Three Countries Danube River Cruise

25th June 2019 for 7 nights

All inclusive River Cruise

Offer price for two people, save €600

Offer includes:

Take a 7-night cruise on board 5 Anchor MS Symphonie based on two sharing a main deck cabin, refined French cuisine on a full board basis, drinks included throughout the cruise including a welcome cocktail, gala evening and dinner and onboard activities. Also includes return flights Dublin to Vienna with Aer Lingus from Dublin Airport, return transfers from airport to port, airport taxes and 10kg hand luggage pp and 20kg check-in bag per cabin

About The Danube:

The Danube has been running for millennia. A true journey back in time, it is a magnificent novel unfurling over the pages where history is taking shape on the banks of the river. Witnesses of a prestigious past, Schoenbrunn Castle and the Hofburg unveil the splendors of the royal court, the Melk Abbey, the capital cities Vienna, Budapest and Bratislava offer travellers a grandiose spectacle, finally Dünstein, the picturesque medieval village where the legend of Richard the Lionheart still hovers.

About the MS Symphonie:

The restaurant on the upper deck boasts panoramic views and fine French cuisine. The atmosphere is casual and elegant. The sundeck is the place to unwind - equipped with recliners and deck chairs, you can enjoy the best views as you cruise through the stunning countryside and fascinating cities. The tastefully decorated lounge enjoys panoramic views spanning the bow of the ship and in the evenings is transformed with cocktails, games, dancing, and other forms of entertainment all being enjoyed here. The 5 Anchor Symphonie has a welcoming reception, an ideal place to meet before departing on excursions or to obtain information from the helpful staff. There is also a souvenir shop onboard.

Ammenities include:

• TV
• Telephone (for internal calls only)
• Bathroom with shower and toilet
• Towels
• Safe
• Independent air-conditioning
• Electricity 220V
• Wi-Fi

Itinerary:

1st day: VIENNA

On arrival in Vienna, you will be met and transferred to the port for boarding. Presentation of the crew and a welcome cocktail. Overnight stop in Vienna.

2nd day: VIENNA

Today is a chance to see Vienna on your own or opt for one of the cruise lines excursions. In the morning, an optional guided tour of Vienna and Schönbrunn Castle. Erected during the reign of Empress Maria Theresa, then panoramic tour of Vienna where you will see the Opera House, the Town Hall. 

In the afternoon, optional visit of the Hofburg. Immerse yourself in the heart of imperial life and discover this exceptional masterpiece. It is, without doubt, one of the largest palaces in the world. The imperial apartments represent the splendor of the courtyard at the time of Emperor Franz Joseph and Empress Elizabeth and reveal the Rococo style.

Back on board. Night time departure towards Esztergom. Lively evening on board.

3rd day: ESZTERGOM - BUDAPEST

Arrival in Esztergom mid-morning with free time. Take the opportunity to discover at your own pace this small village. Perched on two hills, it contains many treasures. Notably the basilica (entrance not included), the most interesting part of which is the Bakócz chapel, one of the oldest Renaissance remains outside Italy. Return on board and continue navigation to Budapest. The river describes a meander between the Börzsöny and Pilis mountains. We will follow Visegrad and its citadel overlooking the Danube, Szentendre, before reaching Budapest in the evening.

4th day: BUDAPEST

Budapest reveals its turbulent history, the "Pearl of the Danube" is reborn as a diva deploying its splendor and prestige. In the morning, optional guided tour of Budapest. Panoramic tour between the Buda hills and the plains of Pest. Then you will follow the river where you can admire the parliament overlooking the Danube. In the afternoon, optional guided tour of the Gellert baths. Authentic place of well being, the Gellert baths are also a marvel of architecture, its Art Nouveau interior expresses a unique decoration where Zsolnay porcelain rivals beauty with the wooden chic locker rooms, as for the windows they are simply impressive.

Back on board and departure in navigation to Bratislava. Join the sun bridge and admire Budapest from the boat. The brilliance of the city is reflected on the river and gives it a unique dimension. Evening cruising.

5th day: BRATISLAVA

Morning cruising. Let yourself be carried to the rhythm of the water, and relax on the sun deck. Enjoy the landscapes throughout the course. Arrival in Bratislava late morning. Under its provincial airs are colorful alleyways, pastel houses and Baroque architecture. In the afternoon, optional guided tour of Bratislava. A panoramic tour will take you to Bratislava Castle, from where you will enjoy a magnificent view of the Danube and the city. Then visit the old town on foot. Free time after the visit. Return on board and continue navigation to Dürnstein. Evening cruising.

6th day: DÜRNSTEIN - MELK

Arrive early in the morning at Dürnstein. Quaint village rocked by the legend of King Richard the Lionheart. Forced to return to England by land after a quarrel with Duke Leopold of Austria, it is in rags that the King of England will be arrested and locked in the fortress of Dürnstein, one of the most powerful in these time. Return on board at the end of the morning, and continue navigation towards Melk. Arrive early afternoon at Melk. Optional guided tour of Melk Abbey, home to Benedictine monks for 900 years. Its ocher facade overlooks the Danube majestically. Back on board. Evening cruising to Linz. 

7th day: LINZ

Early morning arrival in Linz, European capital of culture in 2009. Often criticized as an industrial city, she has developed her cultural and artistic soul. The Danubian city lies at the crossroads of the beautiful landscapes of Strudengau and Nibelungen.In the morning, optional guided tour of Saint Florian Monastery. A jewel of baroque rococo architecture, it displays his masterpieces created over the centuries such as remarkable frescoes, stucco, marble columns and the library, a true temple of knowledge. In the afternoon, optional guided tour of Linz. Full of charm and welcoming, the city bathed by the Danube boasts an exceptional wealth. Its emblem, the marble column of the Plague, crowns since the eighteenth century the main square. Back on board at the end of the afternoon. Cruise to Vienna. Gala evening on board.

8th day: VIENNA

Buffet breakfast on board before disembarkation and transfer to the airport for your return flight home.