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
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.
-
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.
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.
-
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
-
-
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.
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.
-
Also of Interest
Four River Odyssey
A cruise through the enchanting valleys of the Neckar, Rhine, Moselle & Saar Rivers aboard the MS Elbe Princesse II
Elbe Princesse II
Itinerary at a glance
- Eberbach / Neckar River Cruising / Heidelberg / Rudesheim / Koblenz / Cochem / Bernkastel / Trier / Saarbrucken
Timeless Landscapes of the Low Countries
A scenic river voyage discovering the art, history & culture of Belgium & the Netherlands aboard the MS River Crown
River Crown
Itinerary at a glance
- Brussels / Antwerp / Bruges / Ghent / Nuenen / Dordecht / Kinderdijk / Rotterdam / The Hague / Delft / Keukenhof Gardens / Middelburg / Veere / Brussels
Mozart & the Golden Age of Music
Explore the wonderful music & opera of the Danube with London Festival Opera aboard the MS River Crown
River Crown
Itinerary at a glance
- Regensburg / Passau / Salzburg / Melk / Durnstein / Bratislava / Budapest
Three River Odyssey
A river journey between Budapest & Basle aboard the MS River Crown
River Crown
Itinerary at a glance
- Budapest / Bratislava / Vienna / Wachau Valley / Melk / Passau / Regensburg / Nuremberg / Bamberg / Wurzburg / Miltenberg / Heidelberg / Strasbourg / Colmar / Basle
Book with Confidence
Speak to one of our advisors on 020 7752 0000