Overview
RSVP leads the way again, we first created gay and lesbian charter cruises on the high seas, and again created the first gay and lesbian riverboat cruises. And our Prague-Budapest riverboat cruise has been ever popular and sells out quickly. A combination of a Riverboat Cruise and Tour is one of the best ways for gays and lesbians to experience Eastern Europe. When we combine a tour with a river/canal cruise we can experience so much of this fascinating part of Europe in style and comfort and in the great camaraderie of other gay and lesbian travelers. The riverboat we have selected for this event is one of the newest ships sailing Europe's waterways - the ms Johann Strauss.

We've created an itinerary that includes the two best Eastern European cities that have for very good reason become prime destinations for gay and lesbian travelers. RSVP makes it simple and elegant to visit the sexy and exciting towns of Budapest and Prague. We also visit Vienna and a host of villages and towns in between. The beauty of the mountains and countryside along the Danube is reason enough to see this enchanted and historic part of the world, but this vacation offers so much more.

 

Venue
Celebrating her inaugural year in 2004, the ms Johann Strauss is one of the newest river cruise ships in Europe. As you step on board, your eyes are met by a gleaming, two-story lobby lit by a central glass skylight. It's a fitting introduction to the breathtaking views that accompany this modern, spacious vessel. The 89 staterooms, designed by famous architect Hans Sabert, are some of the largest of any river cruise ship at 170 square feet. Seventy percent of the staterooms have floor to ceiling windows that open to French balconies (these are doors that open the room to the outside - turning the room itself into a balcony), and all staterooms offer scenic views. Of course, the rest of the ship is equally inviting from the elegant dining room, to the comfortable lounge and spacious recreation areas. With this great ship, we've created an itinerary that includes the two best Eastern European cities that have for very good reason become prime destinations for gay and lesbian travelers. RSVP makes it simple and elegant to visit the sexy and exciting towns of Prague and Budapest. We also visit Vienna and a host of villages and towns in between. The beauty of the mountains and countryside along the Danube is reason enough to see this enchanted and historic part of the world, but this vacation offers so much more.

Click on the links below for a visual tour of the m.s. Johann Strauss public rooms.

• Restaurant
• Cafe Stadpark
• Panoramasalon
• Foyer
• Wellness Bereich

 

Itinerary: From Prauge to Budapest

Day	Location	Jul 26 Departure	Aug 9 Departure
Thursday	Prague, Czech Republic - Program Begins	Jul 26	Aug 9
Friday	Prague, Czech Republic	Jul 27	Aug 10
Saturday	Prague to Nuremburg, Germany -  Embark the ms Johann Strauss	Jul 28	Aug 11
Sunday	Regensburg, Germany	Jul 29	Aug 12
Monday	Passau, Germany	Jul 30	Aug 13
Tuesday	Melk / Durnstein / Vienna, Austria	Jul 31	Aug 14
Wednesday	Vienna, Austria	Aug 1	Aug 15
Thursday	Vienna, Austria	Aug 2	Aug 16
Friday	Bratislava, Slovakia	Aug 3	Aug 17
Saturday	Budapest, Hungary - Disembark and Transfer to Hotel Sofitel	Aug 4	Aug 18
Sunday	Budapest, Hungary	Aug 5	Aug 19
Monday	Budapest, Hungary - Program Ends	Aug 6	Aug 20

*Itinerary subject to change.

Day 1 - Arrive in Prague, Czech Republic / Program Begins
Arrive in Prague and transfer to your hotel, the Hilton Hotel in Central Prague, this evening, meet with other RSVP guests at the hotel, dinner is on your own. You may also choose to arrive one or several days before our tour begins to have extra time to explore this fascinating city. RSVP has optional pre-tour extensions in Prague that make this easy to do.

Day 2 - Prague, Czech Republic
Today's sightseeing highlights the "Golden City." View the castle district, St. Vitus' Cathedral, Wenceslas Square and Golden Lane. Remainder of your day is at your leisure. (B)

Day 3 - Prague to Nuremberg, Germany
The morning is on your own to explore the city and we begin our journey to Nuremburg early afternoon with an early evening arrival into Nuremburg to board the ms Johann Strauss. (B, D)

Day 4 - Regensburg, Germany
In the morning you may join in a guided walk around Regensburg. The town is one of the best-preserved medieval cities in Germany, and its historic buildings, nearly 1400 of them, are enchanting. We'll sail in the afternoon to enjoy a night on the magical Danube. (B,L,D)

Day 5 - Passau/ Excursion to Salzburg/ Linz
The riverboat stops in Passau for anyone interested in departing on an optional sightseeing tour to the enchanting town of Salzburg, home to "The Sound of Music." The tour allows you to view the birthplace of Mozart, St Peter's Abbey and the city's charming cobblestone streets and beautifully preserved architecture. Our tour ends as we re-board the riverboat in Linz in time for dinner. For those passengers not choosing the optional Salzburg excursion, you'll be able to spend a relaxing day enjoying the sights of the Danube as the riverboat meanders on the river on its journey to Linz. (B,L,D)

Day 6 - Melk, Durnstein & Vienna, Austria
This morning brings us to the charming town of Melk. You may choose a guided tour of the Benedictine Abbey church of Melk, the baroque jewel of the Wachau region. View its chambers, pass along the Kaiser's walk, and through the marble hall, balconies and the library. In the afternoon we arrive in Durnstein, an enchanting wine-growing town with picturesque streets and quaint pubs. Enjoy a walk through the cobblestone streets and sample a glass of local wine at one of the "Heurigen" wine taverns with their wonderful views. Then, continue on our way to Vienna with an evening arrival of about 11pm. (B,L,D)

Day 7 - Vienna, Austria
Awake in the morning to discover the metropolis on the Danube, Vienna. An optional sightseeing today highlights the most important sights of this vast city. Our drive along the Ringstrasse takes us past the magnificent buildings of the Austrian national opera, Parliament, the Burgtheater, town hall, university and Catholic church buildings - right into the heart of the city and to the Stephansdom, Vienna's unique cathedral of St. Stephen. The rest of the day is at your leisure. (B,L,D)

Day 8 - Vienna, Austria
Another day in Vienna is yours to enjoy as you like. Relax by the pool on deck, stroll the city at your own pace or take one of the optional tours available, including a guided tour of Schonbrunn Palace or an evening performance of Mozart or Strauss. (B,L,D)

Day 9 - Bratislava, Slovakia 
Bratislava, known as Pressburg until 1945, is the capital of Slovakia and one of the most famous cities on the Danube. An optional tour takes us past the Archiepiscopal Palace and the National Theatre to the 13th century Bratislava Castle which has a view as far as the border of Austria. Other attractions include the city gates, the Baroque palaces of the noblemen, and the elegant residences that have all survived from the days of the Danube monarchy. A walk through the pedestrian precinct, past St. Martin's Cathedral, the Town Hall and Michael's Gate, brings you back to the ship. The remainder of the day is free to explore this bustling city dominated by its enormous castle perched above the Danube. (B,L,D)

Day 10 - Arrive Budapest, Hungary
Arrive in Budapest and transfer to your hotel, the Hotel Sofitel. Budapest is an amazing city with new adventures around every corner. Experience one of the many spas that the city has been famous for since Roman times.

Day 11 - Budapest, Hungary

Day 12 - Budapest, Hungary / Program Ends
(B)

B=Breakfast, L=Lunch, D=Dinner - Indicates meals included in the program.

Itinerary: From Budapest to Prague

Day	Location	Aug 2 Departure	Aug 16 Departure
Thursday	Arrive Budapest, Hungary / Program Begins	Aug 2	Aug 16
Friday	Budapest, Hungary	Aug 3	Aug 17
Saturday	Budapest, Hungary - Board the ms Johan Strauss	Aug 4	Aug 18
Sunday	Bratislava, Slovakia	Aug 5	Aug 19
Monday	Vienna, Austria	Aug 6	Aug 20
Tuesday	Vienna, Austria	Aug 7	Aug 21
Wednesday	Durstein / Melk, Austria	Aug 8	Aug 22
Thursday	Linz, Austria / Passau, Germany	Aug 9	Aug 23
Friday	Regensburg, Germany	Aug 10	Aug 24
Saturday	Nuremburg, Germany - Transfer to Prague, Czech Republic and the Hilton Hotel	Aug 11	Aug 25
Sunday	Prague, Czech Republic	Aug 12	Aug 26
Monday	Depart Prague, Czech Republic / Program Ends	Aug 13	Aug 27

 

Activities
Information coming.

 

Pricing

Prague & Budapest Riverboat Cruises Land/Cruise Only Rates: 12 days, 11 nights Trip Includes 2 nights in Prague at Hilton Hotel (breakfast included) 2 nights in Budapest at Hotel Sofitel (breakfast included) 7-night cruise aboard the ms Johann Strauss (all meals included) Transfers between the hotel and cruise ship All cabins on the ms Johann Strauss are spacious (170 sq. ft.) outside staterooms, equipped with 2 beds convertible to queen, shower and WC, wash basin, adjustable air-conditioning, and TV. The size and furnishings of the cabins are identical on all three decks. Seventy percent of the staterooms have a large panoramic window. Trip Cost Category Price* Availability Status   7/26 8/2 8/9 8/16   A With French Balconies Decks: Walzerdeck 2995   A A A A   B With French Balconies Decks: Operettendeck   2895   A A A A   D With Window Decks: Polkadeck 2695   A A A A   E With Port Hole Decks: Polkadeck 2595   A A A A   Availability Status A=Available L=Limited WL=Waitlist Only * Add $100 per person for July 19 departure from Amsterdam.

Additional Charges The following charges will be added to all reservations on a per person basis: Port Charges (government fees and taxes): $70 Pre-paid Gratuities: $88 Cabin Share Program Cabin Share is not available for this program. Single Supplement A limited number of single supplement rates, beginning at $4395, are available for these programs. Waitlist If the category you'd like to book is waitlist only you have two options: (1) Confirm another category and waitlist for the category you desire. If that category doesn't come available you will be responsible for the category you confirmed. (2) Put in a waitlist-only request. Simply complete the RSVP Reservation Request form, which can be downloaded from our website. Fill in all the information including the payment section. fax it to 206-388-4727

 

Add-Ons
You may add up to one additional night at both the Hilton Hotel and the Hotel Sofitel at the following per person rates:

 

Location	Property	Price *	Pre Hotel Dates	Post Hotel Dates
Prague	Hilton Hotel	$140 USD**	July 25, 2007 August 8, 2007	August 13, 2007 August 27, 2007
Budapest	Hotel Sofitel	$105 USD**	August 1, 2007 August 15, 2007	August 6, 2007 August 20, 2007

* Price per person based on double occupancy.

**Includes breakfast.

 

Details
What's Included and What's Not Included
The price of your trip includes transfer between the hotel in Prague and the ship in Nuremberg, three meals daily while the on board the ms Johann Strauss. Otherwise, meals are as listed. Additional meals are on your own and offer an opportunity to explore local restaurants with your newfound RSVP friends. Your tour guide is always happy to help with suggestions.

Price does not include airfare or transfer from/to the airport.

Reservation Request Form  Call Capitol Hill Travel for reservation and information at 206-726-8996
Each RSVP guest needs to complete a Reservation Request Form, which you can download directly from the link above. It's important that you read, sign and return these forms within your option period to confirm your reservation. If you change your form of payment we will need a new Reservation Request Form with your name and the new credit card information, and FAX to 206-388-4727

Trip Insurance 
We are pleased to provide you with trip insurance Click on Travel Insurance.

ID Requirements 
With increasingly strict travel guidelines being enforced we recommend always traveling with your passport. All U.S. citizens must use a passport for identification on this program. All other travelers should check with their local consulate for the required travel documents .

Special Needs 
If you have any medical and or mobility needs, specific dietary requirements, ASL needs or other requests, please advise us of this information as soon as possible but no less than 90 days prior to trip departure.

Travel Documents
Your travel documents, which include your cruise ticket, packing lists, and other specific information pertaining to your trip, will be sent approximately one month prior to departure.