Empires of the Danube
Flights from London→Regensburg → Passau → Salzburg → Cesky Krumlov → Vienna → Bratislava → Budapest → Mohacs → Novi Sad → Belgrade → Iron Gates → Iron Gates → Vidin → Veliko Tarnovo → Bucharest→Return to London
Organised by Noble Caledonia.
From
from £6795
per person
Overview
A journey from Regensburg to Bucharest aboard the MS River Crown
Flowing from the Black Forest of Germany through to the Black Sea, the Danube River has always played a key role in the history of Europe. At times this mighty river has been an important border to great civilisations, and at others it has been the lifeblood of the many cultures and peoples that have settled along its banks over the millennia. It is therefore no surprise that the Danube of today is one of the richest and most culturally diverse areas of Europe, formed by centuries of migration and conflict in the region. Noble Caledonia’s early autumn river journey through the heart of Europe visits seven countries: Germany, Austria, Slovakia, Hungary, Serbia, Bulgaria and Romania, and during this two-week cruise, guests will explore impressive imperial cities, witness picturesque scenery and discover unique cultures found along the banks of the Danube.
Guests will navigate this important river between the romantic city of Regensburg in the west to Romania in the east aboard the elegant 100-passenger MS River Crown. From the great comfort of the vessel, travellers will journey effortlessly, enjoying the varied scenery and architecture whilst learning about the rich history and culture of the region. The combination of the fascinating history of this cultural crossroads, picturesque riverside and inland towns with wine tasting and folklore along the way makes for a most rewarding trip. Noble Caledonia’s included tours with excellent local guides, together with interesting talks by their Guest Speaker, will bring the region to life as you sail along the majestic Danube.
Highlights
- Explore the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Medieval centre of Regensburg, featuring the historic Old Town Hall and the twin-spired Cathedral Dom St Peter.
- Visit the breathtaking Cathedral of St Stephen in Passau, home to one of the world's largest church pipe organs.
- Choose between a full-day excursion to the picturesque Medieval town of Cesky Krumlov or a musical tour of Salzburg, the birthplace of Mozart.
- Experience the imperial grandeur of Vienna with tours of the Ringstrasse, St Stephen’s Cathedral, or the historic Mayerling hunting lodge.
- Enjoy an exclusive guided tour of Schonbrunn Palace, the magnificent Baroque summer residence of Empress Maria Theresa.
- Discover the 13th-century Bratislava Castle and St Martin’s Cathedral, the historic coronation site of Hungarian royalty.
- Take in the iconic sights of Budapest, including the Matthias Church and Fishermen’s Bastion, followed by a scenic “Budapest by Night” sailing.
- Sample regional wines during an excursion to the town of Sremski Karlovic, situated near the historic Petrovaradin Fortress in Serbia.
- Tour the historic city of Belgrade, including a visit to the Saint Sava Cathedral—the largest Orthodox Church in the world—and a traditional folklore performance.
- Experience a spectacular cruise through the Iron Gates, a dramatic narrow gorge marking the natural border between the Carpathian and Balkan Mountains.
Explore further
Itinerary
- 1
Day 1 London to Regensburg, Germany.
Fly by scheduled flight to Munich. On arrival transfer to the MS River Crown in Regensburg. Moor overnight.
- 2
Day 2 Regensburg.
This morning, we begin our journey along the Danube in the former imperial city of Regensburg. The city was once a major political and economic centre of the Holy Roman Empire, with its Medieval centre recognised as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Join a guided stroll around the historic city and see the highlights such as the Old Town Hall and the city centre. We will see the twin spired Cathedral Dom St Peter, as well as the Thurn and Taxis Palace, a former Abbey and home of the Taxis family who played a major role in the history of the Holy Roman Empire and the German state. Return to the ship for lunch and enjoy an afternoon at leisure to explore further at your own pace.
- 3
Day 3 Passau.
This morning, we arrive in Passau, where the Inn and Ilz rivers join the Danube. The city was home to a bishopric since late antiquity, with its Bishops eventually being elevated as Princes under the Holy Roman Empire. Our guided walking tour will include the old town of this Bavarian city and the breathtaking Cathedral of St Stephen which contains one of the world's largest church pipe organs. Spend some time exploring independently after lunch, before sailing in the late afternoon toward the Austrian border.
- 4
Day 4 Linz, Austria for Salzburg or Cesky Krumlov, Czech Republic.
Arrive in Austria overnight and moor in the city of Linz from where there will be a choice of guided tours today. Enjoy a trip to the exquisite town of Cesky Krumlov, once a key city in the Bohemian Kingdom, which rose to prominence under the Holy Roman Empire and was later subordinate to the Austro-Hungarian Empire. Today the town remains one of the most picturesque Medieval centres in Europe. We will visit the stunning castle and take a walking tour of the Old Town, followed by some free time to explore at leisure. Alternatively, take the opportunity to join a full day tour to Salzburg, birthplace of Mozart and famous for its architectural treasures and music festival. Our guided excursion will concentrate on Mozart's family and his musical contemporaries. After lunch in a local restaurant, we will enjoy a special concert of music by Salzburg's most famous son before returning to the MS River Crown in the late afternoon.
- 5
Day 5 Vienna.
Arrive this morning in Vienna, our base for the next two days. This beautiful city has a storied history, from its origins as a Roman colony to the capital of the Austro-Hungarian Empire. After breakfast there will be a choice of tours. A city tour of Austria's elegant capital will take us around the famous Ringstrasse and the Old Quarter including St Stephen's Cathedral. Alternatively, travel to the Vienna Woods, including a visit to the Mayerling hunting lodge, where scandal once rocked the Habsburg royal family, as well as the Cistercian Abbey of Heiligenkreuz. After lunch on board, you can enjoy an afternoon at leisure to explore this majestic city further independently.
- 6
Day 6 Vienna.
After breakfast join a tour to see Schonbrunn Palace and Gardens, the favourite summer residence of Empress Maria Theresa. Originally constructed as a hunting lodge for the royal family, the palace has expanded and evolved over the centuries to become the Baroque masterpiece that exists today. Explore the opulent rooms of the palace and learn about the Habsburg monarchs. Following your palace tour, enjoy some free time to take a stroll around the beautiful gardens before returning to the MS River Crown for lunch. Enjoy the remainder of the afternoon at leisure.
- 7
Day 7 Bratislava, Slovakia.
Bratislava is one of the youngest capitals in Europe and during the time it was called Pressburg or Pozsony it was one of the most important cities in the Austro-Hungarian Empire. Its location on the banks of the River Danube and at the crossroads of ancient trading routes, right at the heart of Europe, predestined it to become a meeting point of various cultures. The reign of Maria Theresa is regarded as a golden era in the city's history. During our guided city tour we will visit the 13th century Bratislava Castle which sits on a hill 80 metres above the Danube. Here we can see the Historical Museum before strolling through the elegant Baroque gardens. We also visit St Martin's Cathedral which was built in the 13th century and served as the coronation church of Hungarian royalty. Sail this afternoon along the borders of Slovakia on the north bank of the river, and Hungary on the south bank.
- 8
Day 8 Budapest, Hungary.
Today we visit the ‘Queen of the Danube', Budapest. The twin cities of Buda and Pest have flourished on the crossroads of empires. Control of Budapest has shifted many times over the centuries, from the Magyar kingdoms to the Ottoman Empire, and the Austro-Hungarian Empire. Explore this beautiful and historic city on a morning excursion that will include the old quarter, the Matthias Church and the Fishermen's Bastion. Return to the ship for lunch before joining an excursion out of the city to the Baroque Gödöllő Palace, which was offered to Emperor Franz Josef and Empress Elizabeth as a coronation gift. Alternatively, enjoy an afternoon at leisure to explore at your own pace. After dinner this evening, join your fellow travellers on deck to enjoy the wonderful “Budapest by Night” sailing as we depart.
- 9
Day 9 Mohacs.
Spend a leisurely morning sailing downstream to Mohacs. After lunch we will depart for a tour of the city of Pecs which enjoys a fine position on the slopes of the Mecsek Hills. Our guided tour of the city will feature the sites associated with the city's Roman, Ottoman, and Hapsburg past, as well as the splendid Pecs Cathedral where we will listen to the sound of its organ.
- 10
Day 10 Novi Sad, Serbia.
Today we will arrive in Novi Sad, an important Serbian trading hub that sprang up in the shadow of the Petrovaradin Fortress during its time under Habsburg Control. Following the destruction of the three main bridges by the NATO bombing campaign in 1999, the city of Novi Sad, in the Serbian northern province of Vojvodina, has returned to normal after much rebuilding. The city is rich in historic buildings including the fortress, Bishop's House, Clock Tower and numerous churches, some of which will be seen on our morning tour. Our exploration of Greater Novi Sad includes a wine tasting in nearby Sremski Karlovic, where we will sample some excellent wines of the former Yugoslavia.
- 11
Day 11 Belgrade.
Spend the morning in Belgrade where a half day tour highlights the city's main attractions, including the Kalemegdan fortress as it looms over the confluence of the Sava and Danube rivers. A fortress has stood on this site since antiquity and was occupied by the Byzantine Empire until it was taken by the Ottomans in the 15th century. During our tour we will also visit Saint Sava Cathedral, the largest Orthodox Church in the world, and Tito's Memorial. Our tour will finish with a superb local folklore performance before returning to the ship. Spend the afternoon sailing along the Danube.
- 12
Day 12 Cruising the Iron Gates.
Today the scenery becomes truly spectacular as you cruise through the Iron Gates, a narrow gorge between the Carpathian and Balkan Mountains that has formed a natural border to many nations and states along the Danube.
- 13
Day 13 Vidin, Bulgaria.
Arrive today in the Bulgarian port of Vidin. From here we will drive to Belogradchik which is located close to the Serbian border. The Belogradchik Rocks are a famous Bulgarian beauty spot. The sandstone has been weathered into all manner of bizarre shapes and housed amongst the rocks, is an Ottoman fort, built on the remains of a Roman structure. Return to the ship for lunch and this afternoon we visit Vidin for a performance by the wonderful Vidin Symphonic Orchestra in the Philharmonic concert hall.
- 14
Day 14 Veliko Tarnovo.
Arrive in Nikopol, from where we depart by coach for a full day tour to Veliko Tarnovo, the capital of the Second Bulgarian Kingdom from 1187 to 1393. The city formed a natural fortress, located on three hills surrounding the Yantra River. A palace, fortifications and churches were built into the terrain. Across the river, ancient stone houses seemingly perched on top of each other rise up the steep riverbank. After lunch in a local restaurant visit the museum town of Arbanassi, famous for its 17th and 18th architecture and the unique Church of the Nativity of Christ. Rejoin the ship in Rousse and enjoy a farewell dinner. This evening the ship will cross the river into the Romanian port of Giurgiu and moor overnight.
- 15
Day 15 Bucharest, Romania to London.
Disembark this morning in Giurgiu and transfer to Bucharest Airport for our scheduled flight to London.
Meet your Experts
A distinguished team of guest lecturers, expedition leaders and specialist hosts will be travelling with you on selected departures — enriching your voyage with their insight, expertise and company.
Olga Verstage
Olga Verstage is a versatile presenter, combining her skills as concert pianist, historian, art historian and classicist to make her talks entertaining, lively, informative, and unusual. Olga is an accredited lecturer for the Arts Society and has a PhD in Classics and a BA in Arts History. She was Head of Classics at King William's College on the Isle of Man and teaches various history classes, Latin and Russian at the University College Isle of Man. Olga also worked as sessional Arts History lecturer for the University of Liverpool for 12 years, and for eight years was a history tutor for the University of Chester, lecturing on various art styles from Renaissance to 20th century, Medieval History and the Crusades. Olga was born in the Crimea and attended Conservatoire in Odessa, graduating with top marks in piano performance. She also has FTCL in Piano Performance, ATCL in Organ Perform
The Ship
River Crown
We are delighted to have chartered the elegant 100-passenger MS River Crown, a spacious and well-designed vessel which was built in 2008 and underwent a comprehensive upgrade in 2026. The vessel offers the luxury of space and the public areas feature panoramic windows providing marvellous views of the passing landscapes. The atmosphere on board 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. You will find yourself amongst like-minded people in an English-speaking environment and for those who seek peace and quiet, there will always be the opportunity to find a secluded spot on the Sun Deck, in one of the relaxing public areas or to simply rest in your well-appointed cabin. The friendly onboard crew will provide you with excellent service and do much to contribute to your enjoyment. After a day exploring ashore, you will return to the comfort and peace of a well-run and exceedingly comfortable vessel.
Deck plan
Life aboard River Crown
The MS River Crown is an elegant, 100-passenger vessel offering a friendly, informal atmosphere with an English-speaking environment. With spacious public areas and floor-to-ceiling panoramic windows, it is perfectly designed for those who appreciate scenic river cruising in comfort.
Quick facts
Passengers
100
Year Built
2008
Refurbished
2026
Length
135 metres
Suites
Accommodations range from standard single cabins to spacious Queen Suites, all featuring en-suite bathrooms and individually controlled air-conditioning. Premium and Deluxe categories offer additional space, while higher-tier cabins benefit from French balconies or private seating areas.
- •Standard Single Cabins (12m²) on Main Deck feature single beds and non-opening portholes.
- •Premium Cabins (15.5m²) feature French balconies and beds configurable as twin or double.
- •Deluxe Cabins (22m²) include a fixed double bed, seating area, and marble bathroom.
- •Queen Suites (30m²) offer both French and private balconies, living area, and bathroom with bath and shower.
- •All cabins include TV, safe, hairdryer, mini-bar, and telephone.
Life on board
The vessel features an elegant lounge and bar, a library, and The Club for quiet relaxation. The expansive Sun Deck provides a putting green, giant chess board, and loungers for enjoying the passing landscape.
- •Wellness area includes a gym, sauna, Jacuzzi, and hairdresser.
- •Sun Deck may close during low bridge transit or evening hours.
- •A lift services the Upper and Middle decks.
- •Complimentary Wi-Fi is available, though service may be intermittent in rural areas.
- •24-hour tea and coffee available in the Atrium Lobby.
Dining
Dining is provided in an open-seating restaurant with floor-to-ceiling views. The culinary programme includes buffet-style breakfasts and lunches, followed by a served four-course dinner.
- •Complimentary house wine, beer, and soft drinks included at lunch and dinner.
- •Early riser tea, coffee, and pastries available from 06:30.
- •Afternoon tea with cakes and late-evening snacks served in the lounge.
- •Dietary requirements should be notified to Reservations; some requests may not be guaranteed.
Practical information
The ship operates a cash-free system, with all onboard accounts settled in Euros at the end of the cruise. Gratuities are included in the holiday price, and the atmosphere remains smart-casual throughout the voyage.
- •Smoking is strictly prohibited except in designated Sun Deck areas.
- •Dress code is comfortable and casual by day, smart-casual for evenings.
- •Voltage is 220V with European-style two-pin sockets.
- •Laundry service is available; dry cleaning is not provided.
- •Emergency alarms and safety procedures are detailed on cabin doors.
Ship information may be subject to operational change. Please contact us for the latest details before booking.
Departures & pricing
Prices per person based on double occupancy
| 5 to 19 October 2027 | ||
|---|---|---|
| Category | Brochure Price | Special Offer Price |
| Premium with French Balcony Middle Deck | £7295 | £6795 |
| Premium with French Balcony Upper Deck | £7495 | £6995 |
| Deluxe with French Balcony Middle Deck | £8195 | £7695 |
| Deluxe with French Balcony Upper Deck | £8495 | £7995 |
| Queen Suite with Balcony Upper Deck | £8995 | £8495 |
| Standard Single with porthole | £7295 | £6795 |
| Premium with French Balcony Middle Deck for sole use | £7495 | £6995 |
Tour Reference Code: RCRC051027
PRICE INCLUDES:
• Economy class scheduled air travel • 14 nights aboard the MS River Crown on a full board basis • House wine, beer & soft drinks with lunch & dinner • Shore excursions • Noble Caledonia onboard team including Guest Speaker • Gratuities • Transfers • Port & airport taxes
Not Included:
- Travel insurance.
Please note that availability and prices shown on our website are not updated in real time and may change. For the latest availability and pricing, please call 0800 678 3787