Experience Wine on the Romantic Danube hosted by, L. Paul Vezzetti, Co-owner & Winemaker, The Vineyard at Hershey NOVEMBER 4-13, 2017 AAA Central Penn and the Vineyard at Hershey invite you on a specialty wine cruise with L. Paul Vezzetti Vineyard at Hershey Story In 2008, four friends enjoyed freely-flowing wine and great happy hour conversation at a local piano bar. As the discussion continued, one of the friends, who dabbled in winemaking as a hobby, made a statement as bold as the Merlot being enjoyed that evening- that Pennsylvania is capable of making a world class wine, and that he could handcraft wines that would be among the best in the region. It didn t take long for that statement to be turned into a challenge. The winemaker lived up to his bold statement, and then some. And so the idea was born. Our philosophy is that enjoying an artfully crafted wine is meant to be a shared experience with family and friends with an extensive list of unique wines and craft beer, The Vineyard & Brewery at Hershey handcrafts every bottle for the enjoyment of new and the most experienced of palates. CRUISE HIGHLIGHTS: Special tours and tastings at local wineries and private cellars Learn about winemaking in renowned vineyards Onboard wine pairings L. Paul Vezzetti wine expert leads tastings and lectures Free-flowing red & white wines, beer & soft drinks with every lunch and dinner onboard the AmaCerto Fine dining with all meals included Cocktail Reception Welcome Dinner Captain s Gala Dinner Complimentary Wi-Fi access on board
The Romantic Danube Itinerary: DATE PORT 11/04 Depart the USA/International Flight 11/05 Pre-night in Munich, Germany 11/06 Embarkation - Vilshofen, Germany 11/07 Passau, Germany 11/08 Linz, Austria 11/09 Weissenkirchen, Austria 11/10 Weissenkirchen & Krems, Austria 11/11 Vienna, Austria 11/12 Budapest, Hungary 11/13 Disembarkation - Budapest, Hungary Itinerary is subject to change at any time without notification and/or compensation. Rates per person: Stateroom Category Double Rate AA AB BB C D E French/Outside Balcony French/Outside Balcony French/Outside Balcony French Balcony Fixed Windows Fixed Windows $6,639 $6,439 $6,039 $5,539 $5,189 $4,889 Rates are subject to availability at time of booking and includes: AAA Group Leader, pre-night hotel in Munich, round trip ground transfers, baggage handling, taxes, fees and fuel surcharges which are subject to change. All pricing and included features are based on a minimum of 20 full -fare passengers. Single occupancy price available upon request. Itinerary: DEPARTURE FROM THE USA Motorcoach from Central PA for your overnight flight to Munich. Arrive in Munich for your pre-night hotel stay (Hotel to be determined). The remainder of your day is at leisure. VILSHOFEN, GERMANY & EMBARKATION Transfer to the Vilshofen pier for your embarkation on AmaCerto. This evening you will meet your fellow passengers at an evening Welcome Aboard Wine Toast. The evening has a special treat in store: an Oktoberfest presented by the town of Vilshofen. Bavarian folk music, songs and dances set a lively scene as you gather at long tables to sample Vilshofen s distinctive local beer. The Mayor and Beer Queen will be on hand to greet you and wish you a successful journey along the Danube. (Dinner, Wine)
VILSHOFEN & PASSAU, GERMANY This morning you are free to explore Vilshofen s beautiful old town before cruising to Passau. This afternoon you will have a walking tour of this 2,000-year-old city, noted for its Gothic and Italian Baroque architecture, cobblestone streets, and St. Stephen s Cathedral. Guests looking for a more active afternoon may join a guided hike up to the Veste Oberhaus fortress overlooking Passau. Prior to dinner, there will be an onboard wine tasting. (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner, Wine) LINZ, AUSTRIA The ship arrives this morning in Linz. Enjoy a walking tour of the second largest city in Austria or choose a guided bike tour that will show you around the Old City Center, along the Danube River, and past the ultra-modern Ars Electronica Center. Later, you will have a choice of three different excursions. The first option is an excursion to Salzburg, Mozart s birthplace, where you will take a walking tour of the historic center made famous by The Sound of Music. The second option is an excursion to the Czech town of Cesky Krumlov, a wonderfully preserved medieval town nestled in the hills just over the Austrian-Czech border. The third option is a visit to the Austrian Lake District, the scenic Salzkammergut region. All three regions are UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Tonight, you ll savor a fabulous Chaîne Des Rôtisseurs Dinner complete with wine pairing. (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner, Wine) WEISSENKIRCHEN, AUSTRIA Cruise through the narrow Strudengau this morning en route to Weissenkirchen. A guided tour will take you through Melk s magnificent Benedictine Abbey, one of Europe s largest and most famous monastic sites, home to religious relics and a library filled with medieval manuscripts. Your Abbey tour will be followed by a visit to a local vineyard near Dürnstein for an introduction to the famous wines of the Wachau. (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner, Wine) WEISSENKIRCHEN & KREMS, AUSTRIA This morning, travel to nearby Dürnstein, one of Austria s smallest towns with only 1,000 inhabitants, and regarded as the most romantic place in the Wachau. Marvel at the magnificent blue facade of the Baroque Stiftskirche and the ancient terraced vineyards that surround the town. Looming overhead are the ruins of the castle where Richard the Lionheart, King of England, was imprisoned in 1192. You will have the option to take one of three torus: a walking tour along Dürnstein s cobblestone streets, a hike up to the fortress where Richard the Lionheart was once held for ransom, or a guided bike tour along the Danube. The ship will cruise to Krems after lunch, arriving in the early afternoon. Krems offers a rich array of wine-related history, culture and tasting opportunities. Learn about the town s thriving wine culture during an afternoon visit to a Wachau winery. (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner, Wine) VIENNA, AUSTRIA This morning, you will have a chance to savor the Baroque elegance of romantic Vienna through your choice of one of three different excursions. The first option is a panoramic tour of Vienna that guides you past the majestic Opera House, the former Imperial Palace of the Habsburg Emperors, Parliament, Town Hall and Vienna University. Afterwards, you will visit Vienna s historic city center, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and see St. Stephen s Cathedral, Graben and the world famous Spanish Riding School. The second option is a walking tour of Vienna s hidden treasures that takes you to secret places and sights like Ankeruhr, a whimsical Art Nouveau clock. Your third option is a guided bike tour along the Danube and through the Donaupark. After dinner you will be treated to an excursion to a charming Viennese wine tavern to listen to folk music and sample newly pressed local wine. (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner, Wine) BUDAPEST, HUNGARY Your morning excursion includes sightseeing in the cities of Buda and Pest spread over both banks of the river. You will see famed Heroes Square and Castle Hill, home to Fisherman s Bastion, Matthias Church and spectacular views of the Danube. Alternatively, you may also opt to join a hike up to Castle Hill on which you will see Buda Castle, Fisherman s Bastion and Parliament Square. After dinner, the ship will sail a special Illuminations Cruise past the glittering riverfront of Budapest. (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner, Wine) BUDAPEST & DISEMBARKATION Your cruise comes to an end as you prepare for your homeward flight. (Breakfast)
GENERAL INFORMATION TRAVEL DOCUMENTS Original, signed passport valid for 6 months beyond stay, and with at least one blank visa page for visa stamp(s). PAYMENT Deposit of $400 per person/$800 per cabin will confirm your reservation. Final payment is due to AAA by July 25, 2017. Solo Travelers Rewards Club maximum voucher redemption: $100 CANCELLATION/PENALTIES Deposit date to June 4, 2017 $225 per person, plus any additional suppliers fees From June 5 August 8, 2017 $400 per person/$800 per cabin, plus any additional suppliers fees From August 9 September 7, 2017 35% of gross fare per person, plus any additional suppliers fees From September 8 October 7, 2017 50% of gross fare per person, plus any additional suppliers fees From October 8 30, 2017 80% of gross fare per person, plus any additional suppliers fees After October 30, 2017 NON REFUNDABLE *Airfare becomes non-refundable after final payment INSURANCE For your protection AAA recommends travel insurance. Pre-existing medical conditions may be waived with proper coverage if travel insurance is purchased within 14 days of initial deposit only. Other conditions may apply; ask your travel agent. AAA recommends Allianz. FLIGHT Air arrangements are handled by the tour operator. Seat assignments cannot be confirmed until the tour operator releases names to the airline(s) 30 days prior to departure. Specific seat requests cannot be guaranteed. Some flights may contain code share agreements. CLOTHING/CLIMATE Average temperatures in this region for November is in the 50s. Daytime, casual clothes and comfortable walking shoes are recommended. Evenings require casual or semiformal attire. BAGGAGE Two suitcases per person will be allowed by the cruise line. You may also bring a small carry-on bag. Baggage fees and other charges may be directly assessed by airlines or airport. TRAVEL ASSISTANCE For personal comfort, group participants who need assistance are required to have a traveling companion who is capable of and totally responsible for providing the needed assistance. CONSUMER DISCLOSURE NOTICE - PART OF CONTRACT OF SERVICE. PLEASE READ THIS NOTICE, IT CONSTITUTES PART OF YOUR CONTRACT FOR TRAVEL-RELATED SERVICES. AAA TRAVEL is acting as a mere agent for SUPPLIERS in selling travel-related services, or in accepting reservations or bookings for services that are not directly supplied by this travel agency (such as air and ground transportation, hotel accommodations, meals, tours, cruises, etc.). This agency, therefore, shall not be responsible for breach of contract or any intentional or careless actions or omissions on part of such suppliers, which result in any loss, damage, delay or injury to you or your travel companions or group members. Unless the term guaranteed is specifically stated in writing on your tickets, invoice, or reservation itinerary, we do not guarantee any of such suppliers rates, bookings, reservations, connections, scheduling, or handling of personal effects. Travel agent shall not be responsible for any injuries, damages, or losses to any traveler in connection with terrorist activities, social or labor unrest, climatic conditions, abnormal conditions or developments, or any other actions, omissions, or conditions outside the travel agent s control. Traveler assumes complete and full responsibility for, and hereby releases the agent from any duty of, checking and verifying any and all passport, visa, vaccination, or other entry requirements of each destination, and all safety or security conditions at such destinations. For information concerning possible dangers at international destinations, contact the Travel Advisory Section of the U.S. State Department. For medical information, call the Public Health Service. By embarking upon his/her travel, the traveler voluntarily assumes all risks involved in such travel, whether expected or unexpected. Traveler is hereby warned of such risks, and is advised to obtain appropriate insurance coverage against them. Traveler s acceptance and retention of tickets, reservations, or bookings after issuance shall constitute a consent of the above, and an agreement on his/her part to convey the contents hereto to his/her travel companions or group members. For reservations or more information, please contact: Carlisle 717-243-1846 Huntingdon 888-222-3575 Lititz 717-626-3040 Gettysburg 717-334-1155 Lancaster 717-898-6920 West Shore 717-761-8347 Harrisburg 717-657-2244 Lebanon 717-273-8534 Hershey 717-533-3381 Lewistown 888-222-3575 GRP12517 08/16 AAA.com FOLLOW AAA CENTRAL PENN
Paul sampling fresh pressings of apples from local orchards. L. Paul Vezzetti II, Co-Owner & Winemaker The Vineyard and Brewery at Hershey, Middletown, PA. Carving out a niche for signature white wines in an unconventional wine region can be tough, but Mr. Vezzetti has done just that. His wine philosophy revolves around handcrafting approachable vintages that focus on aromatics and balance. Since opening, The Vineyard and Brewery at Hershey has been committed to experiential interactions with wine, and more recently, craft beer and cider. Every sip is an opportunity to discover what s new, and rediscover some of the long-lost favorites, and underneath that experience, a knowledgeable and trusted guide to take you on the journey. An added bonus, Mr. Vezzetti is an experienced chef, having made numerous guest appearances at local establishments for one-time-only wine pairings.
Budapest with the Buda Castle, St. Matthias and Fishermen s Bastion Whether you have a seasoned appreciation for fine wine, or simply indulge in a sip here and there, a wine cruise with AMAWaterways is a wonderful way to uncork the traditions of the local culture. This Romantic Danube cruise is hosted by qualified wine expert, L. Paul Vezzetti II, Co-Owner & Winemaker at the Vineyard at Hershey. Paul will bring hand-selected bottles on board to be served at meals and tastings during your river cruise. Paul will also present a program of interesting wine lectures for you to enjoy throughout the cruise. As in the case of other AmaWaterways cruises, this cruise will include opportunities for guests to join tours and visit local vineyards and wineries, where vintners and growers will walk you through the winemaking process, and conduct tastings showcasing special wines of the region. Onboard dining venues provide opportunity for expert chefs to pair fine regional wines with award-winning cuisine, creating the ultimate epicurean experience.