Flights
Flights are currently possible from Stansted, Luton, Gatwick, Edinburgh, Heathrow, Manchester and Belfast airports subject to availability at time of booking the flights, and a supplement may apply. Alternative UK departure airports may become available, we will look at all options when you book.
• Flights include 1 checked in bag (usually no more than 20kgs) and 1 carry on bag per person – weight/size subject to airline rules.
• Flight duration around 2 ½ hours.
• Transfer time Budapest Airport to ship around 50 mins each way subject to traffic.
Please call us on 01895 83 33 33 to discuss your flight requirements.
4-star Dazzling Danube River Cruise
8 days by Air, June 3rd 2024, from £1899 per person
Itinerary
Day 1: UK to Budapest
Join at your chosen airport for the flight to Budapest – flight duration around 2½ hours. Transfer to the 4-star MS Carmen and check in to your cabin for our seven night cruise. Overnight in Budapest. Free drinks, dinner and entertainment on board.
Day 2: Budapest
Today we have a full day in Budapest, one of the most beautiful cities in the world. Here you can visit both sides of Hungary’s capital – traditional ‘Buda’ and the more cosmopolitan ‘Pest’, known as the Pearl of the Danube. Explore on your own, or join our optional guided city tour which is a mixture of coach travel and walking. Early evening we set sail for Bratislava. Free drinks, dinner and entertainment on board.
Day 3: Bratislava
Bratislava is described as ‘The Beauty on the Danube’, situated at the foothills of the Carpathian Mountains near the border with Austria. The Slovakian Capital is one of the youngest in the world with stunning 18th Century Squares, spires, the old town and the castle of Bratislava which dominates the skyline. Explore on your own, or join our optional guided walking tour including a land train up to the castle. This evening we sail into lower Austria as the captain skilfully navigates the winding river and several locks as we enjoy free drinks, dinner and entertainment on board.
Day 4: Dürnstein
The town of Dürnstein is crowned by the ruins of the castle that once imprisoned Richard the Lionheart. Enjoy wandering around the cobbled streets and admiring the pretty courtyards and buildings. In the afternoon we set sail for Linz. Free drinks, dinner and entertainment on board.
Day 5: Linz & Salzburg
Today is at leisure in Linz or you can join the optional excursion to Salzburg, a city famous for Mozart and the Sound of Music. Here you can enjoy a guided walking tour visiting the sites associated with the composer and the settings for the musical followed by free time to explore on your own. Return to the ship for our overnight sailing to Melk. Free drinks, dinner and entertainment on board.
Day 6: Melk
This morning we visit the small town of Melk which lies in the beautiful Wachau Valley. Here you can join the optional excursion to visit the Benedictine Abbey, one of the most famous monastic houses in Austria which has been occupied by monks for over 900 years. Rejoin the ship and continue our cruise towards Vienna arriving in the evening. Free drinks, dinner and entertainment on board.
Day 7: Vienna
We spend today experiencing the delights of Vienna. Grand palaces, baroque castles, magnificent squares and grand monuments are just some of the key features of this beautiful city, which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Explore on your own, or join our optional guided city tour which is a mixture of coach travel and walking. In the early evening we cast off and cruise towards Budapest. Free drinks, dinner and entertainment on board.
Day 8: Budapest to UK
Today we disembark the ship and transfer to Budapest airport for our return flight to the UK.
Note: Order of itinerary subject to change depending on local conditions.
Optional Excursions:
Budapest City tour £39pp
Bratislava Guided tour £25pp
Melk Abbey £40pp
Salzburg and Sound of Music £50pp
Vienna City Tour £39pp
Excursions must be booked prior to departure.
Pre-book all five for £150pp, saving £43pp.
All operate subject to minimum numbers.
Entertainment
Bruce Parker – The California Soul Man, Inviting you on a musical journey through the hits of Soul, Motown, and a few surprises along the way. From Los Angeles, Bruce has touched the hearts of audiences the world over. Having worked with legendary Music Icons like Debbie Harry, Chaka Khan, and Michael Jackson, Parker presents himself comfortably to any audience and is a natural at engaging venue goers of all ages.
Multi-talented Keith Slater has been a professional musician since 1981 and sings hits from the 60s to present day. He has performed with well known artistes Malcolm Stent, Don Maclean and in award winning bands Inheritance and Vivo.
Accommodation
MS Carmen
GN Holidays & Voyages is chartering the four-star MS Carmen & MS Otello for four exclusive cruises in 2024. The Carmen and her sister ship Otello were built in 1995, completely renovated in 2017 by former owner Uniworld and further updated by present owners in 2023. They are identical in size and space and can accommodate up to 126 guests in a variety of well-equipped, en-suite cabins with hotel style beds.
The impressive Reception on the Upper deck gives access to the welcoming lounge and bar, with bar stools, easy chairs, booth style seating, a dance floor and state of the art entertainment equipment. The Sun deck has sun loungers, chairs and a panoramic, conservatory style bar so you can enjoy 360 degree views no matter the weather.
The restaurant features large picture windows and is light and airy with modern decor, furnishings and a relaxed, informal atmosphere. Diners can enjoy generous buffet breakfasts, three course lunches and four course dinners.
Facilities – Wifi is available throughout the ship, there is a coffee station available to guests 24/7 and a shop on board.
Ship’s stats – Length: 110 metres • Breadth: 11.40 metres • Max passenger Capacity: 126 • Passengers decks: 3
Note: MS Carmen shares its name with, but is not the MS Carmen we chartered before 2022.
Decks & Cabins
On the Upper deck you’ll find the reception, lounge and bar, plus *French Balcony suites, doubles and single (with double bed) cabins.
On the main deck is the restaurant and coffee station, plus standard double and single (with double bed) cabins – all with picture window.
There is a stair lift between the upper deck reception and the main deck.
Cabins all have a double hotel style bed, TV, Wifi, safe, hair dryer, individually controlled heating and cooling system, shower and WC.
*’French Balcony’ is a sliding patio door with a railing at waist height placed directly behind the glass – there isn’t a separate space/balcony you can walk out onto.
Suite – The Carmen and Otello have 4 suites. These spacious and luxurious cabins boast two patio style windows, a sitting area and desk. They come with all the facilities of the standard cabin but are double the size with a larger bathroom.
Please note: When docking ships can be moored side by side so views from the cabin may be obscured.
What Our Customers Say
Just to say how much we all enjoyed the Danube Fortunes Cruise. Our first holiday with you and our first river cruise, won't be the last. We've recommended your company to friends. Read more “‘Fortunes’ River Cruise”
Swiss Pearl is the best GN cruise we've been on - would certainly book a holiday on her again. Excellent crew, amazing food quality. Drinks inclusive was great - helps towards planning a more relaxed holiday. Read more “Swiss Pearl”
We have had a wonderful 4 day stay onboard the "Swiss Pearl". Everything has been great, with Sheena and Gareth looking after us. the ship's crew and GN Voyages staff have been marvellous in providing all we need for a very enjoyable holiday. Read more “Swiss Pearl”
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