Incantato Concert Venue: Town Church of St. Peter and Paul (Herderkirche) in Weimar, Germany

Town Church of St Peter and Paul is popularly know as "Herderkirche" which gets this nickname from Johann Gottfried Herder. Between 1776-1803, Johann Gottfried Herder was the general superintendent and vicar at the Town Church and the people of Weimar also called the church the "Herder Church". The church is considered to be the most important church building in Weimar. The original church was built on the same spot from 1245 to 1249 and was then destroyed by fire in 1299 of which only the foundation remained. The foundations are among the oldest building sections in the town.  Then a second building was then destroyed by fire 1424.  The current church which is a three-aisled hall church in late Gothic style.  The church was built between 1498 and 1500.   Towards the end of the Second World War the damaged by bombs on February 9, 1945.  Restoration continued through 1977.  Since 1998, the church and the Herder House have been a UNESCO World Heritage Site as part of the "Classicist Weimar" ensemble of monuments.

Next stop Bratislava, Slovakia: Overnight the Mercure Hotel

Your next stop for the night of Tuesday, March 5 is the four star Mercure Centrum Hotel which is located in the center of the city of Bratislava (Slovakia) within a 10 minute walk from the Bratislava castle and the downtown pedestrian shopping area. A chill-out and bar area are available.

Each of the airconditioned 175 rooms is inspired by moments of pop-art. There is a dataport, safe deposit box, remote control tv and wifi access in each room.

Austria Trend Park Royal Hotel in Vienna

The Austria Trend Park Royal Hotel is where the Bellarmine group will stay for one night on Wednesday, March 6 as part of their Incantato Tour to Central Europe.

This recently opened four star very modern hotel (October 2011) offers 233 airconditioned guest rooms.  High speed Internet connections and flat screens are available in all bedrooms.
The hotel is walking distance of the Technical Museum of Vienna and opposite Schönbrunn Palace.

Two nights in Bavaria at the Ibb Passau Hotel

Once back in Bavaria, the travelers from Bellarmine University will be staying in the Ibb Passau Hotel for 2 nights Thursday, March 7 and Friday, March 8. http://ibbhotelpassau.de/index.php?page=ibb-passau-8
The 4 star city center hotel is situated directly at the river Danube and across the railway station.  The Danube bicycle path and the "Donausteig" pass by near the hotel.
Each of the airconditioned rooms have telephone, safe, radio clock.  The bathroom has bathtub/shower as well as hairdryers.

Home away from home in Prague: Jury's Inn

Welcome to Prague!
You will be staying two nights Sunday, March 3 and Monday, March 4 at the Jury's Inn Hotel .

This modern hotel is centrally located and near a metro stop. It offers 214 airconditioned bedrooms, each bedroom has a safe and mini-fridge. Bedrooms also have a flatscreen MultiChannel TV as well as complimentary toiletries.
A bar and restaurant are on the premises and for those caffeine addicts an all day coffee bar is available.  The hotel also has an onsite gym.

BU's final European Hotel: Maritim Munich

The Maritim Hotel  in Munich, Germany offers 347 rooms with a rooftop indoor swimming pool with view across the rooftops of Munich and the Frauenkirche. This will be the last night on your journey March 9th. Each room has airconditioning, satellite TV, wifi, room safe and minbar. Bathroom includes a hairdryer.

Confirmed Concert Venue: Thomaskirche, Leipzig

The St. Thomas Church, located near the center of the German city of Leipzig, has become famous because it is the final resting place of Johann Sebastian Bach. The German composer, organist, violist and violinist lived from 1685 to 1750, during the Baroque period.

While the foundations of the church date back to 1160, the altar sanctuary was rebuilt in 1355, changing it from a Romanesque to a Gothic style. The Romanesque nave was torn down in 1482 and replaced with a late-Gothic church hall, which still exists today. The steeple was completed much later, in 1702. With the exception of the steeple, the architectural style of the St. Thomas Church has not chaged since the end of the 15th Century. 
 
For the past 800 years, the Thomaskirche has also been the home of the St. Thomas Boys Choir. The most famous St. Thomas Cantor was Johann Sebastian Bach himself.

The year 2000 marked the commemoration of the 250th anniversary of Bach's death. It was at this time that the church received the new Bach Organ. 

Choirs visit the St. Thomas Church from around the world, because for many it is a special experience to sing in front of Bach's grave. On Sunday, March 3, 2013, the Bellarmine University Schola Cantorum has been granted permission to give a 20 Minute a capella recital from the steps of the altar room and in front of Bach's tomb.

 

The latest News from Vienna, brought to You by Incantato

 Continue reading to find out more of what is currently happening in Vienna:

2012
The 150the anniversary of the Austrian painter Gustav Klimt was a major success. Mullions of guests visited the various exhibitions of the founder of Vienna's Art Nouveaux and made it the most successful year it the history of the Viennese tourism board.

2013
2013 is the year of the art of enjoyment. 
Vienna is known around the world as a metropolis of art and culture. In light of this reputation, a total of three new cultural institutions will be contributing to the city's cultural attractions:
The Chamber of Art and Wonders in the Kunsthistorisches Museum is now shining with a new splendor.
The new concert hall of the Vienna Boys' Choir in the Augarten now invites visitors to regular performances.
The Stadtpalais Liechtenstein is now offering art of the Biedermeier and Classicism periods. 

A new and exclusive event series for visitors and Vienna residents are The Vienna Coffeehouse Conversations. They facilitate eventful trips to Vienna by connecting you with local residents one by one in English. They are reviving the history of Vienna coffeehouses and their particular culture, which is protected by UNESCO.

The Goldenes Quartier is located near the Old Town, in the heart of Vienna. It was names a UNESCO World Heritage site and is regarded as Vienna's top address in one of the oldest parts of the town. The famous streets Kohlmarkt Graben and Kaertner Strasse extend via the pedestrian zone to the Judenplatz and the Hof. It is here that you will find shops such as Louis Vitton and Prada, as well as Miu Miu, Armani and other brands opening stores in 2013.  

First Itinerary for the Bellarmine Central Europe Tour

Day 1, Thursday, February 28
Overnight flight to Germany
Day 2, Friday, March 1
Willkommen in Deutschland - Via Eisenach to Weimar
Your Incantato Tour Manager welcomes you at Frankfurt airport. Continue to the charming town of Eisenach for a special welcome lunch at Wartburg Castle followed by a guided tour. Those interested may also see the Bach-Museum or just enjoy a leisurely stroll through this charming town. Continue to Weimar, a UNESCO world heritage city for its rich culture and high artistic quality. Check-in, remainder of the day at leisure. 
Day 3, Saturday, March 2
Weimar Tours & Concerts
Take a guided tour of Weimar's sights (taste some Thuringia Bratwurst at the historical market sqaure), then see Belvedere Castle. An optional visit to nearby Buchenwald can be offered. Opportunity to attend Schola Concert and Jass Ensemble gig. 
Day 4, Sunday, March 3
Mass & Matinee Schloss Concert - Via Leipzig & Thomaskirche to Prague
Schola will be singing three times today, first for Sunday Mass, then a Schlosskonzert and also at J.S. Bach's Tomb in Leipzig. The journey then continues to Prague where the Jass Ensemble has an evening club gig. 
Day 5, Monday, March 4
Prague Sightseeing
Today is a leisure day with a guided tour of Prague's highlights, but plenty of time for individual exploring. 
Day 6, Tuesday, March 5
Beautiful Bratislava
Next stop is the capital city of Slovakia with lots to see and do. A special beer tasting will be offered for those interested among other opportunities.  
Day 7, Wednesday, March 6
Vienna Sightseeing - Mass & Jazz
Austria is just a short drive away. Explore Vienna with an expert guide, prior to Schola signing Mass at Stephansdom. The afternoon is at leisure with a coffee break at the famous Cafe Sacher. 
Day 8, Thursday, March 7
Via Melk to Passau - Recital
Perched high upon a hill on the Danube Valley, Melk Abbey is a must-see Catholic heritage site. Schola will sing in the baroque Stiftskirche. Later, the journey continues to Passau, Germany.
Day 9, Friday, March 8
Catholic Passau - Cathedral concert
A Christian center since the third century, Passau is home to Germany's largest cathedral and one of the world's oldest institutes for Catholic studies. 
Day 10, Saturday, March 9
To Munich - Mass & Jazz
The final and last tour stop is Munich where additional performance opportunities await the musicians and there is so much to see and do for you, too. A special highlight will be the joint Bavarian farewell dinner. 
Day 11, Sunday, March 10
Return to the USA
Transfer to Munich airport for your return flights home.  

Leipzig's Music Trail

The city of Leipzig boasts a density of composeres’ houses and classical music sites that is unique in Europe. 23 of these sites are now connected by the three mile “Leipzig Music Trail” throughout the city.

This tour introduces music and the musical history of Leipizg and some of the sights visited include:

(2) Medelssohn House

(3) Grieg Memorial Center

(5) Museum of Musical Instruments

(7) Schumann House

(9) Wagner Memorial

(10) Leipzig Opera

(12) St. Nikolai’s Church

(13) Old City Hall

(14) Museum of Fine Arts – Beethoven

(17) St. Thomas’s Church

(18) Bach Museum

(19) Site of Clara Wieck’s birth house

(21) Paulinum – Auditorium and University Church St. Pauli

The aim of the Leipzig Music Trail initiative is the bringing to life of Leipzig's music tradition. In total there are now three individual discovery tours through which a person is able to explore the city's unique musical treasures. Two routes are designed to be followed on foot, the third is intended to be taken by bicycle. 

Prague - welcome to the capital of the Czech Republic

The Czech name „Praha“, or „Praga“ in Old Czech, actually means threshold or doorstep. The oldest records do not mention any place with this name, but rather, they mention a settlement along the river described as „Mezigrady“, meaning „between the castles“. From the 10^th to the 12^th centuries, the name Prague referred only to the Castle. The name later  came to be used for the settlements on both sides of the river Vltava. People originally used the term Prague Village, then Prague City and later simply Prague. The capital of the Czech Republic, has always played an important role in the history of the  country and Europe. Since the Middle Ages Prague has been famous as one of the most beautiful cities of the world and has been attributed adjectives such as “golden“, “hundred-spired“,  “the crown of the world“. The unique character  of the city is also partly a consequence of its natural environment: Prague, similar to Rome built on seven hills, was built on nine hills along the Vltava river. The dominant features of the city architecture are reflected in the river: towers, church spires and cupolas, palaces and town houses, along with the greenery of gardens, parks and islands. 

Prague's top monuments are: The Prague Castle: National cultural monument, the symbol of more than millennial development of the Czech state. Since its foundation in the last quarter of the 9th century it has been developing uninterruptedly throughout the past eleven centuries. 
 Charles Bridge: The oldest Prague bridge built in the place of the Judita's Bridge that had been badly damaged by a flood in 1342. The Stone or Prague Bridge since 1870 called Charles Bridge, was founded by Charles IV in the year 1357. 
Old Town Hall with Astronomical Clock: Established 1338 as the seat of the Old Town authorities. The oldest gothic part of the complex which includes a tower and an oriel chapel is richly decorated with coats of arms. It was built in the latter half of the 14th century.
Old Town Bridge Tower: The entrance gate to Charles Bridge from the Old Town river bank, the most beautiful gate of Gothic Europe, was a masterpiece of the Court buildingworks. It was finished before 1380. It is richly adorned with sculptures.
And many, many more to explore.
Fun Fact: Tremors under foot:
Many writers and academics have claimed to have felt strange and disturbing tremors coming from under the ground in Prague. Dark alleys and desolate squares have been known to produce many eerie sounds and have spooked many writers, including those such as Kafka and his friends, into thinking ghouls were beating drums underground.  

Some famous people and Prague: Mozart came to Prague with his wife in January 1787 for the first time and Prague welcomed him as its darling. In his honor, a large ball was organized in Breitfeld Palace (at the corner of Nerudova Street and Jánský vršek), where Mozart met also with Giacomo Casanova. Mozart himself conducted The Marriage of Figaro in the Nostic Theatre performed by the Italian Pasquale Bondini opera company and he also performed two public piano recitals. He was immediately drawn into Prague social circles and musical events.
The famos writer Franz Kaffka (Letters to Milena, The Castle, Amerika) was born in Prague in 1883 and lived there for a long time until he moved to Austria where he died at age 40 in 1924. His body was transported to Prague and buried in a family tomb at the New Jewish cemetery in Strašnice (grave No. 137).

Bratislava - Slovakia's capital - watch out for Cumil and his friends!

It might be Europe's most relaxed capital, because what this city does have is old-town charm, sophisticated restaurants, traditional pubs, good music ranging from jazz to opera, stylish people, and a human scale which means that as a visitor you will not spend half your day trekking in and out of underground stations or getting from the airport into town.  All this, and Europe's greatest river as a backdrop. Known as Pressburg to German-speakers or Pozsony to Hungarian-speakers, Bratislava got its present name only 90 years ago.  But the city has a long and proud history that dates back to pre-Roman times. In the city itself there is plenty to see and do.  Bratislava's long history - as home to Celts, Romans, Germans, Hungarians, Jews, and of course Slovaks - means there is an impressive range of architecture, languages and cuisine. The handsome homes of the Austro-Hungarian noble families who built palaces here dot the city, and many of them are now open to the public as museums and galleries.  The castle, with its long and checkered history (it has been destroyed more than once), is now undergoing a major restoration.  There are great views over the mediaeval old town and the Danube valley from its fortifications. Bratislava was once one of the most important centres of Jewish learning in Europe.  A unique memorial to its most renowned rabbi, the Chatam Sofer, and the city's Museum of Jewish Culture celebrate this heritage. Communism too left its mark: across the river, the unmistakable ranks of concrete housing blocks - paneláky in Slovak - line the horizon, with the unique UFO-style New Bridge in the foreground. The Danube River itself is, of course, one of the city's main assets.  There are several cafes along its banks, within walking distance of the centre. The pedestrian decks of the New and Old Bridges are good places to watch the river traffic, including huge Danube barges, glide past.  
Fun Fact: It’s not technically Bratislava but it’s worth mentioning anyway because it’s something not very people know. The famous American pop artist Andy Warhol made Slovakia famous for more than 15 minutes because his parents were originally from Miková, which is on the very opposite side of the country to the capital.

But now, what about this Cumil and his friends? As Bratislava looked to shed the greyness of the Communist era many buildings were repainted. In an attempt to enliven the city centre, a few quirky statues were installed. Their popularity with tourists led to new statues, filling the centre of Bratislava with funny and quirky installations.
Cumil - This guy, residing in the Old Town, dates back only to 1997, but Bratislavians and tourists love him. Children like to abuse him by sitting on his head. More than once has he been damaged car drivers. Heated discussions have taken place as to what actually the man is up to - you have to decide whether he is simply resting or just cleaned the sewer...
Schone Naci - The stuff of Bratislava legends, Schone Naci was a well known figure in the early 20th century. A poor and mentally ill man, he paraded the streets of Bratislava in old, but elegant attire - a velvet frock, greeting passers-by with his top-hat and bowing courteously to ladies passing by.
Paparazzi - An even more recent addition adorning the eponymous restaurant in the Old Town, just round the corner from the Main Square.
Hans Christian Andersen - On the Hviezdoslav square there is a statue of famous fairy tale author. About Bratislava he said: If you want a fairy tale, your city is a fairy tale itself. After his visit he produced some of his masterpieces such as The Little Match Girl. Now, have fun looking for Cumil and his friends while strolling through beautiful Bratislava!

Discover Melk Abbey with Incantato Tours

Melk Abbey was originally a palace. Located on the bank of the Danube River between Salzburg and Vienna, Melk Abbey stands crowned by towers and resplendent in a golden hue. The impressive Baroque ensemble at Melk was built in 1702-1736 by architect Jakob Prandtauer. Especially noteworthy is the church with magnificent frescoes by Johann Michael Rottmayr and the library containing countless medieval manuscripts. The monastic community of Melk is over 900 years old and black-robed Benedictine monks still stroll amidst the marble sculptures and frescoed walls. It is now also a prestigious coed monastery school with more than 700 students. Melk has played an important role in the Danube region since Roman times, when a fortress was built on the promontory overlooking a tiny "arm" of the Danube. Melk also appears in the German epic poem Nibelungenlied, in which it is called "Medelike". The rock-strewn bluff where the abbey now stands was the seat of the Babenbergs, who ruled Austria from 976 until the Hapsburgs took over. In the 11th century, Leopold II of Babenberg presented the palace at Melk to Benedictine monks, who turned it into a fortified abbey. Its influence and reputation as a center of learning and culture spread throughout Austria, as reflected in Umberto Eco's popular novel The Name of the Rose. Eco researched his novel in the abbey's library. Melk Abbey suffered damaged during the Reformation and the 1683 Turkish invasion, but it was spared direct attack when the Ottoman armies were halted outside Vienna. Reconstruction of the abbey began in 1702 in full Baroque style and was completed in 1736. The abbey church was damaged by fire in 1947, but is now almost completely restored. The design of the present abbey ensemble (1702-36) is primarily the work of architect Jakob Prandtauer. The Marmorsaal (Marble Hall) contains pilasters coated in red marble and an allegorical painted ceiling by Paul Troger. The library rises two floors and also has a Troger ceiling, along with around 80,000 volumes of priceless works. The Kaisergang (Emperors' Gallery) stretches for 198m (650 ft.), decorated with portraits of Austrian royalty. The highlight of the abbey, though, is certainly the Stiftskirche (Abbey Church). The church has an astonishing number of windows and is richly embellished with marble and frescoes by Johann Michael Rottmayr with help from Troger.There are fine views of the river from the abbey's terrace, which Napoleon probably used as a lookout when he used Melk as his headquarters for his campaign against Austria. The abbey restaurant (Stiftsrestaurant Melk) located near the entrance serves hot meals in beautiful Baroque and outdoor surroundings.

Incanato welcomes you to Munich

The origins of Munich lie with a handful of monks who built their abbey at the Marienplatz, Munich's old salt- and corn market. The name Munich originated from the German word for monks. Munich officially became a town in 1170. It rapidly overshadowed once powerful neighboring cities to become southern Germany's main metropolis and cultural capital. As an ardent admirer of Italy, it was King Ludiwg I of Bavaria that created the "new Munich," as a center of art and architecture. His traces can still be found today on such streets as the Ludwigstrasse or in the Glyptothek, which houses his collection of Roman and Greek sculptures. In the late 19th century, the Munich Academy of Fine Arts was among Europe's best art schools. Today, with its 1,3 million inhabitants, Bavaria's capital city is a mixture between modern and traditional. It is the sights, symbols and festivals that define Munich today and offer a wide variety of opportunities to discover the city. Cultural attractions include museums, world-class orchestras, the BMW world, and the famous soccer team Bayern Munich. They complement each other and represent the wide spectrum that makes the city come to life.

Historical Czech Republic with Incantato Tours

The Czech Republic is situated  in the center of Europe, sharing borders with Germany, Poland, Austria and Slovakia. The country boasts an impressive total of twelve UNESCO World Heritage sites, among which are the historic center of Prague and the town of Cesky Kurmlov. Known personalities of European and world science and art such as Beethoven, Casanova, Einstein, Goethe, Kafka, and Mozart were influenced by or were in some way connected with Czech history.
The capital city of Prague has a population of around 1,213,400 and is situated on hills overlooking the Vltava River. The historic Old Town, with its winding streets, is more than ten centuries old and centers around the Old Town Square with the Church of Our Lady Before Tyn and the Old Town Hall with the famous astronomical clock. Not far away is the Charles Bridge, one of the oldest stone bridges in Central Europe. Perched above the city sits Prague Castle, the ancient residence of the kings of Bohemia. Across from it is Petrin Hill, where you can have a stunning view of the city from the lookout point in the form of a smaller version of Paris' Eiffel Tower. 
Of course experiencing the cuisine will also be a part of your journey. Influenced by German and Austro-Hungarian culinary heritage, Czech food features a great variety of dishes. Possibly the most traditional dish is the dumpling, a unique phenomenon of Czech cuisine. Once the main component of any meal in the Czech Republic, dumplings were used in replacement of meat and are still widely used in Czech dishes today, mostly in combination with a variety of tasty sauces and gravy.


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Welcome to Wonderful Weimar with Incantato

Ask anyone who’s been there and they’ll tell you the place is a gem. Weimar has a unique classical heritage and an air of elegance, but is also a very vibrant modern Thuringian town, on the river Ilm southwest of Leipzig, where enjoying life is as much a priority as celebrating culture.

Historically, Weimar is a bit of an overachiever, punching well above its weight. It may have only 65,000 inhabitants today but boy, has it left its mark.
One UNESCO World Heritage listing wasn’t enough, so the city has been given two: one for classical Weimar with 13 buildings and architectural ensembles, and one for its Bauhaus sites.

The Weimar classic period from 1775 to 1832 flourished under the reign of Duchess Anna Amalia, and her library with the exquisite Rococo Hall is probably the most famous in the collection of eminent classical buildings. And while on the subject of libraries, Weimar is still best known around the world for its associations with Germany’s ‘national poets’ Goethe and Schiller who lived and worked in the town during the classic age. Goethe’s Home, part of
the classical Weimar collection, also houses the Goethe National Museum. In August 2012, a new permanent exhibition was opened to honor the über-author, entitled ‘Floods of life, storm of deeds”’.

Fast forward into the 20th century and Weimar was again the birthplace of a movement, this time of the world’s most influential art and design school. In 1919, Walter Gropius established the Bauhaus School and assembled the whole of the European avantgarde of the time in Thuringia to teach at the new school of design. ‘Haus am Horn’, the most famous example of Bauhaus architecture, was built as a model house for the first architecture exhibition in 1923 and is one of three Bauhaus sites in Weimar.
As befits an institution that is dedicated to the roots of Modernism, the Bauhaus Museum, currently in a neoclassical building opposite the National Theatre, will finally get a new home. The winners of an international architectural competition for the new museum were announced in summer 2012 and the design sounds spectacular; a geometrically clear shape forming a dominant solitaire at the edge of the Weimarhallen park in the town centre.


Apart from all its elegant palaces, museums and beautiful parks, Weimar is also a very liveable town, keen on letting its hair down now and then. Every October since 1653 the Onion Festival (12 to 14 Oct 2012) celebrates the humble plant, and it is the biggest such festival worldwide. Onion garlands, decorated with colourful dried flowers, are popular souvenirs, there are stands selling handicrafts, food and drink, music and an Onion Market Queen who reigns for one year. The whole historic town centre is one big party and 350,000 visitors make this the biggest festival in Thuringia. Not quite UNESCO World Heritage material yet, but another reason why Weimar is more than worthwhile.

Home away from home: Leonardo Hotel, Weimar

The modern four star Leonardo Hotel is within walking distance of the historical old town and immediately next to a park by the river Ilm. The location also accounts for the beautiful park and river views from many of the 294 rooms.
All rooms are decorated in a classic and comfortable design. They feature a telephone, satellite TV, WiFi and a full bathroom in addition to air conditioning in all areas of the hotel. There is an extensive breakfast buffet in the mornings, while international and local specialties are served a la carte during the day.
Relaxation is also provided for in the health club, situated under a large domed glass roof. In addition to the indoor swimming pool; a whirlpool, sauna, solarium, fitness area and beauty & wellness center are also available for use. Two bowling alleys and a billiard table provide for additional entertainment.
For a full tour of the hotel, check out the official hotel video.

Make sure you protect yourself and your investment: Travel Insurance

Incantato Tours requires getting travel insurance for your upcoming journey.
Not only are you covered medically should anything happen when traveling, but with a company of your choice or with our preferred supplier and TravelGuard's policies, you also protect your investment should you have to cancel or interrupt the trip. Last but not least, there is also coverage for delayed and lost luggage, etc.
Here is a direct line to purchase travel insurance online, and you can do so with your credit cards and also select the option that is best for you.



In the meantime, have a look at the most comprehensive coverage option The Protect Assist Gold below.

Protect Assist (Gold) -

Comprehensive Travel Protection for the World Traveler

Trip Cancellation JUST ADDED! - Trip Cancellation due to employment loss or layoff if employed with the same employer 1 year or longer Trip Interruption and Travel Delay Emergency Medical and Emergency Medical Transportation Baggage and Travel Document Protection Baggage Delay and Lost Baggage Tracking NEW - Cancel For Any Reason option now available NEW - Cancel For Work Reasons option now available NEW - Children age 17 and under covered at no additional cost IMPROVED -Trip Cancellation limit increased to $100,000 (from $15,000), IMPROVED - Trip Interruption coverage increased to 150% of Trip Cost IMPROVED - Travel Delay required hours reduced to 5 hours (from 12) ProtectAssist special features: Best coverage for Weather Related Cancellations Pre-existing Condition Exclusion Waiver* Default/Bankruptcy Protection* $50,000 Flight Accident Insurance* 24-Hour "LiveTravel" Travel Agency Emergency Cash Transfers Identity Theft Restoration * These additional benefits apply If you are purchasing within 15 days of making your initial trip deposit or payment, however, coverage may still be purchased at any time up to 24 hours prior to departure. Increase your coverage with these valuable additions to your Protect Assist Plan: Cancel For Any Reason – 50% reimbursement of nonrefundable expenses if you cancel your trip for any reason, up to 48 hours prior to your departure. Only available when this plan is purchased within 15 days of initial trip payment. Cancel For Work Reasons – Offers additional work-related reasons for cancellation or interruption. Also includes our exclusive “Business Assistant” services if you have work obligations during your travels. Only available when this plan is purchased within 15 days of initial trip payment. Umbrella Package – Medical Expense limits are doubled and coverage is upgraded to primary. Emergency Medical Transportation limits are doubled and benefits upgraded to take you home or to the hospital of your choice. $25,000 Accidental Death & Dismemberment coverage will be added. Car Rental Collision Coverage – $35,000 in primary coverage. Covers cost of repairs for covered collision damage to a rental car for which the car rental contract holds you responsible. Subject to $250 deductible. Optional coverages cannot be purchased separately. Must be purchased with base ProtectAssist plan.

Comprehensive non-insurance travel services* automatically included with plan!
With the ProtectAssist plan, every customer also has access to these valuable travel services when they travel:
· Arrangements for last-minute flight changes
· Hotel finder and reservations
· Rental car reservations
· Emergency medical assistance
· BagTrak® -- lost baggage tracking
· Pre-trip health and safety advisories
· Live e-mail and phone messaging to family and friends
· Cash transfers
· Airport transportation
· Golf course reservations
· Event ticketing
· Floral services
· Identity Theft restoration

Business Assistant* (available when Optional Cancel for Work Reasons coverage is purchased)

*Non-Insurance services are provided by AIG Travel Assist.

Eligibility
Citizenship: All Nationalities
Residency: United States
New York, Oregon, and Washington residence please call to purchase
Some rider options are not available and other restrictions may apply
Destination: Worldwide
Ages: All Ages
Max Trip Length: 365 Days

News at the Mozarthaus in Vienna!

Only one of Mozart’s apartments in Vienna still exists today, where the composer lived from 1784 to 1787. Here, the life and works of this musical genius are presented in and around the apartment on four exhibition levels. The exhibition focuses on his years in Vienna, which marked a high point in his creativity. In addition to this permanent exhibition, the Mozarthaus Vienna is once again providing a range of new offers and services:

Special exhibition extended

Due to the high level of public interest, the current special exhibition "Between Fear and Hope - Mozart's rise and fall in the Viennese society" has been extended until January 6th, 2013. Visitors can view the exhibition with the regular ticket for Mozarthaus Vienna. The exhibition features letters and documents that illustrate the musical genuis' varying degrees of success.

Concert program for the 2012/23 season

A comprehensive concert program completes the offer of the Mozarthaus Vienna in the upcoming 2012/13 season. Click on the following link for the detailed program (available in the summer): Mozarthaus Vienna - Events - Concerts

Special "museum and concert" package

Our special "museum and concert" package combines a visit to the museum with an exclusive concert in the concert hall of the Mozarthaus Vienna. The standard package can be upgraded to include a guided tour and can also be booked to take place outside of regular opening hours. 

For further information you can either contact them under ticket@mozarthausvienna.at or take a look at the website section for special offers for groups.

Eat as the locals do: Austria

Traditional Austrian cuisine is composed of influences from throughout the former Austro-Hungarian Empire. Nearby regions, such as Italy, Hungary, Germany, and the Balkans, have also had an effect on Austrian cooking.

WIENER SCHNITZEL is a breaded veal cutlet. It is dipped in flour, egg, and bread crumbs, then fried in butter or oil to a golden brown.

GULASCH is a stew, similar to Hungarian “pörkölt”, of meat and vegetables. Austrian goulasch is often eaten with rolls, bread or dumplings.

BOSNA, sometimes called Bosner, is a spicy Austrian fast food dish. Similar to a hot dog, it consists of a Bratwurst sausage, onions, and a blend of ketchup, mustard, and curry powder. It is made with white bread, which is usually grilled before serving.

KAISERSCHMARRN is a light, caramelized pancake made from a sweet batter with flour, eggs, sugar, salt, and milk, which is baked in butter. The pancake gets split into pieces while frying, shredded after preparation, and is usually sprinkled with powder sugar. It is served hot with an apple or plum sauce, or various fruit compotes.

SACHERTORTE is a chocolate cake that was invented by Franz Sacher in 1832 for Klemens Wenzel von Metternich in Vienna.

ALMDUDLER is the brand name of a popular Austrian soft drink. It is a sweetened carbonated beverage made of grape and apple juice concentrates and flavored with herbs. The flavor is similar to ginger ale.