Autumn time in the great cities of Vienna & Budapest is the ideal time to enjoy some of the greatest musical works in the august surroundings of their grand opera houses and palaces. During November we are offering two trips, both of which offer some wonderful musical opportunities as well as a comprehensive look at Vienna and Budapest and a visit to Bratislava. Enjoy the reds and gold of the foliage, the tranquil beauty of the countryside and the contrasts and vibrancy of the cities and towns along this most historic of waterways.

Much 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.

The journey will include two full days in Vienna and Budapest as well as visits to the Slovakian capital of Bratislava. During your time in 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 and also the Volksoper. At the time of going to press the programme for the Budapest Opera House is not available.

Perhaps the month of November is not on the top of your list for a trip along the Danube. But consider the advantages. The cities and places associated with Mozart will be relatively tourist free, the cultural life in Budapest and Vienna will be at their zenith and the weather will be cool enough for comfortable exploration. Added to this, we have been able to take advantage of low season prices which reflect huge reductions off the normal tariffs.

If you have not cruised along such a river before, nothing can prepare you for the peace and beauty of it. To relax in the lounge or on deck with a good book whilst the world floats by is a fortifying experience. The everchanging scenery and the immediate accessibility of an area so steeped in history will probably result in very few pages being read as the river unfolds before you. Such vistas cannot be appreciated from any other means of transport, the stately pace and quietness of the vessel allows you to be at one with your surroundings.

Itinerary

Day 1 – London Heathrow to Vienna. Fly by scheduled flight. Upon arrival, transfer to the MS Rembrandt and embark. Welcome drinks and dinner on board; moor overnight. This evening there will be an optional visit to the Volksoper for a performance of ‘Turandot’ (tickets from £59).

Day 2 – 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 and in the afternoon, an optional excursion by coach and on foot will focus on the great composers who have lived in Vienna, their careers and life in the city, including Mozart’s Figaro House. Tonight attend an optional performance of ‘Die Fledermaus’ at the Volksoper (tickets from £59) or the ballet ‘Mayerling’ at the State Opera House (tickets from £69). Transportation will be provided to and from the vessel together with an early pre-performance dinner. A light supper will be available on the return to the vessel. Moor overnight.

Day 3 –Vienna.. This morning there will be a visit to the summer palace of Schonbrunn with its splendid formal gardens. The afternoon is free in Vienna. Tonight, attend a performance of Puccini’s ‘Madame Butterfly’ at the Volksoper (tickets included). Sail in the late evening.

Day 4 –Bratislava. Arrive this morning in Bratislava, formerly known as Pressburg. An enormous 9th century fortress overlooks the Slovakian capital. On a guided excursion see the old quarter, the ornate Baroque Palace and the ancient city gates. Afternoon cruising along the Danube.

Day 5 – Budapest. Arrive into the beautiful city of Budapest. Here, both banks of the Danube are lined with majestic buildings. A guided optional 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 6 – Budapest. Optional morning excursion to Godollo, a small Baroque town known as the ‘Hungarian Versailles’. 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 visit to the Bartok and Liszt Museums followed by a piano recital at the Liszt Academy or the New Palace of Art. Farewell dinner. Moor overnigt.. 

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

*The 11th November cruise operates in the reverse direction, from Budapest to Vienna, and the music programme differs as follows: Budapest: Optional Budapest Opera (programme not available at time of going to press) Vienna: ‘Carmen’ at the Volksoper (included) & ‘Lohengrin’ at the Vienna State Opera House (optional).  

A Musical Journey along the Danube Cruise

Departure Dates: 5 - 11 November 2008 & 11 - 17 November 2008

Prices are per person - Based on double occupancy

Tour Code: RCRE051108/RCRE111108

		5TH NOV		11TH NOV
CAT	CABIN DESCRIPTION	BROCHURE PRICE	EARLY BOOKING PRICE	BROCHURE PRICE	EARLY BOOKING PRICE
1	Main deck aft twin	£1145	£895	£1045	£795
2	Main deck twin	£1345	£1095	£1245	£995
3	Upper deck twin	£1645	£1395	£1545	£1295
4	Upper deck suite	£1845	£1595	£1745	£1495
1	For sole use	£1745	£1495	£1645	£1395
2	For sole use	£1945	£1695	£1845	£1595

Full pricing details for optional performance programme available on request.

Price includes: Economy class scheduled air travel, 6 nights aboard the MS Rembrandt on full board, shore excursions as detailed, performance of ‘Madame Butterfly’ or ‘Carmen’ at the Volksoper, services of a cruise director, tour manager, guest speaker, transfers, port taxes, airport taxes.

Not included: Travel insurance, optional excursions and performances ashore, gratuities.

N.B. Ports and performances subject to change. Water levels may also affect itinerary. All special offers are subject to availability. Seats for performances are subject to availability and will be allocated on a first come first served basis.

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