Rivers of Europe Aboard the MS Royal Crown 2015

Luxury on the rivers OF europe Aboard the MS Royal Crown 2015

RHINE • Moselle • Main • Danube

www.noble-caledonia.co.uk +44 (0)20 7752 0000 1 Zuider Zee NETHERLANDS The Iron Gates NORTH SEA Enkhuizen Keukenhof Volendam Amsterdam The Hague Lisse Utrecht Het Loo Rotterdam Nederrijn Arnhem Mass Kinderdijk Dordrecht

Cologne GERMANY Rhine

Bonn BELGIUM Prague Bamberg Rudesheim Bernkastel Koblenz Mainz Main Trier Cochem Wurzburg CZECH Moselle Wertheim Mannheim Miltenberg REPUBLIC Nuremberg Heidelberg Speyer

Rhine Neckar Kelheim Regensberg Baden-Baden SLOVAKIA Weissenkirchen Durnstein Passau Krems Strasbourg Kehl Bratislava Munich Linz Melk WACHAU VALLEY Salzburg Vienna DANUBE Esztergon BEND Danube AUSTRIA Visegrad Basle Zurich Godollo HUNGARY Budapest Lucerne SWITZERLAND

Pecs Kalocsa Mohacs

Cluj-Napoca CROATIA ROMANIA Vukovar Novi Sad Tulcea Sibiu DANUBE DELTA Bran Brasov IRON GATES Azuga Sinaia Belgrade BLACK Bucharest Cernavoda Donji Milanovac Oltenita SEA Danube Constanta Keukenhof Gardens Salzburg Vidin SERBIA Turnu Magurele Giurgiu Belogradchik Rousse Svistov 2 BULGARIA Veliko Tarnovo Zuider Zee NETHERLANDS A journey by river, unlike by road or rail, allows you to NORTH absorb the landscape, appreciate the subtle changes in Contents SEA Enkhuizen architecture and reflect on the many ways that the river you Keukenhof Volendam Introduction 4-5 “ Amsterdam The Hague Lisse Utrecht Ship Information 6-9 are travelling along has influenced the course of history. Het Loo Rotterdam Nederrijn Arnhem Pre & Post Cruise Extensions 10-12 Mass Kinderdijk Dordrecht Your Onboard Team 13 Itineraries ” Cologne Springtime on the Rhine & Moselle – Rhine, Moselle 14-15 GERMANY Rhine Across Europe by River – Rhine, Moselle, Main, Danube 16-19

Bonn Eastern Odyssey – Danube 20-21 Prague BELGIUM Glories of the Danube, Main & Rhine – Danube, Main, Rhine 22-23 Bamberg Rudesheim Summer Music on the Rhine & Moselle – Rhine, Moselle 24-25 Bernkastel Koblenz Mainz Main Trier Cochem Wurzburg CZECH From the Danube Delta to Budapest – Danube 26-27 Moselle Wertheim Mannheim Miltenberg REPUBLIC Autumn Splendours of Middle Europe – Danube 28-29 Nuremberg Heidelberg Speyer From Bavaria to Basle – Main, Rhine 30-31

Pecs Kalocsa Mohacs

ravelling across Europe by river offers an insight that cannot easily be had by more conventional forms of transport. The leisurely pace and quietness of the vessel allows you to be at one with your Tsurroundings. In a world where places seem to be becoming ever more crowded, the river offers a respite and the opportunity to enjoy the landscape without the constant background hum of traffic.The ever- changing scenery and the immediate accessibility of an area so steeped in history is one of the great joys of river travel.

We have offered river cruises since our establishment in 1991 and in that time have witnessed an incredible growth in the number of vessels plying the rivers of Europe. The new, ultra-modern river cruise ships can accommodate hundreds of passengers, however, we have chosen to charter the charming MS Royal Crown for 2015, an exquisite vessel accommodating just 90 guests. This deluxe vessel is in a class of her own, combining the nostalgic charm of the gracious age of travel together with all the up to date comforts of a five star river vessel.

Our guest speakers, who will accompany you onboard the MS Royal Crown will add to your enjoyment with informative talks and, after 23 years of operating cruises along the rivers of Europe, we have accumulated the very best of local guides for our excursions. Their enormous wealth of knowledge and their own individual views provide enormous colour to our trips leaving you with a lasting memory of all you see. In addition to the excursions we have also included drinks with lunch and dinner, as well as gratuities in the price which makes for all-round ease and enjoyment when travelling aboard the MS Royal Crown.

Whether your main interest lies in history, politics, art, wine, music or simply enjoying the stately pace as we navigate through ever changing scenery, we believe we offer the most comprehensive range of river journeys along the Rhine, Main and Danube for the genuine traveller.

Laura Cochrane, Head of Sales and Marketing

4 www.noble-caledonia.co.uk +44 (0)20 7752 0000 Melk Abbey Budapest

Danube Delta Strasbourg

www.noble-caledonia.co.uk +44 (0)20 7752 0000 5 MS RoyaL Crown River Cruising at its best

e are delighted to have once again chartered the luxurious MS Royal Crown for a selection of varied river cruises along the WRhine, Main, Moselle and Danube rivers.

Built in 1996 and refurbished in 2010, the 90 passenger MS Royal Crown is a luxurious vessel, specially designed for the rivers flowing through the heart of Europe. This elegant vessel combines the nostalgic charm of the 1930s with the comfort, luxury and exquisite service of a five-star vessel. No expense has been spared to create not only a vessel that is beautiful to look at, but also a great joy to travel on. Spacious teak decks, elegant public rooms and staterooms with mahogany, rosewood and marble, together with rich fabrics, all blend together to create a unique river vessel. Facilities onboard include a library, boutique, fitness area, lounge with panoramic views and a restaurant with open seating. Outside there is a large sun deck and lido bar.

The atmosphere onboard is friendly and informal and within days you will have made new friends in the open-seating restaurant, on the shore excursions or whilst relaxing in the comfortable public areas onboard. You will find yourself amongst like-minded people in an English speaking Reception environment and for those who seek peace and quiet, there will always be the opportunity to find a secluded spot on the sun deck or simply rest in your well-appointed cabin. A musician will play each evening whilst you relax in the lounge, guest speakers will provide a series of interesting talks and our cruise director will host informative port briefings.After a day exploring ashore, you will return to the comfort and peace of a well-run and exceedingly comfortable vessel.

6 www.noble-caledonia.co.uk +44 (0)20 7752 0000 www.noble-caledonia.co.uk Restaurant +44 (0)20 7752 0000 7 Bathroom

Premium Suite Friendly Service Deluxe Suite

Your SUITE The MS Royal Crown has 45 suites which range in size from 145 square feet to the spacious Royal Suites which measure 200 square feet. All suites are fitted with rosewood cupboards, a dressing table, satellite TV and radio, a safety deposit box, individually controlled airconditioning and en-suite facilities with shower and hairdryer. Suites on the Select deck have portholes and the Royal Suites on the Panorama deck have large windows.

YOUR DINING While the most beautiful river scenery passes by, enjoy delicacies created by the Executive Chef and his highly skilled team. Only the freshest ingredients are used to create delicious dishes. Relax and take in the passing landscapes, with pristine white linen, silver and fine porcelain to complete your dining experience. The restaurant has open seating allowing you to sit where you like at each meal. In the morning breakfast is served buffet style, lunch is a delightful salad buffet with hot served choices, and dinner is served a la carte in four courses. In addition, a fine selection of wines will accompany lunch and dinner.

YOUR SPACE The elegant Lounge Bar is defined by its 30s inspired Art Deco style, with textured carpets, carved mahogany and plush sofas which create a comfortable and relaxed atmosphere. Experience unforgettable views from the large windows as you enjoy coffee, tea or a light snack such as a salad or sandwich from the snack menu. The lounge is also where our guest speakers will entertain you with informative presentations. In the evenings, let the day come to an end with a choice of beverages from the extensive menu accompanied by a pianist playing a Steinway & Sons grand piano. The huge sun deck on MS Royal Crown covers almost the entire length of the vessel, interrupted only by the Bridge and the Lido Bar where you can enjoy a drink under the umbrella such as fresh juice, a milkshake, or even a cocktail. Recline on a sun lounger and read a book or watch the changing scenery. For some time out, relax in the wellness centre which includes a sauna with shower facilities, and a fitness room. There is also a small boutique and a library with a selection of books and games. Daily newspapers are Royal Suite also supplied.

8 www.noble-caledonia.co.uk +44 (0)20 7752 0000 Coffee in the Library

LIDO DECK LIDO BAR

PANORAMA DECK RESTAURANT LIBRARY FOYER

642

531

FITNESS SAUNA BOUTIQUE & BEAUTY SALON RECEPTION LOUNGE

SELECT DECK Lounge 16 14 46 44 42 40 38 36 34 32 30 28 26 24 22 20 18 12 10 8

45 43 41 39 37 35 33 31 29 27 25 23 21 19 17 15 11 978

JUNIOR SUITE SUPERIOR SUITE DELUXE SUITE PREMIUM SUITE ROYAL SUITE

Royal Suite Deluxe Suite Premium Suite

www.noble-caledonia.co.uk +44 (0)20 7752 0000 Lido Bar 9 Pre & Post Cruise Extensions We are offering a range of extensions in conjunction with our cruises aboard the MS Royal Crown for 2015.

Prague Lake Lucerne Lake Balaton

Available in conjunction with the following itineraries: Available in conjunction with the following itinerary: Bavaria to Basle – Danube Delta to Budapest – Pre Cruise Extension 18th to 21st October 2015. Post Cruise Extension 11th to 14th October 2015. Autumn Splendours of Middle Europe – Relax on the shores of picturesque Lake Balaton, the largest lake in Post Cruise Extension 21st to 24th October 2015. Central Europe. There is much to do in the region so if you want to explore perhaps take a stroll along the pretty streets of Balatonfured Enjoy a stay in the charming Gothic city of Prague. Your stay includes which ooze 19th century charm. The volcanic slopes further west three nights at the centrally located 4-star Esplanade Hotel on bed and along the shore are the perfect terrain for refreshing white wines and breakfast basis. Built in 1927, the Hotel Esplanade has a unique historical you may wish to explore the many wine cellars and their fabulous Weggis atmosphere combined with modern comfort. Our extension includes a wines and mouth-watering dishes. Further afield, behind the basalt morning walking tour of the Old Town, a visit to Prague Castle and lunch mountain of Badacsony you can find the fairy tale valley called the in a local restaurant, and transfers to/from the hotel and ship. There will Available in conjunction with the following itineraries: Káli Basin with its lovely quiet villages. At the western peak of the also be an optional evening performance at the State Opera House lake, you will find the largest natural medicinal thermal water lake (subject to schedules and ticket availability). Details will be sent to you Springtime on the Rhine & Moselle – in the world in Hévíz and one of the three largest Baroque palaces once schedules are confirmed. Pre Cruise Extension 14th to 17th April 2015. of the country, the Festetics Palace in Keszthely, whilst the southern Glories of the Danube, Main and Rhine – shores of Lake Balaton will lull you with their quiet charm and boast Prices per person based on double occupancy: Post Cruise Extension 13th to 16th June 2015. the largest walnut plantation in Europe. Twin: £495 Single: £595 Summer Music on the Rhine – You will disembark the MS Royal Crown in Budapest and travel Post Cruise Extension 3rd to 6th July 2015. Price includes: Three nights hotel accommodation with breakfast daily, overland to the four-star Anna Grand Hotel which is located on tours as described, transfers. Lake Lucerne is incredibly beautiful and has been referred to as the the northern shore of Lake Balaton, 100 metres away from the Not included: Travel insurance. heart of Switzerland. The lake features the most scenic variety of all famous Tagore Promenade, in the middle of the historical district Switzerland’s lakes and is somewhat reminiscent of a fjord-like landscape of Balatonfured Fured Forest. Your stay here also includes a half yet with a mild lake climate. Our three night extension will be at the day tour to the impressive Festetics Palace, once home to one of delightful Beaux Rivages Hotel in Weggis. The hotel is located directly the most important ducal families in Hungary and the country’s on the lake and features a heated garden pool (28 C), private park and third largest palace. Also included is a visit to the Herend Porcelain wellness area with crystal-saltwater whirpool, steam bath and sauna. manufacturers, famous for its luxurious, beautiful hand painted and gilded porcelain. In the mid-19th century it was purveyor to the Prices per person based on double occupancy: Habsburg Dynasty and aristocratic customers throughout Europe and April June/July many of its classic patterns are still in production. Twin Room Mountain View £595 £645 Twin Room Lake View £695 £725 Prices per person based on double occupancy: Single Room Mountain View £745 £765 Twin: £395 Single: £495 Single Room Lake View £795 £855 Price includes: Three nights at the Anna Grand Hotel on half board Price includes: Three nights accommodation at the elegant four-star basis, transfer from the MS Royal Crown to hotel, and from hotel to Beaux Rivages Hotel on half board basis, a tour of Lucerne, a cruise on airport, visit to Festetics Palace and Herend Porcelain manufacturers. Lake Lucerne, transfers between vessel and hotel and airport and hotel. Not included: Travel insurance. Prague Not included: Travel insurance.

10 www.noble-caledonia.co.uk +44 (0)20 7752 0000 Maramures – undiscovered romania

Available in conjunction with the following itineraries: museum of this kind in Europe. After lunch in a local restaurant we visit Danube Delta to Budapest – the local wooden church (UNESCO heritage) in Desesti. Continue on Pre Cruise Extension 24th to 28th September 2015. to the Merry Cemetery at Sapanta, famous for its colourful tombstones with native paintings describing, in an original and poetic manner, those Eastern Odyssey – buried here. Afterwards, enjoy a carpet weaving demonstration before Pre Cruise Extension 18th to 22nd May 2015. continuing on to our hotel in Sighetul-Marmatiei where we will enjoy dinner and a tasting of local wines. Maramures is located in north west Romania in the geographical heartland of Europe. It is a region of mythological richness, impressive Day 3 Sighet, Sieu & the Mara Valley landscapes and ancient customs. The beautiful and timeless scenery (170km). After breakfast depart for a visit boasts pristine woodlands which still account for more than four-fifths to the Ethnographic Museum at Sighet, a of the region’s land surface. The inhabitants of this area have carefully fascinating open air exhibit of a typical village preserved the culture, traditions, and lifestyle of a Medieval peasant from Maramures. Afterwards visit the Elie Lake Balaton past. Sheltered by shaded valleys and mountains, their skilful crafts Wiesel Memorial House. Elie Wiesel was practised over centuries are still to be found in everyday life and the born in Sighet; he survived the Holocaust to local handiwork is also seen in the intricate embroidery that adorns folk Breb become a global activist, orator and Nobel dresses still worn by the locals. Prize-winning advocate for peace. We then continue on to Sieu to experience the hospitality of the local inhabitants, As it has been for hundreds of years, social life in Maramures continues to including a typical lunch and a traditional show performed by the village revolve around the village church. The Wooden Churches of Maramures children. This afternoon we explore the beautiful Mara Valley, with visits have been recognised by UNESCO as some of the most important to some of the picturesque villages, including Barsana’s Wooden Church, sites of world heritage. Unique in shape and ornamentation, they and Sarbi where we visit a local alcohol distillery with a plum brandy have characteristic high roofs and tall, narrow, pointed steeples, often tasting. Time permitting we will make stops at the pretty village of Breb, collectively described as ‘the Gothic style of Maramures.’ where Prince Charles – well known for his love of Romania’s flora and fauna, owns a property. Return to your hotel for a relaxing evening, with A real highlight of our extension will be the six hour train journey on the dinner at your hotel and a folkloric performance afterwards. Vaser Valley Railway, the last operating forestry steam railway in Europe. Starting from the small logging town of Viseu de Sus, the steam railway Day 4 Vaser Valley Railway to Cluj-Napoca (230km). After an early runs along a scenic road for about 30 miles, chugging behind an old breakfast we depart for the small town of Viseu de Sus, where we will join steam engine. The train provides the only access - other than walking – to the Vaser Valley steam train for our six hour journey. This is truly a unique settlements higher up in the valley. We also visit the village of Sieu for experience with glorious scenery en-route. Once we leave the train we lunch with its inhabitants. It is a Maramures custom to welcome guests head for Cluj again for our final night in the region. with homemade breads and a small glass of horinca – a traditional Barsana Wooden Monasteries,Maramures double-distilled local plum or other fruit brandy. Day 5 Cluj-Napoca to Bucharest-Cernavoda. After breakfast today we depart for Cluj-Napoca airport for our flight to Bucharest. On arrival we THE ITINERARY will visit the excellent National History Museum and take a trip to see the city’s fabulous Botanical Gardens. Lunch will be taken in a local restaurant, Day 1 London to Cluj-Napoca (via Vienna). Fly early this morning by after which we depart for Cernavoda (approx. 3 hours) to embark the scheduled flight to Cluj-Napoca in the west of Transylvania. On arrival MS Royal Crown. transfer to your hotel for a late lunch and an overnight stay. Time permitting we will have a sightseeing tour of the city this afternoon. Prices per person based on double occupancy: Dinner tonight will be at a local restaurant. Twin: £595 Single: £695

Day 2 Cluj-Napoca – Baia-Mare – Sighetul-Marmatiei (255km). After Price includes: Four nights accommodation at best available 4-star breakfast at the hotel we depart for a visit to the Nicula Monastery, well hotels, full board throughout, wine with dinner, excursions as described, known for its school for glass-painted icons. Continue on to Baia-Mare, entrance fees, flight from Cluj to Bucharest, local English speaking the capital of the Maramures region and enjoy a sightseeing tour of this guides, UK tour manager, gratuities. town, including a visit to the Mineralogy Museum, the largest regional Not included: Travel insurance.

www.noble-caledonia.co.uk +44 (0)20 7752 0000 Vaser Valley Railway 11 Transylvania – classic transylvania

Available in conjunction with the following itineraries: The Itinerary Danube Delta to Budapest – Depart London early today on your scheduled Pre Cruise Extension 24th to 28th September 2015. Day 1 London to Sibiu. flight to Sibiu via Munich. On arrival this afternoon transfer to the Eastern Odyssey – Golden Tulip hotel for a two night stay. Dinner tonight will be at your Pre Cruise Extension 18th to 22nd May 2015. hotel.

Transylvania is located in central Romania, a region of exquisite Day 2 Sibiu. After breakfast at your hotel, join a walking tour of Sibiu, countryside surrounded by the arc of the dramatic Carpathian mountain followed by some free time before lunch in the old city. Later, drive to chain. This region is home to some of Europe’s best-preserved Medieval Sibiel, a colourful village situated 20 kilometres from Sibiu. Here we visit towns, most notably Brasov, featuring Old Saxon architecture and a unique and superb museum of glass painted icons, located in the old citadel ruins. We begin our four night tour in Sibiu with its cobblestone village church. This evening, enjoy a traditional dinner during which streets and pastel-coloured houses. As we journey on you will encounter we will be able to talk to our local hosts about Romanian daily life in a stunning castles such as Bran, near Brasov – a Gothic fairy-tale structure, Transylvanian village. associated with 15th century Walachian Prince Vlad Tepes, the inspiration for Bram Stoker’s Dracula, as well as the fairytale Peles Castle, built by Day 3 Azuga/Brasov. After breakfast we travel to Azuga in Prahova King Carol I in the 19th century. Valley, home of the Royal Cellar which is the wine supplier for the Royal London family. We will stop at a local vineyard for lunch and enjoy some wine tasting. Continue on to Brasov where we will stay for two nights at the Festival Opera ARO Palace Hotel. Dinner this evening will be at a local restaurant. Joining us for Summer Music on the Rhine Day 4 Brasov. After breakfast, visit the Black Church, followed by a visit & Moselle and guest appearance on Across to Bran to see the world famous ‘Dracula’s Castle’, built as a fortress in Europe by River. 1212 by the Knights of the Teutonic Order. Vlad Tepes, better known as Vlad the Impaler, used the castle as headquarters for his incursions To compliment our musical themed river journeys, members of into Transylvania. Lunch will be taken at a local restaurant. Enjoy some London Festival Opera will be joining us onboard. The company free time this afternoon in Bran, and then return to Brasov. Dinner this brings together established opera singers from major British evening will be at a local restaurant in nearby Poiana. opera companies and have achieved a considerable reputation for presenting opera and music performances in a wide variety of Day 5 Brasov to Cernavoda. Depart Brasov this morning and drive worldwide venues. through the mountain-ringed landscapes and past some of the area’s historical monuments. Our first stop will be to see the fairy-tale Peles Castle, built by King Carol I in the 19th century. Continue on to Ploiesti for a lunch stop, and finally to Cernavoda where we will embark the MS Royal Crown. Sail in the evening.

Prices per person based on double occupancy: Twin: £595 Single: £695

Price includes: Four nights hotel accommodation as described, all meals and wine with dinner, guided excursions as described, gratuities. Not included: Travel insurance.

Bran Castle, Brasov

12 www.noble-caledonia.co.uk +44 (0)20 7752 0000 Your Onboard Team hile on board the MS Royal Crown, you will be looked after by our team of experienced staff including our Cruise Director, Cesar Perez and our Tour Manager, Rodica Ghiserel, both of whom have been working aboard our vessels on the rivers Wof Europe for many years. Cesar and Rodica are in daily contact with our London office and the onboard programme is in their capable hands. A daily briefing by your Cruise Director will provide you with information on the next day’s activities and expert, English-speaking local guides provide insider insights into local culture, architecture, history and traditions. In addition and unlike many other operators, each of our river cruises is accompanied by a guest speaker to help you make the most of your time in the region. Our guest speakers provide entertaining and informative talks as you sail along. They will be constantly available for informal chats, sharing their expertise and anecdotes. Guest Speakers joining the MS Royal Crown in 2015 include:

Rodney Greenberg – Springtime on the Rhine & Moselle Nicholas Merchant – Across Europe by River Roger Preece – Glories of the Danube, Main and Rhine Rodney graduated with honours at the Music Nicholas has lectured on the Decorative and Fine Arts Roger’s interest in wine dates from when, whilst Faculty of Manchester University, specialising in for Noble Caledonia for some five years and for each working for Stowells of Chelsea, he helped in Piano and Composition. He began his broadcasting cruise prepares talks specific to the destination so that broadening the company’s portfolio. This led to career in BBC radio and in 1970 joined the Music passengers can fully appreciate the artistic treasures they extensive travel throughout wine-growing Europe and Arts Department of BBC Television. Since are to see when they disembark. Nicholas will be joining and an ever-increasing love affair with wines. Roger 1980, he has been a freelance Producer/Director. us for a cruise that takes the MS Royal Crown through says of our cruise along the Danube, Main and He has collaborated with numerous eminent musicians, producing Holland, Germany, Czechoslovakia, Austria and Hungary. These countries Rhine; “This is a journey not just in incredible scenery but also has and directing over 300 television music programmes ranging from are famous in artistic terms for their spectacular examples of Baroque art some wines to match. I’ve long been a huge fan of the rather mis- concerts, opera and ballet to documentary features and master and architecture. To add to passenger’s enjoyment Nicholas’ talks will understood Riesling – and we’ve a chance to taste the fuller, rounder, classes. Rodney states – “the big Rhine names are Beethoven, feature various aspects of this style, which appears in Britain in a far less drier style found in southern Germany. I remember attending a wine Mendelssohn, Schumann, Mahler, and of course Wagner. Having exuberant form than we shall see on this journey. Initially Nicholas will tasting in Vienna in the late ‘80s and being introduced to a varietal seen productions at Bayreuth, I try to show why Wagner built his also talk on the unique art of the Netherlands, which blossomed in the new to me at the time. It was plummy, slightly peppery and was titled own theatre there, and why his immense “Ring” cycle is centred 17th century. Nicholas lectures extensively for the National Association of Gruner Veltliner. The rest is wine-trade history and the Wachau valley on Rhineland legends”. Rodney’s talks cover how the boy genius Decorative Arts. He is also the West Yorkshire Chairman of the Art Fund. is the varietal’s spiritual home. A more recent find on a visit tasting Beethoven, long before his maturity in Vienna, composed rarely-heard some fine Pinot Noirs in Burgenland was the historic, unique dessert piano sonatas in his hometown, Bonn. Finally, Rodney states, “as a Henry Davis – Eastern Odyssey wine Ausbruch – and we’ll be tasting both wines in the baroque town Gershwin biographer, how can I resist George and Ira’s raunchy tribute Henry Davis has visited all the countries of the Central, of Rust. Our final wine visit is in Alsace where, despite its German/ to “Lorelei”, the mermaid statue we sail past near Koblenz?” Eastern and South Eastern regions of Europe many times French identity crisis, some great wines are made in the sunny shelter since the 1960s, both as study tour organiser and cruise of the Vosges mountains. Jeremy Black – Across Europe by River lecturer. During his full-time university academic career Jeremy Black is a prolific historian with specialties in he has taught a variety of courses on the history, politics Alan Borg – From the Danube Delta to Budapest world military history, the history of tourism, and both and culture of Europe, with a special emphasis on the Alan started his career teaching in American the eighteenth and twentieth Century. Educated at Communist and post-Communist lands. Over the years he has been universities. In 1970 he joined the Royal Armouries in Cambridge and Oxford, he is currently Professor of the guest of several of the area’s government departments, enterprises, the Tower of London and in 1978. In 1982 he became History at the University of Exeter, and is an expert on universities and media organs, has worked in Vienna’s foremost bank the Director General of the Imperial War Museum, and in the history of Europe. He has published extensively Creditanstalt, and has also written and broadcast on the international 1996 Director of the Victoria and Albert Museum. He on the military history of Europe from 1450 to the present, including relations of these nations for the British media. He became a founder is currently Librarian of the Order of St John and St the Habsburg-Ottoman wars fought in this region, and on European member of the British Association for Central and Eastern Europe; and John Ambulance and Vice-President of the Foundling Museum. Alan political history from 1550 to the present. He is also an expert on how he edited the periodical ‘Albanian Life’ for a period of four years. He has has travelled widely in the Balkans and acted as guest speaker on the impression of the past is created, an issue that is very much to the guest-lectured for Noble Caledonia since the company was established, several Danube cruises. This area has had a troubled history and his fore in the Balkan region. and continually values the opportunity to revisit these fascinating talks will range from the Roman Emperor Trajan’s campaigns in Dacia countries on a regular basis to get a first-hand glimpse of how their to the origins of the First World War and the recent conflicts in Serbia evolution is progressing. and Bosnia.

www.noble-caledonia.co.uk +44 (0)20 7752 0000 13 NORTH SEA NETHERLANDS Springtime on the Rhine & Moselle Keukenhof Amsterdam Arnhem A celebration of music and culture along the Rhine & Moselle Rivers, from Kinderdijk Cologne

Switzerland to the Low Countries Rhine GERMANY Brussels th th Bonn BELGIUM 17 to 29 April 2015 Koblenz Rudesheim Main Trier CZECH Moselle Cochem REPUBLIC Heidelberg Main-Danube Rhine Neckar FRANCE SLOVAKIA Baden-Baden ur springtime voyage along the mighty Rhine, for so long one of Europe’s Strasbourg

DANUBE main trading routes contrasts beautifully with our exploration of the Moselle, BEND O Basle AUSTRIA one of the loveliest rivers in all of Europe. HUNGARY SWITZERLAND Most trips on offer along the Rhine are based on four to six days and concentrate on only one section of the river. Here you have a most comprehensive journey including some of the most interesting places in the Netherlands, combined with the great wine producing areas ROMANIA

along the Moselle and the historic cities of Cologne, Koblenz and Heidelberg as well as the enchanting resort of Baden-Baden. Added to remarkable town which somehow manages to retain its old world charm CROATIA

these riches are visits in France to Strasbourg, an endlessly fascinating place in the delightful Alsace region. This detailed look at two of and yet be very much of the 21st century. Sail this afternoon and relax Danube Delta

Europe’s great rivers will offer a captivating and romantic journey. The scenery is stunning and makes an excellent combination with the artistic onboard. IRON GATES riches we shall see along the way from the wonderful collections on show in the museums and galleries to the fairytale castles and Medieval charms of the towns and villages. Day 5 Heidelberg. From our berth in Mannheim, we visit Heidelberg where Danube we have a day to enjoy this most picturesque and romantic of German cities which is home to Germany’s oldest university, dating back to 1386. A SERBIA musical interludes The Itinerary BLACK BULGARIA morning tour will include the castle, a dramatically sited red sandstone ruin SEA Not only have we organised one of the most Day 1 London to Basle, Switzerland. Fly by scheduled flight. On arrival that dominates the city, the old town with its famous market place and the comprehensive trips along these two great rivers, but transfer to the MS Royal Crown and embark. Moor overnight. city gates. After lunch onboard drive to the ‘Mirror Hall of the Residence of have added the extra dimension of music. The journey Mannheim’ where a string quartet will play some works by Mozart. Sail on along the Rhine with its strong connections with the Day 2 Basle. This morning’s excursion will take us to the old market to Rudesheim arriving in the late evening. lives of Beethoven, Mendelssohn, Schumann and square with its brightly painted Town Hall and along Minster Hill, past Beethoven Statue Mozart is all the more enjoyable when accompanied many handsome 18th century houses to the Minster with its slender twin Day 6 Rudesheim & Koblenz. This morning we will make a short visit in by the music of the masters. We will have the pleasure of listening to a spires. Return to the vessel for lunch and spend the afternoon at leisure Rudesheim to the fascinating Siegfried’s Musical Instrument museum, string quartet performance of Mozart recitals in the Mannheim Mirror or join an optional excursion to the Black Forest. Tonight enjoy the which houses one of the world’s largest self-playing instruments. Sail on to Hall of the Residence, a Chopin concert in the moated castle in Koblenz, Welcome Drinks and Dinner onboard. Koblenz where we join the Moselle. This section of the Rhine is regarded a string quartet performance onboard in Cologne and Amsterdam and by many as the most romantic with its cliff hugging castles and vine clad a performance onboard by the Stuttgart Symphony Quartet. The joy of Day 3 Strasbourg, France. Join a morning guided tour which will hills. In the late afternoon we arrive in Koblenz which sits on the confluence these musical performances will put the finishing touch to a splendid trip. introduce us to the delights of Strasbourg including the fascinating of the Rhine and Moselle. Enjoy a guided walking tour of Koblenz followed old quarter. Start with the Quai de la Petite France where the River Ill by a concert of Chopin’s piano music in the 14th century moated castle splits into a number of canals and see the Ponts Couverts, a series of which is owned by the Princes of Hohenzollern. wooden bridges dating back to the 13th century, the Place Gutenberg Itinerary Highlights and the Cathedral of Notre Dame, the tallest Medieval building in Day 7 Trier. From the town of Bernkastel depart for an afternoon excursion • Spa town of Baden Baden Europe. Afternoon at leisure, and this evening we will enjoy an onboard to lovely Trier. Pride of place goes to the most impressive group of Roman performance by the Stuttgart Symphony Quartet. Moor overnight. monuments north of the Alps. On our excursion we will see the Roman • Cochem’s 11th century Schloss and Reichsburg ruins including the impressive Porta Nigra, the most important ancient • Cologne Cathedral Day 4 Baden-Baden, Germany. This morning we drive inland to the monument in the city and the largest Roman city gate extant. • Rijksmuseum in Amsterdam spa town of Baden-Baden. This beautiful Belle-Epoch resort is one of Germany’s best kept secrets. The spa assembly rooms and famously The town of Cochem is famous for its 11th century • Keukenhof Gardens Day 8 Cochem to Bonn. elegant casino form the focal point of the town, both architecturally and Schloss and the Reichsburg, set impressively on a tree clad hill above a socially. After a guided tour there will be free time to wander around this bend of the river. On the guided tour, walk along its winding Medieval

14 www.noble-caledonia.co.uk +44 (0)20 7752 0000 Strasbourg Baden Baden Cochem

streets and see the Baroque Town Hall. Cruise back up the Moselle this Day 13 Amsterdam to London. Disembark after breakfast and transfer to afternoon, rejoining the Rhine and reaching Bonn at midnight. the airport for your return scheduled flight to London.

Day 9 Bonn & Cologne. Morning visit to Beethoven’s House, followed by a brief tour of Bonn. In the late morning sail on to Cologne and after PRE CRUISE LAKE LUCERNE EXTENSION lunch there will be a guided walk along the river promenade and through 14th to 17th April 2015 the old town to the magnificent cathedral, the largest in Germany. Before An optional pre-cruise three night stay in Weggis on Lake Lucerne is dinner this evening there will be a wonderful string quartet performance available in conjunction with this cruise. Please refer to page 10 for further by musicians from Hamburg in the ship’s lounge. details.

Day 10 Arnhem, Netherlands. Arnhem is well known because of the airborne paratrooper landings and the battles around the bridge over the Rhine. On the town side of the bridge stands a monument Prices per Person commemorating the British forces. Today there will be a choice of two Based on double occupancy included excursions: your first option is an excursion to the Airborne BOOK EARLY AND SAVE £500 PER PERSON PLUS a limited number Museum at Villa Hartenstein, the allied headquarters during the Battle of cabins available without single supplement of Arnhem, and nowadays dedicated to the historic military ‘Operation BROCHURE SPECIAL OFFER Market Garden’ in World War II. Alternatively, visit the Palace of Het Loo, CAT DECK PRICE PRICE the favoured summer residence of the Dutch Royal family from 1686 to Junior Suite Select £3595 £3095 1975. Sail in the evening towards Amsterdam. Superior Suite Select £3725 £3225 Deluxe Suite Select £3845 £3345 Day 11 Amsterdam. Explore the city of the “Golden Age” on a morning Premium Suite Select £4075 £3575 guided tour which will include the incomparable and newly reopened Royal Suite Panorama £4795 £4295 Rijksmuseum with its splendid collection of old masters. Deluxe Suite for sole use Select £3845 £3345

Day 12 Keukenhof Gardens. After breakfast this morning we depart for Price Includes: Economy class scheduled air travel, 12 nights aboard the Royal Crown the superb Keukenhof Gardens at Lisse, one of Holland’s biggest claims on full board, house wine, beer and soft drinks with lunch and dinner, shore excursions, music performance ashore and onboard as described, guest speaker, services of a to fame are the floral attractions that you see at this annual horticultural cruise director, tour manager, transfers, port taxes, airport taxes, gratuities to crew and celebration. Return to the vessel for lunch and this afternoon at leisure whilst on shore excursions. to relax or for final sightseeing and shopping in Amsterdam. In the early Not Included: Travel insurance, optional Black Forest excursion. evening there will be a classical performance onboard by a string quartet, NB. Ports and schedules subject to change due to water levels. All special offers are subject to availability. followed by the Farewell Gala Dinner.

www.noble-caledonia.co.uk +44 (0)20 7752 0000 Keukenhof Gardens 15 Across Europe by River A river cruise from Amsterdam to the Black Sea with guest appearance by London Festival Opera 29th April to 22nd May 2015

n this ultimate grand tour of Europe you will sail clear across the continent, visit seven countries, travel more than 2200 miles and only need to unpack onceO as you settle aboard your wonderfully comfortable floating hotel, the luxurious MS Royal Crown. Trace the routes of emperors and kings as you cruise along the Rhine, Main and Danube and live the dream of Charlemagne, who 1200 years ago, dreamed of building a canal connecting the Rhine to the Danube. Durnstein and the Wachau Valley

This is the perfect trip for those who enjoy seeing something new every day, as the MS Royal Crown will transport you in Zuider Zee Bamburg considerable luxury between great cities, towns and villages. NORTH NETHERLANDS SEA Past ever-changing landscapes where the slow speed of the Amsterdam vessel allows us to absorb the views of town and country.

Cologne Our itinerary is brimming with highlights including the GERMANY Rhine grand cities of Vienna and Budapest; the picturesque BELGIUM towns along the Rhine including Miltenberg and Koblenz Rudesheim Bamberg Main Rudesheim; wine tasting opportunities in Wurzburg and the Wachau Mainz Wurzburg CZECH Wertheim Miltenberg Nuremberg REPUBLIC Valley; music performances including an organ recital in Passau and a local gypsy band performance in Budapest. In addition we are delighted Regensberg Weissenkirchen SLOVAKIA that London Festival Opera will be joining us in Vienna for two special Durnstein Passau Melk Bratislava performances, one onboard our vessel and one ashore in the beautiful DANUBE WACHAU Vienna BEND VALLEY Danube Klarissen Church in Bratislava. There will of course also be plenty of time AUSTRIA Godollo to relax onboard and enjoy some truly beautiful scenery especially whilst Budapest HUNGARY cruising through the dramatic Rhine Gorge and through the spectacular Iron Gates. Pecs Kalocsa Mohacs ROMANIA

CROATIA Tulcea DANUBE DELTA Itinerary Highlights IRON GATES Belgrade Cernavoda BLACK • Visit the grand cities of Vienna and Budapest Bucharest SEA Danube Constanta • Wine tastings in Wurzburg and Weissenkirchen Rousse SERBIA • Mozart Gala Performance ashore in Bratislava and BULGARIA Veliko Tarnovo Amsterdam highlights from Madam Butterfly performed onboard by London Festival Opera

16 www.noble-caledonia.co.uk +44 (0)20 7752 0000 Cologne Cathedral Passau

The Itinerary Day 6 Miltenberg & Wertheim. This morning on a walking tour, explore Day 10 Regensburg. Early this morning we enter the Danube River, the pretty Franconian town of Miltenberg, known for its half-timbered arriving in Regensburg after breakfast. Join a guided stroll around Day 1 London/Manchester/Birmingham/ Edinburgh/Bristol to Medieval houses. Return to the ship for lunch whilst sailing on to historic Regensburg, widely regarded as the Medieval wonder of Amsterdam, Netherlands. Fly by scheduled flight and transfer to the beautiful Wertheim where there will be some free time in this charming Germany. Our tour will include the magnificent twin-spired cathedral MS Royal Crown. Moor overnight in Amsterdam. market town. Dom St Peter.

Day 2 Amsterdam. Enjoy a morning in Amsterdam and during the guided Day 7 Wurzburg. Arrive this morning in historic Wurzburg, the wine Day 11 Passau. Arrive this morning is Passau, where the Inn and Ilz rivers tour visit the Rijksmuseum with its splendid collection of old masters. capital of Franconia. Tour this lovely town including the magnificent join the Danube. Our guided walking tour will include the old town of Later sail to Cologne and this evening enjoy welcome drinks and dinner Prince Bishop’s Residenz Palace. Our visit ends with a wine tasting of this Bavarian city and the breathtaking Cathedral of St. Stephan, which onboard. local wines in the splendid cellars of the Residenz. Also see the old town contains one of the world’s largest church pipe organs. Enjoy an organ with its collection of churches which range in style from Romanesque to recital before returning to the vessel for lunch. Afternoon at leisure in Day 3 Cologne, Germany. This morning, relax onboard as we cruise Gothic, Renaissance to Baroque before returning to the ship for lunch as Passau before we cruise into Austria this evening. along the legendary Rhine passing Duisburg and Dusseldorf before we sail to Bamberg. arriving in Cologne for a tour to see the city’s famous cathedral. The Day 12 Melk & the Wachau Valley to Vienna, Austria. This morning we cathedral is the largest Gothic church in northern Europe with the second Day 8 Bamberg. This morning, enter the Main-Danube Canal will reach the picturesque Wachau Valley, famous for its wine. We will tallest spire and largest façade in the world. Enjoy an afternoon at leisure at Bamberg, one of Germany’s most beautiful historic towns. Its moor in Melk under the shadow of the great Baroque Abbey, situated to explore the city independently. geographical location, some 40 miles north of Nuremberg was a key on a cliff high above the Danube. Enjoy a guided tour of the abbey. factor in preserving its magnificent architectural heritage from the During lunch continue sailing through the Wachau to Durnstein, where Day 4 Koblenz & Rudesheim. Arrive in Koblenz for a walking tour of ravages of war. Every European style from the Romanesque onwards has King Richard the Lionheart was imprisoned. After free time in this this historic commercial centre. After lunch, continue cruising through left its mark on Bamberg, each bequeathing at least one major building. picturesque town, continue to the nearby village of Weissenkirchen the dramatic Rhine Gorge to Rudesheim, passing romantic castles, lush Following our guided morning excursions, the MS Royal Crown remains to sample the excellent local wine, accompanied by some Schrammel vineyards and the infamous Lorelei rock. In Rudesheim, we enjoy a tour in Bamberg, allowing you time at leisure to explore further. music performed by local musicians. Sail in the evening to Vienna. of Siegfried’s Musical Instrument Museum. Moor overnight. Day 9 Nuremberg. The city of Nuremberg’s long and sometimes Day 13 Vienna. A morning city tour of Austria’s elegant capital will take Day 5 Mainz. Arrive this morning in atmospheric Mainz. Our walking tour troubled history has left its mark on the city and there’s plenty to us around the famous Ringstrasse, and the Old Quarter including St here will include the Hoefchen (“Little Court”), residence of the city’s discover during our morning tour. Three towering castles overlook Stephan’s cathedral. Return to the ship for lunch and this afternoon is at archbishops until the 15th century, the Kirschgarten with its romantic half- Nuremberg, and its old city contained within vast walls is a joy to leisure to explore this grand city independently or relax onboard. This timbered houses and Marian-Fountain. Your tour ends with a visit to the explore. Sail at lunchtime and continue cruising through the highest evening there will be an optional music event ashore, either at the State Johan Gutenberg Museum. Sail at lunchtime as we enter the River Main. point of any commercial waterway in Europe, 1331 feet above sea level. Opera or Volksopera (subject to schedules and availability).

www.noble-caledonia.co.uk +44 (0)20 7752 0000 17 Day 22 Constanta, Romania. Early this morning, we arrive in Cernavoda at the entrance to the Black Sea Canal. Drive to nearby Constanta, a popular resort city. Its colourful history dates back to ancient Greek and Roman times. On a guided tour see the Museum of National History and Archaeology and the Roman mosaic. Return to Constanta, Romania the ship for a late lunch and sail in the afternoon along the snaking Danube as we make our way to the Black Sea.

Day 23 The Black Sea & Tulcea. Awake early today to experience sunrise over the Black Sea. Weather conditions permitting we hope to make a short cruise into the Black Sea proper, with a good chance of spotting birdlife. Later we cruise to Tulcea, situated at the entrance to the Danube Delta and enjoy an afternoon boat trip into the delta wetlands. Schonbrunn Palace, Vienna Danube Delta

Day 24 Bucharest to London/Manchester/Birmingham/Edinburgh/ Bristol. Disembark after breakfast and transfer to the airport for your Day 14 Vienna. This morning depart for a visit to the wonderful Day 18 Pecs. Depart on a morning’s excursion to Pecs. Lying between return scheduled flight to the UK. Schonbrunn Palace and Gardens, the favourite summer residence of Maria the Danube and Drava Rivers in southern Hungary, the historic city Theresa. Return to the ship for lunch enjoy the rest of the day at leisure. In of Pecs enjoys a fine position on the slopes of the Mecsek Hills. the early evening London Festival Opera will perform their highlights from The excursion will feature the sites associated with the city’s Roman Madame Butterfly onboard, followed by dinner in the restaurant. Ottoman Hapsburg past. Return to the ship in Mohacs and enjoy an afternoon of cruising. Day 15 Bratislava, Slovakia. Arrive this morning in the Slovak capital of Bratislava. Join a guided walking tour of the city, formerly known as Spend the morning in this interesting city. Prices per Person Day 19 Belgrade, Serbia. Based on double occupancy Pressburg, a former capital of Hungary. See the old quarter, the ornate A half-day tour highlights the city’s main attractions, including the Baroque Palace and the ancient city gates. Finish your tour with a visit Kalemegdan fortress as it looms over the confluence of the Sava and BOOK EARLY AND SAVE £1000 PER PERSON PLUS a limited number to the beautiful Klarissen Church for a Mozart Gala Concert, featuring Danube rivers, Saint Sava Cathedral, the largest Orthodox Church of cabins available without single supplement ensembles from The Marriage of Figaro, Cosi fan tutte, Don Giovanni and in the world, and Tito’s Memorial. This evening enjoy an optional BROCHURE SPECIAL OFFER The Magic Flute. Return to the ship and later we will cruise to Budapest Folklore performance. CAT DECK PRICE PRICE arriving in the evening. Moor overnight. Junior Suite Select £6895 £5895 Day 20 Cruising through the Iron Gates. Today the scenery becomes Superior Suite Select £6995 £5995 Day 16 Budapest, Hungary. We have the day to explore Hungary’s truly spectacular as you cruise through the Iron Gates, a narrow Deluxe Suite Select £7095 £6095 elegant capital. Spend the morning on an excursion that will include the Danube gorge between the Carpathian and Balkan Mountains. Premium Suite Select £7595 £6595 old quarter, the Matthias Church and the Fishermen’s Bastion. Spend the Royal Suite Panorama £7995 £6995 afternoon at leisure or join the optional excursion to the small Baroque Day 21 Veliko Tarnovo, Bulgaria. From Svistov, we drive to Veliko Deluxe Suite for sole use Select £7095 £6095 Palace of Godollo. This evening we will be entertained onboard by a Tarnovo, the capital of the second Bulgarian Kingdom from 1187 Price Includes: Economy class scheduled air travel, 23 nights aboard the Royal Crown local gypsy band. Sail at midnight. to 1393. The city formed a natural fortress, located on three hills on full board, house wine, beer and soft drinks with lunch and dinner, shore excursions surrounding the Yantra River. A palace, fortifications and churches were and music ashore as described, two performaces by London Festival Opera, guest speaker, services of a cruise director, tour manager, transfers, port taxes, airport taxes, Day 17 Kalocsa. Arrive this morning in charming Kalocsa, renowned built into the terrain. Across the river, ancient stone houses seemingly gratuities to crew and whilst on shore excursions. for paprika production. Your tour of the Puszta district will include the perched on top of each other rise up the steep riverbank. After lunch Not Included: Travel insurance, optional music evening in Vienna, optional town and a spectacular display of Hungarian horsemanship. Depart this in a local restaurant, visit the museum town of Arbanassi. Rejoin the excursion to Godollo and evening folklore performance in Belgrade. afternoon for a relaxing cruise down the beautiful Danube, arriving in ship in Rousse and sail in the late evening. NB. Ports and schedules subject to change due to water levels. All special offers are subject to availability. Mohacs in the early evening. Moor overnight.

18 www.noble-caledonia.co.uk +44 (0)20 7752 0000 River Danube 19 NORTH SEA NETHERLANDS

Rhine GERMANY

BELGIUM

Main Moselle CZECH REPUBLIC Main-Danube Rhine Neckar Eastern Odyssey SLOVAKIA Bratislava

Vienna DANUBE A cruise along the Danube from the delta wetlands to Vienna Danube BEND AUSTRIA nd st Budapest HUNGARY 22 May to 1 June 2015 SWITZERLAND Kalocsa

Mohacs ROMANIA CROATIA DANUBE DELTA IRON rom the earliest of times the Danube has been one of Europe’s most important trade GATES Bucharest Belgrade BLACK routes linking the Black Sea shores with central Europe. During this fascinating Danube SEA F Rousse SERBIA cruise we will navigate the river from its Black Sea delta to Vienna sailing through Veliko Tarnovo Romania, Bulgaria, Serbia, Croatia, Hungary, Slovakia and Austria, one of the world’s BULGARIA great journeys and through some of Europe’s most attractive landscapes. We will travel

from the delta lands of the Danube to the foothills of the Carpathian Mountains and the Kingdom from 1187 to 1393. The plains of Hungary and onwards to the architectural glories of Budapest and Vienna. city formed a natural fortress, located on three hills surrounding the Yantra River. A palace, fortifications and churches were Guided excursions with excellent local The Itinerary built into the terrain. Across guides and interesting talks by our guest the river, ancient stone houses speaker will create an enjoyable, informative Day 1 London/Manchester to Bucharest, Romania. Fly by scheduled seemingly perched on top of each and lively atmosphere as we sail along the flight. On arrival transfer to the MS Royal Crown and embark. Sail this other rise up the steep riverbank. Danube in all its early summer glory. To evening. After lunch in a local restaurant visit enhance your holiday further we are offering the museum town of Arbanassi, a choice of four night pre-cruise extensions Day 2 Danube Delta. The Danube Delta is one of the most important famous for its 17th and 18th in the beautiful regions of Transylvania and wetlands left in Europe. From the port of Tulcea, join a boat trip to architecture and the unique Church Maramures in Romania, during which you will explore the delta and its birdlife. Spend a relaxing afternoon onboard as of the Nativity of Christ. We return travel through some of the last untouched we sail towards Bucharest. Pelican, Danube Delta to our ship at Nikopol and sail. and least travelled areas of Europe. Budapest Day 3 Bucharest. Arrive this morning in the port of Oltenita from where Day 5 Cruising through the Iron Gates. Today the scenery becomes truly we drive to Bucharest. We will explore the main sights of city and see spectacular as you cruise through the Iron Gates, a narrow Danube gorge the boulevards with their decidedly French style. After lunch in a local between the Carpathian and Balkan Mountains. The gorge, one of the Itinerary Highlights restaurant there will be a choice of afternoon visits. You may choose to most dramatic sights in Europe, forms a natural border between Serbia visit the Parliament Palace, the second largest administrative building and Romania. • Parliament Palace in Bucharest, the second largest in the world at 3.77 million square feet. This gargantuan construction is administrative building in the world Ceausescu’s most infamous creation and makes for a fascinating tour. Day 6 Belgrade, Serbia. Belgrade has a long and complex history, • Cruising through the Iron Gates Alternatively, you may prefer to visit the unique Village Museum, an open- reflected in its architecture from Ottoman and Byzantine to more • Arbanassi, famous for its 17th and 18th architecture air ethnographic museum located in the Herastrau Park, showcasing contemporary styles. In recent years the city’s cultural life has evolved traditional Romanian village life. The museum contains 272 authentic considerably and now offers many theatres, museums and opera houses. and the unique Church of the Nativity of Christ peasant farms and houses from all over Romania. After your tour depart On our tour we will see the main attractions, including the Kalemegdan • Hungarian horse display at Kalocsa for the port of Giurgiu to rejoin our vessel and sail on to Rousse for an Fortress which looms over the confluence of the Sava and Danube rivers, • The grand city of Vienna and the “Queen of the overnight mooring. Saint Sava Cathedral, the largest Orthodox Church in the world, and Tito’s Memorial. Your tour will end with an excellent local Folklore show. Danube”, Budapest Day 4 Veliko Tarnovo, Bulgaria. From Rousse we depart by coach for Return to the vessel for lunch and sail in the early afternoon. a full-day tour to Veliko Tarnovo, the capital of the Second Bulgarian

20 www.noble-caledonia.co.uk +44 (0)20 7752 0000 The Iron Gates Parliament Palace in Bucharest Hungarian Horse Display, Kalocsa

Day 7 Kalocsa, Hungary. After a morning cruising we arrive in charming Kalocsa, renowned for its paprika production. Our tour of the Puszta district will include a spectacular display of Hungarian horsemanship. Sail Pre Cruise ExtensionS to this evening towards Budapest. Transylvania & Maramures 18th to 22nd May 2015 Day 8 Budapest. Arrive after breakfast and this morning explore the We are pleased to offer a choice of two pre-cruise extensions in “Queen of the Danube”. Our tour includes the old quarter, a visit to Romania’s beautiful regions of Transylvania and Maramures. Please refer St Matthias Church and the Fisherman’s Bastion from where there are to pages 11 and 12 for full details. stunning views of the city. Return to the MS Royal Crown for lunch and enjoy an afternoon at leisure. There are some excellent museums and galleries and marvellous shops, but the great charm of this city is its enchanting architecture which is best appreciated on a stroll through old Buda. Prices per Person Based on double occupancy Day 9 Bratislava, Slovakia. Enjoy a morning cruising, arriving into BOOK EARLY AND SAVE £500 PER PERSON PLUS a limited number Fisherman’s Bastion, Budapest Bratislava in the early afternoon. On a guided tour visit the capital of of cabins available without single supplement Slovakia, formerly known as Pressburg. This historic city is dominated by BROCHURE SPECIAL OFFER an enormous 9th century fortress. Enjoy some free time to explore the CAT DECK PRICE PRICE leisure before sailing this evening to Vienna. Junior Suite Select £3500 £3000 Superior Suite Select £3600 £3100 After breakfast join an excursion of this grand Day 10 Vienna, Austria. Deluxe Suite Select £3700 £3200 city, drive around the famous Ringstrasse and pass some of the major Premium Suite Select £3900 £3400 sights including St Stephan’s cathedral and the Hofburg Palace. This Royal Suite Panorama £4500 £4000 afternoon is free to enjoy this most romantic of cities at lesiure or Deluxe Suite for sole use Select £3700 £3200 perhaps take an optional excursion to the beautiful summer palace of Schonbrunn. Tonight join your fellow travellers for the Farewell Gala Price Includes: Economy class scheduled air travel, 10 nights aboard the Royal Crown Dinner onboard. on full board, house wine, beer and soft drinks with lunch and dinner, shore excursions as described, guest speaker, services of a cruise director, tour manager, transfers, port taxes, airport taxes, gratuities to crew and whilst on shore excursions. Day 11 Vienna to London/Manchester. Disembark after breakfast and Not Included: Travel insurance, optional Schonbrunn excursion. return to London or Manchester by scheduled flight. NB. Ports and schedules subject to change due to water levels. All special offers are subject to availability. Please note transfer time from Bucharest to Cernavoda is approx. 3 hours.

www.noble-caledonia.co.uk +44 (0)20 7752 0000 Johann Strauss Statue, Vienna 21 NORTH SEA NETHERLANDS

Glories of the Danube, Main & Rhine GERMANY

A summer cruise of wine & culture along three rivers from Vienna to Basle Bamberg Main st th Mannheim Wurzburg CZECH REPUBLIC 1 to 13 June 2015 Heidelberg Nuremberg Speyer Main-Danube Rhine Neckar Kelheim Regensberg SLOVAKIA Baden-Baden Durnstein FRANCE Passau Strasbourg Wachau Melk ravel with us along mainland Europe’s three greatest rivers, along routes which have Valley Vienna AUSTRIA Basle HUNGARY for centuries been the main arteries for trade and culture. Absorb the subtle changes SWITZERLAND Tin architecture as we make our way across a great swathe of Middle Europe, enjoying its natural and man-made beauty and with the assistance of our guest speakers and excellent local guides, gaining a better understanding of its history and peoples.

Day 3 The Wachau Valley, Durnstein & Melk. Early this morning we will Early summer is the perfect time to visit central Europe, the weather St Stephen’s Cathedral Danube is warm and the cities and towns are just beginning their summer cruise through the beautiful Wachau Valley, famous for its wines. Arrive seasons. We begin our river odyssey in the grand city of Vienna and into Durnstein during breakfast. We will have some free time in this pretty SERBIA BLACK sail along the Danube and scenic Main and Rhine rivers towards our town where King Richard the Lionheart was imprisoned before departing BULGARIA SEA final destination, Basle. The regions through which we will sail are by coach to the nearby village of Weissenkirchen to sample the excellent well known for their superb and individual wine producers and we local wine, accompanied by some traditional accordion music. We then have included some interesting tastings at a variety of locations to continue to Melk where we visit the majestic Baroque abbey situated on a compliment our journey. cliff, high above the Danube. Rejoin the MS Royal Crown for a late lunch as we sail towards Passau. Our voyage combines gentle cruising through some wonderful scenery with well-planned excursions at a relaxed pace, with some afternoons Day 4 Passau, Germany. Morning walking tour of the ancient fairytale at leisure to enjoy the comfort and facilities of the MS Royal Crown or Bavarian city of Passau, the meeting point of the Danube, Ilz and Inn explore independently. Rivers. See the old town and cathedral that houses the largest pipe organ in the world. After a short organ recital return to the vessel for lunch and an afternoon at leisure.

Day 5 Regensburg & Kelheim. This morning arrive into Regensburg and enjoy a walking tour of this fascinating and beautiful Medieval city. The Itinerary See the magnificent, twin-spired cathedral Dom St Peter and the tower Itinerary Highlights houses. Continue on to Kelheim for lunch in a local restaurant followed • Visit to Burgenland, with a wine tasting and Day 1 London to Vienna, Austria. Fly by scheduled flight. On arrival by a tour which will include Liberation Hall. Afterwards sail through the transfer to the MS Royal Crown for embarkation. Enjoy your Welcome Danube Gorge on small local boats and view the dramatic 400ft cliffs. Haydn’s birthplace Drinks and Dinner onboard this evening and moor overnight in Austria’s • Wine tasting at Weissenkirchen with traditional music elegant capital. Day 6 Nuremberg. The city of Nuremberg’s long and sometimes troubled • Melk Abbey history has left its mark on the city and there’s plenty to discover during • Chocolate box towns and villages of Bamberg, Day 2 Vienna. After breakfast join a city tour that will include the Hofburg our morning tour of the capital of Franconia. Three towering castles Palace (outside only), St Stephen’s Cathedral and a drive around the overlook Nuremberg, and its old city contained within vast walls is a joy Wurzburg and Heidelberg famous Ringstrasse. After lunch onboard we depart for sunny Burgenland, to explore. See Zeppelin Field and the site of the Nuremberg Trials, the • Spa town of Baden-Baden birthplace of composer Joseph Haydn, and a scenic area renowned for Palace of Justice. Afternoon at leisure. • Alsace Region visit and wine tasting its wine and village storks. Our tour will include a wine tasting at a local winery and a visit to Haydn’s birthplace at Rohrau. Return to the vessel Day 7 Bamberg. Arrive in Bamberg today and enjoy a tour of one of and sail this evening. Germany’s loveliest cities. Its relative geographical location, some 40

22 www.noble-caledonia.co.uk +44 (0)20 7752 0000 Durnstein Interior, Melk Abbey Heidelberg

miles north of Nuremberg was a key factor in preserving its magnificent tour there will be free time to wander around this remarkable town architectural heritage from the ravages of war. Every single European which somehow manages to retain its old world charm and yet be very POST CRUISE LAKE LUCERNE EXTENSION style from the Romanesque onwards, has left its mark on Bamberg, each much of the 21st century. Return to your ship in Speyer and sail towards 13th to 16th June 2015 bequeathing at least one major building. Following our guided morning Strasbourg. An optional post-cruise three night stay excursions, the MS Royal Crown remains in Bamberg, allowing you time in Weggis on Lake Lucerne is available in at leisure to explore further. Day 11 Strasbourg, France. Join a morning guided tour which will conjunction with this cruise. Please refer to introduce us to the delights of Strasbourg including the fascinating old page 10 for further details. Day 8 Wurzburg. Arrive this morning in historic Wurzburg, the wine quarter. Start with the Quai de la Petite France where the River Ill splits capital of Franconia. Our guided tour of this lovely town will include into a number of canals and see the Ponts Couverts, a series of wooden the magnificent Prince Bishop’s Residenz Palace where we will enjoy a bridges dating back to the 13th century, the Place Gutenberg and the tasting of local wines in the splendid cellar. Also see the old town with its Cathedral of Notre Dame, the tallest Medieval building in Europe. After collection of churches which range in style from Romanesque to Gothic, lunch onboard there will be an afternoon tour to the beautiful Alsace Renaissance to Baroque before returning to the vessel for lunch. This region. We will drive to the pretty village of Barr and explore its adorable afternoon is at leisure for further sightseeing or shopping. winding cobblestone streets, after which we enjoy a wine tasting at Prices per Person Based on double occupancy winery “Klipfel”, including four wines and the local salty cake. Day 9 Heidelberg. Arrive today in Mannheim and depart for Heidelberg, BOOK EARLY AND SAVE £500 PER PERSON PLUS a limited number of cabins available without single supplement one of the most picturesque and romantic of German cities, and home Day 12 Basle, Switzerland. We will arrive into Basle around midday and to Germany’s oldest university dating back to 1386. We will visit the after lunch depart for an excursion that will take us to the old market BROCHURE SPECIAL OFFER castle, a dramatically sited red sandstone ruin that dominates the city, the square with its brightly painted Town Hall and along Minster Hill, past CAT DECK PRICE PRICE old town with its famous market place and the city gates. Our tour will many handsome 18th century houses to the Minster with its slender twin Junior Suite Select £4100 £3600 conclude with a tasting of this region’s excellent wines at a local winery. spires. The oldest parts of the building date between the 9th and 13th Superior Suite Select £4225 £3725 Return to the ship for lunch and sail towards Speyer. centuries, although much was rebuilt in the Gothic style after the 1356 Deluxe Suite Select £4335 £3835 earthquake. Enjoy a Farewell Gala Dinner Farewell onboard this evening. Premium Suite Select £4575 £4075 Day 10 Speyer & Baden Baden. After breakfast join a walking tour of Royal Suite Panorama £5300 £4800 the handsome town of Speyer including the mighty cathedral. This Day 13 Basle. Disembark after breakfast and transfer to the airport for Deluxe Suite for sole use Select £4335 £3835 Romanesque basilica was founded by Emperor Conrad II in 1030 and is your return scheduled flight to London. Price Includes: Economy class scheduled air travel, 12 nights aboard the Royal Crown one of the largest and most impressive edifices in Germany. After lunch on full board, house wine, beer and soft drinks with lunch and dinner, shore excursions onboard drive to the spa town of Baden-Baden. This beautiful Belle- as described, guest speaker, services of a cruise director, tour manager, transfers, port Epoch resort is one of Germany’s best kept secrets. The spa assembly taxes, airport taxes, gratuities to crew and whilst on shore excursions. rooms and famously elegant casino form the focal point of the town, Not Included: Travel insurance. NB. Ports and schedules subject to change due to water levels. All special offers are both architecturally and socially. The old quarter is full of elegant houses, subject to availability. exclusive boutiques and cafés and is fully pedestrianised. After a guided

www.noble-caledonia.co.uk +44 (0)20 7752 0000 23 NORTH SEA NETHERLANDS Summer Music on the Rhine & Moselle Amsterdam Arnhem A musical journey along the Rhine & Moselle Rivers with London Festival Opera Cologne GERMANY Featuring a performance by Fumiko Shiraga Rhine Bonn th rd BELGIUM 20 June to 3 July 2015 Koblenz Mainz Main Trier Cochem CZECH Moselle REPUBLIC Heidelberg

Rhine Neckar SLOVAKIA Baden-Baden or our summer musical themed cruise we have combined our exploration of the Strasbourg

mighty Rhine River with a few days spent cruising along the lovely Moselle, surely Basle AUSTRIA F SWITZERLAND one of the loveliest rivers in all Europe. Our detailed look at these two rivers offers HUNGARY a captivating and endlessly romantic journey. The scenery is stunning and makes an excellent combination with the artistic riches we shall see along the way from the ROMANIA Day 6 Cochem. The town of Cochem is famous for its 11th century CROATIA wonderful collections on show in the museums to the fairytale castles and Medieval Schloss and the Reichsburg, set impressively on a tree clad hill above the bend of the river. On a guided tour, walk along its winding Medieval charms of the towns and villages. streets and see the Baroque Town Hall. Spend a leisurely afternoon onboard sailing. We begin in Amsterdam, city of the ‘Golden Age’ and travel through the The Itinerary SERBIA scenic wine producing areas along the Moselle and visiting the historic Day 7 Trier. From the town of Bernkastel we depart for lovely Trier, one BLACK BULGARIA cities of Bonn, Strasbourg, and the enchanting resort of Baden-Baden. Day 1 London to Amsterdam, Netherlands. Fly by scheduled flight. On time capital of the Roman Western Empire and a fascinating mix of SEA We will also visit the historic city of Heidelberg on the Neckar River, one arrival transfer to the MS Royal Crown and embark. Moor overnight. European architectural styles. Pride of place goes to the most impressive of Europe’s great seats of learning. group of Roman monuments north of the Alps. On our excursion see the Day 2 Amsterdam. Explore the city of the ‘Golden Age’ on an excursion Roman ruins including the impressive Porta Nigra, the most important The journey along the Rhine with its strong connections with the lives which will include the incomparable and newly refurbished Rijksmuseum ancient monument in the city and the largest Roman city gate extant. of Beethoven, Mendelssohn, Schumann and Mozart is all the more with its splendid collection of old masters. Sail at lunchtime and in the enjoyable when accompanied by the music of the masters. We have early evening enjoy an Opera Soirée performed onboard by London Day 8 Koblenz. Today, we leave the Moselle and head back for the Rhine. the pleasure of listening to London Festival Opera perform onboard Festival Opera, followed by Welcome Drinks and Dinner. The section of river to the south of Koblenz is regarded by many as the and will visit majestic Burg Namedy, near to Koblenz, for a performance most romantic with its cliff hugging castles and vine clad hills. In the by the renowned classical pianist, Fumiko Shiraga. This is no ordinary Day 3 Arnhem. Spend the morning relaxing whilst cruising to Arnhem. afternoon we will reach Koblenz which sits on the confluence of the Rhine journey but a celebration of music through a landscape that has inspired Arnhem is well known because of the airborne paratrooper landings and Moselle. Join a guided walking tour of this historic town, and then composers and poets through the ages. and the battles around the bridge over the Rhine. On arrival there will drive to nearby Burg Namedy, a wonderful setting for a performance by be a choice of excursion; the 75 acre “Dutch Open Air Museum”, where the exceptional pianist Fumiko Shiraga. a brick-by-brick reconstruction of 60 houses, windmills, barns and farm buildings provide a wonderful representation of rural 17th-19th century The massive St. Martin’s Cathedral, unique churches, and Musical & Itinerary Highlights Day 9 Mainz. Holland. Alternatively, join the optional excursion to the Kroller-Muller rustic wine cellars give the city of Mainz its extraordinary atmosphere. • Beethoven’s House in Bonn and string quartet Museum with its world-renowned collection of art. After breakfast join a walking tour which will include the Hoefchen (“Little Court”), residence of the city’s archbishops until the 15th century, the performance Day 4 Cologne, Germany. Arrive into Cologne and join a guided walk Kirschgarten with its romantic half-timbered houses and Marian-Fountain. • Performance at Burg Namedy by Fumiko Shiraga along the river promenade and through the old town to the magnificent Your tour ends with a visit to the Johan Gutenberg Museum. In the early • Performance of string quartet at Schloss Mannheim cathedral, the largest in Germany. evening there will be an onboard performance by London Festival Opera. • Trier’s impressive Roman Ruins Day 5 Bonn. Relax onboard this morning as we sail to Bonn where there Day 10 Heidelberg. From our berth in Mannheim, we visit Heidelberg • Performances by London Festival Opera will be an afternoon walking tour including a visit to Beethoven’s House. where we have a day to enjoy this most picturesque and romantic of The tour will finish with a concert by a string quartet in the adjacent hall. German cities which is home to Germany’s oldest university, dating back

24 www.noble-caledonia.co.uk +44 (0)20 7752 0000 Rijksmuseum, Amsterdam Cochem Porta Nigra, Trier

to 1386. A morning tour will include the castle, a dramatically sited red Day 14 Basle to London. Disembark after breakfast and transfer to the sandstone ruin that dominates the city, the old town with its famous airport for your return scheduled flight to London. market place and the city gates. End your tour here with a performance by a string quartet at Schloss Mannheim (or similar). POST Cruise LUCERNE EXTENSION Day 11 Baden-Baden. From Strasbourg we leave the banks of the Rhine 3rd to 6th July 2015 and drive inland to the spa town of Baden-Baden. This beautiful Belle- An optional post-cruise three night stay in Weggis on Lake Lucerne Epoch resort is one of Germany’s best kept secrets. The spa assembly is available in conjunction with this cruise. Please refer to page 10 for rooms and famously elegant casino form the focal point of the town, further details. both architecturally and socially. The old quarter is full of elegant houses, exclusive boutiques and cafés and is fully pedestrianised. After a guided tour there will be free time to wander around this remarkable town which Prices per Person somehow manages to retain its old world charm and yet be very much of Based on double occupancy the 21st century. BOOK EARLY AND SAVE £500 PER PERSON PLUS a limited number London Festival Opera Basle Cathedral of cabins available without single supplement Day 12 Strasbourg, France. A morning guided tour will introduce us to the delights of Strasbourg including the fascinating old quarter. Start with BROCHURE SPECIAL OFFER CAT DECK PRICE PRICE the Quai de la Petite France where the River Ill splits into a number of Junior Suite Select £4400 £3900 canals, see the Ponts Couverts, a series of wooden bridges dating back to Superior Suite Select £4530 £4030 the 13th century, the Place Gutenberg and the Cathedral of Notre Dame, the tallest Medieval building in Europe. Enjoy an afternoon at leisure or Deluxe Suite Select £4660 £4160 join the optional excursion to the Alsace Region. Premium Suite Select £4920 £4420 Royal Suite Panorama £5700 £5200 Day 13 Basle, Switzerland. Arrive in Switzerland at breakfast time and Deluxe Suite for sole use Select £4660 £4160 moor in Basle, the nation’s second largest city. The morning excursion Price Includes: Economy class scheduled air travel, 13 nights aboard the Royal Crown will take us to the old market square with its brightly painted Town Hall on full board, house wine, beer and soft drinks with lunch and dinner, shore excursions, music performances ashore onboard by London Festival Opera as described, and along Minster Hill, past many handsome 18th century houses to performance by Fumiko Shiraga, guest speaker, services of a cruise director, tour the Minster with its slender twin spires. The oldest parts of the building manager, transfers, port taxes, airport taxes, gratuities to crew and whilst on shore date between the 9th and 13th centuries, although much was rebuilt in excursions. the Gothic style after the 1356 earthquake. Tonight there will be a Gala Not Included: Travel insurance, optional Alsace Region excursion. Opera night, performed in costume by London Festival Opera followed NB. Ports and schedules subject to change due to water levels. All special offers are subject to availability. by your Farewell Dinner.

www.noble-caledonia.co.uk +44 (0)20 7752 0000 ‘Petite France’, Strasbourg 25 NORTH SEA NETHERLANDS

GERMANY Rhine

BELGIUM Prague

Main CZECH Moselle REPUBLIC Main-Danube

Rhine From the Danube Delta toNeckar Budapest

AUSTRIA A cultural exploration from the delta lands of the Danube to the plains of Hungary Godollo HUNGARY th th SWITZERLAND Budapest 28 September to 11 October 2015 Pecs Kalocsa Mohacs

Danube ROMANIA Novi Sad Tulcea DANUBE DELTA IRON oin us for one of the great river journeys in the world as we navigate the Danube River GATES Belgrade Oltenita from the delta in the east to Budapest. We travel from the Black Sea shores to the heart Vidin Danube J Bucharest Cernavoda Rousse of Europe visiting Romania, Bulgaria, Serbia, Croatia and Hungary. This is one of the SERBIA Belogradchik Veliko Tarnovo BULGARIA BLACK world’s great journeys, following as it does one of the most important trade routes since SEA the earliest of times, linking the east with the west.

We will travel through some of Europe’s most beautiful landscapes, The Itinerary splendid Bulgarian wines. This afternoon is at leisure for individual from the delta lands of the Danube, past the distant Carpathian exploration. With its stunning architecture, great museums, charming Mountains to the plains of Hungary. We will visit the great cities Day 1 London to Bucharest, Romania. Fly by scheduled flight. On arrival restaurants and shops, there is much to explore here. of Bucharest, Budapest and Belgrade as well as riverside villages transfer to the MS Royal Crown in Cernavoda and embark. Sail in the and towns along the Danube as the great river makes its way from early evening. Day 5 Veliko Tarnovo, Bulgaria. From Rousse we depart by coach for the Black Sea. From the great comfort of our vessel we will travel a full-day tour to Veliko Tarnovo, the capital of the Second Bulgarian effortlessly, enjoying the varied scenery, architecture and learning Day 2 Danube Delta. The vast Danube Delta is one of the most important Kingdom from 1187 to 1393. The city formed a natural fortress, located more about a region that has seen more of its fair share of conflicts, wetlands left in Europe. From the port of Tulcea, join a boat trip to on three hills surrounding the Yantra River. A palace, fortifications and revolutions and wars. explore the delta. Sail in the afternoon and this evening enjoy Welcome churches were built into the terrain. Across the river, ancient stone Drinks and Dinner. houses seemingly perched on top of each other rise up the steep The bountiful autumn months of September and October are the riverbank. After lunch in a local restaurant visit the museum town of perfect time to enjoy a trip along the Danube. The high season Day 3 Bucharest, Romania. Arrive this morning in the port of Oltenita Arbanassi, famous for its 17th and 18th architecture and the unique crowds have departed and the temperatures are ideal for exploring. for a drive to Bucharest. We will explore the main sights of the city and Church of the Nativity of Christ. The combination of modern and traditional culture along the way see the boulevards with their decidedly French style. After lunch in a makes for a fascinating time away. local restaurant there will be a choice of afternoon visits. You may wish to visit the Parliament Palace, the second largest administrative building Danube Delta in the world at 3.77 million square feet. This gargantuan construction is Ceausescu’s most infamous creation, and makes for a fascinating tour. Alternatively, you may prefer to visit the fascinating Village Museum, an open-air ethnographic museum located in the Herastrau Park, Itinerary Highlights showcasing traditional Romanian village life. The museum extends to • Danube Delta wetlands over 100,000 m² and contains 272 authentic peasant farms and houses from all over Romania. After your tour depart for the port of Giurgiu to • City of the Tsars – Veliko Tarnovo rejoin our vessel and sail on to Rousse for an overnight mooring. After • Vidin Philharmonic – string quartet performance dinner this evening we will be entertained by a lively Bulgarian Folk • Cruising through the Iron Gates troupe. • Folklore dance display Belgrade Day 4 Rousse, Bulgaria. After breakfast join a city tour of Rousse, • Wine tastings at Novi Sad and Villany birthplace of Nobel Prize winner for literature, Elias Canetti. After our • Hungarian horsemanship display at Kalocsa short walking tour, of the city centre, drive a short distance to visit the Monastery of St Demetrius Basarbovski, a rock monastery dating back to the 12th century. Return to Rousse for a wine tasting session of some

26 www.noble-caledonia.co.uk +44 (0)20 7752 0000 The Iron Gates Gorge City Hall Square, Pecs The Chain Bridge, Budapest

Day 6 Belogradchik & Vidin. Arrive today in the Bulgarian port of Vidin. recital in the splendid Pecs Cathedral. Continue on to the town of From here we will drive to Belogradchik which is located close to the Villany, including lunch and wine tasting. Villany is one of Hungary’s Pre & Post Cruise ExtensionS to Serbian border. The Belogradchik Rocks are a famous Bulgarian beauty top wine regions, known for its reds and rosés. Thanks to the area’s Transylvania or Maramures, Romania spot. The sandstone has been weathered into all manner of bizarre sub-Mediterranean climate, wines from Villány are full-bodied and spicy & Lake Balaton, Hungary shapes, and housed amongst the rocks is an Ottoman fort, built on the and of the highest quality. 24th to 28th September 2015, 11th to 14th October 2015 remains of a Roman structure. The excursion will end with a visit to Vidin A choice of two optional pre-cruise extensions in Romania are available for a performance of classical music by a string quartet from the Vidin Day 11 Kalocsa. Morning cruising and afternoon arrival in charming in conjunction with this cruise. There is also the opportunity to join a post- Philharmonic. Kalocsa, renowned for paprika production. Our tour of the Puszta cruise extension to Lake Balaton. Please refer to pages 10-12 for district will include the town and a spectacular display of Hungarian full details. Day 7 Cruising through the Iron Gates. Today the scenery becomes truly horsemanship. We sail this evening to the ‘Queen of the Danube’, the spectacular as you cruise through the Iron Gates, a narrow Danube gorge city of Budapest. between the Carpathian and Balkan Mountains. Day 12 Budapest. Arrive this afternoon and explore Hungary’s elegant Day 8 Belgrade, Serbia. Arrive in Belgrade and join a tour of the city’s capital. Our excursion will include the old quarter, a visit to the Prices per Person main attractions including Saint Sava Cathedral, the largest Orthodox Matthias’ Church (outside view only) and the Fisherman’s Bastion, from Based on double occupancy Church in the world and Tito’s Memorial. The tour will end with an where there are stunning views of the city. This evening there will be an BOOK EARLY AND SAVE £500 PER PERSON PLUS a limited number excellent dance display from a local Folklore troupe. optional performance at the State Opera House (details available three of cabins available without single supplement

months before departure). BROCHURE SPECIAL OFFER Day 9 Novi Sad. Today we will arrive in Novi Sad. Following the CAT DECK PRICE PRICE destruction of the three main bridges by the NATO bombing campaign Day 13 Budapest. After breakfast today we depart for our visit to Junior Suite Select £4400 £3900 in 1999, the city of Novi Sad, in the Serbian northern province of Godollo. Built in the 1740s it was the favoured home of Sissy, the Superior Suite Select £4530 £4030 Vojvodina, has returned to normal after much rebuilding. The city is rich in wife of Emperor Franz Josef and in recent years the palace has been Deluxe Suite Select £4660 £4160 historic buildings including the fortress, Bishop’s House, Clock Tower and restored. Return to the vessel for lunch and spend the afternoon Premium Suite Select £4920 £4420 numerous churches, some of which will be seen on our morning tour. Our relaxing or exploring independently. Tonight enjoy your Farewell Royal Suite Panorama £5700 £5200 exploration of Greater Novi Sad includes a wine tasting in nearby Sremski Dinner onboard, followed by music performed by a local gypsy band. Deluxe Suite for sole use Select £4660 £4160 Karlovic; where we sample some excellent wines of the former Yugoslavia. Price Includes: Economy class scheduled air travel, 13 nights aboard the Royal Crown Sail in the evening towards Mohacs. Day 14 Budapest to London. Disembark after breakfast and return to on full board, house wine, beer and soft drinks with lunch and dinner, shore excursions London by scheduled flight. as described, guest speaker, services of a cruise director, tour manager, transfers, port taxes, airport taxes, gratuities to crew and whilst on shore excursions. Day 10 Pecs & Villany, Hungary. Depart after breakfast for a full day scenic tour of Pecs and Villany. The city of Pecs enjoys a fine position on Not Included: Travel insurance, optional evening at Budapest State Opera. the slopes of the Mecsek Hills. The visit will feature the sites associated NB. Ports and schedules subject to change due to water levels. All special offers are subject to availability. Please note transfer time to Cernavoda is approximately 3 hours. with the city’s Roman Ottoman Hapsburg past, as well as a short organ

www.noble-caledonia.co.uk +44 (0)20 7752 0000 27 NORTH SEA NETHERLANDS

Autumn Splendours of Middle Europe GERMANY BELGIUM

A tranquil river journey from Budapest to Bavaria CZECH Main-Danube REPUBLIC th st 11 to 21 October 2015 Regensberg Passau Durnstein SLOVAKIA Melk Bratislava Salzburg Linz WACHAU Vienna DANUBE VALLEY Danube BEND Munich Esztergon AUSTRIA oin us aboard the elegant MS Royal Crown for our journey through middle Europe. Godollo Budapest Relax and unwind whilst admiring the colourful beauty of the autumn countryside and HUNGARY Jthe contrasts and vibrancy of the cities and towns along this most historic of waterways.

It is without doubt the most relaxing way to travel and certainly the most practical Danube Delta means of covering long distance in land-locked areas. In a week we are able to visit four

countries; Hungary, Slovakia, Austria and Germany, and call into eight ports including Danube the capitals of Budapest, Bratislava and Vienna. BLACK SEA

Every day holds something new, whether it be the cultural delights of the The Itinerary cities, the enchanting vine covered landscape of the Wachau Valley or the Medieval villages and towns that pepper the Danube Valley in Austria Day 1 London to Budapest, Hungary. Fly by scheduled flight. On arrival and Bavaria. Our journey will end in one of the most romantic towns in transfer to the MS Royal Crown and embark. Moor overnight in Budapest. Europe, Regensburg, very much a living and thriving museum. Day 2 Budapest. We have the day to explore Hungary’s elegant capital. Autumn is a delightful time to enjoy the rivers in all their splendour. True, Spend the morning on an excursion that includes the old quarter, visiting the days may be shortening and cooling, but by way of compensation St Mathias’ Church and the Fisherman’s Bastion from where there are we have the lovely changing foliage colours and a distinct lack of high stunning views of the city. After lunch onboard there will be free time in Melk Abbey season crowds. A journey such as this will appeal to those who enjoy Budapest or the opportunity to join an optional excursion to Godollo. seeing something different each day, whether it be imposing cities Built in the 1740’s it was the favoured home of Sissy, the wife of Emperor Day 5 Vienna, Austria. A guided excursion of Austria’s elegant capital or rural hamlets, but do not find the thought of long coach journeys Franz Josef and in recent years the palace has been restored. Enjoy will take us around the famous Ringstrasse, St Stephen’s Cathedral and appealing. We will sail through Europe with great ease, enjoying relaxing Welcome Drinks and Dinner tonight. the Hofburg Palace (outside views only). Return to the ship for lunch and interludes onboard in between our varied visits ashore. enjoy an afternoon at leisure to explore further or relax on board. This Day 3 Budapest to Esztergom. Enjoy a relaxing morning of cruising evening there will be an optional evening performance ashore at the as we navigate the ‘Bend’ making our way to Hungary’s second city of State Opera House or Volksopera (details will be advised approximately Itinerary Highlights Esztergom. After lunch onboard we will visit the majestic Esztergom three months prior to departure). Basilica, the largest building in Hungary and the 18th largest church in • Magnificent Esztergom Basilica, the largest building the world. The huge crypt, built in Old Egyptian style in 1831, is today the Day 6 Vienna. Join the morning tour this morning to the palace of in Hungary resting place of late archbishops. Spend a leisurely afternoon onboard Schonbrunn with its magnificent interiors and landscaped gardens. After • Vienna Philharmonic Orchestra in one of the city’s sailing along the Danube. a relaxing afternoon at leisure, enjoy a Mozart music performance this evening by a string quartet from the Vienna Philharmonic Orchestra in beautiful palaces Day 4 Bratislava, Slovakia. Arrive this morning in the Slovak capital of one of Vienna’s beautiful palaces. • Tour to Salzburg, birthplace of Mozart Bratislava. Join a guided walking tour of the city, formerly known as • String Quartet performance in the Mirabell Palace Pressburg, a former capital of Hungary. See the old quarter, the ornate Day 7 Durnstein & Melk. Sail in the early hours for the lovely Wachau Baroque Palace and the ancient city gates. Enjoy some free time here Valley. During breakfast we will moor in the charming town of Durnstein in Salzburg before returning to the vessel for our onward sailing to Vienna. Arrive into in Austria’s scenically splendid wine producing Wachau Valley. It was Vienna this evening and moor overnight. here that Richard the Lionheart was held captive on a Crusader journey.

28 www.noble-caledonia.co.uk +44 (0)20 7752 0000 Budapest Passau

Mirabell Palace

Explore independently with a stroll through the town. After lunch sail on to Melk where an excursion will include the imposing Baroque Abbey POST Cruise PRAGUE EXTENSION which dominates the Danube from its cliff top setting. We will continue 21st to 24th October 2015 on to Weissenkirchen for a tasting of some of the wonderful wines of this An optional post-cruise three night stay in Prague is available in region. conjunction with this cruise. Please refer to page 10 for further details.

Day 8 Linz & Salzburg. From Linz we will drive to Salzburg, birthplace of Mozart and famous for its architectural treasures and music festival. Our excursion visits the house known as Tanzmeisterhaus, where Mozart was Prices per Person born and spent his early life, Schloss Mirabell and the Residenz. Lunch Based on double occupancy will be in a local restaurant, followed by a special concert of Mozart music BOOK EARLY AND SAVE £500 PER PERSON PLUS a limited number performed by a string quartet in the Mirabell Palace. of cabins available without single supplement Linz, Austria BROCHURE SPECIAL OFFER Day 9 Passau, Germany. Enjoy a morning walking tour of the ancient CAT DECK PRICE PRICE fairytale city of Passau, the meeting point of the Danube, Ilz and Inn Junior Suite Select £3500 £3000 rivers. See the old town and cathedral that houses the largest pipe organ Superior Suite Select £3600 £3100 in the world. After a short organ recital, return to the vessel for lunch and Deluxe Suite Select £3700 £3200 enjoy an afternoon at leisure before we sail to Regensburg. Premium Suite Select £4000 £3500 Royal Suite Panorama £4500 £4000 Day 10 Regensburg. Regensburg is Germany’s largest and best Deluxe Suite for sole use Select £3700 £3200 preserved Medieval city. There will be a guided walking tour through the city’s winding lanes, streets and numerous squares. See the twin-spired Price Includes: Economy class scheduled air travel, 10 nights aboard the Royal Crown on full board, house wine, beer and soft drinks with lunch and dinner, shore excursions cathedral Dom St Peter, the treasury and the tower houses, and try some as described, guest speaker, services of a cruise director, tour manager, transfers, port local wines. Afternoon free in this wonderful living museum. Tonight enjoy taxes, airport taxes, gratuities to crew and whilst on shore excursions. the Farewell Dinner and Drinks onboard. Not Included: Travel insurance, optional Godollo excursion and music evening ashore in Vienna. Disembark after breakfast and transfer to NB. Ports and schedules subject to change due to water levels. All special offers are Day 11 Regensburg to London. subject to availability. Munich for the return scheduled flight to London.

www.noble-caledonia.co.uk +44 (0)20 7752 0000 Regensburg 29 NORTH SEA NETHERLANDS From Bavaria to Basle A scenic cruise on the Main and Rhine Rivers with music and wine highlights GERMANY Rudesheim Bamberg st st Main 21 October to 1 November 2015 Wertheim Wurzburg Heidelberg Miltenberg Nuremberg Speyer Main-Danube Neckar Rhine Regensberg Strasbourg Baden-Baden ctober is one of the loveliest times in Middle Europe when the forests and vineyards Munich are in full colour. Enjoy the reds and gold of the foliage, the tranquil beauty of the FRANCE Basle O HUNGARY countryside and the contrasts and vibrancy of the cities and towns along the Main and SWITZERLAND

Rhine River as we cruise along them aboard the elegant MS Royal Crown. The River ROMANIA Main in particular, meanders through some of Bavaria’s most beautiful landscapes.

Day 6 Wertheim & Miltenberg. Morning walking tour of beautiful Along the banks of these historic rivers are enchanting Medieval villages The Itinerary Wertheim, known as “Little Heidelberg”. Return to the ship and sail on to and some of the most fascinating ancient and romantic towns in Europe, the pretty Franconian town of Miltenberg, renowned for its half-timbered including Regensburg, very much a living and thriving Medieval museum. Day 1 London to Regensburg, Germany. Fly by scheduled flight Medieval houses. See the picturesque triangular shaped Marktplatz and SERBIA BLACK If you have not cruised along such rivers before, nothing can prepare you from London to Munich. On arrival transfer to the MS Royal Crown in walk up to the restored castle. BULGARIA SEA for the peace and beauty of it. To relax on deck or in the beautiful lounge Regensburg and embark. Enjoy Welcome Drinks and Dinner onboard. with a good book whilst the world floats by is a fortifying experience. Day 7 Rudesheim. Arrive this afternoon in Rudesheim, a charming The ever-changing scenery and the immediate accessibility of an area so Day 2 Regensburg. After breakfast onboard, enjoy a guided stroll around riverside town. Drive to nearby Vollrads Castle and Wine Estate, set steeped in history will probably result in very few pages being read as this historic city, widely regarded as the Medieval wonder of Germany. in charming countryside. This grand estate has been the Greiffendau the river unfolds before you. Such vistas cannot be appreciated from any See the majestic twin-spired cathedral Dom St Peter, the treasury and residence since the 14th century and the making of wine on this site can other means of transport, the stately pace and quietness of the vessel the tower houses. Our tour ends with a memorable performance by be traced back to 1211. We will enjoy a visit to the Vinothek to sample allows you to be at one with your surroundings. the Domspatzen Quartet. Return to the vessel for lunch and sail this some of their splendid wines. afternoon towards Nuremberg. Our end of season cruise is filled with cultural gems, fascinating Day 8 Speyer, Heidelberg & Neustadt. From the nearby port of architecture and picturesque ancient towns. From Regensburg we cruise Day 3 Nuremberg. Explore historic Nuremberg, the capital of Franconia. Mannheim, we depart on a full day trip of this wine producing region. along the tranquil waters of the Main River with its glorious chocolate On our tour see the old city within the vast walls and visit Zeppelin Field We begin with a stop at the handsome town of Speyer to see the mighty box towns of Bamberg, Wertheim and Miltenberg and continue onwards and the site of the Nuremberg Trials, the Palace of Justice. cathedral. This Romanesque basilica was founded by Emperor Conrad II along the Rhine to explore the fascinating cities of Strasbourg and Basle. in 1030 and is one of the largest and most impressive edifices in Germany. Along the way we will visit the beautiful scenery of Alsace and sample Day 4 Bamberg. Arrive in Bamberg in the morning and enjoy a tour We continue on to Heidelberg where on arrival we enjoy lunch in a some great wine in splendid locations. of one of Germany’s loveliest cities. Its relative geographical location, typical regional restaurant including some local wines. After some free some 40 miles north of Nuremberg, was a key factor in preserving its time in this city we travel on to Neustadt an der Weinstrasse, an ancient architectural heritage from the ravages of war. Every single European town surrounded by a veritable sea of vines and at the entrance to the style from the Romanesque onwards, has left its mark on Bamberg, Palatinate Forest. This, the undeclared wine capital of Germany, will Itinerary Highlights each bequeathing at least one major building. Your tour will end with captivate you with its historic centre, its half-timbered houses dating back • String quartet performance by the Bamberg a performance at the Residenz by a string quartet from the wonderful to the Middle Ages, its hidden courtyards and market square. A walking Bamberg Symphony Orchestra. tour will take you to the remarkable inner courtyard dating back to the Symphony Orchestra Renaissance period where we enjoy a wine tasting of Riesling wines. • Wurzburg Residenz wine tasting Day 5 Wurzburg. After a morning of scenic cruising, arrive in Wurzburg, • Vollrads Castle & Wine Estate the wine capital of Franconia. Tour this attractive town including the Day 9 Strasbourg, France. A morning tour will introduce us to the • Alsace region and wine tasting in the village of Barr Prince Bishop’s Residenz Palace and the old town with its impressive delights of Strasbourg, including the fascinating old quarter. Start with collection of churches. Your tour in this magnificent palace ends with a the Quai de la Petite France where the River Ill splits into a number of wine tasting in the Residenz Cellar, a chance to sample Franconian wines. canals, see the Ponts Couvert, a series of wooden bridges dating back

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to the 13th century, the Place Gutenberg and the Cathedral of Notre Dame, the tallest Medieval building in Europe. After lunch onboard we depart on a tour of the Alsace region. We will drive to the pretty village of Barr, and explore its adorable winding cobblestone streets, after which we enjoy a wine tasting at winery “Klipfel”, including four wines and the local salty cake.

Day 10 Baden Baden, Germany. After breakfast we drive to the spa town of Baden Baden. The spa assembly rooms and famously elegant casino form the focal point of the town, both architecturally and socially. Regensburg The old quarter is full of elegant houses, exclusive boutiques and cafes and is fully pedestrianized. After a guided tour there will be free time to wander around this remarkable town which somehow manages to retain its old world charm and yet be very much of the 21st century. Prices per Person Based on double occupancy Strasbourg Day 11 Basle, Switzerland. After lunch depart on a tour of Basle, the BOOK EARLY AND SAVE £500 PER PERSON PLUS a limited number nation’s second largest city. Our tour will take us to the old market of cabins available without single supplement square with its brightly painted Town Hall and along Minster Hill, past BROCHURE SPECIAL OFFER many handsome 18th century houses to the Minster with its slender twin CAT DECK PRICE PRICE spires. Tonight join your fellow travellers for the Farewell Drinks and Junior Suite Select £3695 £3195 Dinner. Superior Suite Select £3800 £3300 Deluxe Suite Select £3905 £3405 Day 12 Basle to London. Disembark after breakfast and transfer to the Premium Suite Select £4020 £3520 airport for your return scheduled flight. Royal Suite Panorama £4345 £3845 Deluxe Suite for sole use Select £3905 £3405

Price Includes: Economy class scheduled air travel, 11 nights aboard the Royal Crown on full board, house wine, beer and soft drinks with lunch and dinner, shore excursions as described, guest speaker, services of a cruise director, tour manager, transfers, port PRE Cruise PRAGUE EXTENSION taxes, airport taxes, gratuities to crew and whilst on shore excursions. 18th to 21st October 2015 An optional pre-cruise three night stay in Prague is available in Not Included: Travel insurance. NB. Ports and schedules subject to change due to water levels. All special offers are conjunction with this cruise. Please refer to page 10 for further details. subject to availability.

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