Join us aboard the charming 100-passenger MS Charles Dickens for this grand tour of Europe as we sail from Amsterdam to Bucharest, visit eight countries and yet only have to unpack once. This is the perfect trip for those who enjoy seeing something new every day, as the MS Charles Dickens transports you in considerable comfort between great cities, towns and villages, past ever-changing landscapes where the slow speed of the vessel allows us to absorb the views of town and country.
Each port of call has its own unique character waiting to be discovered whilst on one of our guided excursions. From historic locations to iconic buildings, our itinerary is brimming with highlights including the grand cities of Vienna and Budapest; the picturesque towns along the Rhine and Main including Miltenberg and Rudesheim; wine tasting in Wurzburg and musical performances. There will of course also be plenty of time to relax on board and enjoy some truly beautiful scenery especially whilst cruising through the dramatic Rhine Gorge and through the spectacular Iron Gates.
If you have never experienced a river journey it is difficult to explain the sheer pleasure that comes from travelling across Europe observing everyday life on the banks of the Danube, Main and Rhine rivers. You can let the world slip by as you relax on the Sun Deck or in the Lounge and delight in awe-inspiring panoramic views of the passing scenery. Guided excursions with excellent local guides, highlight musical performances by London Festival Opera and interesting talks by our Guest Speaker will create an enjoyable, informative and lively atmosphere on board as we sail along the European waterways.
Charles Dickens
The elegant MS Charles Dickens is a stylish and well-designed vessel. Built to accommodate a maximum of 150 passengers, we will be limiting the passenger capacity to just 100 for our charters, ensuring a tranquil atmosphere on board and ample space for all. The vessel has a warm and friendly atmosphere and offers the perfect environment in which to relax and enjoy the passing scenery. Whilst on board, you will find yourself amongst like-minded travellers in an English-speaking environment accompanied by an expert Noble Caledonia team, including a Guest Speaker who will provide a series of interesting talks, and our Cruise Director who will host informative port briefings. The friendly crew excel in providing excellent service and after a day exploring ashore on one of the included guided tours, you will return to the comfort and peace of a well-run and exceedingly comfortable vessel.
Itinerary
Day 1 London or Manchester to Amsterdam, Netherlands.
Fly by scheduled flight. On arrival transfer to the MS Charles Dickens and moor overnight.
Day 2 Amsterdam.
After breakfast we take a canal cruise and admire the city from a glass-top boat as you glide past 17th century homes, churches and 16th century merchant houses. Afterwards, we visit to the Rijksmuseum, arguably Amsterdam’s most important art venue. Housing some of the greatest examples of Western European painting and decorative arts, it boasts works by Vermeer, Goya, and Rubens. Return to the ship for lunch and sail towards Cologne. This evening join your fellow travellers for welcome drinks and dinner on board.
Day 3 Cologne, Germany.
This morning we will cruise along the legendary Rhine. Pass Duisburg and Dusseldorf before arriving in Cologne for a tour to see the city’s famous cathedral. The cathedral is the largest Gothic church in northern Europe, with the second tallest spire and largest façade in the world. Our guided tour will continue with a visit to a “Brauhaus” to sample some of the local Kolsch beer. Sail this evening.
Day 4 Koblenz & Rudesheim.
Arrive in Koblenz for a morning walking tour of this historic commercial centre. Return to the ship and sail midmorning through the dramatic Rhine Gorge to Rudesheim, passing romantic castles, lush vineyards and the infamous Lorelei rock. We will arrive into Rudesheim in the late afternoon and on arrival join the Winzerexpress mini-train to visit Siegfried’s Musical Instrument Museum, home to one of Germany’s most fascinating collections of automated musical instruments. Return to the MS Charles Dickens for dinner, after which there will be some free time to perhaps visit to the town’s lively Drosselgasse.
Day 5 Mainz.
Arrive this morning in atmospheric Mainz where our guided walking tour will include the Hoefchen (“Little Court”), residence of the city’s archbishops until the 15th century, the Kirschgarten with its romantic half-timbered houses and Marian-Fountain. Our tour will include a visit to the Johan Gutenberg Museum. Sail at lunchtime as we enter the River Main.
Day 6 Miltenberg & Wertheim.
This morning we drive from Freudenberg to Miltenberg for our walking tour. We see the pretty Franconian town of Miltenberg, known for its half-timbered Medieval houses. Return to the ship for lunch whilst sailing on to beautiful Wertheim. Enjoy some free time this afternoon in this charming market town.
Day 7 Wurzburg.
Sail overnight to historic Wurzburg, the wine capital of Franconia. We will tour this lovely town including the magnificent Prince Bishop’s Residenz Palace. Our visit will end with a wine tasting of local wines in the splendid cellar of the Burgerspital. Also see the old town with its collection of churches which range in style from Romanesque to Gothic, Renaissance to Baroque, before returning to the ship for lunch as we sail to Bamberg.
Day 8 Bamberg.
Today we enter the Main-Danube Canal at Bamberg, one of Germany’s most beautiful historic towns. Its geographical location, some 40 miles north of Nuremberg, was a key factor in preserving its magnificent architectural heritage from the ravages of war. Every European style from the Romanesque onwards has left its mark on Bamberg, each bequeathing at least one major building. After lunch on board we will have a walking tour of this beautiful Medieval city. Return to the ship and sail in the early evening.
Day 9 Nuremberg.
The city of Nuremberg’s long and sometimes troubled history has left its mark on the city and there is plenty to discover during our morning tour. Three towering castles overlook Nuremberg, and its old city which is contained within vast walls is a joy to explore. Visit the World War II sites, including the Third Reich Party Rally Grounds and discover the city’s spectacular Medieval architecture. Sail at lunchtime and continue cruising through the highest point of any commercial waterway in Europe, 1331 feet above sea level.
Day 10 Regensburg.
Early this morning we enter the Danube River, arriving in Regensburg mid-morning. Join a guided stroll around historic Regensburg, and see the highlights such as the Old Town Hall, the World Heritage listed city centre and the ancient Romanesque Porta Praetoria. Return to the ship for lunch and enjoy an afternoon to explore further at your own pace.
Day 11 Passau.
For our final call in Germany we call at Passau, where the Inn and Ilz rivers join the Danube. Our guided walking tour will include the old town of this Bavarian city and the breathtaking Cathedral of St Stephen which contains one of the world’s largest church pipe organs. Enjoy an organ recital before returning to the vessel for lunch. In the late afternoon we sail towards Austria.
Day 12 Melk & the Wachau Valley to Vienna, Austria.
This morning we will reach the picturesque Wachau Valley, famous for its wine. We will moor in Melk under the shadow of the great Baroque Abbey, situated on a cliff high above the Danube. Enjoy a guided tour of the abbey before returning back to the ship for lunch. This evening enjoy a performance by London Festival Opera on board as we sail through the beautiful Wachau Valley towards Vienna.
Day 13 Vienna.
This morning there will be a choice of tours. A city tour of Austria’s elegant capital will take us around the famous Ringstrasse and the Old Quarter including St Stephen’s cathedral. Alternatively, you may prefer a visit to the impressive Zentralfriedhof (Vienna Central Cemetery), the second largest in Europe, and with honorary graves of renowned Austrian musicians, historians and politicians. We also visit the Church of St Charles Borromeo, a significant Art Nouveau church building. Return to the ship for lunch and this afternoon is at leisure to explore this majestic city further. In the early evening there will be an onboard costumed performance by London Festival Opera. We remain moored overnight in Vienna for anyone who wishes to take an after dinner stroll.
Day 14 Vienna.
After breakfast join a tour to see Schonbrunn Palace and Gardens, the favourite summer residence of Maria Theresa. Return to the MS Charles Dickens for lunch and enjoy an afternoon at leisure. In the early evening there will be a performance of “A Night in Vienna” by London Festival Opera on board. Sail late tonight.
Day 15 Bratislava, Slovakia.
Overnight we sail the short distance to the Slovak capital of Bratislava. Join a guided walking tour of the city, formerly known as Pressburg, a former capital of Hungary. See the old quarter, the ornate Baroque Palace and the ancient city gates. Finish your tour with a visit to St Martin’s cathedral where a string quartet will perform a concert of music by Dvorak and Mozart. Return to the ship for lunch and spend the afternoon cruising.
Day 16 Budapest, Hungary.
We have the day to explore Hungary’s elegant capital. Spend the morning on an excursion that will include the old quarter, the Matthias Church and the Fishermen’s Bastion. Return to the ship for lunch and an enjoy an afternoon at leisure to explore at your own pace. After dinner this evening, join your fellow travellers on deck to enjoy the wonderful “Budapest by Night” sailing as we depart towards Kalocsa.
Day 17 Kalocsa.
Arrive this morning in charming Kalocsa, renowned for paprika production. We will tour the Puszta district which will include the town and a spectacular display of Hungarian horsemanship. Depart this afternoon for a relaxing cruise along the beautiful Danube, arriving in Mohacs in the early evening. Moor overnight.
Day 18 Pecs & Villany.
From the port of Mohacs, we will depart for a full day scenic tour of Pecs and Villany. The city of Pecs enjoys a fine position on the slopes of the Mecsek Hills. The visit will feature the sites associated with the city’s Roman Ottoman Hapsburg past, as well as the opportunity to hear the sound of the organ in the splendid Pecs Cathedral. Continue on to the town of Villany where we will enjoy lunch and a wine tasting. Villany is one of Hungary’s top wine regions, known for its reds and rosés.
Day 19 Belgrade, Serbia.
Spend today in this interesting city. A halfday tour highlights the city’s main attractions, including the Kalemegdan fortress as it looms over the confluence of the Sava and Danube rivers, Saint Sava Cathedral, the largest Orthodox Church in the world, and Tito’s Memorial. Our tour will finish with a superb local folklore performance before returning to the ship for lunch. This afternoon is at leisure before we sail tonight.
Day 20 Cruising through the Iron Gates.
Today the scenery becomes truly spectacular as we cruise through the Iron Gates, a narrow Danube gorge between the Carpathian and Balkan Mountains.
Day 21 Veliko Tarnovo, Bulgaria.
From Svistov, we drive to Veliko Tarnovo, the capital of the second Bulgarian Kingdom from 1187 to 1393. The city formed a natural fortress, located on three hills surrounding the Yantra River. A palace, fortifications and churches were built into the terrain. Across the river, ancient stone houses seemingly perched on top of each other rise up the steep riverbank. After lunch in a local restaurant, visit the museum town of Arbanassi before returning to the MS Charles Dickens in Rousse and sailing this evening.
Day 22 Bucharest, Romania to London or Manchester.
Disembark in Giurgiu after breakfast and transfer to Bucharest airport for your return scheduled flight to the UK.
Dates and Prices
6 to 27 May 2024 | ||
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Category | Brochure Price | Special Offer Price |
C - Deluxe Cabin with French Balcony - Middle Deck | £7795 | £7295 |
B - Deluxe Cabin with French Balcony - Upper Deck | Fully Booked | Fully Booked |
A - Suite Upper Deck | Fully Booked | Fully Booked |
D - Standard Cabin with Window Main Deck sole use | £7795 | £7295 |
C - Deluxe Cabin with French Balcony for sole use - Middle Deck | £9795 | £9295 |
Tour Reference Code: RCCD060524
PRICE INCLUDES: Economy class scheduled air travel • 21 nights aboard the MS Charles Dickens on a full board basis • House wine, beer & soft drinks with lunch & dinner and from the Bar all day • Shore excursions & music events as described • Noble Caledonia onboard team including Guest Speaker • Performances by London Festival Opera • Gratuities • Transfers • Port & airport taxes.
Not Included: Travel insurance.
Charles Dickens
The elegant MS Charles Dickens is a stylish and well-designed vessel. Built to accommodate a maximum of 150 passengers, we will be limiting the passenger capacity to just 100 for our charters, ensuring a tranquil atmosphere on board and ample space for all. The vessel has a warm and friendly atmosphere and offers the perfect environment in which to relax and enjoy the passing scenery. Whilst on board, you will find yourself amongst like-minded travellers in an English-speaking environment accompanied by an expert Noble Caledonia team, including a Guest Speaker who will provide a series of interesting talks, and our Cruise Director who will host informative port briefings. The friendly crew excel in providing excellent service and after a day exploring ashore on one of the included guided tours, you will return to the comfort and peace of a well-run and exceedingly comfortable vessel.
Travelling with You
Special Guest Performance by London Festival Opera
We are delighted that London Festival Opera will perform an Opera Celebration during your stay in Melk and Vienna. In the beautiful setting of Melk Abbey experience delightful arias and ensembles from The Marriage of Figaro, Cosi Fan Tutte, Don Giovanni and The Magic Flute. Whilst in Vienna there will be two onboard performances; a costumed Opera Soirée with arias and ensembles from Verdi, Bizet, Offenbach and Puccini, and a magical repertoire, “A Night in Vienna”.
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Michael Hindley
Michael Hindley was born in Blackburn, UK and educated at London University (BA Hons in German and French), Lancaster University (MA in Comparative Cultural Studies), and the Free University of West Berlin. Michael also has a post graduate diploma in International Law. Michael was an elected council leader in Northwest England, a Lancashire County Councillor and a Member of the European Parliament for three terms (1984-99). He was the Majority Leader on the Trade Committee (1989-99). During this time Michael was part of the group which worked towards Sweden and Finland joining the EU in 1995. Michael is now a freelance political consultant and has acted as an expert adviser for the European Economic and Social Committee (EESC) and written a report on Fair Trade for the United Nations, International Trade Centre, Geneva. Michael is a frequent lecturer on European politics and has lectured at the Universities of Greifswald and Gottingen, Germany and worked with the University of Tallinn, Estonia. Most recently he has been a guest lecturer at Mangalore University, India. He has recently published a book on Britain’s relationship with Europe since 1945 entitled The Semi-Detached European.
Tour Extensions
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If you would like to spend some time in Bucharest after disembarking the MS Charles Dickens, we are offering a three night post-cruise extension.
The Itinerary
Day 1 Giurgiu to Bucharest, Romania.
Disembark the MS Charles Dickens and transfer to Bucharest. On arrival there will be a panoramic city tour of the city’s highlights followed by lunch at the Hanul Berarilor restaurant. Continue on to the hotel and enjoy an evening at leisure. (B, L)
Day 2 Bucharest.
Today we visit the Parliament Palace, the second largest administrative building in the world at 3.77 million square feet. This gargantuan construction is Ceausescu’s most infamous creation and makes for a fascinating tour. After our tour we will have lunch in ‘Carul cu Bere’, Bucharest’s oldest beer house, with its colourful Belle Epoque interior, stained-glass windows and classic Romanian fare. This afternoon enjoy a walking tour of the Old Town, including a visit to Stravropoleos Church, Lipscani Lane, Manuc’s Inn and the Old Princely Court. The remainder of the day and evening will be at leisure. (B, L)
Day 3 Snagov & Mogosoaia.
After breakfast, depart for our visit to Snagov Monastery. This monastery was founded in 1408 by Mircea the Elder, Vlad Dracul’s grandfather. Vlad, also known as Vlad Tepes is the historical character on whom Bram Stoker’s book Dracula is based and is said to be buried here by the monks in 1476. We continue on to visit Mogosoaia Palace, built in the 17th century in the Romanian Renaissance style. After lunch in a local restaurant we return to Bucharest for an evening at leisure. (B, L)
Day 4 Bucharest to London or Manchester.
After breakfast we transfer to the airport for your return scheduled flight to the UK. (B)
Prices per person based on double occupancy
27 to 30 May 2024 Category Price Twin £895 Single £1195 Price Includes: Three nights hotel accommodation, meals as indicated (B – Breakfast, L – Lunch, D – Dinner), excursions as described, wine & soft drinks with included lunches & dinners, Noble Caledonia Tour Manager, gratuities, transfers.
Not Included: Travel insurance.
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Book with Confidence
Speak to one of our advisors on 020 7752 0000