“Blue Danube Dreams River Cruise “

Jul 31- Aug 9, 2024

We must close out trips 90 days before departure. Priced from $2995 listed below the daily itinerary.

Come sail with us on the “River of Kings “ through centuries of world history in Hungary, Slovakia and Austria! Discover the legacies of former monarchies, on our new AFS 10-day sailing adventure. Witness breathtaking landscapes of lush valleys and vineyards worth countless Instagram moments. Marvel at Europe’s majestic capitals filled with imperial palaces, gothic cathedrals, ancient castles and stunning baroque architecture. Indulge your passions in culinary delights and our walking tours through charming lanes of fairytale-like towns. Inspired by Johann Strauss, the Blue Danube tops the list of Europe’s most popular rivers.

It’s been 10 years since AFS did river cruises and my how they’ve advanced! Unpack once, cruise overnight and enjoy maximum leisure time in each port – it’s the most relaxing way to explore Europe. You’ll love our 5-star ship MS William Wadsworth, so small and intimate compared to crowds on the mega ships. And it’s all-inclusive from port charges to shore excursions! Your perks? Spacious cabins, free onboard Wi-Fi, and drink package, AFS cocktail reception, amazing English-speaking crew, exceptional dining with complementary breakfast room service and 7 guided city tours.

From enchanting Budapest, we sail north to explore historic Esztergom, once Hungary‘s capital. Venture into the fabulous old town of Bratislava, Slovakia’s capital city. Sail on to Richard the Lionheart’s love-struck town of Durnstein. Visit the beautiful Melk Abby monastery filled with art treasures. Then to Linz for a delightful excursion to Salzburg, home of Mozart. Heading east, we reach sophisticated Vienna, where Strauss and countless composers roamed. Be dazzled by the elegant architecture here and the iconic must see sights. Finally, navigating locks back to Budapest to tour the city’s most famous sites. We end with a wonderful dinner hosted by our Captain and toast each other farewell.

We even include an optional pre-night cruise with a fun gypsy-style dinner in Budapest for you to relax, explore and ensure you ‘ don’t miss the boat’. This is truly a remarkable voyage through legendary gems into bygone eras with a vibrant mix of East meets West. You’ll be swept away, each mile along the enchanting shores, on our delightful blue Danube 10-day holiday. Come, pamper yourself; you deserve it!

MS Wordsworth

After years of painstaking research to create the perfect vessels afloat, a new era in river cruising dawns as we introduce our state-of-the-art ‘all suite’ ships. Swiss-operated and truly world-class, we are absolutely delighted to present the five-star MS William Wordsworth. It is extremely difficult to convey just how extraordinary this outstanding ship really is and exactly what distinguishes it from similar vessels. It would be very easy to just say ‘luxurious,’ but it’s much more than that; we have deliberately avoided the current trend for a minimalist style where you could be anywhere in the world, creating instead a unique yet exquisite blend of understated taste, style and elegance at the highest level. Immediately striking is just how exceptionally spacious this new vessel is as you enter a gleaming, richly colored marble-floored lobby flooded with natural light from a stunning atrium above. Moving inside, exceptional creativity from Europe’s finest design studio has produced a superbly balanced masterpiece of onboard style, utilizing sustainable rich hardwoods, gleaming brass and polished copper, sparkling glass and intricate wrought iron. The restaurant rivals the finest on shore establishments taking fine dining to another level complemented by delicate European porcelain, gleaming glassware and the intuitive service in which the Swiss excel. This superb vessel carries 44 in-house trained crew members serving just 165 guests (similar size vessels may carry well over 190 passengers), giving the ratio that our experience proves is concurrent with our first-class service levels. Furthermore, your suite will easily exceed your expectations for not only will you enjoy the most discerning décor, so too the ship’s dimensions afford the ultimate in space and comfort – a minimum 17 square metres (183 square feet), with upgrades available to ‘Superior’ and ‘Deluxe’ accommodation.

Our Glorious AFS Itinerary

Click here for the Trip Tips

July 31 – Fly USA to Budapest (Air details coming in trip tips and by email)

Aug 1 – WELCOME TO BEAUTIFUL HUNGARY

Land tour officially begins. Arrive at Budapest International Airport and transfer to your hotel. One common group transfer will be arranged. Check into our deluxe hotel. Time to rest, explore, then prepare for our welcome dinner.

Hungary’s capital of Budapest is bisected by the beautiful river Danube. Its 19^th-century chain bridge connects the hilly Buddha district with a flat Pest district. So many things to do and see here. Go to www.budapesttourism.com for the countless wonders. With time permitting, visit one of the city’s famous thermal baths! There are dozens. Our past AF groups absolutely loved – Szechenyi Baths – This is the Times Square of bathing, like an amusement park of 15 huge indoor and outdoor pools with spa treatments. Also, Gellert Bath – Set in the elegant nouveau Hotel Gellert, this iconic place has been a landmark since 1918.

Tonight, we transfer by coach to a traditional Hungarian restaurant with great food and live gypsy music! It’s more than goulash. Enjoy a delicious three-course Welcome Dinner with Hungarian wines. During dinner, see the fabulous Folklore Show with dancers dressed in folk costumes and gypsy music. You’ll get some great photos here.

Return to the hotel. Overnight at Hotel Radisson Blu Beke D (Meals)

Aug 2 – PLAYTIME & EMBARK CRUISE

After breakfast, you’ll have some time to play. Afternoon check out and transfer to the cruise terminal to embark on our 8-day river cruise on the beautiful MS Wordsworth.
Here our luxurious floating abode awaits. The devoted crew members greet you with open arms, assisting you in settling into your well-appointed cabin and acquainting yourself with the magnificent ship. As anticipation and excitement fill the air on the eve of your adventure, enjoy a cocktail reception and gourmet dinner at the elegant onboard restaurant. Get to know your fellow AFS travel lovers with enthusiasm about the amazing experiences that lay just around the bend.

Overnight MS William Wordsworth L

Aug 3 – ESZTERGOM ESCAPADE

As we sailed upstream overnight, we arrived at Esztergom, a charming gem among Hungary’s ancient towns. This medieval royal capital is now home to the nation’s archbishop. Together, let’s explore the renowned neoclassical basilica perched over the Danube, standing tall at the border of Slovakia. Marvel at one of the world’s largest altarpieces and a trove of invaluable religious treasures within. Don’t miss the intriguing castle that once governed this land before the Ottomans arrived in the 16th century.

Beneath it all, you’ll find many quaint churches echoing enchanting choir melodies, transporting you back to provincial Hungary during the Habsburg era. Later enjoy your first delectable lunch onboard as we bid farewell to Esztergom and drift along the river. Take in the captivating contrast between Hungary’s picturesque landscape on one side and Slovakia’s stunning towns and villages on the other – a truly unforgettable journey.

Aug 4 – BEAUTIFUL BRATISLAVA

Today, we set off on an adventure in Slovakia’s rapidly rising capital, Bratislava, with a guided tour in store. Once cocooned in the bleak sameness of Communism, the city now proudly radiates the grandeur of its imperial history through its exquisitely rejuvenated Old Town. The majestic 17th-century castle overlooking the Danube is another awe-inspiring sight to behold.

As afternoon rolls in, we sail into the tranquil heartland of Lower Austria, renowned for its top-notch wines and idyllic landscape. By now, you’ll find daily stresses fading away as you fully immerse yourself in the constantly evolving riverside tableau: playful children dotting the banks, love-struck couples wandering hand-in-hand just like their ancestors once did, meticulous winemakers tending to their vines, and charming half-timbered buildings lining cobbled quaysides.

Step outside to watch our Captain expertly steering the vessel along the placid river and deftly navigating through intriguing locks during our dinner cruise towards Dürnstein. Gaze upon the captivating towns and villages of Hungary on one bank, while Slovakia unfolds on the other.

Aug 5 – DÜRNSTEIN & MELK: A JOURNEY THROUGH TIME AND TALENTS

Durnstein is a picturesque town that will capture your heart with the ice-blue tower of its iconic abbey and the imposing castle where Richard the Lionheart found himself captive in 1192 following a shipwreck upon his return from the crusades.

Begin your day with a delightful guided walk through this captivating town, retracing the footsteps of historical legends. The once-majestic castle now lies in ruin atop a rocky ridge, yet it’s not difficult to envision England’s legendary king fuming with impatience, stuck miles away from home as his loved ones scrambled to gather funds for his release.

After lunch, prepare to be wowed by the grandeur of Melk Abbey. The magnificent honey-hued structure perched atop the rolling countryside will take your breath away at first glance. This former castle was bequeathed to the Benedictine Order in the 11th-century and has since been transformed to a Baroque masterpiece in the 18th century while remaining a thriving monastic school and monastery. Explore its star attractions, including the impressive 214-yard-long Emperor’s Gallery adorned with exquisite portraits, stunning chambers, and an intricately designed library. After our tour, return to your ship for a sumptuous dinner as you continue cruising through the enchanting Nibelungengau region, forever immortalized through Wagner’s harmonious melodies.

Aug 6 – EXPLORATION OF FAIRYTALE SALZBURG or LINZ

Upon arriving in Linz, you can choose to remain in the city and join a fascinating guided walking tour, uncovering the beauty of its baroque old town. Strolling through its heart, you’ll encounter one of Austria’s most exquisite squares, adorned with grand pastel-hued facades and a striking white marble Trinity Column topped with a golden sunburst. Additionally, don’t miss the imposing castle, constructed high above Linz by Emperor Friedrich III, now home to a museum displaying an array of remarkable nineteenth and twentieth-century art.

Or, venture with us to Salzburg, a former independent state transformed by its archbishops into one of the Alps’ most cultured cities. The majestic Hohensalzburg fortress graces the skyline – one of Europe’s largest stone strongholds – while beneath it lies the enchanting Altstadt or Old Town, dotted with church domes and spires. Be sure to explore the magnificent Hellbrunn Palace and admire the Mirabell Palace’s exquisite formal gardens – a paradise for horticulture enthusiasts. AFS groups love Salzberg so much, they don’t want to leave.

Begin your day by immersing yourself in the city’s primary attractions alongside an experienced local guide. Afterward, you’ll be free to roam at your leisure. Excellent retail therapy here. You’ll find Mozart’s influence throughout the city – from his prodigious harpsichord playing at age three to his first opera composition at just 11 years old!

Remember that lunch isn’t provided during this full-day Salzburg adventure; however, the ship is happy to supply a tasty, packed lunch if you like. Afterward, return to the ship to delight in yet another delectable dinner.

Aug 7 – ELEGANT VIENNA

Get ready for an unforgettable day in Vienna, a city that exudes charm, grace, and harmonious tunes at every turn. Picture yourself strolling along grand boulevards, marveling at Baroque architecture, and soaking in the diverse culture that drew people from all over Europe. For two centuries leading up to World War I, Vienna reigned as Europe’s cultural heart, filling its streets with stunning galleries, aristocratic mansions, and divine churches that still display its imperial past.

Prepare to be captivated by Saint Stephen’s Cathedral, a striking masterpiece with a vibrant roof and an imposing Gothic South Tower that define the city’s skyline. Explore the enormous Hofburg — once a royal court, now home to splendid museums, the Crown Jewels, the Spanish Riding School, and the Vienna Boys’ Choir. Don’t forget to visit the resplendent Imperial Apartments and a marvelous collection of Holy Roman Empire relics— you might even catch a glimpse of Charlemagne’s purported saber! Just across the street lies the Kunsthistorisches Museum, proudly housing the world’s fourth-largest painting collection. Join a local expert this morning to uncover why Vienna holds its rightful place among Europe’s legendary capitals — as both the Habsburg emperors’ seat and birthplace of renowned classical composers like Beethoven, Brahms, Mozart, and of course, the Strauss dynasty.

Then the afternoon is yours to explore Vienna’s hidden gems at your leisure. Walk around the Prater Park with its iconic Ferris wheel—featured in famous Cold War spy flicks—or delve into history at Schönbrunn Palace, a former royal abode now brimming with top-notch museums and exhibitions. Alternatively, lose yourself in picturesque side streets or savor traditional Viennese coffee along with delectable Sachertorte at one of Vienna’s quaint cafés.

Lastly, prepare for an extraordinary climax to your day: we’ve arranged a live classical recital on board to enjoy a transcendent evening as you savor sublime music in the very heart of the city where it was born. A perfect finale to a memorable day in Vienna!

Aug 8 – DISCOVER BUDAPEST

Savor a relaxed morning onboard as we gracefully sail through Hungary’s serene, picturesque countryside heading toward Budapest.

Following lunch, we’ll embark on an exciting sightseeing adventure around this enchanting city, which truly justifies its nickname as the ‘Pearl of the Danube’. The two neighboring cities of Buda, encircling a hilltop fortress, and Pest, lined with expansive boulevards, have witnessed countless battles. The Ottomans held dominion here for 150 years before being expelled in the late 17th century, but their influence endures in the numerous thermal baths and hot springs scattered around Budapest – aptly coined the ‘City of Spas’. After ending the Ottoman era, Budapest flourished into an imperial metropolis under Habsburg rule, amassing extensive cultural and commercial riches. Castle Hill is a mini-replica of Budapest itself: nestled among its streets and squares lie two churches, seven museums, a theater, and breathtaking views across the river to the awe-inspiring neo-Gothic Parliament Building. Budapest’s infinite galleries, museums, exceptional Art Nouveau architecture, and superb shopping opportunities provide an eloquent conclusion to your Danube cruise experience.

The evening comes alive with a Gala Dinner and a traditional Hungarian folklore show. This evening comes alive with a Gala Dinner and a traditional Hungarian folklore show.

Aug 9 – DISEMBARK

After breakfast this morning, the crew bids you farewell before you disembark the ship.

DEPOSIT: $600 deposit (Cruise terms and conditions are more strict than land tours. Riviera requires name as soon as you deposit. Name changes for replacement incur $100 penalty. This is in addition to our standard cancellation terms.). Second deposit of 50% due March 30, and final payment due April 30, 2024.

INCLUDED: Superior drink package (detailed onboard and valued at $179). Full board from dinner on your day of arrival until breakfast on your final day; if you choose to travel with us on any of the full-day excursions by coach, a packed lunch will be provided. Anyone can choose to stay on the ship to have lunch in the restaurant. Morning/afternoon tea and coffee. All visits and excursions as mentioned. Coach travel as mentioned. The services of a Riviera River Cruises cruise director and concierge, AFS GTL. €50 bonus to spend on board.

All staterooms on the William Wordsworth cruise ship come with standard amenities such as hotel-style twin beds that can be converted into a double or Queen-size bed. Each stateroom has bedside cabinets and deluxe bedding with pillows and fine linens. The en-suite bathroom includes a WC, shower, single-sink vanity, plush towels, and premium bath toiletries. Under the sink, there is storage space and a large mirror.

Itineraries are prepared up to a year ahead and things can change. Go on a river cruise, modifications may be made.

Have you read the Trip Tips yet? Then Click Here

Blue Danube MS William Wordsworth Travel Trip Tips

Prepare to be thrilled on our new European cruise to eight fabulous cities. I wonder which will be your favorite. There’s tons of river cruises out there but Riviera is first class with everything included from shore excursions to your drinks. They truly provide the best value for a luxury vacation. I know you’ll love the new MS Wardsworth!

At present, we have a wonderful group of 19 travel lovers with cabin space for a couple more so please tell your friends now. As we near departure, will be sending more details. After final payments are in, around two weeks out you’ll receive your final cruise docs with all details. For now, focus on getting air and connect with your fellow Travel lovers on your private group Facebook page. Six months will fly by, but anticipation is half the fun.

Trip Tips are designed to answer trip-related questions. It’s your responsibility to read this information. Updates and addendums will be posted here. Some travelers have lost their entire trip for not reading what we send on visas, air details, inoculations, etc. Check back from time to time.

PAYMENT DATYES: 50% due MAR 15 and Final due APR 10 Wetravel is our booking management company. It allows you to pay by check electronically without a fee. Please follow the instructions below. If you choose to pay with a credit card, a processing fee at the time of purchase the amount displayed in the upper right-hand corner of your payment screen. To pay online for free, simply enter your checking account routing and account numbers. Alternatively, you can write a check to Adventures For Solo Travelers. Include trip name of country name so that we can apply it correctly. Then text a picture of the check to 770-432-8225, and we will enter your payment without any a processing fee.

Your fearless GTL (Gracious Trip Leader, not a guide but a liaison between our guides and group to ensure things run smoothly).

carol Carol Huntington has been on over 40 AFS trips since 2007 and has led many of our solo travel tours over the past 15 years. She has been a ray of sunlight to each of those groups. She has a passion for seeing the world and experiencing new cultures. Having traveled to over 125+ countries on all 7 continents, she continues to pursue her dream on exploring the world, while currently being the primary caregiver for both her parents. Her goal is to build relationships, problem solve, keep clients happy and help make the world a better place. She genuinely cares for people and is cool under pressure. These are great qualities for the business and the travel world.

During a recent sabbatical, Carol coordinated and lead a once in a lifetime journey around the world, visiting 13 countries! Carol’s excitement to discover new things is complimented by her unique ability to get along with and relate to people of all backgrounds. She has a deep understanding of new and seasoned travelers with a knack to inspire all. Carol is all about the experience: from skydiving to trekking with the gorillas in Rwanda, leading a group to climb Mt Kilimanjaro and always making many new friends along the way.

Trip Prep:
• Read the revised Heading Abroad with AFS, especially if you are new to AFS.
• Ensure your passport is valid 6 months after return date with two blank pages – these are Visa pages, not addendum pages. Take a photo of your passport to store in the cloud or bring a copy. If you lose your passport, US embassies now except a digital copy from your email.
• To speed through US Customs download Mobile Passport. Look in your App Store for details.
• Notify bank and cc company of travel dates so they don’t block charges.
• All airline rules differ. It is imperative to read your airline rules on their website to ensure a smooth departure! Always check your flight before departure.

Fitness level – Easy trip with moderate walks daily. Our ship has an elevator that connects all three decks.

General Air Info – Route changes can happen now. Airlines must notify you of such and protect you if problem with flight. Consider flying in early to ensure you’ll be there once trip begins. Always download and use your airlines app! Use app to track your booking, delays, bags, to show boarding pass and to contact them. If you have a flight problem go to the airline’s website “contact us” page or reach them by text, social media, Skype or call their international number. Also, premium credit cards often offer many air perks, assistance, insurance, lounge passes, global entry and more. Read more at www.tpg.com for best cards.

Flying business class? Many want to but don’t realize fares range from 4K to 9K. We do have two good contacts for AFS that can get seats at nearly half cost by combining award miles…. ali@above9.travel Ph. (855) 777-6336 or britney@business-class.com 305-390-4132 or see skylux.com or business-class.com. Tell them Suzy sent you.

Group Air: None. Sometimes we offer group air but find few people book sometimes find better rates on own direct from hometown. This provides you better flexibility to go early or extend at trip end. I know we will not meet the minimum required to make a group booking since this is a small group.

Important Air Dates – Land starts August 1. Air dates are July 31 to August 9 round trip to Budapest. You can fly in earlier to play on your own if you like or extend that trip end. On return home August 9, we dock at 9 AM so book flights out after 12 noon.

Dozens of airlines fly to USA to Budapest; DL, KL, AF, AA, UA, BA, even Emirates and Turkish Air. I always add a stopover city and route to enjoy another country. JFK flights are always the cheapest. Google Flights lets you put in fare alerts when prices drop. I know some in this group are airfare savvy, so please share if you find a good deal.

Doing Own Air– We like Google Flights. 3rd-party booking engines like Expedia, make it easy to book, but it is nearly impossible to handle air problems. Buy direct from airline or pay a travel agent to ticket you. If you need help air with the economy seat, our guy Delhi can help; email flights@diversedestination.com with your exact air dates, destination, passport name, and details with birthdate.

Doing Own Air & A/P Transfers– we will have one common group airport pick up on August one to accommodate as many as possible if flight times are similar. If your arrival time falls outside of this, simply take a taxi to the Radisson Blu Beke hotel address Terez Korut 43, Budapest H-1. No Uber is available. You can download their app called Bolte to order a taxi on demand.

(With travelers arriving and departing on different days and times, it is insurmountable to manage. Group air airport transfers are based on set time. Without group air, there can no longer be any pick-ups or drop-offs. Unfortunately, now like other tour companies, transfers are your responsibility. (We’ve spent weeks each trip making spreadsheets of each person’s air to send to the supplier and then flights change. We then hire a guide, driver and pay airport parking fees. Last year in groups only half showed up as guides waited hours looking for others. Sometimes no AFSers showed up without informing us.) Transfers are not expensive. First, google your arrival airport website to see transfer tab. More details later.Suggestions to appear like airport bus, taxi details, Uber and more. Then connect on group Facebook page to set up sharing transfer cost if you like. If you go early and check-in AFS hotel before group arrives, it’s your responsibility to change rooms with your roommate if necessary day one when trip begins.)

Meet Up With Group- Again, we meet on AUG 1 at hotel. A time will be set later depending on group transfer.

Baggage– Think light to ease your burden, not like you’re fleeing your homeland. 1 carry-on bag & 1 medium suitcase not to exceed 45lb checked bag – weigh on a bathroom scale. Like all cruises, storage space is small. Leave room to bring purchases home. Shopping is incredible at each port with our strong dollar. Apple AirTags work great to track checked bags when the airline cannot, also good for carry-on. Leave space for great souvenirs. Be sure to attach ID inside and out of carry-on and checked bag.

Packing- Google weather a week prior departure.

Read Packing 101 in Heading Abroad with AFS

This trip is so easy. Simply pack summer clothing with a light jacket for nights and long flights. Bring umbrella, daypack, wide-brim hat, sunscreen, walking shoes, swimsuit for spas.

Cool travel hacks from our AFSers! Pack overnight outfit in your carry-on, liquid IV packets to hydrate, use packing cubes, downy wrinkle spray, Apple AirTags, extra nylon bag to check laundry home, tons of US dollars for extra tips, fully charged travel banks, less is more, get global entry.

Electric– Cell phones and tablets do not need a converter; you only need an adapter plug. AFSers often leave charger cords in room, so be sure to double-check your room before check out. All properties have hairdryers. See https://www.power-plugs-sockets.com

Type C two-prong round 2-prong round plug –

Money Matters – Always bring some cash! You will need some cash for personal tipping, meals, and shopping. $300 cash should suffice. Change currency on arrival at airport, bank, or hotels or withdraw local currency from an ATM. Note -independent ATMs are risky due to skimmer scams. Safest ATMs are at airport and banks rather than independent ATMs found in restaurants etc.. Always shield your pin number when entering. Bring newer bills 2016 on as some countries won’t take old or slightly damaged bills.

Master Card and Visa accepted on ship. Amex is not. Credit cards are far safer than using your debit card. I use my credit card for most purchases. Many cards now offer no foreign transaction fees.

Currency Exchange Rate 1 EU = .95 USD
Follow the link below to create a conversion cheat sheet
https://www.oanda.com/currency/travel-exchange-rates

Gratuities – We are in a hotel on our first day of the trip. We will add $25 to your final invoice to cover gratuities for our hotel porters, guide, and driver. On cruise – Tips are not automatically added to the cruise cost as we believe gratuities should be left at your discretion. We recommend giving €5-10 ($6-$12) per person per day as a guideline if you feel it is appropriate. On the final evening, an envelope will be provided in your cabin for you to drop off at reception during disembarkation to leave a gratuity.

Tipping on own – If service is stellar, feel free to give more directly. All we tourists leave behind is our reputation. I carry a stash of US ones in an envelope to draw from as needed.

Communication– Internet is available on shore at the usual places like restaurants, coffee houses etc. With smartphones, be sure to check with your provider for rates and coverage for international phone plans before departure. Data Roaming rates can be expensive. To reach home – Texting, iMessage, WhatsApp, and Facebook messaging when using WIFI. Be cautious using public Wi-Fi without using VPN. Without VPN never open attachments or view financial or personal accounts on the Internet while abroad. Phone calls, text messages, and data usage of all kinds, it is crucial to understand that, unless you are connected to Wi-Fi, every use of your phone incurs a data toll. That means that viewing and downloading email, browsing the web, viewing social media, and mapping all incur data charges, as do applications that we sometimes assume to be “free,” such as Skype and WhatsApp. Unless you are connected to Wi-Fi, however, WhatsApp is using cellular data, so you are getting charged at your provider’s international roaming data rate. Facebook Messenger Phone is an easy free way to make calls.

Get Smart: Stay hydrated. It is safe to drink the tap water from William Wadsworth.

Be mindful of pickpockets in big cities, especially at night. Never carry your passport onboard if the task does not collect them for you.

What’s included on my cruise? Our fully comprehensive itineraries include all of the ‘must see’ sights and experiences your selected destination offers. Many operators sell these as ‘options’ – but on a Riviera River Cruise you will miss nothing of importance. We do not sell you lots of additional excursions that just add to your overall costs. AFS has included a drink package for you which includes beer, sodas, juices, red, white and rosé house wines and wine recommendations from the menu.

Is there a dress code? There is no formal dress code on board any of our ships – we want you to feel comfortable and relaxed throughout your cruise. Smart/casual attire is acceptable for all meal times and no dinner jackets and ties are required. The Captain’s Dinner offers the opportunity, should you wish, for more special attire.

What kind of food is provided at meal times? In the morning a full buffet breakfast is served. Lunch also usually consists of a buffet, with an extensive selection of hot and cold food. Is there a seating plan? Dinner is generally served at a single sitting. Times may vary according to the itinerary. A daily program will be delivered to your cabin each evening detailing the following days activities.

What do the excursions involve? On our river cruise vacations we love to take you right into the heart of each town or city you visit a long the way, and either your Cruise Director, Cruise Concierge or a local guide will offer a variety of guided walking visits, panoramic coach tours and/or visits to museums and local cultural favorites. You are free to go ashore at your leisure when the ship is moored. The Cruise Director or Cruise Concierge will inform the group when the ship is due to leave each mooring point.

Leisure Time – For your free time, it’s best to arrive and ask our local expert guides for suggestions. We notice many newer clients pre-plan many activities on the AFS trip well before they arrive, often with disappointing results. Our daily itineraries are pretty full, but there will be some free time. Expert travelers revel in the element of surprise in a new destination and allow the wind to blow them where it will. Use Google Maps on your phone to find everything nearby.

Budapest is blessed with endless wonders, from incredible architecture and mineral-rich bathhouses. AFS favorite is the huge outdoor Szechenyic spa or the elegant and iconic Gellert baths! For tons of fun ideas, go to www.budapest.com. Other great websites for endless ideas – www.visitingVienna.com or wien.info, official site for Vienna. Also www.visitbratislava.com and www.salzburg.info

Amending tour pre-or post-trip. We honor your independent spirit, but encourage you to extend more days at the trip’s end when you’re acclimated well to the destination. If you add another country, we often see many AFSers on Facebook urging others to join them what do you consider the cost of tours, transport, hotels, etc. Stopovers are great to add, but understand AFS has no responsibility for the quality of your trip.

Private Facebook Group Page – The benefit of the Private FB Group Page is that you have an opportunity to introduce yourself to your fellow travelers before departure and share trip photos during and after the tour. The link can be found in your Wetravel welcome letter after your initial deposit. (We found that some never read the Trip Tips jumping right to the Private FB Group Page assuming they will get all trip info needed. Often, they only receive rumors or misinformation. All important information is ALWAYS emailed to each participant and posted in Trip Tips under UPDATES. Nobody misses a thing.)

Emergency Contact – AFS phone or text 770-432-8225, or email us at https://www.afstravelers.com/contact-us/ More contacts will be provided with your Final Docs email 2 to 3 weeks before departure. Your guide can handle a call home for a true emergency. Do not expect to use your trip leader’s cell phone; you’ll need to use your own.

Cancellation Penalty – At booking, we sent you our terms and conditions. Click here for our Terms & Conditions and here for for Cancellation refund policy In part it states “a written request for cancellation through email or text with your name and cancellation specifics to 770-432-8225. Please be aware that when a refund is due, a $155 administrative fee will be charged for each cancellation.

Travel Insurance– While travel insurance is optional, in today’s world we highly encourage you to get standard coverage to cover trip interruption and cancellation. Best source for all is www.insuremytrip.com.

Click here to Purchase Travel Insurance online

Travel Psychology 101 – Prepare for your departure joyfully with no contempt before investigation upon arrival. Please understand that with travel, things are not like at home and changes may occur. Great trips work best for those with an open mind, flexible attitude and adventuresome spirit. If changes occur, embrace them with serendipity. Who knows?… The unexpected may prove to be a better experience. Adapt and go with the flow with a laid-back attitude. Be spontaneous. Be tolerant of foreign cultures in respecting their centuries of traditions. Embrace the differences. Be curious, not shy. Smile – locals will sense your energy of kindness and kindness always begets kindness. Our common goal is to experience different cultures, make new friends, get great photos, have large fun, and return home safely with memories worthy of recollection.

The best spirit of an Explorer requires the openness of a child – Suzy

“When traveling, remember that a foreign country isn’t designed to make you comfortable. It’s designed to make its own people comfortable.” – Clinton Fadiman

Please note that AFS is non-partisan – With our homogeneous groups, we all want to focus on the common denominator – our love of travel. In today’s divisive world, we suggest members not discuss politics and if you must, please practice my rule of TOK: Tolerance, Open-mindedness and Kindness.

William Wordsworth is a recent addition to Riviera Travel’s river fleet, catering specifically to British travelers and being the largest provider of European river cruises in the UK. This ship, along with seven others, is named after renowned British authors and is described as “five-star” by the cruise line. Launched in 2018, William Wordsworth can accommodate 167 passengers and offers facilities tailored to solo travelers.

The deck plans of William Wordsworth boast stylish décor and a wide range of amenities. Unlike the prevailing minimalist trend, the ship features sustainable hardwoods, polished copper and brass fittings, as well as wrought iron elements. Notably, the elegant curved staircase leads to the marble-floored lobby, which benefits from natural light streaming in through the glass atrium above. This area encompasses the reception, shore excursion desk, and boutique. Throughout the rest of the ship, an understated elegance and spacious atmosphere prevail.

Despite its similar size to other ships, William Wordsworth boasts fewer passengers, allowing for dedicated spaces that are not allocated for additional cabins. These areas are utilized for onboard amenities, including a spa and wellness area complete with a gym, massage room, and nail and hair salon. On the sun deck, guests can enjoy a small splash pool and a putting green.

Mealtimes onboard comprise a buffet breakfast and lunch, as well as a four-course dinner, all served in the main restaurant. Seating four to six passengers per table, the restaurant can accommodate all guests in one sitting. Additionally, the ship offers the Bistro, a smaller alternative restaurant located at the back on the upper Diamond Deck, providing both indoor and outdoor seating. Chefs at the open kitchen within the Bistro create a signature menu based on seasonal ingredients, offering an intimate dining experience that can be reserved onboard at no extra charge.

On the same level, the Panorama Lounge and bar serves as the social hub of the ship and hosts nightly entertainment provided by the onboard musician. Complimentary self-service tea and coffee stations are also available for guests’ convenience.

As you are welcomed aboard the five-star pedigree is striking, with a remarkable feeling of spaciousness and harmonious design at every glance. The three fully air-conditioned accommodation decks, including notably the lower deck – are all accessed by an attractive glass lift for your convenience or the wide elegant wrought-iron staircase.

For entertainment, each stateroom is equipped with a 40-inch flat HDTV with satellite reception. The infotainment system offers Internet access and movies-on-demand. Additionally, there is a bow camera that provides real-time views. Guests can enjoy refreshments from the mini-bar and make tea or coffee using the provided facilities.

A glass-top round table with two armchairs is available for sitting and dining. There is also a mirrored dressing table with a pouf chair for convenience. The wardrobe provides hangers and drawers, and there is an electronic safe box for valuables. Other amenities include a hairdryer and a phone for communication. The air-conditioning in each stateroom can be individually controlled according to preference.

Guests can enjoy the evening turndown service, and the cabin furniture is made of hand-crafted hardwoods for a luxurious feel. Most cabins feature wall-to-wall and floor-to-ceiling glass doors that open to a railing, providing a French Balcony experience. The only exceptions are the Lower/Emerald Deck cabins, which have a fixed non-opening window located close to the ceiling.

All cabin bathrooms are elegantly designed with marble tops and glass showers featuring large rain shower heads. The bath cosmetics provided are from the well-known brand Crabtree and Evelyn.

Ship Facilities:

– Well-cooled public areas and cabins with individual heating controls.
– A stunning restaurant situated on the Main Deck, offering buffet breakfast, buffet lunch, and a four-course dinner.
– A lounge and bar where you can enjoy cocktails and an early risers’ breakfast.
– A bistro with an open kitchen, large panoramic windows, and outdoor seating.
– A lift between the Emerald, Ruby, and Diamond decks.
– Laundry service available.
– Spa and wellness area featuring a Nail Salon and Hairdressing Service.
– A boutique gift shop for purchasing holiday souvenirs.
– Reception area open 24 hours a day.
– A small splash pool and putting green on the Sun Deck.
– A 24-hour self-service station providing complimentary tea and coffee.