Members of the President's Travel Club enjoyed a cruise on the Danube through Austria, Germany and Slovakia where they toured historic sites and enjoyed musical entertainment in commemoration of Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart's 250th birthday.

The group cruised the Danube aboard the M.V. Casanova, a floating five-star hotel and one of Europe's finest river boats.

UMW Distinguished Professor Emeritus Sammy Merrill and his wife, Betty, traveled with the group to offer highlights about the German language and unique historical facts of the cities along the Danube including Passau, Vienna, Melk and Bratislava.

While in Vienna this group of Mary Washington friends and alumni were treated to a special performance by the University of Mary Washington-Community Orchestra led by Dr. Kevin Bartram.

They also enjoyed a tour of the Hapsburgs' Baroque summer palace of Schonbrunn, where Mozart first performed before the Empress Maria Theresa.

The group concluded their trip with a visit to the city of Salzburg to see the house where Mozart was born and the cathedral and the Residenz where young Wolfgang Amadeus often performed. They also toured the Mozart Musuem and the elegant Mirabell Gardens.

Many exciting destinations are currently being considered for future excursions.

For more information, please contact the Office of University Development at (888) 692-0004.