Mozart & the Golden Age of Music
Explore the wonderful music & opera of the Danube aboard the MS Royal Crown with London Festival Opera
- 4 July 2021
The magic of Mozart has once again placed its spell and the demand for music inspired trips along the Danube continues unabated and with our friends London Festival Opera, we can promise you a marvellous experience. Our musical journey from Budapest to Regensburg is a celebration of Mozart’s life, and of the many great composers from this Golden Age. During this eight night river cruise we will visit small towns and villages as well as the cities of Budapest, Bratislava and Salzburg, enjoying some of the finest works of music from the concertos of Mozart and Johann Strauss’s waltzes to opera and folk tunes in idyllic settings. We will also visit the city most celebrated for its music heritage and Austria’s capital, Vienna, whose classical period was a golden age in Viennese musical life. Mozart lived here for the last decade of his life and exerted great influence on the musical life of the capital and Empress Maria Theresa herself trilled arias on the stage of the Schlosstheater at Schonbrunn.
In addition to our excursions and music ashore, we will also enjoy ‘highlight’ performances by London Festival Opera aboard our wonderfully comfortable vessel in the intimate atmosphere of the lounge. The life and times of Mozart as well as the music of this Golden Age will be brought vividly to life by our Guest Speaker who will accompany the trip.
Useful links & Travel Advice
Please find a selection of useful websites to refer to for information from the Foreign & Commonwealth Office, on visa requirements, NHS travel health advice and other useful travel tips.
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Travelling with You
London Festival Opera
We are delighted that London Festival Opera will be joining us for three performances during the cruise. Bringing together established opera singers from major British opera companies, London Festival Opera have achieved a considerable reputation for presenting opera and music performances in a wide variety of worldwide venues. They will perform a Mozart Opera Celebration featuring arias and ensembles from The Marriage of Figaro, Cosi Fan Tutte, Don Giovanni and The Magic Flute, in period costume, in the beautiful setting of Melk Abbey. Other opera concerts include A Night in Vienna and an Opera Soiree on board the MS Royal Crown whilst we are moored in Vienna and Passau.
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 Budapest, Hungary.
Fly by scheduled flight. On arrival transfer to the MS Royal Crown for embarkation. After dinner you will be entertained by the heartwarming music of the Lugosi Band. Moor overnight in Budapest.
Day 2 Budapest.
We have the day to explore Hungary’s elegant capital city. Spend the morning on an excursion that will include the old quarter visiting the Matthias Church, the Fisherman’s Bastion and the Royal Palace (outside view). Return to the ship for lunch. This afternoon is at leisure to relax or sightsee independently or for those who wish there will be an included tour to the Liszt Ferenc Memorial Museum, located in the Old Academy of Music. Liszt spent a significant part of the last five years of his life here (from 1881 to 1886) and his furniture, portraits, books, pianos along with other personal belongings are on display. This evening we join our fellow travellers for welcome drinks and dinner, followed by a performance by renowned pianist Agnes Kovacs. Sail in the late evening.
Day 3 Bratislava, Slovakia.
Enjoy a relaxing morning on board as we cruise to Bratislava, the Slovak capital, arriving in the early afternoon. After lunch on board depart for 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 ends with a visit to the impressive Palffy Palace for a concert of music by Dvorak and Mozart by a string quartet. In 1762 Mozart played a concert here at the age of six. Later this evening we continue our cruise towards Vienna.
Day 4 Vienna, Austria.
After breakfast today depart for a guided city tour which will include the famous Ringstrasse, the Old Quarter and St Stephan’s Cathedral. Return to the ship for lunch and the afternoon will be at leisure to explore independently or you may like to join our included visit to the Mozarthaus, a three storey museum where Mozart lived from 1784-1787, during which time he wrote the world-famous opera “The Marriage of Figaro” and three of the six Haydn Quartets. We will stand in the room where Mozart and Beethoven met and where Haydn told Mozart’s father “your son is the greatest composer I know in person or by name”. Return to the ship and enjoy a pre-dinner performance in the lounge by London Festival Opera of ‘A Night in Vienna’ including the works of Mozart, Johann Strauss and Lehar.
Day 5 Durnstein & Melk.
Arrive this morning in the charming town of Durnstein, set in Austria’s beautiful Wachau Valley. It was here that Richard the Lionheart was held captive on a Crusader journey. We will have a gentle walking tour and some time to stroll through the pretty streets and perhaps sample some of the region’s delicious “marille” (apricot brandy). We return to the ship for lunch and continue our short sail on to Melk. On arrival enjoy a guided tour of the abbey and a performance by London Festival Opera featuring arias and ensembles from The Marriage of Figaro, Cosi Fan Tutte, and Don Giovanni. Return to the ship and this evening we sail towards Linz.
Day 6 Linz for Salzburg.
After breakfast we 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. We will visit the house where he spent his early life and after a local lunch will continue with a walk through the lovely gardens of the Mirabell Palace. Before we leave, we will enjoy a special concert of music by a string quartet at the Mozarteum Conservatory. Return to the ship and sail on this evening towards Germany.
Day 7 Passau, Germany.
Enjoy a morning walking tour of the ancient fairytale city of Passau, the meeting point of the Danube, Ilz and Inn Rivers. See the old town and cathedral that houses one of the largest pipe organs in the world. After a short organ recital return to the ship for lunch and this afternoon is free to relax or explore ashore further. In the early evening London Festival Opera will present an Opera Soiree of Handel, Verdi, Gounod, Bizet and Puccini on board the MS Royal Crown.
Day 8 Regensburg.
After breakfast enjoy a guided stroll around Germany’s largest and best-preserved Medieval city, Regensburg. See the twin-spired cathedral Dom St Peter, the treasury and the tower houses followed by a visit to the Turn and Taxis Palace. Return to the MS Royal Crown for lunch and an afternoon at leisure. Tonight, join your fellow travellers for a farewell dinner.
Day 9 Regensburg to London.
Disembark after breakfast and transfer to Munich airport for the return scheduled flight to London.
Dates and Prices
4 to 12 July 2021 | ||
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Category | Brochure Price | Special Offer Price |
Junior Suite | £2995 | £2695 |
Superior Suite | £3195 | £2895 |
Deluxe Suite | £3495 | £3195 |
Premium Suite | £3795 | £3495 |
Royal Suite | £4295 | £3995 |
Deluxe Suite For sole use | £3995 | £3695 |
Tour Reference Code: RCRC040721
PRICE INCLUDES: Economy class scheduled air travel • Eight nights aboard the MS Royal Crown on a full board basis • House wine, beer & soft drinks with lunch and dinner • Shore excursions and music events as described • Performances by London Festival Opera • Noble Caledonia onboard team including Guest Speaker • Gratuities • Transfers • Port Taxes • Airport taxes.
Not Included: Travel insurance.
NB. Music performances and venues subject to change.
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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
London Festival Opera
We are delighted that London Festival Opera will be joining us for three performances during the cruise. Bringing together established opera singers from major British opera companies, London Festival Opera have achieved a considerable reputation for presenting opera and music performances in a wide variety of worldwide venues. They will perform a Mozart Opera Celebration featuring arias and ensembles from The Marriage of Figaro, Cosi Fan Tutte, Don Giovanni and The Magic Flute, in period costume, in the beautiful setting of Melk Abbey. Other opera concerts include A Night in Vienna and an Opera Soiree on board the MS Royal Crown whilst we are moored in Vienna and Passau.
Tour Extensions
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We are offering the opportunity to spend three nights after your cruise in the romantic city of Prague, the ancient capital of Charles IV’s Bohemian Kingdom, set on the banks of the Vltava River. Prague is a delightful and easy city to explore on foot and there is a full day at leisure to discover and sightsee at your own pace. Included in your stay is a walking tour of the city’s famous sights, a half day panoramic tour including Prague Castle and a private visit to the serene and historic Strahov monastery library, and an evening music event at the famous Estates Theatre or the State Opera House (schedules permitting).
Charles Bridge, Prague
The Itinerary
Day 1 Regensburg to Prague, Czech Republic.
Disembark after breakfast and transfer to Prague (approx. 3 hours). On arrival check in to the hotel where we will have lunch before joining our local guide for a walking tour of the Old City including Wenceslas Square, where the Velvet Revolution took place, the Old Town Square, with its famous astronomical clock and finally Charles Bridge and the church of St Nicholas. The remainder of the evening is at leisure. (B, L)
Day 2 Prague.
After breakfast depart by coach for a panoramic tour of the city beginning with a private visit to the impressive Strahov monastery library with its amazing collection of ancient books and manuscripts. We then visit the Basilica and the Convent building before continuing to the castle, scene of the famous defenestration in 1618 which led to the start of the 30 Years War. Finally, visit the magnificent St Vitus Cathedral and walk along Golden Lane before returning to the hotel. The remainder of the day is at leisure. Tonight, schedules permitting, there will be an included music event at the Estates Theatre or State Opera House. (B)
Day 3 Prague.
Today is free to sightsee and explore at your own pace. Perhaps visit the beautiful old Jewish quarter with its well-preserved synagogues and the old town square or enjoy the city’s wonderful café culture and excellent shopping. (B)
Day 4 Prague to London.
After breakfast transfer to the airport for our return flight to London. (B)
Prices per person based on double occupancy
12 to 15 July 2021 Category Price Twin £895 Single £1045 Price Includes: Three nights hotel accommodation, meals as indicated (B - Breakfast, L - Lunch), excursions, Noble Caledonia Tour Manager, ticket for an evening music event, gratuities, transfers.
Not Included: Travel insurance.
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Also of Interest
Roses of the Rhine
A journey along the Main & Rhine Rivers celebrating the region’s splendid gardens aboard the MS Royal Crown with Guest Speaker Rosemary Legrand
Royal Crown
Royal Crown
Itinerary at a glance
- Munich / Nuremberg / Bamberg / Wurzburg / Baden-Baden / Steinfurth / Cologne / Arnhem / Delft / The Hague
The Enchanting East
A river journey between Budapest & Bucharest aboard the MS Royal Crown
Royal Crown
Royal Crown
Itinerary at a glance
- Budapest / Kalocsa / Belgrade / Donji Milanovac / Iron Gates / Belogradchik / Vidin / Veliko Tarnovo / Giurgiu / Bucharest
Book with Confidence
Speak to one of our advisors on 020 7752 0000