This journey aboard the wonderfully comfortable, 100-passenger MS River Crown from Budapest to Basle travels through the very heart of Europe and includes passages along three great rivers - the Danube, Main and Rhine. Whilst rivers may not always offer the most direct route, they do offer the most interesting. They allow us to weave through the landscape on a meandering journey experiencing the countryside, villages and towns from a very different perspective to that offered by road. A journey such as this will appeal to those who enjoy seeing something different each day but do not find the thought of long coach journeys appealing. We will sail through Europe with great ease, enjoying relaxing interludes on board in between our varied visits ashore.
This detailed look at three of Europe’s great rivers will offer a captivating and endlessly romantic journey. Embarking in the wonderful city of Budapest we will have two weeks ahead of us to take a comprehensive look at an area of infinite cultural riches. Baroque churches, cathedrals and abbeys will be seen in all their splendour, often contrasting with their naturally beautiful, rustic surroundings. Old quarters of winding lanes and alleys lined with Medieval houses contrast with the modern architecture in the city centres. The River Main in particular meanders through some of Bavaria’s most beautiful landscapes, dotted with vineyards, historic towns and villages, peaceful monasteries and imposing Medieval castles.
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 Budapest, Hungary.
Fly by scheduled flight. On arrival transfer to the MS River Crown.
Day 2 Budapest.
After breakfast our guided tour will include the old quarter, visiting the Matthias Church and the Fisherman’s Bastion from where there are stunning views of the city. After lunch on board, the afternoon will be free to explore at leisure before we sail early this evening.
Day 3 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 concert of music by Dvorak and Mozart by a string quartet.
Day 4 Vienna, Austria.
A morning 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 at your own pace.
Day 5 Wachau Valley & Melk.
Spend the morning cruising through the beautiful Wachau Valley, famous for its wines, and arrive this afternoon in Melk with its majestic Baroque abbey situated on a cliff, 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. Continue on to Weissenkirchen to taste some of the wonderful wines of this region.
Day 6 Passau, Germany.
Arrive over lunch 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.
Day 7 Regensburg.
On our guided morning stroll around this World Heritage listed historic city, widely regarded as the Medieval wonder of Germany, we will see the majestic twin-spired Cathedral Dom St Peter, the ancient Romanesque Porta Praetoria and the tower houses. The afternoon is free to explore this charming town at your own pace.
Day 8 Nuremberg.
After a morning cruising we arrive in Nuremberg, the capital of Franconia. The city’s long and sometimes troubled history has left its mark and there is plenty to discover during our afternoon tour. Visit the World War II sites, including the Third Reich Party Rally Grounds and discover the city’s spectacular Medieval architecture.
Day 9 Bamberg.
This morning we arrive in 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. Return to the ship for lunch and as we sail this afternoon the MS River Crown leaves the Main-Danube Canal and enters the River Main.
Day 10 Wurzburg.
We spend the morning in historic Wurzburg, the wine capital of Franconia. Our tour of this lovely town will include the old town with its collection of churches which range in style from Romanesque to Gothic, Renaissance to Baroque, as well as the magnificent Prince Bishop’s Residenz Palace. Our visit will end with a wine tasting of local wines before returning to the ship for lunch as we sail towards Miltenberg.
Day 11 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. Sail in the afternoon.
Day 12 Mannheim for Heidelberg.
From our berth in Mannheim, we visit nearby Heidelberg to enjoy this most picturesque and romantic of German cities which is home to Germany’s oldest university, dating back to 1386. During our guided tour which will include a visit to the city’s castle and gardens, we will stroll through Heidelberg’s enchanting old town and see its Renaissance building, ‘Zum Ritter’, which survived the fire of 1693.
Day 13 Kehl, Germany for Strasbourg, France.
From the nearby town of Kehl, our guided tour this morning will introduce us to the delights of Strasbourg including the fascinating old quarter. Start with the Quai de la Petite France where the River Ill splits into a number of canals, see the Ponts Couverts, a series of wooden bridges dating back to the 13th century, the Place Gutenberg and the Cathedral of Notre Dame, the tallest Medieval building in Europe. Return to the ship for lunch. This afternoon is at leisure, or alternatively join a scenic tour along Alsace’s “Route des Vins”, including a tasting of the region’s splendid wines.
Day 14 Breisach, Germany for Colmar, France.
From our berth in Breisach, we will cross the River Rhine into France and drive to the capital of the Upper Rhine region, Colmar. We begin with a visit to the impressive Unterlinden Museum which dates back to the 13th century. Admire a fine collection of paintings including religious Medieval ones and some from the 20th and 21st centuries, including works by Picasso and Monet. The highlight of the Museum is the Isenheim Altar, a wonderful triptych created for the monastery at Isenheim by Mattheus Grunewald. Continuing on we take a walk through the charming Old Town with delightful patrician houses and winding lanes and enjoy some free time before our drive back to Breisach to reboard the MS River Crown. The afternoon is free for independent exploration in Breisach. Sail in the evening.
Day 15 Basle, Switzerland to London.
Disembark this morning and transfer to the airport for the 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
| 17 June to 1 July 2026 | ||
|---|---|---|
| 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 | £9495 | £8995 |
| Standard Single with porthole | £7295 | £6795 |
| Premium with French Balcony Middle Deck for sole use | £8495 | £7995 |
Tour Reference Code: RCRC170626
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.
NB: It will be necessary to close the sun deck whilst sailing through sections of the Rhine-Main-Danube canal and the Main River.
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
Travelling with You
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Dr Sophie Oosterwijk
Dr Sophie Oosterwijk was born in Gouda and studied English at Leiden and Medieval Studies at York before obtaining two doctorates in Art History (Leicester) and English Literature (Leiden). She is a recognised specialist in Early Netherlandish, Flemish and Dutch art and previously taught Art History at the Universities of Leicester, Manchester and St Andrews before returning to the Netherlands to take up a research post at Utrecht University.
Sophie is currently a freelance researcher and a regular guest lecturer for the University of Cambridge, NADFAS (now The Arts Society), and other organisations. She is also co-editor of the international journal Church Monuments published annually by The Church Monuments Society, and she has published widely, especially on death, the danse macabre and commemorative art. Her publications include the co-edited volumes Monumental Industry. The Production of Tomb Sculpture in England and Wales in the Long Fourteenth Century (2010) and Mixed Metaphors. The Danse Macabre in Medieval and Early Modern Europe (2011). Sophie is a lively and entertaining speaker who specialises in discussing art in its historical and cultural context.
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Book with Confidence
Speak to one of our advisors on 020 7752 0000