JMuch of the world’s greatest classical music has originated from a relatively small area in central Europe. Draw a 100 mile radius around Vienna and here you will find the origins of some of the greatest 18th and 19th century composers that have ever lived. Join us for a musical journey down the Danube as we sail from Vienna to Budapest. Enjoy some marvellous music ashore in the great opera houses as well as onboard as we are entertained by the singers of London Festival Opera.

The journey will include two full days in Budapest as well as a visit to the Slovakian capital of Bratislava. During your time in the Wachau Valley, Vienna, Bratislava and Budapest we have included a number of guided excursions. There will also be the opportunity to attend a performance at the State Opera House in Vienna or the Volksoper. Other musical options ashore include the Budapest Opera House. At the time of going to press the programmes for the opera houses are not available as they are generally published 6 months prior to the performance. If you have never travelled on a river cruise you will be amazed by the sheer comfort on offer. Cabins and public rooms compare favourably with first class hotels, as does service and cuisine. But, in addition, you have the benefit of a floating hotel that will transport you through the very heart of Europe between her two greatest cities.

London Festival Opera

Accompanying us on this cruise and performing onboard will be members of London Festival Opera. Bringing together established opera singers from major British opera companies, London Festival Opera have achieved a considerable reputation for presenting opera and music performances in a wide variety of worldwide venues.

Itinerary

Day 1 – London to Vienna. Fly by morning scheduled flight. Transfer to the MS Johann Strauss and embark. Welcome drinks and dinner on board as we sail to the lovely Wachau Valley.

Day 2 – Melk and Durnstein. Awake this morning in the scenic Wachau Valley. Spend the morning in Melk, exploring the magnificent Baroque Benedictine Abbey situated high on a cliff above the river.  During lunch continue our journey along the Danube to Durnstein, famous for its wine and for the imprisonment of Richard the Lionheart who was held hostage on his journey back from the Crusades. Enjoy the afternoon in this marvellously picturesque corner of the Wachau Valley and learn more of the region’s history and excellent wine in a guided walking tour. This evening, as we cruise back to Vienna, enjoy an after dinner'Opera Gala' performance by London Festival Opera.

Day 3 –Vienna. A guided morning excursion by coach will take us around the famous Ringstrasse, the gardens of the Belvedere Palace and to the stunning Hofburg Palace. Return to the vessel for lunch after which depart for a visit to the summer palace of Schonbrunn. Tonight, attend an optional performance at the fabulous State Opera
House or the Volksoper. Those attending will remain ashore and have a pre-opera dinner prior to the performance. A light supper will also be available on the return to the vessel. Moor overnight.

Day 4 – Vienna. This morning join an excursion by coach and on foot that will focus on the great composers who have lived in Vienna, their careers and life in the city, including Mozart’s Figaro House. Return to the vessel for lunch and sail. Spend the afternoon on board as we cruise into Slovakia, enjoying a performance of 'A Night at the Operetta' by London Festival Opera as we sail down the Danube. Arrive in the nation’s capital of Bratislava in the evening. We will moor here overnight, affording the opportunity for an after dinner walk in this lovely historic city.

Day 5 – Bratislava. Formerly known as Pressburg, the city of Bratislava has enormous charm. On a guided excursion see the old quarter, the ornate Baroque Palace and the ancient city gates. Afternoon cruising along the Danube. Tonight, London Festival Opera will perform a flute and piano recital onboard.

Day 6 – Budapest. Arrive into the beautiful city of Budapest. Here, both banks of the Danube are lined with majestic buildings. A guided tour will include Fishermen's Bastion for fine views of the twin cities of Buda and Pest and Matthias Church which for centuries was the scene of the coronation of the kings of Hungary. Tonight, depending on the eventual programme, an optional visit will be arranged to the Budapest Opera. Moor overnight.

Day 7 – Budapest. Optional morning excursion to Godollo. Built in the 1740s, it was the favoured home of Sissy, the wife of Emperor Franz Josef, and in recent years the palace has been restored. Afternoon free in Budapest. Farewell dinner on board followed by an onboard costumed performance of Mozart's 'The Magic Flute' by London Festival Opera.

Day 7 – Budapest to London. Disembark after breakfast and return to London by scheduled flight..  

The Music of the Danube Cruise

Departure Date: 4 - 11 April2009

Prices are per person - Based on double occupancy

Tour Code: RCJS040409

CAT	DECK	CABIN DESCRIPTION	BROCHURE PRICE	EARLY BOOKING PRICE
D	Polka	Forward	£1295	£995
C	Polka	Mid-ship	£1495	£1195
BF	Opera	French balcony forward	£1695	£1395
B	Opera	French balcony	£1895	£1595
A	Waltz	French balcony	£2195	£1895
D	Polka	Sole occupancy	£2295	£1995
C	Polka	Sole occupancy	£2495	£2195
BF	Opera	Sole occupancy	£2695	£2395
B	Opera	Sole occupancy	£2895	£2595

Deck Plans are available on request.

Price Includes: Economy class scheduled air travel, seven nights aboard the MS Johann Strauss on full board, shore excursions, onboard performances by London Festival Opera, services of a cruise director, tour manager, guest speaker, transfers, port taxes, airport taxes.

Not included: : Travel insurance, optional shore excursions and music performance ashore, gratuities.

NB. Ports and performances subject to change. Water levels may also affect itinerary. All special offers are subject to availability.

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