Christmas on the Danube
A festive voyage between Vienna & Budapest aboard the MS Royal Crown with Professor Richard Butterwick-Pawlikowski
- 21 December 2022
For those looking for a memorable break over the festive period we heartily recommend our Christmas cruise aboard the 90-passenger MS Royal Crown, our wonderful floating hotel that will transport you in comfort and style through the very heart of Europe between her two greatest cities.
Christmas in Central Europe is a special time and nowhere is this more evident than in the cities, towns and villages of the Danube. Our cruise has been planned to include the Christmas market in Vienna, a ‘Mozart tour’ in Salzburg, and a day in the lovely Wachau Valley with a visit to the village of Weissenkirchen where the traditional joys of Christmas can be best enjoyed. For those who wish to attend Midnight Mass we have made arrangements for a visit to the magnificent church in Melk Abbey. Other highlights of the week will include a full day and two evenings in Budapest and a tour of the scenic Danube Bend and Esztergom.
This will be a relaxing week as we slowly make our way through the very heart of Europe. Ashore you will see a wonderful mix of the historic and cultural diversity of the region, witness stunning scenery and visit picturesque towns and villages, all with their own unique history and adorned with twinkling lights and festive decorations.
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Royal Crown
This elegant vessel combines the nostalgic charm of the 1930s with the comfort and service of a four-star vessel. No expense has been spared to create not only a vessel that is beautiful to look at, but also a great joy to travel on. Spacious teak decks, elegant public rooms and staterooms with mahogany, rosewood and marble, together with rich fabrics and specially designed furniture, all blend together to create a unique river vessel. Built in 1996, the 90 passenger MS Royal Crown was designed for the rivers flowing through the heart of Europe. Exquisite furniture, expensive materials and accessories give the vessel its unique atmosphere. Facilities onboard include a library, boutique, fitness area, lounge with panoramic views and a restaurant with open seating. Outside there is a large sun deck, lido bar, a putting green and large scale chessboard. Onboard the efficient air-conditioning system ensures a comfortable temperature. Two powerful engines propel the vessel up to a speed of 12 knots.
Itinerary
Day 1 London to Vienna, Austria.
Fly by scheduled flight. On arrival transfer to the MS Royal Crown and embark. After dinner this evening there will be a concert on board featuring works by Mozart and Strauss. Moor overnight in Vienna.
Day 2 Vienna.
This morning there will be a city sightseeing tour, driving around the ‘Ring’ visiting the Old Quarter including St Stephen’s Cathedral and the Christmas market outside the City Hall. Return to the ship for lunch. This afternoon the ship sails from Vienna, however you may wish to join our excursion to the Schonbrunn Palace and Gardens which has its own Christmas market. Afterwards rejoin the MS Royal Crown in Tulln, before continuing to sail on to Linz. This evening join your fellow travellers for the welcome drinks and dinner.
Day 3 Linz for Salzburg.
After breakfast today join a full day tour to Salzburg, birthplace of Mozart and famous for its architectural treasures and music festival. Our guided excursion will concentrate on Mozart’s family and his musical contemporaries. Lunch will be in a local restaurant and before we leave, we will enjoy a special concert of music by Salzburg’s most famous son. Return to the ship in the late afternoon.
Day 4 Melk & Weissenkirchen.
This morning we will reach the picturesque Wachau Valley, famous for its wine. We will moor under the shadow of the great Baroque abbey, situated on a cliff high above the Danube. After a guided tour of the abbey we will drive to the charming town of Weissenkirchen for some seasonal gluhwein and traditional Schrammel music. This evening there will be the opportunity to attend Midnight Mass in the magnificent setting of Melk Abbey.
Day 5 Christmas Day on the Danube.
A relaxing day as we sail past Vienna and Bratislava and enjoy the good food and festivities of Christmas Day on board.
Day 6 Esztergom to Budapest, Hungary.
On this morning’s excursion, we depart by road to visit Esztergom with its magnificent basilica and continue outside the city to the villages and towns of the scenic Danube Bend including the charming artistic village of Szentendre. We re-join the vessel in Budapest and enjoy a late lunch on board and an afternoon at leisure. This evening, for those passengers who have pre-booked, there will be an optional music evening ashore (subject to schedules & availability).
Day 7 Budapest.
A morning guided tour will include the Matthias Church, for centuries the scene of the coronation of the kings of Hungary, and the Fisherman’s Bastion, for fine views of the city. Return to the ship for lunch and enjoy the rest of the afternoon at leisure. This evening join your fellow travellers for the farewell drinks and dinner.
Day 8 Budapest to London.
Disembark after breakfast and return to London by scheduled flight.
Dates and Prices
21 to 28 December 2022 | ||
---|---|---|
Category | Brochure Price | Special Offer Price |
Junior Suite | £2995 | £2495 |
Superior Suite | £3295 | £2795 |
Deluxe Suite | £3395 | £2895 |
Premium Suite | £3595 | £3095 |
Royal Suite | £4095 | £3595 |
Deluxe Suite For sole use | £3395 | £2895 |
Tour Reference Code: RCRC211222
Price Includes: Economy class scheduled air travel • 7 nights aboard the MS Royal Crown on a full board basis • House wine, beer and soft drinks with lunch & dinner • Shore excursions • Noble Caledonia onboard team including Guest Speaker • Gratuities • Transfers • Port taxes • Airport taxes.
Not Included: Travel insurance, optional tours/music ashore as described.
Christmas & New Year on the Danube – Combination Cruise 21st December 2022 to 4th January 2023 If you wish to celebrate both Christmas and New Year together, you can combine our Christmas on the Danube cruise with our New Year on the Danube. Details for the 14 night cruise can be viewed here. |
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Deckplan
Royal Crown
This elegant vessel combines the nostalgic charm of the 1930s with the comfort and service of a four-star vessel. No expense has been spared to create not only a vessel that is beautiful to look at, but also a great joy to travel on. Spacious teak decks, elegant public rooms and staterooms with mahogany, rosewood and marble, together with rich fabrics and specially designed furniture, all blend together to create a unique river vessel. Built in 1996, the 90 passenger MS Royal Crown was designed for the rivers flowing through the heart of Europe. Exquisite furniture, expensive materials and accessories give the vessel its unique atmosphere. Facilities onboard include a library, boutique, fitness area, lounge with panoramic views and a restaurant with open seating. Outside there is a large sun deck, lido bar, a putting green and large scale chessboard. Onboard the efficient air-conditioning system ensures a comfortable temperature. Two powerful engines propel the vessel up to a speed of 12 knots.
Travelling with You
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Professor Richard Butterwick-Pawlikowski
Professor Richard Butterwick-Pawlikowski graduated in History from Cambridge, before obtaining his doctorate from Oxford. He taught European history at Oxford and Queen’s University Belfast before moving to the School of Slavonic and East European Studies at University College London, where he is now Professor of Polish-Lithuanian History. He also holds the Chair of European Civilization at the Warsaw campus of the College of Europe. Richard’s academic interests range across the history and culture of Europe, but he especially favours the eighteenth century. A great lover of the baroque and classical styles in the arts, he delights in Mozart’s operas. He has published four books and many articles in scholarly periodicals and collections, and is in frequent demand as a speaker at international conferences.
Professor Richard Butterwick-Pawlikowski will be on the following tour dates: 21 to 28 December 2022
Also of Interest
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Itinerary at a glance
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- Lyon / Vienne /Ardeche Gorges / Chateau Grignan / Orange / Chateauneuf du Pape / Pont du gard / Uzes / avignon / Abbaye Saint-Andre / Arles /Avignon
Christmas & New Year on the Danube
A festive cruise aboard the MS Royal Crown with Professor Richard Butterwick-Pawlikowski
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Royal Crown
Itinerary at a glance
- Vienna/ Salzburg / Melk / Weissenkirchen / Esztergom / Budapest / Esztergom / Danube Bend / Bratislava / Vienna / Salzburg / Melk / Krems
New Year on the Danube
A festive voyage between Budapest & Vienna aboard the MS Royal Crown with Professor Richard Butterwick-Pawlikowski
Royal Crown
Royal Crown
Itinerary at a glance
- Budapest / Esztergom / Danube Bend / Bratislava / Vienna / Salzburg / Melk / Krems
Book with Confidence
Speak to one of our advisors on 020 7752 0000