Group Tour Operator for river cruises in Europe
Gems of the ‘Blue Danube’ – NEW RIVER CRUISE (CroisiEurope)
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Melk Abbey
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Vienna
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Danube and Basilica in Hungary ©CroisiEurope
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Danube Tower in the Danube Park ©Donauturm
DRINKS PACKAGE and 2 EXCURSIONS INCLUDED!
The Danube is the second longest river in Europe, starting in Germany’s Black Forest and flowing for a distance of about 1,770 miles through Austria and further east until it finally empties into the Black Sea. Discover some of the river’s highlights on this unique cruise including the Imperial Cities of Vienna and Budapest and the fairytale city of Bratislava. There are many optional excursions to choose from.
Our ship is operated by one of the leading river cruise companies ‘CroisiEurope’ who operate a 50+ fleet of standard and premium river and canal vessels with a minimum 4* standard of comfort, facilities and catering.
Dates
Dates on request 2026 and 2027
Suggested Itinerary
Day 1
Depart the UK
Take the ferry from Dover to Calais or Dunkerque. Continue through France and onto Germany and make an overnight stop near Cologne. Dinner will be included at the hotel this evening.
Day 2
Travel to Passau
Day 3
Passau to Vienna
Depart after breakfast and continue towards Austria, arriving in Vienna in time for boarding at 18.00 hours.
There will be time to settle in before enjoying a welcome cocktail and reception with the Captain and crew before dinner. The ship will cruise towards Melk this evening.
Day 4
Melk to Dürnstein
Melk is located in the beautiful Wachau Valley. Enjoy breakfast on board before leaving on an optional excursion to the Benedictine Abbey of Melk which is perched up high on a rocky outcrop overlooking the Danube. It is Austrian baroque architecture at its finest. There are a few souvenir shops and cafes in the town below the abbey.
Return to the ship for lunch whilst the ship continues along the Wachau Valley to the pretty riverside village of Dürnstein. Steeped in the legend of Richard the Lionheart it contains an astonishing abbey, glittering with light blue and white, which has one of the most beautiful Baroque bell towers in Austria. A walking tour of the village with the ship’s hostess is included.
Back on board enjoy dinner and a relaxing evening whilst cruising towards Bratislava.
Day 5
Bratislava to Kalocsa
After breakfast there will be an optional guided walking tour of Bratislava, capital of the Slovak Republic. Discover the colourful streets and hidden courtyards of the Old Town with their quirky statues and street art, each telling their own story. Bratislava Castle dominates the town which is open to the public. A more modern attraction is the UFO Observation Deck located on the Most SNP bridge spanning the Danube and offers a viewing terrace area, restaurant and cocktail bar (accessible by lift).
Return to the ship for dinner on board whilst cruising to Kalocsa.
Day 6
Kalocsa to Budapest
This morning there is an optional excursion through the wonderful landscapes of the Puszta which stretches across eastern Hungary and is characterized by traditional horse culture and UNESCO World Heritage sites. A visit to a traditional horse show is included where skilled riders called “csikósok” perform, accompanied by traditional music and dance.
Return to the ship for dinner and evening on board whilst sailing towards Budapest.
Day 7
Budapest – A City of Two Halves
- The Art Nouveau Gellert Baths & Spa. Budapest is renowned for its spas and thermal baths and the Gellert Baths are very famous and popular. Do not forget your swimwear (including swim caps).
- Budapest Covered Market – famous for it’s gleaming tiled roof. An historic three-story market where you can find typical Hungarian products and souvenirs. After the visit, enjoy a tasting of some traditional Hungarian specialities.
Return to the ship for dinner, after which there is another optional excursion, this time to a Traditional Folkelore evening of music and dancing in Budapest.
The ship will sail to Esztergom during the night.
Day 8
Esztergom to Vienna
This morning there will be time to explore Esztergom at leisure. It is one of the oldest cities in Hungary and a former capital. See the basilica which dominates the river and the colourful houses of the historic centre. Return to the ship for lunch.
The afternoon will be spent cruising towards Vienna – look out for the local wildlife along this protected region and also the Komarom Fortress. Tonight is Gala Night on board.
Day 9
Vienna
- A guided visit and tour of the Schönbrunn Palace which was once the summer residence of the Emperor of Austria. See the imperial furnishings of this Hapsburg residence before taking a panoramic city tour highlighting major monuments and buildings around this Imperial City.
- A visit to the famous Konzerthaus the most popular music venue in Vienna followed by coffee in a traditional Viennese café.
In the afternoon, there is an optional excursion to the Hofburg Palace and ‘Sissi’ Museum located in the imperial apartments.
After our final dinner, a further optional excursion is available to see and hear an authentic Viennese music concert in the city which was home to Mozart, Schubert, Brahms, Strauss (both father and son), and Beethoven – as well a wealth of other greats.
Day 10
Depart Vienna
Sadly, it is time to disembark the ship after breakfast and start the journey back to the UK stopping overnight in the Wurzburg area. Dinner is included at the hotel this evening.
Day 11
Wurzburg area to Belgium
Day 12
Return to the UK
Nearing our journey’s end, depart after breakfast and drive to Calais or Dunkerque and take the ferry across to the UK, and home.
MS Beethoven (or similar standard ship)
Named after the famous German virtuoso, the MS Beethoven sails on the Rhine and Danube rivers. Cruise passengers will discover the many wonders of both romantic rivers. Completely renovated in 2010, the MS Beethoven is a standard ship that measures 110m long and 11m wide and accommodates 180 passengers in 90 cabins on 3 decks. Single occupancy cabins can be requested subject to availability. The size of a cabin is between 11.50m2 to 13m2, offering amenities and providing guests with all the comforts they need during their stay.
The refined decoration and the elegant and friendly atmosphere are in perfect harmony with its environment. Located at the main deck, the restaurant, where all meals are served during the cruise, offers fine cuisine in a refined setting, where wide windows allow you to fully enjoy the panorama. Situated on the middle deck is the lounge / bar with a dance floor, while you can relax in a cosy atmosphere in the piano-bar on the upper deck. Comfortable sun loungers are provided on the sun deck, the ideal place to relax and admire the surrounding landscapes.
Cabin information/facilities (CroisiEurope)
All cabins are located above the water level and offer panoramic views of the landscape. They are equipped with private toilet, shower, washbasin and towels. Cabins are comfortable and include Satellite TV, hairdryer, safe and storage space. Depending on the boat, cabins have twin beds, a large bed or 2 separable beds. Voltage on board in 220V. All cabins are air conditioned and have independent thermostat controlled heating and air conditioning. The size and configuration of cabins vary from boat to boat. Some boats have cabins which are specifically equipped for people with reduced mobility (please ask for further details). There is free Wi-Fi throughout the ship.
Deposit and Payment Guidelines
A non-refundable deposit will be due upon confirmation with staged payments prior to departure. Further details upon request.
| Departure date | 12 days / 11 nights | Single Supplement |
| May – October 2026 and 2027 | Price on request | Price on request |
