Christmas on the Danube
featuring a 6-night Danube River Cruise
Presented By: California State University, Fresno

Day 1: Thursday, December 09, 2010 Overnight Flight
Welcome the winter season with a timeless trip on the Danube River. Your holiday tour begins with an overnight flight to Europe.

Day 2: Friday, December 10, 2010 Vienna, Austria - Tour Begins - Board Cruise Ship
Your tour begins in Vienna, Austria’s beautiful capital city. Unpack once for a relaxing 6-night Danube River cruise aboard the MS Amadeus Diamond. This beautiful ship offers the newest technology, panoramic deck, panorama salon and bar, excellent cuisine and outstanding service. (D)

Day 3: Saturday, December 11, 2010 Vienna
Join a local expert exploring Vienna's Imperial architecture including the lavish Hofburg Palace, the impressive Vienna Opera House, the majestic Ringstrasse and awe-inspiring St. Stephen's Cathedral. Your city tour concludes with a visit to Vienna’s most famous Christmas Market, located near the town hall. The afternoon is at leisure to explore Vienna's baroque elegance, stroll along the Kartnerstrasse, or sample some of Vienna's famous pastries. If you wish, you may join an optional excursion to the opulent Schoenbrunn Palace, the summer retreat of the Habsburg dynasty. Celebrate with a wonderful dinner followed by an enchanting musical performance. (B, L, D)

Day 4: Sunday, December 12, 2010 Vienna - Emmersdorf - Wachau Valley
This morning cruise through the romantic Wachau Valley, dotted with magnificent castles and small riverside towns. View the picturesque landscapes as you cruise to the charming town of Emmersdorf. Relax and enjoy the surrounding scenery or if you wish, join an optional excursion to the nearby town of Durnstein and the 900-year-old Benedictine Melk Abbey, one of Europe’s largest baroque monasteries. Enjoy a leisurely afternoon of cruising. LANGUAGE DISCOVERY: Today, your Tour Manager will help you discover the origin and history of the language(s) you will experience on your tour along with key words and phrases that will help you communicate with the locals. (B, L, D)

Day 5: Monday, December 13, 2010 Passau
Early morning you will arrive in the town of Passau, situated at the confluence of the Danube, Inn and Ilz rivers. Enjoy a leisurely paced walking tour of this 2,000-year-old fairytale city, exploring the ornate baroque architecture, the quaint cobblestone streets, cathedral and charming Christmas Market. After dinner, enjoy on-board entertainment in the ship's panorama lounge. (B, L, D)

Day 6: Tuesday, December 14, 2010 Regensburg
A guided walking tour of magnificent Regensburg reveals one of Germany's best preserved medieval cities with nearly 1,400 historic buildings. Some of the architectural highlights you may view include the old Town Hall and the Porta Pretoria, gates to an ancient Roman fort built in 179 AD. From the 12th century 1,400-foot long medieval bridge, you will have spectacular views of the city and surrounding countryside. This afternoon, enjoy free time to take a stroll through the old town to Regensburg's charming Christmas Market and marvel at the festive lights and decorations. Browse and shop at the brightly lit wooden huts that sell Christmas tree ornaments, wooden toys and local handicrafts. Tonight, celebrate on board with wonderful food at the Captain’s Gala Dinner, followed by music and entertainment. Late evening your ship departs for Nuremberg. (B, L, D)

Day 7: Wednesday, December 15, 2010 Nuremberg
Your cruise continues across the continental divide to Roth, where a short transfer will bring you into picturesque Nuremberg. A local expert provides an interesting city tour of historic Nuremberg featuring the old town, the 900-year-old ramparts that surround the city, the Imperial Castle, and the Justice Palace, where the War Crimes Tribunal sat in 1946. Then, visit the world-famous Christmas Market. (B, L, D)

Day 8: Thursday, December 16, 2010 Nuremberg - Disembark Ship - Rothenburg - Würzburg
Disembark the ship in Nuremberg. Proceed to lovely Rothenburg, one of the most well-preserved medieval walled towns in all of Germany. Enjoy free time to explore the town’s hidden treasures and its charming Christmas Market. Late afternoon, you arrive in Würzburg. Join a local guide on a leisurely-paced walking tour of Würzburg. This ancient Franconian wine town is rich in historic sights, including the magnificent 18th century residence of the prince-bishops which boasts the largest ceiling fresco in the world, and the ornate Alte Mainbrucke, the oldest bridge on the River Main. (B, D)

Day 9: Friday, December 17, 2010 Würzburg - Tour Ends
Your tour ends in Würzburg this morning. (B)




December 09 - December 17, 2010
9 Days • 19 Meals
7 Breakfasts • 5 Lunches • 7 Dinners
Highlights: Vienna, Vienna Opera House, Hofburg Palace, Wachau Valley, Passau, Regensburg, Nuremberg, Christmas Markets, Rothenburg, Würzburg
Rates Per Person
DON'T MISS OUT! BOOK NOW!
Middle Outside - including Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner Double: $0.00
Upper Outside - including Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner Double: $0.00

REGULAR RATES
Middle Outside - including Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner Double: $2,799.00
Upper Outside - including Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner Double: $2,899.00
*Included in Price: Round Trip Air from Fresno Air Terminal, Air Taxes and Fees/Surcharges of $150 (subject to increase until paid in full), Cancellation Waiver and Insurance of $235 per person, Hotel Transfers.
Itinerary at a Glance
Day 1 Overnight Flight
Day 2 - 7 M/S Amadeus Diamond, Cruise
Day 8 Novotel Würzburg, Würzburg
or Maritim Hotel Würzburg, Würzburg
On some dates alternate hotels may be used.
Essential Experiences
  • Visit and shop in the famous Christmas markets of Rothenburg, Nuremberg, Regensburg, Passau and Vienna.
  • Unpack once for a relaxing 6-night Danube River cruise.
  • Explore Würzburg, Germany, known as “the jewel of the Main River”, and the lovely medieval town of Rothenburg.
  • Cruise through the Wachau Valley, the most picturesque region of the Danube River.
  • Experience an up-close look at the historic cities that adorn the Danube.
  • Experience the benefits of personal audio devices, designed for better communication between you and your guides throughout your tour.
For more information call
 Susan Hawksworth
California State University, Fresno
(559) 278-0423
susanhaw@csufresno.edu
Included Meals Key
B = Breakfast, L = Lunch, D = Dinner

AVAILABLE OPTIONS:
Durnstein
Beauties of the Wachau • $60.00
Travel through the picturesque landscape of the Wachau to the 900-year old Baroque Benedictine abbey of Melk, where you will have a guided tour. Depending on the time of day, there may be an opportunity to hear a short organ recital in the abbey church. Then visit Dürnstein with a stroll through town and experience the most famous wine-growing town of the entire Wachau region. To cap off this splendid day, you will be invited to sample a fine selection of local wines in the restaurant of the abbey. The above option is only available through Collette Vacations until 15 days prior to departure. After this time, the option may be purchased once you are on board the cruise ship directly from the cruise line. Please note that the price is subject to change at any time prior to purchase.
Vienna
The Schönbrunn Palace and the Marionette Theatre • $60.00
Travel from the port to one of Vienna's most beautiful buildings, the Schönbrunn Palace, which was modeled after the palace of Versailles, the residence of Louis XIV (Le Roi Soleil). Here you can view the state apartments of the Habsburgs' summer residence for many years. The Schönbrunn Palace is one of Austria's treasures and a sight to be seen! Later enjoy a delightful performance at the palace's Marionette theatre. The above option is only available through Collette Vacations until 15 days prior to departure. After this time, the option may be purchased once you are on board the cruise ship directly from the cruise line. Please note that the price is subject to change at any time prior to purchase.
CANCELLATION WAIVER:

Worry-Free Cancelation
Our industry-leading cancellation waiver offers travelers a full cash refund for the price of the tour, right up to the day prior to departure, minus the small cost of the waiver. Travel worry-free knowing if anything changes, you're protected.

Plus, you're covered on tour.
Our cancellation waiver and insurance plan covers you on tour. If you have to stop your trip or return home early, need medical assistance or evacuation, suffer a baggage loss or delay; or are delayed on tour for 12 hours or more, you're covered.

Cancellation Waiver and Insurance is just $235 per person.

Click here for complete details.

TRAVEL TIPS:
Christmas on the Danube
Listed below is important information to assist you in preparing for your upcoming trip. This information provided will help you have a more enjoyable experience while you are on your tour.
Accommodations
On some programs, there are a limited number of single and triple rooms. Double rooms usually consist of 2 beds. Triple rooms are normally a standard double room with 2 beds. A cot or rollaway bed may be added to the double room at some hotels, based on room size and fire codes. When triples are not available, appropriate charges for single and twin accommodations will be assessed. We make every effort to accommodate your specific requests and forward them to the hotels. These requests cannot be guaranteed as hotels may not always be able to honor them. Check-in times are set by individual hotel properties and vary by hotel. Depending on your arrival time, there may be a delay in gaining access to your room as most hotels offer afternoon check-in. We ask guests to observe check-out times at all properties as designated by the hotel. Some hotels require a credit card imprint or your passport information upon check-in in order to activate telephones in the rooms and for potential incidental charges. Most hotels charge an access fee for using phones in hotel rooms. Please check with the front desk personnel at each hotel for specific policies. Hotel membership programs are not applicable. In certain countries, hotel rooms tend to be smaller than standard U.S. accommodations. Please be assured that we use high quality properties throughout each country.
ADA
The Americans with Disabilities Act does not apply outside of the United States. In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, we will make reasonable efforts to accommodate the special needs of tour participants. Persons requiring individual assistance must be accompanied by a companion who is capable of, and totally responsible for, providing the necessary assistance. Neither our personnel nor its suppliers may physically lift or assist clients onto transportation vehicles. We regret that we cannot provide individual assistance to a tour member who has special mobility, dietary or other like needs.
Clothing & Packing Tips
If you are taking prescription medication, please be sure to take an adequate supply for your tour and a few additional days, in original prescription containers. Medication should be packed in your carry-on baggage. Do not place it in your checked luggage. You may want to carry an extra prescription in a separate bag in case medication is lost.
Currency
Your personal bank card may work at local ATM machines in the destination you are traveling to and would dispense local currency. Please contact your bank to determine if this option is available, that your PIN number will be accepted, to inform them that you are traveling and to determine if any charges apply for each transaction. You may exchange your money at airports, banks, exchange bureaus, and at some hotels (although the exchange rate and fee is usually higher at hotels). In most cases, a commission charge will be assessed to exchange your money. Locations in the city usually offer a better currency exchange rate than airports. We recommend carrying only a few major credit cards. Credit card purchases often provide an extra guarantee on your purchase (check with your specific credit card company for details and fees). It is advisable to contact any credit card company you intend utilizing while on tour before you depart to notify them where you will be traveling, to avoid any rejection of services. The currency is the Euro. Please note that many places in Europe will not accept 50 and 100 USD bills as there has been a high rate of counterfeit notes circulating. Bring some American cash in small bills for use in countries with soft currencies. Local currency will be needed for lunches, gratuities and small items such as postcards and postage. If optional tours are made available to purchase, please note that credit cards must have an expiration date of greater than 30 days from the start of the tour.
Electricity
An adaptor (which changes the physical plug) and/or converter (which changes the electric current) are necessary if you plan to use an appliance with voltage different from the standard within the country you are visiting. Please note, if your appliance has dual voltage you may still need an adaptor for the plug. When packing your electronic items for travel, please review the converter electric current level to make sure it the same or greater than the items you are planning on using. If you plan on utilizing or transporting a sleep apnea machine, please remember to pack an extension cord and adapter plug to ensure proper function.
Helpful Hints
Bring a copy of your passport/identification and pack it separately from the original. Leave a copy of your tour itinerary at home with your emergency contact and a copy of your passport. Remember when flying you can only take one quart size bag with no more than 3 ounces of any one liquid. Liquids that do not fit in the one quart size bag and are larger than 3 ounces will be discarded by security. Remember to hydrate and get up and stretch while flying. If you are considering using your cell phone while traveling internationally, you should check with your cell provider concerning their access and charges for overseas calls, texting and emailing for the specific destination you are traveling to.
Bring a camera, memory cards, film, and batteries and be sure to bring enough photography supplies for your entire trip. If you have a video camera, bring an extra battery, plus proper recharging equipment. Due to security screening, we recommend storing your equipment in your carry-on luggage. Bring a travel alarm clock, travel sewing kit and an alcohol based gel hand sanitizer when soap and water is not accessible. Pack items that may leak in plastic bags. Do not pack any articles of value in your checked luggage. As a precaution, we suggest that you divide the contents of your suitcase with your traveling companion. Avoid over packing and leave room for souvenirs that you plan to take back home.
Included Features
The following are included in your tour package: transportation via motorcoach, accommodations, hotel luggage handling, meals, sightseeing, admission charges (as outlined in your itinerary), and applicable gratuities for bellmen, doormen and dining room wait staff. Customary gratuities for cruise ship personnel, hotel housekeeping staff, local sightseeing guides, drivers and tour managers have not been included.
Local Guides
In order to further enhance your experience of this destination, three local guides have been arranged throughout this tour. Customary gratuities for these guides are not included in the cost of the tour. Gratuities should be extended on a voluntary and individual basis at a suggested amount of 1-2 USD per day, per guide. Your tour manager will review customary tipping amounts and timing with you when you are on your tour.
Luggage
Due to the limited motorcoach capacity, one carry-on (36 inches in length, height and width; not to exceed 11 lbs. /5.2 kg.) and one checked luggage (62 inches in length, height and width; weight not to exceed 23kg/50lbs) are allowed. Please consult with your scheduled airline as luggage fees and restrictions vary by carrier and destination. Wheeled carry-ons are not suitable for coach tours. If you exceed the limit of 2 bags, we cannot guarantee that your additional luggage will be able to fit in the touring vehicle. Storage or shipment of additional luggage will be at your own expense. If we are able to accommodate your additional luggage, we will assess a fee of 4 USD per bag per hotel. Please remember to label your luggage and important items with your name, home address and telephone number. We recommend labeling your luggage on both outside and inside of the bag. Please attach only the plastic luggage tag included in this mailing to your checked luggage before checking in for your flight. Your paper luggage tag is to be attached at the first hotel. We cannot assume liability or accept claims for loss or damage to luggage and personal effects due to breakage, theft or normal wear and tear that results from hotel, airline and group carrier handling. It is in your best interest to have adequate insurance (such as our comprehensive "No Worries Travel Protection") to cover these eventualities.
Meals
Most meals are included as indicated in your document itinerary. Guests with special dietary requirements must advise their travel counselor at the time of booking and also the tour manager upon joining the tour. When information is provided, every effort will be made to accommodate these requests. Please be advised that the average cost of meals (not inclusive of tax and gratuity) that are not included in your tour are as follows: lunch 17 to 22 USD and dinner 27 to 37 USD.
Miscellaneous
Any person entering or leaving the EU and carrying cash of a value of €10,000 or more must declare it. The term 'cash' includes currency notes, coins, bankers' drafts, cheques and travelers' cheques. Travelers who fail to declare any amount over €10,000 will face stiff sanctions and could face penalties of as much as €8,000.
Name Badges
Name Badges Collette Vacations provides name badges to our travelers in order to facilitate conversation among fellow travelers. The name badge also ensures that a Collette Vacations representative can easily recognize you, especially at airports upon arrival.
Reading List
Interested in reading about your destination before you depart? Collette has pre-selected travel guides, novels and books on history, nature and art to help enhance your total vacation experience. You can access the complete list by typing the following into your web browser. Select the region of the world to find your tour: http://www.collettevacations.com/travel-books.cfm
Smoking
Smoking Restrictions: Our tours are non-smoking throughout. If you require a smoking room, please alert your agent upon tour booking. Please be mindful of locations where smoking is prohibited: the motorcoach, at dining venues and other restricted areas on tour including most hotels. Customers are responsible for any fines incurred for failure to comply with smoking restrictions.
Time Zone
All countries on this tour are 6 hours ahead of Eastern Standard Time.
Tour Manager
We pride ourselves on having the best-trained and most experienced tour managers in the industry. Gratuities should be extended on a voluntary basis and should be in direct proportion to the level of professionalism and personal service extended to you throughout the tour. Past experience has shown that a guideline of 4-6 USD per person for each traveling day is a customary amount for the tour manager. A customary amount of 3-5 USD per person per day is suggested for the driver.
Transportation
Flight Information, Departure Taxes & Fees Land Only Vacations: If you chose to purchase a land only vacation, pay particular attention to flight segments that occur during the tour which are not included in your land only rate. You must purchase these internal flight segments and the schedule must match the flights that we utilize on the group tour. Please provide us with your flight schedules for the entire tour six weeks prior to departure so we may secure services if you purchased transfers from us, as well as maintain emergency contact. Air Inclusive Vacations Air inclusive vacations cover air transport to and from your origin gateway as well as all internal air segments on tour. In order to comply with Homeland Security’s “Secure Flight” mandate, all passengers must provide full name, date of birth and gender at time of reservation. Your airline ticket must match the name on your valid, non-expired, government issued photo ID to be shown at the airport (including middle name, first or middle initial). If you are a member of a participating frequent flyer program, provide the number upon booking and retain the passenger copy of your ticket and boarding pass to ensure that you receive proper credit of your mileage. Some air tickets are not eligible for mileage accrual. Whenever possible, we will add charges for air departure taxes to your invoice. Some international arrival and departure fees are not included in your air ticket and must be paid by you on tour in local currency.
Transfers We are pleased to provide you with complimentary airport to hotel, and hotel to airport transfers at the beginning and end of an escorted tour when you purchase an air-inclusive vacation. Land-only clients who have purchased round trip transfers will be accommodated at the same times as air inclusive clients. Arrival meeting locations and transfer departure times are provided on your document booklets. On some programs there may be a waiting period at the airport due to varying flight schedules of other arriving passengers. If you have secured your own transfer, you may meet your tour manager at the hotel. Motorcoach Information: We do not own or operate vehicles. We charter quality coaches that are temperature controlled vehicles. Coach size may vary based upon the number of tour patrons. In certain countries, lavatory equipped motorcoaches are not available or the lavatory is for emergency use only. Frequent stops will be made en route for comfort and convenience. Seat Rotation: Seats are rotated for the benefit of our tour guests, fosters communication, and enables our guests to enjoy a variety of vantage points on the motorcoach. Guests will rotate seats at least once a day, as directed by the tour manager. In fairness to all, there will be no exceptions to this policy.