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| Dohany Street Synagogue in Budapest // (c) Mwinog2777/Wikipedia |
AmaWaterways is offering themed European river cruises relating to wine and to Jewish heritage this year. The two themed cruises, “In Celebration of Wine” and “Jewish Heritage,” will feature unique shore excursions and other complimentary programming designed to highlight the cultural richness of Europe’s great waterways.
In Celebration of Wine
This fall, select October and November departures of AmaWaterways’ “Vineyards of the Rhine and Mosel,” “The Romantic Danube,” "Enchanting Rhine” and “Europe’s Rivers and Castle” itineraries will transform into “In Celebration of Wine” themed cruises. Timed to coincide with grape harvest time in Europe, the cruises will showcase Europe’s acclaimed wine regions along the Rhine, Mosel and Danube rivers.
These very special sailings will feature hosts such as James Beard Foundation Award–winner Anthony Dias Blue, an influential wine, food and lifestyle personality. Other renowned hosts include British wine critic, journalist and television personality Jilly Goolden; a representative from the acclaimed Ferrari-Carano Vineyards and Winery in Sonoma, CA; and winemakers from the St. Francis Winery and Vineyards in Santa Rosa and Trinchero Napa Valley in California.
The wine-themed itineraries will include complimentary onboard lectures, wine tastings and excursions to historic vineyards and cellars. Passengers will also enjoy special wine-themed excursions, such as a Medieval Wine Fest in the Mosel town of Zell; a traditional “Heuriger” tasting of new wine in the villages of Grinzing and Neustift on the outskirts of Vienna; a tour and tasting at the historic Bergweiler Winery in Bernkastel; an introduction to Alsatian wines at the “Wunsch et Mann” winery in Wettolsheim and a candlelit evening and wine tasting at the Hofkeller, or cellar of the famous Residenz in Wurzburg. Each of the distinctive wine-themed activities is complimentary and open to all passengers.
Jewish Heritage Cruises
In the late summer and fall, AmaWaterways will offer three “Jewish Heritage” cruises that highlight the rich Jewish legacy of key cities along the Danube region. Complimentary Jewish Heritage tours will include synagogue and museum visits, as well as visits to Jewish districts and landmarks of significance to Jewish history.
A dedicated guide will lead the tours on select “Blue Danube Discovery,” “The Legendary Danube” and “The Romantic Danube” itineraries in August and November 2011. Highlights include access to the second-largest synagogue in the world, the Dohany Street Synagogue in Budapest, along with the Jewish Museum, Temple of Heroes and cemetery at the Synagogue complex.
In Bratislava, the tour includes a visit to the tomb of the famous rabbi, Chatam Sofer. In Vienna, the tours include a visit to the Jewish Museum, Judenplatz and Old Synagogue; Sigmund Freud House (outside), Jewish Cemetery and Jewish Quarter. The house of Oscar Schindler is a highlight of the tour in Regensburg. Passengers will also have the opportunity to visit Court Room 600 at the Nuremberg Palace of Justice, scene of the Nuremberg Trials from 1945-49. The “Jewish Heritage” tours are open to all interested passengers, who are also free to take part in the regularly scheduled shore excursion programs.
Visit www.amawaterways.com.