Flowing through imperial capitals, vineyard-clad valleys and Medieval towns, few rivers have shaped the cultural and political story of Europe as profoundly as the Danube. Along its upper reaches, between Austria and Bavaria, the river reveals a rich concentration of history, architecture and artistic achievement. Our voyage along one of the river’s most captivating stretches offers the opportunity to explore the history and culture of the region combined with visits to some gardens which will be at their springtime best.
Beginning in the elegant grandeur of Vienna, once the heart of the Habsburg Empire, we will discover the city from the Baroque splendour of Schonbrunn to the architectural majesty of the Ringstrasse. Sailing westwards, we can admire the beauty of the Wachau Valley, a UNESCO-listed landscape of terraced vineyards, ruined castles and picturesque villages clustered along the banks. Here the great abbey of Melk rises high above the Danube in all its Baroque splendour. Further along the river there will be the opportunity to visit Salzburg, birthplace of Mozart, or Linz, where we will see the splendid botanical gardens; fairytale Passau at the confluence of three rivers; and finally Medieval Regensburg.
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. When combined with some daytime cruising, informative talks from our Guest Speaker as well as the opportunity to taste some of the region’s wines and enjoy a concert of music in Salzburg by the city’s most famous son, we have all the ingredients for a fascinating springtime break.
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 Vienna, Austria.
Fly by scheduled flight. On arrival transfer to the MS River Crown and embark.
Day 2 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. Admire the marvellous facades of the Hofburg Palace, Rathaus building (city hall) and national museums, set among public gardens. Alternatively, you can join a guided tour 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 MS River Crown for lunch and enjoy a leisurely afternoon to relax on board or explore this majestic city further. This evening, enjoy the welcome drinks and dinner on board as we remain moored in Vienna overnight.
Day 3 Vienna.
After breakfast there will be a guided tour to the magnificent Schönbrunn Palace and Gardens, the favourite summer residence of Maria Theresa. Explore the Baroque grandeur of the palace rooms and admire the intricate decoration and rich history of the palace. Following a tour of the palace, spend some time wandering through the beautiful gardens and admire the intricately designed beds, shady pathways, and hidden hideaways located within the sprawling grounds. For those who are feeling a little more adventurous, why not climb the hill to the Gloriette, which offers spectacular panoramic views of the palace and the city beyond. We will return to the MS River Crown for lunch and enjoy an afternoon at leisure.
Day 4 Melk & the Wachau Valley.
Spend the morning cruising through the beautiful Wachau Valley, famous for its wines. This afternoon we will arrive 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. After our tour of Melk Abbey we will continue on to Weissenkirchen to taste some of the wonderful wines of this region.
Day 5 Linz for Salzburg.
This morning there will be an 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. Alternatively, you can choose to join a morning guided tour of Linz, the capital of Upper-Austria. Explore this charming city, where art and industry combine to create a unique atmosphere. During the tour we will visit the Linz Botanical Gardens which house over 10,000 species of plant from across the globe. Explore the winding pathways and greenhouses brimming with life. Return to the ship for lunch and enjoy an afternoon at leisure.
Day 6 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. Return to the vessel for lunch and spend a relaxing afternoon on board cruising to Regensburg.
Day 7 Regensburg.
After breakfast enjoy a guided stroll around Germany’s largest and best-preserved Medieval city, Regensburg. We will see the twin-spired cathedral Dom St Peter, the ancient Romanesque Porta Praetoria, and the tower houses. Following the tour, visit the Turn 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. The afternoon is free to explore this charming town at your own pace.
Day 8 Regensburg to London.
Disembark this morning and transfer to Munich airport for our scheduled flight to London.
Dates and Prices
SPECIAL OFFER – SAVE £300 PER PERSON FOR A LIMITED TIME ONLY
Prices per person based on double occupancy
| 13 to 20 April 2027 | ||
|---|---|---|
| Category | Brochure Price | Special Offer Price |
| Premium with French Balcony Middle Deck | £3895 | £3595 |
| Premium with French Balcony Upper Deck | £4095 | £3795 |
| Deluxe with French Balcony Middle Deck | £4295 | £3995 |
| Deluxe with French Balcony Upper Deck | £4495 | £4195 |
| Queen Suite with Balcony Upper Deck | £5295 | £4995 |
| Standard Single with porthole | £3895 | £3595 |
| Premium with French Balcony Middle Deck for sole use | £4895 | £4595 |
Tour Reference Code: RCRC130427
PRICE INCLUDES: Economy class scheduled air travel • Seven 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
Travelling with You
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Alan Mason
Alan Mason NDT. F.Inst.G. Dip.Hort. M.CI. Hort. is one of Europe’s most experienced and best qualified garden designers and consultants. Having achieved the distinction of being the UK’s youngest head gardener at Bramham Park when still in his 20’s, and then Gardens Manager to the Queen's cousin Lord Harewood at Harewood House in Yorkshire - where he and his team elevated the gardens into the top ten most visited gardens in the country - he set up his garden design consultancy in 1987. He has since designed and created gardens for royalty and other leading public figures in the UK and France. Creating the gardens at Le Manoir du Hilguy for Holiday Property Bond, and at his own home, Le Manoir, Port de Roche in Brittany, brought Alan Mason Garden Design International success.
During the 80s and 90s Alan also presented the long running ‘Gardens without Borders television programme, which featured gardens in France, Italy, Spain, Portugal and Holland.
His French links continue, particularly in Brittany and Normandy, which have a similar climate and challenges to the UK. Alan is currently developing a beautiful riverside garden near Nantes, selected by the Ecole National Superiore d'Architecture de Versailles as representing the best of quintessential English garden design in the 21st century.
Alan Mason is a founder member of The Professional Gardener's Guild and the founder of the Senior Garden Advisors consultancy group which brings the services of top former Head Gardeners' from Stately Homes such as Chatsworth, Castle Howard and Harewood House to a wider public. Alan is also a judge of the show gardens at the prestigious Sandringham Flower Show and a garden design lecturer for The Royal Horticultural Society.
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Book with Confidence
Speak to one of our advisors on 020 7752 0000