From Amsterdam to Vienna
Flights from London→Amsterdam → Arnhem → Cologne → Bonn → Koblenz → the Rhine Valley → Mainz → Miltenberg → Wurzburg or Rothenburg → Bamberg → Nuremberg → Regensburg → Passau → Salzburg → Melk → Wachau Valley → Vienna→Return to London
Organised by Noble Caledonia.
From
from £6495
per person
Overview
A celebratory cruise along the Rhine, Main & Danube Rivers aboard the MS River Crown
Join just 100 fellow travellers this coming autumn on board the MS River Crown as Noble Caledonia marks 35 years since the company was established. Since 1991, over one quarter of a million people have travelled with Noble Caledonia on a myriad of trips to every corner of the world and by every means of transport known to man. River cruising has been an important and very popular contributor to the operator's success, and Noble Caledonia is therefore delighted to celebrate this anniversary with a specially arranged departure aboard the MS River Crown.
From the comfort of the MS River Crown, guests can expect good food, wonderful company, interesting guided tours, beautiful autumnal scenery, informative lectures, uplifting music and a celebratory atmosphere as the ship sails along the Rhine, Main and Danube. Noble Caledonia has planned the itinerary to ensure there is ample time to relax on board in order to enjoy the programme of talks, celebratory receptions and musical performances as the voyage makes its way from Amsterdam to Vienna.
Highlights
- Experience the comfort of the MS River Crown, your home throughout this 15-day journey along the Rhine, Main, and Danube rivers.
- Visit the Airborne Museum 'Hartenstein' in the Netherlands or explore the extensive private art collection at the Kroller Muller Museum.
- Tour the historic Cologne Cathedral and enjoy a private concert of Beethoven’s works at the composer's birthplace in Bonn.
- Sail through the spectacular Rhine Gorge, passing legendary landmarks like the Lorelei Rock and numerous hilltop castles.
- Explore the Medieval charms of Miltenberg and walk through the historic, half-timbered streets of this ancient Franconian town.
- Choose between a guided tour of Wurzburg’s Residenz Palace or a full-day excursion to the fairytale town of Rothenburg.
- Discover the architectural heritage of Bamberg, a city preserved through history and home to significant Romanesque landmarks.
- Explore Nuremberg’s historic old city and visit significant World War II sites, including the Third Reich Party Rally Grounds.
- Enjoy a private musical performance by the London Festival Opera while docked in the historic Bavarian city of Passau.
- Tour the magnificent Melk Abbey and the elegant Schonbrunn Palace, concluding your voyage with a farewell gala concert by the London Festival Opera.
Explore further
Itinerary
- 1
Day 1 London to Amsterdam, The Netherlands.
Fly by scheduled flight. On arrival in Amsterdam transfer to the MS River Crown and embark. Sail this evening.
- 2
Day 2 Arnhem.
After breakfast on board join an excursion to visit the memorable Airborne Museum ‘Hartenstein'; this renovated building houses the world's largest collection of militaria from Operation Market Garden. Alternatively, you may like to visit the private art collection at the Kroller Muller Museum with its late 19th and 20th century paintings. Return to the MS River Crown for lunch and enjoy a leisurely afternoon sailing towards Germany.
- 3
Day 3 Cologne & Bonn, Germany.
This morning, arrive into Cologne, one of Germany's most famous Medieval cities. Enjoy a walking tour through the city centre and take in the relaxed atmosphere and historic surroundings. Visit Cologne Cathedral, which was once the world's tallest building, and still boasts the largest façade in the world. Return to the ship for lunch while we continue upstream to Bonn, the birthplace of Beethoven. On arrival we will enjoy an orientation walk in the town centre before continuing to the Beethoven House, which now houses a museum to the great composer. Our visit will conclude with a concert of Beethoven's works in the adjacent hall.
- 4
Day 4 Koblenz & the Rhine Valley.
This morning, take a walking tour around charming Koblenz, a historic commercial centre on the confluence of the Rhine and Moselle rivers. We will return to the MS River Crown for lunch and enjoy a leisurely afternoon on board sailing through the magnificent Rhine Gorge. This famously scenic stretch of river is punctuated by striking hilltop castles, steep vineyard covered slopes, and the legendary Lorelei Rock. We will moor in Rüdesheim allowing for the opportunity to sample the famous wines of the region in one of the local wine estates.
- 5
Day 5 Mainz.
Arrive this morning in atmospheric Mainz where our guided walking tour will include the Hoefchen (“Little Court”) which was the residence of the city's archbishops until the 15th century, the Kirschgarten with its romantic half-timbered houses and Marian-Fountain. Our tour will end with a visit to the Johan Gutenberg Museum. Sail at lunchtime as we enter the River Main.
- 6
Day 6 Miltenberg.
Enjoy a relaxed morning sailing into the River Main before we arrive this afternoon in the pretty Franconian town of Miltenberg which has been occupied since antiquity and is today renowned for its half-timbered Medieval houses. During our guided walking tour we will see the picturesque triangular shaped Marktplatz and the restored castle.
- 7
Day 7 Wurzburg or Rothenburg.
Discover Wurzburg during a halfday tour and admire the architecture and history of the wine capital of Franconia. Explore the Baroque grandeur of the Residenz Palace before returning to the ship for a relaxing afternoon on board. Alternatively, join a full day excursion to charming Rothenburg, one of the most lovingly preserved Medieval towns in Bavaria. During the guided tour explore the cobbled streets and admire the half-timbered houses and impressive city walls that seem to spring from the pages of a fairy tale. After lunch ashore there will be time to explore independently before we meet with the MS River Crown as she sails toward Bamberg.
- 8
Day 8 Bamberg.
This morning we will enter the Main-Danube Canal at Bamberg, one of Germany's most beautiful historic towns. Its geographical location, some 40 miles north of Nuremberg, was a key factor in preserving its magnificent architectural heritage from the ravages of war. Every European style from the Romanesque onwards has left its mark on Bamberg, each bequeathing at least one major building. After lunch on board, enjoy a walking tour of this beautiful Medieval city.
- 9
Day 9 Nuremberg.
The city of Nuremberg's long and sometimes troubled history has left its mark on the city and there is plenty to discover during our morning tour. Three towering castles overlook Nuremberg, and its old city which is contained within vast walls is a joy to explore. Visit the World War II sites, including the Third Reich Party Rally Grounds and discover the city's spectacular Medieval architecture. Sail at lunchtime and continue cruising through the highest point of any commercial waterway in Europe, 1331 feet above sea level.
- 10
Day 10 Regensburg.
Early this morning we enter the Danube River, arriving in Regensburg mid-morning. Join a guided stroll around the historic city and see the highlights such as the Old Town Hall and the World Heritage listed city centre. We will see the twin spired Cathedral Dom St Peter, as well as the Turn 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.
- 11
Day 11 Passau.
This morning, we arrive in Passau, where the Inn and Ilz rivers join the Danube. 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. After lunch on board the MS River Crown, you can choose to relax on board or explore Passau further under your own steam. This evening, enjoy a musical performance on board by the London Festival Opera.
- 12
Day 12 Linz for Salzburg, Austria.
We will moor in Linz and after breakfast there will be an 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.
- 13
Day 13 Melk & the Wachau Valley.
This morning, we will reach the picturesque Wachau Valley, famous for its wine. We will moor in Melk under the shadow of the great Baroque Abbey, situated on a cliff high above the Danube. Enjoy a guided tour of the abbey followed by a performance by London Festival Opera featuring aria ensembles from The Marriage of Figaro, Così fan tutte, The Magic Flute, and Don Giovanni. Return to the ship for lunch as we sail through the beautiful vineyard covered scenery of the Wachau Valley. This afternoon, arrive in Weissenkirchen, where you can enjoy a stroll through the charming riverside village and a tasting of local Wachau wines before sailing this evening towards Vienna.
- 14
Day 14 Vienna.
A morning city tour of Austria's elegant capital will take us around the famous Ringstrasse and the Old Quarter including St Stephen's Cathedral. Alternatively, you may wish to join an excursion to the famous Schönbrunn Palace and its gardens. Explore this Baroque masterpiece and see rooms that were once occupied by Empress Maria Theresa, and Emperor Franz Joseph and Empress Elisabeth, affectionately known as Sisi. Return to the ship for lunch and this afternoon is at leisure to explore this majestic city further at your own pace before our farewell dinner and concert by London Festival Opera on board this evening.
- 15
Day 15 Vienna to London.
Disembark after breakfast and transfer to the airport for your 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.
Ernest Rea
Ernest Rea is a celebrated British broadcaster who specialises in the history of religions and the way that faith impacts on the contemporary world. His regular national radio programme, Beyond Belief, was awarded the prestigious Sony Gold Award for the Best Speech Programme on British Radio.
Martin Sixsmith
Martin Sixsmith is a writer, presenter and former television correspondent. He was the BBC's Central and Eastern Europe Correspondent in the 1980s, reporting on the political upheavals that changed the shape of the continent and the world. In the 1990s, Martin was the BBC's correspondent Moscow and Washington. Between 1997 and 2002 he worked for the British Government as Director of Communications and Press Secretary to several cabinet ministers.
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
| 30 October to 13 November 2026 | ||
|---|---|---|
| Category | Brochure Price | Special Offer Price |
| Premium with French Balcony Middle Deck | £6995 | £6495 |
| Premium with French Balcony Upper Deck | £7295 | £6795 |
| Deluxe with French Balcony Middle Deck | £7795 | £7295 |
| Deluxe with French Balcony Upper Deck | £7995 | £7495 |
| Queen Suite with Balcony Upper Deck | — | — |
| Standard Single with porthole | — | — |
| Premium with French Balcony Middle Deck for sole use | £7995 | £7495 |
Tour Reference Code: RCRC301026
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 & special events
- Noble Caledonia onboard team including Guest Speakers
- Performances by London Festival Opera
- 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