Prague & Legendary Danube
All-Gay River Cruise 2021

August 16–25, 2021
Lüftner Cruises MS Amadeus Imperial

10-day all-gay adventure starting in one of Europe's most attractive cities - Prague! Featuring 7-night deluxe all-gay cruise from picturesque Passau to Linz, Melk, Vienna, Bratislava and ending in Budapest, Hungary.

Your all-gay all-inclusive, guaranteed full ship charter adventure begins in Prague, where you'll enjoy two days in one of Europe’s most beautiful and best-preserved cities. Prague’s medieval center remains a beautiful mixture of cobblestone pathways and Gothic cathedrals. From Prague we travel to one of Europe’s most fabled rivers, the Danube.

Your all-gay deluxe cruise journeys from picturesque Passau to Melk, Vienna, Bratislava and culminates in in the vibrant Hungarian city of Budapest, one of Europe’s hottest destinations.

On board the gorgeous Amadeus Imperial, you will be pampered by a crew of forty in an atmosphere of total relaxation. With this great riverboat, we’ve created an itinerary that includes the three of best European cities which have become prime destinations for gay and lesbian travelers.

There's no better way to experience Eastern Europe than on a Brand g riverboat cruise. Discovery, friendship, style and comfort all come together for the perfect all gay vacation.

This gay cruise vacation has it all – historic sites, charming towns, world-class wine and cuisine and more!

The Ship

Launching in April 2020, the Amadeus Imperial is designed to offer our guests an effortless combination of the vibrant energy of a river cruise day with an increasingly calm and intimate ship experience.

This new vessel follows the award-winning model of the AMADEUS Silver ships but offers even further innovative developments. The popular concept of spaciousness has been maintained.

The new ship offers 72 spacious deluxe cabins (17.5m2 / 188 sq.ft.) and 12 AMADEUS suites (26.4m˛ / 284 sq.ft.) in total. As on all ships built since 2011, the Amadeus Imperial cabins on the Mozart and Strauss decks also feature lowerable panoramic windows along the entire cabin width. All deluxe cabins and suites are equipped with comfortable, spacious bathrooms, an infotainment system, a flat screen television, a telephone, a cabin safe, a minibar and individually adjustable air conditioning. The suites also have an accessible outdoor balcony with a seating area.

Travel Itinerary

Day 1 - Monday, August 16, 2021
Prague, Czech Republic
Arrive in Prague and transfer to your hotel.

The balance of the day is free time to start exploring this beautiful city.

Meet your fellow guests at welcome gathering in the early evening at approximately 5:30pm.

Included: Welcome Reception

Day 2 - Tuesday, August 17, 2021
Prague, Czech Republic
This morning’s included sightseeing reveals why Prague is considered one of Europe’s most beautiful cities. You’ll have the opportunity to visit the Church of Tyn, see the famous Astronomical Clock and walk over the spectacular Charles Bridge.
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, relax at an outdoor restaurant, or shop for local handicrafts and art work.

Meals Included: Breakfast

Day 3 - Wednesday, August 18, 2021
Prague / Passau, Germany
After breakfast and a morning at leisure, we venture from Prague 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. Upon arrival to Passau we will board the Amadeus Imperial, your home for the next seven nights.

Tonight, we gather on board for a Gala Welcome Dinner.

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Day 4 - Thursday, August 19, 2021
Passau, Germany / Linz, Austria
After breakfast enjoy a city walk through Passau, gaze at this fairy-tale city founded more than 2,000 years ago.

Or, take an optional full-day tour to Salzburg and its most popular “Sound of Music” sights including the Wedding Church, exquisite Mirabell Gardens, the Great Salzburg Festival Hall and much more.

For those staying on board, enjoy a scenic cruise from Passau into Austria and on to Linz. Take a walk through this delightful town, Austria’s third largest city.

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Day 5 - Friday, August 20, 2021
Melk / Durnstein / Vienna, Austria
Cruise through the narrow Strudengau and reach the Wachau Valley early this morning. We arrive in Melk home of the magnificent Benedictine Abbey, one of Europe’s largest baroque monasteries. Return to the ship for lunch and scenic sailing through the romantic Wachau Valley.

Later this afternoon we visit enchanting Durnstein and taste some of the local wines.

Late this evening arrive in Vienna, the “City of Music” and Austria’s magnificent capital.

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Day 6 - Saturday, August 21, 2021
Vienna, Austria
Today explore the vibrant Austrian capital and savor the Baroque elegance of romantic Vienna on the guided city tour which includes the world famous Vienna Opera House, Ringstrasse, St. Stephen’s Cathedral and more.

The tour is followed by free time in the city center to shop for souvenirs or sampling some of Vienna’s famous pastries. The remainder of the day is yours to explore the city in your own way.

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Day 7 - Sunday, August 22, 2021
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 Schonbrunn Palace and its beautiful gardens.

This evening take in an optional Mozart and Strauss concert at the beautiful Kursalon in Vienna’s city center.

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Day 8 - Monday, August 23, 2021
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. An optional tour takes us past the Archiepiscopal Palace and the National Theatre to the 13th century Bratislava Castle which has a view as far as the border of Austria. Other attractions include the city gates, the Baroque palaces of the noblemen, and the elegant residences that have all survived from the days of the Danube monarchy. A walk through the pedestrian precinct, past St. Martin’s Cathedral, the Town Hall and Michael’s Gate, brings you back to the ship.

Late evening arrival into Budapest.

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Day 9 - Tuesday, August 24, 2021
Budapest, Hungary
This morning, a sightseeing tour takes you to historic Buda Castle, where you can enjoy a splendid view of the twin cities of Buda and Pest. Your tour also features the Fisherman’s Bastion, the Royal Palace, St. Stephen’s Basilica, Heroes’ Square and more.

After dinner, the ship will sail a special evening cruise past the city’s beautiful riverfront.

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Day 10 - Wednesday, August 25, 2021
Budapest, Hungary
Disembarkation day. Budapest is an amazing city with new adventures around every corner. Spend an additional day or two and experience one of the many spas that the city has been famous for since Roman times. (Additional post hotel nights available upon request.) Disembarkation transfers are available anytime.

Meals Included: Breakfast

Add-Ons

Optional Tour
Salzburg, the Sound of Music, $99 per person.
Scenic drive from Passau to Salzburg via the lake district to see the sights of the Sound of Music: Mondsee wedding church; lake district Salzkammergut, St.Gilgen, Lake Wolfgang; Hellbrunn Gazebo ; Leopoldskron Castle; Nonnberg Abbey; and Mirabell Gardens. Enjoy a guided city tour of Salzburg before departing back to the ship.

Detailed highlights:

Mirabell Gardens - The Mirabell gardens were laid out in the 18th century. Maria and the children were seen dancing around the statue of Pegasus, the winged horse, and throughout the gardens singing "Do-re-mi".

Leopoldskron Castle - The front side of the castle was used as the Trapp family home, the children were boating on the lake and fell into the water. The Venetian room was copied from this castle and used as the ballroom.

Hellbrunn Castle - This hunting castle was built in the early 17th century by Prince- Archbishop Markus Sittikus. In the gardens the glass pavillon was reconstructed for the pleasure of those fans still returning after more than 35 years.

Nonnberg Abbey - Nonnberg Abbey is the oldest convent in the German speaking part of Europe. Maria was a novice there. The Baron and Maria were married here in 1927. The scenes for the movie made here include the opening with the nuns going to Mass and Maria coming too late.

St. Gilgen and Lake Wolfgang - Scenery shown at the beginning of the movie was filmed at Lake Fuschl on the way to St. Gilgen. Like the Mozart family, visitors from all over the world appreciate the beautiful village in the the Salzkammergut. - Wedding church Mondsee The former benedictine abbey dating back to the 12th century is one of biggest gothic churches in Austria with wonderful baroque interieur.

Bicycle Tour
Melk to Durnsein, $75 per person.
Enjoy a scenic bike tour from Melk to Durstein on August 20, 2021. The ride is approximately 17.5 miles and it follows the river bank of the Danube. 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.

Accommodations

Prague, Czech Republic
InterContinental Prague Hotel
Located on Prague's most famous and luxurious shopping boulevard 'Parizka' connecting the historical Old Town Square with the banks of the Vltava River, the InterContinental Prague is a truly exceptional Prague hotel. Our exclusive accommodations provide the perfect base to explore the shops, restaurants, and architectural treasures that give this region its distinctive character.

Enjoy majestic skyline and romantic river views at every turn. Or admire the city from our unique rooftop, gourmet restaurant, Zlata Praha. An enchanting destination unto itself, this exceptional Prague Czech Republic hotel offers elegance and comfort in a premier downtown setting.

InterContinental Prague has a full-service spa, an indoor pool, and a health club. Wireless Internet access is available in public areas (surcharges apply). This 5-star hotel features business amenities including a business center, a meeting/conference room, and limo/town car service. This luxury hotel offers 2 coffee shops/cafés, a restaurant, and a bar/lounge. Additional amenities include a rooftop terrace, a sauna, and a library. Onsite parking is offered for a surcharge. The property has designated areas for smoking.

The 372 air-conditioned guestrooms at InterContinental Prague include minibars and safes. Televisions are equipped with premium satellite channels and pay movies. All accommodations provide desks, complimentary newspapers, and phones. Bathrooms offer bathrobes and hair dryers. Additional amenities include coffee/tea makers and irons/ironing boards. In addition, amenities available on request include in-room massages and hypo-allergenic bedding.

Additional Pre Night(s):
Single - $306 ; Double - $163, per person, breakfast included.
* This program includes 2 nights hotel stay at the InterContinental Prague August 16 and 17, 2021

Budapest, Hungary
InterContinental Budapest Hotel
Enjoy the enchanting city of Budapest built on the banks of the Danube River. The hotel is ideally located in the city center near the Budapest Parliament, Buda Castle and other popular attractions. The InterContinental's 402 guest rooms all are elegantly appointed and all expected modern amenities, as well as luxurious bedding. With breathtaking views of the vibrant life of Budapest, the InterContinental Lounge provides its guests with a superb feeling of exclusitivity. This hotel's convenient location and amenities make it the perfect travel destination.

At this 5-star hotel, guests can work out in the 24-hour fitness center or relax in SPA InterContinental, a sleek, full-service facility offering massages, body and facial treatments, manicure and pedicures, and body wraps and scrubs. Or, they can dine on superb Hungarian dishes, updated with the latest gourmet twists, at the onsite Corso Restaurant. Continental breakfast is served every morning.

Air-conditioned guestrooms at InterContinental Budapest feature contemporary décor and desks. LCD TVs are equipped with satellite channels and pay movies. Rooms provide safes, and multiline phones with voice mail. Wireless and wired Internet access are available (surcharge). Rooms include minibars and coffee/tea makers. Bathrooms offer bathrobes, scales, and hair dryers. Guests enjoy windows that open to city or river views. Rooms also have irons/ironing boards and trouser presses.

Additional Post Night(s):
Single - $282 ; Double - $150, per person, breakfast included. Includes transfer from the riverboat to the hotel and hotel to the airport.

Highlights and Sightseeing

• Itinerary with stops in five countries.

• Charles Bridge – one of the most recognizable old bridges in Europe.

• Prague’s Old Town Square with Astronomical Clock.

• Melk’s Benedictine Abbey – Austria’s largest Baroque structure in Austria.

• Schonbrunn Palace – the former residence of the Habsburg emperors.

• St. Stephen’s Cathedral – Vienna’s most important Gothic edifice, built in 1722.

• Széchenyi Chain Bridge – the twin-towered bridge opened in 1849 and was the first bridge linking Buda and Pest together.

• Matthias Church – one of the finest churches in Budapest, and the most unique churches in Europe

Included Features

• Guaranteed All-LGBT charter

• 2 Nights Hotel Accommodation in Prague including daily Buffet Breakfast

• Welcome reception in Prague

• ˝ day guided walking tour in Prague

• Transfer from the Hotel in Prague to the Ship in Passau

• 7 Nights Cruise Accommodation

• Complimentary beer, wine, spirits and non-alcoholic beverages throughout the cruise

• Superb Dining: all meals included during your cruise

• Services of an experienced cruise director throughout the cruise

• Complimentary shore excursions offered daily

• Brand g signature entertainment

• Optional “Sound of Music Tour” to Salzburg, Austria

• Two full days and nights in vibrant Vienna

• Airport transfers in Prague (PRG) and Budapest(BUD)

Frequently Asked Questions

Flight Recommendations
Arrivals:
You may arrive at anytime on August 16th, or prior. Transfers will be provided from the Prague International Airport (PRG) to the host hotel, the InterContinental Hotel Prague. Your first event will be a welcome cocktail reception at approximately 5:30pm. Please contact us to discuss your travel plans and we will advise you regarding availability of non-airport transfers.

Departures:
Post cruise transfers will be provided on August 25th anytime. The ship will be docked in Budapest all night. All guests must disembark by approximately 10:00am. We will transfer you from the ship to the Budapest Airport (BUD), or to the optional Brand g post hotel, the InterContinental Budapest. If you book post nights at the Budapest Intercontinental through Brand g, airport transfers will also be provided at the end of your stay. We will also provide transfers to alternate Budapest hotel properties, but any further transfers will need to be arranged independently at your own expense.

What arrival and departure transfers are included?
This package includes an arrival transfer from the Prague Airport (PRG) to the InterContinental Prague and a departure transfer from the ship. If you extend your stay at our host property the InterContinental Budapest, the transfers from the ship to the hotel and the hotel to the airport is included. Otherwise, you will be provided a departure transfer from the ship to a local hotel or the Budapest Airport (BUD) upon disembarkation. Contact us to ensure arrangements outside of these arrival and departure transfers will be included. Booked guests should provide their arrival and departure details 45 days prior to the trip to ensure transfer availability.

How can I communicate with home while in Europe?
Internet service is available at all land accommodations and on board this river boat. Due to the remoteness of the Danube, internet service on board may have limited availability, and cell services may also be somewhat unreliable. However, the ship does have a satellite phone on board. You should check with your cell provider to determine if you have coverage in Czech Republic, Germany, Austria, Slovakia and Hungary or if you can add coverage for the duration of the trip. Cell service will not be available in all areas. Contact information for the ship will be provided in your final travel documents.

What is the local and on board currency?
The Czech Republic uses Crowns, in Austria and Germany and Slovakia the currency is the Euro, and the Hungarian Forint is the currency for Hungary. Some vendors accept US dollars but may return change in the local currency. It will be useful to have small amounts of local currency while touring.
The official currency on board is the Euro. All charges for services and products on board will be placed on the guest’s shipboard account to be settled at the end of the voyage. MasterCard, Visa and Euros are also accepted for the settlement of guest accounts.

What are the passport or visa requirements?
Citizens of the US and Canada are required to have a valid passport, which expires at least 6 months after their last day in European Union. Visas are not required for citizens of these countries. Citizens of all other countries should check with the European Union consulate in their home country to verify entry requirements.

What to wear?
We recommend comfortable casual clothes and good walking shoes for touring. Jeans, shorts and t-shirts are perfectly fine for during the day, while at night we recommend country club casual. We also suggest you pack workout clothes, swimwear, light jacket or sweater and a light rain jacket or umbrella. Jackets and ties are not required.

What if I have dietary requirements?
We will make every effort to accommodate special dietary requests. Please inform our office at least 45 days prior to departure of these requests.

Do you offer a single supplement or a roommate sharing program?
We do offer a single supplement on all of our travel programs; however, it may vary depending on the destination. Our goal with roommate matching is to help facilitate an introduction with other solo travelers prior to your vacation to see if there is compatibility to share a room.

I am traveling by myself; will I be the only single traveler?
Not at all, depending on the trip, anywhere between 15 to 40% of the group will be solo travelers!

How do I power and charge my devices?
The electrical current on board is 220V. For those items that are dual voltage, suites are outfitted with a multi-plug configuration feature. Guests should be sure to bring the appropriate converter for devices that are not dual voltage. You will also need an electrical plug adapter type F (round two prong European style) for the land portions of the program.

What are pre-paid gratuities?
Gratuities are customary expressions of appreciation for a job well done. It is our goal to ensure that the service you receive is as wonderful as the sites you visit. Gratuities for the included portions of this program have been pre-paid. At your own discretion you may choose to provide additional tips.

What should I expect on the included shore excursions?
All shore excursions during your travel program are led by expert English speaking local guides. Excursions are designed for guests of most activity levels. Walking excursions can exceed 3 miles (5km) of walking with multiple flights of stairs included. If you need accommodations based on your abilities, contact us before booking this travel program.

Will there be smoking areas?
The comfort and safety of our guests is our first priority. Smoking is not permitted in the suites or enclosed, public areas on board. There is a designated smoking area on the Sun Deck. Land properties will have designated smoking areas.

What weather can I expect from this trip?
During August, Eastern Europe is at the peak of the summer heat. The days can reach the mid 90s and the evenings are in generally in the 70s. On the Danube, the river can make it feel a little cooler, so don’t forget a shawl or light jacket.