Happy Gecko Travel
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Itinerary
Day 1 Sat, 13 Aug Budapest (D)
Welcome to Budapest. You will be met at the airport and transferred to your
luxury Emerald Cruises Star-Ship, before enjoying time at leisure to explore
Budapest. This evening, enjoy an authentic Hungarian folklore show on board,
followed by a traditional dinner.
Day 2 Sun, 14 Aug Budapest (B,L,D)
The ancient Roman city of Aquincum once sat on the site of modern Budapest,
where architecture from across the centuries shines a light on the history of
the Hungarian capital. Originally two separate cities, Buda on the right and
Pest on the left offer incredibly different views on the culture of one of the
liveliest cities in Eastern Europe. Today, you will have the opportunity to
explore the city during a guided tour, including Heroes’ Square and the UNESCO
World Heritage-listed Andrássy Avenue and Buda Castle District. Alternatively,
enjoy a hike to Buda Hill for a postcard-worthy panorama of the Danube banks.
EmeraldACTIVE
A hike to Buda Hill
Included Excursion
A guided tour of Budapest
Day 3 Mon, 15 Aug Bratislava (B,L,D)
This morning, relax on board as we sail to Bratislava. An ancient landscape
awaits, where remarkable towers add to a skyline that perfectly encapsulates
the history of the city, and preserved medieval fortifications tell tales of a turbulent
past. Your local guide will take you through the heart of the city, as you soak
in sights of the lavish Episcopal Summer Palace and the neo-Renaissance façade
of the Slovak National Theatre. If you are feeling more active, then you could
instead choose to hike around the serene gardens of Bratislava Castle, offering
the perfect environment for the Shakespeare festival that occurs during the
summer months. This afternoon, you will be invited into the home of a local
family to learn about their culture over coffee and cake.
EmeraldPLUS
Home-hosted coffee and cake with a local family
EmeraldACTIVE
A hike to Bratislava Castle
Included Excursion
A walking tour of Bratislava
Day 4 Tue, 16 Aug Vienna (B,L,D)
Set on the banks of the Danube, Vienna has been considered to be Europe’s
capital of music for centuries. Viennese Classicism is still highly regarded
around the world, as the 18th century brought with it the First Viennese
School, consisting of Haydn, Mozart and Beethoven. Today, your local guide will
take you for a drive around the world-famous Ringstrasse and a walking tour of
the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Historic Centre of Vienna, including a
peppering of lavish Baroque mansions and the Vienna State Opera. If you are
feeling more active, then choose to explore on two wheels instead, cycling
along the riverbanks before touching on Danube Island and Prater, home to a
traditional 19th-century Ferris wheel.
EmeraldACTIVE
A guided bike tour
Included Excursion
A guided tour of Vienna
DiscoverMORE
An exclusive Viennese concert with music from Mozart and Strauss (extra expense)
DiscoverMORE
Tastes of Vienna (extra expense)
Day 5 Wed, 17 Aug Dürnstein - Melk (B,L,D)
This morning, arrive in Dürnstein; a small town nestled in the heart of the
Wachau wine region. When you arrive, you will have the chance to hike to the
medieval ruins of Dürnstein Castle, the site where King Richard I was held
prisoner following his return from the Third Crusade, and part of the UNESCO
World Heritage-listed Wachau Cultural Landscape, a place peppered with natural
lookout points that highlight the beauty of the region. Alternatively, enjoy a
guided bike ride from Dürnstein to Melk, traversing the banks of the Danube.
Later, sail through the Wachau Valley, a place that showcases a plethora of
historic architecture, in the form of monasteries, castles and ruins, and the
development of urban design through the ages. When you arrive in Melk, you will
be taken for a tour of the 900-year-old Melk Abbey, touching on the lavish
surrounds of the former palace and viewing ancient manuscripts in the monastic
library.
EmeraldACTIVE
A guided hike to Dürnstein Castle
EmeraldACTIVE
A guided bike tour along the Danube from Dürnstein to Melk
Included Excursion
A visit to Melk Abbey
Day 6 Thu, 18 Aug Passau (B,L,D)
After a morning of sailing along the Danube, perhaps relaxing with a drink in
hand on the Sun Deck, we will take you into the heart of Passau. As the point
at which the Danube, Inn and Ilz rivers meet, Passau is also known as the
Dreiflüssestadt, meaning the “City of Three Rivers”. Your included guided tour
of Passau will unveil its noteworthy Gothic and Baroque architecture. The town
was destroyed by a series of fires in the 17th century, leaving a blank canvas
for Italian architects to work with. After your tour, enjoy some free time to
explore Passau at leisure, before an afternoon spent sailing towards
Regensburg.
Included Excursion
A guided tour of Passau
EmeraldACTIVE
A hike to Veste Oberhaus
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Excursion to the Bavarian Forest (extra expense)
Day 7 Fri, 19 Aug Regensburg (B,L,D)
This morning, we will arrive in Regensburg, a city that has been generously
steeped in history, built on the site of an ancient Roman fort that went on to
become a major centre for trade during the Middle Ages. Your guided walking
tour of Regensburg will showcase its UNESCO World Heritage-listed medieval
centre, where ancient Roman architecture can be found sitting alongside 11th –
13th century patrician houses. Narrow cobbled lanes and tall façades help to
define the character of this enchanting Bavarian city. Afterwards, sail down
the Main-Danube Canal, passing over a series of aqueducts as panoramas of
idyllic landscapes pass by. This evening, enjoy a traditional Bavarian band on
board.
EmeraldPLUS
A traditional Bavarian band on board
Included Excursion
A guided tour of Regensburg
Day 8 Sat, 20 Aug Regensburg - Nuremburg (B)
After breakfast, it’s time to say farewell to your fellow guests and disembark
the ship for your transfer to the Nuremburg airport, taking memories of Roman
architecture and the cultural divide in Budapest with you.
This itinerary is a guide only and may be amended for operational reasons such as high and low water. As such, the cruise may operate altered from that stated above.
Optional Prague Extension - $620
Day 8 Sat, 20 Aug Regensburg - Prague (B)
In Regensburg, disembark your Star-Ship to be transferred to Prague, home to
some of the world’s most pristine collections of architecture from across the
ages. Included is a comfortable three-night stay in the city.
Day 9 Sun, 21 Aug Prague (B)
This morning, join a walking tour of Prague to explore its vivid history
through its Gothic, Renaissance and Baroque architecture, with each style
encapsulating a slice of the city’s past. Witness the splendour of Mozart’s
Theatre, the Little Square and the Astronomical Clock, a medieval wonder that
can be dated back to the start of the 15th century.
Included Excursion
A walking tour of Prague
EmeraldPLUS
Coffee & Cake at Lobkowicz Palace
Day 10 Mon, 22 Aug Prague (B)
Today is yours to spend exploring Prague at leisure, perhaps uncovering the
secrets of Josefov, the Jewish Quarter and Malá Strana, one of the most
historic regions in the city. Your tour director will be available to help you
plan your day and to answer any questions that you may have.
DiscoverMORE
Tastes of Czechia (extra expense)
Day 11 Tue, 23 Aug Prague (B)
After breakfast, it is time to bid farewell to your fellow guests and leave
Prague’s idyllic centre for your transfer to the Prague airport, taking
memories of ancient wonders and idyllic panoramic views of UNESCO World
Heritage-listed areas with you.
This itinerary is a guide only and may be amended for
operational reasons such as high and low water. As such, the cruise may operate
altered from that stated above.
Please note: Pre-release itinerary subject to change.
Additional Info
Cost listed in chart above is current 2022 pricing and is based on double occupancy.
For Single occupancy,
the passenger will need to pay the 2nd fare in addition to their own.
SAVE $2,000 per couple or fly for $295 on 8-14 day itineraries
Past Emerald Waterways guests will also receive and additional $200 discount.
(Indicate Past Guest on registration form to have discount applied)
Cost of the cruise
does not include airfare.
Cost of the cruise does not include hotel nights prior to August 13th,
2022
A non-refundable deposit
of $500 per person is required to book the trip
Payment Schedule
Initial Deposit - $500 per person (Non-refundable).
Final Payment is due by May 15th,
2022.
Failure to pay the balance within 90 days of the cruise or tour departure date
will result in cancellation and loss of the deposit.
Cancellation Policy
89-60 days prior to departure - 35% of total price
59-30 days prior to departure - 50% of total price
29 – 0 days prior to
departure - 100% of total price
If additional services have been added to the booking (i.e. extra hotel nights,
meals, group transfers, sightseeing additions) additional penalties may apply.
Pre- and post-trip accommodations cancelled between 14 days and the day of
departure may incur penalties up to 100% of the accommodations cost.
Transfers
Arrival and departure airport transfers are included as part of the packages
providing guests arrive and depart on cruise start and end dates. Transfers are
not included for guests under their own arrangements pre- or post-tour.
Name Changes
Name changes made after booking has been deposited will be processed as a
cancellation and rebook. Standard
cancellation penalties will apply.
Deposits are non-transferable.
Online Registration (Trip Personalizer)
In order to verify that we have the correct booking information on file for our
mutual guests, we require that all agents or guests are responsible to complete
our pre-registration process upon deposit, 150-120 days prior to departure or
no later than the final payment date.
Any information entered within 90 days of departure will incur a $50 per
invoice administration fee.
The following will be required to complete Trip Personaliser:
• Verification of personal/ guest information accuracy on all documents
• Provide emergency contacts
• Sign and submit any medical waivers or advisements
• Advise flight information for eligible
transfers
Please note: Final travel documents will NOT be issued until completion of
pre-registration. Any delay in issuing documents will be subject to additional
administration fees of $50 per invoice.
Medical, Mobility And Other Special Requirements
All medical, mobility and health issues must be noted in the booking record at
time of booking. Forms are required to
be completed in Trip Personaliser prior to final payment for those guests with
mobility issues, health concerns, sleep apnea or oxygen machines. Scenic cannot
accommodate completely wheelchair bound guests.
Before You Leave
Required Travel Documents: It is the guest’s responsibility to obtain and
possess all valid travel documents for their vacation. This includes acquiring
all visas and immunizations required for their nationality by all countries on
the itinerary.
Passports: All guests must have a valid passport with at least 6 months
validity from return date. It is the responsibility of each guest to ensure any
applicable visas for all countries visited have been obtained prior to
departure. Failure to obtain correct documentation will mean the guest will be
unable to participate in particular shore excursions and may be denied boarding
and/or entry into certain countries. Meeting necessary passport and visa entry
requirements and costs is the sole responsibility of guests.
Travel Protection Insurance
We strongly recommend the purchase of travel protection. Scenic recommends Trip Mate travel protection
program. For group bookings, Trip Mate travel protection plan must be purchased
and paid for no later than ten (10) days after the deposit. To obtain a quote, visit https://scenicgroup.tripmate.com/main
*Terms and conditions: For the airfare promotion, a secondary non-refundable
deposit of $500 per person is due prior to air ticketing. Emerald Waterways
reserves the right to ticket the airfare upon receipt of deposit. Maximum value
of air ticket is $1200 per person inclusive of all taxes & fees. Fly from
25 major U.S. cities, call for a list of available gateway cities. Economy Air
only on Emerald Waterways’ choice of airlines and routes. This offer is not
combinable with any other offer. Offer available to
residents of the 50 United States only. Offer may be extended, canceled or
withdrawn at any time without notice. Visit emeraldwaterways.com for complete
terms and conditions.
*Terms and Conditions For Air Promotions:
Offer applicable to this contracted sailing only, for new bookings made.
Maximum value of air ticket is $1200 per person inclusive of all taxes and
fees. A secondary non-refundable deposit of $1500 per person is due prior to
air ticketing.
Fly from 25 U.S. cities:
Atlanta, Baltimore, Boston, Charlotte, Chicago, Cincinnati, Dallas, Denver,
Detroit, Houston, Los Angeles, Miami, Minneapolis, Newark, New York (JFK),
Orlando, Philadelphia, Phoenix, Pittsburgh, Raleigh, San Diego, San Francisco,
Seattle, Tampa, Washington (IAD).
Schedules are subject to availability and groups may not be coordinated to
travel together. Air is scheduled approximately 4-6 months prior to departure.
Travel Arrangementsby
Travel Arrangements
