Thank you for booking our 2023 Prague & Danube River Cruise – Your adventure will be here before you know it!
On July 13th personalized travel documents were sent to you or your travel agent via email, confirming your trip inclusions and airport transfer details. Below you will find additional information to help you prepare for the adventure that lies ahead. If you haven’t received your travel documents, please contact us.
All documentation required for this itinerary is the sole responsibility of the guest. Brand g Vacations will not be responsible for advising and/or obtaining required travel documentation for any passenger, or for any delays, damages, and/or losses, including missed portions of your trip, related to improper or absent travel documentation. It is suggested that copies of important documents, including your passport and visas, be kept in a separate place, in case the originals are lost or stolen.
Passport: A passport that is valid for at least six (6) months after your return date is required for this program.
Travel Protection: Travel insurance is advised to participate in this program. If you haven’t purchased a policy already, you may do so by contacting your travel agent or Brand g Vacations. You may also get a quote and purchase a policy online from Brand g’s recommended travel insurance provider, Travel Insured International. Be sure to carry all policy information with you during your program. Please see below for important travel insurance considerations pertaining to what happens if you test positive for COVID-19 during the trip.
Vaccinations:
It is Brand g Vacations policy that all guests be fully vaccinated for COVID-19, according the World Health Organization (WHO) standards, to participate in this vacation. You will be required to attest to full vaccination when completing the Required Documents form linked in the section above and may be asked to produce your vaccination card at anytime during the trip. In addition, you may be required to show proof of vaccination in the event you need to enter any health care centers. Therefore we ask that you bring your proof of vaccination in paper or digital form when you travel.
Fully vaccinated persons are not required to test for COVID-19 in order to enter any of the countries visited on this itinerary, however be sure to review the rules imposed by your airline, which may still require testing to fly or to return to your home country. It is each guests responsibility to research and comply with the COVID-19 policies dictated by your airline and home country.
At the time of this printing, no other vaccinations are required for entering the countries visited, but it is recommended that all guests discuss available vaccinations and any other health concerns they may have with their personal physician or a travel medicine specialist.
The consulates of the countries to be visited will also provide information on vaccination requirements and/or suggestions. You may also consult your home country’s centers for disease control for their current recommendations. For the US visit CDC.
Mask Policy: Mask wearing is optional throughout the trip, however we suggest bringing a supply of masks in case this policy changes, or in case masks may be required by your airlines or any other form of public transportation or other venues throughout your trip.
What Happens if I Test Positive for COVID-19 During the Trip?: As testing is not required by the countries visited nor the cruise line, and because we require all guests to be fully vaccinated to participate in this trip we will never ask you to test for COVID-19. Should you decide to voluntarily test, and you test positive, we ask you to respect your fellow guests by quarantining in your hotel or cruise stateroom for a minimum of 5 days following your first symptoms. At that time you may return to the group, but recommend you wear a mask until you are completely symptom free. The same holds true for any illness, if you feel unwell, please respect your fellow guests by self-quarantining until you feel better and are reasonably sure you are no longer contagious.
We are very sorry to say that we cannot reimburse guests for any missed portions of the trip due to illness of any sort. If you haven’t done so already, we highly recommend that all guests purchase a travel insurance policy to cover expenses incurred with any illness as well as reimbursement for missed portions of the trip. We recommend Travel Insured International, however there are many other great options available.
Physical Limitations: This river cruise program is active. While there will be plenty of time to relax, there is much to see and do. Many included excursions require an extensive amount of walking over cobblestone streets, and many sites have numerous steps that may be steeper and narrower than is common in the U.S. For your safety and enjoyment, we recommend that all guests be in good physical condition. Brand g Vacations at its sole discretion, reserves the right to refuse passage, or to require a current passenger to end their trip, if the passenger’s state of health or physical condition may affect their own health, safety, or enjoyment or that of other passengers.
Medical: While the ship staff are trained in basic first aid, the ship does not employ staff nurses or doctors and medical facilities are not always easily accessible during the more rural portions of the trip. Any medical expenses incurred are the guest’s own responsibility and neither Brand g Vacations nor the ship is responsible for cost or quality of medical care received. Guests should bring their medications with them. A travel insurance policy that covers medical expenses while traveling internationally is highly recommended.
Dietary Preferences: Please advise us of any special dietary restrictions at least 45 days prior to your departure. This information will be provided to the proper personnel, and to the extent possible within local conditions and limitations, every effort will be made to accommodate your needs. It is the guest’s responsibility to provide us with as much detail as possible concerning any medically related dietary concerns. Not all dietary requests can be accommodated, and we appreciate your understanding in this matter.
While there are no restrictions on the number of bags each guest may bring on board the ship, storage space is limited, and it is suggested that each guest bring only one checked bag. Additionally, all airlines impose restrictions on both size and weight, and many airlines restrict the number of bags per person. Each guest must check with their selected air carrier for limitations prior to departure, as luggage restrictions are subject to change. Guests who exceed an airline’s luggage restrictions may be asked by the airline to pay the airline’s overweight/oversized luggage fees.
An airline’s limitations on the weight and size of checked and carry-on baggage are usually found on their website or may be obtained by calling the airline directly. Please remember that international (over the water) and domestic (intra continental) restrictions may not be the same.
Your luggage and all personal belongings are solely your responsibility throughout the trip. Neither Brand g Vacations or the cruise line are responsible for lost, stolen, or damaged luggage or personal belongings. Selecting a travel insurance plan that will cover lost or stolen luggage and/or personal items is highly recommended.
Please place luggage tags on the outside of all of your bags, including carry on and hand luggage, and include a copy of your contact information during the trip on the inside of your checked bags. Valuables and medication should only be packed in your carry-on bags (unless required to be placed in checked bags by your airline).
Please be sure to contact your airline prior to departure and verify there have been no changes to the flight number or schedule. If you have an airport transfer confirmed with Brand g Vacations, please advise of any schedule change affecting your airport pick up time.
Familiarize yourself with current airport security procedures and arrive at the airport at least two and a half (2.5) hours prior to your scheduled departure. During peak travel times, you may want to arrive three (3) hours prior to your scheduled departure time.
Most items you purchase internationally can be brought back into the US and Canada. We do recommend, however, that you check with both your home country’s customs office for current restrictions, as well as with the embassies of the countries you are visiting for any restrictions on items that may be unlawful to take outside their borders.
When you return to your home country, you should be prepared to declare everything you purchased or acquired while traveling. Many countries will ask you to complete a customs form, which will require descriptions and values of the items. These forms are easier to complete if you keep your sales receipts easily accessible. Most countries have set customs duty exemptions for both quantity and value of certain items. We suggest that you familiarize yourself with these allowances and limits prior to your travel.
Please be advised that most hotels do not allow check-in earlier than 3:00pm. If you arrive at the hotel before 3:00pm, you may need to wait until the room becomes available. Hotel check-out is usually no later than 11:00am. If your arrival or departure schedule does not coincide with these times, you may ask the hotel to store your luggage while you explore independently. Please note that every effort is made to ensure that your hotel room is available and ready for occupancy upon your arrival at the hotel, but this is not always possible. A short wait for your room to become available may be unavoidable. Depending on your scheduled arrival or departure, you may wish to purchase an early check-in or late check-out, or an additional hotel night, to guarantee availability of your room. Feel free to contact your travel agent or Brand g Vacations to review your arrival and departure and discuss any special check-in and/or check-out needs.
Guests who provided their independently arranged flight details to Brand g Vacations no later than 45 days prior to departure, will automatically have airport arrival and departure transfers arranged. Flight arrangements must also be made in accordance with Brand g vacations flight recommendations. Guests are responsible for checking with the airlines and providing their most up-to-date flight details. Please contact your travel agent or Brand g Vacations if you have any questions about your flight arrangements.
Arrival Transfers are provided from Václav Havel Airport Prague (PRG) to your brand g host hotel in Prague. The transfer takes about 30 minutes.
At your destination airport, please proceed through immigration, then collect your luggage and exit the secure area through customs and exit the terminal, where you will be met by a representative who will be holding a sign with the Brand g Vacations logo, and who will accompany you to your hotel.
If you cannot find the representative, please remain just outside the terminal until the representative comes to you. There may be a waiting period of up to one hour for scheduled airport transfers, depending on grouping of flight arrivals.
Departure Transfers: At the end of the cruise you will be transferred from the river cruise vessel to Budapest Ferenc Liszt International Airport (BUD) in time for your Independently arranged flight. Or, guests who independently booked additional nights’ hotel accommodation in Budapest will be transferred to that hotel. At the end of the hotel stay guests will then need to arrange their own transportation to the airport. Transfers to home stays are not provided.
If you experience a travel delay while still in your home country, after working with your air carrier to revise your flight schedule, please contact Brand g’s Minneapolis-based Operations Office at 952-405-9309 to advise us of your revised arrival date and time. If the line is busy or you are calling outside of general business hours, please leave a message.
If you have already departed your home country, please contact your local staff and Brand g host at the numbers provided in the Emergency Contact section of this page.
If you purchased travel insurance that covers flight delay and cancellation expenses, you will also want to contact your travel insurance company to start a claim for expenses incurred during your delay. If the delay is serious enough that you will miss the starting point of your cruise, any additional hotel, and/or flight arrangements necessary to meet your group will be at your expense.
Baggage delays unfortunately occur from time to time, especially during peak travel periods. If you discover any bag did not make it to your destination, do not leave the airport baggage area without completing a Lost Baggage Report with your air carrier. This report is essential to the tracking of your claim. If you have an airport transfer scheduled, and are traveling with a companion, we recommend that one person exit the baggage claim area and locate the representative to inform him or her of the situation. This will allow the representative to ensure that the transfer is properly provided. Give the air carrier a copy of your travel itinerary, along with the hotel and ship contact information. Report your lost baggage to your Brand g Vacations Tour Leader and provide them with a copy of your Lost Baggage Report. Brand g Vacations is not responsible for lost, stolen, or damaged baggage and/or personal belongings. Selecting a travel insurance plan that will cover lost or stolen luggage and/or personal items is highly recommended.
A Brand g Vacations Tour Leader will be with you during your travel program to handle all the details, leaving you to relax and enjoy your vacation.
The ability to stay in touch with friends and family is an important part of travel, and many guests choose to bring cell phones on the trip. International roaming charges can be expensive, and it is advisable to contact your domestic carrier to determine the charges and plans available for each country you are visiting, then select the best available plan for your expected usage. In some countries, SIM cards are available for purchase that can be used in an unlocked phone (call your carrier to determine if your phone is, or can be, unlocked), providing a local number that can be used both locally and internationally, usually at a significantly lower rate.
Making international calls from hotels is possible, but costly. Connection fees are usually applied, in addition to other call charges.
The Brand g Vacations included hotels and the Amadeus Silver III offer free internet and Wi-Fi access.
The official currency used in the Czech Republic (Prague) is the Czech Koruna and in Hungry (Budapest) it is the Hungarian Forint. The currency throughout the rest of the itinerary and onboard the Amadeus Imperial is the Euro. The ship operates on a ‘cashless’ system and all charges are billed directly to each guest’s onboard account. While onboard, guests will sign for all purchases and pay their charges at the end of the cruise in Cash (Euros only) or with a credit card; cards accepted are American Express, MasterCard, and Visa. Credit cards will be charged in Euros. Debit cards cannot be accepted for settling the onboard account.
ATMs: connected to bank networks such as PLUS or Cirrus are widely available in most major metropolitan areas, airports, city centers, and some hotels. Fees for transactions vary. ATMs are not available onboard the ship and may be limited in the smaller towns and villages along the river. Your bank can tell you which network your ATM card can access, and whether a debit or credit card must be used. It is also recommended that guests bring an overseas contact number for your bank or credit card company in case you require assistance while traveling.
We recommend that you change or withdraw enough local currency while in larger cities, as ATMs and banks may not be readily available in some of the smaller towns along the itinerary. Also, we recommend that you not carry bills in large denominations, as many merchants are hesitant to accept them due to counterfeiting. Local banks can break the larger bills into smaller denominations for you.
Credit Cards: Visa and Mastercard are the most widely accepted credit cards internationally. American Express is accepted at most major hotels and large vendors. Smaller vendors and particularly restaurants may not accept American Express for payment. Visa, MasterCard, Diners Club, and American Express cards are all accepted onboard.
There may be some stores or locations where cash is preferred (especially for small purchases) or where a card cannot be used for purchases. We recommend bringing at least one major credit card as well as an ATM card that is both a debit and credit card.
Please contact your bank and/or credit card companies to let them know that you will be leaving the country to avoid any problems using your credit or debit cards overseas.
Optional Gratuities for the included components of this program have been pre-paid. You are welcome to provide additional tips at your discretion.
On the ship, smoking is allowed only on designated parts of the Sun Deck. The hotels have open areas where smoking is allowed and may offer smoking areas in specific sections of some indoor lounges. All hotel rooms and ship staterooms are non-smoking. We ask everyone to refrain from smoking while on excursions.
The voltage in hotels and onboard ship is 220v, European standard. To use any electrical products from the US or Canada you will need a plug adaptor and any device that is not dual voltage will require an electrical converter. Many electronic devices have built-in electrical converters, however, please check the manufacturer’s specifications for specific details.
Your tour program includes comprehensive shore excursions led by a local English-speaking guide; these excursions have been designed to provide you with the best possible experience. Excursions vary in difficulty level. Specific excursion information can be found in the daily itinerary. Your Brand g Vacations Tour Leader will provide details on each day’s excursion(s) and timing. Should guests be concerned about any aspect of an excursion, please inform your local guide or Tour Leader.
Some temples, Churches, Mosques, and other tourist attractions may require a dress code. If you plan to bring a cell phone or tablet on excursions, please ensure it is set to “silent.” Guides will alert you when photos and/or flash photos are not allowed.
Most host hotels are fitted with elevators for guest use however some rooms may have to be reached via stairs. The ship has elevators however, embarkation/disembarkation facilities may also be difficult to navigate with wheelchairs or walkers. The cruise line does not accept guide or support dogs. Electric mobility scooters or any other mobility mechanical devices are NOT permitted for use on the ship.
Some of the places we visit on this itinerary are not handicapped accessible. Please note: the American with Disabilities Act does not apply in Europe and accessibility to some sights may be limited for those with mobility impairments. Excursions may involve walking over uneven ground and some excursions are walking tours only. For your safety and enjoyment, we recommend that all guests be in good physical condition.
At its sole discretion, Brand g Vacations reserves the right to refuse passage, or to require a passenger to end their trip if the passenger’s state of health or physical condition may affect their own health, safety, and enjoyment, or that of other passengers.
In the countries in which we operate, pickpockets are not uncommon, and caution is encouraged. When sailing, please lock cabin doors, reducing the opportunity for theft. Cabins are fitted with safes for personal use. Brand g Vacations cannot be held liable for loss of money, jewelry, or other valuable items from the ship, from a hotel, or while on an excursion ashore during a voyage. A travel insurance policy will typically cover most incidents of loss or theft.
The ship has been outfitted with a sophisticated filtration system, and the tap water in each stateroom is safe for drinking. In addition, bottled water is provided in your stateroom for your comfort.
Weather forecasts are widely available on the Internet, and some of the favorites for large, international cities are www.weather.com and www.cnn.com/weather.
Average temperatures
Prague, Czech Republic: 78/59 degrees F
Budapest, Hungary: 82/62 degrees F
Travel Essentials: The following items are essential for any destination: sunglasses, sunscreen, insect repellent, hat, raincoat and umbrella. It is recommended that you bring; Electrical convertor and adaptors, duplicates of prescription eyewear, copies of prescriptions for any medications (generic equivalents are usually easier to obtain), copies of credit card information, and copies of your passport information pages and visas.
Clothing: Sport jackets and cocktail dresses are not needed at any time during this program; however, you may wish to pack a few nicer outfits for evening meals or nights out on your own. Comfortable, sporty, casual clothing is appropriate both on shore and on board. A mix of shirts, everyday slacks/pants, skirts/dresses, and walking shorts are appropriate for both land and cruise. Early mornings, late evenings, and air-conditioned spaces may also require a light sweater.
Footwear: Sturdy, comfortable walking shoes, with good ankle support, are highly recommended, as there is a significant amount of walking on many excursions.
On your upcoming Brand g Vacation Prague and Danube River Cruise, you have the option to tailor make your vacation by adding even more wonderful experiences to create even more memories. Whether it is a sporty cycle, a wonderful musical and dance experience or a trip to see the beautiful city of Salzburg we have some great options for you to choose from.
August 15th – $120 per person
Enjoy a scenic drive from Passau to Salzburg (2 hrs) via the lake district to see some of the sights of the Sound of Music. Then, enjoy a guided city tour of Salzburg, followed by free time to have lunch and shop before departing back to the ship. A truly memorable day. This excursion takes place on the first full day of the cruise, departing from Passau at around 8:30am and returning to the ship in Linz around 5pm. Following the excursion you’ll have the opportunity for a guided walking tour of Linz. Please note this excursion is non refundable and charged directly to your credit card registered with us.
Your alternative, if you do not participate in the Salzburg tour, is an early morning walking tour of Passau, followed by a day of sailing, then a walking tour of Linz.
August 16th – $125 per person
Enjoy a scenic bike tour from Melk to Durnstein. The ride is approximately 17.5 miles and it follows the river bank of the Danube through the beautiful Wachau Valley. The route is generally flat and is surrounded by dramatic, mountainous scenery. The ride will be leisurely, with plenty of time to stop to enjoy a snack or grab a drink at one of the small villages along the way. Schedule permitting, the bike tour will finish with a walking tour of Durnstein. Please note this excursion is non-refundable and charged directly to your credit card registered with us.
Your alternative is scenic sailing through the Wachau Valley, followed by a walking tour of Durnstein.
August 18th – €80 per person payable through your onboard account.
Pricing subject to change (Category A Tickets)
Enjoy a wonderful, not to be missed Viennese entertainment experience of a Strauss & Mozart Concert featuring beautiful singers and dancers. Where the Vienna Ring Boulevard meets the green of the City Park, one of the most exclusive and splendid buildings in Vienna was constructed in the mid 19th century in the style of the Italian Renaissance: the Kursalon Vienna home the this wonderful experience. An early dinner will be provided onboard prior to the concert followed by a substantial late night snack on returning to the ship. The venue is fully accessible and transport is via bus with a short walk and some stars. Please note this excursion is non refundable and charged directly to your onboard account in Euros.
Your alternative is a quiet evening on board, or an evening on your own in Vienna.
The Amadeus Silver III is designed to offer our guests an effortless combination of the vibrant energy of a river cruise with an increasingly calm and intimate ship experience.
Dates of Stay: August 14-21
The ship’s onboard restaurant provides a relaxed environment and accommodates all guests with open seating. It offers international and local cuisine. Breakfast and lunch are sumptuous buffets, with evenings featuring chef’s specialties and regional dishes all served with complimentary coffee, tea, water, wines, beers, and soft drinks.
Please notify Brand g Vacations in advance if you have any special dietary concerns or considerations that need to be considered. We will do our best to ensure that your request is accommodated but cannot guarantee all dietary needs and preferences can be met. All mealtimes are scheduled around tour departures, and breakfast may take place early in the morning.
The lounge serves an early riser breakfast as well as a light lunch alternative. Afternoon tea is also served as well as late-night snacks. Brand g Signature Entertainers will perform nightly in the lounge after dinner followed by music. Complimentary alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages are served in the Panorama Bar throughout the cruise.
The ship’s exclusive “open-air lounge, is in the bow and its specially designed glazing provides an incomparable view of the passing riverside scenery while providing protection against wind and rain.
The 24 hr. Club is the perfect place to relax during the day taking in the view, playing cards or board games while taking advantage of the complimentary coffee and tea. In the evening it is the perfect alternative venue to the Panorama lounge where the signature entertainers will perform after dinner.
The Fitness Center offers modern fitness equipment. The hours of operation are generally from 6:00 am to 10:00 pm but may be adjusted based on each day’s program. Use of the equipment is at your own risk. The Salon offers massage and hair services (by appointment onboard).
There is a gift shop onboard with a limited selection of souvenirs and other sundries. All purchases are charged to your shipboard account. The hours of operation are adjusted to each day’s program. Please note: No over-the-counter medications are available, in accordance with European laws.
As part of a commitment to a clean, safe, and healthy onboard environment, and in line with COVID-19 regulations, the Amadeus Silver III practices a strict sanitization protocol. To assist in this important matter, the ship kindly asks all guests to wash their hands frequently and to consistently use the hand-sanitizer machines when entering the ship and when entering the restaurant. The machines are located just inside the main entrance to the ship and at the entrance to the restaurant.
Full-service laundry is available on board. Please inquire at the Front Desk for a list of services and fees. There is no self-service laundry facility.
Local river authorities allocate docking space around ship arrivals and departures in port. Typically, river ships dock facing upstream. Occasionally port conditions require ships to tie up alongside each other, in which case guests may be required to walk through another ship to access their own ship. This is part of the river cruise experience and is perfectly normal and beyond the control of Brand g Vacations and the ship company. Guests may experience obstructed views from staterooms when the ship is docked.
As the ship is often in motion, and the decks are sometimes slippery, please take care when moving about the decks. Stairs may be steeper than you are used to, and it is best to always use the handrails.
Every stateroom is appointed with an individual thermostat for air-conditioning, a flat-screen TV, a hair dryer, a spacious wardrobe, a safe, and a bathroom provided with shower gel, shampoo, conditioner, and body lotion. Amadeus Suites are additionally equipped with a minibar and a comfortable seating area. Electrical current is 220V, the European standard. Most staterooms have hotel-style beds that can be positioned separately or together. Your stateroom will be serviced by your Stateroom Attendant daily. Security and maintenance checks may also be performed.
Visitors are generally not permitted onboard the ship and are not allowed to join any shore excursions. Please make arrangements to meet your friends and relatives onshore.
The Prague Marriott Hotel is just steps from Old Town Square and all major attractions. This upscale hotel in Prague evokes classic European charm and welcomes you with elegant accommodations offering a haven for relaxation and leisure.
Dates of Stay: August 12-14
AUG 12 – PRAGUE, CZECH REPUBLIC
10:00am – 12:00pm Hospitality Desk – Conference Center Entrance Lobby, Marriott Hotel
and
2:00pm – 4:00pm Hospitality Desk – Conference Center Entrance Lobby, Marriott Hotel
Your hosts, Johnathon, Les, and Mike will assist you with any questions you have concerning the program. Collect your name tags, sign up for your bus transfer to the ship, collect luggage tags or simply say hello.
Arrive in Prague and transfer to your hotel. The balance of the day is free time to start exploring this beautiful city. Today is the Prague Pride parade as well Pride Park and therefore no official Brand g functions other than the welcome desk are scheduled for today.
Refer to https://festival.praguepride.com/en/ for more details about Pride activities. The schedule is set to be completed around July 17th.
You will have a chance to meet your fellow guests at the city tour tomorrow as well as the welcome reception scheduled for tomorrow evening.
AUG 13 – PRAGUE, CZECH REPUBLIC
6:30am – 10:30am: Included Breakfast – The Artisan Restaurant, Marriott Hotel
8:45am: Prague City Tour – Banquet Foyer (above reception) All guests meet for a 9 am departure for a 3-hour walking tour of Old Town Prague to include the Church of Tyn, see the famous Astronomical Clock, and walk over the spectacular Charles Bridge.
Walking Grade 4/5: Moderate/hard walking including stairs and uneven surfaces.
Duration approx: 3 hrs
Your afternoon is free to mix with the locals at Wenceslaus Square, shop for souvenirs or enjoy one of the charming cafés or restaurants. Wander along the banks of the Vltava River, visit the Castle District, relax at an outdoor restaurant, or shop for local handicrafts and art work.
2:00pm – 4:00pm Hospitality Desk – Conference Center Entrance Lobby, Marriott Hotel
Your hosts, Johnathon, Les, and Mike will assist you with any questions you have concerning the program. Collect your name tags, sign up for your bus transfer to the ship, collect luggage tags or simply say hello.
5:30pm – 7:00pm: Hometown Welcome Reception – Moravia I, II, and III (above reception), Marriott Hotel
Wear a t-shirt that tells us where you are from for a welcome reception in banquet foyer. This is a great opportunity to meet your fellow guests and start the trip off on a high.
AUG 14 – PRAGUE/PASSAU, GERMANY
6:30am – 10:30am: Included Breakfast – The Artisan Restaurant, Marriott Hotel
Before 9:30am: Bags Out – Leave checked luggage outside your room ensuring each bag has the correct Orange, Red or Green label with your name and cabin number clearly visible. Your bags will be collected by hotel porters and taken to the bus. Do not leave valuables in your checked bags and keep your passport, prescriptions, and any valuables with you. Carry all hand baggage to the lobby yourself. Alternatively, guests may take their own checked luggage to the lobby by no later than 10:15am.
Before 10:15am: Hotel check-out – please check out and pay any incidentals invoice with reception.
All guests meet in the Banquet Foyer (above reception) to prepare for a prompt departure.
10:15am: Identify luggage and board coaches – Your hosts will facilitate the boarding of buses from the conference center reception. Please wait to be called forward for boarding by bus color. Your checked luggage will be staged beside the corresponding motor coach. Identify your luggage with a Brand g host before it is loaded onto your motor coach. Once you have identified your luggage, you may board your motor coach.
10:30am: Buses Depart for the ship – Depart for embarkation in Passau. We will travel through the pastoral countryside to Passau, where the Rivers Inn and Ilz join the Danube. We’ll make a stop along the way for lunch and restrooms. We aim to arrive at the ship at 4pm.
4:00: Embarkation on the Amadeus Silver III.
Tonight, we gather on board for a Gala Welcome Dinner.
AUG 15 – PASSAU/LINZ, AUSTRIA
Welcome to Passau, the “City of Three Rivers”, situated at the confluence of the Danube, Inn and Ilz Rivers. Today brings choices of tours after which you return to the ship for a departure to Melk.
Tour of Salzburg – Full Day (Optional, see add-on section to purchase)
Enjoy a coach ride to Salzburg — the city of music and best known as a film location for the famous movie “The Sound of Music”.
Walking Grade 3/5: Moderate walking including stairs and uneven surfaces.
Duration approx: 9.5 hours (5:30 to 6:00 pm return)
Tour of Passau – Morning
Join us on a gorgeous walk through the old baroque city of Passau known as “Little Venice”.
Walking Grade 5/5: Hard walking including stairs and uneven surfaces.
Duration approx: 1.45 hours
Tour of Linz – Afternoon
Discover the upper Austrian state capital Linz where the Habsburg Emperor Friedrich III spent his last years.
Walking Grade 3/5: Moderate walking including stairs and uneven surfaces.
Duration approx: 2 hours
AUG 16 – MELK/DURNSTEIN/VIENNA, AUSTRIA
Cruise through the narrow Strudengau and reach the Wachau Valley early this morning to arrive in Melk, to visit the magnificent Benedictine Abbey. Return to the ship for lunch and a scenic sailing through the romantic Wachau Valley. Or, opt for a scenic 17.5 mile ride along the river. Late this evening, arrive in Vienna, the “City of Music” and Austria’s magnificent capital.
Tour of Melk Abbey – (including Wachau) Morning
Walking grade 3/5: Moderate walking including stairs and uneven surfaces.
Duration approx. 4.5 hrs
Tour of Durnstein with wine tasting – Afternoon
Walking grade 3/5: Moderate walking including stairs and uneven surfaces.
Duration approx. 2.5 hrs
Bicycle Tour (Optional, see add-on section for derails and to purchase)
AUG 17 – VIENNA, AUSTRIA
Tour of Vienna – Morning
Today explore the vibrant Austrian capital and savor the Baroque elegance of romantic Vienna on the guided city tour. The remainder of the day is yours to explore the city in your own way.
This scenic coach tour of the famous Ringstrasse, features inside visits to St. Stephen’s Cathedral and the National Library
Walking grade 2/5: Easy walking including stairs and uneven surfaces.
Duration approx. 3.5 hours
AUG 18 – VIENNA, AUSTRIA
Another day in Vienna is yours to enjoy as you like. Relax onboard, stroll the city at your own pace or take the included tour of spectacular Schönbrunn Palace and its gardens. This evening, take in an optional Mozart and Strauss concert at the beautiful Kursalon in Vienna’s city center.
Tour of Schönbrunn Palace – Morning
Travel by coach to one of the most beautiful sights of Vienna, Schönbrunn Palace, a UNESCO World Cultural Heritage site.
Walking grade 3/5: Moderate walking including stairs and uneven surfaces.
Duration approx. 3.5 hours
“Sound of Vienna” Concert – Evening (Optional, book on board at Reception)
In the very place where Johann Strauss himself once directed his orchestra, the true essence of Vienna’s classical music can once again be heard.
Walking grade 1/5: Very easy walking including stairs and uneven surfaces.
Duration approx: 3 hours
AUG 19 BRATISLAVA, SLOVAKIA/BUDAPEST, HUNGARY
Bratislava, known as Pressburg until 1945, is the capital of Slovakia and one of the most famous cities on the Danube. Late evening arrival into Budapest.
Tour of Bratislava
Get to know the Gothic-Baroque style. capital of the young Slovakian Republic on a walking tour. See St. Martin’s Cathedral, Town Hall and St. Michael’s Gate, the only city gate preserved from the medieval fortifications.
Walking grade 3/5: Moderate walking including stairs and uneven surfaces.
Duration approx: 3 hours
Afternoon T-Dance on the Sun Deck – Blue is the theme, dress it up or dress it down, butch or fem, casual or smart just follow your heart. $500 Prize for the best costume.
AUG 20 – BUDAPEST, HUNGARY
Budapest, the “Queen of the Danube”, is one of the most beautiful cities in the world and has managed to retain a charm of its own with the help of renovations in recent years. The Danube flows through the heart of the city, dividing it into two parts: Buda and Pest.
Tour of Budapest – Morning
See splendid Baroque buildings and enjoy a photo stop at the Heroes’ Square, famous for its monuments to many Hungarian kings. Once in Buda visit Matthias Church and the famous Fisherman’s Bastion (provided that is open to the public).
Walking grade 2/5: Easy amount of walking which may include stairs and uneven surfaces.
Duration approx: 3.5 hours
AUG 21 – BUDAPEST, HUNGARY
Budapest is an amazing city with new adventures around every corner. Stay an additional day or two and experience one of the many spas that the city has been famous for since Roman times.
Disembarkation – All guests to disembark by 10am. Individual transfer information will be provided.
On a Brand g European river cruise, every night is opening night, and we have a fabulous lineup for you!
Although the focus of our cruises is mainly on sightseeing and socializing, we do like to mix in a bit of frivolity as well. With that in mind, we’re planning a couple of themed deck parties during the cruise. If you should choose to participate great, if you’d rather just be a voyeur that is totally fine as well.
“Hometown Welcome Party” – wear something that gives a clue to where you are from. Be cryptic and make people probe deep and keep the conversation going or splash your hometown all over your t-shirt and move on to the next encounter quickly.
Blue Danube – Sun Deck T-Dance: $500 discount off a future cruise for the best costume.
Brand g Quiz – Take part in the quiz and win #Lifechanging prizes.
If you’d like to connect with your fellow travellers before the program, we encourage you to click the link and join our Facebook Page or scan the QR code with your phone.
We hope you’ll find the linked pages below useful when planning your free time before, during and after your trip. They contain city insight information for Prague, Vienna and Budapest, the sites visited as part of the Brand g itinerary and offer nightlife and restaurant recommendations as well as other things to do and see.
Here is a list of emergency contact details for you and to share with your friends and family back home, should they need to reach you in an emergency:
If needed, the Brand g Vacations office is available to support you Monday – Friday 9:00am to 6:00pm Central Standard Time at +1.952.405.9309. Also, you may email [email protected].
The countries visited operate on the CEST (Central European Summer Time GMT+2 hours), so when it is 12:00pm in New York it is 6:00pm in the Czech Republic, Germany, Austria & Hungary.
International telephone calls can be placed by dialing the International Access Code (011), the country code and then the phone number. If your inbound flights are delayed for any reason, please contact our local representatives immediately.
Should you need to utilize the local emergency mobile below, please specify that you are traveling with Brand g Vacations on the Prague and the Danube River Program.
| PRAGUE ARRIVAL & LOCAL REPRESENTATIVE
Markéta Rohrwasserová, Emergency Mobile: + 420 602 313 282 BRAND G HOST Johnathon Gallagher Emergency Mobile or WhatsApp:+44 77390 17188 |
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| PROGRAM DATE | PROGRAM VENUE | ADDRESS |
| August 12 – 14 | Prague Marriott Hotel Telephone: +420 222 888 888 | V Celnici 8, 110 00, Prague. |
| August 14 – 21 | Amadeus Silver III Telephone: +43 664 812 9210 (see below) | Boarding in Passau, Germany
Disembarkation in Budapest, Hungary. |
| European General Emergency Police & Fire – dial 112 | ||
Your Brand g hosts are scheduled to arrive to the Marriott Prague the evening of August 11. If you have any questions after this point, please feel free to contact the host cell numbers via phone, text or WhatsApp message.
While traveling the above contacts will be able to support you in your local time zone and at the various venues.
Ship Contact instructions
| For your convenience, the following information is provided to leave with family and friends who may need to contact you while you are onboard our vessel. AMADEUS SILVER III phone number: 43 664 812 9210
• If dialing from a U.S, Canada or Australia, please dial ‘011’ in front of the number above. When calling from other countries dial ‘00’ in front of the number above, or contact your telephone provider for assistance. • If dialing from a cell phone, please dial “+” in front of the number above (no need to include ‘011’ or ‘00’). • Calls are directed to the ship’s reception desk which is open 24 hours. • At times the vessel may be out of phone service area, so please retry later if your call is not answered. |
All of our trips include arrival and departure airport transfers, most meals, included beverages and so much more! Plus our trips are hosted, meaning someone from Brand g will be with you the entire time to take care of the details, so you can simply relax and enjoy your vacation.
© 2025 Brand g Vacations. All Rights Reserved.
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