Three River Odyssey
A river journey from Amsterdam to Budapest aboard the MS Royal Crown with Guest Speaker Paul Atterbury
- 20 June 2021
Join us aboard the MS Royal Crown for a journey which will take us along the most romantic sections of the Rhine, Main and Danube rivers. Embarking in Amsterdam we will have two weeks ahead of us as we make our way along the Rhine, passing some of Germany’s most charming places, including the dramatic Rhine Gorge. In the German city of Mainz we will leave the Rhine and begin our journey along the River Main through the lovely Franconian countryside to the Main-Danube Canal. It was the opening of this canal, a great feat of engineering, that allows our vessel to connect through to the Danube River. From here we will sail along the Danube to our final destination of Budapest.
This detailed look at three of Europe’s great rivers will offer a captivating and endlessly romantic journey. 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. Our journey offers gentle cruising through wonderful scenery and well planned excursions at a relaxed pace, with some afternoons at leisure to relax or explore independently.
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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 Amsterdam, Netherlands.
Fly by scheduled flight. On arrival transfer to the MS Royal Crown. Moor overnight in Amsterdam.
Day 2 Amsterdam.
After breakfast there will be a choice of tours; depart for a visit to the Rijksmuseum, arguably Amsterdam’s most important art venue. Housing some of the greatest examples of Western European painting and decorative arts, it boasts works by Vermeer, Goya, and Rubens. Alternatively, you may prefer to join the tour to nearby Zaanse Schans and see the historic windmills, distinctive wooden houses and artisan workshops. Return to the MS Royal Crown for lunch and sail towards Cologne. This evening join your fellow travellers for welcome drinks and dinner on board.
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 mid-morning through the dramatic Rhine Gorge to Rudesheim, passing romantic castles, lush vineyards and the infamous Lorelei rock. We sail to 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 Royal Crown for dinner, after which there will be some free time to perhaps visit the town’s lively Drosselgasse.
Day 5 Mainz.
We spend the morning in atmospheric Mainz where our guided walking tour will include the Hoefchen (“Little Court”), residence of the city’s archbishops until the 15th century, the Kirschgarten with its romantic halftimbered houses and Marian-Fountain. Our tour will end with a visit to the Johannes Gutenberg Museum. Sail at lunchtime as we enter the River Main.
Day 6 Miltenberg & Wertheim.
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 whilst sailing on to beautiful Wertheim. Enjoy some free time in this charming market town.
Day 7 Wurzburg.
Arrive this morning in historic Wurzburg, the wine capital of Franconia. We will tour this lovely town including the magnificent Prince Bishop’s Residenz Palace. Our visit will end with a wine tasting of local wines in the splendid cellars of the Residenz. Also see the old town with its collection of churches which range in style from Romanesque to Gothic, Renaissance to Baroque, 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. We arrive around midday, and after lunch on board there will be a guided walking tour of this beautiful Medieval city.
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 after breakfast. Join a guided stroll around historic Regensburg, and see the highlights such as the Old Town Hall, the World Heritage listed city centre and the ancient Romanesque Porta Praetoria. Return to the ship for lunch and enjoy an afternoon at leisure.
Day 11 Passau.
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 Stephan which contains one of the world’s largest church pipe organs. Enjoy an organ recital before returning to the vessel for lunch and an afternoon sailing.
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. During lunch continue sailing through the Wachau to Durnstein, where King Richard the Lionheart was imprisoned. Visit the nearby village of Weissenkirchen to sample the excellent local wine, accompanied by some Schrammel music performed by local musicians. This afternoon sail towards Vienna.
Day 13 Vienna.
This morning there will be a choice of tours. 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. Alternatively, you may prefer a visit to the impressive Zentralfriedhof (Vienna Central Cemetery), the second largest in Europe, and with honorary graves of renowned Austrian musicians, historians and politicians. We also visit the Church of St Charles Borromeo, a significant Art Nouveau church building. Return to the ship for lunch and this afternoon is at leisure to explore this majestic city further.
Day 14 Budapest, Hungary.
Enjoy the morning cruising. Arrive this afternoon to Hungary’s elegant capital and join an excursion to explore Hungary’s old quarter, the Matthias Church and the Fishermen’s Bastion. This evening join your fellow travellers for the farewell drink and dinner.
Day 15 Budapest to London.
Disembark after breakfast and transfer to the airport for your return scheduled flight.
Dates and Prices
20 June to 4 July 2021 | ||
---|---|---|
Category | Brochure Price | Special Offer Price |
Junior Suite | £4595 | £4295 |
Superior Suite | £4695 | £4395 |
Deluxe Suite | £4895 | £4595 |
Premium Suite | £5795 | £5495 |
Royal Suite | £6295 | £5995 |
Deluxe Suite For sole use | £5295 | £4995 |
Tour Reference Code: RCRC200621
PRICE INCLUDES: Economy class scheduled air travel • 14 nights aboard the MS Royal Crown on a full board basis • House wine, beer and soft drinks with lunch and dinner • Shore excursions • Noble Caledonia onboard team including Guest Speaker • Gratuities • Transfers • Port & airport taxes.
Not Included: Travel insurance.
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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
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Paul Atterbury
Paul Atterbury is a writer, lecturer, exhibition curator, social historian, tour guide and broadcaster specialising in the art, architecture, design and history of the 19th and 20th centuries. Trained initially as a graphic designer, he then worked in publishing, later becoming Historical Advisor to the Royal Doulton Group and editor of Connoisseur magazine. Independent since 1981, he has lectured all over Britain, in Europe, the USA , throughout Australia and on many cruise ships. He has written or edited over 50 books, covering subjects such as travel, art, antiques and collecting, design, canals and railways, and the First World War. He has curated four exhibitions for the Victoria & Albert Museum in London, notably Pugin in 1994 and the Victorian Vision in 2001, along with exhibitions for other institutions in Britain and the USA. For the past 28 years he has been a member of the BBC’s Antiques Roadshow team of experts, and has appeared on other TV and radio programmes, usually in the field of art, antiques and history. Paul is a judge for the National Railway Heritage Awards, a trustee of the Railway Heritage Trust and co-director of the Dorchester Literary Festival. Paul lives with his wife in Weymouth, Dorset.
Paul Atterbury will be on the following tour dates: 20 June to 4 July 2021
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