CHRISTKINDLMÄRKTE ALONG THE DANUBE RIVER
Experience the enchantment of the holiday season on a magical Danube River cruise from Vienna, Austria to Nuremberg, Germany. This seven-night journey immerses you in centuries-old Yuletide traditions and visits some of Europe's most iconic Christmas markets.
Highlights:
- Explore histor ic cities and UNESCO World Heritage sites along the Danube
- Visit traditional Christkindlmärkte (Christmas markets) that have existed since the Middle Ages
- Discover imperial monuments and landmarks from the Habsburg dynasty
- Cruise through scenic landscapes decorated for the holiday season
- Sample traditional holiday treats and handicrafts at local markets
- Enjoying onboard festivities and seasonal entertainment
This river cruise offers a perfect blend of cultural exploration and holiday magic, allowing you to experience the time-honored Christmas traditions of Central Europe. From the grand palaces of Vienna to the medieval streets of Nuremberg, you'll be immersed in the festive atmosphere that has captivated visitors for centuries. As you journey along the Danube, you'll have the opportunity to explore charming towns and cities, each with its own unique Christmas market and local traditions. The cruise combines historical sightseeing with the warmth and joy of the holiday season, creating unforgettable memories of a European Christmas.
Program Features
- Exclusive journey from Nuremberg to Vienna through the picturesque Wachau Valley
- Access to ports unavailable to larger vessels and included excursions throughout your program
- Specially arranged full-day excursion in Salzburg, one of Austria's loveliest cities
- Four UNESCO World Heritage sites: Historic Centre of Vienna, Austria; Wachau Cultural Landscape, Austria; Historic Centre of the City of Salzburg, Austria; and Old Town of Regensburg, Germany
- Vienna Optional Extension and Munich Optional Extension
- Elegantly appointed, deluxe suite or stateroom
- Deluxe motor coach transfers during the Cruise Program
- Captain’s Welcome and Farewell Receptions
- Complimentary nonpremium liquor, house wine, beer, nonalcoholic beverages, and minibar service throughout the cruise; complimentary house wine, beer and nonalcoholic beverages at meals during excursions
- All meals | 2 receptions, 7 breakfasts, 7 lunches and 7 dinners
- Complimentary Wi-Fi access (conditions permitting)
- Get into the holiday spirit at Christmas Markets in Nuremberg, Regensburg, Passau, Salzburg, and Vienna
- Take a walking tour through the walled city of Nuremberg and its historic Old Town
- Visit Dürnstein's 15th-century monastery that overlooks the Danube and attend an organ recital at the cathedral
- Stroll through the baroque Benedictine abbey at Melk and enjoy a walk through the town
- Explore Passau and see its beautiful baroque cathedral
- Admire the elegant city of Vienna during a panoramic tour, followed by a visit to the world-famous Spanish Riding School and a tour of Schönbrunn Palace
UNESCO - Visit these World Heritage sites:
- The city of Regensburg, festively decorated for Christmas
- Wachau Cultural Landscape, a valley between Krems and Melk noted for its symbiotic cultural and agricultural development since prehistoric times
- Salzburg and its charming Old Town
- Regensburg, a Bavarian town with an impressive array of architecture from its early Roman years through the Middle Ages
An accomplished historian and triple Hoo, Carrie is a native of the Shenandoah Valley. Carrie has accompanied Cavalier Travels trips to Scotland, the US Southwest National Parks, Ireland and Gettysburg. She is the author or editor of six books, including Remembering the Civil War: Reunion and the Limits of Reconciliation (Littlefield Fund for Southern History and University of North Carolina Press, 2013), Burying the Dead but Not the Past: Ladies’ Memorial Associations and the Lost Cause (Chapel Hill: University of North Carolina Press, 2008), Petersburg to Appomattox: The End of the War in Virginia (University of North Carolina Press, 2018), and Ends of War: The Unfinished Fight of Lee's Army after Appomattox (Chapel Hill: University of North Carolina Press, 2021). Remembering the Civil War was selected for the History Book Club and Military Book Club and won the Charles S. Sydnor Award by the Southern Historical Association and the Jefferson Davis Award by the American Civil War Museum. Ends of War won the 2022 Gilder Lehrman Lincoln Prize.
An active public speaker, she has given presentations at locations such as the Lincoln Presidential Library, Clinton Presidential Library, Huntington Library, and Gettysburg College’s Civil War Institute, and has appeared on C-SPAN as well as NPR. She is a speaker with the Organization of American Historians’ Distinguished Lectureship program and a recipient of the Kenneth T. Kofmehl Outstanding Undergraduate Teaching Award from Purdue’s College of Liberal Arts. She serves as a co-editor of the University of North Carolina Press’s Civil War America Series and is a past president of the Society of Civil War Historians.
Depart your home city for Nuremberg, Germany. (NUE)
Be sure to attach the provided Gohagan & Company luggage tags for each piece of luggage, including carry-ons. Your claim checks should have the following airport code: NUE.
Arrive at Nuremberg Airport. Proceed through immigration to the baggage claim area and retrieve your luggage. After completing customs screening, meet a Gohagan & Company representative.
Those arriving early will transfer to a group hospitality room at the Park Plaza Hotel, ideally located near the city’s old town. From there you will transfer to the port to embark Viva Enjoy.
After settling into your cabin or stateroom, attend a Gohagan & Company Welcome Briefing and lifeboat drill.
Captain’s Welcome Reception: Join your fellow passengers for the Captain’s Welcome Reception this evening, followed by dinner on board. Viva Enjoy Reception, Dinner (R, D)
DAY 3 – Wednesday, December 10
Nuremberg
After breakfast on board this morning, you will embark on a city tour of Nuremberg.
This city of stories has a history that goes from its 12th-century fortress to the German Renaissance of the 15th and 16th centuries to the famous Nazi trials held here in 1946. Divided by the River Pegnitz, Nuremberg’s medieval city walls and imperial castle evoke epic tales from another era.
Your walking tour begins in Nuremberg’s old town, where you can see the original city walls and visit the castle complex. You will also admire the medieval, Gothic-style St. Lawrence Church, damaged during World War II and later masterfully restored. In the Hauptmarkt, or market square, you will see the Frauenkirche Gothic church and the Schöner Brunnen fountain before returning to the boat for lunch on board.
Free Time: Disembark for an afternoon at leisure to explore the Nuremberg Christkindlesmarkt, one of the oldest holiday markets in the world. In addition to Old World Christmas decorations, the market is renowned for preserving Nuremberg’s famous Rostbratwurst and Lebkuchen, a 17th-century gingerbread recipe.
Return to the river boat for dinner on board this evening. Viva Enjoy B, L, D
DAY 4 – Thursday, December 11
Regensburg
Savor breakfast on board this morning before disembarking for a walking tour of picturesque Regensburg in eastern Bavaria.
Designated a UNESCO World Heritage site for its many bridges, cathedrals and squares, the city of Regensburg has a history that spans more than 2,000 years. Its old town center was once the site of a Roman stronghold, reflected in remnants of walls that remain to this day. Even though it suffered repeated bombing during World War II, most of its medieval structures survived.
A stroll through Regensburg is like walking back through time. During the holidays, it’s like being immersed in a holiday card. Festooned with pine boughs and sparkling lights, the city features four enchanting Christmas markets — each purveying distinctive handmade pottery, carved figures and Bavarian delicacies.
Return to the river boat for lunch and an afternoon at leisure. This evening, gather with the group for dinner on board. Viva Enjoy B, L, D
DAY 5 – Friday, December 12
Passau
This morning, we arrive in Passau, where after breakfast and an early lunch you will embark on a walking tour. Your discovery of Passau begins with a stroll down its cobblestone streets to behold the wonder of the 17th-century St. Stephan’s Cathedral, after which we will stop for a visit to the Christmas market.
Free Time: Savor the aromas of Christmas as you explore the Passau Christkindlmarkt at leisure. Shop the stalls and taste the gingerbread and other aromatic treats with the splendor of the city all around you.
Return to the boat for dinner on board as we depart Passau Viva Enjoy B, L, D
DAY 6 – Saturday, December 13
Linz, Austria/Salzburg
The boat arrives in Linz this morning, where you will disembark after breakfast for a full-day excursion to Salzburg, birthplace of Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart.
Salzburg. The UNESCO World Heritage-inscribed city of Salzburg flourished from the Middle Ages through the 19th century as the center of art and culture — attracting artists and architects from throughout Europe with styles that ranged from Gothic to Baroque. Mozart was born here in 1756 and lived with his family on the third floor of the Hagenauer House for 26 years.
Enjoy the scenery as we drive from Linz to Salzburg. Begin your discovery of this legendary city with a walking tour of its historic center and old town. See St. Peter’s Cemetery, the Residenz Palace and Festival Halls before strolling along the 12th-century Getreidegasse shopping boulevard. You will also walk past Mozart’s birthplace at Getreidegasse No. 9 before arriving at the Mirabell Castle Cathedral for a Mozart string quartet concert
After the concert, your tour continues past the majestic Dom Cathedral for a visit to the traditional Salzburg Christkindlmarkt on Dom and Residenzplatz Square. One of the world’s oldest Advent markets, it has been spreading holiday cheer since the late 15th century. Choose your favorite local specialty, baked good or mulled wine for lunch
From there you will visit the 11th-century Fortress of Hohensalzburg, the largest, fully preserved fortress in central Europe — offering a panoramic view over the city. Return to the boat for dinner on board this evening. Viva Enjoy B, L, D
DAY 7 – Sunday, December 14
Emmersdorf/Melk/Dürnstein /Vienna
This morning, we arrive at Emmersdorf/Melk, the former site of an ancient Roman garrison and a legendary abbey, built high atop the town with views over the lower Alps and the Danube below.
Disembark after breakfast for a visit to the 900-year-old Benedictine abbey complex, a landmark that includes remnants of an 11th-century castle where Austria’s Babenberg rulers once lived, and a Baroque-style façade built in the 18th century. The abbey’s elaborate cloister has been ruined and rebuilt over the centuries and contains such artistic treasures as original frescoes, statuary and medieval manuscripts.
Return to the river boat for lunch on board as we cruise toward the picturesque Austrian town of Dürnstein.
Nestled in the heartland of UNESCO-inscribed Wachau Valley’s wine country, the tiny town of Dürnstein is most famous for its Künringer Castle, where England’s King Richard the Lionheart was imprisoned on his way back from the Third Crusade. Your walking tour begins at the Dürnstein Abbey, which began in 1372 as a small chapel dedicated to the Virgin Mary. You will then visit the ruins of Künringer Castle, situated high on a hill, before enjoying a short organ recital at the cathedral in Dürnstein.
Enjoy a stroll through this historic Danube River town as you walk back to the boat for dinner on board this evening as the ship arrives in Vienna. Viva Enjoy B, L, D
DAY 8 – Monday, December 15
Vienna
Wake to lovely Vienna views this morning and savor breakfast on board, followed by a city tour.
From its ancient origins as the site of Celtic and Roman settlements, medieval Vienna was at the epicenter of the Baroque movement. In addition to ushering in the golden age of Viennese classical music, Austria’s capital city is home to stunning architecture and splendid gardens. The UNESCO World Heritage-designated historic city center features Baroque castles and the impressive late 19th-century Ringstrasse, lined with landmark monuments and parks.
Explore the best of Vienna on a driving excursion that takes you past the magnificent Vienna State Opera House, which opened in 1869 with Mozart’s “Don Juan” to an audience that included Emperor Franz Joseph and Empress Elisabeth. It is today considered one of the most important opera houses in the world. From there, you will see the Austrian Parliament building; the 19th-century Burgtheater (known locally as “The Burg”); the historic Vienna City Hall; and several unique Catholic church buildings—culminating with the spectacular St. Stephen’s Cathedral.
Admire the Gothic beauty of St. Stephen’s, or Stephansdom, a structure that represents eight centuries of architectural history, on your way to visit the Spanish Riding School, located just minutes away. Witness a morning exercise and learn more about how riders train with their famous Lippizaners.
Find a local place nearby for lunch on your own before rejoining the group for a visit Schönbrunn Palace. A UNESCO World Heritage site, the Baroque Schönbrunn Palace was originally commissioned by Emperor Leopold I at the end of the 17th century as an imperial hunting lodge. By the end of the 18th century, the chateau grew into the palatial imperial residence you will see today. Gain insight into the Austrian empire and its extravagant Hapsburg rulers as you stroll through these lavish hallways and enjoy leisure time in the palace park.
Free Time. After the visit to the palace, you will have free time to explore the elegant Schönbrunn Christmas market. Set in front of the palace and its outbuildings, this popular market is known for its nativity scene, high-quality wares and fairytale setting. Return to the river boat for a special performance by Alpine carolers
Captain’s Farewell Reception: Join your fellow passengers for the Captain’s Farewell Reception this evening, followed by dinner on board. Viva Enjoy B, R, D
DAY 9 – Tuesday, December 16
Vienna/Disembark river boat/Return to Home City
After breakfast on board, transfer to Vienna International Airport for your flight home. Arrive in your home city and go through immigration and customs B
Extensions details
Explore Germany’s Romantic Road on this three-night, pre-tour extension to Bavaria’s capital city, Munich. Drive from Nuremberg to Rothenburg ob der Tauber — known for its classical half‑timbered medieval houses and a picturesque Reiterlesmarkt Christmas Market. Continue to Munich — visiting Christmas markets throughout the tour.
DAY 1 – Saturday, December 6
Depart your home city for Munich, Germany. Please check your bags from your gateway city to your arrival city. Be sure to attach the provided Gohagan & Company luggage tags for each piece of luggage, including carry-ons. Your claim checks should have the following airport code: MUC.
Hotel Bayerischer Hof Munich
DAY 2 – Sunday, December 7
Arrive at Munich Airport in Munich, the capital of Bavaria. Proceed through immigration to the baggage claim area and retrieve your luggage. After completing customs screening, meet a Gohagan & Company representative. From there you will transfer directly to the Bayerischer Hof Hotel, located in Munich’s historic Altstadt district.
Check in to the hotel and explore the city at your own pace, perhaps venturing to one of the local Christmas markets or finding a good spot for lunch on your own. A Gohagan & Company representative will be available at the hotel hospitality desk to assist with restaurant recommendations, as well as suggestions for touring in the area with maps provided.
Return to the hotel this evening for a Beer and Pretzel Reception, followed by an evening at leisure and dinner on your own. You may again consult the hospitality desk for recommendations.
Hotel Bayerischer Hof Munich
R (Reception)
DAY 3– Monday, December 8
Start your day with breakfast at the hotel, followed by a walking tour of Munich’s old town.
Munich. This picturesque Bavarian city is the third largest in Germany. In German, München translates to “home of the monks,” which reportedly refers to the 12th-century market that was established there for monks from a nearby Benedictine monastery. The marketplace was eventually fortified and in 1255, the noble House of Wittelsbach chose Munich as the center of its dynasty. The city continued to expand and prosper through the centuries, with members of the Wittelsbach family at the helm. Architects working under Louis I are credited with planning much of what remains as modern Munich in the 19th century.
See the landmark twin towers of the late Gothic Frauenkirche, or Church of Our Lady, as you stroll through the old city center. You will also walk past the Altes Rathaus town hall building on the eastern end of Marienplatz city square (which dates to the early days of the monks trading at the marketplace). Historical records show that in 1460, the original Altes Rathaus was destroyed by lightning, only to be rebuilt by the same master builder behind the Frauenkirch — Jörg von Halsbach. Compare this medieval structure to the new town hall with its famous glockenspiel bells on your way to visit a holiday market that has origins in the 14th century, making it the oldest one in Munich.
Free time. Enjoy the rest of the day at leisure to visit nearby Christmas markets at your own pace with lunch and dinner on your own. You may again consult the hospitality desk for recommendations.
Hotel Bayerischer Hof Munich
B (Breakfast)
DAY 4 – Tuesday, December 9
This morning, following breakfast at the hotel, embark on a scenic drive through the Bavarian countryside and bucolic towns along what is often called the “Romantic Road.” Stop at Rothenburg ob der Tauber, considered by some to be the most perfect walled city in Europe.
Admire the old town’s half-timbered medieval houses and narrow cobblestone lanes on a walking tour that includes a visit to Rothenburg ob der Tauber’s Christmas market — the Reiterlesmarkt. One of the oldest in Germany, this festive display of holiday wares dates to the 15th century.
Try some of the many local German specialties with lunch on your own in the market before continuing your journey to Nuremberg, where you will embark the Viva Enjoy for your cruise.
Hotel Bayerischer Hof Munich B
Vienna Post-Tour Extension:
3 days, 2 nights
Discover layers of history and Christmas traditions in Austria’s capital city of Vienna on this two-night post-tour extension. Visit the Hofburg Palace, the former winter residence of the Hapsburgs. Explore the Christmas Market in front of city hall, the Spittelberg Christmas Market and the Christmas Village at Belvedere Palace.
DAY 1 – Tuesday, December 16
Disembark the river boat after breakfast to begin your exploration of Vienna, the capital of Bavaria.
Vienna. From its ancient origins as the site of Celtic and Roman settlements, medieval Vienna was at the epicenter of the Baroque movement. In addition to ushering in the golden age of Viennese classical music, Austria’s capital city is home to stunning architecture and splendid gardens. The UNESCO World Heritage-designated historic city center features Baroque castles and the impressive late 19th-century Ringstrasse, lined with landmark monuments and parks.
Your morning begins with a half-day tour of the 13th-century Hofburg Palace, once the primary residence of the Hapsburg dynasty. Located in Vienna’s historic old town, the sprawling Hofburg Palace complex includes the Imperial Apartments; the Sisi Museum and Imperial Silver Collection; the Austrian National Library; and the Spanish Riding School. It also serves as the office of the President of Austria. Step back through the centuries on a guided tour of the Sisi Museum and the Imperial Apartments, which include the perfectly preserved private chambers of Emperor Franz Joseph and Empress Elisabeth.
From there you will walk over to the Sala Terrena, Vienna’s oldest concert hall, for a private Mozart concert. In addition to living in this house in 1781, the great composer famously worked and played here for Archbishop Hieronymus von Colloredo. Enjoy a glass of sparkling wine as you savor the symphony of sounds.
The rest of the afternoon is at your leisure to visit the Spittelberg Christmas Market in this revitalized heritage district (located right behind the Volkstheater) at your own pace with lunch on your own. Later this evening, check in to the luxurious InterContinental Vienna hotel, ideally located in the heart of the city.
Choose from one of many local restaurants for dinner on your own. A Gohagan & Company representative will be available at the hotel hospitality desk to assist with restaurant recommendations, as well as suggestions for touring in the area, with maps provided.
InterContinental Wein
DAY 2 – Wednesday, December 17
Enjoy breakfast at the hotel and continue your discovery of the city with a half-day tour of Belvedere Palace, a magnificent Baroque architectural landmark.
Prince Eugene of Savoy, an art connoisseur, commissioned Belvedere Palace to be built in the early 18th century as his summer residence. Its Austrian Gallery houses one of the country’s most important art museums, with collections that range from the Middle Ages to modern times. In the museum, look for iconic works by such artists as Gustav Klimt, Egon Schiele and Oskar Kokoschka, and then enjoy a stroll in the palace garden.
After leaving Belvedere Palace you will visit the Christkindlmarkt on the Rathausplatz, Vienna’s town square. This festive market is one of the city’s most renowned, featuring more than 100 vendors.
Return to the hotel for lunch and then dinner is on your own this evening. Our hospitality desk will again be open for restaurant recommendations.
InterContinental Wein B (Breakfast)
DAY 3 – Thursday, December 18
Check out of the hotel after breakfast and transfer to the Vienna International Airport for your flight home. Arrive in your home city and go through immigration and customs. B
Viva Enjoy
The newest member of the Scylla family is the Viva Enjoy, which debuts in 2024. Guests are welcomed on board by friendly, multilingual and international crew members who make guests’ well-being and comfort their priority. The ship’s appointments are luxurious, yet the feeling is relaxed and easygoing. All staterooms and suites are equipped with a flat screen TV, included minibar, beauty products from RITUALS®, hair dryer, safe, air conditioning and en-suite bathrooms. The upper and middle deck staterooms and suites all have French balconies. Ship facilities include: two restaurants; bistro with terrace; lounge; library; fitness center; wellness area with steam bath and sauna; sun deck with swimming pool, lounge chairs and shade awnings; putting green. Complimentary bicycles available for shore excursions.
Munich Pre-Tour Extension
$1,195 per person - double occupancy
$1,495 single
4 days, 3 nights (includes 1 in-air night)
Discover layers of history and Christmas traditions in Austria’s capital city of Vienna on this two-night pre-tour extension. Visit the Hofburg Palace, the former winter residence of the Hapsburgs. Explore the Christmas Market in front of city hall, the Spittelberg Christmas Market and the Christmas Village at Belvedere Palace. Accommodations are at the deluxe Hotel Bayerischer Hof Munich.
Vienna Post-Tour Extension
$995 per person - double occupancy
$1,295 single
3 days, 2 nights
Explore Germany’s Romantic Road on this two-night, post-tour extension to Bavaria’s capital city of Munich. Drive from Nuremberg to Rothenburg ob der Tauber—known for its classical half‑timbered medieval houses and a picturesque Reiterlesmarkt Christmas Market. Continue to Munich—visiting Christmas markets throughout the tour. Accommodations are at the deluxe InterContinental Wein hotel.
- All meals | 2 receptions, 7 breakfasts, 7 lunches and 7 dinners
Emerald, per person, double occupancy: $3,690 Emerald Deck; outside cabins feature windows (cannot be opened), flat screen TV, included minibar, hair dryer, safe, air conditioning, en-suite bathroom.
Emerald, single occupancy: $4,690
Ruby, per person, double occupancy: $4,090 Ruby Deck; cabins feature outside French balcony, flat screen TV, included minibar, hair dryer, safe, air conditioning, en-suite bathroom.
Ruby, single occupancy: $5,085
Diamond, per person, double occupancy: $4,690 Diamond Deck; cabins feature outside French balcony, flat screen TV, included minibar, hair dryer, safe, air conditioning, en-suite bathroom.
Diamond, single occupancy: $10,185
Suite, per person, double occupancy: $5,090 Diamond Deck; cabins feature outside French balcony, flat screen TV, included minibar, hair dryer, safe, air conditioning, en-suite bathroom.
Suite, single occupancy: $10,985
Price includes:
- Transfers and luggage handling abroad for passengers who book their air through
Gohagan & Company. - Experienced, English-speaking local guides for included excursions.
- Gratuities to local guides and drivers on included excursions and transfers.
- Complimentary bottled water in your room and on excursions.
- Hospitality desk.
- Experienced Gohagan & Company Travel Directors at your service.
- Complimentary audio headset during guided excursions.
- Automatic $250,000 flight insurance policy for each participant ticketed on flights by
Gohagan & Company.
Does not include:
- Passport, visas and associated fees
- COVID-19 related expenses
- Personal expenses such as laundry, telephone calls, internet or any other expenses unless specifically described
- Accident/sickness, trip cancellation, and baggage insurance
- Gratuities to ship and hotel personnel
- Optional sightseeing excursions
- Baggage charges on aircraft
- Departure air/airport tax(es)
- Airfare and associated taxes, airport facility/security/federal inspection fees not listed as included in the travel program
- Transfers and baggage handling to/from airport/hotel/ship on day(s) of arrival and/or departure if you are arriving and/or departing earlier or later than the scheduled group transfer(s)
- Transfer and baggage handling to/from airport/ship/hotel on day(s) of arrival and/or departure if flight arrangements have not been reserved through Gohagan Air Department
- Any overnight on land due to flight schedule(s)
- Meals, beverages and all other services not specifically mentioned as included in the travel program
How to Register
Ready to register? The best way to do this is by phone so that we can ensure we are meeting all of your needs. Please call us at 866-765-2646. Or, e-mail cavaliertravels@virginia.edu with your contact information and the best time to reach you.
A deposit of $1,000 per person is required to reserve your spot. Final invoicing will be done approximately 5 months prior to departure. Final payment is due 120 days prior to departure.
Deposits can be made via Visa, Master card, or American Express. We also accept ACH payments.
Early registration is encouraged as space is limited.
RELEASE OF LIABILITY, ASSUMPTION OF RISK AND BINDING ARBITRATION AGREEMENT
COVID-19 Requirements: The safety and security of our travelers remain our highest priority, which is why at this time we recommend that all travelers are fully vaccinated against the COVID-19 virus to participate in our travel programs.
While some of our cruise line partners still require a minimum of two vaccine doses plus one booster, COVID-19 restrictions are easing around the world. As a result, unvaccinated travelers are now able to participate in some of our programs. Our guidelines will continue to evolve as needed and are designed in accordance with recommendations set forth by worldwide travel and health agencies, including the U.S. Center for Disease Control, the World Health Organization and/or the U.S. Department of State Travel Advisories. Specific protocols and procedures may change over time to adapt to the travel regulations in each of the destinations in which we operate.
Responsibility: Gohagan & Company, the sponsoring associations/organizations, and its and their employees, shareholders, subsidiaries, affiliates, officers, directors or trustees, successors, and assigns (collectively “Gohagan”), do not own or operate any entity which provides goods or services for your program including, for example, lodging, airline, vessel, or other transportation companies, guides, ground operators, providers or organizers of excursions, food service or entertainment, etc. All such persons and entities are independent contractors. As a result, Gohagan is not liable for any act, failure to act, financial failure or other defaults of any such person, entity, supplier or any other third party.
In addition and without limitation, Gohagan is not responsible for any injury, financial or other loss, death, inconvenience, delay, or damage to person or property in connection with the provision of any goods or services whether resulting from, but not limited to, acts of God, force majeure, acts of governments, denial or delay of entry into any country, acts of war or civil unrest, strikes or other labor activities, criminal or terrorist activities of any kind or the threat thereof, sickness, illness, epidemics or the threat thereof, the lack of availability of or access to medical attention or the quality thereof, overbooking or downgrading of accommodations, mechanical or other failure of any means of transportation, or for any failure to arrive or depart timely or safely. Further, I release Gohagan from its own negligence and assume all risk thereof.
If due to weather, flight schedules or other uncontrollable factors, you are required to spend an additional night(s), you will be responsible for your own hotel, transfers and meal costs. Baggage is entirely at owner’s risk. The right is reserved to decline to accept as a program participant, or remove from a program, without refund, any person Gohagan judges to be incapable of meeting the rigors and requirements of participating in the activities, or who is abusive to other program participants, leaders or third parties, or who Gohagan determines to detract from the enjoyment of the program by others. Specific room/cabin assignments are within the sole discretion of the hotel or cruise line.
Gohagan reserves the right to change the itinerary or program features at any time and for any reason, with or without notice. Ship schedules, port calls, hours of arrival and departure, sightseeing events, special programs and guest lecture series are subject to change or cancellation. Gohagan reserves the right to substitute motorcoach transportation using hotels, inns or lodges for cruise accommodations if necessary due to weather, water levels, other events of force majeure, mechanical or conditions beyond the control of Gohagan. Gohagan is not responsible therefore and is not required to compensate passengers under these circumstances. Gohagan may cancel or postpone a program for any reason whatsoever. If so, for cancellations based upon acts of God, force majeure, acts of governments, epidemics or threat thereof, terrorism or threat thereof, strikes or labor disturbances, demonstrations, civil unrest, criminal activity, supplier default or similar circumstances, its sole obligation is to issue credits in the amount of moneys paid to Gohagan to the extent its suppliers are crediting Gohagan with those monies paid by Gohagan to them. Under no circumstances is Gohagan obligated to refund the cost of any purchased travel insurance. Gohagan is not required to cancel any program for any reason including without limitation, U.S. Dept. of State, Centers for Disease Control, World Health Organization or other Warnings or Advisories of any kind. Gohagan is not responsible for fees assessed by air carriers resulting from operational and/or itinerary changes, even if Gohagan makes the flight arrangements or cancels the program. Gohagan reserves the right to substitute vessels, hotels or attractions of a similar category for those listed in this brochure.
Airfare: Airfare is subject to change and availability and, depending on the fare basis, likely is nonrefundable. Your airline ticket constitutes a contract between you and the airline, even if purchased through Gohagan.
Luggage: Luggage allowance policies are set by the airlines and may change without notice.
Physical Accessibility: All programs require physical independence and mobility. Any physical or mental condition that may require special medical attention or physical assistance (for example, the need for a wheelchair) must be reported in writing when you make your reservation. Participants must be able to embark or disembark motorcoaches alone or with minimal assistance from your traveling companion and climb stairs and step over raised thresholds without assistance. Participants requiring assistance must travel with a companion who will be responsible for them.
Discounted Reservations: Discounts apply only to those reservations received in the offices of Gohagan in writing, accompanied by the required deposit, by Early Booking Discount date indicated on the brochure. In the event a “discounted” reservation must be cancelled, no “replacement” reservation can be substituted at the discounted rate. A “replacement” reservation is a new reservation and can be substituted only at the full-fare tariff. Cancellation penalties may apply.
CANCELLATION POLICY: Final payment due at least 120 days prior to departure. Cancellation fees and penalties apply as follows:
PRIOR TO DEPARTURE FEE
> 120 days prior ------ $300 per person admin fee after 7-day grace period from booking
120-91 days prior------ 25% of full invoice fare
90-61 days prior ------ 50% of full invoice fare
60-31 days prior ------ 75% of full invoice fare
30-0 days prior ------ 100% full invoice fare
Travel Insurance: We strongly recommend that you purchase trip cancellation insurance. In the event that you must cancel your participation in a travel program, trip cancellation insurance may be the only source of reimbursement. Trip cancellation insurance is available through Gohagan and others for comprehensive coverage as described in the specific policy documents.
Rates: Prices quoted are based on fares in effect at the time of publication and are subject to change at any time. On land and/or cruise programs, even after full payment, Gohagan reserves the right to pass through any increases in supplier costs, currency fluctuations or fuel or energy surcharges and all such increases are to be paid upon notice to the program participant, given the additional cost being charged by the vendor (e.g. Ponant). On programs which include Gohagan purchased air (which originates or returns to the United States), no increased costs will be passed on after final payment except for subsequently imposed governmental tax increases. Gohagan & Company reserves the right to correct errors or omissions and to change any and all fares, fees, promotions and surcharges at any time.
Registration: CA Seller of Travel #2154960, OH Seller of Travel #TA 0905, WA Seller of Travel #601 767 666.
Choice of law: This agreement and any issues regarding programs will be governed by substantive Illinois law.
Binding Arbitration: Any dispute concerning, relating or referring to this Agreement, the brochure or any other literature concerning the program, or the program itself, shall be resolved exclusively by binding arbitration pursuant to the Federal Arbitration Act, 9 U.S.C. Sections 1-16, either according to the then existing Commercial Rules of the American Arbitration Association (AAA) or pursuant to the Comprehensive Arbitration Rules & Procedures of the Judicial Arbitration and Mediation Services, Inc. (JAMS). Such proceedings will be governed by substantive (but not procedural) Illinois law and will take place in Chicago, IL. The arbitrator and not any federal, state, or local court or agency shall have exclusive authority to resolve any dispute relating to the interpretation, applicability, enforceability, conscionability, or formation of this contract, including but not limited to any claim that all or any part of this contract is void or voidable. Please understand that by agreeing to these terms and conditions, the participant and Gohagan are waiving the right to a trial by jury. Any arbitration commenced against Gohagan must be on behalf of only the signatory to this Agreement and his or her immediate family members who traveled with signatory, such as a spouse or child. Under no circumstances can participant be part of a class or other joint action.
Passenger Ticket Contracts: The individual Passenger Ticket Contracts from our contracted suppliers (Ponant, Silversea, Windstar, Lueftner (Amadeus fleet), etc.) govern the relationship between that supplier and the Gohagan & Company passenger. These respective Passenger Ticket Contracts establish limits on liability, limits on claims, define the time to file claims, and the acceptable jurisdictions for making claims. These Passenger Ticket Contracts incorporate provisions and limitations under the Athens Convention Relating to the Carriage of Passengers and Their Luggage by Sea, 1974 and amendments thereto, the European Parliament and London International Convention and other relevant authorities and protocols for deep sea cruise passengers and the Strasbourg Convention on the Limitation of Liability for Maritime Claims, 1976, 1988 and amendments thereto, for passengers on inland waterways.
Booking travel with Gohagan & Company certifies acceptance of the Passenger Ticket Contract for your respective supplier.
Acceptance of Contract: By forwarding of deposit, the participant certifies that he/she does not have any mental, physical or other condition of disability that would create a hazard for him/herself or other participants and accepts the terms contained in this Release of Liability, Assumption of Risk and Binding Arbitration Agreement for this program or for any program to which he/she may transfer.Bottom of Form