Premium Danube Cruise 2012
Excursions and wine with dinner included on this cruise along the River Danube
£2,498
What a civilised way to visit the magnificent cities of the Austro-Hungarian Empire. We join our luxurious ship for a gentle cruise along the River Danube. Our journey passes the dynamic capitals of Vienna and Budapest and through the scenic Wachau Valley.
- MS Amalegro or MS Amacerto
- Nuremberg including a city tour
- Regensburg including walking tour
- Passau including walking tour
- Melk’s Benedictine Abbey
- Vienna including a city tour
- Budapest including a city tour
We depart St Pancras International by Eurostar for Brussels, travelling in Standard Premier Class with a light meal and drinks served on board. We change trains in Brussels and continue by First Class rail to Cologne for an overnight stay at the 5-star Le Meridien Domhotel situated close to the city's magnificent Gothic cathedral. (E,D)
We depart Cologne by train, travelling in First Class to Nuremberg, where we board our fantastic 5-star ship and enjoy a welcome cocktail and dinner. From now until the end of our cruise, the pace of your holiday is set by you - you may wish to take part in our included group shore excursions, enjoy the facilities on board or simply take it easy. (B,D)
This morning we have a guided tour of Nuremberg. Our tour includes the lively Hauptmarkt market square. The Old Town of Nuremberg dates back to medieval times, and within the city walls of the Old Town there are several Gothic Churches, including the famous Frauenkirche. We rejoin the ship and travel along the Main-Danube Canal, crossing the Continental Divide at Hilpoltstein. (B,L,D)
We cruise this morning to Regensburg for a walking tour. The city has one of the best-preserved medieval town centres in Europe. St Peter's Church, Regensburg's landmark, with its impressive stained glass windows from the middle ages, is the greatest Gothic cathedral in Bavaria and took over 600 years to build. (B,L,D)
Our ship arrives into Passau this morning, and we enjoy a walking tour of this delightful town, situated on the Austrian border and dominated by the imposing Veste Oberhaus. This castle, which has never been conquered by military force, was built in 1219 and offers commanding views of the mighty river and rolling countryside. We cruise on to the elegant Austrian city of Linz, where you can explore the historic Old Town after dinner this evening. (B,L,D)
This morning we arrive in Melk, situated in Austria's wine-growing region and gateway to the scenic Wachau Valley. Melk boasts a glorious Benedictine Abbey which stands on a rocky outcrop overlooking the Danube and town. We enjoy a guided tour of the Abbey, including the prestigious Marble Room and the Abbey Church, generally considered one of the most beautiful Baroque churches north of the Alps. At lunchtime we set sail down the river through the impressive scenery of the Wachau. Your afternoon is free to admire the views from the panoramic windows and enjoy tea and pastries in the comfortable lounge area. We cruise into Vienna this evening. (B,L,D)
Today we have a guided tour of the magnificent city of Vienna, one of the great European capitals and the seat of the Habsburg dynasty for centuries. Vienna is full of opulent palaces, grandiose public buildings, world-class museums and beautiful churches. Your afternoon is free to continue exploring Vienna - no trip is complete without a visit to one of the wonderful coffee houses for which the city is renowned. We continue cruising overnight to Budapest, Hungary's vibrant capital. (B,L,D)
Budapest is known as a 'city of two halves', with stately Buda on one bank, and its lively neighbour Pest just across the water. Admire the views of this incredible city from the Fisherman's Bastion and perhaps take the funicular up Castle Hill to explore the enchanting Buda Castle complex. We enjoy a guided city tour of Budapest before our gala farewell dinner on board this evening. During dinner we enjoy a memorable cruise through Budapest, giving you chance to enjoy the illuminated city sights. (B,L,D)
We disembark this morning and begin our journey home, travelling by First Class rail on a scenic route that takes us through wooded hills and verdant valleys as we journey to our destination. We travel first to Vienna, where we change trains and continue in First Class to Nuremberg. We spend the night in Nuremberg at the Hotel Maritim and enjoy dinner in the hotel. (B,D)
We leave Nuremberg for our journey by train to Cologne, travelling in First Class. We change trains in Cologne, continuing in First Class to Brussels, where we join the Eurostar to London. A light meal and drinks are served on the Eurostar ahead of our arrival into St Pancras International. (B,E)
E = Eurostar meal, B =
Breakfast, L = Lunch, D = Dinner
These meals, where shown, are included in the price of your
holiday
01904 521 936
You arrive at your boat after crossing Europe by fast rail services in the knowledge that you can unpack and store away the empty case for the next few days and yet travel onwards through some of the most beautiful scenery.
Sailing along the rivers Rhine or Danube river is a joy - the boats themselves are luxurious and the staff are friendly, efficient and helpful - and all speak English. The food is magnificent (forget the word diet when on board!) and your evening meals even include a glass or two of the finest wines. With good company what more can you ask for?
Another boon is that when the boats moor for a few hours at daytime stops, there are some very attractive local tours to participate in at no extra charge to you so you view and get to know the history and background of nearby towns, cities and countryside too.
What a way to enjoy the beauty of Europe - gliding down these magnificent rivers without a care in the world whilst being pampered on a premier ship.
Glyn Preece, Tour Manager