Budapest Bound--Next Week and Next Spring!

Plus: Wine Tasting for Dallas Area Clients

Reunited...and it feels so good...

If you're a regular reader of my newsletters, you may recall that it wasn't so long ago (about six months) that I was enjoying my fabulous Upper Danube cruise on the AmaMagna. It was so thrilling to get out and travel again after staying home for a year and a half.

At that time I already knew that I would be returning to Budapest in March for the first-ever ASTA Global River Cruise Expo, this time to learn even more about worldwide river cruising opportunities. (And this time--no testing for entry!) This is one of the fastest-growing segments of the travel industry and, based on my impressive Rhine and Danube travels last year, I have recommended it to a number of my clients.

In the coming days I will have the pleasure of inspecting–and dining on–river ships from at least seven different cruise lines, getting a feel for their vessels, and bringing home impressions of how these other companies might compare to my own experiences on AmaWaterways. (It'll be tough to top, I can tell you that!) Everything I learn and discover will mean a better trip for you in the future.

I will also be visiting with representatives from other aspects of the hospitality and tourism industry in Central Europe, from hotels to wine tour specialists to local tourism authorities.

Why is this conference in Budapest? 

There are more river cruise companies on the mighty Danube than anywhere in the world, and Budapest is at the heart of both Upper and Lower Danube itineraries. Since Budapest is the embarkation or disembarkation point for so many Danube cruises, it's a convenient choice for a city break just before or after a sailing. Visitors can stay in hotels with stunning river views and see several major attractions directly on the waterfront–right across the street from the port.

 But the best trip to Budapest is yet to come. 

Read on for details, and join me the next time!

Mon Voyage is now officially launching the next Small Group Trip: A Celebration of Classical Music: The Danube, now available for booking.

This incredible adventure will be divided into three parts; you may join Mon Voyage for the cruise only, or you can add either or both land extensions to make your vacation even more satisfying and enriching. 

Complete trip dates are March 22 through April 5, 2023. Cruise-only dates are March 25 to April 1.

First we'll spend three nights in Krakow, where we will take up temporary residence in a prime location in its medieval heart. Activities include a comprehensive city tour and a pilgrimage to Auschwitz. From Krakow we will transfer to Budapest to board the elegant AmaSonata.

For the next seven nights, we will cruise the Danube on the inaugural sailing of a brand new music-themed itinerary, courtesy of the amazingly creative Operations team at AmaWaterways.  The Upper Danube is studded with national and cultural capitals: Budapest, Bratislava, and Vienna are all ports we will visit. In each city we will be treated to musical interludes in addition to delving into local history, culture, and gastronomy. As if that weren't enough, add to the list a choral concert at Austria's stunning Melk Abbey and a day trip to Salzburg, with its Mozart and Sound of Music connections, or even an outing to Cesky Krumlov, in the Czech Republic. Feeling more active? How about a scenic bike tour in the Wachau Valley or through the streets of Vienna? ALL of these excursions (and more) are included in your cruise fare!

Finally, after disembarkation in Vienna, extend and enrich your musical and art experience on the Danube with four nights in one of my favorite cities. With a special focus on the greatest Austrian art (such as Klimt, Schiele, Kokoshka, and the Wiener Werkstatte) and the city's incomparable music history, this optional extension in Vienna will be the perfect ending to a music lover's dream trip.

As soon as the 2022-23 season announcements are made by major music organizations of Vienna, optional performances can be added to your stay in this magical city.

For the next three weeks, you may take advantage of promotional savings of $1000 per person (through 3/31/22).

For more info on the cruise alone, click here. 

For the Mon Voyage brochure on the entire trip, with pricing for each component and other details, click here.

Last but definitely not least, a wine tasting with Mon Voyage in Dallas on Wednesday, March 23rd:

Please come to a fun evening featuring tastings of wines from regions we will be exploring on future Mon Voyage Small Group Trips. We will also have a trivia contest and special offers from Mon Voyage and AmaWaterways, valid only for guests who attend the event! Space is limited and the first tasting is nearly full.  Click here to reserve your spot!