Flights NYC-Vienna, Munich-NYC Other departure cities available. Click on date of departure for selection and prices ▲
4 nights Deluxe river cruise on MS Symphony (Category D) outside cabin
All transfers
11 meals: 4 breakfasts, 3 lunches, 4 dinners
Complimentary Champagne with breakfast
Unlimited wine & beer with dinners
Evening entertainment
Shore excursions per itinerary
Services of a cruise director throughout
Entrance fees per itinerary
Guaranteed departures
▲ For reservations completed 11 months or more prior to departure, flights cannot be confirmed at the time of booking. Flights will be confirmed once airline schedules are posted.
DAY 1, Tuesday - Depart the USA Depart the USA for Austria. Your flight includes meals & drinks, and in-flight entertainment for your journey
DAY 2, Wednesday - Arrive in Vienna Arrive and transfer to your ship for embarkation. Balance of the day at leisure. Tonight, enjoy a gala welcome dinner on board Overnight: Cruise Meals: Dinner
DAY 3, Thursday - Vienna City Tour Your morning tour of Vienna begins with a drive along the famed Ringstrasse, Vienna's main boulevard, to the Hofburg Palace. Walk the courtyards to the Vienna State Opera House, continuing to view the Parliament, St. Stephen's Cathedral, the Museum of Fine Arts, the Museum of Natural History, and City Hall. Enjoy the remainder of the day at leisure on board Overnight: Cruise Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
DAY 4, Friday - Afternoon in Passau Enjoy morning sailing with afternoon arrival in Passau, where the Ilz, Inn, and Danube Rivers meet. Most known for St. Stephen's Cathedral and its historic Altstatd, or Old City district, the city boasts many fine examples of Baroque and Gothic architecture. Enjoy a brief walking tour, followed by time at leisure to discover Passau's charm for yourself. This evening sail for Regensburg Optional: Full Day Tour of Salzburg Overnight: Cruise Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
DAY 5, Saturday - Regensburg City Tour Enjoy the morning cruising the scenic Danube. This afternoon, arrive in Regensburg and enjoy a walking tour of the city that includes the Old Town Hall, St. Peter's Cathedral, the Roman Gates at Porta Pretoria, and one of the oldest stone bridges over the Danube. This evening dine at the Captain's Farewell Dinner to celebrate your final night aboard Optional: Best of Bavaria (PM) Overnight: Cruise Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
DAY 6, Sunday - Depart for the USA This morning, disembark and transfer to the airport for your departure flight Overnight: Cruise Meals: Breakfast
Book your Optional Tours before you travel and see more, save time, save money, and protect your investment. Tours purchased while traveling cost at least 10% more! Tours often sell out - avoid disappointment! Save your cash - many countries do not accept credit cards. Travel insurance only covers services purchased prior to departure.
Full Day Tour of Salzburg
Day #4
01 Mar 2009 - 05 Jan 2011 $99
Full day excursion to Salzburg, the birthplace of Mozart and famous cultural setting for the Sound of Music. Once ashore, enjoy a walking city tour to see some of the most historic sights for which Salzburg is known, including Mirabella Palace, the house where Mozart lived, Nonnberg Abbey, Salzburg Cathedral, and St. Peter's Cemetery. Enjoy lunch at a local restaurant and time at leisure to explore the streets of Salzburg on your own.
*The optional excursion to Salzburg and the included Passau city tour operate simultaneously. Passengers that purchase the optional excursion to Salzburg will not have the opportunity participate in the included Passau city tour.
Best of Bavaria
Day #5
01 Mar 2009 - 05 Jan 2011 $59
This tour consists of visits to two remarkable places. Start off with a tour of Liberation Hall, a monumental building commemorating the wars of liberation against Napoleon in the early 19th century. With a commanding view over the Danube Valley, this massive structure in the style of a Greek temple in the round dominates Mount Michelsberg. The interior walls are covered with splendid marble, and the floor bears the moving inscription “May the Germans never forget what made necessary the Struggle for Freedom and by what means they won,” the words of King Ludwig I, who personally financed the completion of this great work. The next stop is Weltenburg Abbey, spectacularly located at the narrowest navigable point on the Bavarian Danube, the Danube Gorge, the oldest monastery in Bavaria. Founded around 620 AD, the Abbey has grown to include not only the spectacular Asam Baroque church but also the oldest monastery brewery in the world with almost 1000 years of brewing tradition. You will be able to taste some of these delicious beers that have made this brewery famous.
Gate 1 Travel Airfare - These are Gate 1 Travel fares which allow you to book your trip while paying a minimal deposit at time of booking.
Instant Purchase/Published Airfare - These are fares that airlines have published which require payment in full at time of purchase. In some cases, these fares may be displayed as Gate 1 Airfare with Instant Purchase Requirement.
To find the lowest available airfare, select [ANY] and you will get results for both kinds of airfare. Each of these fare types has its own set of restrictions which cover changes, cancellations, fuel surcharges, etc. Please refer to our terms and conditions for full details.
Airfare Type
We are unable to reserve airline seats for you until 11 months prior to your date of travel. Until then, we offer a choice of airfares from major US cities which you may select for your reservation. Your final flight details, airfare, airport taxes and fees will be advised 11 months prior to travel. Airfares are subject to change.
Air reservations may be completed no more than 11 months prior to the date of travel. For travel more than 11 months prior, please call Gate 1 at (800) 682-3333.
Accommodations
Select Number of Cabins
Room 1
# of Adults
# of Children
First Child Age
Second Child Age
Third Child Age
Room 2
# of Adults
# of Children
First Child Age
Second Child Age
Third Child Age
Room 3
# of Adults
# of Children
First Child Age
Second Child Age
Third Child Age
Room 4
# of Adults
# of Children
First Child Age
Second Child Age
Third Child Age
Know Before You Go
Although most of the planning and preparation is taken care of for you, there are still a few things you should know and some details you should take care of to ensure your comfort, safety and peace of mind. Please review the following information before your departure to ensure that any surprises along the way will only be pleasant ones.
Getting Ready to Go
Passports and Visas
It is each traveler's responsibility to have a passport valid for at least 6 months from the date of departure and a visa if required. Please check the information at www.gate1travel.com/visas.aspx for the specific country/region you are visiting for more details. Passengers who are not U.S. citizens must check with the respective consulate or a visa agency to determine what personal identification is required. Passport applications are available at most U.S. Post Offices, as well as at regional Passport Agencies.
Passports & Visas - River Cruises
All passengers are responsible to ensure that they obtain any required entry visas. In particular, non-US citizens are responsible to check the entry requirements of each country to be visited during the itinerary. Passengers arriving without correct and complete documentation may be denied boarding. Passports are kept securely at the reception and are controlled regularly by local immigration authorities. For more information, please see www.gate1travel.com/visas.aspx.
Passports and Visas - Austria
Passport required. Visa not required for tourist stay of up to 90 days.
Passports and Visas - Germany
Passport required. Visa not required for tourist stay of up to 90 days.
Trip Preparation
A little pre-planning can make your trip go a lot smoother. Several weeks before your trip, make a list of what you’ll need to take with you. Make sure your personal documents (passports, visas) are in order and that you have enough prescription medications to last through the trip.
Health Information
Check with your personal physician for the latest overseas travel health information, or contact the Center for Disease Control’s travelers’ hotline at 404-332-4559, web site www.cdc.gov.
Health Precautions - European River Cruises
No inoculations are necessary when arriving in Europe from the U.S.
Climate / Clothing - Austria
Spring and Autumn: 45 – 60ºF; Summer: 70 – 80ºF; Winter: 30 – 40ºF. Bring comfortable shoes, a sweater, clothes you can layer and an all-weather jacket. Some religious sites may require modest dress to enter (no shorts, short skirts, or sleeveless tops).
Germany: Spring and Autumn: 40 – 60ºF, Summer: 65 – 80ºF, Winter: 25 – 40ºF. Bring comfortable shoes, a sweater, clothes you can layer and an all-weather jacket. Some religious sites may require modest dress to enter (no shorts, short skirts, or sleeveless tops).
Temperatures vary according to regional climate and season. Bring comfortable shoes, a sweater, clothes you can layer and an all-weather jacket. Some religious sites may require modest dress to enter (no shorts, short skirts, or sleeveless tops).
About Your Flights
Airline Flights
Please check in at least three hours prior to the scheduled departure time to allow for security steps. Passengers connecting from another point within the USA may check their luggage through to their final destination, and although problems with lost luggage have been minimal, it is a possibility. Certain carriers do not allow baggage “interlining,” and luggage must be checked separately for each flight. If you are connecting from a domestic flight which is delayed for any reason, causing you to miss your international flight, you must ask the airline for assistance in getting you to your destination. Since all airline tickets are issued on special fares which carry restrictions and penalties if changed, you must have the airlines responsible make alternate arrangements on your behalf as Gate 1 has no authority or control over airline activities and policies. Do not leave the airline check-in desk until an alternative itinerary has been confirmed for you.
Airline Luggage Restrictions
Most international airlines are consistent with regard to the number and weight of the pieces you may check and bring onboard. Domestic carriers however, typically on small aircraft, differ. Therefore, we suggest that you check in advance if you are concerned about size or weight restrictions.
Airline Seats
Airline seats are confirmed whenever possible. Some airlines and/or fare types do not allow for pre-seating and require this be done at airport check-in only. Even when seats are pre-assigned however, we recommend that you contact the carrier one to two weeks prior to departure to reconfirm your seats. In many cases there are equipment changes after your initial booking which can cause airplane seating reconfiguration.
Airline Tickets
Most airline tickets are issued using special fares which cannot be changed or canceled without incurring additional cost. Should you lose or misplace your tickets while traveling, you should immediately notify the airline. In most cases they will have you complete a Lost Ticket Indemnity Form, and for a fee, issue replacement tickets.
E-tickets
Most airlines now require that we provide e-tickets in place of paper tickets. At check-in, you should be ready to provide your e-ticket itinerary and identification to the agent. In a few cases where e-tickets cannot be issued, you will receive your tickets in a paper form.
Code-share Flights
Many airlines participate in alliances and special agreements with other airlines which permit passengers to travel from one point to another using more than one carrier. While your ticket may indicate that you are flying with one carrier (eg: Delta), you may find that you are actually seated in a plane belonging to another carrier (eg: Alitalia). Please review your airline itinerary carefully to determine which airline you should go to for check-in; if your flight is operated by a carrier other than the primary airline indicated on the itinerary, your itinerary will state "Flight Operated by (Airline)." If you have any concerns regarding which airline to check-in with, you may contact the airline directly or Gate 1 Travel for clarification.
Luggage
All Gate 1 tour packages allow one piece of luggage per person, plus carry-on bag. Additional baggage will be subject to airline handling charges of up to $100 per piece. As Gate 1 will not be responsible for loss or damage to luggage and personal belongings, you MUST report any loss or damage immediately at the time of the incident and obtain a written report from the local authority for submission to your insurance provider. If your luggage is lost or damaged by the airlines, a baggage claim form MUST be filed with the carrier before leaving the airport. See www.gate1travel.com/luggage.aspx for Important Baggage Information for U.S. Travelers.
Luggage
Please label your luggage clearly with your name and your cabin number.
Arrival & Departure Procedures
Arrival Procedures
If your program includes airport arrival transfers, please complete immigration formalities and claim your luggage. You will be met by our local representative after you pass through customs. Look for someone holding a Gate 1 Travel sign and/or a sign with your name on it. If you do not connect with the Gate 1 transfer personnel, go to the Tourist Information Desk and ask them to page the Gate 1 Travel representative or phone the number on your voucher.
Regensburg Port Information
The dock is located in the city center on Marc Aurel Ufer. It is at the Donaulaende close to the Eiserne Bruecke (Eiserne Bridge) and next to the a large parking area named "Donaumarkt".
Vienna Port Information
The dock is located at Nussdorf.
What To Do When Your Flight Is Delayed
Airlines do not share flight manifest information. Therefore, the only way we may learn of a delay or schedule change while you are traveling is from you, the traveler. The sooner you are able to contact one of our offices, overseas or in the USA, the better we can respond. Gate 1 Travel is only able to guarantee pre-reserved arrival transfers for up to one hour from the scheduled time, no matter the cause. In case you are delayed for any reason, and are unable to follow the instructions on your voucher, please make independent transfer arrangements and retain your receipts. Unused tour services, including transfers and hotel nights are not refundable. Upon your return home you will need to contact your airline and/or insurance carrier to investigate the possibility of reimbursement for any unused tour services.
Departure Procedures
If your program includes departure transfers, instructions will be stated on your voucher or provided locally.
Transfers
Transfers
Due to local traffic and other extenuating circumstances, we ask that you allow 30 minutes from your scheduled transfer time for our representative to arrive. This includes hotel, airport and cruise transfers. Such possible delays are taken into consideration in scheduling transfers and you should therefore have no concerns about arriving late for your tour, flight or cruise. For transfers from a hotel, let the hotel reception desk or concierge know that you are waiting for a transfer. In the case of a missed transfer, reimbursement for your out-of-pocket expenses will be considered provided you obtain a written statement from the hotel's front desk verifying the length of time you waited, and the time you left the hotel, and a receipt for your transportation with time and date.
Escorted tour programs include transfers, providing you have purchased airfare from Gate 1 to arrive and depart on the scheduled tour dates. If you are traveling independently, you may purchase the transfers from Gate 1 or contract your own method of transportation to the hotel or cruise ship. The cost of a transfer will generally be more expensive than hiring a taxi as the pre-arranged transfer necessarily includes round trip service, or a 'dead-leg'. Additionally the driver may have to wait at the collection point for up to an hour.
About Your Accommodations
Hotels
Gate 1 Travel has carefully selected each hotel based on overall quality, location, price, food, service, and cleanliness. All rooms are standard rooms with two single beds and private facilities, unless you have specifically requested and paid for an upgrade. Room selection is strictly at the discretion of the hotel management. We reserve the right to make hotel substitutions with those of equal standard.
Hotel Check-in/ Check-out
Check-in time is usually 4pm or later. Check-out time is 12 noon. If you will be arriving early in the day or departing in the evening, hotels will usually allow you to store your luggage in their luggage room. Ask at the front desk if the hotel can check you in earlier, or let you stay later.
At Your Destination
Shopping
Shopping in a foreign country can be a wonderful experience. You may find fantastic, one-of-a-kind merchandise. You may get terrific bargains. However, we advise you to exercise care and common sense when making any purchase. Always get a formal receipt. And remember that, just like in this country, if a deal seems too good to be true, it probably is!
Shopping - Austria
Austria is renowned for its high quality winter sports equipment, wine, as well as an assortment of top-of-the-line, handcrafted items, including crystal, wood carvings, textiles, and fine leather. If you are traveling during the Christmas season, the Christmas markets are a must-see, not only for the goods but also for the hot mulled wine and unforgettable atmosphere.
Shopping - Germany
In addition to large department stores featuring a wide range of goods, Germany has many specialized shops that feature high quality items such as optical instruments, knives, glassware, china, handcrafted toys, and antique books and maps, among many others.
Currency
We suggest getting a small amount of currency for the first country you're visiting before you leave the U.S. It is a good idea to carry a chart with you to help you convert U.S. dollars to the local currency. It's also a good idea not to carry too much money. Many countries have ATM machines that accept most U.S. ATM cards, but be sure you know your ATM password in numbers-the keypads on foreign ATMs don't always have letters. ATM machines will only dispense cash in local currency. Check with respective consulates to learn current currency allowances and requirements. Use your credit card whenever possible. Should you decide to carry cash or travelers checks, exchange them at banks where the rate is more favorable than at hotels or exchange bureaus
Currency/ Exchange of money
The Euro is the currency used aboard the ship. Please note that while calling at port, other currencies may be used depending on the country being visited.
We are not able to offer a money-changing service on board as this would contravene official regulations. Please use the official exchange offices at the harbors.
Ship Account and Payment: There is a cashless system on board. All on board expenditures (in the bar, restaurant, shop, optional tours etc.) are added to the ship's account. At the end of the cruise, the closing invoice will be presented to the passengers for settlement. Payment can be made by cash in euro, credit card (American Express, VISA, MasterCard, Diners Club) and Euro traveler's checks. Please note we cannot except USD as a form of cash payment. A small charge will be made when you cash a traveler's check. Passenger's are not eligible for a Value Added Tax (VAT) refund for purchases made on board the ship.
Currency - Austria
The Euro is the currency of Austria.
Currency - Germany
The Euro is the currency of Germany.
Purchasing Tours Locally - Austria
On escorted tours, the guides will generally sell optional tours to passengers who have not pre-purchased them. Payment can be made by cash or credit card. This does not apply to Independent packages. Please see Gate 1 Terms & Conditions for more information. http://www.gate1travel.com/terms.aspx#optional
Purchasing Tours Locally - Germany
On escorted tours, the guides will generally sell optional tours to passengers who have not pre-purchased them. Payment can be made by cash or credit card. This does not apply to Independent packages. Please see Gate 1 Terms & Conditions for more information. http://www.gate1travel.com/terms.aspx#optional
Credit Cards
While credit cards are accepted in most destinations, it is advisable to carry local currency. Inform your credit card company that you are travelling to avoid your card being blocked for security reasons.
Tipping
This is a matter of personal discretion. You may use the following as a guideline:
*Tour escort (Coordinator; may or may not act as a guide): $6 or $7 per person per day
*Driver (Provides chauffeur services and limited assistance with luggage): $3 per person per day
*Local Guide (Offers in-depth information at specific locations. There may be one or many guides along a tour program): $2 per person per half day of sightseeing (2-3 hours)
*River Cruises: $6 or $7 per person per day as indicated by each cruise line (see details regarding European, Russian, and Ukrainian River Cruises)
*Private car tours(small groups of 2-14 passengers): $12 to $16 per person per day for each day of sightseeing
*Hotel Porter: $1 per bag per person
*Wait staff: $1.50 per person (lunch or dinner)
*Chamber maid: $1 per person per day
Tipping is considered by many locals to be a part of their normal remuneration and some may approach you for additional "compensation." There is no need to be intimidated by the request, nor should you feel pressured to pay more than recommended. If you become uncomfortable by any behavior you encounter, please advise your tour escort or phone our local office. Numbers have been provided in your documents for your convenience.
Tipping - European River Cruises
Tips are appreciated and expected for good service in restaurants and other places. Restaurant bills often include a service charge.
Gratuities are a matter of personal discretion. The following guidelines are provided only as a suggestion. Gratuities for the crew (shared by all crew members) may be paid via the on board ship account and be in the range of $16 per person per day (approximately 10 euros). This gratuity does not cover the Cruise Director(s) for whom a consideration of $6 or $7 per person per day is appropriate. Gratuities for Cruise Directors may not be charged to your on board account and must be paid in cash. You may also tip other service providers such as local guides, bus drivers and others who may have provided special services. Tips for Cruise Directors may be left in the tip box at the front desk at the conclusion of the cruise.
Tipping - Austria
Tips are appreciated and expected for good service in restaurants and other places. Restaurant bills often include a service charge.
Tipping - Germany
Tips are appreciated and expected for good service in restaurants and other places. Restaurant bills often include a service charge.
Your Safety is Very Important
Every effort has been taken by Gate 1 Travel to ensure your safety. However, it is important that you do not allow your common sense to take a vacation while you're on your trip. Be aware of potentially dangerous places and situations as you would at home. Avoid wearing expensive jewelry and carry your valuables concealed in inside pockets or hidden pouches. Don't put all your valuables (money, credit cards, passports, etc.) in the same place. (In case that one wallet is stolen, you should have other valuables and identification in another safe place.) Don't leave valuables laying loose in your room-use the hotel safe. Keep copies of your passports, credit card numbers and travelers checks numbers in the hotel safe. If you've purchased an escorted tour program, your travel documents will include telephone numbers of local Gate 1 Travel representatives who will do their utmost to assist you in the event of an emergency. The numbers are printed on your Gate 1 Travel vouchers. Please copy the numbers. Once you relinquish the voucher, you will not have this information. Passengers traveling independently should employ the services of hotel concierges and local authorities.
Safety regulations:
You are on a ship with a high safety standard and reliable crew. In case of emergency, we ask you to follow the instructions of your crew. Please take further information concerning safety from the notice on your cabin door. Life jackets will be distributed on the sundeck. When leaving the ship, exchange your cabin card for your personal land card at the reception. This card helps ensure your security by allowing the crew to immediately determine if all passengers are on board before continuing the cruise. While in port, please keep your cabin door locked.
Disabled Facilities - European River Cruises
Due to physical constraints and space limitations, wheelchairs and walkers are not allowed on motor coaches and/or river cruises. Kindly refer to our Terms for additional information.
Embarkation
Check your itinerary carefully for the port of embarkation and disembarkation. In the event that you arrive independently to the port of embarkation, note the location carefully. Please ensure that you are always on board before the ship's scheduled time of departure. For same day directions, please contact the Senior Cruise Director.
Disembarkation
You will receive all relevant information concerning disembarkation in detail by your cruise director on the afternoon of your last day onboard. If you have an early morning disembarkation time prior to the early riser breakfast, your Cruise Director will arrange a breakfast box for you.
On Your Cruise - European River Cruises
Attire: Cruise attire is casual for all activities. Appropriate clothes are required to enter the restaurant. Remember to bring comfortable walking shoes and pack an umbrella in case of inclement weather.
Meals and Dietary Restrictions: There is open seating in the dining room for lunch and dinner. Please see your Maitre d'hotel who is at your disposal for special needs. Passengers requiring special diet must advise Gate 1 Cruises at the least 20 days prior to departure. However we are pleased to assist within the limits of those products available on board.
Smoking: Smoking is only allowed in designated areas on the sundeck. Please do not throw cigarettes overboard.
Amenities: A hairdryer is supplied to all cabins. Laundry service is available on board for an additional charge, however the ship is not equipped to care for dry cleaning. Charges are displayed on board. Valuables can be deposited in the cabin safe.
Excursions: During your journey you will have the opportunity to take part in a variety of shore excursions. If you have not pre-booked the excursions, there will be an opportunity to do so on board with your Cruise Director. These excursions will be charged to your on board account (VISA, Mastercard, American Express) or can be paid for in euro. Note we cannot accept USD as payment for shore excursions. Please see Gate 1 Terms & Conditions for more information. http://www.gate1travel.com/terms.HTML#optional.
Walking: River Cruise tours dock at inland towns and excursions may include a fair amount of walking on uneven or cobblestone streets. Many ports have limited ramps. You may also experience "double-docking." In some ports, where there are limited docks available for the number of visiting ships, you may find your ship docked adjacent to another and may have to walk across one or more other river cruise ships before reaching the dock area.
Telephone: All cabins are equipped with direct dialing for an additional fee. If you need to be contacted while on board the ship, please provide the emergency numbers outlined in your documents to family and/or friends. It is possible that the emergency numbers are out of the telephone network at the time of dialing. If this is the case, a message will be provided by the telephone company in German. It is advisable to hang-up and dial a short time later.
Email and Post: You are able to send and receive emails on the computer on board for a small fee. Any mail with postage can be handed in at the reception. It will be posted at the next port of call.
Water Level
A rise or fall in the river water level can prevent the ship from passing under bridges and/or moving further along the river. This may cause part or all of the cruise itinerary to be operated by motor coach. If this becomes necessary, Gate 1 Travel will endeavor to provide equal or similar services, however no cruise will be canceled and no monetary compensation will be made for those changes. A fluctuation in water level can change in a matter of hours and may occur at any time of the year. In this case, the situation will be closely monitored by captain and crew to ensure services are delivered with as few substitutions as possible. If you have planned independent travel prior to the cruise it is advisable to leave local contact information with Gate 1 Travel before departing the USA. Should an embarkation point be changed, Gate 1 Travel will attempt to contact passengers by phone or email.
Local Emergency Phone Number - Austria
General emergency: 112 or 122
Local Emergency Phone Number - Germany
Ambulance/Fire: 112 Police: 110
Language - Austria
German is the local language. English is generally spoken as well.
Language - Germany
German is the local language. English is generally spoken as well.
Electricity - Austria
The voltage used is 230 volts.
Please note: The U.S. uses 120 volts and you can purchase a converter and transformer at most hardware stores for your 120V appliances.
Electricity - Germany
The voltage used is 230 volts.
Please note: The U.S. uses 120 volts and you can purchase a converter and transformer at most hardware stores for your 120V appliances.
Electricity - European River Cruises
The voltage used is 220 volts.
Please note: The U.S. uses 120 volts and you can purchase a converter and transformer at most hardware stores for your 120V appliances.
Code of Conduct - Austria
Shaking hands is a customary greeting and normal courtesies should be observed. First names are not used when being introduced, but after a relationship exists, using first names is appropriate. Politeness is highly valued, and saying hello and goodbye is important even in shops and restaurants.
Code of Conduct - Germany
Shaking hands is a customary greeting and normal courtesies should be observed. First names are not used when being introduced, but after a relationship exists, using first names is appropriate. Politeness is highly valued, and saying hello and goodbye is important even in shops and restaurants.
Holidays - Austria
Holidays 2008
Jan 1
New Year's Day
Jan 6
Feast of the Epiphany
Mar 21
Good Friday
Mar 24
Easter Monday
May 1
Labor Day and Ascension Day
May 12
Whit Monday
May 22
Corpus Christi
Aug 15
Feast of the Assumption
Oct 26
National Day
Nov 1
All Saints' Day
Dec 8
Immaculate Conception
Dec 25
Christmas Day
Dec 26
St Stephen's Day
Holidays - Germany
Holidays 2008
Jan 1
New Year's Day
Jan 6
Feast of the Epiphany
Mar 21
Good Friday
Mar 24
Easter Monday
May 1
Labor Day and Ascension Day
May 12
*Whit Monday
May 22
Corpus Christi
Aug 15
*Feast of the Assumption
Oct 3
Day of Unity
Oct 31
*Day of Reformation
Nov 1
All Saints' Day
Nov 17
Day of Prayer and Repentance
Dec 25
Christmas Day (First Day)
Dec 26
Christmas (Second Day)
*Please note: Feast of the Epiphany, Corpus Christi, Feast of the Assumption, Day of Reformation, All Saints' Day and Day of Prayer and Repentance are not observed in all areas.
Customer Service
Travel Insurance
If you purchased travel insurance, remember to keep all boarding passes, ticket copies and receipts for expenses paid during your trip should it later become necessary to file a claim. If you purchased the Cancel-For-Any-Reason protection supplement (not available for all packages), Gate 1 Travel must receive your written cancellation notification at least 72 hours before departure. Details of policy inclusions may be found at www.gate1travel.com/insurance.htm. You may want to print a copy of the insurance details to carry with you on your trip.
Pre-purchased Services
Your document packet will include vouchers, and/or airline ticket, rail ticket, cruise ticket, for all services which have been booked through and pre-paid to Gate 1. It is your responsibility to arrive on time for all scheduled services. Arriving late for a flight, cruise or scheduled program may be considered a "no-show" in which case you will not be eligible for any refund for the unused services. Should you be requested to pay for any portion of the services which have already been pre-paid, please follow these procedures:
Pay as requested
Obtain a receipt
Remit to Gate 1 Travel upon your arrival home with a written explanation of the situation.
Amendments to Original Itinerary
Please refer to www.gate1travel.com/Destinations/terms.aspx for an explanation of our Change and Cancellation policies. Cancelled services will be subject to an administrative processing fee plus any expenses imposed by suppliers as a result of the changes. Should you wish to add or change services after the departure from the USA, you must pay directly to the service provider, such as the hotel or airline, not to Gate 1. The cost of any changes or additions will be at the local rate at the time of the amendment, not per the Gate 1 brochure, and must be borne by you. Gate 1 is not obliged to guarantee promises (written or verbal) made by local hotel staff, tour guides or any other persons not under direct employ with Gate 1.
Customer Service
All customer service issues and refund requests must be submitted in writing and received no later than 30 days after your return. Refunds are subject to a processing fee of $50 plus any hotel and/or supplier charges incurred. Claims for unused services should be substantiated in writing by local representatives. Airline flight cancellations and delays for any reason are not the responsibility of Gate 1 Travel. Submit your claim directly to the airline. Gate 1 Travel does not guarantee airline response. Processing of claims will take up to eight weeks from the date Gate 1 receives relevant documents. There will be no refunds for unused package tour services or features, including missed transfers due to airline changes and/or missed flights, unused meals, missed sightseeing tours, unused entrance fees, and accommodations.
Due to physical constraints and space limitations, wheelchairs and walkers are not allowed on motor coaches and/or river cruises. Kindly refer to our Terms for additional information.
Prices always lower than the cruise lines .
There are many superb and well-trained travel agents, but there are also many who know little to nothing about river cruising. They may have been wonderful to work with when planning your business travel, or land vacations, but the might not have the specialized knowledge about river cruising to supply you with equally good service in that area.
We have sailed the ships, slept in the beds, taken the shore excursions and eaten the food. Our prices are lower than the cruise lines.
