Due to the popularity of our spring cruises to the Danube Delta, we are adding this further trip in the autumn. This mellow season is particularly lovely on the Danube where the russet colours of autumn bring the passing landscape brilliantly to life.

Join us in October as we navigate the Danube from the Danube Delta to Vienna. We will sail through Romania, Bulgaria, Serbia, Croatia, Hungary, Slovakia and Austria, one of the world’s great journeys. From the earliest of times the Danube has been one of Europe’s most important trade routes, linking the Black Sea shores with central Europe. We will travel through some of Europe’s most beautiful landscapes, from the delta lands of the Danube, past the distant Carpathian Mountains to the plains of Hungary and the vine covered valleys of Austria. We will visit the great cities of Bucharest, Budapest, Bratislava and Vienna as well as riverside villages and towns along the Danube, as the great river makes its way from the Black Sea to Vienna.

From the comfort of the MS Rembrandt, we will travel effortlessly enjoying the varied scenery, architecture and learning more about a region that has seen more than its fair share of conflicts, revolutions and wars. Enormous changes are taking place in the Balkans, and now is an ideal time to witness events.

Day 1 – London to Bucharest. Fly by scheduled flight. Transfer to the MS Rembrandt in Cernavoda. Embark and sail to Tulcea, situated at the entrance to the Danube Delta.

Day 2 – Tulcea. Enjoy a boat trip into the delta wetlands, famous for its prolific birdlife. Afternoon cruising.

Day 3 – Bucharest . From Oltenita, drive to Bucharest. We will explore the boulevards with their decidedly French style and later tour the excellent Village Museum which houses a collection of historic buildings from all regions of Romania. Lunch will be taken at a lively Romanian restaurant. Rejoin the vessel in Giurgiu and sail to Rousse. Moor overnight.

Day 4 – Veliko Tarnovo. From Rousse, 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. On Tsarevets Hill see the old fortress walls, royal palaces and patriarchal church. After lunch in a local restaurant there will be time to shop for handicrafts in the town market. Visit the museum town of Arbanassi on the way back to the ship. Rejoin the MS Rembrandt in Nikopol.

Day 5 – Cruising through the Iron Gate . Today finds you cruising through picturesque scenery which becomes truly spectacular as you cruise through the Iron Gates, a narrow Danube gorge between the Carpathian and Balkan Mountains.

Day 6 – Belgrade . A half-day tour of this interesting city highlights the 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.

Day 7 – Pecs. Arrive in the Hungarian town of Mohacs in an area renowned for its paprika production. Drive to the university town of Pecs, a settlement dating back to Roman times. On a walking tour see some of the beautifully restored grand buildings, the Romanesque cathedral and the Mosque which is now a Catholic church.

Day 8 – Budapest. Arrive into Budapest this morning. Cruise through the heart of the city, passing the Houses of Parliament and Castle Hill. Morning sightseeing includes the city’s most interesting landmarks. From historic Buda Castle, you will enjoy a splendid view of Buda and Pest.

Day 9 – Bratislave and Vienna. Arrive this morning in the capital of Slovakia. Formerly known as Pressburg, this historic city is dominated by an enormous 9th-century fortress. On a guided excursion see the old quarter, the ornate Baroque Palace and the ancient city gates. Sail during lunch for Vienna, arriving in the early evening. Moor overnight in Vienna.

Day 10 – Vienna. A morning excursion will include the Hofburg Palace, St Stephen's Cathedral and a drive around the famous Ringstrasse. Optional afternoon excursion to the summer palace of Schonbrunn. There will be an opportunity tonight to attend an optional performance of 'Tosca' at the Volksoper (subject to availability).

Day 11 – Vienna to London. Disembark after breakfast and return to London by scheduled flight.

Passage from the Black Sea to Vienna- A River Journey from Cernavoda to Vienna

Departure Date: 26 October - 5 November 2008

Prices are per person - Based on double occupancy

Tour Code: RCRE261008

CAT	CABIN DESCRIPTION	BROCHURE PRICE	EARLY BOOKING PRICE
1	Main deck aft twin	£1795	£1295
2	Main deck twin	£1995	£1495
3	Upper deck twin	£2295	£1795
4	Upper deck suite	£2495	£1995
1	For sole use	£2395	£1895
2	For sole use	£2595	£2095

Please note: A Currency Surchage of £90 per person now applies to this cruise

Price includes: Economy class scheduled air travel, 10 nights accommodation aboard the MS Rembrandt on full board, shore excursions as described, entrance fees, port taxes, services of a cruise director, tour manager, guest speaker, airport taxes.

Not included: Travel insurance, shore excursions shown as optional, optional performance at the Volksoper, gratuities.

N.B. Ports subject to change. Water levels may also affect itinerary. All special offers are subject to availability.

Deck Plans are available on request.

MS REMBRANDT

Built in the Netherlands in 2003, this attractive four star vessel has been associated with us since her launch but only for limited charter periods. However, from 2008 we are offering an extensive season and in addition to the main routes across the continent, we are also operating the vessel on some of the smaller rivers including the Moselle and Neckar.

Very much of the new generation of river vessels, the MS Rembrandt is however smaller than most. With a maximum of just 80 guests rather than the customary 160-200, she is able to offer a yacht-like atmosphere which is enhanced by the stylish décor of beautiful woods and luxurious fabrics. The main lounge is located forward on the Upper deck and the views from both the side and forward windows are marvellous. Likewise the dining room, which offers a single sitting, also has large windows on both sides of the room, so wherever you are you can watch the riverside pass slowly by. The day to day programme will be co-ordinated by the Noble Caledonia cruise director who will provide daily briefings on the forthcoming events. Also on board will be a guest speaker who will provide informal informative talks and accompany us ashore.

Passenger cabins are located over two decks. The cabins on the Main deck have a good size window, whilst those on the Upper deck have a larger window. These cabins have twin beds which convert during the day to a comfortable sofa. In addition there are four suites on the Upper deck each with a double bed and French balcony. All suites and cabins have well designed private bathrooms with shower and toilet. Other facilities in the cabins include satellite television, telephone, hairdryer and individually controlled heating and air-conditioning.

The MS Rembrandt is proud of its excellent reputation for its cuisine. Enjoy international and local dishes in the stylish and welcoming dining room and later relax in the lounge and bar. Coffee and tea is available free of charge in the lounge during the day. The vessel is also famous for its service and hospitality offered by the crew of 24. When sailing and also in port, one of the best places to be is on the Sun and Observation deck where the views can be appreciated from the comfortable deck furniture.

This cruise is operated on our behalf by NOBLE CALEDONIA ATOL 3108