Vienna, Budapest & Blue Danube Cruise

9 Days, Full Board, Departing 5th & 11th July 2012, From £899. Explore Budapest, Vienna and Bratislava on one of our most popular cruise holidays.

One of best selling river cruises, this scenic cruise along the magnificent Danube River takes in some of the very best of Europe's treasured cities.

Enjoy a magical cruise through sleepy wooded valleys lined with charming old townships, castles, churches and inspiring monasteries, and discover some of Europe's most fascinating capital cities on our wonderful Blue Danube river cruise.

During the course of your holiday, take time to explore the capital cities of 3 countries (Hungary, Austria and Slovakia), with trips to vibrant Budapest and cosmopolitan Vienna and don't miss the chance to experience historic Bratislava.

Like the grand cities that lie along its banks, the mighty Danube has always epitomised royalty and power.

Cruise its waters from Germany's 'Little Venice' through lush vineyards, past gothic medieval towns to the imperial city of Vienna. Bratislava is the city of classical music and with countless historical, architectural and culinary treats along the way, such as the famous castle in Durnstein where Richard the Lionheart was captured on his return home from the crusades this is a cruise not to be missed.

Whether this is your first river cruise break or whether you are a seasoned river cruise traveller, this is a cruising holiday not to be missed - with stays in towns and cities along the River Danube, there really is something for everyone.

5-Day Break

Day 1 – Selected early morning coach pick-ups and a journey to Dover/Folkestone for the 8.30 a.m. crossing to Calais. Alternatively, join at port or the Holiday Inn Ashford. Our coach then continues into Germany, arriving at your overnight hotel accommodation in time for your included three course evening meal. D
Day 2 – Linz - Grein. For guests travelling by coach we depart our overnight hotel after breakfast and join the MS Arlene in Linz, later we cruise to Grein. B,D
Day 3 – Grein - Hainburg - Bratislava. As you wake this morning we are gently cruising to Hainburg, where on arrival we transfer you by today, we re-join the MS Arlene which is berthed in Bratislava, where she will remain overnight. B,L,D
Day 4 – Bratislava - Hainburg. An early departure this morning to enjoy a full day in Budapest (packed lunch will be provided). To get the very most out of this city we recommend that you join our optional guided city tour, which lasts approximately two hours. Later this afternoon, we make our way back to Hainburg. B,D,PL
Day 5 – Hainburg - Korneuburg - Tulln. On arrival in Korneuburg today, we will transfer you to Vienna, the Capital of Austria to join our optional tour of the city. Vienna has so much to offer, both old and new - from the baroque buildings, to "golden" art nouveau, to the very latest architecture. Join vessel later in Tulln. B,L,D
Day 6 – Tulln - Krems - Melk. Cruise to Krems, in the heart of Austrian wine country. An optional excursion to Durnstein and Melk is available this afternoon to see the famous castle where Richard the Lionheart was captured. B,L,D
Day 7 – Melk - Grein - Linz. Relax on board as we gently cruise to Melk. On arrival we offer a visit to Schallaburg Castle & St Polten. We re-join the vessel in Linz for the evening. Our Captain’s Farewell dinner will take place this evening. B,L,D
Day 8 – Linz. Disembark the MS Arlene. Those passengers travelling by coach travel to our overnight hotel, stopping for an en route visit in Passau. B,D
Day 9 – After breakfast we will bid farewell and will head back to Calais for the 5.45pm channel crossing. On arrival you will be returned to your original pick-up point.B

B=Breakfast Included, L=Lunch Included, D=Dinner Included, PL=Packed Lunch Included

Look what's included

• Stays in Grein, Tulln, Bratislava, Hainburg & Melk
• Visits to Budapest and Vienna
• Five nights accommodation in a twin bedded Grade 1 en suite cabin
• Full board, welcome drink and Captain's Dinner
• Entertainment on board
• Complimentary tea and coffee
• Two nights half board in your overnight hotel
• Return coach travel from your local area
• Return ferry/Eurotunnel crossings
• Full Services of a Cruise Manager on board

Optional and Included Excursions:

Schallburg Castle and St Polten (£19.99pp)
Visit Schallaburg Castle, regarded as one of the most beautiful Renaissance castles north of the Alps (entrance included). Highlights include the Romanesque style castle, the Gothic chapel and the picturesque gardens. From here we continue to St Polten, Austria's oldest town, dating back to Roman times.

Bratislava City Tour (£14.99pp)
Learn more about Bratislava's past and present from a local guide. See Bratislava Castle - high up on a hill with views off the city and the Danube, Grassalkovich Palace - the National Theatre built by Viennese architects, and St Martin's Cathedral.

Budapest City Tour (£19.99pp)
This optional city tour will enable you to discover many off the city's fabulous sights, including Castle Hill, the Royal Palace and the Fisherman's Bastion. A local guide will be on hand to guide you and ensure that you get the very most out of this guided tour.

Vienna City Tour (£14.99pp)
Enjoy the best of beautiful Vienna including the home of Johann Strauss, the State Opera, the Vienna's Boy's Choir and the famous Spanish Riding School. Again a local guide will escort you on this city tour.

Durnstein and Melk (£19.99pp)
First to Durnstein, famous for its castle where Richard the Lionheart was captured on his return home from the Crusades. Then it's onto Melk, the setting for a beautiful Benedictine Abbey perched on a rocky bluff overlooking the Danube You will have free time to visit the Abbey (entrance included).

Excursion Saving Package
Book 4 or more excursions in advance (just give us a call) and save 10%.