing of landmarks of significance to Jewish history. A dedicated guide will lead the tours, which are open to all interested passengers on select Blue Danube Discovery, Legendary Danube and Romantic Danube itineraries 

Complimentary Jewish Heritage Tours are available in Budapest, Bratislava, Vienna, Linz, Regensburg & Prague.

Sample Itinerary - varied for different dates....

Day 1, DEPART USA. Board your overnight flight to Budapest, Hungary.

Day 2, ARRIVE IN BUDAPEST, HUNGARY. Arrive in Budapest and transfer to your luxurious river cruise ship. This evening, meet your fellow travelers at the Welcome Cocktail Reception followed by dinner. (D)

Day 3, BUDAPEST. Your tour begins with a short stop at the Sankt Stephan Park where you can visit the statues of Raoul Wellenberg and Gabor Sztehlo, both credited with saving thousands of Hungarian Jews during WWII. Afterwards, you will visit the Jewish District where you will have a walking tour with highlights such as the Dohany St. Synagogue, the Old Jewish Cemetery and the Tree of Life. Or join the Budapest city tour which will take you to historic Buda Castle from where you can enjoy a splendid view of the twin cities of Buda and Pest spread over both banks of the River. Your tour also features the distinctive Fisherman's Bastion, the Royal Palace, St. Stephen's Basilica, the famous Heroes Square and more. Your afternoon is free to explore on your own. (B,L,D)

Day 4, BRATISLAVA, SLOVAKIA – VIENNA, AUSTRIA. Wake up this morning in Bratislava, capital of the Slovak Republic. This morning’s Jewish Heritage tour is highlighted by a visit to the tomb of Chatam Sofer, Bratislava’s most famous Rabbi. You have your choice of two other tours today. The first option is a walking tour of the city's major sights, including the Old Town Hall, the stunning Mirbach Palace and Gothic St. Martin's Cathedral. Alternatively, choose a “Communist Tour” that includes architectural landmarks such as the Radio Building; Liberty Square and the Soviet War Memorial. Later, you will have some free time before the ship cruises to Vienna, the music capital of the world. After dinner, enjoy an optional Mozart and Strauss concert in one of the great formal concert houses of Imperial Vienna, such as the Hofburg Palace or Palais Auersperg. Following the concert, there will be an illumination tour of the Ringstrasse before returning to the ship. (B,L,D)

Day 5, VIENNA. This morning’s tour puts the city’s rich Jewish Heritage in the foreground. Highlights of this tour include the Jewish Museum, Judenplatz, Sigmund Freud’s House, Jewish Cemetery and the Jewish Quarter in Vienna’s 2nd District. Or join the Vienna city tour. Savor the Baroque elegance of romantic Vienna during your guided sightseeing tour, which will include the impressive Vienna Opera House, the majestic Ringstrasse and the historic St. Stephen’s Cathedral. The afternoon is free to stroll along the Kärtnerstrasse or sample Vienna's famous pastries in the historic city center, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. After lunch, there is an optional tour to the Palace of Schönbrunn, a famous example of Baroque architecture. Built originally as the summer residence of the Hapsburg Emperors, it became one of their favored homes. Your tour will include a guided tour of the Imperial apartments. After dinner, experience a traditional Austrian Heuriger visit to a wine village near Vienna to enjoy the year’s newest vintage, surrounded by music and hospitality. B,L,D)

Day 6, DÜRNSTEIN – MELK. This morning you arrive in Dürnstein, where your walking tour through medieval cobblestone streets reveals 16th century town houses and wine taverns. Marvel at the magnificent blue façade of the baroque Stiftskirche. Above town you'll spot the ruins of the castle where Richard the Lionheart, King of England, was imprisoned in 1192. As an alternative to a walking tour of Dürnstein, explore the majestic Wachau Valley on a guided bike tour from Dürnstein to Melk (capacity controlled). The ship arrives in Melk this afternoon, where you will tour the spectacular Melk Abbey, one of Europe’s largest Baroque monasteries. The ship moors overnight in Melk. (B,L,D)

Day 7, LINZ – GMUNDEN. This morning the ship arrives in Linz, the second largest city in Austria. Your excursion begins with a walking tour that goes through the Alter Markt ending with a visit inside the New Synagogue. Afterwards, you will tour the Jewish Cemetery, returning to the ship after the visit. Or you can participate in the Linz walking tour, which will take you along the Landstrasse to the city’s main square. You will see St. Mary’s Cathedral, the Marian Column, Landestheatre and St. Martin’s, the oldest church in Austria. Later you have the choice of three different excursions. The first option is a visit to the scenic “Salzkammergut” region, the Austrian Lake District, which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Explore the historic town of Gmunden, on the shore of Lake Tranusee, and visit the Castle Ort. The second option is to join an excursion to the Czech town of Cesky Krumlov. This is a wonderfully preserved medieval town, nestled in the hills just over the Austrian- Czech border. Best known for the art and architecture of its historic old town, Cesky Krumlov also boasts Bohemia’s second largest castle. After your tour, enjoy some free time on your own exploring the historic city center, a UNESCO World
Heritage Site. The third choice is an excursion to Salzburg. Your excursion begins with a drive from Linz towards Salzburg, where you will take a walking tour of the historic center, famous as the setting for the “Sound of Music” and as the birthplace of Mozart. The tour includes a visit to the Mirabell Gardens, Salzburg Cathedral, Mozart’s Square, and much more. Enjoy free time on your own, before returning to the ship with a scenic drive through the majestic countryside of Austria’s Lake District and Salzkammergut. (B,L,D)

Day 8, PASSAU, GERMANY - VILSHOFEN. This morning, you arrive in Passau, Germany, where, the rivers Inn and Ilz join the Danube. Your city tour takes you on an exploration of this fairy-tale city founded more than 2,000 years ago. Highlights include St. Stephen’s Cathedral, home to the largest cathedral organ in the world. As an alternative to a walking tour of Passau, explore the city on a guided bike tour (capacity controlled). This afternoon, the ship cruises to Vilshofen, a charming 1200-year-old Bavarian town on the confluence of the river Vils and the Danube. There, you’ll enjoy “Oktoberfest” in Vilshofen. Relax at long tables and benches, sampling local food and beer accompanied by Bavarian folk music, song and dance in a private setting. Afterwards, explore the town on your own before joining your fellow passengers at the Farewell Dinner. (B,L,D)

Day 9, VILSHOFEN – REGENSBURG – PRAGUE, CZECH REPUBLIC. This morning, depart Vilshofen for Prague. Stop in Regensburg, one of Germany’s best preserved medieval cities, where you will enjoy a walking tour or a Jewish Heritage tour. The Jewish community of Regensburg dates to classical times when the city was known as Ratisbon. Your tour will explore the oldest Jewish Ghetto in Germany. A guided tour will show you the site of the Regensburg Synagogue, Jewish Cemetery “Judenau” and Oscar Schindler’s House. Afterwards, enjoy free time to explore Regensburg’s old town, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, before continuing your transfer to Prague. Take in the scenic beauty of the countryside of Franconia and Bohemia before arriving at your hotel in Prague in the late afternoon. (B)

Day 10, PRAGUE. Today’s Jewish Heritage tour starts off with a tour of Josefov, the former Jewish Ghetto, which was the largest and oldest in Europe and now houses the second largest Jewish museum in the world. After a visit to the Old New Synagogue, the oldest working synagogue in the world, you will take a quick drive to the Jewish Cemetery in Zizkov. This cemetery, established in 1680, is known as the first Jewish cemetery in Olsany and is the resting place of a number of prominent Jews, including many Rabbis, scholars and novelist, Franz Kafka. Or take the Prague city tour which reveals why Prague is considered one of Europe's most attractive cities with its historic city center declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Your tour begins with a scenic drive, you will see the Dancing House and the Metronome overlooking the Vltava River before arriving at the thousand-year-old Hradcany Castle for a visit. Afterwards, walk over Charles Bridge to the Old Market Square. The balance of the day is free to mingle with the locals at Wenceslas Square, or enjoy yourself in one of the city’s charming cafés or restaurants. This evening, an optional Folklore Dinner Show provides an opportunity to learn about Czech music, dance and traditions. (B)

Day 11, PRAGUE. Today is a free day to relax or visit a museum or a gallery, wander along the banks of the Vlatava River, dine at an outdoor restaurant or shop for local handicrafts and art work. You can also join the optional tour to Terezin, the infamous Nazi WWII concentration camp, now a memorial to those who perished. Originally the fortress city of Theresenstadt, the Nazi concentration camp of Terezin was first used as a police prison by the Prague Gestapo, it went on to be a Ghetto and concentration camp for Jews from all over central Europe. (B)

Day 12, DEPART PRAGUE. Bid farewell to Prague and transfer to the airport for your homeward flight. (B)

AmaWaterways Included Features

• 7 Nights Deluxe Cruise Accommodations in an Outside Stateroom

• Most staterooms with large French Balconies

• Jewish Heritage Tours with specialized guides

• Daily Sightseeing Program as outlined in the Itinerary

• Infotainment System in all Staterooms with Free Internet, Hollywood Hit Movies, Music Library and English Language TV Stations

• Terry Bathrobes and White-on-white plush Bedding in all Staterooms

• Superb Dining with all Meals included on board

• Free-flowing Red & White Wines from Europe’s great Wine Regions, beer and soft drinks with every Dinner on board the Ship

• Bottled Water in every stateroom replenished daily

• Cocktail Reception, Welcome Dinner & Captain’s Gala Dinner

• Special Highlights including Folklore, Dances, Lectures, Theme Dinners, onboard Music Performances and afternoon & evening Piano Music

• Use of Bicycles to explore on your own

• Services of a Professional Cruise Manager

• All English Language on board in a non-smoking Environment (smoking permitted only on the Sun Deck)

• All Transfers included with the Purchase of Cruise, Land & Air package

• All local Taxes

Extra:

• Land program pre and post cruise

• Port charges $133 per person

• Roundtrip air, taxes and fuel surcharges are additional.

• Gratuities

*All itineraries listed are subject to change.

Cruise Line and Ship

MS AmADolce

AMAWATERWAYS owns and operates the newest, most state-of-the-art fleet of river cruise vessels in Europe. Since its debut in 2002, the line has redefined European river cruising with innovations that have set new standards in the industry. The MS Amadolce debuted in 2009. Each AMAWATERWAYS vessel carries 148 passengers in unequaled luxury, comfort and style and is staffed by a highly-trained professional crew, with an ongoing emphasis on personal service.

These vessels feature an array of amenities specifically designed for comfort, convenience and luxury on the great waterways of Europe.

The latest high-tech features onboard:

• BICYCLES: Each ship has plenty of bicycles onboard which can be used by passengers, free of charge, to explore the small towns. Most regions offer well-maintained bicycle paths along the river.
• WELLNESS AREA: Located in the aft area of the Violin Deck, this generously designed space includes a glassed-in fitness room, massage and beauty salon; the aft lounge with modern wicker furniture and French doors to enjoy the fresh river air.
• ELEVATOR: Each ship has an elevator, which very few river cruise ships feature. The elevator reaches four different levels: the Restaurant level (1), the Staterooms on the Cello Deck (2), the Lobby and Panorama Lounge (3) and the Staterooms on the Violin Deck (4).
• INFOTAINMENT SYSTEMS: Every stateroom is equipped with monitor, keyboard with Internet access, English language TV stations, a large movie selection and numerous music programs. Our satellite telephone system allows you to call home for a nominal fee.
• STATEROOMS: Inside your exquisitely decorated stateroom, you'll find all the amenities of a fine hotel with white-on-white plush bedding, a cozy sitting area, Infotainment System, hair dryer, safe, terry bathrobes, individually controlled air-conditioning and ample closet space. All staterooms and Jr. Suites are outside; over 82% feature large French balconies, which are a true delight when relaxing in your stateroom.
• JUNIOR SUITES: Although rarely found on European river cruise ships, Junior Suites aboard our ships are extra spacious at 255 square feet. They feature a comfortable sitting area with a sofa and two chairs, floor-to-ceiling windows with French balconies and luxurious, extra spacious bathrooms with bathtubs and showers. The suites sell quickly, so early reservations are recommended.

Prices on request.

ms AmaDolce
Deck Plans