through Novem
$150 per Early Bookin
800
$
OFF
© Passion Play Oberammergau 2020
per double occupancy cabin when you book by May 15, 2021
Exclusive Experiences by Amadeus PASSION PLAY 2022 OBERAMMERGAU AND DANUBE RIVER CRUISE JUNE 8 — 17, 2022 ABOARD THE MS AMADEUS STAR TRAVEL WITH ALLELUIA! LUTHERAN CHURCH & PASTOR MARK JULIOT 1
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Pastor Mark Juliot on the Zugspitze in the vicinity of Oberammergau, Germany
Dear fellow traveler, In 2009, my family and I were blessed while on sabbatical to travel and experience a wide variety of people, cultures and activities. Many of these travels were coordinated by Alleluia! member, Marcus Leskovar. At the time my hope was to develop a travel ministry visiting sites of religious and historic interest. Now, that vision is taking shape with an incredible opportunity through AMADEUS River Cruises. Marcus and his team are designing a program specifically for Alleluia! to see the Passion Play in Oberammergau, Germany followed by a cruise on the Danube River. The Passion Play of Oberammergau, beautifully located in the Bavarian Alps, has an incredible history. The play began in 1634 because of a pandemic and has been performed every 10 years since then, with two exceptions: WWII and 2020. Now, you are invited to join me and my wife, Lori, and others from the Alleluia! community and their guests for this great adventure in June of 2022. Following the Passion Play, our group will travel aboard the AMADEUS Star river cruise ship visiting sites in places such as Vienna, Bratislava, and Budapest. We are also gauging interest for visiting sites of Martin Luther and the Reformation as an optional add on to the trip. Please see the attached brochure for all the details. Participants receive a special rate through the congregation, but spots will not last for long. Find out more during an online informational session, Sunday, April 11th or in-person event on Sunday, May 2nd. For details about these events or the trip, please contact me at mjuliot@alleluia.church or (630) 904-3311 x226. I look forward to experiencing this once in a life time event with you in the summer of 2022!
Mark Juliot Missions Pastor Alleluia! Lutheran Church Naperville, IL 3
© Passion Play Oberammergau 2020 / Birgit Gudjonsdottir
Every ten years ending in zero, history takes place in the small town of Oberammergau, Germany. Surrounded by the majestic peaks of the Bavarian Alps, people from all over the world gather in the charming village for one purpose: to witness the town’s residents fulfill a promise made to God almost four centuries ago. On a stage set against a backdrop of the breathtaking vistas, the villagers perform one of the most unique Passion Plays in the world by incorporating the Life, Death and Resurrection of Jesus Christ with their own tragic story. Discover for yourself how this memorable dramatic experience inspires passion, a renewed faith and hope in all who encounter the production of the Oberammergau Passion Play.
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© Passion Play Oberammergau 2020
Passion Play 2022 MUNICH — OBERAMMERGAU — PASSAU — BUDAPEST
The small village of Oberammergau is one of the most scenic destinations in the Ammergau area of the Bavarian Alps. Located approximately ninety minutes from Munich, Oberammergau is easy to get to but a world away from the bustle of big-city-life. With slightly over 5,200 inhabitants the town is dedicated to its history and tradition, and while Passion Plays are performed throughout several other Christian parts of the world, Oberammergau is unique for its Thanksgiving to God. Every ten years the humble little town transforms itself to accept over a half-million visitors from all over the world, just as the performers endeavor to transform the lives of their audience by inspiring hope, love, and faith. Travel back in history to 1633 when, after 30 years of war, poverty and disease, the bubonic plague ravaged the area that is part of the Garmisch-Partenkirchen District and brought death to thousands. In small villages like Oberammergau, the plague decimated the population as it wreaked panic, havoc and terror, killing over a third of the tiny town’s population and ultimately affected the lives of each and every person who lived there. This devastation inspired the people of Oberammergau to make a vow, and then a covenant with God: the town pledged to perform a “Play of the Suffering, Death and Resurrection of Our Lord Jesus Christ” every ten years ending in a zero if God would
protect the remaining townspeople from getting the plague and spare the lives of those who were suffering. The first play was held during Pentecost in 1634; legend has it that after the promise was fulfilled no other cases were diagnosed and those residents afflicted with the plague recovered. By the middle of the 18th century, people came to Oberammergau from all over Germany and Europe to witness the dedication and unique continuity of the townspeople. The tradition has continued for almost 400 years with the only exception in 1940 due to World War II. Most recently, when the Covid19 pandemic affected the entire world, the 2020 performances were delayed, and the 42nd Oberammergau Passion Play will now take place from May 14 to October 2, 2022. Mix together the passion of the people set against the dramatic setting of some of Germany’s highest peaks and it creates an atmosphere unlike any event in the world. From your assigned seat watch the production take place on the open-air stage of the Passion Play Theatre. The five-hour performance is broken down into twelve different acts, with a break for dinner between scenes six and seven. The story portrays the final days of Jesus of Nazareth, from His arrival in Jerusalem on a donkey to His death on the cross and His miraculous resurrection, all while weaving in the tragic tale of how the plague was brought to
Oberammergau throughout the acts. A hundred-person choir and a fifty-five instrumentalist orchestra accompany the dedicated ensemble to create a once-in-alifetime experience. The Passion Play is performed in the German Language however textbooks are provided in English to follow along easily. Over the past four centuries, the people of Oberammergau have remained true to that first generation’s sacred promise, maintaining the age-old tradition that permits only the residents of Oberammergau born in the village, or those who have lived there for a minimum of 20 years to take part in the play. Nearly half of the town’s population will participate, whether it is in the performance, set design or some other role. Throughout the years, some contemporary elements have been added, however the people who participate in the Passion Play, known as Passionsspiele, attempt to follow a strict guide to keep the original promise as authentic as possible. It takes two years to prepare the town for the influx of visitors from all over the world, and for the actors to prepare for their roles. For one entire year before the Passion Play, ordinary townspeople who are usually doctors, teachers, shop owners, restaurant workers, and so much more, practice every day and dedicate their lives to the production of the play.
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Passion Play 2022
10 DAYS MUNICH — OBERAMMERGAU — PASSAU — BUDAPEST
Regensburg
GER M A N Y
CZECH REPUBL I C Emmersdorf
Passau
Munich
Dürnstein Linz
Melk
Salzburg Oberammergau (Optional Excursion) Land Routing Cruise Itinerary Air Routing
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An AMADEUS Vessel in Passau
S LO V A K I A
AUSTRIA
Bratislava Vienna
Szentendre Esztergom
HUNG A R Y
Budapest
Danube
Your Itinerary DAY/PORT
ARR DEP PROGRAM
1 MUNICH Airport meet & greet Transfer to hotel in the vicinity of OBERAMMERGAU Oberammergau Dinner at hotel 2 OBERAMMERGAU
Breakfast at hotel Transfer to Passion Play Theatre for main performance Passion Play Performance Part 1 Dinner during break Passion Play Performance Part 2 Shuttle to hotel
3 Breakfast at hotel & Check-out OBERAMMERGAU Scenic transfer to Passau PASSAU Lunch on own 18:00 Embarkation from 4:00pm Welcome Cocktail and Welcome Dinner in the evening 4 REGENSBURG 09:30 20:00 Regensburg walking tour in the morning Excursion to Weltenburg Abbey** in the afternoon Or Excursion Thurn & Taxis Castle with Brewery and tasting** Bavarian evening on board 5 PASSAU 08:00 10:00 Passau walking tour** in the morning Or Full-day excursion to Salzburg with Salzkammergut and lunch** (from Passau/to Linz) LINZ 16:30 22:00 Linz walking tour with tasting of "Linzer Torte"** onboard in the afternoon 6 EMMERSDORF 08:00 12:00 DÜRNSTEIN 14:00 17:30 VIENNA 22:00
Excursion to Melk Abbey Dürnstein walking tour & visit of Abbey Dürnstein** in the morning Or Excursion to the vineyard and winery "Winzer Krems"**
7 VIENNA 24:00 City tour of Vienna in the morning Guided tour of the Schönbrunn Palace in the afternoon · ”Sound of Vienna“ classical concert in the evening 8 BRATISLAVA
08:00 22:00 City tour of Bratislava in the morning Excursion to Schloss Hof Palace and Estate** Or Excursion to the small Carpathian wine route** in the afternoon Captain’s Gala Dinner
9 ESZTERGOM
07:00 08:30 Excursion to Esztergom with basilica, Visegrad Castle and Szentendre (from Esztergom/to Budapest) 13:00 City tour of Budapest with visit of St. Matthew's Church & Fisherman's Bastion in the afternoon Evening cruise Budapest with folklore show
BUDAPEST
10 BUDAPEST
Disembarkation after breakfast
Excursions listed in blue are not included in the cruise price. ** Excursions operate at the same time; only one may be booked. Port times and itineraries are subject to change. Excursion packages must be booked in advance. Please note airfare is not included.
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DAY 1 | GERMANY: MUNICH · OBERAMMERGAU Shortly after arrival at Munich International Airport, you’ll proceed through customs and immigration before departing the secure area. An airport greeter will direct you to your deluxe motorcoach for transportation to your hotel in the vicinity of Oberammergau. For your convenience, the motorcoach you board at the airport will be your designated form of transportation and will remain with you until you arrive in Passau. This allows you to safely store larger luggage pieces you may wish to keep separate from your pre-cruise extension. An English-speaking travel director will accompany you over the next three days of your pre-cruise excursion. DAY 2 | OBERAMMERGAU THE PASSION PLAY Enjoy a leisurely breakfast at your hotel before boarding your shuttle to the Village of Oberammergau. The twenty-minute ride through the scenic Bavarian Alps gives you a glimpse of the captivating mountains surrounding you during your pre-cruise extension. In the distance, set amid the spectacular vistas, you might get a peek at the Zugspitze, Germany’s tallest peak, standing at 2,962 meters above sea level. The countryside awards you with sloping hillsides dotted with the centuries-old church steeples, farm houses and villages that have
survived through the generations. After arriving at the drop-off point near the Passion Play Theatre, your travel director will guide you on a short walk through town and assist with the check-in process as well all other details surrounding the performance. At the conclusion of the Sixth Act the performance will break for dinner, offering plenty of time to dine and refresh before the second half of play resumes. Your travel director will meet you at the conclusion of the performance to escort you to the shuttle for the short drive back to your hotel. DAY 3 | OBERAMMERGAU · PASSAU After breakfast, prepare to board your deluxe motorcoach for a memorable ride to Passau, Germany. Enjoy scenic mountain passes, stunning alpine forests, and dramatic panoramas brimming with the majesty of the iconic Alps. Your journey takes you past post-card perfect castles constructed atop emerald cliffs, picturesque valleys, and rolling hills sprinkled with centuries-old farms. Small towns transform to sprawling metropolises and busy urban streets brimming with contemporary architecture and thriving industry, and then gradually fade to the romanticism of classic Bavarian villages dotting the Danube’s riverbanks. You arrive in the beautiful city of Passau with a few hours of free time before your 4:00pm embarkation. Store your luggage with the ship’s front desk and set out to experience
The City of Three Rivers. The river ship dock is conveniently located near authentic restaurants and inviting cafés for a tasty afternoon snack, or a cup of coffee heaped high with rich, Bavarian cream. You may wish to spend these precious moments wandering through the large squares and romantic promenades, or choose to occupy the passing of time by strolling along the riverfront to the dramatic conjunction point where the Danube, Ilz and Inn Rivers converge. Discover the historic Old Town area of Passau and a past that has been beautifully preserved to give you a glimpse of life in the 13th century when the town was a small, independent principality ruled by bishops. Wander down winding streets lined with magnificent Baroque and Gothic Architecture, where the buildings are pieces of art and history is evident on every step of your pathway. In the afternoon, embark your AMADEUS river ship and settle in your cabin. This evening, join us for a Welcome Cocktail, followed by a specially-prepared Welcome Dinner. DAY 4 | REGENSBURG Begin the cruise portion of your getaway with a visit to Regensburg. This UNESCO site boasts architecture from many centuries, reflective of its varied history. The stone bridge, built in 1135 —1146, the Esztergom
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Melk Abbey
Church of St. James, and the Thurn and Taxis Palace are a few highlights of the city. Once you are back on board, experience a Bavarian evening with lively traditional music and a dinner of local specialities. DAY 5 | PASSAU | AUSTRIA: LINZ The vessel returns this morning for a short stop at the three-rivers city of Passau, lying at the confluence of the Danube, the Inn and the Ilz. Explore the city on your own or take an optional walking excursion. At St. Stephen’s Cathedral, see an organ with 17,774 pipes and 233 registers, the second largest in the world. Passau is also the starting point for the full day optional excursion to Salzburg — rejoining in Linz. For those remaining on board, relax on the Sun Deck and take in the scenery as the vessel moves toward its late afternoon visit to Linz — the third largest city in Austria. The main street and square boast unique churches, concert venues, and plenty of artists who come to the city to thrive. Time permitting, sample the famous Linzer Torte before returning to the vessel. DAY 6 | E MMERSDORF · DÜRNSTEIN · VIENNA This morning presents an opportunity to visit the beautiful Baroque Benedictine Abbey of Melk, which sits on a rocky outcrop overlooking the Danube. This Baroque jewel
8The Chain Bridge of Budapest
is filled with beautiful frescoes created by pre-eminent artists of the 18th century, and a magnificent library filled with priceless manuscripts. During lunch onboard, the ship continues to Dürnstein, a picturesque wine growers’ village located in the heart of the UNESCO World Heritage Site of the Wachau Valley. Explore the village or sample some of the region’s famous Grüner Veltliner wines during an excursion to a local vineyard. The ship arrives in Vienna later this evening and remains overnight. DAY 7 | VIENNA There is much to see in imperial Vienna: its imperial palaces, the Museum Quarter displaying works by Egon Schiele, Gustav Klimt and other artists, the impressive buildings along the Ringstrasse, St. Stephen’s Cathedral and the famous Vienna State Opera among many others. This afternoon, perhaps venture to Schönbrunn Palace, the sumptuous summer palace and gardens of Empress Maria Theresia and the Habsburg Empire. Cap off your Vienna experience with the optional excursion “Sound of Vienna.” Listen to the “Alt Wien” orchestra play popular pieces from Vienna’s classical era. The vessel remains in Vienna until late this evening when it departs for Bratislava. DAY 8 | V IENNA | SLOVAKIA: BRATISLAVA Wake up this morning in Bratislava, a jewel on the Danube and the capital of Slovakia. Explore the city on your own or with a guided optional excursion through the city. See the home of the Slovak Philharmonic Orchestra, the old city walls, the summer residence of the archbishop and the current residence of the president of Slovakia. In the
restored old town, view Michael’s Gate, the Primatial Palace and St. Martin’s Cathedral, a former coronation cathedral for Hungarian kings. This afternoon continue to explore the city at your own place or opt for one of two exciting optional shore excursions. Travel outside the city to the beautiful Schloss Hof Palace and Estate – the Imperial country estate of the Habsburgs acquired by the Empress Maria Theresa. Or explore the history of wine in Hungary along the Little Carpathian wine route, set among the Carpathian mountain range. Visit a local wine cellar and enjoy a tasting of the local vintage. DAY 9 | H UNGARY: ESZTERGOM · BUDAPEST Relax on board as the vessel makes its way to Budapest, Hungary. For those interested in exploring the Hungarian countryside, the optional excursion departs in Esztergom, with its basilica dedicated to Saint Mary, and continues to Szentendre, known for its art galleries and museums. Rejoin the vessel after it docks in Budapest in time for lunch. This afternoon, explore the beautiful Hungarian capital of Budapest. The unique Chain Bridge straddles the Danube, connecting the Buda side, with its Fisherman’s Bastion, and the Pest side, with its famous Hungarian Parliament building. An evening cruise on board your vessel, admiring the illuminated skyline, accompanied by a folklore show of music and dance, is a perfect end to your visit. DAY 10 | BUDAPEST After breakfast, the entire AMADEUS crew bids you farewell and wishes you a safe journey home. We hope to welcome you again soon!
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Cruise Fares per person in USD based on double occupancy of a cabin and TOUR DATE
before Alleluia! savings VESSEL
8 DAYS PASSAU — BUDAPEST
10 Jun - 17 Jun AMADEUS Star
CABIN TYPE & DECKS C-4 C-1/C-EK B-4 B-1 A-1 Suite Haydn Haydn Strauss Strauss Mozart Mozart
2480 2853 3271 3554 3882 4548
Single cabin supplement per person for all dates: C-4 + C-1: 15% · B-4: 30% · B-1: 50% · A-1: 60% · Suite: 100% of cruise price.
Excursions and Excursion Packages prices per person in USD CRUISE PASSAU — BUDAPEST
UP
Regensburg walking tour $23 Excursion to Weltenburg Abbey** $75 OR Excursion Thurn & Taxis Castle with brewery and tasting** $72 Passau Walking tour** $23 OR Full-day excursion to Salzburg including Salzkammergut and lunch** $120 Linz walking tour with tasting of Linzer Torte onboard** $26 Excursion to Melk Abbey $59 Dürnstein walking tour and visit of Dürnstein Abbey ** $27 OR Excursion to the vineyard and winery "Winzer Krems"** $51 City tour of Vienna $44 Guided tour of Schönbrunn Palace $61 Concert "Sound of Vienna" $71 City tour of Bratislava $43 Excursion to Schloss Hof Palace and Estate** $64 OR Excursion to the Small Carpathian Wine Route** $59 Excursion to Esztergom with Basilica, Visegrad Castle and Szentendre $53 City tour of Budapest with visit of St Matthew's Church & Fisherman's Bastion $43 ** Excursions operate at the same time; only one may be booked. NEW: Unlimited Shore Excursion Package | for only $557 Choose to participate in any of the excursion listed below for a discounted rate when purchased in advance. Enjoy the flexibility to choose any shore excursion from our carefully curated selection of immersive and inspiring adventures. When booking our new unlimited excursion package prior to departure we offer you maximum flexibility at a great value. Book now and decide later - curate your perfect excursion experience. Introductory Package | for only $180 Enjoy a package of five pre-selected excursions for a discounted rate when purchased in advance: • City Walk Regensburg • Excursion to Melk Abbey • City Tour of Vienna • City Tour of Bratislava • City Tour of Budapest with visit of St Matthew’s Church & Fisherman’s Bastion Additional shore excursions can be purchased onboard and added to your onboard account.
JUNE 8-10, 2022
Oberammergau program starts 2 days prior to cruise start date. Double Occupancy, price per person Single Occupancy
• Fascinating river cruise in an outside river-view stateroom of your choice • Complimentary digital audio-system for all guided excursions • Services of an experienced English-speaking Cruise Director and crew • Gourmet dining featuring early morning breakfast, breakfast buffets, multi-course lunches and dinners; menu choices always include a vegetarian option, afternoon tea and late-night snack (alternate lunch venue with light lunch option available daily) • Sommelier’s choice of red and white wines from the best wine regions of Europe, draft beer, soda as well as coffee and tea included with every lunch and dinner onboard • Coffee and tea available 24-hours a day in the AMADEUS Club • Cocktail Reception, Welcome Dinner, Farewell Dinner, and Captain’s Gala Dinner • Special onboard entertainment including talks, cooking demonstration, onboard music performances and nightly music by the AMADEUS Duo in the Panorama-Bar
• Complimentary bottled water in cabins replenished daily • Complimentary use of onboard bicycles
$1499 $1750
Services included in your two-night Pre-Cruise Package: • Meet and greet service at Munich Airport (on program date) • Scenic group transfers from Munich Airport to Oberammergau and from Oberammergau to Passau in dedicated motorcoach (on program date) • Services of an English-speaking travel director for entire pre-cruise extension • Accommodations for two nights in a four-star-hotel in the vicinity of Oberammergau (specific group hotel assignments are subject to availability) • Breakfast daily at the hotel • Dinner with beverage package at your hotel on arrival day • Round-trip shuttle transportation to and from the Passion Play Theater • Passion Play performance, ticket category 2 • Dinner with beverage package during Passion Play performance break on day two • Commemorative Passion Play textbook in English • All taxes and associated fees
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Services Included During Your Cruise
• Complimentary WiFi throughout vessel including your stateroom
Pre-Cruise Extension prices per person in USD OBERAMMERGAU & PASSION PLAY 2022
Alleluia! Savings: Alleluia! members and friends save $800 per cabin off the published cruise fare (double occupancy) for bookings received before May 15, 2021 (Save $400 single occupancy).
• Non-smoking environment (smoking permitted on the Sun Deck) • All port taxes, embarkation, disembarkation and lock fees
Transfers prices per person in USD Vessel — Budapest/airport $53 Vessel — Budapest/city center $25 Vessel — Budapest/train station $30
AMADEUS STAR
Stateroom, Mozart and Strauss Deck
Amadeus-Club
Suite, Mozart Deck
ONBOARD FACILITIES • Panorama-Restaurant • Panorama-Bar and Lounge • Amadeus-Club and Wine Bar • Outdoor glass-shielded ”River Terrace“ • Sun Deck with Lido-Bar, Stern Terrace, lounge chairs, shade awnings, giant Chess Board and Shuffleboard • Fitness Room • Hair Salon, Massage Room • Gift Shop, Laundry Service • Complimentary bicycles on board • Wi-Fi available • Elevator STATEROOM AMENITIES • Suites (26,4 m²/284 sq.ft.) with comfortable corner sofa, luxurious bathroom and walk-out exterior balcony • Staterooms (17,5 m²/188 sq.ft.) on Strauss and Mozart Deck with drop-down panoramic windows • Staterooms (16 m²/172 sq.ft.) on Haydn Deck with smaller panoramic windows (cannot be opened) • Cabins with connecting doors are available on Haydn Deck on request • Mini-Bar (all staterooms except C-1 and C-4) • Walk-in wardrobe • Choice of bed configuration: double or twin bed • Flat-screen television • Individual climate control • En-suite bathrooms with shower/WC • Bathrobe in Suites, Hair dryer • Direct dial telephone • In-room safe
Suite
A-1
B-1
Suite
B-4
C-1
Staterooms, Mozart and Strauss Deck
C-4
TECHNICAL DATA • Built: 2019 • Registry: Germany • Length: 135 m | 443 feet • Width: 11,4 m | 37,5 feet • Draft: 1,45 m | 5 feet • Height above water: 6 m | 19,8 feet • Speed: 25 km/h | 15,5 mph • Decks: 4 • Staterooms/Suites: 70/12 • Max. passengers: 164 • Crew members: approx. 46
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Terms and Conditions specifically valid for Cruises including an Oberammergau Pre-Cruise package: PAYMENT POLICY: A total deposit of $1,500.00 per person is required to secure a confirmed reservation. When more than one cruise is booked, deposit and payment policies apply per cruise. The balance is due for payment not later than 120 days before the journey begins. No further request for payment will be made. All reservations are subject to cancellation if payments are not received by the due date. Only upon full payment by the participant(s) of the amount specified in the invoice, Amadeus River Cruises, LLC agrees to provide the services as specified in the invoice subject to these Terms and Conditions. Your payment, starting your cruise, and/or acceptance or receipt of a ticket constitutes agreement to the terms and conditions of the Passenger Ticket Contract. PAYMENTS: Deposit in the amount of $1,500.00 per person upon booking. Final payment due 120 days before departure. CANCELLATION POLICY: In cases of cancellation by you Amadeus River Cruises, LLC has the right to collect and retain, and you agree to pay the following cancellation charges, calculated either as a flat-rate amount or as a percentage of the travel price and dependent on the number of days left until the planned departure date: DAYS BEFORE DEPARTURE: Before 120 days prior to departure 119 - 90 days prior to departure 89 - 60 days prior to departure Less than 60 days prior to departure
$1,500.00 per person 50% of total arrangement (pre-cruise extension and cruise), per person 80% of total arrangement (pre-cruise extension and cruise), per person 100% of total arrangement (pre-cruise extension and cruise), per person
F O R D E TA I L S A N D R E S E R VAT I O N S , P L E A S E C O N TA C T A M A D E U S R I V E R C R U I S E S TO DAY
Amadeus River Cruises 7035 Veterans Boulevard, Suite B Burr Ridge, IL 60527 Toll Free: 1-844-462-6727 | Local: 1-303-339-0660 | Fax: 1-630-861-0974 E-Mail: info@amadeus-rivercruises.com · Website: www.amadeus-rivercruises.com
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