Flowing from the Black Forest of Germany through to the Black Sea, the Danube River has always played a key role in the history of Europe. At times this mighty river has been an important border to great civilisations, and at others it has been the lifeblood of the many cultures and peoples that have settled along its banks over the millennia. It is therefore no surprise that the Danube of today is one of the richest and most culturally diverse areas of Europe, formed by centuries of migration and conflict in the region. Our early autumn river journey through the heart of Europe visits seven countries: Germany, Austria, Slovakia, Hungary, Serbia, Bulgaria and Romania and during our two-week cruise we will explore the impressive imperial cities, witness some picturesque scenery and discover unique cultures that can be found along the banks of the Danube.
We will navigate this important river between the romantic city of Regensburg in the west to Romania in the east aboard the elegant 100-passenger MS River Crown and from the great comfort of our vessel we will travel effortlessly, enjoying the varied scenery and architecture whilst learning about the rich history and culture of the region. The combination of the fascinating history of this cultural crossroads, picturesque riverside and inland towns with wine tasting and folklore along the way makes for a most rewarding trip. Our included tours with excellent local guides, together with interesting talks by our Guest Speaker will bring the region to life as we sail along the majestic Danube.
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 to Regensburg, Germany.
Fly by scheduled flight to Munich. On arrival transfer to the MS River Crown in Regensburg. Moor overnight.
Day 2 Regensburg.
This morning, we begin our journey along the Danube in the former imperial city of Regensburg. The city was once a major political and economic centre of the Holy Roman Empire, with its Medieval centre recognised as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Join a guided stroll around the historic city and see the highlights such as the Old Town Hall and the city centre. We will see the twin spired Cathedral Dom St Peter, as well as the Thurn and Taxis Palace, a former Abbey and home of the Taxis family who played a major role in the history of the Holy Roman Empire and the German state. Return to the ship for lunch and enjoy an afternoon at leisure to explore further at your own pace.
Day 3 Passau.
This morning, we arrive in Passau, where the Inn and Ilz rivers join the Danube. The city was home to a bishopric since late antiquity, with its Bishops eventually being elevated as Princes under the Holy Roman Empire. 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. Spend some time exploring independently after lunch, before sailing in the late afternoon toward the Austrian border.
Day 4 Linz, Austria for Salzburg or Cesky Krumlov, Czech Republic.
Arrive in Austria overnight and moor in the city of Linz from where there will be a choice of guided tours today. Enjoy a trip to the exquisite town of Cesky Krumlov, once a key city in the Bohemian Kingdom, which rose to prominence under the Holy Roman Empire and was later subordinate to the Austro-Hungarian Empire. Today the town remains one of the most picturesque Medieval centres 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, take the opportunity to 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. After lunch in a local restaurant, we will enjoy a special concert of music by Salzburg’s most famous son before returning to the MS River Crown in the late afternoon.
Day 5 Vienna.
Arrive this morning in Vienna, our base for the next two days. This beautiful city has a storied history, from its origins as a Roman colony to the capital of the Austro-Hungarian Empire. After breakfast 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 Habsburg royal family, as well as the Cistercian Abbey of Heiligenkreuz. After lunch on board, you can enjoy an afternoon at leisure to explore this majestic city further independently.
Day 6 Vienna.
After breakfast join a tour to see Schonbrunn Palace and Gardens, the favourite summer residence of Empress Maria Theresa. Originally constructed as a hunting lodge for the royal family, the palace has expanded and evolved over the centuries to become the Baroque masterpiece that exists today. Explore the opulent rooms of the palace and learn about the Habsburg monarchs. Following your palace tour, enjoy some free time to take a stroll around the beautiful gardens before returning to the MS River Crown for lunch. Enjoy the remainder of the afternoon at leisure.
Day 7 Bratislava, Slovakia.
Bratislava is one of the youngest capitals in Europe and during the time it was called Pressburg or Pozsony it was one of the most important cities in the Austro-Hungarian Empire. Its location on the banks of the River Danube and at the crossroads of ancient trading routes, right at the heart of Europe, predestined it to become a meeting point of various cultures. The reign of Maria Theresa is regarded as a golden era in the city’s history. During our guided city tour we will visit 13th century Bratislava Castle which sits on a hill 80 metres above the Danube. Here we can see the Historical Museum before strolling through the elegant Baroque gardens. We also visit St Martin’s Cathedral which was built in the 13th century and served as the coronation church of Hungarian royalty. Sail this afternoon along the borders of Slovakia on the north bank of the river, and Hungary on the south bank.
Day 8 Budapest, Hungary.
Today we visit the ‘Queen of the Danube’, Budapest. The twin cities of Buda and Pest have flourished on the crossroads of empires. Control of Budapest has shifted many times over the centuries, from the Magyar kingdoms to the Ottoman Empire, and the Austro-Hungarian Empire. Explore this beautiful and historic city on a morning excursion that will include the old quarter, the Matthias Church and the Fishermen’s Bastion. Return to the ship for lunch before joining an excursion out of the city to the Baroque Gödöllő Palace, which was offered to Emperor Franz Josef and Empress Elizabeth as a coronation gift. Alternatively, 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.
Day 9 Mohacs.
Spend a leisurely morning sailing downstream to Mohacs. After lunch we will depart for a tour of the city of Pecs which enjoys a fine position on the slopes of the Mecsek Hills. Our guided tour of the city will feature the sites associated with the city’s Roman, Ottoman, and Hapsburg past, as well as the splendid Pecs Cathedral where we will listen to the sound of its organ.
Day 10 Novi Sad, Serbia.
Today we will arrive in Novi Sad, an important Serbian trading hub that sprang up in the shadow of the Petrovaradin Fortress during its time under Habsburg Control. Following the destruction of the three main bridges by the NATO bombing campaign in 1999, the city of Novi Sad, in the Serbian northern province of Vojvodina, has returned to normal after much rebuilding. 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.
Day 11 Belgrade.
Spend the morning in Belgrade where 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. A fortress has stood on this site since antiquity and was occupied by the Byzantine Empire until it was taken by the Ottomans in the 15th century. During our tour we will also visit 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. Spend the afternoon sailing along the Danube.
Day 12 Cruising the Iron Gates.
Today the scenery becomes truly spectacular as you cruise through the Iron Gates, a narrow gorge between the Carpathian and Balkan Mountains that has formed a natural border to many nations and states along the Danube.
Day 13 Vidin, Bulgaria.
Arrive today in the Bulgarian port of Vidin. From here 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 14 Veliko Tarnovo.
Arrive in Nikopol, from which we depart by coach for a full day tour 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, famous for its 17th and 18th architecture and the unique Church of the Nativity of Christ. Rejoin the ship in Rousse and enjoy a farewell dinner. This evening the ship will cross the river into the Romanian port of Giurgiu and moor overnight.
Day 15 Bucharest, Romania to London.
Disembark this morning in Giurgiu and transfer to Bucharest Airport for our scheduled flight to London.
Dates and Prices
SPECIAL OFFER – SAVE £500 PER PERSON FOR A LIMITED TIME ONLY
Prices per person based on double occupancy
| 5 to 19 October 2027 | ||
|---|---|---|
| Category | Brochure Price | Special Offer Price |
| Premium with French Balcony Middle Deck | £7295 | £6795 |
| Premium with French Balcony Upper Deck | £7495 | £6995 |
| Deluxe with French Balcony Middle Deck | £8195 | £7695 |
| Deluxe with French Balcony Upper Deck | £8495 | £7995 |
| Queen Suite with Balcony Upper Deck | £8995 | £8495 |
| Standard Single with porthole | £7295 | £6795 |
| Premium with French Balcony Middle Deck for sole use | £7495 | £6995 |
Tour Reference Code: RCRC051027
PRICE INCLUDES: Economy class scheduled air travel • 14 nights aboard the MS River Crown on a full board basis • House wine, beer & soft drinks with lunch & dinner • Shore excursions • Noble Caledonia onboard team including Guest Speaker • Gratuities • Transfers • Port & airport taxes.
Not Included: Travel insurance.
Please be aware that our website does not display real-time availability. As a result, the categories and prices listed above are subject to change. For the most up-to-date information, please call us at 020 7752 0000 and speak with one of our experienced Travel Consultants.
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Deck Plan
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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Deck Plan
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Deck Plan
Also of Interest
The Majestic Danube
A journey from Bucharest to Regensburg aboard the MS River Crown
SPECIAL OFFER – SAVE £500 PER PERSON
Itinerary at a glance
- Bucharest / Veliko Tarnovo / Belogradchik / Vidin / Belgrade / Pecs / Budapest / Bratislava / Vienna / Wachau Valley / Melk / Salzburg / Passau / Regensburg
12 nights
from
£5795
Next Departure:
23 September 2027
Christmas on the Danube
A festive voyage between Vienna & Budapest aboard the MS River Crown with Professor Richard Butterwick- Pawlikowski
SPECIAL OFFER – SAVE £300 PER PERSON
Itinerary at a glance
- Vienna / Salzburg / Melk / Weissenkirchen / Esztergom / Budapest
7 nights
from
£3395
Next Departure:
21 December 2026
New Year on the Danube
A festive voyage between Budapest & Vienna aboard the MS River Crown with Professor Richard Butterwick-Pawlikowski
SPECIAL OFFER – SAVE £300 PER PERSON
Itinerary at a glance
- Budapest / Esztergom / Danube Bend / Bratislava / Slovakia / Vienna / Wachau Valley / Melk
7 nights
from
£3395
Next Departure:
28 December 2026
Spring on the Danube
A voyage between Vienna & Regensburg aboard the MS River Crown
SPECIAL OFFER – SAVE £300 PER PERSON
Itinerary at a glance
- Vienna / Melk / Wachau Valley/ Salzburg / Passau / Regensburg
7 nights
from
£3595
Next Departure:
13 April 2027
Book with Confidence
Speak to one of our advisors on 020 7752 0000