DANUBE RIVER CRUISE FEATURING FAIRPORT CONVENTION

AND ANNA RYDER

29 JUNE - 6 JULY 2024

We are delighted that, following their hugely successful Rhine Cruise in June 2022 and Rhone Cruise in 2023, the legends that are Fairport Convention will be hosting another week of fun and frivolity whilst cruising on the 2nd longest river in Europe, the Danube.

There will be magnificent music from the band, mirth and merriment from Ric and maybe even a dazzling display of magic and mystery from Chris as we take in the spectacular scenery along the Danube.

Multi-instrumentalist musical dynamo and inventive singer-songwriter Anna Ryder will also be onboard to entertain you with her songs which are thought-provoking, poignant and humorous.

 

This classic cruise brings together glorious cities along one of the world‘s most beautiful stretches of rivers on a trip through the heart of Old World Europe.

This quintessential cruise along the beautiful Danube begins with an overnight in the “Queen of the Danube“ — the capital city of Budapest, which straddles the river with its hilly ‘Buda‘ featuring Fisherman‘s Bastion & castle district over to the flat ‘Pest‘ side with its iconic Parliament building, to the “Three Rivers City“ of Passau at the confluence of the Inn, Ilz and Danube rivers.

Along the way travel through four of Europe‘s most important countries — Hungary, Slovakia, Austria & Germany. Explore years of history and culture in the Imperial cities of Budapest, Vienna & Bratislava as well as the UNESCO protected Austrian Wachau Valley — blanketed with rolling hills, flourishing vineyards and picturesque villages. Experience the beauty along the Danube River.

With a maximum of only 140 guests on board, you really don't want to miss out on this very special experience


Have any questions?

Send us a quick message with your contact details and we'll call you back. We can help you with all aspects of the booking including booking flights.



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What's Included

  • 7 night cruise onboard MS Amadeus Silver III
  • Large, outside river-view staterooms, most with French balconies or walk-out balconies
  • Free-flowing red & white wines from Europe’s famous wine regions, beer & soft drinks
    with every lunch and dinner onboard
  • Gourmet dining onboard 
  • Cocktail Reception, Welcome Dinner and Captain’s Gala Dinner
  • Services of your onboard Harmony Voyages Tour Manager and an experienced English-speaking Cruise Director
  • 24 hour coffee station​
  • Concerts in the lounge after dinner.
  • Bottled water in every stateroom 
  • In-stateroom infotainment center
  • Complimentary Wi-Fi onboard
  • Complimentary use of onboard bicycles
  • Complimentary state-of-the-art audio headsets for optional excursions
  • All local taxes & port charges

Itinerary

There will be five nights of live music after dinner in the lounge, from Fairport Convention. Full programme to be confirmed.

DAY 1 - BUDAPEST

Welcome to your Danube cruise! Your journey begins in Budapest, with an afternoon embarkation. This evening, join us for a Welcome Cocktail, followed by a specially-prepared Welcome Dinner. A romantic evening cruise through beautifully illuminated Budapest, as well as a Hungarian folklore show, make for a perfect beginning!

The ship will stay in Budapest over night


DAY 2 - BUDAPEST>ESZTERGOM

Discover the beautiful sights and attractions of the Hungarian capital. This morning, explore the city which straddles the beautiful Danube, with its Fisherman‘s Bastion on the Buda side, overlooking the river, and the Pest side with its grand, Neo Gothic style Parliament House.

Depart from Budapest after lunch by coach on an excursion to the Hungarian countryside to explore the artists‘ town of Szentendre, and the former imperial residence and capital of Hungary, Esztergom. Should you choose to remain on board, enjoy an afternoon relaxing on deck as the vessel cruises through the Hungarian landscape, before arriving in Esztergom for dinner, where your fellow passengers rejoin the vessel.

Arrive Esztergom 6:30pm -
Depart Esztergom 8:00pm


DAY 3 - BRATISLAVA

In the morning, we call at our next capital city ̶ Bratislava. Explore the city during a walking tour, or on your own. See the home of the Slovak Philharmonic Orchestra, the old city walls, the summer residence of the archbishop and the current residence of the president of Slovakia.

This afternoon‘s optional excursions offer a choice – first, the opportunity to visit impressive Schloss Hof with its aristocratic palace, terraced garden and tranquil estate farm. The palace was acquired in 1726 by Eugene of Savoy and redesigned for the Empress Maria Theresia. Wine lovers will want to explore the wine country of Slovakia in the foothills of the Carpathian mountains, on the Small Carpathian wine route. Enjoy dinner on board before the vessel departs from Slovakia late this evening and crosses into Austria.

DAY 4 - VIENNA

There is much to see in Imperial Vienna: Palaces, a Museum Quarter displaying works by artists Egon Schiele and Gustav Klimt, the historic buildings along the Ringstrasse, St. Stephen’s Cathedral and the famous Vienna State Opera among others.

This afternoon, choose to venture to Schönbrunn Palace, the sumptuous summer palace and gardens of Empress Maria Theresia and the Habsburg Empire. This evening take the chance to attend the “Sound of Vienna” and listen to the “Alt Wien” orchestra play popular pieces from Vienna’s classical era ̶ a perfect end to your Vienna experience, before the vessel departs.

Arrive Vienna 7:00am 

Excursions:Vienna – Imperial discovery tour
Visit to Schönbrunn Palace
"Sound of Vienna" classical concert (Cat. B)

Depart Vienna 11:59pm


DAY 5 - DURNSTEIN>EMMERSDORF

The romantic Wachau Valley is one of the most beautiful landscapes of Austria. In the morning your AMADEUS ship docks in Dürnstein, with its picturesque blue medieval abbey on the edge of the Danube river. Wander through this quaint village or join a walking tour featuring a visit to the Dürnstein Abbey.

Alternatively, if you wish to explore the wines of the Wachau, a visit to the Krems winery estate to learn about the history and enjoy a tasting is a must. During lunch on board, your cruise continues to Emmersdorf. Spend the afternoon discovering this typical small town in Lower Austria or opt to travel across the river to nearby Melk and its magnificent Benedictine abbey ̶ the largest in Austria. In the evening, your ship leaves the Wachau and heads for Linz.

Arrive Duernstein 8:00am

Excursions:
Dürnstein walking tour with visit to the Dürnstein abbey
OR Winzer Krems vineyard and winery

Depart Durnstein 12:00pm


Arrive Emmersdorf 3:00pm


DAY 6 - LINZ>ACHACH>PASSAU

Arrive in the erstwhile cultural capital of Linz, where your vessel makes a short stop for the departure of today‘s excursions ̶ the walking tour of Linz with a scenic drive to Aschach to rejoin the vessel for lunch, or a full day tour to the Mozart town of Salzburg with lunch at a local restaurant.

Late in the afternoon, the vessel arrives at the confluence of the Danube, the Inn and the Ilz Rivers, in the three-rivers city of Passau, which you can explore on a commented walking tour. This evening, celebrate at the Captain’s Gala Dinner with multi-courses of regional specialties.

Arrive Linz 7:00am

Arrive Aschach 11:00am
Depart Aschach 1:30am

Arrive Passau 5:00pm


DAY 7 - REGENSBURG

After a leisurely breakfast, arrive in the Bavarian city of Regensburg, which is one of the most beautiful old towns in Germany. This UNESCO World Heritage Site boasts architecture from many centuries, reflective of its varied history. The stone bridge, built in 1135—1146 and the Cathedral of St. Peter are a few of the highlights seen on the guided walking tour.

This afternoon, offers two wonderful options – an excursion to the Danube Gorge and Weltenburg Abbey or a visit to the Thurn & Taxis Palace – both excursions offer the opportunity to sample the local brew. A traditional Bavarian dinner is served as your ship departs for Passau.

Arrive Regensburg 10:00am


DAY 8 - PASSAU

After breakfast, we bid you farewell. We hope to welcome you again soon!

Arrival at 8:00am

Accommodation

AMADEUS SILVER III

A trip on board the elegant AMADEUS Silver III combines the luxuries of a 5-star hotel with innovative design and the first-class service of our crew, who will attend to your every wish.

It has 12 luxurious suites with walk-out balconies, while the majority of the cabins have automatically lowerable panorama windows, offering a spectacular view of the passing river landscapes. In order to make your stay on board as comfortable as possible, all cabins have a modern bathroom and a walk-in closet.

The glass-shielded River Terrace invites you to relax outdoors, while offering a breathtaking view of your surroundings. Enjoy the highest standards of cuisine aboard the AMADEUS Silver III in the stylish Panorama Restaurant, which offers sufficient room for all passengers at one sitting, and where our kitchen crew will ensure that you are spoilt beyond your expectations. Coffee-lovers will enjoy the on-board Café Vienna, which offers a wide variety of authentic Viennese coffee-time specialties.

 

AMADEUS Suite (284.2ft²) with walk-out exterior balcony:

Comfortable corner sofa, luxurious bathroom, walk-out exterior balcony, mini-bar, walk-in wardrobe, choice of bed configuration (double or twin bed), flat-screen television, individual climate control, en-suite bathroom with shower/WC, bathrobe, hair dryer, direct dial telephone and in-room safe.

Mozart Deck

Price from

£3499

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Cabin A-1 (188.4ft²) with drop-down panoramic window:

Spacious bathroom, drop-down panoramic window, mini-bar, walk-in wardrobe, choice of bed configuration (double or twin bed), flat-screen television, individual climate control, en-suite bathroom with shower/WC, hair dryer, direct dial telephone and in-room safe.

Mozart Deck

Price from

£2649

Book Now Request a Call

Cabin B-1 (188.4ft²) with drop-down panoramic window:

Spacious bathroom, drop-down panoramic window, mini-bar, walk-in wardrobe, choice of bed configuration (double or twin bed), flat-screen television, individual climate control, en-suite bathroom with shower/WC, hair dryer, direct dial telephone and in-room safe.

Strauss Deck

Price from

£2499

Book Now Request a Call

Cabin B-4 (17.5m²) with drop-down panoramic window

Spacious bathroom, drop-down panoramic window, mini-bar, walk-in wardrobe, choice of bed configuration (double or twin bed), flat-screen television, individual climate control, en-suite bathroom with shower/WC, hair dryer, direct dial telephone and in-room safe.
Strauss Deck

Price from

£2349

Book Now Request a Call

Cabin C-1 (172.2ft²) with panoramic window:

Spacious bathroom, small panoramic window (cannot be opened), spacious wardrobe, choice of bed configuration (double or twin bed), flat-screen television, individual climate control, en-suite bathroom with shower/WC, hair dryer, direct dial telephone and in-room safe. Cabins with connecting doors are available on request.

Haydn Deck

 

 

Price from

£1941

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Cabin C-4 (16m²) with panoramic window

Spacious bathroom, small panoramic window (cannot be opened), spacious wardrobe, choice of bed configuration (double or twin bed), flat-screen television, individual climate control, en-suite bathroom with shower/WC, hair dryer, direct dial telephone and in-room safe. Cabins with connecting doors are available on request.
Haydn Deck

Price From

£1849

Book Now Request a Call

Prices

    Prices are per person and do not include flights. Please contact us if you require assistance with your travel arrangements.

    Please note: a deposit of £200pp is required to secure your booking.

    Cabin GradeDeckPrice Per Person
    SuiteMozart Deck£3,499 - SOLD OUT
    A1Mozart Deck£2,649 - SOLD OUT
    B1Strauss Deck£2,499 - SOLD OUT
    B1 Solo OccupancyStrauss Deck£3,349 - SOLD OUT
    B4Strauss Deck£2,349 - SOLD OUT
    C1Haydn Deck£1,941 - SOLD OUT
    C1 Solo OccupancyHaydn Deck£2,691 - SOLD OUT
    C4Haydn Deck£1,849 - SOLD OUT

    We look after you every step of the way

    We are a small experienced team who look after you from first enquiry, right through to the end of your holiday. The same people who help you with your booking, will be in the resort or on the cruise to look after you. We are extremely proud of the personal service that we provide and when you need to get in touch, there are no call centres, just the same people you've always being dealing with. Need help with flights, care hire or extra nights? ...we are just a phone call away.

    FAQ

    This is the title

    1Are Flights Included?

    We are a small experienced team who look after you from first enquiry, right through to the end of your holiday. The same people who help you with your booking, will be in the resort or on the cruise to look after you. We are extremely proud of the personal service that we provide and when you need to get in touch, there are no call centres, just the same people you've always being dealing with. Need help with flights, care hire or extra nights? ...we are just a phone call away.

    2Can You Travel There By Eurostar?
    It is possible to travel by Eurostar from London St Pancras to Paris Gare du Nord. Change here to Paris Gare de Lyon (approx. 20mins by taxi) TGV to Lyon. This can be booked as a package together with the Cruise, please ask for details. Just give us a call on 01254 476075
    3Which airport do I need to fly into/home from?
    The ship departs from and returns to Lyon. Easyjet & Jet2 offer regular direct flights from many UK airports. Please contact us if you require assistance with your flight arrangements.
    4Are airport transfers included?
    Transfers are included to the ship on 18 July and from the ship to Lyon Airport on 25 July. Should you opt to extend your stay at the end of your cruise, you will be responsible for your own transfer to the airport.
    5What time can I board the ship on embarkation day?
    You can normally board from 2pm but your stateroom may not be available until after 3pm. You will be able to enjoy the ship's facilities until your room is ready to be occupied.
    6What time is disembarkation from?
    As the ship has a quick turnaround, you will be required to vacate your cabin after breakfast on the day of departure. If you have a late flight or transfer you may be able to store your luggage on board until later in the day, depending on the ship’s itinerary. The crew on board will be happy to assist.
    7Is There Wifi On Board?
    Yes, WiFi is provided in all public areas of the ship. However, during the trip the signal may be weaker in certain sections of the route.
    8Is there an elevator onboard?
    All AMADEUS ships have a guest elevator, which operates between the Mozart and Haydn decks. The sun deck is not accessible by elevator.
    9What is the dress code onboard?
    We want to you feel comfortable on board, the dress code is casual during the day and in the evening smart casual. Think what would I wear for a meal out in a restaurant at home?
    10What is the electrical supply voltage onboard?
    The voltage in hotels and onboard ship is 230V, European standard. To use any electrical product that is not dual voltage (e.g. from the US, Canada, Australia or the UK), you will need a plug adaptor and some devices will require an electrical converter. Many electronic devices have built-in electrical converters, however please check the manufacturer’s specifications for details. A two-pole adaptor is also available at reception.
    11Mooring and docking
    Local river authorities allocate docking space around ship arrivals and departures in port. Occasionally port conditions require ships to tie up alongside each other, in which case guests may be required to walk through another ship to access their own ship. This is part of the river cruise experience and is perfectly normal and beyond our control. Guests may experience obstructed views from staterooms when the ship is docked.
    12What Is The Currency On Board?
    The currency on board all AMADEUS ships is EURO. However, you may also settle your account in (GBP) Sterling or (USD) American Dollars
    13What about gratuities?
    Gratuities for the ship’s staff and crew are not included in your cruise price. You may pre-pay gratuities through our office with a suggested amount of USD 12.00 / EUR 11.00 per person per day. Alternatively, you may wish to tip onboard in cash or add a gratuity to your onboard account.  Gratuities for drivers and guides for optional excursions are not included in the excursion price. A suggested amount is 1-2 EUR per person for half day excursion & 2-3 EUR per person for the full day excursion given directly to the guide and driver.
    14What To Pack?
    The following items are essential for any destination: sunglasses, sunscreen, hat, and maybe an umbrella. It is recommended that you bring duplicates of prescription eye wear, copies of prescriptions for any medications (generic equivalents are usually easier to obtain), copies of credit card information, and copies of your passport information pages. An adaptor / transformer may be necessary (the on-board power supply is 230V AC/50 Hz) if you bring any electronic devices with you.
    15Clothing
    Comfortable, casual clothing is appropriate both onshore and onboard and we suggest lightweight clothing that can be layered. Shorts are appropriate for most tours, however long pants may be required for inside visits on some excursions. Your cruise manager will advise when and if this is required. You may find a significant amount of walking over uneven terrain during your time ashore. We recommend comfortable walking shoes with good ankle support. Sturdy sandals are another good option. Don’t forget to pack a lightweight, waterproof jacket (preferably hooded) or even a heavier-weight wind-breaker for cooler temperatures. Also, keep in mind that the ship, coaches and other venues visited on our itinerary are air conditioned and may be quite cool. We recommend that you pack a lightweight sweater or long sleeve shirts and carry them with you on excursions.
    16What happens if the artist that I booked to see is unable to perform at the festival / holiday?
    As you have booked a holiday, then the holiday will still take place. In the event of a festival where there are multiple artists, the full programme will still be performed and any artists unable to travel will be replaced. In the event of a river cruise or other holiday where only one artist is performing, the artist will be replaced with an alternative artist of a similar genre. The cost of the holiday is not refundable.