MV Serenade I
Spacious cabinsThe cabins are amongst the largest of any river cruiser, at 16m². We want you to feel at home so we’ve included plenty of storage space and individually controlled air-conditioning to keep the temperature just how you like it. The twin beds are hotel standard and there is a pretty seating area for relaxation. All cabins have flat-screen satellite TV, phone, fridge, tea and coffee making facilities, safe and a hairdrier. The en suite bathrooms have a separate shower, bath and WC. Cabins are non-smoking but you can smoke on deck. There is a gym and sauna on board for you to enjoy at your leisure.
On the upper two decks all cabins have floor-to-ceiling sliding French windows for a great view or cooling breeze. On the lower deck there’s a smaller fixed window.
Especially reservedSome cabins are especially reserved for sole occupancy, while others have been adapted for wheelchair access. To make life easy, all but the bottom deck are accessible by lift or stair-lift and just a few steps lead you to the large partially covered sun deck.
The Serenade I The cabins are amongst the largest of any river cruiser, at 16m². We want you to feel at home so we’ve included plenty of storage space and individually controlled air-conditioning to keep the temperature just how you like it. The twin beds are hotel standard and there is a pretty seating area for relaxation. All cabins have flat-screen satellite TV, phone, fridge, tea and coffee making facilities, safe and a hairdrier. The en suite bathrooms have a separate shower, bath and WC. Cabins are non-smoking but you can smoke on deck. There is a gym and sauna on board for you to enjoy at your leisure.
On the upper two decks all cabins have floor-to-ceiling sliding French windows for a great view or cooling breeze. On the lower deck there’s a smaller fixed window.
PRAGUEDiplomat Hotel (4-star), 3 nights bed and breakfast
The 4-star Diplomat Hotel Prague is one of the largest hotels in Prague, the most beautiful capital city in Central Europe. The hotel, renowned for its excellent conference and business facilities, was opened in 1990 and newly renovated in 2007. The standard rooms are comfortably equipped with air conditioning, satellite TV (including three HBO channels for free) with a large flat screen, DVD player, mini-bar, hairdryer, direct-dial telephone with voicemail and high-speed Internet.
DAY 1 UK/Passau
Fly from a choice of airports to Munich and transfer to Passau to board the delightful Serenade I.
DAY 2 Melk & the Wachau Valley
Arrive in Melk in the morning in good time for an optional tour of the remarkable 18th-century abbey, one of the finest Baroque monasteries in Europe. The wonderful yellow and white facade, opulent gold pulpit, delicate frescoes and ornate gilding remain untouched by the years. Returning to the ship for lunch, we cruise through the pretty Wachau Valley, a picturesque branch of the mighty Danube. Lush valleys, winding vineyards and rolling hills dotted with romantic ruins slip past. We continue to Esztergom.
DAY 3 Esztergom & Budapest
The Hungarian town of Esztergom is today’s first port of call and there is a fascinating optional tour of the town available. A must-see is the stunning marble and gilded Basilica - the town’s landmark. Later in Budapest, wander amongst the marvellous parliament buildings and absorb this once-divided city.
DAY 4 Budapest
Really get under the skin of Budapest on an optional sightseeing tour including the enormous St Stephen’s Basilica, built to hold 8,000 worshippers; the grand city boulevards and striking heroes’ square. There will also be an optional trip to Puszta, the great Hungarian Plain featuring in local literature and legends. Setting sail later in the evening, the cruise heads overnight towards Slovakia.
DAY 5 Bratislava
Slovakia’s capital is easy to explore on foot and has a gentle and unassuming atmosphere. In picturesque Venturskala street, Franz Liszt and Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart once performed as children. At one end of the street is the mediaeval Michael Tower, with wonderful views of the city and a fascinating gun museum. The magnificent 15th century castle dominates the skyline and provides a perfect vista over the Danube Plain. To explore further, join our optional city tour and discover the architecture and history of this beautiful ancient city. In the evening enjoy a traditional folklore performance on board the ship to round off the day.
DAY 6 Vienna
A fabulous day to delight in St Stephen’s Cathedral, the Hofburg Palace and the Ringstrasse. Our optional tours include a visit to the world-famous Schonbrunn Palace, summer residence of the Hapsburgs. Set in beautiful grounds, the Schonbrunn Palace was built in elegant Neo-Classical style and has a splendid interior, with sumptuous furniture and rococo design. This evening, why not attend an optional Strauss and Mozart concert in this city of music?
DAY 7 Vienna
You are free in Vienna to make your own discoveries. Alternatively, why not join our optional excursion to the Vienna Woods. You will visit the famous spa town of Baden, travel through the Helenen Valley to the former hunting lodge at Mayerling and on to the Cistercian Abbey of Heiligenkreuz.
DAY 8 Durnstein
The blue and white Baroque tower was once part of an Augustinian monastery and marks out this pretty walled town almost as much as its wine. There is plenty of time to explore this pretty riverside village located beneath the imposing castle where Richard the Lionheart was imprisoned in 1192. We depart Durnstein at lunchtime sailing to Linz the capital of upper Austria, arriving later this evening.
DAY 9 Linz
You are free to relax and explore this vibrant city, the cultural and administrative capital of upper Austria, or why not take our optional excursion to Cesky Krumlov in the Czech Republic. Cesky krumlov situated in historic Bohemia is one of Europe's very best preserved mediaeval towns, a genuine historical gem.
DAYS 10 - 12 Passau/Prague
The cruise ends today in Passau and we disembark for the coach transfer to Prague. You can enjoy fabulous Bohemian scenery whilst a knowledgeable guide regales you with local history. The journey is approximately 6 hours and includes a comfort stop to stretch your legs.ONce arriving in Prague and checking into your hotel, you can spend the next few days completely at leisure, discovering the best of this charming mediaeval city whose highlights include Charles Bridge, the Hradcany Quarter, the Astronomical Clock and the beautiful Goltz-Kinsky Palace.
DAY 13 Prague/UK
After checkout, we disembark for the coach transfer to Munich and the flight home.