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Lüftner Cruises - Best of Europe Cruise 2011 Rates

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5 days Berlin-Dresden-Prague and 8-day cruise Nuremberg-Budapest Cruise
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8-day cruise Budapest-Nuremberg and 5 days Prague-Dresden-Berlin Cruise

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2011 Rates in Euro per person
2011 Season C-4*) C-EK C-1 B-1 A-1 Amadeus
Suite
MS AMADEUS DIAMOND

14 - 26 June 2011

  €2,245
2,545
  2,545   €2,915
€3,215
3,830
28 June - 10 July 2011
2,245
2,545
2,545
2,915
€3,215
€3,830
26 July - 07 August 2011
€2,090
€2,390
€2,390
€2,770
€3,070
€3,670
12 - 24 June 2011
€2,245
2,545
2,545
€2,915
€3,215
3,830
26 June - 08 July 2011
€2,245
2,545
2,545
€2,915
€3,215
3,830
10 - 22 July 2011
€2,245
2,545
2,545
€2,915
€3,215
3,830

Rates, additional charges and conditions are subject to change, and to
currency fluctuation, without notice - Errors and Omissions Excepted

Category C4 C-EK C-1 B-4 B-1 A-1 Amadeus
Suite
Deck Haydn Haydn Haydn Strauss Strauss Mozart Mozart
Type of bed Twin/Dbl Twin/Dbl Twin/Dbl Twin/Dbl Twin/Dbl Twin/Dbl Twin/Dbl
Facilities Shr/WC Shr/WC Shr/WC Bth/WC Shr/WC Bth/WC BathWC
SUPPLEMENT SINGLE CABIN
Haydn
Strauss
Mozart
920
1,100
1,250

5 days Berlin-Dresden-Prague and 8-day cruise Nuremberg-Budapest
This route takes us literally on the trail of one city highlight after another - Berlin, Potsdam, Dresden, Prague, Vienna and Budapest are the impressive destinations of this journey. The cruise begins in Nuremberg and goes through the Rhine-Main-Danube canal and then downstream along the Danube to Budapest, Hungary's exuberant capital. Highlights are sightseeing visits to Regensburg, Passau, Salzburg, Vienna and Bratislava. A visit to the Benedictine abbey of Melk and a drive through the picturesque Wachau district are also memorable. On this journey you get to know much about the heart of Europe - its countries, peoples and cultures.

8-day cruise Budapest-Nuremberg and 5 days Prague-Dresden-Berlin
This journey goes upstream from Budapest, Hungary's lively capital, to Nuremberg through four European countries (Hungary, Slovakia, Austria and Germany) and three capital cities (Budapest, Bratislava, and Vienna). The cruising on the Danube and the Rhine-Main-Danube canal includes the most beautiful stretches of river with varied landscapes such as the "knee" of the Danube at Visegrad in Hungary, Austria's picturesque Wachau district, and the Schlögener loops in the Danube approaching Passau; you also see the imposing cathedral of Esztergom in Hungary and the Benedictine abbey of Melk in Austria. Other highlights are a visit to Salzburg, the city of music, and the spectacular man-made waterway - the Rhine-Main-Danube canal.
Included Features
  • 7-night cruise accommodation in an outside stateroom
  • superb dining with all meals included during your cruise
  • coffee and tea after lunch and dinner
  • quality red & white wines from Europe’s great wine regions with every dinner onboard the ship
  • welcome cocktail, Welcome Dinner & Captain’s Gala Dinner with Crewshow
  • evening cruise “Budapest by Night” with folklore program
  • programs and features which are marked as “included” in the itinerary
  • daily onboard music performances by the on-board musicians
  • services of an experienced, multilingual cruise director
  • non-smoking environment (smoking permitted only on the Sun-Deck)
  • port taxes and local taxes
  • the modern wireless audiosystem “Quietvox” for all excursions during the cruise

    Land program
      2 nights 4/5* hotel accommodation in Berlin with buffet breakfast
      1 night 4/5* hotel accommodation in Dresden with buffet breakfast
      2 nights 4/5* hotel accommodation in Prague with buffet breakfast
      sightseeing programs and transfers by deluxe motor coaches as outlined in the itinerary
      experienced, English speaking guide during the programme


    Not Included
    • Optional excursion
    • Tips
    • Insurances
    • Personal Expenses
  • CANCELLATION POLICY

    • 121 days or more - 20%
    • 120 - 90 days - 30%
    • 89 - 60 days - 50%
    • 59 - 30 days - 70%
    • 29 - 0 days - 100%
    • Cancellations must be made in writing.
    CRUISE ITINERARY
    DAILY PROGRAM BERLIN – DRESDEN – PRAGUE CRUISE NURMEMBERG - BUDAPEST

    Day 1
    Arrival in Berlin, the new German capital. After your check-In at the hotel stroll along one of Europe's most famous avenues, the Kurfuerstendamm and see the Emperor William Memorial Church, a stark reminder of the ravages of war, but also elegant shops and boutiques and enticing pavement cafés. Dinner will be served in the hotel.

    Day 2
    In the morning, depart for a city sightseeing tour (€ 25), taking in both East and West Berlin. After seeing the modern sights of West Berlin, cross over into the former Russian Zone at Checkpoint Charlie, and view the infamous Berlin Wall, the Brandenburg Gate and the Avenue "Unter den Linden". Marvel at the outstanding museums and cathedrals before returning to the hotel. In the afternoon, drive the short distances to Potsdam to visit Frederick the Great's residence. Lying idyllically on the banks of the Havel is the famous Castle Sanssouci (€ 25), which houses wonderful works of art.

    Day 3
    Make an early start today and drive to Dresden, which suffered terribly in the 2nd world war but which has been rebuilt in the spirit of regeneration now so prevalent in the former East Germany. Half way through - stop in Meissen. Enjoy a guided tour (€ 25) of the world's most famous porcelain factory and admire the variety of beautiful designs. Perhaps choose something to take home! Continue then to your hotel in Dresden.

    Day 4

    Join our sightseeing tour (€ 25) of Dresden. Splendidly situated on the banks of the Elbe, the city's main attraction is the
    Zwinger terrace, a wonderful collection of baroque pavilions, galleries and gardens. You also pass the Semper Opera and the Church of Our Lady. Enjoy some leisure time before departing for the Czech Republic, reaching Prague in the early evening.

    Day 5
    In the morning, there is a sightseeing tour (€ 25) of Prague, "The Golden City"! Visit the magnificent castle area with St. Vitus Cathedral and stroll down Golden Lane before going on a panoramic tour of the city that Goethe called "the jewel in the world's crown". Spend the afternoon at leisure, perhaps visiting the fascinating Jewish quarter or browsing through some of Prague’s many excellent shops.

    Day 6
    Leave Prague and drive through the lovely countryside of Southern Bohemia en route for ancient Nuremberg. Before the
    check in on the vessel you can enjoy a guided tour of this city. The tour leads you to the major sites and sights of the city,
    from the medieval beginnings to the present. In the later afternoon the vessel will be waiting to welcome you. After these first scenic impressions, the ship’s tour manager will welcome you with a cocktail before the official welcome
    dinner. The vessel leaves Nuremberg in the evening and sails downstream towards Kelheim.

    Day 7

    This morning takes you through the final stretch of the fascinating Main-Danube Canal. Embark on an exciting optional boat trip through the lovely "Danube Gorge to Weltenburg Abbey" (€ 35) in Kelheim. The monastery, founded by Irish or Scottish monks in about 620 AD, is the oldest monastery in Bavaria. After a short tour of the abbey church you can taste the famous dark beer of Weltenburg, which is brewed here in the oldest monastery brewery in the world. Return to your ship at midday in magnificent Regensburg, one of Germany’s best preserved medieval cities. A Regensburg sightseeing tour (€ 15) will show you the city’s architectural highlights, including the Old Town Hall and the Porta Pretoria. In the evening there will be a Bavarian evening on board.

    Day 8
    After breakfast, arrival in Passau, where the rivers Inn and Ilz join the Danube. Enjoy a walking tour (€ 15). During this walk round the old quarter of Passau your knowledgeable guide will point out many buildings that bear witness to its historical importance in the so called three river city. Above all, you will be especially impressed by the St. Stephen's cathedral, with the world's largest organ (17,974 pipes and 233 registers), the new Bishop's residence and the town hall. Afterwards you can get to know the Mozart-City Salzburg during an excursion (€ 50), starting in Passau and ending in Linz. The old town of Salzburg with its world famous baroque architecture is one of the best-preserved city centres north of the Alps and was adopted by UNESCO in 1997 in the list of World Cultural Heritages. Salzburg is also the birthplace of Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart. In the afternoon the vessel already arrives in Linz. A guided walking tour (€ 15) through the former Cultural capital is available. Linz is one of the most important Austrian cities. After dinner the vessel starts in direction to the Wachau.

    Day 9
    Cruise through the narrow Strudengau and reach the Wachau Valley. The ship will dock in Melk/Emmersdorf before
    breakfast. An interesting excursion through the Wachau (€ 45) is planned. A coach takes you to Dürnstein, one of the best- known wine villages in the Wachau. A walk through it allows you to appreciate its glorious position. Thereafter you drive through the picturesque landscape of this district to the 900-year old Benedictine abbey of Melk. During a guided tour you see the rooms of the prelature, the emperor aisle, the marble hall, the altars and the library. There after you can, depending on the availability, listen to an organ concert at the church. At the end of the tour we invite you for a glass of wine in a local restaurant. During lunch your vessel continues in direction to the Austrian Capital Vienna, where the ship moors in the evening. After dinner on board, you can enjoy the excursion “Vienna at night” (€ 35). You will drive through the Wienerwald to the Kahlenberg, the best view point in Vienna. From here, you can overlook the vineyards and the city of Vienna. Continue to the traditional wine village of Grinzing, where you visit a typical Heurigen pub. There is no better way to learn about the Viennese laid back atmosphere and coziness, then enjoying a glass of wine, trying spreads with bread, and listening to„ Heurigen” music.

    Day 10

    A Vienna sightseeing tour (€ 30) includes an overall impression of the most important sights Vienna has to offer. The tour takes you along the Ringstrasse, Schwarzenbergplatz, passing by Charles church (Karlskirche) as well as the stunning opera house. There you have some free time to visit the building or to do some souvenir shopping. Last stop is the well known and one of kind, St. Stephan’s cathedral, which you can admire from the inside. In the afternoon you can participate in the optional excursion to Schoenbrunn castle (€ 35), one of Vienna’s most beautiful buildings. Alternatively you can book the visit to the Hofburg Imperial Palace (€ 50). For more than seven centuries, the great empire of the Habsburgs was ruled from the Imperial Palace. After your dinner on board you can book the “Sound of Vienna” (€ 46) where the Salonorchester „Alt Wien“, one of the famous interpreters of classical music, sparks off a unique firework of the most beautiful on its highest level.

    Day 11
    After midnight, the vessel continues the cruise downstream from Vienna to nearby Slovakia where the ship moors in the
    morning. A Bratislava sightseeing tour (€ 30) reveals the city’s major sights. From 13 -century Bratislava Castle, you’ll enjoy breathtaking views overlooking three countries-Slovakia, Austria and Hungary. In the afternoon you can book the optional excursion to the Little Carpathians (€ 35) or to the Imperial Festival Palace Castle Hof (€ 35).
    During the excursion to the Little Carpathians you can encounter the beautiful scenery with vineyards and small towns at
    their foot similar to a string of pearls. Also you will visist the former royal castle Cerveny Kamen (Red Stone). Later you can´ enjoy a wine tasting and a visit of a small private ceramic factory. Castle Hof is a magnificent complex that was built in the early 18th century. Unique in Europe, this world of adventure has ever since become a top destination for those who seek culture, nature and delight and want to explore the fascinating world of the Baroque in all its authenticity and diversity in an historical ambience. On the second-last evening of your Danube cruise, the captain will be delighted to welcome you to the Captain’s Gala Dinner. The ship’s indefatigable orchestra will make the final evening one to treasure, with tunes and rhythms to suite all tastes.

    Day 12
    Arrival to Budapest, the famous capital of Hungary, in the morning. Enjoy the Budapest sightseeing tour (€ 30) which leads as well to historic Buda Castle, from where you have a splendid view of the twin cities of Buda and Pest spread over both banks of the river. Your tour also features 500-year-old Matthias Church, St. Stephen’s Basilica, distinctive Fishermens Bastion, the marvellous Royal Palace and much more. In the afternoon you have the choice between two excursions. You can visit Castle Gödöllö (€ 40). Castle Gödöllö, which is located about 30 km from Budapest, was built in the 18th century. In the era of the imperial monarchy it became a symbol of Empress Elisabeth, who was nick-named „Sisi” and loved by the Hungarians. Later you continue the trip to a Csarda (horsefarm), where you will witness an unforgettable performance of Hungarian horsemanship. Or you decide to discover the small artist-settlement Szentendre (€ 30). There are many museums and contemporary galleries representing the rich traditions of the visual art. One of the most visited museums of the whole country, the Kovács Margit Museum, is also located here. This evening the ship will take you for a night-time cruise (incl.) with a Hungarian folklore group along the Danube, passing under the city’s numerous bridges.

    Day 13

    Disembarkation is after breakfast in Budapest. End of the program.

    CRUISE BUDAPEST-NUREMBERG AND DAILY PROGRAM PRAGUE-DRESDEN-BERLIN
    This journey goes upstream from Budapest, Hungary's lively capital, to Nuremberg through four European countries (Hungary, Slovakia, Austria and Germany) and three capital cities (Budapest, Bratislava, and Vienna). The cruising on the Danube and the Rhine-Main-Danube canal includes the most beautiful stretches of river with varied landscapes such as the "knee" of the Danube at Visegrad in Hungary, Austria's picturesque Wachau district, and the Schlögener loops in the Danube approaching Passau; you also see the imposing cathedral of Esztergom in Hungary and the Benedictine abbey of Melk in Austria. Other highlights are a visit to Salzburg, the city of music, and the spectacular man-made waterway - the Rhine-Main-Danube canal.
    Day 1
    You embark in the Hungarian capital Budapest on the vessel in the late afternoon. Our tour manager will then welcome you with a cocktail before the welcome dinner on board. The ship remains moored overnight in Budapest. In the evening a gypsy band and a Hungarian folklore group will entertain us as while cruise along Budapest’s impressive illuminations.

    Day 2
    Budapest is a city made up of two parts: Buda and Pest, built on opposite banks of the Danube. Buda is the older and more graceful part, with its cobbled streets and medieval architecture, while Pest is the administrative and commercial centre, with wide avenues and impressive 19th-century public buildings. East meets West in this fascinating city, and this can be seen in the variety of shops and restaurants. This morning we offer a tour of the city (€ 30), while in the afternoon you can discover the small artist-settlement Szentendre (€ 30). Szentendre became a creative place of an artist-settlement in 1926. Especially well worth seeing is the main place Foetér, surrounded by impressive buildings from the time of rococo and baroque. A culinary highlight is perhaps the marzipan museum – „Szabo”. The ship leaves Budapest in the afternoon.

    Day 3
    This morning we arrive at the city of Bratislava, capital of the Republic of Slovakia, which celebrated its 2000th anniversary in 1991. We will pass below the colossal new ‘SNP’ suspension bridge across the Danube, and then have a sightseeing tour (€ 30). The gorgeous old town has maintained its gothic-baroque style. The tour takes you past St. Martin's cathedral and the Grassalkovich Palace up to the hill from where you have a stunning panoramic view of the city and surrounding area. A walk through the historic old centre leads you past St. Martin’s cathedral, many palaces, and the Michael gate. At midday the vessel starts cruising towards Vienna where you already moor in the evening. After dinner you can join the excursion “ Vienna at night” (€ 35). You will drive through the Wienerwald to the Kahlenberg, the best view point in Vienna. From here, you can overlook the vineyards and the city of Vienna. Continue to the traditional wine village of Grinzing, where you visit a typical Heurigen pub. There is no better way to learn about the Viennese laid back atmosphere and coziness, then enjoying a glass of wine, trying spreads with bread, and listening to „Heurigen” music.

    Day 4

    After breakfast we offer a tour (€ 30) of this wonderful city Vienna - home to the waltz, coffee houses, the Prater park and
    one of the world's finest opera houses. This is where Marie-Antoinette grew up and where Mozart died, and for 600 years it was the hub of the vast Hapsburg Empire. In the afternoon you can participate in the optional excursion to Schoenbrunn castle (€ 35), one of Vienna’s most beautiful buildings. Alternatively you can book the visit to the Hofburg Imperial Palace (€ 35). For more than seven centuries, the great empire of the Habsburgs was ruled from the Imperial Palace. After your dinner on board you can book the “Sound of Vienna” (€ 46) where the Salonorchester „Alt Wien“, one of the famous interpreters of classical music, sparks off a unique firework of the most beautiful on its highest level.

    Day 5

    In the morning you can enjoy the beautiful stretch of the Wachau from the sundeck. The ship moors in Melk/Emmersdorf at midday. An interesting excursion through the Wachau (€ 45) is planned. A coach takes you to Duernstein, one of the best- known wine villages in the Wachau. A walk through it allows you to appreciate its glorious position. Thereafter you drive through the picturesque landscape of this district to the 900-year old Benedictine abbey of Melk. During a guided tour you see the rooms of the prelature, the emperor aisle, the marble hall, the altars and the library. Afterwards you can, depending on the availability, listen to an organ concert at the church. At the end of the tour we invite you for a glass of wine at a local restaurant. In the afternoon a local farmer will give you a lecture about the most famous fruit of the Wachau, the apricot, and you will get the opportunity to try and buy different products made of apricots, such as chocolate, soap or schnapps. After dinner the vessel continues this journey to Linz.

    Day 6

    The ship ties up in the large riverside city of Linz in the morning. This is an interesting city, though visited by comparatively few river cruise ships. You can participate in a city walk (€ 15) through the former cultural capital and enjoy a piece of the famous “Linzer Torte”. Afterwards you can get to know the Mozart-City Salzburg during an excursion (€ 50), starting in Linz and ending in Passau. The old town of Salzburg with its world famous baroque architecture is one of the best-preserved city centres north of the Alps and was adopted by UNESCO in 1997 in the list of World Cultural Heritages. Salzburg is also the birthplace of Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart. In the afternoon the vessels reaches Passau, Bavaria’s most easterly city, where the excursion participants rejoin it. This city’s impressive Baroque cathedral houses the largest church organ in the world (with 17,388 pipes and 231 registers), and most of its main sights are very close to the Danube. You can explore on your own, or join a walking tour (€ 15) of the highlights with a local guide. The vessel will leave Passau in the evening and spend the night cruising through Bavaria towards Regensburg.


    Day 7

    We arrive in Regensburg at forenoon, one of Germany’s best preserved medieval cities. A Regensburg sightseeing tour
    (€ 15) will show you the city’s architectural highlights, including the Old Town Hall and the Porta Pretoria. Regensburg is one of the best –preserved medieval cities in Germany and its many historic buildings are most impressive. After lunch embark on an exciting optional boat trip through the lovely "Danube Gorge to Weltenburg Abbey" (€ 35). The monastery, founded by Irish or Scottish monks in about 620 AD, is the oldest monastery in Bavaria. After a short tour of the abbey church you can taste the famous dark beer of Weltenburg, which is brewed here in the oldest monastery brewery in the world. In Kelheim the participants of the excursion rejoin the vessel. The vessel leaves Kelheim during dinner.

    Day 8
    In the very early morning you arrive in Nuremberg. Enjoy an included sightseeing tour of this historic city, before continuing towards Prague. In the late afternoon you will check-in at the exclusive Le Palais Hotel (Small Leading Hotel of the World).

    Day 9
    In the morning, there is a sightseeing tour (€ 25) of Prague, "The Golden City"! Visit the magnificent castle area with St. Vitus Cathedral and stroll down Golden Lane before going on a panoramic tour of the city that Goethe called "the jewel in the world's crown". Spend the afternoon at leisure, perhaps visiting the fascinating Jewish quarter or browsing through some of Prague’s many excellent shops.

    Day 10
    In the morning you continue your trip to Dresden, which suffered terribly in the 2nd world war but has been rebuilt in the spirit of regeneration now so prevalent in the former East Germany. In the afternoon join our sightseeing tour (€ 25) of Dresden. Splendidly situated on the banks of the Elbe, the city's main attraction is the Zwinger terrace, a wonderful collection of baroque pavilions, galleries and gardens. You also pass the Semper Opera and the Church of Our Lady.

    Day 11
    Make an early start today and drive to Berlin, the new German capital. On the way to Berlin you stop in Meissen. There you can enjoy a guided tour (€ 25) of the world's most famous porcelain factory and admire the variety of beautiful designs. Perhaps choose something to take home! If you want, you can explore the city on your own. Continue your tour to Potsdam where you can visit Frederick the Great's residence. Lying idyllically on the banks of the Havel is the famous Castle Sanssouci (€ 25), which houses wonderful works of art. After visiting the castle you will drive the short distance to Berlin.


    Day 12

    In the morning, depart for a half-day city sightseeing tour (€ 25), taking in both East and West Berlin. After seeing the
    modern sights of West Berlin, cross over into the former Russian Zone at Checkpoint Charlie, and view the infamous Berlin Wall, the Brandenburg Gate and the Avenue "Unter den Linden". Marvel at the outstanding museums and cathedrals before returning to the hotel. You can use the afternoon to visit one of the many museums or to do some souvenir-shopping. In the evening a farewell dinner is served at the hotel.

    Day 13
    Check-out from the hotel. End of the program.

     

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