Join us as we navigate the Danube River from Romania in the east to the romantic city of Regensburg in the west. We travel through the heart of Europe visiting eight countries; Romania, Bulgaria, Serbia, Hungary, Slovakia, Austria, the Czech Republic and Germany. From the earliest of times the Danube has been one of Europe’s most important trade routes linking the eastern shores with central Europe and this stretch of the river offers a diversity of history and culture quite unlike anywhere else. Our included tours with excellent local guides, together with interesting talks by our Guest Speaker, will create an enjoyable, informative and lively atmosphere as we sail along the majestic Danube.
We will journey through some of Europe’s most beautiful landscapes aboard the elegant, 100-passenger MS Charles Dickens, visiting the great historic cities of Belgrade, Budapest and Vienna, as well as picturesque riverside and inland towns. From the great comfort of our vessel we will cruise effortlessly, enjoying the varied scenery and architecture whilst learning more about a region that has seen more of its fair share of conflicts, revolutions and wars. The combination of music, traditional culture, wine tasting and folklore along the way makes for a fascinating trip. To enhance your holiday further we are offering a six-night pre-cruise extension in the magical region of Transylvania in Romania, offering the chance to visit some of the last untouched and least travelled areas of Europe. There is also the opportunity to spend some time in Prague at the end of the cruise.
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 Bucharest, Romania.
Fly by scheduled flight to Bucharest and on arrival transfer to the MS Charles Dickens in Giurgiu. Embark and sail this evening.
Day 2 Veliko Tarnovo, Bulgaria.
From our berth in 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 we return to the MS Charles Dickens in Nikopol and sail.
Day 3 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 4 Belgrade, Serbia.
Spend the morning in this interesting city. A halfday tour will highlight 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 and an afternoon cruising. Arrive this evening in Novi Sad.
Day 5 Novi Sad.
After breakfast we depart for a visit of Novi Sad, in the Serbian northern province of Vojvodina. The city is rich in historic buildings including the fortress, Bishop’s House, Clock Tower and numerous churches, some of which will be seen on our morning tour. Our exploration of Greater Novi Sad includes a wine tasting in nearby Sremski Karlovic where we sample some excellent wines of the former Yugoslavia. Return to the ship for lunch and this afternoon relax on board as we cruise towards Hungary.
Day 6 Pecs & Villany, Hungary.
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 splendid sound of the organ in 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. This evening we sail the short distance to Kalocsa where we moor overnight.
Day 7 Kalocsa.
Charming Kalocsa is renowned for paprika production and our tour of the Puszta district will include the town and a spectacular display of Hungarian horsemanship. Depart this afternoon for a relaxing cruise down the beautiful Danube, arriving in Budapest in the late evening. Moor overnight.
Day 8 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 an enjoy an afternoon at leisure. After dinner this evening, join your fellow travellers on deck to enjoy the wonderful “Budapest by Night” sailing as we depart towards Bratislava.
Day 9 Bratislava, Slovakia.
Arrive over lunch in 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 the beautiful Klarissen Church where a string quartet will perform a concert of music by Dvorak and Mozart.
Day 10 Vienna, Austria.
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, travel 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 this afternoon is at leisure to explore this majestic city further.
Day 11 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 to explore at your own pace.
Day 12 Durnstein & Melk.
Arrive this morning in the pretty town of Durnstein, where King Richard the Lionheart was imprisoned. Enjoy some free time ashore to explore and perhaps sample some of the town’s delicious Marillenschnaps or strudel. We then sail on through the beautiful Wachau Valley towards the great Baroque Abbey of Melk, situated high above the Danube. On arrival in the afternoon depart for an excursion to see this imposing abbey, followed by an uplifting performance by a clarinet quintet. Return to the ship and sail this evening for Linz.
Day 13 Linz for Salzburg or Cesky Krumlov, Czech Republic.
From the town of Linz a choice of full day tours will be available. Enjoy a trip to the exquisite town of Cesky Krumlov set on the Vltava River in Bohemia’s southern region, and one of the most picturesque in Europe. We will visit the stunning castle and take a walking tour of the Old Town, followed by some free time to explore at leisure. Alternatively, depart for 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. Visits will be made to the house known as Tanzmeisterhaus where he spent his early life, and the Residenz. We also take a walk through the lovely gardens of the Mirabell Palace. Both tours include lunch in a local restaurant. Return to the ship and sail this evening towards Germany.
Day 14 Passau, Germany.
Arrive this morning in 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. Return to the vessel for lunch and enjoy a leisurely afternoon on board.
Day 15 Regensburg to London or Manchester.
Disembark after breakfast and transfer to Munich airport for your return scheduled flight to London or Manchester.
Dates and Prices
27 May to 10 June 2024 | ||
---|---|---|
Category | Brochure Price | Special Offer Price |
C - Deluxe Cabin with French Balcony - Middle Deck | £4995 | £4795 |
B - Deluxe Cabin with French Balcony - Upper Deck | £5295 | £5095 |
A - Suite Upper Deck | Fully Booked | Fully Booked |
D - Standard Cabin with Window Main Deck sole use | £4995 | £4795 |
C - Deluxe Cabin with French Balcony for sole use - Middle Deck | £6295 | £6095 |
Tour Reference Code: RCCD270524
PRICE INCLUDES: Economy class scheduled air travel • 14 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 • Noble Caledonia onboard team including Guest Speaker • 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
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Professor Martyn Rady
Martyn Rady is Masaryk Professor Emeritus 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.
Also of Interest
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Itinerary at a glance
- Bucharest / Veliko Tarnovo / Iron Gates / Belgrade / Novi Sad / Pecs / Villany / Kalocsa / Budapest / Bratislava / Vienna / Durnstein / Melk / Salzburg / Cesky Krumlov / Passau / Regensburg
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- Vienna / Melk / Weissenkirchen / Salzburg / Passau / Vienna
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Book with Confidence
Speak to one of our advisors on 020 7752 0000