7 Day Christmas Markets River Cruise
From
$1799
Land Only
$2669*
Air & Land
Hotels/Plans Available for Departure Dates
| Cabin E | ||
|---|---|---|
| Monarch Empress | ||
| Cabin D | ||
|---|---|---|
| Monarch Empress | ||
| Cabin C | ||
|---|---|---|
| Monarch Empress | ||
| Cabin B | ||
|---|---|---|
| Monarch Empress | ||
| Cabin A | ||
|---|---|---|
| Monarch Empress | ||
| Suite | ||
|---|---|---|
| Monarch Empress | ||
Click a Date to Book Online
Click a Date to Book Online
| 2023 Dates & Prices Single Supplement: $1300 | ||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hotel | Dates | Embark | Tour Starts | Ship | Land Only | Air & Land |
| Vienna | Monarch Empress | $1799 | $2669* | |||
|
|
Regensburg | Monarch Empress | $1799 | $2539* | ||
|
|
Vienna | Monarch Empress | $2199 | $3049* | ||
| 2023 Dates & Prices Single Supplement: $1400 | ||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hotel | Dates | Embark | Tour Starts | Ship | Land Only | Air & Land |
| Vienna | Monarch Empress | $1999 | $2899* | |||
|
|
Regensburg | Monarch Empress | $1999 | $2729* | ||
|
|
Vienna | Monarch Empress | $2399 | $3249* | ||
| 2023 Dates & Prices Single Supplement: $1500 | ||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hotel | Dates | Embark | Tour Starts | Ship | Land Only | Air & Land |
| Vienna | Monarch Empress | $2199 | $3099* | |||
|
|
Regensburg | Monarch Empress | $2199 | $2929* | ||
|
|
Vienna | Monarch Empress | $2599 | $3449* | ||
| 2023 Dates & Prices Single Supplement: $1600 | ||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hotel | Dates | Embark | Tour Starts | Ship | Land Only | Air & Land |
| Vienna | Monarch Empress | $2399 | $3269* | |||
|
|
Regensburg | Monarch Empress | $2399 | $3139* | ||
|
|
Vienna | Monarch Empress | $2799 | $3659* | ||
| 2023 Dates & Prices Single Supplement: $1700 | ||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hotel | Dates | Embark | Tour Starts | Ship | Land Only | Air & Land |
| Vienna | Monarch Empress | $2599 | $3469* | |||
|
|
Regensburg | Monarch Empress | $2599 | $3339* | ||
|
|
Vienna | Monarch Empress | $2999 | $3849* | ||
| 2023 Dates & Prices Single Supplement: $1900 | ||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hotel | Dates | Embark | Tour Starts | Ship | Land Only | Air & Land |
| Vienna | Monarch Empress | $2999 | $3869* | |||
|
|
Regensburg | Monarch Empress | $2999 | $3749* | ||
|
|
Vienna | Monarch Empress | $3399 | $4149* | ||
Not Included:
Optional shore excursions and gratuities.
Additional Information:
Land/Cruise only price does not include arrival/departure transfers.
Embarkation will begin at 2 PM however early arrivals may rest in the lounge if their assigned cabin is not ready upon check-in.
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.
While sailing with Monarch Cruises, passengers are subject to the cruise's Terms & Conditions which can be viewed at: Monarch Cruises Terms & Conditions.
Know Before You Book - High & Low Water
European river cruising has gained in popularity for very good reason. It's a relaxing and convenient way to experience Europe while enjoying the comfort of a deluxe ship. However, before making the decision to reserve your vacation, please be aware of potential conditions which may impact your cruise. While most of the time river cruises operate exactly as planned, weather conditions may result in high or low water levels which impact a ship's itinerary and, on occasion, render a ship unable to sail at all. On very rare occasions, other events such as heavy fog, a damaged lock, or an incapacitated vessel blocking the river, may impact a sailing. These events typically occur with little or no notice. In the event that a cruise is partially or completely impacted, the itinerary will be operated by deluxe motor coach, accompanied by a Tour Manager, with overnights in hotels. When the option exists, the operator will "swap ships" with another vessel sailing in the opposite direction, retaining the sailing experience. Crew, ship and cabin configuration may differ. The itinerary will include as many of the originally scheduled sightseeing features as possible, considering the travel time and distances required, as well as meals. While it is not possible to recreate the more leisurely comforts of sailings, we will endeavor to provide a comparable itinerary. These alternative services will be provided at no additional charge.
Passengers traveling abroad require a passport valid for six months beyond their travel dates. All travelers are responsible to check if a visa is required for all countries on their itinerary. For visa information, check our Visas page.
Is This Trip Right for You?
River Cruise Package Includes
- Flights New York-Vienna, Munich-New York
Other departure cities available. Click on date of departure for selection and prices - Airline taxes & fuel surcharges
- 5 nights outside cabin aboard the Deluxe Monarch Empress
- River port charges of $190 per person
- Cruise porterage
- All transfers included only with airfare purchase on package arrival & departure dates†
- 14 meals: 5 breakfasts, 4 lunches, 5 dinners
- Cruise director & activities host throughout cruise
- Services of local guides in all major cities
- Shore excursions per itinerary
- Entrance fees per itinerary
- Comfortable wireless earphones for enhanced touring during excursions
Special Features
- Experience the charm of the world-famous Christmas markets in Regensburg and Vienna
- Tour the historic Benedictine Melk Abbey, one of the finest examples of Baroque architecture
- Enjoy a city tour of Vienna and view Hofburg Palace, Vienna Opera House and St. Stephen's Cathedral
River Cruise Features & Amenities
- Welcome Dinner and Farewell Dinner
- Wine and beer with dinners
- Locally inspired recipes
- Early riser breakfast in addition to buffet breakfast
- Complimentary basic Wi-Fi access in public areas
- Self-serve coffee and tea station
- Lounge serving premium spirits
- Fitness center
- Non-smoking ship interior
- Shore excursions conducted exclusively in English by licensed guides
Know Before You Book - High & Low Water
European river cruising has gained in popularity for very good reason. It's a relaxing and convenient way to experience Europe while enjoying the comfort of a deluxe ship. However, before making the decision to reserve your vacation, please be aware of potential conditions which may impact your cruise. While most of the time river cruises operate exactly as planned, weather conditions may result in high or low water levels which impact a ship's itinerary and, on occasion, render a ship unable to sail at all. On very rare occasions, other events such as heavy fog, a damaged lock, or an incapacitated vessel blocking the river, may impact a sailing. These events typically occur with little or no notice. In the event that a cruise is partially or completely impacted, the itinerary will be operated by deluxe motor coach, accompanied by a Tour Manager, with overnights in hotels. When the option exists, the operator will "swap ships" with another vessel sailing in the opposite direction, retaining the sailing experience. Crew, ship and cabin configuration may differ. The itinerary will include as many of the originally scheduled sightseeing features as possible, considering the travel time and distances required, as well as meals. While it is not possible to recreate the more leisurely comforts of sailings, we will endeavor to provide a comparable itinerary. These alternative services will be provided at no additional charge.
†Transfers are available for purchase for land only or on alternative flight dates
Is This Trip Right for You?
This moderately active trip covers a fair amount of ground each day. Expect from three to four hours walking every touring day. The pace is moderate, however you will encounter some uneven surfaces, stairs, steps and significant slopes. There is a potential for a small number of sailings to be impacted by river water levels, or other factors which may impact safe navigation. This may cause part or all of the cruise itinerary to be operated by motor coach and may also involve hotel accommodations.
|
|
|
|
Gate 1 Travel itineraries may contain suggestions for activities for your leisure time; these suggestions do not constitute a recommendation nor an endorsement of any specific service provider and the decision to participate in any such activities should be made independently.
- Tours purchased while travelling may cost an extra 10% or more
- Tours often sell out. Avoid disappointment
- Save your cash. Credit card processing may not be possible locally
- Travel insurance only covers services purchased prior to departure
- Book Online or call to book these tours up to 1 week before your departure
- The day the optionals operate varies by the day of the week
Enjoy a full-day excursion to beautiful Salzburg, birthplace of Mozart and inspiration for the Sound of Music. The walking tour will include some of Salzburg’s most historic sites including Mirabell Gardens and a stop outside the house where Mozart lived. Lunch is included at a local restaurant, and then there will be time to explore the streets of Salzburg on your own before returning to the boat.
Approximate tour duration is 9 hours.
| Day #4 | 01 Jan 2023 - 31 Dec 2023 | $108.00 |
Travel through the picturesque landscape of Southern Bohemia to Cesky Krumlov, a fairy-tale town with its maze of narrow cobbled streets. Declared by UNESCO a World Heritage Site in 1992, Cesky Krumlov has earned an international reputation for its State Castle and Chateau, one of the largest in Central Europe, superbly furnished with priceless art, tapestries and richly decorated weapons. The guided walk through town is highlighted by Gothic, Baroque and Renaissance houses once mansions of noblemen families. A hearty lunch is included in a medieval old-fashioned tavern.
Approximate tour duration is 10 hours.
**Please note that this tour involves uphill walking on uneven surfaces and may not be suitable for all travelers. Comfortable walking shoes are strongly recommended.
| Day #5 | 01 Jan 2023 - 31 Dec 2023 | $124.00 |
Experience a delightful evening of Viennese culture in the "City of Music." Attend a recital featuring the classical masterpieces of Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart and Johann Strauss, two of Vienna's most famous citizens. The musicians will bring to life the passionate strains of Mozart, a child prodigy who blossomed into one of history's greatest composers and Strauss, the Waltz King, who composed the Blue Danube, the world's most famous waltz. The chamber orchestra is accompanied by a professional dance performance, recalling the golden age of the 19th-century Viennese ballrooms.
Approximate tour duration is 2.5 hours.
| Day #6 | 01 Jan 2023 - 31 Dec 2023 | $66.00 |
Experience a delightful evening of Viennese culture in the "City of Music." Attend a recital featuring the classical masterpieces of Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart and Johann Strauss, two of Vienna's most famous citizens. The musicians will bring to life the passionate strains of Mozart, a child prodigy who blossomed into one of history's greatest composers and Strauss, the Waltz King, who composed the Blue Danube, the world's most famous waltz. The chamber orchestra is accompanied by a professional dance performance, recalling the golden age of the 19th-century Viennese ballrooms.
Approximate tour duration is 2.5 hours.
| Day #3 | 01 Jan 2023 - 31 Dec 2023 | $66.00 |
Enjoy a full-day excursion to beautiful Salzburg, birthplace of Mozart and inspiration for the Sound of Music. The walking tour will include some of Salzburg’s most historic sites including Mirabell Gardens and a stop outside the house where Mozart lived. Lunch is included at a local restaurant, and then there will be time to explore the streets of Salzburg on your own before returning to the boat.
Approximate tour duration is 9 hours.
| Day #5 | 01 Jan 2023 - 31 Dec 2023 | $108.00 |
| 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 beyond the dates of travel 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. IMPORTANT: Passengers who are not U.S. citizens must check with the respective consulate or a visa agency to determine what personal identification is required. Passengers who enter, leave and then re-enter the same country on their itinerary should check if they require a double-entry visa. Passport applications are available at most U.S. Post Offices, as well as at regional Passport Agencies. Passengers requiring visas, whether obtained in advance or locally upon arrival, should ensure that their passport has blank pages.
|
| Traveling with Friends or Family? |
| If you are traveling with friends or family who are booked on another reservation, please make sure that we are aware. On occasion, we may operate more than one vehicle on your tour departure in which case we will ensure that guests will be assigned together. This is achieved by connecting your reservations before your departure. Once you arrive in your destination, it may not be possible to make assignment changes. To check that your reservations are linked, log into https://www.gate1travel.com/res with your email and password, select your reservation number, and check to see that your reservations are indicated as "Traveling With" at the top right side of the display. |
| 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 will need to take with you. Make sure your personal documents (passports, visas, driver's license) are in order. Make sure also that you have enough prescription medications to last through the trip and carry them with you in case your luggage is delayed. Bring a change of clothes in your carry-on bag in the event that your luggage is delayed or lost. Lost luggage is common. We strongly urge you to consider carry-ons instead of checked bags when possible, and when checking a bag is necessary, choose a bag color and identification that stands out. We suggest that you make photocopies of passports, visas, personal ID and any other important travel documents and pack them separately from the originals. You may also make a digital copy of your passport to keep a clear picture with the important details in your cell phone or digital camera photos. If you lose the originals while traveling, you'll have copies for easier reporting and replacement. Pack a list of medications including dosage and generic names. You may consider bringing a small supply of over the counter medications for headaches and/or anti-diarrhea pills (especially when traveling outside of the USA and Western Europe). We recommend that you pack a portable alarm clock. Due to security reasons, many museums have restrictions on the size of bags that can be taken inside and backpacks, carry-on bags or large purses may not be permitted. It is recommended to bring a small shoulder bag or purse to use in these situations instead. Avoid placing valuables such as cameras in your checked luggage. Airplane pressure can cause similar pressure in your body, most notably in ears, as well as liquid tubes and bottles. Your physician can suggest medication for decongestion. We suggest that you place liquid containers into Ziploc bags to catch any leaks. |
| Travel Safety Advice: The safety of our guests is Gate 1’s #1 concern. Before making the decision to reserve your vacation, we want you to be aware of potential situations which may impact your holiday. While most of the time our programs run precisely according to plans, on rare occasion force majeure events including weather, transportation mechanical issues, or uninhabitable accommodation, civil unrest and even criminal or terrorist activities will present themselves unexpectedly and with little or no notice. Gate 1 will make the decision to cancel a tour only after receiving verifiable government issued information. We are otherwise obliged to comply with contractual airline and vendor agreements and carry out the tour until or unless we are advised otherwise. In the event of such an occurrence anytime after your date of departure, Gate 1 and the local destination ground staff, in coordination with government advisories, airlines, hotels, cruise ships and other vendors, will make decisions with regard to your safety first. We strongly recommend that tour participants review the destination country's specific information at https://travel.state.gov/content/passports/en/alertswarnings.html. |
| Travel Protection |
| Even the best-planned trips can be impacted by the unexpected. And that is why we recommend that you help protect yourself and your investment by purchasing Travel Protection for your Gate 1 trip. Travel Protection can help with medical coverage for illness or injury, trip cancellation and/or interruption, baggage loss, medical evacuation, and more. At any time before you complete Final Payment, you may choose to purchase Travel Protection. The protection plan premium is non-refundable after a 10-day review period. In addition, you must be medically able to travel at the time the premium is paid. For a summary of the plan details on coverages, benefits, limitations and exclusions, please refer to the Description of Coverage by visiting www.gate1travel.com/insurance/. Cancel for Any Reason Waiver Benefit (CFAR) is a non-insurance feature that allows you to cancel up to 72 hours before your scheduled departure for any reason not otherwise covered in the Travel Protection Plan. CFAR must be purchased at the same time as the Travel Protection Plan as well as within 21 days of the original booking date. Independent or escorted tour reservations will be eligible for a future travel credit equal to the full cost of your trip, less the cost of initial deposit, airline-assessed fees, amendment fees, and insurance premium. Sea or river cruise reservations will be eligible for a future travel credit equal to 50% of the cost of your trip, less the cost of initial trip deposit, airline-assessed fees, amendment fees, and insurance premium. All CFAR credits are valid for a period of two years from the original date of travel. CFAR Credits have no cash value and are not transferrable. Airline-assessed fees are generally $300 per person, but may be as much as fully non-refundable. Some non-refundable airline tickets may retain value, less airline-assessed fees. Your future air credit must be used to book with the same airline. Deadlines to rebook and complete travel vary by airline and may be as early as 12 months from when the tickets were originally issued (not the date of travel). For details, www.gate1travel.com/insurance/. This program does not apply to custom groups and Antarctica cruises. Residents of New York, Missouri & Minnesota may purchase this Cancel for Any Reason Waiver Benefit separate from Travel Protection. Call to speak with a reservation agent for details. This Cancel for any Reason Wavier Benefit is not insurance and is provided by Gate 1 Travel. |
| Mobile Phones |
| Mobile networks differ from country to country. We recommend you check with your provider to see if your wireless plan will work in the destination(s) you are visiting. To avoid possible roaming charges, you may want to consider purchasing an international plan. With most major phone companies, for a modest fee, you will be able to use your domestic plan's talk, text, and data allowances just like you do at home. If you can access the internet while you travel, you can also take advantage of services such as WhatsApp or Skype. |
| Making Telephone Calls from One Country to Another |
| When dialing a number from one country to another, you should proceed as follows: dial your country's Exit Code (often indicated with a “+” sign), then the destination Country Code, then the Phone Number. For most countries, the exit code is 00. Exceptions include the USA and Canada (011), Hong Kong and Cambodia (001), Australia (0011), and Russia (8 Pause 10*). For Brazil, please consult with the local telephone company. If you are dialing from a mobile phone, you can enter a “+” instead of the international Exit Code (011, 001, 0011 or 00) by pressing and holding the 0 key. For most countries in Africa, Asia, Europe, South America and South Pacific, if you are calling from a local phone to a number within the same country, you should drop both the exit and country codes and then add a leading 0 (zero). Exceptions include Spain, Italy, Hungary and Malta (no additional zero needed to dial locally). Example: To dial the following number in Germany (as listed on your voucher): +(49) 0555-555 From USA or your US cell phone: 011-49-555-555 From another country in Europe: 00-49-555-555 From a German phone within Germany: 0555-555 |
| WiFi Access |
| WiFi is available in most airports, hotels, and cruise lines, as well as on some flights, trains, and buses. There may be a fee for access and service quality and speed may vary greatly especially while on moving vehicles. Availability on cruises is also dependent upon its location while sailing through multiple countries. Please note that WiFi can be extremely slow, unreliable, and sometimes nonexistent in developing countries. |
| River Cruises - Internet access is provided onboard Monarch ships, but quality may vary depending on the location and while sailing. Please note that WiFi can be extremely slow, unreliable, and sometimes nonexistent in developing countries. |
| Staying Healthy While Traveling |
| All travelers should familiarize themselves with local conditions, such as high altitude or required immunizations, which could affect their health. We recommend you consult with your personal healthcare provider, the Centers for Disease Control (www.cdc.gov) and/or the World Health Organization (http://www.who.int/en/) for their recommendations. There are several easy steps you can take to stay healthy while traveling which may help prevent contracting an illness while away from home.
|
| Notice on Aircraft Cabin Insecticide Treatment - Please note that some countries may require aircraft cabin insecticide treatment for in-bound foreign flights. A list of such countries is available at:
http://www.dot.gov/office-policy/aviation-policy/aircraft-disinsection-requirements. |
| Czech Republic: Health Insurance - There is a law requiring tourists traveling to the Czech Republic to have insurance with coverage of $35,000. However this law is not really enforced in practice. A health insurance card or an internationally recognized credit card with health insurance included will generally be accepted as proof of insurance to enter the Republic |
| Consideration for Tour Participants (Escorted Tours) |
For the benefit of all tour participants, we ask tour members to be considerate of their fellow travelers in the following ways:
|
| Climate & Clothing |
| Czech Republic - Spring and Autumn: 25-70°F; Summer: 50-85°F; Winter: 10-35°F. Temperatures vary significantly within the country, with Brno and Ostrava having substantially more extreme temperature ranges compared to Prague and Plzen. Bring comfortable walking 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). Czech Republic Average Temperatures: www.gate1travel.com/weather/europe/default.aspx#central-europe-weather. |
| Austria - Spring and Autumn: 45–60°F; Summer: 70–80°F; Winter: 30–40°F. Bring comfortable walking 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). Austria Average Temperatures: www.gate1travel.com/weather/europe/default.aspx#austria-germany-europe-weather |
| Germany - Spring and Autumn: 40–60°F, Summer: 65–80°F, Winter: 25–40°F. Bring comfortable walking 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 Average Temperatures: www.gate1travel.com/weather/europe/default.aspx#austria-germany-europe-weather |
| River Cruises - Temperatures vary according to regional climate and season. Bring comfortable walking 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 Drones |
| Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAV) or “drone” technology has quickly become affordable and is increasingly popular with recreational users. While some countries have clear, established drone laws, others do not, or existing regulations are undergoing review and change. Travelers who wish to bring a drone on their trip are responsible to research and abide by the laws and regulations of the countries they are visiting, as well as to check with their airline(s) regarding their rules for transporting drones. Please note that tours are unable to extend the length of scheduled visits and stops to accommodate use of drones. |
| Book & Film Recommendations |
| Many of our guests enjoy reading about their destination - either in advance of their trip or while traveling - as a way of adding context to their visit. Whether reading a traditional guide book, learning about the history and culture, or simply enjoying a fictional novel set in the destination, a good book can add greatly to your experience. Similarly, a good movie set in your destination helps set the mood before you travel. We asked our Tour Managers and staff to recommend books and films which past guests may have enjoyed. The following does not constitute an endorsement of any authors, books or films listed, it is merely a collection of guests’ recommendations. |
| EUROPEAN RIVER CRUISES: Books Danube by Claudio Magris Between the Woods and the Water by Patrick Leigh Fermor Ballad of the Whiskey Robber by Julian Rubinstein Invisible Bridge by Julie Orringer The Case Worker by Gyorgy Konrád Fatelessness by Imre Kertesz Blue River Black Sea by Andrew Eames EUROPEAN RIVER CRUISES: Films The Sound of Music (1965) Amadeus (1984) |
| Preparing for Your Trip |
| Seat Assignments |
| As a courtesy service, complimentary airline seat assignments are requested on your behalf and, when available, are displayed in order of Passenger #1, #2 and so on. Assignments reflect the best available seats at the time of booking. Some airlines and/or fare types do not allow for pre-seating and require this be done at airport check-in only; in which case the display shows “N/A”. Seats are subject to change by your airline(s) including, for example, when there is a schedule change or equipment change after your initial booking; this may cause seat assignments to be changed or even cancelled. Some airlines offer preferred seating for an additional fee; these seats may only be purchased directly from the airline. You will need your family name and the 6-digit airline “Record Locator” which is displayed with the flight details on your reservation. In the event that you change seat assignments directly with your airline, changes will not be reflected on your invoice or documents. At the time that Gate 1 travel documents are issued, the currently assigned seats will be listed based on the assignments stored in your airline reservation at that time. Should you have questions regarding your assignments, please write to us at www.gate1travel.com/contactus. |
| Luggage & Packing |
| Checked bags are typically limited to a total dimension of 62 inches by adding length + width + height (example: 26"+26"+10" = 62”), and a maximum weight of 50 lbs (23kg). Smart Bags with a USB charging port, GPS tracking device and other high-tech features are prohibited as checked or carry-on baggage unless the bag is made with removable batteries and the batteries are removed and stored separately. Many airlines charge for checked bags including flights which begin and end within the USA. The most inexpensive airfare options commonly known as Basic Economy airfares do not include any checked bags nor seat assignments before the day of departure. However, for some airlines, other airfare categories also do not include checked baggage. This will be clearly displayed in our airfare selection and on your invoice. Where available, we highly recommend selecting airfares which include at least 1 piece of checked baggage. Gate 1 Travel is not responsible for checked bag fees, excess luggage or weight charges levied by an airline. Checked baggage allowances displayed on reservation details and invoices reflect the applicable allowance at the time of booking but are subject to change by your airline(s). For your airline’s requirements and fees, visit www.gate1travel.com/baggagefees.aspx. For important baggage information, visit www.gate1travel.com/luggage.aspx. Avoid placing valuables in your checked luggage. Federal law forbids the carriage of hazardous materials aboard the aircraft in your luggage, your carry-on or on your person. A violation can result in five years’ imprisonment and penalties of $250,000 or more (49 U.S.C. 5124). Hazardous materials include explosives, compressed gases, flammable liquids and solids, oxidizers, poisons, corrosives and radioactive materials. Examples: Paints, lighter fluid, fireworks, tear gases, oxygen bottles, and radio-pharmaceuticals. There are special exceptions for small quantities (up to 70 ounces total) of medicinal and toilet articles carried in your luggage and certain smoking materials carried on your person. Check the Transportation and Safety Administration (TSA) website www.tsa.gov to find out the current list of acceptable items you may bring on a plane before packing. We recommend that you use brightly colored luggage tags, straps or other identifiers to help you locate you luggage upon arrival or to describe it in the event that it is lost. |
| Day of Departure |
| Flight Services |
| What to do if You Need Assistance |
Whether you purchased your airfare from Gate 1 Travel or from the airline directly, please bear in mind that Gate 1 Travel does not own nor operate the airline(s), nor the airport facilities where they operate. At times, flying can be a frustrating experience, especially when things do not go exactly as planned, and airline explanations can be confusing or even misleading. Should you face a problem, remain calm and seek assistance either from the airline directly or from Gate 1. Please be aware that in most cases, on the day of your flight(s), airlines pass responsibility for your reservation to their staff at the airport and it is not always possible for Gate 1 Travel to intervene on your behalf, either through our reservations system or directly with your airline. |
| Arrival & Departure |
| Arrival Procedures |
| Upon arrival, please complete immigration formalities if necessary and claim your luggage. If your program includes airport arrival transfers, check your voucher for specific instructions, as they vary with every destination. In most cases, you will be met after collecting your luggage or passing through Customs by the local representative who will be holding a Gate 1 Travel sign and/or a sign with your name on it. In some instances you will be instructed to walk a short distance to a transportation counter. The company's name and location will be printed on your voucher. If for any reason 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. If you are delayed due to lost luggage, phone the number on the voucher or have a companion exit the Customs Area to advise the transfer representative. |
| Regensburg Port Information - The dock is located near the city center on Marc Aurel Ufer starting from the Eiserne Bridge and past the Nibelungen Bridge. The distance between the bridges is approximately 1 mile. The exact dock is not known prior to arrival as this is strictly controlled by the river authorities. The name of the ship should be clearly visible on the side of the vessel with a large Gate 1 flag on the mast of the vessel and on shore. |
| Vienna Port Information - The ship will be docked at Donaustationen Nr. 29 on Heiligenstädter Strasse or Donaustationen Nr. 34 on Relegasse in Nussdorf, Vienna. The docking stations are visible from each other. |
| Monarch Empress - If you are unable to locate the ship, please telephone the ship reception to receive the most recent docking information. * Ship reception/Hotel Manager: +49 172 2597210 * Cruise Director: +421 907 707 255 * Local office emergency number: +421 907 707 947 |
| 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, the better we can respond. Please refer to the Emergency Assistance instructions on this same document. 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 you 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 |
| 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. The cost of a transfer is more expensive than hiring a taxi, as a Gate 1 transfer necessarily includes round trip service, or 'dead-leg'. Often the places of call (airports, seaports, hotels) demand entrance and parking fees, where drivers may have to wait for up to an hour. Passengers comfortable hiring a taxi on their own and do not require assistance will save money. |
| About Your Munich to Regensburg Transfer - During the booking process, direction was provided to select flights that arrive no later than 2:00 pm into Munich airport in order to provide adequate time for the transfer to Regensburg which is scheduled to depart at approximately 9:00 am, 11:00 am, 1:00 pm and 3:00 pm. As a result, depending upon the flights reserved and/or if you arrive earlier in the day, you may experience a wait at Munich airport before your transfer departs. The choice of Munich for the flight arrival city for this program was made taking into consideration a number of factors. Most importantly, there are a much greater number of flight services to Munich than to airports closer to Regensburg. As a result, prices are typically much lower and seats are normally available in the lowest price categories. Therefore, while a longer arrival transfer and potential wait at the airport may not be ideal, the cost savings of hundreds of dollars per person are weighed against the potential inconvenience. Our goal is to provide quality services at an affordable price and our itinerary selection in this instance seeks to balance those two factors in the most appropriate manner. How to find the Gate 1 Meeting Point at Munich Airport There are two terminals at Munich Airport. Terminal 1 (Delta, British, KLM, Air France, Air Berlin) and Terminal 2 (Lufthansa, United, American, Air Canada, Singapore). Located between the two terminals is the Central Area (Zentral Bereich) featuring shops, restaurants, banks and an Information desk. In this area also are the car rental desks and entrance to the local subway system. Gate 1's representative holding a Gate 1 sign will be located at McDonalds which is in the Central Area close to the airport's Meeting Point. Terminal 1 is directly connected to this area. From Terminal 2, walk from the Arrival Hall across an outdoor atrium to enter the Central Area building, then continue straight past the car rental counters, until you see McDonalds directly in front of you. The transfer will depart from this location at approximately 9:00 am, 11:00 am, 1:00 pm and 3:00 pm. Regensburg port is approximately a 2 hour drive from the Munich airport. Embarkation will begin at 2:00 pm until 6:00 pm. |
| 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 twin-bedded (two single beds) rooms with private facilities. Special requests such as bed types, smoking preference and connecting rooms are subject to availability. Room selection in all cases, unless otherwise reserved, is strictly at the discretion of the hotel's management on a run-of-house basis. Triple rooms consist of standard twin beds or one double bed plus a sofa/folding bed or cot for third person except in the U.S. and Canada, where triple rooms often consist of two double/queen beds for three persons; where available, a fee may be charged by the hotel for the addition of a cot/rollaway. The number of persons accommodated does not dictate the room size. Although available at most 4 and 5 star hotels, the use of air-conditioning abroad differs greatly from the United States, and is often shut down at night and from the end until the start of the summer months. Some lodges and accommodations in remote regions may not have all of the amenities, such as hairdryer, alarm clock and room service, that you might find in a larger hotel located in a city center. |
| Hotel Check-in/ Check-out |
| Hotel check-in time is generally not before 4:00 p.m. and check-out time is prior to 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. |
| River Cruises |
| Gate 1 Travel has carefully selected each cruise ship based on overall quality, itinerary, price, food, service, and cleanliness. All Monarch Empress cabins are standard rooms with private facilities, unless you have specifically requested and paid for an upgrade. All cabins have two twin beds that can be pushed together or separated. While at port, the vessel may be docked adjacent to another ship which may obstruct window views. We recommend you close the cabin curtains before turning in at night for privacy. While double docked, ships often continue to run their engines for air-conditioning and other services. Depending upon the wind direction, residual engine fumes may enter some cabins. This is a temporary situation, alleviated once the ship moves. We reserve the right to make ship substitutions with those of equal standard. |
| At Your Destination |
| Eco & Sustainable Tourism |
| We support global efforts to create a more eco-friendly world, intolerant of any forms of cruelty, abuse and intentional environmental destruction. To that end we ask that our clients maintain a watchful eye as they travel, and report any abuses they may encounter. One of the many benefits of tourism is the shared cultural knowledge and ultimate elimination of negative behavior through education. We rely on your good feedback to enable this element of symbiosis. As you travel and learn about foreign cultures, we ask first and foremost that you practice tolerance and respect for local customs. |
| Gratuities |
| Tipping is always a matter of personal discretion. For your convenience, please use the summary below as a guideline for recommended gratuity amounts. Gratuities may be paid in local currency or US dollar equivalent where accepted. Please be aware that 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 manager or phone our local office. Numbers are provided in your documents for your convenience. |
| Suggested Tipping: European River Cruises |
River Cruise Crew (Shared by all crew members): US $14 per person per day Cruise Director: US $4 per person per day Activity Host: US $2 per person per day Local Guide (Offers in-depth information at specific locations): US $5 per person per day of sightseeing, US $3 per half day Local Driver (Provides chauffeur services at specific locations): US $5 per person per day, US $3 per half day Crew gratuities will be shared by all crew members and may be paid via the on board ship account (excluding Douro River Cruises) or dropped in the designated box at reception. Gratuities for the Gate 1 Cruise Director, Activity Host, and local service providers should be paid in cash and given to the person directly. Pre- or Post-Cruise Land Tour Tour Manager (Coordinator; may or may not act as a guide): US $10 per person per day Local Guide (Offers in-depth information at specific locations. There may be one or many guides along a tour program): US $5 per person per day of sightseeing, US $3 per half day Driver (Provides chauffeur services and limited assistance with luggage): US $5 per person per day, US $3 per half day City Host (Gate 1 hotel assistant): US $4 per person per day Hotel porters and wait staff: Included |
| Czech Republic - Gratuities are appreciated and expected for good service in restaurants and other places that cater to tourists. Restaurant bills often include a service charge. Taxi drivers do not expect gratuities and rounding up the fare is usually sufficient. |
| Austria - Gratuities are appreciated and expected for good service in restaurants and other places that cater to tourists. Restaurant bills often include a service charge. |
| Germany - Gratuities are appreciated and expected for good service in restaurants and other places that cater to tourists. Restaurant bills often include a service charge. |
| About Your Sightseeing |
| To ensure a pleasant and fair experience for passengers on our escorted tours, there is a mandatory seat rotation policy on our motor coaches which will be organized by your Tour Manager. On river cruises, color-coded group splits may be used for shoreside included and Optional tours. Some buses are equipped with toilet facility, however they are strictly intended for emergency use only and often require the vehicle to stop for safety reasons before use. When travel dates coincide with religious holidays and national celebrations, some monuments and sites may be closed, sometimes without prior notice. On these occasions, escorted touring itineraries may be amended to reflect these closures. Occasionally, during holidays and certain periods, and/or due to other unforeseen circumstances including weather conditions, there may be last-minute changes, sometimes after arrival, which may affect the sequence of the tour and locations visited. National monuments and tourist sites regularly undergo renovations, which can obscure the monument's view. No tour will be canceled due to renovations, however Gate 1 will decide based on the conditions whether to amend an itinerary. To respect the privacy of all tour participants, your tour manager will not organize a group photo or collect passenger email addresses for a group list. |
| Land Only Passengers (Escorted Tours) |
| Your tour manager will contact you after your arrival at your hotel. Passengers who have not purchased arrival transfers from Gate 1 Travel should proceed directly to the hotel for check-in. The details of the hotel can be found in your documents. |
| Purchasing Tours Locally |
| 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, unless otherwise noted below. This does not apply to Independent packages. Please see Gate 1 Terms & Conditions for more information. https://www.gate1travel.com/terms.aspx#optional |
| Independent Activities - Gate 1 itineraries may contain suggestions for activities for your leisure time; these suggestions do not constitute a recommendation nor an endorsement of any specific service provider and the decision to participate in any such activities should be made independently and with due consideration. Gate 1 is not responsible for any activities not expressly included in its programs. Caution should be exercised when selecting certain activities that may require physical strength, coordination or exertion. Particular care should be taken when considering animal rides, such as on camels, mules or horses |
| Water Level |
| A rise or fall in the river water level, or other factors which may impact safe navigation, 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. Should an embarkation point be changed, Gate 1 Travel will attempt to contact passengers by phone or email. |
| Czech Republic - The Czech Koruna is the currency of the Czech Republic. |
| Austria - The Euro is the currency of Austria. |
| Germany - The Euro is the currency of Germany. |
| European River Cruises - The Euro is the currency used for purchases on board the ship, except for optional excursions which may be paid for in USD. Please note that while calling at port, other currencies may be used depending on the country being visited. Money-changing services (to Euro) will be available on board. Ship Account and Payment: There is a cashless system on board. All on board expenditures (in the bar, restaurant, shop, and spa) are added to the ship's account. Closing invoices will be presented to the passengers for settlement. Payment can be made by cash in Euro or by credit card (VISA, MasterCard, American Express). Payment made by credit card may be subject to an international credit card transaction fee. Please note we cannot accept USD as a form of cash payment. Passenger's are not eligible for a Value Added Tax (VAT) refund for purchases made on board the ship. |
| European River Cruises - On board expenditures are processed through a banking center in Cyprus. Passengers wishing to settle their on board account by credit card should advise their credit card provider of potential charges from Cyprus in addition to the countries that will be visited on your itinerary. |
| Shopping |
| Most people enjoy bringing home at least one souvenir from the countries they visit. However, some find any amount of shopping to be too much while others never find enough opportunities. We have built into our Escorted itineraries a few shopping stops at recommended spots. These stops are designed to enhance your experience by providing an opportunity to see first-hand quality locally crafted merchandise which you may not be able to find on your own. Shops are checked to ensure the quality and authenticity of the products they offer, and we limit guides from visiting other locations. In some cases, we plan these stops to provide an opportunity to use clean bathrooms and to stretch your legs. All shops want your satisfaction, and therefore in case of any misunderstanding they ask that you kindly submit your claim to us within one week of the item's receipt. Claims submitted later will be subject to each store’s policies. While shopping independently, 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! About Tax-Free Shopping Tax-Free Shopping allows shoppers to reclaim the VAT (Value-Added Tax) or GST (Goods and Services Tax) they have paid on their purchases in some foreign countries in accordance with restrictions and procedures as dictated by each country. Refund eligibility varies by country, but may require presenting a scanned copy of your passport at the time of purchase, a minimum amount spent, or providing original store receipts. For more details, check the respective country’s online website, with the shop salesperson, with your tour manager or at www.globalblue.com for specific country regulations and airport operation hours. Please keep in mind that you must apply for VAT refund in the airport of the country the items were purchased and allow enough time prior to your flight for the application. U.S. Customs & Shipping Charges You may carry items with a fair retail value totaling $800 into the U.S. Taxes may be applied to the next $1,000 worth of merchandise. U.S. Customs determines the value of your items, often honoring a genuine sales receipt. Items which are shipped home are always subject to duty when received in the U.S. (in addition to shipping charges). Some shops may offer to include shipping and duties in the price but this typically means shipping only to the customs facility closest to you and payment only of the export duties; you would still need to collect the item and pay U.S. import duties. Please be aware that it is illegal to import products made from endangered animal species. U.S. Customs & Border Protection will seize these items, as well as most furs, coral, tortoise shell, reptile skins, feathers, plants, and items made from animal skins. |
| Czech Republic - Some favorite souvenirs include Bohemian glass or crystal, porcelain, pottery, exquisite Christmas ornaments, and fine lace and embroidery work. Craftsmen and artisans often form associations and run their own retail stores, where you can often find high quality workmanship. Jewelry incorporating semi-precious stones, especially garnets, is another Czech specialty. |
| 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. |
| 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. |
| Your Safety is Very Important |
|
Prior to your trip, if you are traveling overseas, we strongly recommend that you visit the website of the U.S. Department of State at www.travel.state.gov, specifically the section which addresses International Travel. You should read the tips for foreign travel and travel warnings for the country or countries that you plan to visit. It is also important that you do not allow your common sense to take a vacation while on your trip. Here are several tips which, if followed, will save much potential hardship:
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. |
| European River Cruises - 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 stored in your stateroom or in containers on the sun deck, marked clearly. When leaving the ship, kindly pick up your boarding pass from the reception desk and promptly return it upon arrival back to the ship. This procedure 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. |
| Tourist Street Scams |
Pickpockets and thieves can destroy an otherwise wonderful holiday. Be mindful of these precautions to help avoid being scammed or robbed:
|
| Local Emergency Phone Numbers |
Czech Republic
|
Austria
|
Germany
|
| Languages |
| Czech Republic - Czech is the local language. German and limited English are generally spoken in tourist areas. |
| Austria - German is the local language. English is generally spoken in tourist areas. |
| Germany - German is the local language. English is generally spoken in tourist areas. |
| Electricity |
| Please note: The U.S. uses 120 volts and you can purchase a converter and transformer at most hardware stores for your 120V appliances. |
| Czech Republic - The voltage used is 220 volts. |
| Austria - The voltage used is 230 volts. |
| Germany - The voltage used is 230 volts. |
| Monarch Empress - The voltage used is 220 volts. |
| Code of Conduct |
| Czech Republic - Dress should be conservatively casual. Normal courtesies should be observed. Please note that punctuality is important, and if you arrive late at the theater or opera, you may be denied entrance. |
| 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. |
| 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. |
| Meals & Dietary Requests |
| Included meals are based on the restaurant's buffet or set menu. Beverages are not included, unless specifically stated. Although special diets like Vegetarian and Vegan are relatively commonplace in the USA, much of the world's menu options are more provincial. Please do not expect to find the variety of food selection outside of the local norm. Every effort will be made to honor special dietary requests selected no later than 5 days prior to departure in the passenger details section of your reservation. In addition, we recommend that you make preferences known to your tour manager upon arrival, and at each hotel/restaurant. Special requests are subject to local conditions and availability and cannot be guaranteed. |
| Holidays |
| On public holidays, there may be reduced public transportation, as well as limited hours or closures of attractions, shops and restaurants. |
| Holidays - Czech Republic |
Holidays 2023 Jan 1: New Year's Day Apr 7: Good Friday Apr 9: Easter Apr 10: Easter Monday May 1: Labor Day May 8: Liberation Day Jul 5: Saints Cyril and Methodius Jul 6: Jan Hus Day Sep 28: St. Wenceslas Day (Czech Statehood Day) Oct 28: Independent Czechoslovak Day Nov 17: Struggle for Freedom and Democracy Day Dec 24: Christmas Eve Dec 25: Christmas Day Dec 26: St. Stephen's Day Dec 31: New Year's Eve Holidays 2024 Jan 1: New Year's Day Mar 29: Good Friday Mar 31: Easter Apr 1: Easter Monday May 1: Labor Day May 8: Liberation Day Jul 5: Saints Cyril and Methodius Jul 6: Jan Hus Day Sep 28: St. Wenceslas Day (Czech Statehood Day) Oct 28: Independent Czechoslovak Day Nov 17: Struggle for Freedom and Democracy Day Dec 24: Christmas Eve Dec 25: Christmas Day Dec 26: St. Stephen's Day Dec 31: New Year's Eve |
| Holidays - Austria |
Holidays 2023 Jan 1: New Year's Day Jan 6: Feast of the Epiphany Apr 15: Good Friday Apr 9: Easter Apr 10: Easter Monday May 1: Labor Day May 18: Ascension Day May 28: Whit Sunday Observance May 29: Whit Sunday Jun 8: Corpus Christi Aug 15: Feast of the Assumption Oct 10: Plebiscite Day Oct 26: National Day Nov 11: All Saints' Day Nov 15: St. Leopold's Day Dec 8: Immaculate Conception Dec 24: Christmas Eve Dec 25: Christmas Day Dec 26: St. Stephen's Day Dec 31: New Year's Eve Holidays 2024 Jan 1: New Year's Day Jan 6: Feast of the Epiphany Mar 29: Good Friday Mar 31: Easter Apr 1: Easter Monday May 1: Labor Day May 9: Ascension Day May 19: Whit Sunday May 20: Whit Monday May 30: Corpus Christi Aug 15: Feast of the Assumption Oct 26: National Day Nov 1: All Saints' Day Dec 8: Immaculate Conception Dec 24: Christmas Eve Dec 25: Christmas Day Dec 26: St. Stephen's Day Dec 31: New Year's Eve |
| Holidays - Germany |
Holidays 2023 Jan 1: New Year's Day Jan 6: Feast of the Epiphany Apr 7: Good Friday Apr 9: Easter Apr 10: Easter Monday May 1: May Day May 18: Ascension Day May 28: Whit Sunday May 29: Whit Monday Jun 8: Corpus Christi Aug 15: Assumption Day Oct 3: Day of German Unity Oct 31: Reformation Day Nov 1: All Saints' Day Nov 22: Repentence Day Dec 24: Christmas Eve Dec 25: Christmas Day Dec 26: St. Stephen's Day Dec 31: New Year's Eve Holidays 2024 Jan 1: New Year's Day Jan 6: Feast of the Epiphany Mar 29: Good Friday Mar 31: Easter Apr 1: Easter Monday May 1: May Day May 9: Ascension Day May 19: Whit Sunday May 20: Whit Monday May 30: Corpus Christi Aug 15: Assumption Day Oct 3: Day of German Unity Oct 31: Reformation Day Nov 1: All Saints' Day Nov 20: Repentence Day Dec 24: Christmas Eve Dec 25: Christmas Day Dec 26: St. Stephen's Day Dec 31: New Year's Eve |
| 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. The Monarch Empress is equipped with elevator access between the Empress and Countess decks, however passengers will encounter some uneven surfaces, stairs, steps and significant slopes while touring. Kindly refer to our Terms for additional information. |
| Embarkation |
| Embarkation will begin at 2 pm unless otherwise noted in your itinerary. 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 Cruise Director at the number provided on your cruise voucher. Early arrivals may drop their luggage. Upon embarkation all passengers will be required to hand over their passport to the Reception Desk for the duration of the cruise. The staff are required to provide these to the appropriate authorities as the ship sails through each country. These will be stored in a secure area and returned at the end of the cruise. |
| Disembarkation |
| You will receive all relevant information concerning disembarkation in detail by your cruise director on the afternoon of your last day onboard. Passengers who have purchased a transfer will be required to place their luggage outside of their cabin a few hours prior to their scheduled time of departure. Details will be advised locally. All passengers and luggage must be off board the ship at the final disembarkation time noted in your itinerary. |
| On Your Cruise - European River Cruises |
| Attire: River cruise dress code is always casual. Modest attire (no bathing suits) is requested in the dining room at all meals. Remember to pack comfortable walking shoes and an umbrella. Language: The official language on board is English, although other languages may be spoken. All announcements and tours will be performed in English. Meals and Dietary Restrictions: There is open seating in the dining room for lunch and dinner. Please see your Maître 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. Fitness Center: The fitness center is equipped with one treadmill, one stationary bicycle, dumbbells and yoga mats. Medical Services: Ship's crew may be able to provide basic first-aid, however ships do not carry a doctor or nurse onboard. Should professional medical attention be required, local services will be contacted upon the passenger's request. 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 can paid for in cash (USD), or charged to your credit card. Please see Gate 1 Terms & Conditions for more information. https://www.gate1travel.com/terms.aspx#optional Walking: River Cruise tours dock at inland towns and excursions may include a fair amount of walking on uneven or cobblestone streets. The Monarch Empress is equipped with elevator access between the Empress and Countess decks, however passengers will be required to climb stairs to access the different decks of the ship. 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. Children: The vessels do not maintain facilities or services for children aboard the cruise. We regret that we cannot accommodate children under 16 years of age. 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. Internet Onboard: The Monarch ships offer complimentary internet access onboard which is accessible in both public areas and cabins. This is basic internet and is based on regional satellite for river cruise ships. Connection quality varies and, at times, may be slow. Normally, you should be able to browse the internet, check your email, access international publications, and view social media accounts on your personal device(s) during your sailing. However, you will be unable to download movies or video, send videos or access streaming services. At the beginning of your sailing, you will be provided with an access code which you may use on any of your devices. Please note the possibility of potential interruptions in satellite signals based on terrain and weather. In addition, populated ports where many ships are utilizing the same satellite signal may cause slower online connections than you are accustomed to at home. Prior to departure, we recommend you purchase an international plan with your phone provider which will typically provide similar coverage to your domestic plan's talk, text, and data allowances. Mail: Any mail with postage can be handed in at the reception. It will be posted at the next port of call. |
| 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 beyond the dates of travel 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. IMPORTANT: Passengers who are not U.S. citizens must check with the respective consulate or a visa agency to determine what personal identification is required. Passengers who enter, leave and then re-enter the same country on their itinerary should check if they require a double-entry visa. Passport applications are available at most U.S. Post Offices, as well as at regional Passport Agencies. Passengers requiring visas, whether obtained in advance or locally upon arrival, should ensure that their passport has blank pages.
|
| Traveling with Friends or Family? |
| If you are traveling with friends or family who are booked on another reservation, please make sure that we are aware. On occasion, we may operate more than one vehicle on your tour departure in which case we will ensure that guests will be assigned together. This is achieved by connecting your reservations before your departure. Once you arrive in your destination, it may not be possible to make assignment changes. To check that your reservations are linked, log into https://www.gate1travel.com/res with your email and password, select your reservation number, and check to see that your reservations are indicated as "Traveling With" at the top right side of the display. |
| 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 will need to take with you. Make sure your personal documents (passports, visas, driver's license) are in order. Make sure also that you have enough prescription medications to last through the trip and carry them with you in case your luggage is delayed. Bring a change of clothes in your carry-on bag in the event that your luggage is delayed or lost. Lost luggage is common. We strongly urge you to consider carry-ons instead of checked bags when possible, and when checking a bag is necessary, choose a bag color and identification that stands out. We suggest that you make photocopies of passports, visas, personal ID and any other important travel documents and pack them separately from the originals. You may also make a digital copy of your passport to keep a clear picture with the important details in your cell phone or digital camera photos. If you lose the originals while traveling, you'll have copies for easier reporting and replacement. Pack a list of medications including dosage and generic names. You may consider bringing a small supply of over the counter medications for headaches and/or anti-diarrhea pills (especially when traveling outside of the USA and Western Europe). We recommend that you pack a portable alarm clock. Due to security reasons, many museums have restrictions on the size of bags that can be taken inside and backpacks, carry-on bags or large purses may not be permitted. It is recommended to bring a small shoulder bag or purse to use in these situations instead. Avoid placing valuables such as cameras in your checked luggage. Airplane pressure can cause similar pressure in your body, most notably in ears, as well as liquid tubes and bottles. Your physician can suggest medication for decongestion. We suggest that you place liquid containers into Ziploc bags to catch any leaks. |
| Travel Safety Advice: The safety of our guests is Gate 1’s #1 concern. Before making the decision to reserve your vacation, we want you to be aware of potential situations which may impact your holiday. While most of the time our programs run precisely according to plans, on rare occasion force majeure events including weather, transportation mechanical issues, or uninhabitable accommodation, civil unrest and even criminal or terrorist activities will present themselves unexpectedly and with little or no notice. Gate 1 will make the decision to cancel a tour only after receiving verifiable government issued information. We are otherwise obliged to comply with contractual airline and vendor agreements and carry out the tour until or unless we are advised otherwise. In the event of such an occurrence anytime after your date of departure, Gate 1 and the local destination ground staff, in coordination with government advisories, airlines, hotels, cruise ships and other vendors, will make decisions with regard to your safety first. We strongly recommend that tour participants review the destination country's specific information at https://travel.state.gov/content/passports/en/alertswarnings.html. |
| Travel Protection |
| Even the best-planned trips can be impacted by the unexpected. And that is why we recommend that you help protect yourself and your investment by purchasing Travel Protection for your Gate 1 trip. Travel Protection can help with medical coverage for illness or injury, trip cancellation and/or interruption, baggage loss, medical evacuation, and more. At any time before you complete Final Payment, you may choose to purchase Travel Protection. The protection plan premium is non-refundable after a 10-day review period. In addition, you must be medically able to travel at the time the premium is paid. For a summary of the plan details on coverages, benefits, limitations and exclusions, please refer to the Description of Coverage by visiting www.gate1travel.com/insurance/. Cancel for Any Reason Waiver Benefit (CFAR) is a non-insurance feature that allows you to cancel up to 72 hours before your scheduled departure for any reason not otherwise covered in the Travel Protection Plan. CFAR must be purchased at the same time as the Travel Protection Plan as well as within 21 days of the original booking date. Independent or escorted tour reservations will be eligible for a future travel credit equal to the full cost of your trip, less the cost of initial deposit, airline-assessed fees, amendment fees, and insurance premium. Sea or river cruise reservations will be eligible for a future travel credit equal to 50% of the cost of your trip, less the cost of initial trip deposit, airline-assessed fees, amendment fees, and insurance premium. All CFAR credits are valid for a period of two years from the original date of travel. CFAR Credits have no cash value and are not transferrable. Airline-assessed fees are generally $300 per person, but may be as much as fully non-refundable. Some non-refundable airline tickets may retain value, less airline-assessed fees. Your future air credit must be used to book with the same airline. Deadlines to rebook and complete travel vary by airline and may be as early as 12 months from when the tickets were originally issued (not the date of travel). For details, www.gate1travel.com/insurance/. This program does not apply to custom groups and Antarctica cruises. Residents of New York, Missouri & Minnesota may purchase this Cancel for Any Reason Waiver Benefit separate from Travel Protection. Call to speak with a reservation agent for details. This Cancel for any Reason Wavier Benefit is not insurance and is provided by Gate 1 Travel. |
| Mobile Phones |
| Mobile networks differ from country to country. We recommend you check with your provider to see if your wireless plan will work in the destination(s) you are visiting. To avoid possible roaming charges, you may want to consider purchasing an international plan. With most major phone companies, for a modest fee, you will be able to use your domestic plan's talk, text, and data allowances just like you do at home. If you can access the internet while you travel, you can also take advantage of services such as WhatsApp or Skype. |
| Making Telephone Calls from One Country to Another |
| When dialing a number from one country to another, you should proceed as follows: dial your country's Exit Code (often indicated with a “+” sign), then the destination Country Code, then the Phone Number. For most countries, the exit code is 00. Exceptions include the USA and Canada (011), Hong Kong and Cambodia (001), Australia (0011), and Russia (8 Pause 10*). For Brazil, please consult with the local telephone company. If you are dialing from a mobile phone, you can enter a “+” instead of the international Exit Code (011, 001, 0011 or 00) by pressing and holding the 0 key. For most countries in Africa, Asia, Europe, South America and South Pacific, if you are calling from a local phone to a number within the same country, you should drop both the exit and country codes and then add a leading 0 (zero). Exceptions include Spain, Italy, Hungary and Malta (no additional zero needed to dial locally). Example: To dial the following number in Germany (as listed on your voucher): +(49) 0555-555 From USA or your US cell phone: 011-49-555-555 From another country in Europe: 00-49-555-555 From a German phone within Germany: 0555-555 |
| WiFi Access |
| WiFi is available in most airports, hotels, and cruise lines, as well as on some flights, trains, and buses. There may be a fee for access and service quality and speed may vary greatly especially while on moving vehicles. Availability on cruises is also dependent upon its location while sailing through multiple countries. Please note that WiFi can be extremely slow, unreliable, and sometimes nonexistent in developing countries. |
| River Cruises - Internet access is provided onboard Monarch ships, but quality may vary depending on the location and while sailing. Please note that WiFi can be extremely slow, unreliable, and sometimes nonexistent in developing countries. |
| Staying Healthy While Traveling |
| All travelers should familiarize themselves with local conditions, such as high altitude or required immunizations, which could affect their health. We recommend you consult with your personal healthcare provider, the Centers for Disease Control (www.cdc.gov) and/or the World Health Organization (http://www.who.int/en/) for their recommendations. There are several easy steps you can take to stay healthy while traveling which may help prevent contracting an illness while away from home.
|
| Notice on Aircraft Cabin Insecticide Treatment - Please note that some countries may require aircraft cabin insecticide treatment for in-bound foreign flights. A list of such countries is available at:
http://www.dot.gov/office-policy/aviation-policy/aircraft-disinsection-requirements. |
| Consideration for Tour Participants (Escorted Tours) |
For the benefit of all tour participants, we ask tour members to be considerate of their fellow travelers in the following ways:
|
| Climate & Clothing |
| Austria - Spring and Autumn: 45–60°F; Summer: 70–80°F; Winter: 30–40°F. Bring comfortable walking 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). Austria Average Temperatures: www.gate1travel.com/weather/europe/default.aspx#austria-germany-europe-weather |
| Germany - Spring and Autumn: 40–60°F, Summer: 65–80°F, Winter: 25–40°F. Bring comfortable walking 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 Average Temperatures: www.gate1travel.com/weather/europe/default.aspx#austria-germany-europe-weather |
| River Cruises - Temperatures vary according to regional climate and season. Bring comfortable walking 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 Drones |
| Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAV) or “drone” technology has quickly become affordable and is increasingly popular with recreational users. While some countries have clear, established drone laws, others do not, or existing regulations are undergoing review and change. Travelers who wish to bring a drone on their trip are responsible to research and abide by the laws and regulations of the countries they are visiting, as well as to check with their airline(s) regarding their rules for transporting drones. Please note that tours are unable to extend the length of scheduled visits and stops to accommodate use of drones. |
| Book & Film Recommendations |
| Many of our guests enjoy reading about their destination - either in advance of their trip or while traveling - as a way of adding context to their visit. Whether reading a traditional guide book, learning about the history and culture, or simply enjoying a fictional novel set in the destination, a good book can add greatly to your experience. Similarly, a good movie set in your destination helps set the mood before you travel. We asked our Tour Managers and staff to recommend books and films which past guests may have enjoyed. The following does not constitute an endorsement of any authors, books or films listed, it is merely a collection of guests’ recommendations. |
| EUROPEAN RIVER CRUISES: Books Danube by Claudio Magris Between the Woods and the Water by Patrick Leigh Fermor Ballad of the Whiskey Robber by Julian Rubinstein Invisible Bridge by Julie Orringer The Case Worker by Gyorgy Konrád Fatelessness by Imre Kertesz Blue River Black Sea by Andrew Eames EUROPEAN RIVER CRUISES: Films The Sound of Music (1965) Amadeus (1984) |
| Preparing for Your Trip |
| Seat Assignments |
| As a courtesy service, complimentary airline seat assignments are requested on your behalf and, when available, are displayed in order of Passenger #1, #2 and so on. Assignments reflect the best available seats at the time of booking. Some airlines and/or fare types do not allow for pre-seating and require this be done at airport check-in only; in which case the display shows “N/A”. Seats are subject to change by your airline(s) including, for example, when there is a schedule change or equipment change after your initial booking; this may cause seat assignments to be changed or even cancelled. Some airlines offer preferred seating for an additional fee; these seats may only be purchased directly from the airline. You will need your family name and the 6-digit airline “Record Locator” which is displayed with the flight details on your reservation. In the event that you change seat assignments directly with your airline, changes will not be reflected on your invoice or documents. At the time that Gate 1 travel documents are issued, the currently assigned seats will be listed based on the assignments stored in your airline reservation at that time. Should you have questions regarding your assignments, please write to us at www.gate1travel.com/contactus. |
| Luggage & Packing |
| Checked bags are typically limited to a total dimension of 62 inches by adding length + width + height (example: 26"+26"+10" = 62”), and a maximum weight of 50 lbs (23kg). Smart Bags with a USB charging port, GPS tracking device and other high-tech features are prohibited as checked or carry-on baggage unless the bag is made with removable batteries and the batteries are removed and stored separately. Many airlines charge for checked bags including flights which begin and end within the USA. The most inexpensive airfare options commonly known as Basic Economy airfares do not include any checked bags nor seat assignments before the day of departure. However, for some airlines, other airfare categories also do not include checked baggage. This will be clearly displayed in our airfare selection and on your invoice. Where available, we highly recommend selecting airfares which include at least 1 piece of checked baggage. Gate 1 Travel is not responsible for checked bag fees, excess luggage or weight charges levied by an airline. Checked baggage allowances displayed on reservation details and invoices reflect the applicable allowance at the time of booking but are subject to change by your airline(s). For your airline’s requirements and fees, visit www.gate1travel.com/baggagefees.aspx. For important baggage information, visit www.gate1travel.com/luggage.aspx. Avoid placing valuables in your checked luggage. Federal law forbids the carriage of hazardous materials aboard the aircraft in your luggage, your carry-on or on your person. A violation can result in five years’ imprisonment and penalties of $250,000 or more (49 U.S.C. 5124). Hazardous materials include explosives, compressed gases, flammable liquids and solids, oxidizers, poisons, corrosives and radioactive materials. Examples: Paints, lighter fluid, fireworks, tear gases, oxygen bottles, and radio-pharmaceuticals. There are special exceptions for small quantities (up to 70 ounces total) of medicinal and toilet articles carried in your luggage and certain smoking materials carried on your person. Check the Transportation and Safety Administration (TSA) website www.tsa.gov to find out the current list of acceptable items you may bring on a plane before packing. We recommend that you use brightly colored luggage tags, straps or other identifiers to help you locate you luggage upon arrival or to describe it in the event that it is lost. |
| Day of Departure |
| Flight Services |
| What to do if You Need Assistance |
Whether you purchased your airfare from Gate 1 Travel or from the airline directly, please bear in mind that Gate 1 Travel does not own nor operate the airline(s), nor the airport facilities where they operate. At times, flying can be a frustrating experience, especially when things do not go exactly as planned, and airline explanations can be confusing or even misleading. Should you face a problem, remain calm and seek assistance either from the airline directly or from Gate 1. Please be aware that in most cases, on the day of your flight(s), airlines pass responsibility for your reservation to their staff at the airport and it is not always possible for Gate 1 Travel to intervene on your behalf, either through our reservations system or directly with your airline. |
| Arrival & Departure |
| Arrival Procedures |
| Upon arrival, please complete immigration formalities if necessary and claim your luggage. If your program includes airport arrival transfers, check your voucher for specific instructions, as they vary with every destination. In most cases, you will be met after collecting your luggage or passing through Customs by the local representative who will be holding a Gate 1 Travel sign and/or a sign with your name on it. In some instances you will be instructed to walk a short distance to a transportation counter. The company's name and location will be printed on your voucher. If for any reason 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. If you are delayed due to lost luggage, phone the number on the voucher or have a companion exit the Customs Area to advise the transfer representative. |
| Regensburg Port Information - The dock is located near the city center on Marc Aurel Ufer starting from the Eiserne Bridge and past the Nibelungen Bridge. The distance between the bridges is approximately 1 mile. The exact dock is not known prior to arrival as this is strictly controlled by the river authorities. The name of the ship should be clearly visible on the side of the vessel with a large Gate 1 flag on the mast of the vessel and on shore. |
| Vienna Port Information - The ship will be docked at Donaustationen Nr. 29 on Heiligenstädter Strasse or Donaustationen Nr. 34 on Relegasse in Nussdorf, Vienna. The docking stations are visible from each other. |
| Monarch Empress - If you are unable to locate the ship, please telephone the ship reception to receive the most recent docking information. * Ship reception/Hotel Manager: +49 172 2597210 * Cruise Director: +421 907 707 255 * Local office emergency number: +421 907 707 947 |
| 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, the better we can respond. Please refer to the Emergency Assistance instructions on this same document. 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 you 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 |
| 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. The cost of a transfer is more expensive than hiring a taxi, as a Gate 1 transfer necessarily includes round trip service, or 'dead-leg'. Often the places of call (airports, seaports, hotels) demand entrance and parking fees, where drivers may have to wait for up to an hour. Passengers comfortable hiring a taxi on their own and do not require assistance will save money. |
| 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 twin-bedded (two single beds) rooms with private facilities. Special requests such as bed types, smoking preference and connecting rooms are subject to availability. Room selection in all cases, unless otherwise reserved, is strictly at the discretion of the hotel's management on a run-of-house basis. Triple rooms consist of standard twin beds or one double bed plus a sofa/folding bed or cot for third person except in the U.S. and Canada, where triple rooms often consist of two double/queen beds for three persons; where available, a fee may be charged by the hotel for the addition of a cot/rollaway. The number of persons accommodated does not dictate the room size. Although available at most 4 and 5 star hotels, the use of air-conditioning abroad differs greatly from the United States, and is often shut down at night and from the end until the start of the summer months. Some lodges and accommodations in remote regions may not have all of the amenities, such as hairdryer, alarm clock and room service, that you might find in a larger hotel located in a city center. |
| Hotel Check-in/ Check-out |
| Hotel check-in time is generally not before 4:00 p.m. and check-out time is prior to 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. |
| River Cruises |
| Gate 1 Travel has carefully selected each cruise ship based on overall quality, itinerary, price, food, service, and cleanliness. All Monarch Empress cabins are standard rooms with private facilities, unless you have specifically requested and paid for an upgrade. All cabins have two twin beds that can be pushed together or separated. While at port, the vessel may be docked adjacent to another ship which may obstruct window views. We recommend you close the cabin curtains before turning in at night for privacy. While double docked, ships often continue to run their engines for air-conditioning and other services. Depending upon the wind direction, residual engine fumes may enter some cabins. This is a temporary situation, alleviated once the ship moves. We reserve the right to make ship substitutions with those of equal standard. |
| At Your Destination |
| Eco & Sustainable Tourism |
| We support global efforts to create a more eco-friendly world, intolerant of any forms of cruelty, abuse and intentional environmental destruction. To that end we ask that our clients maintain a watchful eye as they travel, and report any abuses they may encounter. One of the many benefits of tourism is the shared cultural knowledge and ultimate elimination of negative behavior through education. We rely on your good feedback to enable this element of symbiosis. As you travel and learn about foreign cultures, we ask first and foremost that you practice tolerance and respect for local customs. |
| Gratuities |
| Tipping is always a matter of personal discretion. For your convenience, please use the summary below as a guideline for recommended gratuity amounts. Gratuities may be paid in local currency or US dollar equivalent where accepted. Please be aware that 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 manager or phone our local office. Numbers are provided in your documents for your convenience. |
| Suggested Tipping: European River Cruises |
River Cruise Crew (Shared by all crew members): US $14 per person per day Cruise Director: US $4 per person per day Activity Host: US $2 per person per day Local Guide (Offers in-depth information at specific locations): US $5 per person per day of sightseeing, US $3 per half day Local Driver (Provides chauffeur services at specific locations): US $5 per person per day, US $3 per half day Crew gratuities will be shared by all crew members and may be paid via the on board ship account (excluding Douro River Cruises) or dropped in the designated box at reception. Gratuities for the Gate 1 Cruise Director, Activity Host, and local service providers should be paid in cash and given to the person directly. Pre- or Post-Cruise Land Tour Tour Manager (Coordinator; may or may not act as a guide): US $10 per person per day Local Guide (Offers in-depth information at specific locations. There may be one or many guides along a tour program): US $5 per person per day of sightseeing, US $3 per half day Driver (Provides chauffeur services and limited assistance with luggage): US $5 per person per day, US $3 per half day City Host (Gate 1 hotel assistant): US $4 per person per day Hotel porters and wait staff: Included |
| Austria - Gratuities are appreciated and expected for good service in restaurants and other places that cater to tourists. Restaurant bills often include a service charge. |
| Germany - Gratuities are appreciated and expected for good service in restaurants and other places that cater to tourists. Restaurant bills often include a service charge. |
| About Your Sightseeing |
| To ensure a pleasant and fair experience for passengers on our escorted tours, there is a mandatory seat rotation policy on our motor coaches which will be organized by your Tour Manager. On river cruises, color-coded group splits may be used for shoreside included and Optional tours. Some buses are equipped with toilet facility, however they are strictly intended for emergency use only and often require the vehicle to stop for safety reasons before use. When travel dates coincide with religious holidays and national celebrations, some monuments and sites may be closed, sometimes without prior notice. On these occasions, escorted touring itineraries may be amended to reflect these closures. Occasionally, during holidays and certain periods, and/or due to other unforeseen circumstances including weather conditions, there may be last-minute changes, sometimes after arrival, which may affect the sequence of the tour and locations visited. National monuments and tourist sites regularly undergo renovations, which can obscure the monument's view. No tour will be canceled due to renovations, however Gate 1 will decide based on the conditions whether to amend an itinerary. To respect the privacy of all tour participants, your tour manager will not organize a group photo or collect passenger email addresses for a group list. |
| Land Only Passengers (Escorted Tours) |
| Your tour manager will contact you after your arrival at your hotel. Passengers who have not purchased arrival transfers from Gate 1 Travel should proceed directly to the hotel for check-in. The details of the hotel can be found in your documents. |
| Purchasing Tours Locally |
| 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, unless otherwise noted below. This does not apply to Independent packages. Please see Gate 1 Terms & Conditions for more information. https://www.gate1travel.com/terms.aspx#optional |
| Independent Activities - Gate 1 itineraries may contain suggestions for activities for your leisure time; these suggestions do not constitute a recommendation nor an endorsement of any specific service provider and the decision to participate in any such activities should be made independently and with due consideration. Gate 1 is not responsible for any activities not expressly included in its programs. Caution should be exercised when selecting certain activities that may require physical strength, coordination or exertion. Particular care should be taken when considering animal rides, such as on camels, mules or horses |
| Water Level |
| A rise or fall in the river water level, or other factors which may impact safe navigation, 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. Should an embarkation point be changed, Gate 1 Travel will attempt to contact passengers by phone or email. |
| Austria - The Euro is the currency of Austria. |
| Germany - The Euro is the currency of Germany. |
| European River Cruises - The Euro is the currency used for purchases on board the ship, except for optional excursions which may be paid for in USD. Please note that while calling at port, other currencies may be used depending on the country being visited. Money-changing services (to Euro) will be available on board. Ship Account and Payment: There is a cashless system on board. All on board expenditures (in the bar, restaurant, shop, and spa) are added to the ship's account. Closing invoices will be presented to the passengers for settlement. Payment can be made by cash in Euro or by credit card (VISA, MasterCard, American Express). Payment made by credit card may be subject to an international credit card transaction fee. Please note we cannot accept USD as a form of cash payment. Passenger's are not eligible for a Value Added Tax (VAT) refund for purchases made on board the ship. |
| European River Cruises - On board expenditures are processed through a banking center in Cyprus. Passengers wishing to settle their on board account by credit card should advise their credit card provider of potential charges from Cyprus in addition to the countries that will be visited on your itinerary. |
| Shopping |
| Most people enjoy bringing home at least one souvenir from the countries they visit. However, some find any amount of shopping to be too much while others never find enough opportunities. We have built into our Escorted itineraries a few shopping stops at recommended spots. These stops are designed to enhance your experience by providing an opportunity to see first-hand quality locally crafted merchandise which you may not be able to find on your own. Shops are checked to ensure the quality and authenticity of the products they offer, and we limit guides from visiting other locations. In some cases, we plan these stops to provide an opportunity to use clean bathrooms and to stretch your legs. All shops want your satisfaction, and therefore in case of any misunderstanding they ask that you kindly submit your claim to us within one week of the item's receipt. Claims submitted later will be subject to each store’s policies. While shopping independently, 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! About Tax-Free Shopping Tax-Free Shopping allows shoppers to reclaim the VAT (Value-Added Tax) or GST (Goods and Services Tax) they have paid on their purchases in some foreign countries in accordance with restrictions and procedures as dictated by each country. Refund eligibility varies by country, but may require presenting a scanned copy of your passport at the time of purchase, a minimum amount spent, or providing original store receipts. For more details, check the respective country’s online website, with the shop salesperson, with your tour manager or at www.globalblue.com for specific country regulations and airport operation hours. Please keep in mind that you must apply for VAT refund in the airport of the country the items were purchased and allow enough time prior to your flight for the application. U.S. Customs & Shipping Charges You may carry items with a fair retail value totaling $800 into the U.S. Taxes may be applied to the next $1,000 worth of merchandise. U.S. Customs determines the value of your items, often honoring a genuine sales receipt. Items which are shipped home are always subject to duty when received in the U.S. (in addition to shipping charges). Some shops may offer to include shipping and duties in the price but this typically means shipping only to the customs facility closest to you and payment only of the export duties; you would still need to collect the item and pay U.S. import duties. Please be aware that it is illegal to import products made from endangered animal species. U.S. Customs & Border Protection will seize these items, as well as most furs, coral, tortoise shell, reptile skins, feathers, plants, and items made from animal skins. |
| 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. |
| 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. |
| Your Safety is Very Important |
|
Prior to your trip, if you are traveling overseas, we strongly recommend that you visit the website of the U.S. Department of State at www.travel.state.gov, specifically the section which addresses International Travel. You should read the tips for foreign travel and travel warnings for the country or countries that you plan to visit. It is also important that you do not allow your common sense to take a vacation while on your trip. Here are several tips which, if followed, will save much potential hardship:
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. |
| European River Cruises - 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 stored in your stateroom or in containers on the sun deck, marked clearly. When leaving the ship, kindly pick up your boarding pass from the reception desk and promptly return it upon arrival back to the ship. This procedure 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. |
| Tourist Street Scams |
Pickpockets and thieves can destroy an otherwise wonderful holiday. Be mindful of these precautions to help avoid being scammed or robbed:
|
| Local Emergency Phone Numbers |
Austria
|
Germany
|
| Languages |
| Austria - German is the local language. English is generally spoken in tourist areas. |
| Germany - German is the local language. English is generally spoken in tourist areas. |
| Electricity |
| Please note: The U.S. uses 120 volts and you can purchase a converter and transformer at most hardware stores for your 120V appliances. |
| Austria - The voltage used is 230 volts. |
| Germany - The voltage used is 230 volts. |
| Monarch Empress - The voltage used is 220 volts. |
| 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. |
| 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. |
| Meals & Dietary Requests |
| Included meals are based on the restaurant's buffet or set menu. Beverages are not included, unless specifically stated. Although special diets like Vegetarian and Vegan are relatively commonplace in the USA, much of the world's menu options are more provincial. Please do not expect to find the variety of food selection outside of the local norm. Every effort will be made to honor special dietary requests selected no later than 5 days prior to departure in the passenger details section of your reservation. In addition, we recommend that you make preferences known to your tour manager upon arrival, and at each hotel/restaurant. Special requests are subject to local conditions and availability and cannot be guaranteed. |
| Holidays |
| On public holidays, there may be reduced public transportation, as well as limited hours or closures of attractions, shops and restaurants. |
| Holidays - Austria |
Holidays 2023 Jan 1: New Year's Day Jan 6: Feast of the Epiphany Apr 15: Good Friday Apr 9: Easter Apr 10: Easter Monday May 1: Labor Day May 18: Ascension Day May 28: Whit Sunday Observance May 29: Whit Sunday Jun 8: Corpus Christi Aug 15: Feast of the Assumption Oct 10: Plebiscite Day Oct 26: National Day Nov 11: All Saints' Day Nov 15: St. Leopold's Day Dec 8: Immaculate Conception Dec 24: Christmas Eve Dec 25: Christmas Day Dec 26: St. Stephen's Day Dec 31: New Year's Eve Holidays 2024 Jan 1: New Year's Day Jan 6: Feast of the Epiphany Mar 29: Good Friday Mar 31: Easter Apr 1: Easter Monday May 1: Labor Day May 9: Ascension Day May 19: Whit Sunday May 20: Whit Monday May 30: Corpus Christi Aug 15: Feast of the Assumption Oct 26: National Day Nov 1: All Saints' Day Dec 8: Immaculate Conception Dec 24: Christmas Eve Dec 25: Christmas Day Dec 26: St. Stephen's Day Dec 31: New Year's Eve |
| Holidays - Germany |
Holidays 2023 Jan 1: New Year's Day Jan 6: Feast of the Epiphany Apr 7: Good Friday Apr 9: Easter Apr 10: Easter Monday May 1: May Day May 18: Ascension Day May 28: Whit Sunday May 29: Whit Monday Jun 8: Corpus Christi Aug 15: Assumption Day Oct 3: Day of German Unity Oct 31: Reformation Day Nov 1: All Saints' Day Nov 22: Repentence Day Dec 24: Christmas Eve Dec 25: Christmas Day Dec 26: St. Stephen's Day Dec 31: New Year's Eve Holidays 2024 Jan 1: New Year's Day Jan 6: Feast of the Epiphany Mar 29: Good Friday Mar 31: Easter Apr 1: Easter Monday May 1: May Day May 9: Ascension Day May 19: Whit Sunday May 20: Whit Monday May 30: Corpus Christi Aug 15: Assumption Day Oct 3: Day of German Unity Oct 31: Reformation Day Nov 1: All Saints' Day Nov 20: Repentence Day Dec 24: Christmas Eve Dec 25: Christmas Day Dec 26: St. Stephen's Day Dec 31: New Year's Eve |
| 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. The Monarch Empress is equipped with elevator access between the Empress and Countess decks, however passengers will encounter some uneven surfaces, stairs, steps and significant slopes while touring. Kindly refer to our Terms for additional information. |
| Embarkation |
| Embarkation will begin at 2 pm unless otherwise noted in your itinerary. 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 Cruise Director at the number provided on your cruise voucher. Early arrivals may drop their luggage. Upon embarkation all passengers will be required to hand over their passport to the Reception Desk for the duration of the cruise. The staff are required to provide these to the appropriate authorities as the ship sails through each country. These will be stored in a secure area and returned at the end of the cruise. |
| Disembarkation |
| You will receive all relevant information concerning disembarkation in detail by your cruise director on the afternoon of your last day onboard. Passengers who have purchased a transfer will be required to place their luggage outside of their cabin a few hours prior to their scheduled time of departure. Details will be advised locally. All passengers and luggage must be off board the ship at the final disembarkation time noted in your itinerary. |
| On Your Cruise - European River Cruises |
| Attire: River cruise dress code is always casual. Modest attire (no bathing suits) is requested in the dining room at all meals. Remember to pack comfortable walking shoes and an umbrella. Language: The official language on board is English, although other languages may be spoken. All announcements and tours will be performed in English. Meals and Dietary Restrictions: There is open seating in the dining room for lunch and dinner. Please see your Maître 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. Fitness Center: The fitness center is equipped with one treadmill, one stationary bicycle, dumbbells and yoga mats. Medical Services: Ship's crew may be able to provide basic first-aid, however ships do not carry a doctor or nurse onboard. Should professional medical attention be required, local services will be contacted upon the passenger's request. 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 can paid for in cash (USD), or charged to your credit card. Please see Gate 1 Terms & Conditions for more information. https://www.gate1travel.com/terms.aspx#optional Walking: River Cruise tours dock at inland towns and excursions may include a fair amount of walking on uneven or cobblestone streets. The Monarch Empress is equipped with elevator access between the Empress and Countess decks, however passengers will be required to climb stairs to access the different decks of the ship. 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. Children: The vessels do not maintain facilities or services for children aboard the cruise. We regret that we cannot accommodate children under 16 years of age. 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. Internet Onboard: The Monarch ships offer complimentary internet access onboard which is accessible in both public areas and cabins. This is basic internet and is based on regional satellite for river cruise ships. Connection quality varies and, at times, may be slow. Normally, you should be able to browse the internet, check your email, access international publications, and view social media accounts on your personal device(s) during your sailing. However, you will be unable to download movies or video, send videos or access streaming services. At the beginning of your sailing, you will be provided with an access code which you may use on any of your devices. Please note the possibility of potential interruptions in satellite signals based on terrain and weather. In addition, populated ports where many ships are utilizing the same satellite signal may cause slower online connections than you are accustomed to at home. Prior to departure, we recommend you purchase an international plan with your phone provider which will typically provide similar coverage to your domestic plan's talk, text, and data allowances. Mail: Any mail with postage can be handed in at the reception. It will be posted at the next port of call. |
My trip was absolutely spectacular. Our Alpine guides : Marina and Angela were outstanding! Every aspect of our Swiss Hiking tour was top notch.
Mary K.
We had a great time on our 9-Day Danube River Cruise- Aug 31- Sep 8, 2023. We went to very beautiful places, lucky to have good weather every day. Good food at Monarch Governess. We are happy with the Cruise Director and Activity host. Enjoyed the evening activities. Crew was very helpful and pleasant. Very satisfied with Gate 1 for this trip. Planning for another trip next year, Hope you could help us next time again.
Darla A.
Excellent. Everything was perfect. Professional staff that looked happy at all times. Food was excellent. Room was comfortable and spotless clean. Bedding was soft. Ship was spotless. Entertainment was great. Everything was at its best!
Afsaneh N.
As usual with Gate 1 trips overall that we have participated in over the past years, our trip to Switzerland under the subject reservation was GREAT and the tour guide and bus driver both did a superb job to make sure all was safe and that all ran as smooth as possible as we moved through our tour activities day to day!! Thanks again for a wonderful experience to the World of travel.. We saw and learned so, so much.. This was at least our 6th trip with Gate 1.. The guides used for your trips are very well trained and knowledgeable on details. Our guide on this trip did a great job to lead the overall group. We appreciate all the efforts put forth by our tour guide and bus driver.
Robert S.
We had a fabulous time. Jorn and Daniele were absolutely fantastic. They made our trip even more enjoyable. The food was delicious and the crew was great. Our guides on our excursions were very knowledgeable and we enjoyed them. The recital in Vienna was beautiful. We will definitely be booking another trip with Gate 1. Thank you for all of your help.
Robert H.
It was fantastic thanks to George, the Cruise Director, on the 9 day Rhine River Cruise, that did an outstanding job during the cruise. He always greeted you with a friendly smile, and exceeded my expectations. He was always available to help you with any requests. His evening meetings were always very informative, interesting, and humorous. We've been on over 50 worldwide cruises with Viking, Gate 1, Princess, Celebrity, Carnaval, and Holland America and he's the best Cruise Director we've ever had. He deserves a really big raise.
Gary K.
This Rhine River Cruise trip from 8/12 - 8/23 was THE best trip among all the 8 Gate1 trips I have had so far. The Tour Director (Bart) and the Activity Host (Nad) were great! Bart was humorous and knowledgeable about the route of this trip and all the current and historical events of the people and places. I would not miss any of his talks or port update information during the trip. Moreover, he took care of requests to see the completion diligently. Nad was creative and very personable. His laugh, passion and enthusiasm were contagious. The lounge was always full of joy and laughter when Bart or Nad conducted a program or performed an activity. The crew from the ship (Monarch Empress) was excellent and polite (always smiling) from the lady (Thae) who cleaned the room to the staff from the dining hall. The crew's manager was very customer-oriented. He took care of every single detail with patience and kindness. I believe Gate1's success has been built upon people and their professional manners , such as Bart, Nad, Thae, etc. Since me and my roommate loved this Rhine River Tour so much, we just booked another Europe cruise trip - 9 Day Seine River Cruise for September 19, 2024!
Cheing S.
Our trip to Germany, Switzerland and Austria was fabulous. Our tour guide Julian was extraordinary. He anticipated every need, made clear each day's agenda, entertained the group with numerous activities that facilitated laughter and friendships and educated us with his wealth of knowledge about the area. In addition he remained easily accessible to address all concerns at every minute of the trip. Regarding transportation, we found Thomas to be a very safe bus driver and one who was dependable and pleasant. All in all the tour guide and transportation services could not have been any better. Thank you Gate 1 for a wonderful travel experience and putting an outstanding staff in place for our travel.
Donna G.
Our Danube River cruise was fabulous, with perfect weather. Our cruise ship, the Monarch Queen, was top notch, as were our Cruise Director, Kris and our Activities Director, Niko! Special appreciation goes out to Amr, who took wonderful care of our dining needs. He will always hold a special place in our hearts. We cannot wait to book again with Gate 1. Your motto "See more of the world for less", definitely holds true, and makes you stand out as a "cut above the rest"! Thank you again, for making our 1st European Cruise a remarkable adventure!
Mary S.
This was my 1st group tour. Dennis was an amazing tour manager. He was so well organized, it made the trip easy. He got us to places on time and in front of the crowds, which I really appreciated. He gave us great advice of things to do on our own or places to eat. Dennis is really and funny and kept us very engaged with humor and insight into our destinations. His shoes will be hard to fill for any tour manager I encounter in the future.
Eleanor H.
My trip was the BEST! Switzerland has such natural beauty you can't help but love it. But what enhanced the trip was Dennis. He is one of the best tour guides I've ever had. Organized, knowledgeable, witty, informational, entertaining, helpful, safety first mentality, he goes way above and beyond what's expected of him. And an all around nice guy. I've been traveling around the world since I was 19. Eventually worked for the airlines and am a constant traveler. I say this not to brag but to make a point that I have experienced the gambit of fantastic trips to not good trips. This was one of the top trips I've taken. The itinerary was fabulous ( don't change a thing!) hotel's lovely, meals delicious and again Dennis made it all the more special. Can't speak highly enough about him. He's an Alpine Jewel. I love Gate1. This might have been my 10th Gate1 and I keep referring others to your company because you do it right. More of the world for less.
Lynne T.
This was my 50th Gate 1 trip, and from the moment I was greeted so warmly at the Milan airport by our pre-stay tour manager Remo, I knew it would be special. Two nights in charming Baveno on Lake Maggiore, followed by two nights in lovely Lucerne before proceeding to Basel for a city tour and boarding of my home for the next week on the Rhine River cruise to Amsterdam, the "Monarch Empress". Your flagship and what a beautiful ship: pristine, comfortable, so well designed and with a crew that run it like a Swiss clock. There were so many standouts from start to finish, the great, efficient and personable crew led by our Ukrainian Capt. Igor, Pavel, Marius, George, Kris, Nora, Nura, the wonderful guys at reception, and all who did their part, our head chef and his staff and his delicious menus - every meal was so good and dinners were very special and wine plentiful, and of course not forgetting the G1 staff, our fantastic Cruise Director Soma, fun, knowledgeable, kind and supremely organized and the delightful Activity Director, Laura. Above all they are both just wonderful human beings. The Rhine River cruise is not as picturesque as the Danube, but it is the beating heart of Europe and there is a lot of commercial barge traffic and industry along the way, but port calls were very charming, well thought out and so interesting, and there is a very beautiful stretch between Rüdesheim and Koblenz with so many castles and a constant castle alert from our leader Soma! It was a fabulous trip and as always sorry to see it end, but I know that it is just until the next one and more adventures with G1 - my special thanks for this one and for truly being treated like a Queen, who doesn't love that!
Lorraine P.
Could not recommend George our guide more . He was absolutely a wonderful man . We travelled as a Group of 10 Australians . We would do another trip with George in a heartbeat . Our driver was fabulous and very nice man. We are now on our River cruise with gate 1
Jennifer K.
Just a few additional comments about our Rhine trip: Our room steward, Lily, couldn't have been more available, kind & cheerful, or hard working. She's an asset to your company. Krismanto, waiter, actively went out of his way to be kind, funny, & remembered your personal preferences ( my iced tea in the a.m.). He sought me out to ensure I had what I liked. Even when I wasn't at his table. He's a very hard worker & a ray of sunshine. He reminded me of my early cruising days with the level of service & attention to detail. Thank you Kris. At the end of our trip our driver was wonderful. His name was Robert. Excellent driver. Funny & kind. He even went out of his way to return items that my friend left in the van. Thank you Robert. Laura was our entertainment director. Another truly kind person. She just made things fun. From stretch / yoga in the a.m. to games & activities at night...she was great. Our only reservation about sailing Gate1 again was the lack of activities at night. With this new position ( & Laura especially), that was no longer a concern. Bart is pleasant & knowledgeable. Ever present. But, if you are observant, you realize how much work & coordination he does behind the scenes. Well done.
Margaret L.
Just some special recognition for several individuals that always seemed to go out of their way to make this a wonderful experience. EVERYONE was amazing and attentive. But, Miklos, our tour director was superb in every way. Always available, upbeat, quick with answers and ahead of the game at every step. Loved being with him. In the dining room, we had the pleasure to be served by Dino, a most experienced and excellent captain of our table. He made every meal exceptional and so fun. Open, happy, smiling and offering advice and illumination when wanted. His level of attentiveness and powers of observation are off the charts. He sees everything and is there with what you want before you can even ask for it. He is more than a server but his serving skills are truly exceptional. His assistant, Joko, was the happiest person I saw every day. Same as Dino, attentive and always thinking ahead for my group. The housekeeping staff person, Desy, also made our trip more enjoyable. It's people like these that puts the overall experience in the A+++ category for me. I'll remember them all as we travel with Gate 1 again.
Shaikh H.
My husband's dream since he was a boy was to see the Matterhorn. His dream finally came true during our Switzerland Tour with Gate 1. Neither of us can put into mere words how fabulous this tour was. The cities, villages, hotels, food, the vistas and landscape were beyond what we had hoped for. This tour, and our tour guide Siobhan (pronounced Sha-vonne), exceeded our expectations and then some. I highly recommend anyone looking to do this tour watch the video of this tour on the Gate 1 site. It does a much better job than I could with the tour description. Our highlights of the trip were: #1 the Matterhorn, #2 Trummelbach Falls, #3 the Gornergrat Mountains. Every day was an exciting adventure. Siobhan not only showed us those items on our itinerary but also had many extra surprises to share with us as well. These are called the SSS's, for "Siobhan's Special Surprises". At almost every turn in the road, or street corner we passed, Siobhan had history or information to share. Not only was she a wealth of information but she has a great sense of humor too. She is a very caring person whose goal was to be sure each and every one of us had a fantastic experience. Siobhan took time to get to know each of us. She was always available for any questions we might have or issue that arose which she promptly resolved. A tour can be just a tour, or it can be an experience of a lifetime. I sincerely believe a knowledgeable, well prepared and caring tour manager can make all the difference. Another important person to be mentioned is our tour bus driver, Josep (no h). He made sure we traveled in a clean, comfortable bus. His excellent driving skills in many tight spots, often brought rounds of applause. This was our 2nd tour using Gate 1 Travel, but it won't be the last. We are already looking at other tours with them too. Some of our tour companions have done multiple Gate 1 tours, as well as a number of our friends, and they all swear by the quality and value offered.
James K.
We recently returned from our second Danube River cruise and wanted to compliment you on your hiring such talent in in the Cruise Director and Activities director capacities. Martin was the perfect combination of professionalism and presentation as well as one of the most knowledgeable guides we've ever had (and this was our 10th trip with Gate 1) . His group clear and "non-repetitive" presentation style enhanced our trip tremendously with his appropriate humor, information, group management and availability to make our trip so easy and memorable. It was also great to see Amir (from our 2019 trip) and experience his friendly and amazing energy and activities onboard the ship once again. We were also extremely impressed with the quality of the MS Governess, the ship's captain and crew, and everyone from the behind the scenes people in the kitchen and housekeeping to the waitstaff in the restaurant, bar, and reception desk. We traveled with family to whom we had recommended this trip, based on our previous cruise on the Empress, and this trip is one to remember for all of us. Thank you! We are currently looking forward to our next trip in September with Gate 1 and planning more for the future! Keep up the quality so we can enjoy "more of the world for less" without compromise!
Carol H.
We thoroughly enjoyed our Danube River Cruise. We have gone on many many ocean cruises, but this was our first river cruise and thanks to the ship staff and all the port guides, we will plan more river cruises. Our son had a separate cabin and the staff made it easy for us both to be kept together in every aspect of the trip. The ship was nice, the food was very good and the entertainment onboard was fun. The director arranged for us to tour Durnstein early in the morning, which was the absolute best time for photography of the lovely village before more tourists arrived. The Gate One representative, Mira, at the Cosmopolitan hotel in Prague was exceptionally helpful with every detail for our group staying there several days. I want to especially thank the tour guide we had for the Salzburg excursion. I did not keep her name, but she was a delight. She was dressed in the traditional Austrian ladies dress. She entertained us with history and jokes on the bus ride to and from Salzburg. During the tour of the city she provided interesting details about the making of Sound of Music movie in Salzburg. She had our group singing the Do Re Mi song on the steps of the Mirabell Palace. She made Salzburg come alive for us with a memory we will never forget.
Garson T.
Comparing our recent Gate 1 Rhein River cruise with another Legendary Journeys Danube River cruise gives me a basis for comparison. Your river boat has more amenities with 2 lounges,2 main outdoor seating/viewing areas, and 2 coffee dispensers. Gate 1's cabins have more storage and bigger showers. The food selection is better on Gate 1. And, finally, the Gate 1 river boat crew provided better service and was more friendly. The bottom line is we received a more relaxing and memorable trip than anticipated which now allows us to "spread the word " about this Gate 1 trip. Keep up the great work!!
Thomas B.
The trip was fantastic! Dennis, our tour manager, was top notch and made our vacation so memorable. He provided great leadership, guidance, and commentary.. he even provided great recommendations on things to do and places to eat and shop during leisure time. I can't wait to take another trip with your company. He was even great with my children (11, 13, and 18) who came with me. Deni's vast knowledge of Switzerland allowed us to have seamless travel, we were always ahead of the crowds in all locations.
Brian C.
Our Danube River Cruise was wonderful. The ship, Monarch Governess was clean and in good condition. The staff was excellent, especially the dining room staff, Ega, Dino and George. They were very friendly and personable, while at the same time being very professional and providing excellent service. The chef, Ketut, prepared delicious meals every day. We also would like to compliment the pastry chef, whose name we do not recall, for making the most delicious desserts. Our cruise director, Soma, was a lot of fun and full of information and advice. We will be recommending Gate 1 river cruises to our friends and family, and we are already thinking about booking the Eastern Danube cruise in the future. Thank you!
Anna P.
Our trip was lovely! I loved being on the Monarch Queen. The crew was warm and friendly. The accommodations were terrific- well thought out and so clean and comfortable! Thank you Gate1!
Lisa M.
I wrote a review about our 9-day Danube River Cruise that I would like to submit. Please see below. My husband and I are 70, and we had never gone on a cruise before. When choosing one, I knew we didn't want to be on one of those floating cities with ten different pools and a zillion people. We wanted something with a few planned excursions and some free time - a good combination of activity and relaxation. Also, our early-30s kids were going with us, so we didn't want it to feel too "senior;" however, my husband has some walking issues, so we had a concern about the pace being too fast. One of my friends, who is an experienced cruiser, suggested looking into Gate1 river cruises, so we did. When we signed up for the 9-day Danube River Cruise, we didn't know exactly what to expect, but I'm happy to say that the experience exceeded our expectations. From easily finding the Gate1 representative at the airport when we landed and being shuttled to the boat to the departure on the last day, everything went like clockwork. The boat was very in excellent condition, the rooms were comfortable, the crew provided stellar service, and the food was excellent. Dinner time was relaxed and intimate, without formal attire, which was what we were looking for. We were kept abreast of the next day's activities in a group meeting each evening, so we knew where to be and when. The crew was especially professional, pleasant, and helpful. Our cruise director, Mick, was willing to drop everything when he was dealing with something very important, to contact someone at Gate1 who could help with a flight change issue for us. Danielle, the activities director was perfectly suited for that role; he was very creative, personable, and kept the evening activities lively and fun. Our waiters in the dining room, Budi and Albin, were excellent and gave us very personal service. The bar servers, Alexander and Jacinta were very attentive and fun. ALL of us, including the young people in our group, loved it. It was everything we wanted! My friend who recommended Gate told me it was "the best cruise ever," and I believe that sums it up! We absolutely loved it and would do another one in a heartbeat!
Dianne P.
One of my best Gate one tours because everyone one on the boat really cared that my travel companion and I had the best time. At all times our needs were met. A big thank you.
Janet J.
I wanted to take a moment to express my heartfelt gratitude for Krisztina and the unforgettable trip from Munich to Budapest aboard the Monarch Queen rivers cruise. It was an incredible experience, and I can't thank her enough for being our tour director and guide throughout this journey. Her knowledge, enthusiasm, and dedication truly made this trip exceptional. Her storytelling and insights about the places we visited brought history and culture to life, making each destination even more meaningful. The attention to detail and seamless organization of the itinerary made everything run smoothly, allowing us to fully immerse ourselves in the beauty of the cities and landscapes along the Danube. The Monarch Queen was an impressive vessel, and the cruise itself was a delight. From the breathtaking views on the sundeck to the comfortable cabins and delicious meals, every aspect of the journey was top-notch. Krisztina went above and beyond to ensure that each traveler felt comfortable and had their needs attended to. Her friendly demeanor and approachability made us feel like a close-knit group, forging lasting connections with fellow travelers.
Emil S.
It was a beautiful trip. Well prepared by our trip manager and her assistant. We really enjoy the trip. Very appreciate our manager Marina and her assistant Angela shared both their knowledge about the region we visited. Great job. Special thanks to Marina and Angela.
Seuo C.
It was superb. I will book another walking tour with you in the future.
Ronald A.
My trip was fantastic with no disappointments. The boat was clean everywhere; the food was varied and well prepared; the daily and optional tours were interesting and well described by the local guides, and the hotels were well chosen for location and amenities. The trip was my first with Gate1, and I don't see the need to look elsewhere on future trips. My highest compliments to our Cruise Director, Adrian, who left no stones unturned when it came to the safety of the passengers; the efforts to make everyone feel comfortable and satisfied with the trip, and her daily reminders of being aware of personal belongings and their location. She went out of her way to always answer a question or concern with the utmost patience, considering she was tending to 120 travelers. I can't name all the ways she contributed to the success of everyone's trip, but she truly was a great part in making it a wonderful and unforgettable experience. In addition to Adrian, I can't forget to mention the Entertainment Director, Daniele. He was an absolute delight and his comedic ability put everyone in a jolly and friendly mood. He truly enjoyed making us all laugh and have a good time. To that I can add, he was a warm hearted and empathetic man when a situation called for it. His responsibility to help ensure passengers belongings got transported with each new location was never neglected. He is a real asset to Gate1. Lastly, but certainly to be remembered, was our housekeeper, Satria. He was always cheerful and friendly and it was always pleasing to come into our well-appointed room, which he refreshed and tended to at least twice a day. He did a great job. All of the staff are to be commended for their friendliness, efficiency and a job well done. Gate1 has my 100% satisfaction. I hope to see you again in 2024.
Marlene P.
Our trip was excellent! I would have to say that the on-ship experience greatly exceeded our expectations. We cant come up with a single disappointment in terms of food, quality of room, or service. Cruise manager/trip leader was excellent, and waiters and all service people were excellent, very friendly and caring. Low water did keep us from sailing all the way to the last port, but that was not Gate 1's fault. In fact, they adjusted things relatively smoothly. The weather that we encountered was nothing like what we saw predicted prior to leaving the US, so we ended up being over-dressed for the mid to high 90s that we faced for the majority of the trip. Again - not Gate 1's fault. Would we do another Gate 1 river cruise? Absolutely - though we might opt for a more predictably cooler time of year. Finally - thanks for all of the support and info you provided, the questions you answered, leading up to the trip. It all surpassed our hopes.
Kenneth G.