DANUBE HOLIDAY CELEBRATION 2021

December 20-27, 2021

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Holiday 2021 Celebration & Cruise aboard the 5* Amber

In celebration of the 10th anniversary of his Fat Gay Vegan blog, Sean O’Callaghan and VCC Lite are proud to present an exciting holiday celebration cruise along one of Europe’s most-famous rivers.  

Joining Sean, we are pleased to present a unique line up of special guests (coming soon). 

Commencing in historic Nuremburg on December 20, 2021​, our unforgettable week-long celebration takes in picturesque towns and cities scattered along the beloved Danube including Vienna, Bratislava, Budapest and the World UNESCO Heritage Wachau Valley (DurnsteinMelk, Linz, and Passau) 

This unforgettable trip has been personally curated by Sean O’Callaghan and will include:  

  • Welcome night gala dinner and holiday celebration party  
  • Karaoke party, disco nights, pub-style quiz, and socializing in the lounge  
  • Up close interviews and panel discussions with extra special guests  
  • Sumptuous cuisine crafted by our Vegan Culinary Cruises chef  
  • Morning yoga classes  
  • Gorgeous views of famous European landmarks from luxurious cabins, the on-board restaurant, and the lounge  
  • 100% vegan toiletries in each cabin  
  • Optional shore excursions, vegan food tours, and all-inclusive drink packages available at extra cost  

This journey with VCC Lite along the Danube is more than just a cruise. It is set to be an unforgettable celebration of everything vegan. Think of it as your very own vegan festival on water. 

THE JOURNEY 

A journey through Europe’s history and cultural evolution 

From the Black Forest to the Black Sea, the Danube cuts a dramatic course through Europe, taking in 10 countries and countless cities, towns, villages and settlements. From opulent cities to unspoiled countryside, the Danube travels through some of the continent’s most wonderful sights, such as the Hungarian Parliament Building and the Iron Gates. 

A Danube river cruise with Vegan Culinary Cruises will take you to the heart of the continent’s most beautiful and influential cities. Our guests are invited to explore Vienna’s rich musical heritage or the religious significance of Melk during a Danube river cruise, experience local life in Bratislava and revel in Austria’s World UNESCO Wachau Valley – no two days on a Danube river cruise are ever alike. 

Explore the Danube in absolute luxury 

Our luxury 5* riverboat will navigate the beautiful Danube, providing a luxurious base for guests looking to explore the beauty of the river. Elegantly appointed suites and staterooms offer a relaxing retreat after another enriching day exploring this amazing waterway. 

Every detail aboard our ship has been carefully crafted. Each Starship boasts an open-air Sun Deck, Reflections Restaurant and The Terrace which is the perfect spot for enjoying a light bite or drinks with friends as you enjoy the beautiful views along the Danube. 

Our attentive on-board team will attend to your every need and our skilled team of accomplished chefs will take you on a journey of their own, through the tastes and culinary experiences of modern Europe.  

THE SHIP 

Vegan Culinary Cruises bring you luxury on the river! 

Boasting innovation in design and technology for luxury river cruising vessels, our ship will be your gracious floating hotel as you cruise the waterways of Europe.   

Intimate and friendly, with every amenity you could wish for, our Scenic Spaceship was designed with you in mind. From the moment you step on board you’ll be spoilt for choice.  

From our delicious buffets, tour options, right down to your vegan bedding, and vegan bath products you’ll enjoy the ultimate in luxury, every moment of the day. 

From Owners Suites to Balcony Suites all boast large private balconies, 32-inch Samsung HD TVs, complimentary internet access enhanced by an upgraded Wi-Fi system. Spectacular dining and lounge areas with stunning views from floor to ceiling panoramic windows, and all public areas featuring modern artwork, soft furnishings and designer furniture 

Oboard you’ll have full access to a wellness area, complete with massage services and a hair salon (for a fee), a gym, our special on-board entertainment, Wi-Fi internet, electric bicycles and of course luxuriously appointed suites to retire to at the end of the day. 

Your Vegan Culinary Cruises Directors, as well as every member of the hospitable on-board team, are on hand to make sure you make the most of every minute of your time on board this luxury vegan adventure. 

Itinerary
Day 1 December 20 (Mo) Nuremberg
Enjoy a welcome reception and dinner aboard the luxurious Scenic Amber. After dinner we gather for an after-dinner toast and orientation preparing us for the coming weeks adventure. Then get ready for an evening of music and dancing in the lounge – a magical start to your Journey!

· Embarkation
· Welcome reception
· Dinner
· Orientation
· Party

Day 2 December 21 (Tu) Nuremberg

Welcome to the fascinating Bavarian city of Nuremberg, which dates back to the 11th century. Explore Nuremberg on your own or enjoy an optional guided tour of the city sights with a guided walking tour. Alternatively, you may choose to get into the holiday spirit and try a vegan gingerbread baking class.

· Yoga
· Optional City Tour
· VCC on-board programming
· Evening port talk
· Evening Entertainment

Day 3 December 22 (We) Regensbur
Experience the true wonder of this holiday time at the romantic and picturesque markets of Thurn und Taxis Palace. This magical setting will make you feel like you have entered a fairy tale with gently lit lanterns and candles providing a charming atmosphere. Explore on your own or enjoy an optional guided tour walking tour of Regensburg. Located on the confluence of three rivers, Regensburg is known as the best-preserved medieval city in Germany.

· Yoga
· Optional City Tour
· VCC on-board programming
· Evening port talk
· Evening Entertainment

Day 4 December 23 (Th) Passau - Linz

Passau: Cobblestone streets and graceful arcades welcome you in the beautiful city of Passau. Stroll through the old town’s narrow alleys and see the hilltop Oberhaus Fortress from the town below. Visit St. Stephen’s Cathedral, a wonderful example of Baroque architecture and home to Europe’s largest church organ with more than 17,000 pipes.

Linz: The European capital of culture in 2009 is a lively, modern city with long and eventful history, reflected in the architecture of the city center with its unique Baroque Hauptplatz.

On your own you will have time to stroll through the marvelous old quarter of the city or sit in a typical Austrian Coffee House to taste some local specialties.

Optional tour to Salzburg: Journey to Salzburg and explore the birthplace of Mozart and the city backdrop for the movie ‘The Sound of Music’, followed by free time to visit Salzburg’s Holiday Markets which date back to the 15th century. Alternatively, stay on board your Scenic Space-Ship for a cooking demonstration of local vegan recipes as you cruise between Passau and Linz.

· Yoga
· Optional Tour
· VCC on-board programming
· Evening port talk
· Evening Entertainment

Day 5 December 24 (Fr) Villages of the Wachau Valley – Melk - Dürnstein

The Wachau is one of the most beautiful and famous regions in Austria and designated a World UNESCO Heritage Site. Visitors from all over the world come here to enjoy the picturesque landscape and the cultural heritage. Situated in the heart of the magnificent Wachau Valley, on the banks of the Danube (Donau in German), we will pass by charming towns amidst breathtaking scenery, that offer glimpses of traditional architecture, and places of significant historic interest.

In the morning explore on your own or partake on an optional tour of the famous 900–year old Benedictine Abbey of Melk, which features Austria’s finest Italian baroque architecture.

In the afternoon we continue cruising through the valley, soaking in its stunning bucolic scenery and hilltop castles on our way to the picturesque wine town of Durnstein. Those more adventurous have the opportunity to hike to Richard the Lionheart’s castle for some stunning views.

· Yoga
· Optional Tour
· VCC on-board programming
· Evening port talk
· Christmas Eve / holiday celebration
· Evening Entertainment

Day 6 December 25 (Sa) Vienna

Today, a full day is spent exploring the magical, musical city of Austria; a capital that offers a unique blend of the traditional and the modern. Famous for its cultural events, imperial sights, coffee houses, cozy wine taverns, and a charm that is quintessentially Viennese, the city is as old as it is new. Baroque and Art Nouveau buildings exist side by side with the latest architectural styles; over 100 museums are there for you to enjoy. From the Imperial Palace to the Art Nouveau splendor of the Viennese Secession movement, to the magnificence of Baroque Schönbrunn palace to the Museum of Fine Arts to the latest architecture in the Museum Quarter, Vienna has more museums than anywhere else in the world and it includes some 27 castles and more than 150 palaces.

· Yoga
· Optional Tour & VCC Vegan Food Exploration
· VCC on-board programming
· Evening port talk
· Evening Entertainment

Day 7 December 26 (Su) Budapest
Budapest is Eastern Europe’s liveliest and most cosmopolitan city. Explore on your own or enjoy an optional guided tour of the city sights including the Hungarian Parliament Building, the Buda Castle and the Chain Bridge linking Buda and Pest.

· Yoga
· Optional Tours & VCC Vegan Food Exploration
· VCC on-board programming
· Evening port talk
· Farwell dinner
· Evening dance party Entertainment

Day 8 December 27 (Mo) Budapest: Depart

This morning we say farewell and hope to see everyone on the next Vegan Culinary Cruise!

from $1699 pp/db USD 8
days

December 20-27, 2021

Cruise Rates 

Schedule

Day 1 December 20 (Mo) Nuremberg
Day 2 December 21 (Tu) Nuremberg
Day 3 December 22 (We) Regensburg
Day 4 December 23 (Th) Passau > Linz
Day 5 December 24 (Fr) Melk > Dürnstein
Day 6 December 25 (Sa) Vienna
Day 7 December 26 (Su) Budapest
Day 8 December 27 (Mo) Budapest

* Please note mooring and casting off times are only guidelines. We reserve the right to make changes to the itineraries and excursion programs. If due to low or high water or a defective ship a section of the river is closed to travel, the ship-owner reserves the right to transport guests along this section by bus, accommodate them in hotels and /or change the course of this part of the journey. In certain circumstances it may be necessary to transfer to another ship.  These situations are rare but do happen from time to time and are all part of riverboat vacations. There’s nothing anyone can do to control mother nature. 

Embarkation & Disembarkation

Embarkation (Monday, December 20, 2021):

Clients will be able to check-in and board in Nuremburg beginning at 16:00. Guest who arrive earlier may leave their luggage at reception beginning at 13:00 but will not be able to check-in or receive their cabin until 16:00. (The nearest airport to Nuremberg is Nuremberg (NUE) Airport which is 4.5 km away. Other nearby airports include Munich (MUC) (132.9 km), Stuttgart (STR) (161.5 km), Memmingen (FMM) (174.3 km) and Frankfurt (FRA) (191.9 km). Private airport transfers are available for an additional fee.  

Disembarkation (Monday, December 27, 2021):

Clients will be required to disembark by 9:30 on December 27. Closest international airport is Budapest International Airport and is approximately 45-minute drive from pier to airport. 8:00 scheduled group transfer to Budapest airport will be available for an additional fee (pre-reservation required).

Connect With Us

 

Call Us: USA +1 206-971-1114

Office hours are 9:00am to 5:00pm PST

E-mail: info@veganculinarycruises.com

Web: veganculinarycruises.com

 

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