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Ethics on the Danube: the Fall of Empire

      A Saint Anselm Center for Ethics in Society Danube River Cruise

Aboard the Ama Lea  –  October 29 – November 5, 2023

In Fall of 2023, the Saint Anselm College Center for Ethics in Society will host Ethics on the Danube: Fall of Empire, an exceptional seven-night cruise adventure on the Danube River through Germany, Austria, and Hungary to explore the history, politics, religion, art, music, and ethics of what was once the mighty Austrian empire. Participants will behold stunning palaces, cathedrals, museums, fortresses, and monasteries as they journey by boat through the heart of the territory once ruled by the Hapsburg monarchy. 

 The Danube is the “River of Harmony and Division”–a stunningly beautiful river that holds within its banks fascinating stories of horrifying conflict, heart-wrenching tragedy, but also heroic achievement. As participants experience historic sites along the river, they will learn about the history and culture of the Danube from the College’s own celebrated historian, Prof. Phil Pajakowski.

 Participants will also have the opportunity to participate in enriching discussions about fundamental social issues. As they unwind on-board the ship after a day on shore, the Center will host optional discussions about interesting questions connected to the experiences that day. Participants will get to know one another as they share insights about past and present topics related to politics, war, religion, and culture.

 The accommodations aboard the beautiful and spacious Ama Lea are incredible, including delicious food and drink, attractive balconies, restaurants, sun decks, fitness centers, and lounges, among other items.  This river cruise will be an unforgettably good experience, both on shore, and back on-board.

Get more information below.

Melk Abbey Monastery on a rocky outcrop overlooking the Danube River on a sunny day.
Parliament in Budapest Hungary - Viking Danube Cruise
Vienna, Austria - Viking Cruises on the Danube River
Danube River - Best Cruise Destinations
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Celebrity Cruises logo.
Celebrity Cruises logo.

INCLUSIVE PRICING

  • All gourmet meals onboard (Early Riser Coffee and Croissants, a Rich Breakfast, a Festive Lunch, Afternoon Tea & Coffee with Cake & Sandwiches and a Multi-Course Dinner
  • Unlimited red/white wine from regions, beer and sodas during meals
  • Choice of dining options at no additional cost including the main dining salon or an intimate Chef’s Table Restaurant for up to 36 guests where the chef prepares the meal in person.
  • Free coffee, tea, ice-water and iced-tea are included all day. Cappuccino, Latte and Espresso can also be requested free of charge during all meals! Complimentary coffee & tea station available 24 hours.
  • Captain’s Welcome Champagne Reception & Gala Dinner as well as Captain’s Farewell Champagne Reception & Gala Dinner plus several Theme Dinners
  • Complimentary cocktail hour offering a “Happy Hour Menu” one hour before dinner on 5 evenings; Captain’s Receptions on the other 2 evenings
  • Bottled water, fluffy bathrobes and slippers are provided free of charge
  • Use of the fitness area and fitness equipment inside
  • Complimentary Wellness Program with qualified fitness instructor
  • Use of the bicycles and helmets free of charge
  • Unlimited internet onboard – strictly subject to availability
  • Complimentary in-cabin movies

AmaLea OVERVIEW

Designed with vibrant pops of color that call to mind the autumn harvest in European vineyards, and appointed with our signature twin balconies in most staterooms, the AmaLea is a sleek river ship created with luxury yachts in mind. A host of comforts and conveniences fill her decks, including a massage and hair salon, gift shop and specialty coffee station. The relaxing Sun Deck features a heated pool as well as a swim-up bar, while the vibrant Main Lounge provides an exhilarating stage for nightly performances. Enjoy an evening dining experience like no other at The Chef’s Table, where rustic wooden floors, contemporary lighting and a glass-enclosed kitchen combine to form the stunning backdrop for your gastronomic entertainment. And with a walking track on the Sun Deck, a fitness room and a fleet of onboard bicycles, you’ll have everything needed to stay active and healthy while sailing Europe’s great rivers.

For more Information or to make a reservation contact Cruise Travel Outlet at 603-894-7245 x 251

Twin Balconies

French and traditional balconies come together in many staterooms on AmaLea, allowing you to step outside and feel the wind in your hair, or relax in your luxury bed with a cooling river breeze.

Main Restaurant

The Main Restaurant on AmaLea is elegantly decorated and serves award-winning cuisine, with top-notch service. Don’t be shocked when your waiter gets to know exactly how you like your coffee in the morning, as well as your evening night cap.

Sun Deck Pool

Swim up to the bar and grab a drink while you lounge in the pool on the Sun Deck of AmaLea, all the while sailing by centuries of European history.  

Massage and Hair Salon

Immerse yourself in each port, enjoying each excursion, before pampering yourself with a relaxing massage or spa service (additional fee). 

Sightseeing by Bike

Some ports have guided bike tours, but there is always a fleet of complimentary bikes on AmaLea so passengers can explore the destinations on their own.

Main Lounge

Featuring light snacks and tapas during the day, the Main Lounge is the place to be each night for a lively performance and a gourmet cocktail.

2023 Ethics on the Danube Cruise

     Note: (B)-Breakfast, (L)-Lunch, (D)-Dinner Included

 

7 NIGHTS DAYS ∙ EMBARK IN VILSHOFEN, GERMANY AND RETURN FROM BUDAPEST,  HUNGARY

Travel into the very heart of the continent, where empires were built, kings and queens were crowned and some of the world’s greatest music was composed and performed by the likes of Mozart and Beethoven. Grand European cities like Vienna, Bratislava and Budapest forever remain timeless. Admire the beauty of Salzburg and the Czech Republic’s charming mountain town, Český Krumlov. From grand abbeys and fortresses perched high above the Danube to plentiful iconic UNESCO World Heritage Sites, be romanced by the Danube with all her regal and romantic splendor.

 

Day 1, EMBARKATION – VILSHOFEN

Board the ship for Ethics on the Danube cruise. (D)

 

Day 2, VILSHOFEN – PASSAU.

Explore Vilshofen’s beautiful old town before cruising to Passau, known as the “City of Three Rivers.” Join a walking tour or if you prefer to be more active, hike high into the hills for a visit to the “Veste Oberhaus,” Passau’s Castle Hill; or go on a River Inn bike tour. (B,L,D)

Tours: Passau “City of Three Rivers” walking tour   Or Passau Castle hike Or River Inn Bike Tour

 

Day 3, LINZ, AUSTRIA.

The ship arrives in Linz where you’ll have several choices of excursions. Opt for a fullday 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 Linz’s 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. You can also choose to visit the charming mountain town, Český Krumlov, located just over the Czech-Austrian border. (B,L,D)

Tours:“UNESCO City of Media Arts” walking tour or “Cultural Mile” bike tour or Full-day Salzburg

*Český Krumlov excursion not available with Full-day Salzburg excursion

 

Day 4, WEISSENKIRCHEN.

Cruise through the Strudengau and Wachau valleys to Weissenkirchen, gateway to Dürnstein. Once here, you can choose to join a walking tour in Dürnstein along its cobblestone streets to the Baroque Stiftskirche, and then visit Melk’s magnificent Benedictine Abbey. For the more active adventurer, you can opt to hike up to the fortress where Richard the Lionheart was once held, or take a bike ride along the Danube through the Wachau Valley. As an alternative excursion, visit a local apricot grower, where you’ll enjoy the region’s finest apricot treats. Later in the evening, enjoy a special wine tasting of locally grown, world-renowned Riesling and Grüner Veltliner in Weissenkirchen. (B,L,D)

Tours: Dürnstein walking tour and Melk Benedictine Abbey OR Apricots and sweets tasting OR Dürnstein Fortress hike OR Wachau Valley bike tour. Evening wine tasting at local winery

 

Day 5, VIENNA.

The “City of Waltzes” offers a treasure trove of gems and your city tour showcases them, including the majestic Opera House and the former Imperial Palace. Your tour concludes in the historic city center with a visit to St. Stephen’s Cathedral. Or if you prefer a more active tour, take a guided bike ride through Vienna.

During the afternoon, enjoy leisure time to further explore this iconic city. (B,L,D)

Vienna “Imperial Vienna” tour OR Vienna bike tour. Free time.

 

Day 6, BRATISLAVA, SLOVAKIA.

Host to the crowning ceremonies of 11 Hungarian kings and queens between 1536 and 1830, Bratislava certainly has earned the title “Coronation City of Kings,” as you’ll discover during your walking tour. Or join a special “Tastes of Slovakia” tour. For a more active adventure, hike up to Bratislava Castle, offering magnificent views of the city. (B,L,D)

Tours: Bratislava “Coronation City” walking tour OR Tastes of Slovakia OR Bratislava Castle hike

 

Day 7, BUDAPEST, HUNGARY.

Your city tour begins at Budapest’s Great Market Hall, where you’ll discover plenty of delicious food and shopping. Afterwards, you’ll visit both the Buda (hilly) and Pest (flat) sides of the Danube River. You’ll see the 19th-century Chain Bridge, which connects the Buda district with Pest; and the UNESCO-designated Castle Hill district, which contains some of Budapest’s most important medieval monuments and museums. As an alternative choice, you can hike up to Castle Hill for breathtaking views of the city below. (B,L,D)

Tours:Budapest “Queen of the Danube” tour OR Castle Hill hike.

 

Day 8, BUDAPEST – DISEMBARKATION.

Disembark the ship as you prepare for your flight home. (B)

For more Information or to make a reservation contact Cruise Travel Outlet at 603-894-7245 x 251

St. Anselm Danube River

  • Note: Passports must be valid for 6 months after the return date
  • Note: Passports must be valid for 6 months after the return date
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