Here is an ultimate European journey, a truly fascinating voyage along the Danube, Main and Rhine all the way from the shores of the Black Sea to Amsterdam aboard the 90-passenger MS Royal Crown. Our elegant floating hotel will transport you through historical, cultural and scenic delights as we traverse eights countries over the course of 23 nights.
If you enjoy seeing something new every day then this is the perfect cruise for you. From historic locations to iconic buildings and beautiful scenery, our itinerary is teeming with highlights including the grand cities of Budapest and Vienna, the picturesque towns along the Rhine and Main including Bamberg and Miltenberg as well as cruising through the scenic beauty of the Wachau Valley and the spectacular Iron Gates.
When not exploring ashore, you can relax on board whilst observing everyday life on the banks of the rivers and delight in awe-inspiring panoramic views of the passing scenery. Guided excursions with excellent local guides, interesting talks by our Guest Speakers and highlight performances by London Festival Opera will create an enjoyable and informative atmosphere on board.
Useful links & Travel Advice
Please find a selection of useful websites to refer to for information from the Foreign & Commonwealth Office, on visa requirements, NHS travel health advice and other useful travel tips.
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 Bucharest, Romania.
Fly by scheduled flight. On arrival transfer to the MS Royal Crown in Fetesti (approx. 2.5 hour drive). Sail this evening.
Day 2 Danube Delta.
The vast Danube Delta is one of the most important wetlands left in Europe. We will access this unique region from Mila 35 at the entrance to the delta and explore by local boats. Return to the vessel and enjoy a relaxing afternoon sailing along the Danube. Tonight, join your fellow travellers for welcome drinks and dinner.
Day 3 Constanta.
Early this morning we arrive in Cernavoda at the entrance to the Black Sea Canal. Drive to nearby Constanta, a popular resort city. Its colourful history dates back to ancient Greek and Roman times. On a guided tour we will see the Museum of National History and Archaeology and the Museum of Ethnography.
Day 4 Veliko Tarnovo, Bulgaria.
From Rousse, enjoy a full day tour to the city of 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, we will visit the museum town of Arbanassi.
Day 5 Belogradchik & Vidin.
Arrive this morning in the Bulgarian port of Vidin. After breakfast on board we will drive to Belogradchik which is located close to the Serbian border. The Belogradchik Rocks are a famous Bulgarian beauty spot. The sandstone has been weathered into all manner of bizarre shapes, and housed amongst the rocks is an Ottoman fort, built on the remains of a Roman structure. Return to the ship for lunch and this afternoon we visit Vidin for a performance by the wonderful Vidin Symphonic Orchestra in the Philharmonic concert hall.
Day 6 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 7 Belgrade, Serbia.
Spend the morning in this interesting city. A half day 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 ends with a superb local folklore performance ashore. Sail this afternoon towards Hungary.
Day 8 Pecs & Villany, Hungary.
This morning we arrive in the port of Mohacs for our full day scenic tour of Pecs and Villany. The city of Pecs enjoys a fine position on the slopes of the Mecsek Hills and our tour will feature the sites associated with the city’s Roman Ottoman Hapsburg past, as well as a short organ recital in the splendid Pecs Cathedral. Continue on to the town of Villany for lunch and wine tasting. Villany is one of Hungary’s top wine regions, known for its reds and rosés. Thanks to the area’s sub-Mediterranean climate, wines are full-bodied, spicy and of the highest quality. Sail in the evening towards Budapest.
Day 9 Budapest.
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 spend the afternoon at leisure. Tonight, there will be a ‘Budapest by Night’ cruise as we sail towards Slovakia.
Day 10 Bratislava, Slovakia.
Cruise through Hungary to Slovakia, arriving in the capital in the afternoon. Enjoy a walking tour of the city and see the old quarter, the ornate Baroque Palace and the ancient city gates. Our tour will finish with a visit to the beautiful Klarissen Church where a string quartet will perform a concert of music by Dvorak and Mozart.
Day 11 Vienna, Austria.
A morning city tour of Austria’s elegant capital will take us around the famous Ringstrasse, and the Old Quarter including St Stephan’s Cathedral. Return to the ship for lunch and an afternoon at leisure. Tonight, there will be an optional evening of music ashore at the State Opera House or similar, subject to availability and depending on schedules.
Day 12 Vienna.
After breakfast join our delightful tour to the Vienna Woods, including a visit to the Mayerling hunting lodge, where scandal once rocked the royal family, as well as the Cistercian Abbey of Heiligenkreuz. Return to the ship for lunch and either enjoy an afternoon at leisure or join our optional excursion to Schonbrunn Palace and Gardens, the favourite summer residence of Maria Theresa. Sail overnight towards Melk.
Day 13 Wachau Valley & Melk.
Enjoy a morning cruise as we sail through the beautiful Wachau Valley towards the great Baroque Abbey of Melk, situated high above the Danube. After lunch, depart for a guided tour of the abbey, including the Imperial Staircase, the Marble Hall and the abbey church.
Day 14 Passau, Germany.
Arrive in the early afternoon in Passau, where the Inn and Ilz rivers join the Danube. After lunch on board join a guided walk through the Old Town and tour the breathtaking Cathedral of St Stephan which contains the world’s largest church pipe organ. Return to the MS Royal Crown and sail on towards Regensburg.
Day 15 Regensburg.
Enjoy a morning guided stroll around historic Regensburg, Germany’s largest and best-preserved Medieval city. See the twin-spired cathedral Dom St Peter, the Treasury, and the tower houses. Return to the vessel for lunch and sail on towards Nuremberg.
Day 16 Nuremberg.
Join a morning guided tour of this historic city, capital of Franconia. See the old city within the vast walls and visit Zeppelin Field and the Palace of Justice. Enjoy an afternoon at leisure to explore further.
Day 17 Bamberg.
We will arrive in Bamberg in the morning and enjoy a tour of one of Germany’s loveliest cities. Its relative geographical location, some 40 miles north of Nuremberg, was a key factor in preserving its architectural heritage from the ravages of war. Every single European style from the Romanesque onwards has left its mark on Bamberg, each bequeathing at least one major building. This afternoon the ship remains in Bamberg, allowing you free time to explore further. Sail onwards in the late afternoon.
Day 18 Wurzburg.
After a morning of scenic cruising, arrive in Wurzburg, the wine capital of Franconia. Our tour of this attractive town will include the old town with its impressive collection of churches and the Prince Bishop’s Residenz Palace. The tour of this magnificent palace will end with a wine tasting in the Residenz Cellar.
Day 19 Miltenberg.
We arrive today in the pretty Franconian town of Miltenberg, renowned for its half-timbered Medieval houses. On a walking tour see the picturesque triangular shaped Marktplatz and the restored castle. Return to the vessel for lunch followed by a short drive to nearby Amorbach Abbey for an afternoon performance of celebrated opera arias and ensembles by London Festival Opera.
Day 20 Eltville & Kloster Eberbach.
Arrive this afternoon into the small town of Eltville and transfer the short distance to nearby Kloster Eberbach, established in the 13th century by Cistercian monks from Clairvaux in France, and the outstanding backdrop to the film “The Name of the Rose”. Our visit here will include a performance of popular repertoire by London Festival Opera and a chance to taste wine made from the world-famous Steinberg vineyard. Afterwards return to the MS Royal Crown and enjoy some free time in Eltville before we sail.
Day 21 Rudesheim.
After breakfast depart by coach to nearby Vollrads Castle. This grand estate has been the Greiffendau residence since the 14th century and the making of wine on this site can be traced back to 1211. We will also sample some of their splendid wines during our tour. Afterwards, enjoy the final concert by London Festival Opera with a performance in period costume for an added visual impact. Return to the MS Royal Crown for lunch and sail this afternoon through the scenic Rhine Gorge as we head towards Cologne.
Day 22 Cologne.
We arrive this morning into Cologne and take a tour to see the city’s famous cathedral. The cathedral is the largest Gothic church in northern Europe with a total area of almost 8000 square metres and room for more than 20,000 people, and the second tallest spire and façade in the world. Enjoy lunch on board and a relaxing afternoon cruising towards Amsterdam.
Day 23 Amsterdam, the Netherlands.
Arrive into Amsterdam this morning and visit one of the great art houses of Europe. Choose between the Rijksmuseum, with its splendid collection of old masters, including Rembrandt’s famous “The Night Watch”. Alternatively, you may prefer a visit to the Van Gogh Museum, which offers one of the world’s largest collection of works by the artist, including “Almond Blossom” and “The Bedroom”. Enjoy an afternoon at leisure and this evening join your fellow travellers for the farewell drinks and dinner.
Day 24 Amsterdam to London.
Disembark this morning for the return scheduled flight to London.
Dates and Prices
25 May to 17 June 2023 | ||
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Category | Brochure Price | Special Offer Price |
Junior Suite | £7795 | £7295 |
Superior Suite | £7995 | £7495 |
Deluxe Suite | £8495 | £7995 |
Premium Suite | £9095 | £8595 |
Royal Suite | £10095 | £9595 |
Deluxe Suite For sole use | £9395 | £8895 |
Tour Reference Code: SCRC250523
PRICE INCLUDES: Economy class scheduled air travel • 23 nights aboard the MS Royal Crown on full board basis • House wine, beer & soft drinks with lunch and dinner • Shore excursions • Noble Caledonia onboard team including Guest Speaker • Performances by London Festival Opera • Gratuities • Transfers • Port & airport taxes.
Not Included: Travel insurance, optional tour on day 12 and music evening ashore in Vienna on day 11.
Please note: Return flights from UK regional airports are available on request and subject to availability.
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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
Special Guest Performances by London Festival Opera
We are delighted to announce that our long time associates London Festival Opera will be presenting ‘A Feast of Opera’ in three enchanting historic settings - Amorbach Abbey for an Opera Gala featuring the works of the great German, French and Italian composers, Kloster Eberbach for a recital covering three centuries of great operatic repertoire, and Vollrads Castle for a recreation of a 19th century Opera Soirée performed in period evening dress. Bringing together artists from the major British opera companies including the Royal Opera, English National Opera and Glyndebourne Festival Opera, the company has a considerable reputation and has appeared in some of the world’s leading venues including as a guest company in one of the Italy’s greatest opera houses, La Fenice in Venice.
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Professor Martyn Rady
Martyn Rady is Professor of Central European History at the School of Slavonic and East European Studies, a part of University College London. He has written books on German, Hungarian and Romanian history, and has edited and translated some of the leading texts for the history of Hungary – most recently the earliest Hungarian chronicle, written in Latin about the year 1200, and an eye-witness account of the Mongol invasion of Hungary in 1241. He has broadcast extensively on television and radio, discussing subjects ranging from contemporary politics in Central Europe to vampirism and the history of the Habsburg Monarchy.
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Nicholas Merchant
Nicholas Merchant’s career has mirrored his abiding interest in antiques. He has worked for some of the major auction houses in London as well as running his own book business devoted to the decorative and fine arts. While his particular interest is English 18th century furniture and Country Houses, he has broad interests and likes to discuss many objects, not just for themselves but in their historical context.
Nicholas is much in demand as a lecturer which has taken him recently to the United States, South Africa, Europe and all over the United Kingdom, including the V&A in London. Since joining NADFAS he has given over 500 lectures all around the world. Nicholas is the West Yorkshire representative of the ArtFund. He is the proprietor of Aspect Events, a company which arranges cultural breaks and short trips for collectors and art lovers.
Tour Extensions
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If you would like to spend some time in Bucharest before embarking the MS Royal Crown, we are offering a three night pre-cruise extension.
Romanian Athenaeum, Bucharest
The Itinerary
Day 1 London to Bucharest, Romania.
Fly by scheduled flight. On arrival transfer to your hotel for a three night stay.
Day 2 Bucharest.
After breakfast enjoy a panoramic tour of the city’s highlights, including the National Theatre, the University Square, the National Art Museum, the Opera House, the Military Academy, the Arch of Triumph, and the Free Press House. We complete the morning with a walking tour of the Old Town. Enjoy lunch in “Carul cu Bere”, Bucharest’s oldest beer house, with its colourful Belle Epoque interior and classic Romanian fare. This afternoon we will 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. Tonight join your fellow travellers for a welcome drink and dinner in the hotel. (B, L, D)
Day 3 Snagov & Mogosoaia.
After breakfast at the hotel, 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 Fetesti.
After breakfast there will be free time to relax, sightsee or shop at leisure before your afternoon departure for Fetesti (approx. 2.5 hour drive). On arrival embark the MS Royal Crown. (B)
Prices per person based on double occupancy
22 to 25 May 2023 Category Price Twin £945 Single £1095 Price Includes: Three nights hotel accommodation, meals as indicated (B – Breakfast, L – Lunch, D – Dinner), house wine, beer & soft drinks with lunch and dinner, excursions, Noble Caledonia Tour Manager, gratuities, transfers.
Not Included: Travel insurance.
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Also of Interest
Amsterdam to the Black Sea
A journey across Europe with highlight performances by London Festival Opera aboard the MS Royal Crown
Royal Crown
Itinerary at a glance
- Amsterdam / Cologne / Koblenz / Rudesheim / Mainz / Miltenberg / Wertheim / Wurzburg / Bamberg / Nuremberg / regensburg / Passau / Melk / Vienna/ Bratislava / Budapest / Kalocsa / Pecs / Villany / Belgrade / Iron Gates / Veliko Tarnovo / Contanta / Danube Delta/ Bucharest
Spring Flowers & the Golden Age of Dutch Art
A cruise exploring the art treasures & horticultural highlights of the Netherlands aboard the MS Royal Crown
Royal Crown
Itinerary at a glance
- Amsterdam / Haarlem / Edam / Marken /Arnhem / Dordrecht / Kinderdijk /Veere / Middelburg / The Hague /Delft / Leiden / Keukenhof / Naarden
Passage along the Elbe
An eight night river cruise between Prague and Berlin aboard the MS Elbe Princesse
Elbe Princesse
Itinerary at a glance
- Prague / Saxon Switzerland / Dresden / Meissen / Wittenberg / Magdeburg / Potsdam / Berlin
From Budapest to Basle
A river journey along the Danube & Main aboard the MS Royal Crown
Royal Crown
Itinerary at a glance
- Budapest / Bratislava / Vienna / Krems / Melk / Passau / Regensburg / Nuremberg / Bamberg / Wurzburg / Miltenberg / Heidelberg / Strasbourg / Basle
Book with Confidence
Speak to one of our advisors on 020 7752 0000