Passage Along the Danube River
Cruise from the Habsburgs’ imperial capital of Vienna to the captivating Black Sea. Explore seven countries over nine nights aboard the exclusively chartered Amadeus Star, followed by two nights in Romania’s elegant capital of Bucharest. Cruise through the Iron Gates and discover the eastern Danube River Valley. Visit the ancient land of Bulgaria, the young territories of Serbia and eastern Croatia, Hungary’s fabled Puszta (plains), and the UNESCO World Heritage‑designated castles, palaces, and squares of Budapest. Optional Vienna Pre‑Program and/or Transylvania Post‑Program extensions.
Itinerary
Depart your home city and arrive the next day in Vienna, Austria.
Arrive Vienna and embark the Amadeus Star. Attend the Captain’s Welcome Reception and Dinner in the evening.
Amadeus Star (R,D)
In Bratislava, enjoy a walking tour of the Staré Mesto (Old Town). Visit the Gothic 14th‑century Cathedral of St. Martin and the elaborate Primate’s Palace, famous for its collection of 17th-century English tapestries. See St. Michael’s Gate.
Amadeus Star (B,L,D)
In Pest, see the Parliament Building, the second largest in Europe. At UNESCO-inscribed Heroes’ Square, admire monuments honoring Magyar chiefs who established the Kingdom of Hungary. Along Andrássy Avenue, see the Hungarian State Opera House. Cross the Chain Bridge linking Pest to Buda. On Castle Hill, visit St. Matthias Church and the Fisherman’s Bastion. Amadeus Star (B,L,D)
Enjoy a scenic drive through Hungary’s scenic, protected Puszta grassland plains and visit a horse farm to see a performance of Hungarian horsemanship. Enjoy a traditional lunch in the farm’s restaurant. Continue to Kalocsa to visit the House of Folk Art and Paprika Museum. Amadeus Star (B,L,D)
In Vukovar, see 18th‑century Eltz Manor and the iconic Grand Hotel, famously purchased by the city’s Labor Movement in 1919. Visit the Baroque Church of Saints Philip and James. Enjoy a walking tour of Novi Sad’s Old Town to see the Name of Mary Church, Town Hall, and the 18th‑century Petrovaradin Fortress, Europe’s second largest fortress. Continue to Karlovci to visit the Orthodox Church of St. Nicholas and Patriarchate Court. Enjoy a honey tasting in the Museum of Beekeeping. Amadeus Star (B,L,D)
Embark on a tour of Belgrade, featuring Terazije Square and Temple of St. Sava. Visit Kalemegdan Fortress and the famous “House of Flowers” museum dedicated to former Yugoslavia’s leader, Josip Broz Tito. Amadeus Star (B,L,D)
Visit Lepenski Vir to see the impressive exhibition center of Paleolithic artifacts. Later, enjoy spectacular views of the Danube Gorge and cruise past the Iron Gates. Amadeus Star (B,L,D)
Visit Arbanasi’s perfectly preserved Konstantsaliev House and the 15th-century Birth of Christ Church. Continue to Veliko Târnovo’s historical town center and see the 12th-century Tsarevets Fortress. Amadeus Star (B,L,D)
In Constanța Old Town, see the poet Ovid’s statue in Ovidiu Square, the Great Mahmudiye Mosque, and the Orthodox Cathedral of Saints Peter and Paul. Enjoy a Captain’s Farewell Reception on board this evening. Amadeus Star (B,L,R,D)
Arrive in Bucharest and visit the Palace of Parliament. Check into the InterContinental Athénée Palace Bucharest.
InterContinental Athénée Palace Bucharest (B,L)
Visit the National Art Museum, housing Romania’s finest collection of artistic treasures, and tour the Village Open Air Museum. Enjoy the farewell reception this evening. InterContinental Athénée Palace Bucharest (B,R)
Depart Bucharest for your home city or join the post-tour extension. (B)
Cost and Details
The Amadeus Star features all the comforts of a refined and traditional hotel. The stylish restaurant offers scenic views through panoramic windows and continental cuisine featuring fresh, local ingredients. Daily meals include early-risers’ coffee, breakfast, and lunch with complimentary wine and beer, afternoon tea, a four‑course dinner (also with complimentary beverages), and a late‑evening snack. For your leisure time on board, there are two bars, an open-air lounge, a boutique, a massage room, a beauty salon, a fitness studio, and the Sun Deck. Complimentary Wi‑Fi access is available and an elevator serves all passenger decks except the Sun Deck. There is no doctor on board. The 82 stylish staterooms and suites are among the most spacious of any European riverboat (172 to 284 square feet). Suites include a private balcony and select staterooms feature a unique floor‑to‑ceiling window that lowers to French-balcony height at the touch of a button. Accommodations have two twin beds or one queen bed, individual climate control, sitting area, and private bathroom with shower. Most have a minibar. The Amadeus Star meets the highest safety standards; the Amadeus fleet has earned the important “Green Globe Certificate” of environmental sustainability.
Cabin Categories (Prices shown are per person, double occupancy, and include the Early Booking Discount. Available officially until March 31, 2023. If you are booking after this date please see the brochure for pricing. Port taxes are an additional charge. )
C4 – $4,795 Stateroom with small panoramic window. Haydn Deck, aft.
C1 – $5,195 Stateroom with small panoramic window. Haydn Deck, midship.
B4 – $5,795 Stateroom with floor-to-ceiling panoramic window that lowers to French-balcony height. Strauss Deck, aft. (limited availability)
B1 – $6,395 Stateroom with floor-to-ceiling panoramic window that lowers to French-balcony height. Strauss Deck, midship. (limited availability)
A1 – $6,895 Stateroom with floor-to-ceiling panoramic window that lowers to French-balcony height. Mozart Deck, aft and midship. (limited availability)
Suite – $7,495 Suite with private balcony (sliding glass doors with railing), sofa and bath robes. Mozart Deck, midship.
Singles occupancy cabins are available in any category at 160% of the double rate.
Taxes are an additional $95 per person and are subject to change.
Additional fuel surcharge fees may apply. Customers will be notified of any fuel surcharge fee prior to final payment. This fee will then be charged and collected by the vessel operating company while onboard.
Optional Pre-Tour: Imperial Vienna
Price per person:
Double occupancy, $895
Single occupancy $1,245
Optional Post-Tour: Castles of Transylvania
Price per person:
Double occupancy, $995
Single occupancy $1,245
This is a moderately active tour. For the safety and enjoyment of each participant and the group, participants must be able to:
- Walk on average 2-3 miles at a steady pace. On this tour, you’ll be walking in cities and towns and should be able to walk at a steady pace for approx. 2-4 hours.
- Be able to walk on cobblestone, gravel, and pavement. Some of the walking excursions require good balance as you walk over cobblestone sidewalks/roads and uneven pavement.
- Stand for up to approximately 2 hours at a time each day.
- Walk up and down stairs without handrails, without the assistance of another person.
- Get off and on tour vehicles and the ship (via a gangplank) without assistance
Educational Highlights
In addition to expert local guides, several guest lecturers on board will provide formal presentations on a variety of topics.
Terms and Conditions
Please view the Terms and Conditions at gohagantravel.com/terms/
Reservations:
An $800 per person deposit will reserve a place for participants on this program. The balance of the trip is due 95 days prior to departure, July 4, 2023.
To make a reservation please email travel@commonwealthclub.org or call (415) 597-6720 to sign up.
Cancellations
Cancellations for all or any part of the trip including Pre/Post Program(s) reservation(s) will not be effective until received in writing in the offices of The Commonwealth Club. Should you have to cancel, the following terms will apply:
CANCELLATION FEES: Final payment due at least 95 days prior to departure. Cancellation fees and penalties apply as follows:
PRIOR TO DEPARTURE
96 days or more prior* 95-61 days prior 60-45 days prior 44-0 days prior |
FEE
Full refund 50% of program price 75% of program price 100% of program price |
*In the event of a cancellation between 45 and 95 days prior to departure, the refund will be by credit, usable on a future Gohagan & Company trip that commences on or before December 31, 2023. In addition, for all bookings, any applicable airline cancellation fees, optional excursion cancellation fees and administrative fees may apply.
A “no-show” or early return from the trip will result in the forfeiture of 100% of the published full regular tariffs.
In addition, any applicable airline cancellation fees, optional excursion cancellation fees, and administrative fees may apply.
Discounted Reservations
Discounts apply only to those reservations received in the offices of The Commonwealth Club in writing, accompanied by the required deposit. In the event a “discounted” reservation must be canceled, no replacement reservation can be substituted at the discounted rate. A “replacement” reservation is a new reservation and can be substituted only at the full-fare tariff. Cancellation penalties may apply.
Trip Insurance
We strongly recommend the purchase of trip cancellation insurance, which is available for coverage of expenses in conjunction with cancellation due to illness or accident. Baggage insurance is also recommended. In the event you must cancel your participation in the travel program, trip cancellation insurance may be the only source of reimbursement. Information will be sent upon registration and can be viewed Travel Insurance Services website
Eligibility
We require membership to the Commonwealth Club to travel with us. People who live outside of the Bay Area may purchase a worldwide membership. To learn about membership types and to purchase a membership, visit our membership page or call (415)597-6720.
As of October 2022 vaccination for COVID-19 is required for all crew and travelers aboard this ship, including a booster. COVID-19 protocols will be adapted and revised continuously to adapt to the current situation and will be communicated with registered travelers.
Airfare
Airfare is subject to change and availability and, depending on the fare basis, likely is nonrefundable. Your airline ticket constitutes a contract between you and the airline, even if purchased through Gohagan.
Luggage
Luggage allowance policies are set by the airlines and may change without notice.
Physical Accessibility
All programs require physical independence and mobility. Any physical or mental condition that may require special medical attention or physical assistance (for example, the need for a wheelchair) must be reported in writing when you make your reservation. Travelers must be able to embark or disembark motorcoaches alone or with minimal assistance from your traveling companion and climb stairs and step over raised thresholds without assistance. Travelers requiring assistance must travel with a companion who will be responsible for handling equipment.
Rates
Prices quoted are based on fares in effect at the time of printing and are subject to change at any time. On land and/or cruise programs, even after full payment, Gohagan reserves the right to increase the tour price in the event of cost increases due to changes in supplier costs, currency fluctuations or fuel or energy surcharges and all such increases are to be paid to Gohagan upon notice to the tour participant of such increases. On programs that include Gohagan purchasing interstate or international air (which originates or returns to the United States), no increased costs will be passed on after final payment except for subsequently imposed governmental tax increases.
Release of Liability, Assumption of Risk, and Binding Arbitration Agreement Responsibility
The Commonwealth Club and Thomas P. Gohagan & Company and its and their employees, shareholders, subsidiaries, affiliates, officers, directors or trustees, successors, and assigns (collectively “Gohagan”), do not own or operate any entity which is to or does provide goods or services for your trip including, for example, lodging facilities, airline, vessel, or other transportation companies, guides or guide services, local ground operators, providers or organizers of optional excursions, food service or entertainment providers, etc. All such persons and entities are independent contractors. As a result, Gohagan is not liable for any negligent or willful act or failure to act of any such person or entity or of any other third party. In addition and without limitation, Gohagan is not responsible for any injury, loss, death, inconvenience, delay, or damage to person or property in connection with the provision of any goods or services whether resulting from, but not limited to, acts of God or force majeure, acts of government, acts of war or civil unrest, insurrection or revolt, bites from or attacks by animals, insects or pests, strikes or other labor activities, criminal or terrorist activities of any kind or the threat thereof, sickness, illness, epidemics or the threat thereof, the lack of availability of or access to medical attention or the quality thereof, overbooking or downgrading of accommodations, mechanical or other failure of airplanes, vessels, or other means of transportation, or for any failure of any transportation mechanism to arrive or depart timely or safely. If due to weather, flight schedules or other uncontrollable factors, you are required to spend an additional night(s), you will be responsible for your own hotel, transfers and meal costs. Baggage is entirely at owner’s risk. The right is reserved to decline to accept as a trip participant, or remove from a trip, without refund, any person Gohagan judges to be incapable of meeting the rigors and requirements of participating in the activities, or who is abusive to other trip participants, leaders or third parties, or who Gohagan determines to detract from the enjoyment of the trip by others. Specific room/cabin assignments are within the sole discretion of the hotel or cruise line. Gohagan reserves the right to change the itinerary or trip features at any time and for any reason, with or without notice, and Gohagan shall not be liable for any loss of any kind as a result of any such changes. Ship schedules, port calls, hours of arrival and departure, sightseeing events, special programs and guest lecture series (if applicable), are subject to change or cancellation. Gohagan reserves the right to substitute motorcoach transportation using hotels, inns or lodges for cruise accommodations if necessary due to weather, water conditions or levels, other events of force majeure, mechanical or other conditions beyond the control of Gohagan. Gohagan is not responsible therefore and is not required to compensate passengers under these circumstances. Gohagan may cancel a trip (or an option) for any reason whatsoever; if so, its sole responsibility is to refund monies paid by the participant to it. Gohagan, however, is not required under these circumstances to refund the cost of any purchased travel insurance. Gohagan is not required to cancel any trip for any reason including without limitation, United States Department of State, World Health Organization or other Warnings or Advisories of any kind. Gohagan is not responsible for penalties assessed by air carriers resulting from operational and/or itinerary changes, even if Gohagan makes the flight arrangements or cancels the trip. Gohagan reserves the right to substitute vessels, hotels or attractions of a similar category for those listed in this brochure.
Binding Arbitration
Any dispute concerning, relating or referring to this Agreement, the brochure or any other literature concerning the trip, or the trip itself, shall be resolved exclusively by binding arbitration pursuant to the Federal Arbitration Act, 9 U.S.C. Sections 1-16, either according to the then existing Commercial Rules of the American Arbitration Association (AAA) or pursuant to the Comprehensive Arbitration Rules & Procedures of the Judicial Arbitration and Mediation Services, Inc. (JAMS). Such proceedings will be governed by substantive (but not procedural) Illinois law and will take place in Chicago, IL. The arbitrator and not any federal, state, or local court or agency shall have exclusive authority to resolve any dispute relating to the interpretation, applicability, enforceability, conscionably, or formation of this contract, including but not limited to any claim that all or any part of this contract is void or voidable. Please understand that by agreeing to these terms and conditions, the participant and Gohagan are waiving the right to a trial by jury.
Acceptance of Contract
By forwarding of deposit, the participant certifies that he/she does not have any mental, physical or other condition of disability that would create a hazard for him/herself or other participants and accepts the terms contained in this Release of Liability, Assumption of Risk and Binding Arbitration Agreement.
Registration
Commonwealth Club CST#: 2096889-40; Gohagan CST#: 2031868-40, WST#: 601 767 666, OST#: TA 0905.