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Classical Cities of the Danube Cruise

Admire some of Europe's most beautiful cities and enchanting landscapes on this leisurely cruise along the delightful Danube.

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Itinerary
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Ship

Parliament across the Danube, Budapest
Parliament, Vienna
Vienna Opera House at night
Benedictine Abbey, Melk
Dürnstein
Stiftskirche, Dürnstein
Bratislava Castle
Presidential Palace, Bratislava
Display of horsemanship on Puszta Plain, Kalocsa
Budapest
Fisherman's Bastion and Matthias Church, Budapest
Chain Bridge, Budapest
Esztergom Cathedral
Art History Museum, Vienna
Schonbrunn Palace, Vienna (optional)

DAY 1: UK - Vienna.

Fly to Vienna where you will be met and transferred to your ship, MS Beethoven, for embarkation. This evening, join the optional 'Vienna by Night' excursion to see some of Vienna's rich cultural treasures such as the Opera House, City Hall, Johann Strauss statue, Imperial Apartments, and the Spanish Riding School. (D)

DAY 2: Melk - Dürnstein.

After breakfast, enjoy an optional visit to Melk and its spectacular Benedictine Abbey for stunning views of the Danube and the surrounding countryside from its dramatic clifftop perch. Return to your ship for lunch and cruise through the lush countryside of Austria's Wachau Valley to medieval Dürnstein. Enjoy an included walking tour of this pretty Baroque town, overlooked by the fortifying walls of Kuenringerburg Castle and known for its enchanting blue-and-white Baroque church. (B, L, D)

DAY 3: Bratislava.

Experience Slovakia's capital on an optional excursion. Tucked into the foothills of the Carpathian Mountains, charming Bratislava is brimming with impressive sights from the imposing riverfront castle and Baroque palaces to Michael Gate and St Martin's Cathedral. The delightful Old Town is a maze of cobbled, medieval lanes and quaint bustling squares overlooked by the stylish Mirbach and Primate's Palaces. The Jesuit Church, Town Hall, Castle Hill and Old Town are just some of the sights you'll take in on this morning's optional tour. After lunch on board, sail to Kalocsa. (B, L, D)

DAY 4: Kalocsa.

Explore the charming Hungarian town of Kalocsa, set on terraces above the Danube and renowned for its paprika and embroidery production, as well as its strong folkloric heritage. Enjoy a stroll around the town centre taking in sights such as the elaborate Baroque-style Archbishop's Palace and the Cathedral, fronted by handsome Holy Trinity Square. Alternatively, join the optional excursion to the 'Puzsta' or Great Plain. This vast prairie, once regarded as the 'wild west' of Hungary, is now a renowned equestrian centre where you can enjoy a fantastic show featuring Hungarian horsemanship. Return to your ship this afternoon and cruise to the 'pearl of the Danube' - Budapest. (B, L, D)

DAY 5: Budapest.

A full day to enjoy the beauty of Budapest. One of Europe's finest cities, Budapest consists of two districts, old 'Buda' and more modern 'Pest', standing on either bank of the Danube and linked by seven picturesque bridges. Join an optional morning tour through the winding streets of Buda to admire Baroque Palaces, spa houses, medieval homesteads, the glorious St Mathias Church, turreted Fisherman's Bastion, and the magnificent Royal Palace, which proudly overlooks the Parliament Building across the river. In bustling Pest, get a close-up view of the Parliament Building, inspired by the London Parliament, and visit Heroes Square and St Stephen's Basilica. After lunch on board your ship, explore the city at leisure before this evening's optional folklore show. (B, L, D)

DAY 6: Budapest - Esztergom.

This morning, enjoy a short stop in Hungary's oldest town, Esztergom, overlooked by a colossal hilltop basilica, before returning to your ship for lunch and cruising towards Vienna. Enjoy a gala dinner on board this evening. (B, L, D)

DAY 7: Vienna.

The charming and historic city of Vienna was the seat of the famous Habsburg dynasty for over 600 years. This morning's optional excursion gives you the chance to learn about their family history on a visit to the impressive Schönbrunn Palace, adorned with grandiose French-styled gardens and elegant décor. The tour also includes a drive along the famed Ringstrasse to see many of Vienna's historic landmarks. In the afternoon, there's an optional visit to the sumptuously furnished Hofburg Palace. (B, L, D)

DAY 8: Vienna - UK.

After breakfast, disembark your ship and transfer to the airport for your flight to the UK. (B)

Optional Excursion Package

£180 per person

The following optional excursion package can be purchased at the time of booking and includes:

Vienna

Day 1 - Vienna by Night

Melk

Day 2 - Visit to the Benedictine Abbey

Bratislava

Day 3 - City tour

Kalocsa

Day 4 - Half day excursion to the Puszta

Budapest

Day 5 - City tour of Buda in the morning and folklore show in the evening

Vienna

Day 7 - Visit to the Schönbrunn Palace in the morning and a visit to the Hofburg Palace in the afternoon

Note: All optional excursions are subject to change and a minimum number of participants are required for them to operate.

Drinks with meals included on cruise

Wine, beer, fruit juice, mineral water and one cup of tea or coffee.

Early Booking Offer

Book before 1 February to receive a free cabin upgrade on departures in July and August or a 30 Euro per person drinks voucher on all other departures, subject to availability.

Please call for details as the upgrade offer is not bookable on the website.

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Classical Cities of the Danube Cruise

MS Beethoven on the Danube
Twin cabin, MS Beethoven
Dining room, MS Beethoven
Lounge bar, MS Beethoven
Lounge, MS Beethoven
Sun deck, MS Beethoven
MS Beethoven

MS Beethoven

Fully air-conditioned throughout, MS Beethoven offers a comprehensive selection of amenities across its four decks ranging from a spacious sun deck and a tastefully furnished dining room to a comfortable lounge and a tranquil piano bar. Accommodating 180 passengers in 90 bright, well-appointed cabins, MS Beethoven easily maintains CroisiEurope's respected reputation for comfort and dedication to good service and is an ideal base from which to enjoy the wonders of the Danube.

Public Rooms & Facilities

Large partially covered sun deck; dining room; lounge bar with dance floor; bar; gift shop; lift.

Dining

Your cruise includes full board. The dining room is large enough to accommodate all guests at one sitting. Breakfasts are buffet style, while lunch and dinner have set menus, usually including a choice of regional specialities and traditional favourites. Aperitifs, coffee and digestifs are available in the lounge bar. Vegetarian meals and any special dietary requirements should be requested at the time of booking. There is an evening programme of entertainment and a welcome cocktail on the first night. While on board you will be looked after by the ship's hostess and purser.

Cabins

All cabins are outside cabins and have twin or double beds; air-conditioning/climate control; satellite TV; radio; hairdryer; safety deposit box; shower and wc. Your holiday price includes a main deck cabin or you may choose to upgrade.

Options/Upgrades

Cabin Categories & Descriptions:

Twin/double main deck cabin with porthole

Twin/double middle deck cabin with window

Twin/double upper deck cabin with window

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