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5-12 Oct 08 Set for Viking 8-day Romantic Danube River Cruise
as Next Class of '61 Mini-Reunion
 The
Class Committee, at a 24 Feb meeting with the River Cruise 2008 Mini-Reunion
Committee, chaired by John Solomon and including Dan Barney, Sam Weiss, and Jack
Zimmerman, set 5-12 Oct 08 as the dates for the Viking 8-day Romantic Danube
River Cruise.
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Why River Cruising for a Mini-Reunion?
A DAY IN THE LIFE OF A RIVER CRUISES TRAVELER
(This is a description of the Viking cruise from Budapest to Nuremberg, which
may be the reverse of the cruise we are considering,
but still describes what river cruising is like.)
Imagine that you're standing with a loved one on the top deck in the heart of Hungary's
Budapest. It's dusk and you're basking in the glow of the sunset reflecting on the Danube River. And you're thinking about
your full day of sightseeing you just enjoyed as you wave goodbye to old "Buda" and modern "Pest."
You're then escorted to your ship's restaurant to leisurely dine on a 5-course gourmet meal
and take in the scenery as you cruise. Your taste buds are treated to a medley of sweet and savory as you sample tonight's
regional specialty, goulash.
From here, you can join the company of fellow travelers in the lounge to
watch a performance of folkloric song and dance and share the day's experiences over a cocktail. And then, you return to the
comfort of your deluxe cabin to retire for the evening.
When you awake, you look out your panoramic cabin window to realize you've
been magically transported to not only another city, but another country. Breakfast is a colorful buffet of fresh breads and
fruit, cereal and eggs; and as you dine, you cruise past the breathtaking scenery and see the ornate steeples of St. Stephan's
Cathedral peeking up from the horizon. And you're filled with anticipation because you've arrived in the renowned
"City of Waltzes."
This morning, you walk right off the ship into town and you're whisked
off for your included half-day tour of Vienna. Your English-speaking guide introduces herself and tells a story about growing up
in Austria's capital. And soon you feel like old friends. This personal insight gives you a unique "insider's"
perspective and makes you feel like a local.
You come back to your
"floating hotel" for lunch and enjoy choices from the soup and salad bar or you
can select one of the featured hot entrees. After a short break, you decide to
return to the cobbled streets of Vienna. To maximize your free time, you take
the advice of your guide and visit a museum that she recommended, a real hidden
treasure. After stopping at a local coffeehouse to sample traditional Viennese
coffees and pastries, you do some shopping for a variety of handmade souvenirs.
Your full day is not yet
over. After another 5-course gourmet dinner aboard you opt to return to Vienna
one more time to explore exciting nightlife or maybe you decide to enjoy a
classical concert in this musical mecca. Rejoin your ship and get a good night's
sleep because when you wake up you'll find yourself in another port. And, your
journey of exploration continues with another exciting destination to discover.
Plus.. .when your magical
journey with Viking River Cruises ends, and you return safely home, you'll know
that you've seen and done things that not everyone gets to experience. And, you
can begin thinking about and planning your next vacation...
Indulge in the pleasures of
our table.
GOURMET DINING
Our chefs are trained in the finest European
traditions, specializing in French, German, and Austrian cuisine. Each morning,
enjoy a buffet breakfast featuring a selection of fresh breads, eggs, cereal,
pastries, fresh fruit, plus cheese and European cold cuts. Or, choose from our
menu of prepared-to-order hot dishes. For lunch, choose from the salad and
sandwich bar or enjoy a homemade soup, selection of entrees and dessert. And,
each night you're treated to our 5-course gourmet menu with regional specialties
like Viennese Schnitzel and Barbary Duck Breast, plus traditional favorites like
Roast Beef and Poached Salmon. Plus, we have a selection of regional wines to
complement any entree.
Viking River Cruises Sample Menu
*• Norwegian Fjord Salmon in Honey-Mustard Sauce
or
Goat Cheese Marinated in Herbs and Chilis on Arugula Salad
* Cream of Carrot Soup
or
Beef
Consommé
* Prime Rib of Beef with Béarnaise Sauce, Snow Peas, Glazed Turnips and Dauphine Potatoes
or
Broiled Red Snapper Filet with Red Wine Sauce, Vegetable Couscous and Pepper Relish
*- Pastry Chef's Dessert Buffet
* Selection of International Cheeses
Always Available: Caesar Salad, Grilled Chicken Breast, Grilled Steak
River Cruises Advantages
* "All-inclusive" means
value for you: There's no extra cost for daily tours—every cruise includes
excursions with English-speaking guides—one a day, on virtually every cruise.
* You're in good hands
even far from home: We've been on Travel + Leisure's "World's Best" list and
Conde Nast Traveler's "Gold List" multiple times
* Your deluxe ship was
built to maximize scenery viewing: Enjoy breathtaking landscapes from your
guaranteed river-view cabin as well as in the well-appointed restaurant and
lounge
* Your cabin was designed
with your comfort in mind: Your cabin rivals a fine hotel and deluxe amenities
make you feel right at home
* You dine on gourmet
meals: Our menus highlight regional specialties of places you visit, plus we
offer American favorites at every meal
* We're easy to
understand: Whether you travel with us to Europe, Russia or China, our crew
and guides all speak fluent English
* You'll get great
service worldwide: Our Swiss hotel management sets our standards wherever we go,
so you get quality and consistency across the fleet
* Your floating hotel
travels with you: Unpack once and avoid juggling suitcases throughout your
vacation—just settle in and unwind
* Itinerary variety: With
10 itineraries to choose from, one is sure to interest you...
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Nuremberg to Budapest
"Romantic Danube"
provided by Viking River Cruises
During your 8-day journey discover the
grand cities and quaint villages along the celebrated Danube
River. Explore both sides of Hungary's capital—traditional
"Buda" and modern "Pest"—and from Fishermen's Bastion see how the river
divides the city. Experience Vienna's imperial architecture and time-honored
culture, and tour riverside towns in Austria's Wachau Valley. And in Germany,
explore a baroque abbey and stroll cobbled streets lined with half-timbered
houses. Savor the tastes of authentic dishes, learn about local legends, and
you'll understand why Strauss immortalized the romantic Danube in his famous
Blue Danube waltz.
Fly to
Nuremburg. Upon
arrival, transfer to your ship. Or, add 3 additional nights in
Prague before the cruise or
Budapest
after the cruise (see below).
Day 1
Budapest:
Welcome to Budapest,
Hungary's vibrant capital divided by the Danube River. After boarding your ship,
you have free time to visit both sides, traditional "Buda" and more modern
"Pest." (D)
• Board your ship & free
time
Day 2
Budapest:
 Your morning tour begins
with a motor coach ride through the Pest side of the city.
You drive along famous Andrassy Boulevard and see numerous 19th and 20th century
mansions and the National Opera House. Other noted sites are the renowned
Parliament Building and die Chain Bridge. You stop in Heroes' Square to learn
more about Hungarian culture and history. Cross the Danube to tour the Buda side
with a visit to the Castle District. Walk up the hill to see Fishermen's Bastion
and Matthias Church and catch brilliant views of the city below. Return to your
ship for lunch and cruise through the night. (B, L, D)
• Budapest coach &
walking tour
Day 3
Vienna:
Arrive in Vienna just
after breakfast for your half-day city tour. Visit the baroque Belvedere Palace
with beautiful gardens and wonderful art. Then ride along the beautiful
Ringstrasse, with sights including the Opera House, Stadtpark and Hofburg
Theater. You then visit St. Stephan's Cathedral. Return to the ship for lunch.
The afternoon is yours to further explore this city on your own. You may go
shopping along the Kdrtnerstrasse or take an excursion to Schonbrunn Palace,
home of Maria Theresa and the Hapsburgs' summer residence. Dinner is served
aboard and you may choose to complete your day in this "City of Waltzes" with an
optional evening concert. (B, L, D)
• Vienna coach & walking
tour; free time; optional concert
Day 4
Melk:
From your docking
location, you can see the imposing 900-year-old Benedictine abbey that sits on
the hilltop and overlooks the picturesque town of Melk You then join a guided
tour through the ornate interior of this baroque gem of architecture. You see
its wonderful frescoes and medieval manuscripts inside the large library. Rejoin
your ship for lunch and an afternoon cruise along the Danube.
• Abbey tour
Cruise through dinner and
arrive this evening in Linz, a quaint town in the center of Austria's
wine-producing region. Enjoy your evening at leisure widi a stroll around town
or sample some locally-produced wines. (B, L, D)
• Linz evening at leisure
Day 5
Passau:
A scenic cruise ends with
a mid-morning arrival in Passau, situated 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're 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 walking tour,
organ concert* & free time *Passau organ concert not available after November 1.
Day 6
Regensburg & Kelheim:
After breakfast you meet
your guide dockside for a walking tour through the scenic town of Regensburg,
considered one of Europe's best-preserved medieval cities. You 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 before returning to your ship for lunch and afternoon
cruising.
• Regensburg walking tour
& free time
Arrive mid-afternoon in
Kelheim at the southernmost point of the Main-Danube Canal. From here, you
embark on a ferryboat ride to explore the Danube Gorge's dramatic scenery and
its spectacular 400-foot chalk cliffs. You then visit the renowned Weltenburg
Abbey, which still echoes with age-old Gregorian chants. It's famous for its
dark ale, brewed here by monks since 1050. An evening departure is followed by
dinner aboard. (B, L, D)
• Weltenburg Abbey &
Danube Gorge by boat
Day 7
Main-Danube Canal & Nuremberg:
This morning, you sail
through a number of locks that comprise the Main-Danube Canal, an engineering
marvel stretching 106 miles from Bamberg on the Main River to Kelheim on the
Danube River. Begun as Charlemagne's dream in 793, it was completed in 1992 with
16 locks that raise the water to 1,332 feet. Today it enables river travel from
the North Sea to the Black Sea. 1 Scenic cruising
Arrive just after lunch
in Nuremberg, Bavaria's second largest city. Your motor coach tour features
Zeppelin Grounds, Main Railway Station and the Palace of Justice, historic home
of the Nuremberg Trials. You have a brief stop at the Court House before
returning to the old town area enclosed by ancient city walls. You see Elizabeth
and St. James Church, and your tour ends with a walk to the castle grounds,
passing the Albrecht Diirer House and Main Market Square. Dinner is served
aboard, but you have the rest of the evening to explore; your ship docks
overnight. (B, L, D) ' Nuremberg coach & walking tour; free time
The following meals are
included in your cruise fare: B = Breakfast; L = Lunch; D = Dinner
Day 8
Nuremberg:
• Leave your ship
After
disembarkation, transfer to the airport for your flight home or choose to extend
your stay with 3 additional nights in Budapest
(see below).
Note: Schedules and
activities are subject to change defending upon river water levels, port
accessibility and weather conditions. Tours often include walks over
cobblestones, steps and uneven ground; for passenger safety and enjoyment, we
recommend you be in good physical condition to participate fully in all tours.
For safety reasons, sun deck access may be limited during times of high water
levels/low bridge clearance and during the Main-Danube Canal transit.
Extend your stay in Budapest or Prague.
Budapest - $650 per person (current 2007 price)
Once you experience Budapest’s Parisian-style elegance, it’s easy to understand
why it was home to Hungary’s kings for more than 700 years. Take time to explore
the regal city’s graceful charm with its baroque buildings and elegant
boulevards. Discover the hidden medieval courtyards of the Castle District. Or
enjoy a peaceful stroll through the parks of Margaret Island.
All this is included in your extension price: 3-night hotel stay at the 4-star
Hilton (or similar), daily breakfasts, hotel/ship transfers (Single Supplement
$299)
Prague - $750 per person
(current 2007 price)
"Ultimate Prague" Experience - This fully escorted program provides you insider
access to Prague's most famous sites and insight into the city's people,
landmarks and time-honored heritage with plenty of free time to explore on your
own. A Viking River Cruises guide will lead you on two in-depth morning tours of
Prague's Old Town and modern center, plus Hradcany Castle, Prague’s most popular
attraction. With hotel nights, an English-speaking guide, and included
breakfasts, it’s the best way to discover Prague up close and in person.
All this is included in your extension price: 3-nights at 4-star Prague Hilton
(or similar) with daily breakfasts, fully-guided tour of Prague’s Old Town & New
Town, “insider” guided tour of Prague’s famous Hradcany Castle complex with St.
Vitus’ Cathedral and palaces, English-speaking escort throughout for advice and
assistance during your stay, motor coach transfer to/from Prague (Single
Supplement $299)
Cabin Options and Estimated Example Prices per couple are based on current 2007
prices and do not include potential discounts or group
rates and are not adjusted for possible increases in 2008
NOTE: Although this proposed Viking cruise is scheduled for 2008, the prices listed below are 2007 prices and are for
planning proposes only. Viking has not yet released pricing and associated potential discounts for 2008.
Early May or
Mid-Fall |
$4400 |
$5200 |
$5600 |
$5800 |
$6000 |
The Early May or Mid-Fall Embarkation
Dates above refer to May 6,13 2007 or Sep 30; Oct 7, 14 2007 as examples
of cruise departure dates for which the current 2007 prices are based.
NOTE:
Prices are per couple sharing a cabin (Many brochures and on line info tend to
give a cost per person assuming double occupancy) and include port charges of
$168. Limited singles are available at 150% of cruise price for lowest
category; 200% for all other categories. Cruise fuel surcharges of $70 are
additional; surcharges are subject to change. Air fare is not included in these
cruise prices.
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