Exclusive Danube River Cruise with Bob Dotson

Bob Dotson and the Danube

It’s your chance to be the story that you want to tell.

Join legendary NBC TV personality and New York Times best-selling author Bob Dotson on a magical and historic journey up the Danube.

May 2nd-10th, 2019

At a Glance Trip Introduction 4-5 Pricing and AmaSonata Introduction 6-7

Full Trip Itinerary 8-12

AmaSonata Room Categories 13-14 AmaSonata Room Category Pricing 15-16 Contact Information 17

Bob Dotson America’s Storyteller Author of the New York Times Best Selling book: “American Story, a Lifetime Search for Ordinary People Doing Extraordinary Things.”

“Storytelling often takes me out beyond the limits of my settled life. I’ve been to Yellowstone in winter, where it’s so cold, spit bounces. I’ve been to Alaska chasing sled dogs, as they scramble eleven hundred miles along the Iditarod trail. I’ve marveled at a mountain climber scaling Yosemite’s El Capitan—with a broken back.

You’d think all those postcard places I’ve seen would be foremost in my memory, but I cherish people as much as landscape. Their stories leave me homesick for places I have never been. For 40 years, while I crisscrossed America practically non-stop, telling tales on the NBC TODAY Show, I dreamed of searching the most storied river in the world — the Danube. Now I invite you to join me on my storyteller’s quest. It’s not just the love of old buildings or beautiful scenery that will draw us close. It’s the stories we will share along the way. We will seek people who are practically invisible, the ones who make our lives better, but don’t take time to tweet and tell us about it. People with incredible ideas that work, who live life with passion, curiosity and imagination. This trip is for everyone who yearns to feel better about our world.

You will cruise in luxury with a small group of story seekers. Comfort will come with a whiff of river water or a dreamlike haze at dawn. There are fascinating places along this fabled river to explore, locations where you will feel connected to shared landscape and experience. So come. Join us. Places have little meaning apart from people. Beautiful sunsets are best when shared.”

-Bob

Dotson & The Danube

Join Bob Dotson, former NBC News correspondent and NY Times Best Selling Author, as he hits the Danube in search of stories from the past and those of the present on a magnificent journey up the Danube in May 2019.

Journey with Bob through four European countries; Hungary, Slovakia, Austria and Germany; and see first hand why this river has inspired generations of artists, poets and musicians and get to hear stories that you won’t find in the tour guides.

Bob Dotson is a New York Times best selling American author, teacher and television journalist. His long running series, “The American Story with Bob Dotson,” was a regular feature on the NBC “Today” Show for 40 years, winning numerous awards and based on his premise -- The shortest distance between two people is a good story. Once you know someone’s story, you see what you have in common. You begin to understand each other.

The itinerary for this one-of-a-kind adventure begins in beautiful Budapest where you will spend one night at a 4 star hotel and have an exclusive welcome reception hosted by AmaWaterways and Bob where you will have the first of many unique introductions to the region and the stories behind it and of those who lived and live there. The next day your cruise begins and you will begin your journey up the Danube.

Trip Pricing Overview The rates for this exclusive sailing begins at $3,739 per person and includes: • Transfer from Budapest Airport to Hotel • One night accomodations at 4 star Budapest hotel • Welcome reception and event hosted by AmaWaterways and Bob Dotson • Baggage handling and transfer to ship • Shore excursions in every port of call, including one created personally by Bob Dotson in Vienna • Optional talks with Bob each night about the day’s activities and what you will do the next day, some with special guests • All dining on board, fine wine, beer and soft drinks with lunch and dinner • Internet access and WiFi • Bicycles that you are free to use in each port • Transfer from final port to Munich Airport (or for a small additional fee to Munich city with a tour of the city included)

AmaSonata Overview Inspired by classic ocean yachts, the AmaSonata introduced in 2014, provides a distinctive river cruise experience. Spacious, elegantly appointed staterooms range in size from 160-290 sq. ft. or indulge even more in one of the suites at 300 sq. ft. Most accommodations have twin balconies, both a French and outside balcony, so you can enjoy the ever-changing scenery however you wish. Additional stateroom amenities include Entertainment-On-Demand, featuring free high-speed Internet access, unlimited Wi-Fi, movies, music and English language TV stations; climate-controlled air conditioning; and an in-room safe. In the marble bathroom, enjoy multi-jet showerheads, soothing bath and body products, robes and hair dryers. Suites feature added enhancements, including a larger sitting area with sofa and two chairs, and an expansive bathroom complete with a bathtub and separate shower. The AmaSonata offers a host of added comforts and conveniences, including a massage and hair salon, gift shop and specialty coffee station. The stunning Main Lounge provides an exhilarating backdrop for meeting your fellow guests and enjoying nightly entertainment. As a member of La Chaîne des Rôtisseurs, the exclusive international culinary society, you’ll be treated to exquisite, locally-inspired cuisine always paired with unlimited wine, as well as beer and soft drinks with lunch and dinner. You’ll also relish a variety of dining venues, including The Chef ’s Table specialty restaurant, featuring an exquisite tasting menu prepared right before your eyes. With a walking track and heated swimming pool on the Sun Deck, a fitness room and a fleet of onboard bicycles to use on your own or on one of the many guided bike tours, as well as healthy menu choices, you’ll have everything needed to stay active and healthy while sailing Europe’s great rivers.

Itinerary Day 1: Budapest Arrive at Budapest Airport, where you will be transferred to your hotel. Night event with Bob Dotson at hotel.

Day 2: Budapest: Embarkation Board your luxurious river cruise ship AmaSonata. During the evening, be treated to a special Illuminations cruise past the capital’s glittering riverfront.

Day 3: Budapest You cannot help but fall in love with Budapest, known as the “Queen of the Danube” with her distinct blend of medieval and modern beauty. Get to know the city with a tour that begins at the vibrant Great Market Hall packed from floor to ceiling with vendors selling all types of items from food to souvenirs. You’ll then visit the UNESCO-listed Castle Hill district, where you can admire dramatic vistas from 19th-century Fisherman’s Bastion, St. Stephen’s Basilica, Heroes Square, Houses of Parliament and the famous Chain Bridge.

Day 4: Bratislava Cruise to the “Coronation City of Kings,” where you can join a walking tour or choose to taste local Slovakian specialties and learn how to prepare stuffed potato ravioli.

Alternatively, hike up to Bratislava Castle. Later in the day, set sail for Vienna.

Day 5: Vienna The “City of Waltzes” offers a treasure trove of gems and you have two ways to discover them. Join a city tour showcasing its regal splendors, including the majestic Opera House and the former Imperial Palace of the Habsburgs before concluding in Vienna’s historic city center and then visiting St. Stephen’s Cathedral. For a more active exploration, take a guided bike ride along the Danube. During the afternoon, you can enjoy leisure time or pedal your way to Klosterneuburg Monastery on a guided cycling tour.

Itinerary Continued Day 6: Weissenkirchen and Grein Exclusive castle visit with folklore show and sparkling wine reception After reaching Weissenkirchen in the heart of the Wachau Valley, you’ll be treated to several choices of excursions. Discover the best of both Dürnstein and Melk with a walking tour in Dürnstein before visiting the UNESCO-designated Melk Abbey.

You can also opt for a walking tour of Weissenkirchen followed by a visit to the abbey.

For those who would like a more culinary-focused experience, join a walking tour in Dürnstein and then be treated to a wine tasting hosted by a local vintner as well as a visit to a local boutique where you’ll enjoy a tasting of special apricot treats. Prefer more active adventures? Join a guided bike tour to Melk. Later in the day, set sail through the scenic Strudengau Valley to the medieval riverside town of Grein. Be treated to an exclusive visit to the more than 500-year-old Greinburg Castle, looming regally above the village. While here, enjoy a folklore show along with a sparkling wine reception.

Day 7: Linz The ship arrives in Linz where you’ll have several choices of excursions. Opt for a full-day excursion to Salzburg where you’ll tour the historic center, Mirabell Gardens, Residenz Square and the Old Market. En route to Salzburg, stop at Mondsee, home of the famed Basilica St. Michael and site of the wedding scene in “The Sound of Music.”

Alternatively, you can join a morning walking tour through the old city center and by the Mozart House; or go on a guided bike tour along the city’s famed “Culture Mile” and the Danube. During the afternoon, you have three more options of excursions.

Choose a half-day in Salzburg or take a scenic drive through the beautiful Austrian Lake District with a stop in St. Wolfgang. You can also choose to visit the charming mountain town, Český Krumlov, located just over the Czech-Austrian border.

Itinerary Continued Day 8: Passau Discover the 2,000-year-old city of Passau in one of three ways. Enjoy a walking tour and marvel at Gothic and Italian Baroque architecture and St. Stephen’s Cathedral.

Guests looking for a more active morning can choose between a guided bike tour along the Danube River, or a guided hike up to the Veste Oberhaus Fortress. Later, the ship cruises to Vilshofen, where you will be treated to a festive Oktoberfest celebration with local beer, Bavarian folk music and dancing—an AmaWaterways exclusive.

Day 9: Vilshofen: Disembarkation This morning, disembark your ship in Vilshofen. Transfer from final port to Munich Airport (or for a small additional fee transfer to Munich with a tour of the city included)

Ama Waterways Room Categories Category E & D: Piano Deck with Fixed Windows, 160 sq. ft.

Category C: Violin & Cello Deck with French Balcony, 170 sq. ft.

Ama Waterways Room Categories Category BB: Cello Deck with French Balcony & Outside Balcony, 210 sq. ft.

Category BA: Violin Deck with French Balcony & Outside Balcony, 210 sq. ft.

Ama Waterways Room Categories Category AB: Cello Deck with French Balcony & Outside Balcony, 235 sq. ft.

Category AA: Violin Deck with French Balcony & Outside Balcony, 235 sq. ft.

Ama Waterways Room Categories Category AA+: Violin Deck with French Balcony & Outside Balcony, 290 sq. ft.

Suite: Violin Deck with French Balcony & Outside Balcony, 300 sq. ft.

AmaSonata Deck Plan

Pricing Prices for this sailing begins at $3,739 per person for double occupancy. Cabins with balconies start at $4,619 and Suites begin at $6,469.

Single Occupancy is available, please contact us for rates.

Travel Insurance is strongly recommended and we can assist you with price quotes.

For more information or to hold space on this special journey please call or email Lauren Raps (917) 572-8545 lauren@travelprospect.com