Fully Escorted by Karen Kirby!
Book NowWake up to breath-taking views as we follow the course of the Blue Danube on its extraordinary journey to the Black Sea. This leisurely cruise reveals some of Eastern Europes greatest treasures, taking you through no less than seven countries with spectacular scenery and exciting Capital Cities. Natural wonders include the picturesque Wachau valley of Austria, the Iron Gate Gorge which cuts through the Carpathian and the Balkan Mountains and the exotic waters of the Black Sea which lap the beautiful Romanian coast. Explore both sides of Budapest, see the beautiful architecture of Bratislava and Belgrade and wander the pretty streets of Vienna city of whirls and waltzes. Every day is an adventure which will create lasting memories.
Day 1
Germany. We arrive late afternoon at our overnight hotel in Germany, making suitable refreshment stops.
DDay 2
Embark - Passau, Germany. We board our ship in Passau, known as the ‘three rivers city’ due to its unique location where the Danube, Inn and Ilz rivers meet. You can then relax on board as we begin our cruise towards Vienna, which takes us through the beautiful Wachau valley.
B, DDay 3
Vienna, Austria. Experience the delights of Vienna, the capital of Austria. Grand palaces, baroque castles, magnificent squares and striking monuments are just some of the key features of this beautiful city, which is a World Heritage site. After lunch we enjoy a city tour. Later today we cruise towards Kalocsa, Hungary.
B, L, DDay 4
Kalocsa, Hungary. We arrive in Kalocsa this afternoon, a small village in the great plains of Hungary. Much of the country’s paprika comes from the pepper fields surrounding this small town - there’s even a Paprika Museum and Paprika Street in the centre. It is also known for its beautiful handmade embroidery. Our guided tour points out the highlights before we continue cruising towards the country of Serbia.
B, L, DDay 5
Belgrade, Serbia. The city of Belgrade lies at the confluence of the Sava and Danube rivers. We arrive in the afternoon with plenty of time to see the highlights of the Serbian capital. We enjoy a fascinating city tour, which is a great way to see the main sights including the huge Belgrade Fortress and St Sava Church, one of the biggest churches in the world. Later this evening we cruise towards Romania/Bulgaria.
B, L, DDay 6
Eisernes Tor, The Iron Gate Gorge. Enjoy a full day cruising through the breath-taking scenery of Eisernes Tor, the Iron Gate - the largest river gorge in Europe which carves a channel through the Carpathian Mountains. The views are spectacular, with the Derdap National Park on the southern side of the Danube in Serbia and the Portile de Fier Nature Park on the northern side in Romania. It’s a fantastic day to spend relaxing on the sun deck.
B, L, DDay 7
Ruse, Bulgaria. After breakfast our ship docks in Ruse, the fifth largest city in Bulgaria, we enjoy a visit to Ivanovo and the Basarbovo Monastery. Here you will find a group of rock-hewn churches, chapels and monasteries inscribed on the world heritage list, one of which we visit. After a short city tour through the centre of Ruse we return to our ship and cruise towards Cernavoda, Romania.
B, L, DDay 8
Cernavoda, Romania & The Black Sea. Early this morning we arrive in the Romanian city of Cernavoda, where our excursion takes you to the Black Sea. We visit Constanta, the main port city of Romania, and take a city tour including photo stops at Ovidius Square, the Great Mahmudiye Mosque, the St Peter & Paul Orthodox Cathedral (1885), the casino and the Genoese lighthouse. You can also visit the famous Roman mosaic. We then continue by coach to Mamaia, the most famous seaside resort in Romania, where we have the chance to paddle in the Black Sea.
B, L, DDay 9
Giurgiu, Romania - Turnu Magaurele, Romania. We arrive in Giurgiu, Romania, early this morning. Today takes you to the Romanian capital of Bucharest, where there’s plenty of time to explore the wide tree-lined boulevards and admire many landmarks including Parliament Palace - the second largest building in the world after the US Pentagon, the Arch of Triumph and the beautiful Romanian Anthenaeum. We return to our ship in the city of Turnu Magaurele and cruise towards the Iron Gate Gorge.
B, L, DDay 10
Eisernes Tor, The Iron Gate Gorge - Enjoy another full day cruising through the spectacular Iron Gate Gorge.
B, L, DDay 11
Novi Sad, Serbia - Novi Sad is the second largest city in Serbia after Belgarde. The most recognised landmark is the Petrovaradin Fortress, which dominates the city from its position on the right bank of the Danube. There’s also the historic neighbourhood of Stari Grad. Our guided tour takes in many highlights before we continue cruising towards Mohács, Hungary.
B, L, DDay 12
Mohács, Hungary. We reach Mohács this morning, which is just across the Hungarian border. In the afternoon we enjoy our visit to Pécs - home to the world famous Zsolnay ceramics and the largest Turkish ruins in Hungary. Later this evening we cruise upriver towards Budapest.
B, L, DDay 13
Budapest, Hungary. Budapest is said to be one of the most beautiful cities in the world. Our tour takes us to see the highlights of both sides of the city - traditional Buda and the more cosmopolitan Pest. This afternoon we visit the Puszta, a vast prairie where we visit a traditional ranch and enjoy a tour of the grounds in a horse-drawn carriage, before watching a spectacular live horse show. Later today we cruise towards Bratislava, Slovakia.
B, L, DDay 14
Bratislava, Slovakia. We reach Bratislava, the capital of Slovakia, this afternoon. This historic city is dominated by its castle, set high above the Danube and once a frontier post of the Roman Empire. There’s also the unique suspension bridge, another key landmark which was announced as the building of the century when it opened in 1972. We enjoy a guided tour to take in the main sights and experience the rich culture in and around the old town before our ship cruises towards Melk.
B, L, DDay 15
Melk, Austria. The small town of Melk lies in the beautiful Wachau valley. We visit the Benedictine Abbey - one of the most famous monastic houses in Austria, which has been occupied by monks for over 900 years. You can relax onboard for the remainder of the day as we cruise to our final port of call.
B, L, DDay 16
Passau, Germany. After a truly memorable cruise we bid farewell to our captain and his crew and make our way to our overnight hotel in Germany.
B, DDay 17
Germany To Home. We make our way home after breakfast, making suitable refreshment stops.
BB=Breakfast Included, L=Lunch Included, D=Dinner Included
MS ARENA ****
This fabulous 4-star ship has 96 cabins split over 2 decks. All the cabins on board the MS Arena feature outward-facing floor to ceiling panoramic windows with French balconies, allowing you to take in the wonderful views of the river and surroundings from the comfort of your own cabin. The spacious cabins feature en suite bathrooms with a shower and toilet. Theres plenty of space and storage for your belongings, plus air conditioning, TV, telephone, hairdryer and a safe all come as standard. You can choose from accommodation on the Upper Deck or Main Deck; all with contemporary furnishings, providing the ideal home from home on your cruise. Dine on exceptionally fresh and delicious dishes in the Panorama Restaurant, then head up for a drink at the Ambassadors Lounge Bar. When youre not at port, the fitness suite, library or sun deck are just a few of the places where you can spend time indulging in the things you love. Theres also the onboard shop for stocking up on souvenirs and essentials, and for your convenience there is complimentary WiFi onboard.
AT A GLANCE
Return Eurotunnel crossing
Half board overnight accommodation in Germany on outward & return journey
14 nights on board the MS Arena
14 on board 4 course lunches
14 on board 4 course dinner including Captains dinner
Porterage on board the ship
Welcome reception with a glass of sparkling wine and snacks on board the MS Arena
5 course farewell dinner on the last night
Live entertainment each night on board ship throughout the cruise
All excursions included
All coach outings as listed and entrance fees
Escorted by Karen Kirby
(PLEASE NOTE: Lunch is not included on Day 1, 2, 16 and 17. Please remember to bring an overnight bag.)
Passport required.
TRAVEL OPTIONS
Upgrade your room (subject to availability). Supplements apply, call 01268 777 777, option 1
GROUP BOOKINGS
If you book 20 places all together on a day excursion, short break or holiday ONE GOES FREE
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More InformationThe map below can be used to check the price of a home pick-up. The map shows the price bands for each area we service. To check the price from your address either click your street on the map or enter your postcode or city/town and click the 'Check Price' button.
Please find below our pick up points (not all pick up points will be available on all departure dates). View the pick-up point you require, then you’ll see a list of dates which are/aren’t available from your pick up point.
Please find below our pick up points (not all pick up points will be available on all departure dates). View the pick-up point you require, then you’ll see a list of dates which are/aren’t available from your pick up point.
Name | Address | Contact Details | Times |
---|---|---|---|
Barking | Station Parade, IG11 8TU | View | |
Barkingside | Fullwell Cross, Bus Stop A - IG6 2EA | View | |
Brentwood | Brentwood, Outside The Dairyman | View | |
Chalkwell Park | Chalkwell Park Bus Stop, London Road | View | |
Chelmsford Victoria Road | Victoria Road CM1 1JR | View | |
Collier Row | White Hart Lane - Bus Stop out Tythe Court RM7 8LZ | View | |
Corringham Town Centre | Gordon Road, Bus Stop opposite Colbourne Close | View | |
Cranham | Front Lane/Moor Lane Junction Bus Stop RM14 1XJ Outside Restaurant Opp. Car Park | View | |
Dagenham | Church Elm Lane, Bus Stop L - RM10 9QS | View | |
Depot | Depot, Princess Road, Rayleigh | View | |
Hadleigh Church | Hadleigh Church, Bus Layby | View | |
Harold Wood | Bus Stop A, Gubbins Lane, RM3 0DR | View | |
Hockley Spa | Hockley Spa, Bus Stop outside the Library | View | |
Holiday Inn, Brentwood | Holiday Inn Brentwood | View | |
Hornchurch. | Hornchurch Town Centre | View | |
Hutton | Hutton, Bus Stop just past the Chequers Pub | View | |
Ilford | Ilford, Bus Stop outside 6 Clements Road, IG1 1BA | View | |
Kavanaghs Rd | Kavanaghs Road/London Road, Brentwood | View | |
Palace Theatre | Palace Theatre Bus Stop | View | |
Pitsea | Outside Gala Bingo Hall, Pitsea | View | |
Queensway | Queensway Bus Stop (Behind the Odeon Cinema) | View | |
Rayleigh Stn | Rayleigh Railway Station | View | |
Romford | St Edwards Way - Bus Stop H - RM1 3DQ Out: Romford Shopping Hall | View | |
Sadlers Farm | Bus Stop on A13, just before Sadlers Farm roundabout, nr Romsey Road | View | |
Shenfield Stn | Shenfield Station, outside Barclays Bank | View | |
Shepherd & Dog Crays Hill | Shepherd & Dog, Crays Hill | View | |
Shotgate | Shotgate Post Office | View | |
South Green | Grange Parade Bus Stop, South Green, Billericay | View | |
Stanford Rookery Corner | Rookery Corner Stanford | View | |
Sun Corner | Sun Corner London Road - Billericay | View | |
Thames Drive | Thames Drive Bus Stop | View | |
The Elms | Bus Stop outside Elms Public House, Leigh on Sea | View | |
The Oak Grays | The Oak Public House, Lodge Lane, Grays | View | |
Thorpe Bay Stn | Thorpe Bay Station, Acacia Drive (opp Station) | View | |
Thurrock Services, | Thurrock Services Coach Park, RM16 3BG | View | |
Trafford House | Outside Trafford House, by Bus Stop, Basildon | View | |
Upminster | Bus Stop M, St Mary's Lane- Upminster Outside St.Laurence Church RM14 2QJ | View | |
Vic Hse Cnr, Rayleigh Rd | Vic House Corner, (Rayleigh Road) | View | |
Websters Way | Websters Way, Rayleigh | View | |
White Horse | White Horse,Southchurch Road, Southend | View | |
Whittinghams Grg | Whittinghams Garage, opp Rochford Railway Station | View | |
Wickford | Halls Corner, opposite Police Station, Wickford | View | |
Woodford Green | Snakes Lane East, Bus Stop R - IG8 7HU | View |
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