Join us aboard the charming, 100-passenger MS River Crown for our ultimate grand tour of Europe as we sail across the continent, visit eight countries, travel more than 2200 miles and yet only have to unpack once. This is the perfect trip for those who enjoy seeing something new every day, as our floating hotel 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 music 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 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.
River Crown
We are delighted to have chartered the elegant 100-passenger MS River Crown, a spacious and well-designed vessel which was built in 2008 and is undergoing a comprehensive upgrade in 2025. The atmosphere on board is friendly and informal and within days you will have made new friends in the open-seating restaurant, on the shore excursions or whilst relaxing in the comfortable public areas. You will find yourself amongst like-minded people in an English-speaking environment and for those who seek peace and quiet, there will always be the opportunity to find a secluded spot on the Sun Deck, in one of the relaxing public areas or to simply rest in your well-appointed cabin. Guest Speakers will provide a series of interesting talks and our Cruise Director will host informative port briefings. After a day exploring ashore, you will return to the comfort and peace of a well-run and exceedingly comfortable vessel.
Itinerary
Day 1 London or Manchester to Amsterdam, the Netherlands.
Fly by scheduled flight. On arrival transfer to the MS River Crown moored in Rotterdam.
Day 2 Rotterdam.
After breakfast we depart on a morning tour of Delft. We begin with a visit to the Delft Blue Pottery followed by a walking tour of this pretty town. Return to the ship for lunch and enjoy a leisurely afternoon on board as we sail towards Cologne.
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 River Crown for dinner, after which there will be some free time to perhaps visit 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”), the residence of the city’s archbishops until the 15th century, the Kirschgarten with its romantic half-timbered houses and Marian-Fountain. Our tour will end with a visit to the Johan Gutenberg Museum. Sail at lunchtime as we enter the River Main.
Day 6 Miltenberg.
During this morning’s walking tour, see the pretty Franconian town of Miltenberg, known for its half-timbered Medieval houses. Return to the ship for lunch and enjoy the afternoon sailing.
Day 7 Wurzburg.
Sail overnight to historic Wurzburg, the wine capital of Franconia. Our morning will begin with a walking tour of this lovely town. See the old town with its collection of churches which range in style from Romanesque to Gothic, Renaissance to Baroque including the magnificent Prince Bishop’s Residenz Palace. Our visit will end with a tasting of local wines in the splendid cellar of the Burgerspital before returning to the ship for lunch as we sail to Bamberg.
Day 8 Bamberg.
This morning, 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, enjoy 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 and the World Heritage listed city centre. Return to the ship for lunch and enjoy an afternoon at leisure to explore further at your own pace.
Day 11 Passau.
This morning we arrive 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. 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 followed by a performance by London Festival Opera featuring aria ensembles from The Marriage of Figaro, Così fan tutte, The Magic Flute, and Don Giovanni. Return to the ship for lunch and this afternoon 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, 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. In the early evening there will be a costumed performance on board by London Festival Opera, featuring an Opera Soirée with highlights from Verdi, Bizet, Offenbach and Puccini.
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 River Crown 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. The tour will conclude 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 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 Paprika Museum and a spectacular display of Hungarian horsemanship. Depart this afternoon for a relaxing cruise down 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 splendid Pecs Cathedral where we can listen to the sound of its organ. Continue 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 the morning cruising and arrive in Belgrade at midday. 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 will finish with a superb local folklore performance before returning to the ship.
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 rejoining the MS River Crown in Rousse and sailing this evening.
Day 22 Giurgiu, Romania to London or Manchester.
Disembark after breakfast and transfer to Bucharest airport for the return scheduled flight.
Dates and Prices
SPECIAL OFFER – SAVE £500 PER PERSON FOR A LIMITED TIME ONLY
Prices per person based on double occupancy
| 7 to 28 May 2026 • 1 to 22 September 2026 | ||
|---|---|---|
| Category | Brochure Price | Special Offer Price |
| Premium with French Balcony Middle Deck | £8195 | £7695 |
| Premium with French Balcony Upper Deck | £8495 | £7995 |
| Deluxe with French Balcony Middle Deck | £9295 | £8795 |
| Deluxe with French Balcony Upper Deck | £9495 | £8995 |
| Queen Suite with Balcony Upper Deck | £10495 | £9995 |
| Standard Single with porthole | £8195 | £7695 |
| Premium with French Balcony Middle Deck for sole use | £9995 | £9495 |
Tour Reference Code: RCRC070526/RCRC010926
PRICE INCLUDES: Economy class scheduled air travel • 21 nights aboard the MS River Crown on a full board basis • House wine, beer & soft drinks with lunch & dinner • 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.
River Crown
We are delighted to have chartered the elegant 100-passenger MS River Crown, a spacious and well-designed vessel which was built in 2008 and is undergoing a comprehensive upgrade in 2025. The atmosphere on board is friendly and informal and within days you will have made new friends in the open-seating restaurant, on the shore excursions or whilst relaxing in the comfortable public areas. You will find yourself amongst like-minded people in an English-speaking environment and for those who seek peace and quiet, there will always be the opportunity to find a secluded spot on the Sun Deck, in one of the relaxing public areas or to simply rest in your well-appointed cabin. Guest Speakers will provide a series of interesting talks and our Cruise Director will host informative port briefings. After a day exploring ashore, you will return to the comfort and peace of a well-run and exceedingly comfortable vessel.
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Ship Directory
Ship Directory
Please find below further details pertaining to the ship or click on the adjacent Directory to download.
VESSEL TECHNICAL DETAILS
Passengers: 100
Length: 135 metres
Width: 11.40 metres
Draft: 1.60 metres
Year built:2008 / Refurbished: 2025
Cruise speed: 22 km/h maxAIR-CONDITIONING
Cabins/suites and public areas are heated and have air-conditioning.
ALARM
An alarm will be sounded in the event of an emergency. Please follow the instructions provided on board for what to do should an emergency occur.
CABIN SIZES & FACILITIES
All cabins/suites are spacious and welldesigned and feature an en-suite bathroom, individually controlled air-conditioning, ample storage space, writing/dressing table, television, telephone, safety deposit box, hairdryer and mini-bar.
The five Standard Single Cabins are located on the Main Deck and measure 12 square metres. These cabins feature a single bed and portholes that do not open.
Premium Cabins are located on the Middle and Upper decks and measure 15.5 square metres. They feature a double bed with two separate mattresses that be configured as twin or double. Premium cabins benefit from a French balcony providing wonderful views and access to fresh air. The bathroom has a shower and sliding doors of frosted glass.
Deluxe Cabins are located on the Middle and Upper decks and measure 22 square metres. The fixed double bed is located diagonally to the front of the window and there is a separate seating area. The spacious marble bathroom has a shower and a natural light window.
Queen Suites are located on the Upper Deck and measure 30 square metres. The suites feature both a French balcony and a separate balcony with chairs and a table, and a living room area with a separable sliding door. The fixed double bed is located diagonally to the front of the window. The spacious marble bathroom has a separate bath and shower as well as a double wash basin.
THE CLUB
The Club area on board comprises of two small lounges on the Upper Deck and is the perfect location if you are seeking somewhere quiet to relax with a good book and a tea or coffee whilst admiring the passing scenery.
DAILY PROGRAMME
A daily programme, detailing the following day’s arrangements as well as any specific information about the day’s activities, is produced on board and delivered to your cabin each evening.
DRESS CODE
During the day, comfortable and casual attire is appropriate. Evening attire is smart casual though you may like to bring something a little dressier for the welcome and farewell dinners.
DRINKS
Complimentary house wine, beer and soft drinks are included with lunch and dinner on board. Water is provided during breakfast, lunch and dinner and bottled water is available in your cabin and replenished daily. Tea and Coffee is available 24-hours day in the Atrium Lobby.
ELECTRICITY
Voltage is 220V and sockets accept European-style two round pin plugs. In the bathroom there is a 110V socket which may be used for electric razors only. We recommend that you bring an international adaptor. For safety reasons, the use of electrical irons or other devices such as kettles, are not permitted on board.
EMERGENCY & SAFETY PROCEDURES
In the unlikely event of an emergency during your cruise, please remain calm and follow the instructions of the crew. We request that all guests carefully review the safety instructions on the inside of their cabin door.
FIRE SAFETY
On your cabin door is a deck plan displaying your closest (and all other) emergency exits. Emergency exits are marked in green and fire extinguishers are fitted in all corridors. Should you detect fire or smoke please alert the reception desk immediately and await instructions from the crew.
FIRST AID
A number of the crew members are fully trained and certified to provide First Aid.
GRATUITIES
Gratuities have been included in your holiday price.
HOUSEKEEPING
Your cabin will be cleaned once a day and you will be provided with an evening ‘turn down’ service.
LAUNDRY
Laundry service is available on board. Laundry bags and a price list can be found in the closet of your cabin. Once you have filled out the laundry form, please include it in the bag and place it on your bed in the morning before you go to breakfast. Laundered items will be returned the next day. Dry cleaning services are not available on board.
LIBRARY
A selection of fiction and travel literature is available in the book cases located in the Atrium Lobby. A selection of fiction and travel literature is available on a self-serve basis.
LIFT
There is a lift on board that services the Upper and Middle decks.
LOUNGE & BAR
The Lounge & Bar is located on the Upper Deck and is open from 10.00 am until at least midnight offering a fine selection of drinks and bar snacks. Floor-to-ceiling panorama windows, beautiful rosewood panelling and warm and inviting decor provide a convivial atmosphere for conversation among fellow travellers. Relax in the comfortable sofas and chairs and listen to the onboard lectures or the musician playing background music on the piano.
LOST PROPERTY
Lost property can be handed into the ship’s reception. Please ensure you have all your belongings with you before you return home. Should you leave any items on board the ship, please contact Noble Caledonia. If we are able to recover your item(s) we will contact you to arrange delivery or collection and to advise of any associated costs.
MEALS
The restaurant is located on the Upper Deck and features floor-to-ceiling panoramic windows so that you can enjoy the passing scenery as you dine. All meals on board are prepared by the highly skilled Executive Chef and his team and consist of European-style food. The restaurant has open seating, allowing you to sit where and with whom you like at each meal.
In the morning for early risers, tea, coffee and pastries are available from 06.30 am. Breakfast is served buffet style, lunch is a combination of a delightful buffet and hot dishes served to order and dinner is a served four course meal. In addition, house wine, beer and soft drinks are included at both lunch and dinner. Afternoon tea is also provided with a choice of cakes and, to finish the day, snacks are available in the lounge in the late evening. If you have any dietary requirements such as vegetarian, low salt, gluten free and low cholesterol, please notify the Reservations Department.
We regret that not all dietary requirements can be guaranteed. If you have any specific or special foods that you require, we recommend that you take some with you although we will endeavour to accommodate your needs. Once on board please speak to the Chef or Maitre D’ at dinner on your first night on board to reconfirm your needs.
MOORING
Docking space is allocated by the local river authorities. Views from cabins may occasionally be restricted. On occasion other river cruise vessels may dock alongside the ship. This may restrict cabin views, and you may find that embarking and disembarking necessitates walking through another ship’s reception area, and/or for their passengers to do the same.
PAYMENTS ON BOARD
The ship offers a cash-free system during your cruise and purchases are charged to your onboard account. The day before your cruise ends you will receive an itemised invoice for any onboard charges incurred. Please review the invoice carefully before settling your bill. All onboard charges will be in Euros, payable with Visa, Mastercard, debit cards or cash at the end of the cruise. Personal cheques are not accepted. Regrettably, the ship is not able to offer a money-changing service on board as this would be contravening official regulations.
QUESTIONNAIRES
We are always looking for ways to improve our holidays and the services provided and in order to do this we welcome feedback from our guests. Your comments are important to us therefore we request that you complete the questionnaire that will be provided to you on board.
QUIETVOX/AUDIO SYSTEM
Noble Caledonia has arranged for all passengers to have access to a ‘Quietvox’ audio system for use during the shore excursions. Further details shall be provided to you following your embarkation.
RECEPTION
Reception can be contacted 24 hours a day, except when the crew member on night watch duty is doing their intermittent security round during which a sign will be replaced at Reception.
SAFE
Your cabin is equipped with a small safe for your personal use. We recommend placing valuables in the safe whenever you are away from your room.
SUN DECK
There are loungers and armchairs available on the Sun Deck as well as a putting green and a giant chess board. To ensure your safety, the Sun Deck area may be closed in the evenings and when sailing through sections of the river where bridges are low. Please also note that the Sun Deck and its steps may become slippery if the weather is cool or dew forms.
SMOKING
Smoking in your cabin or in any of the vessel’s public areas is strictly prohibited. Smoking is only permitted on the Sun Deck in designated areas.
TELEPHONE
To make an internal call please dial the corresponding cabin number. To make an external call, please contact Reception who will advise of the rates.
TOILETRIES
A selection of toiletries are provided including shampoo, shower gel, soap and tissues.
WELLNESS CENTRE
This is located on the Middle Deck. There is a spa area with a hairdresser as well as a sauna, Jacuzzi and shower area. The small gym has a variety of exercise equipment available for use.
WI-FI
Complimentary Wi-Fi is available in the cabins and public areas. There may be times when the internet connection is slow or not available such as when the ship sails through rural areas or locks.
Please note: These details should be used as a guideline only. Information is subject to change.
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Deck Plan
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Travelling with You
Exclusive Performances by London Festival Opera
We are delighted to announce that our long time associates, London Festival Opera, will present an Opera Celebration during your cruise. They will perform a Mozart Opera Celebration featuring arias and ensembles from The Marriage of Figaro, Così fan tutte, and Don Giovanni, in period costume. Also, 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”. 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 Italy’s greatest opera houses, La Fenice.
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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 has been Professor of Polish-Lithuanian History since 2013. He is also Principal Historian of the Polish History Museum in Warsaw. Richard’s academic interests range across the history and culture of Europe, especially in the eighteenth century. An admirer of the baroque and classical styles in the arts, he delights in Mozart’s operas. He has published four single-authored books, four edited 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: 7 to 28 May 2026 • 1 to 22 September 2026
Tour Extensions
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If you would like to spend some time in Bucharest after disembarking the MS River Crown, we are offering a three night post-cruise extension.
Romanian Athenaeum, Bucharest
The Itinerary
Day 1 Giurgiu to Bucharest, Romania.
Disembark the MS River Crown and transfer to Bucharest. On arrival there will be a panoramic city tour of the city’s highlights followed by lunch in a local 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 in the hotel, we transfer to the airport for the return scheduled flight. (B)
Prices per person based on double occupancy
28 to 31 May 2026 • 22 to 25 September 2026 Category Price Twin £1195 Single £1595 Price Includes: Three nights hotel accommodation, meals as indicated (B - Breakfast, L - Lunch), excursions, 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