Page 9 - AAA Central Penn – AAA Now! – November/December 2017

TRAVEL AGENCY
The Alluring Danube
A river cruise is so much more than beautiful scenery
By Craig Haberle, CTC
AAA
The “Blue Danube” might not always appear blue, but cruising on this beloved river reveals its allure
in many other ways. All your senses are in for a
treat as your luxurious boat glides along this river’s banks, around its bends, and past pastoral scenes between its cities, towns and villages. Your boat gently docks each day and soon you can go ashore on a choice of included guided tours or strike out on your own. You can see local civic pride reflected in the restored architecture of streetscapes and town squares, and in public gardens afresh with flowers and alive with families. Take a seat and a refreshment or two at cafés, wine bars and beer gardens while overhearing and engaging in friendly conversations that flow with ease among visitors and locals alike. The tempting aromas emanating from pretty pastry shops are sure to lure you in and then send you out with a tasty purchase.
Among the many potential stops on the Danube River there are some that deserve your special attention. Let’s look at several on a route commencing in Eastern Europe and traveling west through locks and under bridges to the heart of Central Europe.
Budapest is sliced in two by the Danube to create the facing Buda and Pest, whose union comprises this capital city of Hungary. Explore the city’s landmarks during
a daytime guided tour. Must do’s include the Fisherman’s Bastion and Matthias Church on Castle Hill – with impressive views up and down the Danube – and Heroes’ Square. Their majestic architectures
are illuminated during a
nighttime cruise through
the heart of the city. The Hungarian countryside beckons you away from the capital to visit the Puszta grasslands and a traditional farm. Herding horsemen welcome you with tastes of their Barack Palinka (apricot schnapps) and Pogacsa (salty scones) before performing a traditional horse show, followed by lunch accompanied by gypsy music.
Slovakia’s capital city, Bratislava, not only straddles the Danube, it has the left bank of the Morava River as part of its profile. This is the only national capital that borders two other sovereign states, both
of which are also visited on this voyage – Hungary and Austria. Certainly, see the 15th century Old Town Hall, the Gothic St. Martin’s Cathedral and the Rococo-style Mirbach Palace. Then, be sure to take time to stroll the pedestrian streets and squares that are replete with sculptures honoring the country’s glorious past, its successful struggle to escape communism, and its optimism for the future.
Cruise on to Austria, where Vienna’s majestic architecture engulfs you in elegance, most notably at the immense Hofburg (once the Imperial Palace of the Habsburg Emperors), Parliament, Vienna University, State Opera House and the Spanish Riding School.
Your stop in Weissekirchen, Austria, offers opportunities to
visit the imposing Benedictine Abbey at Melk by convenient motorcoach transfer, or bicycle there through the beautiful Wachau Valley (the boat’s bikes are free to use for casual or vigorous rides through towns or countryside). While in Durnstein, you can tour the Stiftskirche – outstanding with
its blue Baroque tower – and perhaps hike to the fortress where Richard the Lionhearted was held captive. Of course, there are always wineries and breweries available for tastings. A special treat is a sparkling wine reception and folkloric performance at the Castle Greinburg, overlooking the Danube.
Linz, Austria, provides easy access to your choice of three tours, each focused on one of the UNESCO World Heritage Sites of Salzburg, Český Krumlov,
or the Salzkammergut. Salzburg is renowned for
its connections to the real-life story portrayed in “The Sound of Music” as well as the birthplace
of Mozart. Český Krumlov is an enchantingly preserved medieval town in the Czech Republic. Salzkammergut in the lovely Lake District of Austria.
Additional attractive stops along this route
include Germany’s ancient city of Passau and later, up-river, the medieval town of Vilshofen, where you reluctantly conclude your voyage and disembark your well-appointed boat. However, with wise planning, you can travel by land to the Czech Republic for an impressive few days’ visit in Prague. At the historic heart of this capital city is its medieval castle overlooking the Vltava River. Tucked below the clock towers and church spires are cobblestone alleys and courtyards that are home to café social life. Undamaged by WWII bombs, Prague is among the most authentically and attractively preserved cities in Europe, where contemporary energy continually sparks art, culture and commerce, plus enthusiastic reviews from visitors.
AAA CENTRAL PENN PRESIDENT’S CRUISE MELODIES OF THE DANUBE RIVER CRUISE
October 17-28, 2018 • From $4,185 per person, double occupancy
INCLUDED FEATURES:
• Visit four European countries
• Seven-night deluxe cruise from Budapest
to Vilshofen on the AmaViola
• One-night pre-stay in Budapest including
breakfast at hotel
• Hungarian Puszta excursion with lunch
• Two post-night stays in Prague including
breakfast at hotel
• City tour of Prague
• Round-trip transfers in Europe
For more information and to make reservations, contact your local AAA Central Penn office.
• Mozart concert in Vienna, Austria
• All meals on board
• Port charges and taxes
• Round-trip transportation to and from the
departing airport
• All sightseeing included as outlined in day-by-day
itinerary
• Discoveries Journey Manager • Welcome reception
Travel
Rates are subject to availability at time of booking and include taxes, fees and fuel surcharges which are subject to change. All pricing and included features are based on a minimum of 20 full-fare passengers.
NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2017
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