Art and Music of the Blue Danube - MS Geoffrey Chaucer
Art and Music of the Blue Danube - MS Geoffrey Chaucer
$3399
Art and Music of the Blue Danube - MS Geoffrey Chaucer
8 Days Starting and ending in Budapest, Hungary
Visiting: Budapest, Esztergom, Bratislava, Dürnstein, Salzburg, Vienna
Tour operator:
Ship Name:
MS Geoffrey ChaucerShip Capacity:
167
Age range:
18-99
Tour operated in:
EnglishTrip Styles:
Tour Overview
Soak up the sights that have inspired countless classical composers, and see masterpieces created by the world’s most famous artists on a European river cruise along the Danube.
Follow in the footsteps of some of history's greatest composers - Strauss, Mozart, Beethoven, Hayden and more - on a musical journey along the Danube. The beautiful landscapes and cities along the shores of this legendary river have inspired many famous melodies. And speaking of beauty, you’ll also have the chance to feast your eyes on the artistic treasures of Hungary, Slovakia and Austria, with visits to world-renowned museums and galleries. Our cruise will take you to the fascinating cities of Budapest, Bratislava, Vienna and Salzburg, where you can learn more about these incredible cities in the company of our knowledgeable guides. Experience the joy of live music in atmospheric locations and see masterworks of Raphael, Titian, Velázquez, Hans Holbein and more.
This holiday is based on our popular Blue Danube river cruise, featuring onshore experiences that are sure to excite all art and music lovers.
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1
Location: Budapest
Accommodation Name: cruise ship
Meals Included: Dinner
Arrival in Budapest - Arriving in Budapest, we’ll transfer by coach to our cruise ship. Our dedicated crew will be there waiting to welcome you on board, and ensure you settle in. There’ll be time to familiarise yourself with this first-class floating hotel before dinner in our stylish restaurant. On the first night, there’s always an exciting sense of expectancy and conversation with your fellow adventurers is sure to revolve around the delights ahead.
Day 2
Location: Esztergom
Accommodation Name: cruise ship
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Esztergom - We’ll wake up in Esztergom, one of Hungary’s oldest towns. The city was a royal capital during medieval times and today the seat of the country’s archbishop. We’ll take a guided tour of the famous neoclassical basilica, standing sentinel over the Danube on the border with Slovakia, and boasting one of the world’s largest altarpieces and a wealth of priceless religious artefacts.
The castle is also worth exploring; it was the seat of government until the Ottomans invaded in the 16th century.
Nestling below are myriad atmospheric churches resonating with the enchanting sounds of choir; this is the best of provincial Hungary and has changed little since Habsburg times. As you enjoy your first lunch on board, we gently leave Esztergom in our wake, affording a fascinating opportunity to compare the different landscapes, towns and villages of Hungary on one riverbank and of Slovakia on the other.
Day 3
Location: Bratislava
Accommodation Name: cruise ship
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Bratislava - Until recently Bratislava was swathed in the drab uniformity of Communism, the city has rekindled the splendour of its imperial past in its beautifully restored Old Town. Here, you can follow in the footsteps of famous composers - Hummel, Bartók, Rubinstein, Liszt, Hayden, Beethoven and Mozart who all performed at concerts here. Mozart was said to be just six at the time. Our expert local guide will regale you with stories of their lives and achievements as we meander our way through the town. We’ll end our tour with a visit to one of the most beautiful classicist buildings in Slovakia – The Primate’s Palace – where we’ll enjoy an enchanting classical music performance in a majestic setting, the Mirror Hall.
This afternoon, we'll cruise into Lower Austria, a peaceful, bucolic region and home to some of the country’s best wines. By now the stresses of everyday life will (hopefully) seem like a distant memory as you absorb the ever-changing scenes. You can watch as we pass children playing on the riverbanks, young couples strolling arm in arm like generations before them, vignerons carefully pruning their vines, and cobbled quaysides lined by half-timbered buildings glide by.
You’ll marvel as the captain skilfully navigates the ship along the serene river and through locks whose mechanisms never cease to fascinate as we continue to cruise towards Dürnstein during dinner.
Please note: The Primate’s Palace is still an official building. While we plan to visit the Primate’s Palace, our musical concert won’t take precedence over important matters of state. In the event of an emergency meeting, our concert will be held in the beautifully Art Nouveau Moyzes Hall – trust us, it’s equally impressive!
Day 4
Location: Dürnstein
Accommodation Name: cruise ship
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Dürnstein & Melk - Dürnstein is known principally for the ice-blue tower of its abbey, which dominates the view, and the castle where Richard the Lionheart was imprisoned in 1192 after being shipwrecked on his return from the crusades.
This morning we’ll take a guided walking tour to explore this memorable city further. Set on a rocky outcrop high above the river, the castle is now ruined, but it’s easy to imagine England’s legendary monarch seething with frustration far from home, while waiting for his family to raise funds to pay his ransom.
After lunch, we’ll visit the remarkable Melk Abbey. Nothing quite prepares you for your first sight of this enormous honey-coloured building, standing resplendent above the surrounding countryside. Originally a castle, it was gifted to the Benedictine Order in the 11th-century and, although reconstructed in Baroque style during the 18th century, it has remained a monastic school and monastery ever since.
The Abbey is renowned for its 214-yard-long Emperor’s Gallery lined with portraits, many fine rooms and an ornate library.
Back on board, you can enjoy views of Nibelungengau as we pass the Maria Taferl Basilica, a pilgrimage site in lower Austria. We wouldn't blame you for being struck by the region's beauty, even Wagner drew inspiration from the region, including the epic operatic series Der Ring des Nibelungen which was inspired from the 12th century German poem, the Nibelungenlied, and used this region as its backdrop.
Day 5
Location: Salzburg
Accommodation Name: cruise ship
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Salzburg - Today we'll moor in Linz and drive through the Austrian countryside to Salzburg, the birthplace of Austria's most famous son, Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart. Its picturesque Old Town is a UNESCO World Heritage Site with a distinctly Baroque feel.
This morning, discover some of the city’s main sights in the company of an expert local guide before time to explore at leisure. It's the perfect opportunity to go in search of more information on the city's favourite residence, Mozart. How do we know he's their favourite? You cannot turn a corner without seeing something paying homage to him. From statues and plaques to the more 'out there' tributes including ice cream, chocolate and even rubber ducks!
But don't get distracted by the souvenirs - to find out more about his life and music, we recommend Mozart's Birthplace. The house where he was born is now one of the most visited museums in the world. In the three-story exhibition, you can learn more about his life, and many achievements - he played the harpsichord at age three and composed rudimentary music while most of his peers were learning to tie their shoes! From there, you could head to the Mozart Residence, where you can see the pianoforte he learned to play on and original documents and portraits.
Towards the end of our visit, we'll reconvene for a classical piano concert. You’ll hear the typical music of the Baroque times - focussing on Mozart's most famous works - in the grand setting of the Fischbrunnensaal of the Alte Residenz - the Salzburg Palace court of the prince-archbishops.
We return to the ship for another splendid dinner as we sail overnight to Vienna.
Day 6
Location: Vienna
Accommodation Name: cruise ship
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Vienna - The city’s very name provokes images of elegance, fine music, wide boulevards, Baroque architecture and a rich tapestry of people who were drawn here from all corners of Europe.We'll begin our day with a tour of the city. Our local guide will offer insights into why Vienna is one of Europe’s great capitals – the seat of the Habsburg emperors and home to some of the world’s finest classical composers, including Beethoven, Brahms, Mozart and, of course, a whole family of Strausses. We’ll also see the city’s most iconic monuments, including the breathtaking Saint Stephen’s Cathedral - whose striking multi-coloured roof and huge Gothic South Tower dominate the skyline - and the Hofburg - the former royal court that is now home to a collection of museums, the Crown Jewels and the Spanish Riding School.Later, we’ll visit to the world-famous Vienna Boys Choir to see the next generation of young artists in action. As they open their home to you, you'll get behind-the-scenes access to the official and unofficial premises and look in on their rehearsal.This afternoon, you can enjoy time at leisure to explore as you wish. Art lovers may choose to explore the Kunsthistorisches Museum, which contains the world’s fourth-largest collection of paintings or visit one of the city's many galleries. Or music lovers could opt to join us on a tour of the Staatsoper, Vienna's State Opera House, for a peek behind the curtain of the world's largest repertory operation, uncovering the secrets hidden from the evening operagoers.Those interested in history (or spy-thrillers) may want to see the Prater, whose huge Ferris wheel features in several Cold War spy thrillers. Why not explore Vienna's atmospheric side streets or savour a coffee in one of the lovely coffee houses? We hear a delicious slice of Sachertorte (a rich chocolate cake of Austrian origin) goes perfectly with an afternoon cuppa!This evening, with the skyline of Vienna in the distance, we’ve arranged what is truly the ‘icing on the cake’. After our Chef’s Dinner on board, we’ll enjoy a classical recital in the comfort of our luxury ship. No visit to Vienna - City of Music - is complete without a live performance, and to hear this exquisite set list played on a quartet of string instruments by local professionals in the city of its creation makes a wonderful finale to the day.Personalise your holiday -Kunsthistorisches MuseumDelve into the art world on a visit to the Art History Museum, home to Raphael's Madonna in the Meadow, Vermeer's The Allegory of Painting, and the world's largest collection of Bruegel's art. As you wander through the museum, encounter masterpieces such as The Infanta paintings by Velazquez and stop to study masterworks by Rubens, Rembrandt, Dürer, Titian and Tintoretto. Staatsoper (The Vienna State Opera)Peek behind the curtain of one of the leading opera houses in the world during a guided tour of the Staatsoper. Discover the Renaissance Revival architecture of the Vienna State Opera and uncover some of its cultural highlights, including the grand staircase, captivating oil paintings and tapestries inspired by Mozart's The Magic Flute.Please note: These experiences' will be bookable soon, we will contact you once this is available.
Day 7
Location: Budapest
Accommodation Name: cruise ship
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Budapest - You can enjoy a leisurely morning as we cruise through Hungary’s peaceful pastoral landscape towards Budapest. After lunch, we'll explore this captivating city, which truly lives up to its reputation as the ‘Pearl of the Danube’.
The twin cities of Buda - built around the hilltop fortress - and Pest were fought over through the centuries. The Ottomans ruled here for 150 years before being ousted in the late 17th century, but their legacy lives on in the many thermal baths fed by hot springs, giving rise to Budapest’s other sobriquet – the ‘City of Spas’.
Here we'll enjoy a panoramic tour and have a chance to visit the House of Music, the country’s first comprehensive exhibition exploring the history of music - they are famous for it, after all. The building, although new, is already an icon of Budapest heralded by CNN and the architecture community as one of the ten most anticipated buildings of 2021 - and it didn't disappoint - its undulating canopy punctured with holes can be seen peeking out from behind the surrounding trees (it's like a spaceship straight out of sci-fi). Inside is a palace of musical miracles with special musical installations and exhibits on everything from the development of the human voice to modern trends - with a special emphasis on Hungarian music and its diverse history.
Alternatively, you could include a visit to Budapest's Museum of Fine Arts in your tour of the city – it's the perfect sanctuary for any art-lover. With an extensive European Art collection, you can get lost amongst treasures, spanning from ancient times to the end of the 18th century. The Egyptian collection is one of the richest of its kind - thanks to 19th-century globe trotters, art collectors and dealers who visited the Nile Valley during their pilgrimage to the Holy Lands. There's also a comprehensive collection of antiquities - especially rich in Greek and Etruscan antiquities - almost 3000 artworks by the old masters - Raphael, Titian, Velázquez, Hans Holbein, Poussins and John Constables (to name just a few of our favourites) - create a unique mix. You don't have to be an art enthusiast to appreciate the art, history and culture housed here.
This evening’s dinner closes with a lively Hungarian folklore show. Witness a rich repertoire of authentic Hungarian folk dances in colourful, traditional costumes, accompanied by a local musicians playing the traditional instruments - like the unusually named Hurdy-Gurdy or Cimbalom - that have been passed down through the generations. Tonight is the last night on board, so now is the time to say farewell to your travel companions and reflect on all the inspirational places, sights and sounds you have experienced on a truly ‘imperial’ cruise.
Day 8
Location: Budapest
Meals Included: Breakfast
Return home
Ship Details
MS Geoffrey Chaucer
Ship Overview
After years of painstaking research to create the most perfect vessels afloat, a new era in river cruising dawns as we introduce our brand new, state of the art, ‘all suite’ ships. Swiss operated and truly world-class, we are absolutely delighted to present the five-star MS Geoffrey Chaucer.
It is extremely difficult to convey just how extraordinary this outstanding ship really is and exactly what distinguishes it from similar vessels. It would be very easy to just say ‘luxurious’ but it’s much more than that; we have deliberately avoided the current trend for a minimalist style where you could be anywhere in the world, creating instead a unique yet exquisite blend of understated taste, style and elegance at the highest level. Immediately striking is just how exceptionally spacious this new vessel is as you enter a gleaming, richly coloured marble-floored lobby flooded with natural light from a stunning atrium above. Moving inside, exceptional creativity from Europe’s finest design studio has produced a superbly balanced masterpiece of onboard style, utilising sustainable rich hardwoods, gleaming brass and polished copper, sparkling glass and intricate wrought iron. The ship is beautifully illuminated throughout – including the exterior and imaginatively furnished with harmonious colour schemes, all designed to create the serene atmosphere reflective of the golden age of cruising which time after time you tell us you adore.
The restaurant rivals the finest on shore establishments taking fine dining to another level complemented by delicate European porcelain, gleaming glassware and the intuitive service in which the Swiss excel. This superb vessel carries 44 in-house trained crew members serving just 167 guests (similar size vessels may carry well over 190 passengers) giving the ratio which our experience proves is concurrent with our first class service levels.
Furthermore your suite will easily exceed your expectations for not only will you enjoy the most discerning décor, so too the ship’s dimensions afford the ultimate in space and comfort - a minimum 17 square metres (183 square feet), with upgrades available to ‘Superior’ and ‘Deluxe’ accommodation.
Ship Details
Ship Name:
MS Geoffrey Chaucer
Adults Only Areas:
kids allowed
Ship Children Facilities:
none
Ship Nursery:
none
Smoking Areas:
some
Ship Size:
boutique
Ship Style:
premium
Ship Type:
river
Ship Kind:
Riverboat
Ship Currency:
EUR
Ship Language:
en
Ship Capacity:
167
Ship Crew Count:
44
Number of Decks:
4
Number of Cabins:
88
Ship Launch Year:
2019
Deck Plans
Diamond Deck (Upper Deck)
BarPanorama LoungeSouvenir ShopTravel DeskReception BistroSuperior SuiteDeluxe Balcony SuiteDiamond Deck SuiteSuperior Stern Suite
Emerald Deck (Lower Deck)
Fitness/Wellness AreaHairdresserEmerald Deck Suite
Ruby Deck (Middle Deck)
KitchenRestaurantSuperior SuiteRuby Deck Suite
Sum Deck
Sun DeckSplash PoolPutting GreenWheelhouseTerrace Area
Cabins
Your suite will easily exceed your expectations for not only will you enjoy the most discerning décor, so too the ship’s dimensions afford the ultimate in space and comfort - a minimum 17 square metres (183 square feet), with upgrades available to ‘Superior’ and ‘Deluxe’ accommodation.
Suites (Grade RS DS )
A gleaming wood door opens revealing your exceptionally appointed suite. At 17 square metres (183 square feet), its generous dimensions are amongst the largest you will find on a cruiser gracing any European river. Imaginatively designed and appointed to the highest specification, with all the luxury you would expect to find in a smart ‘boutique style’ hotel, your comfort definitely won’t be compromised on any level! The gleaming marble bathroom features a powerful fully glazed shower with a large ‘rainshower’ head, superbly refreshing after a hard day’s sightseeing. Clever design allows for ample space, and contemporary lighting, complimentary cosmetics by ‘Crabtree and Evelyn’ and fluffy towels, makes preparing for the day ahead an absolute pleasure. The chic styling of a talented designer’s eye extends to the entire suite with generous use of hand-crafted tropical hardwoods blended with premium fittings, discreet thoughtful lighting and a colour scheme of calming neutral tones, creating an ambience to put you in the most relaxed frame of mind from the very first minute! A full size bed assures a good night’s rest in crisp cotton linen of the finest quality - a turndown service each evening adds the finishing touch. Please note all suites have two twin beds with individual bedding which can be moved together or separated accordingly. You will enjoy a particularly generous seating area with two chairs and a table, enabling you to unwind in comfort in the privacy of your own suite whilst a bow camera conveys live images of the ship’s progress to your flat screen TV, ensuring you won’t miss a thing. Careful consideration has been given to the tiniest details with individually controlled air-conditioning so you set the temperature that you desire, a hairdryer, safe, minibar, telephone and the convenience of tea (our meticulous planning even extends to familiar teabags!) and coffee making facilities ensure a familiar home from home experience. Suites on the Diamond Decks have ‘French Balconies’ – panoramic floor to ceiling sliding glass doors bringing riverside life just that little closer!
Superior Suites (Grade RSS DSS SSS )
Bringing your cruise to another level, why not upgrade to a Superior Suite available on the Ruby (middle) and Diamond (upper) decks. Substantially larger at 23 square metres (247 sq. feet) and with the additional space devoted to the living area, you will immediately notice the benefit as you relax in your stylish surroundings. Of course the identical high quality furnishings and fittings as the standard suite are evident throughout, again with stunning views from the panoramic floor to ceiling sliding glass doors.Indulge in the luxury of?Riviera Plus?when you stay in an upper deck cabin or suite. In your well-appointed cabin, you’ll find a range of extras to make your experience extra special.
Emerald Deck Suites (Grade ES )
Suites on the Emerald Deck are slightly smaller, measuring approximately 16 square metres (172 square feet) and have smaller fixed windows. Some are available for sole occupancy with no supplement and are subject to availability.
Suites (Ruby Deck) (Grade RS DS )
A gleaming wood door opens revealing your exceptionally appointed suite. At 17 square metres (183 square feet), its generous dimensions are amongst the largest you will find on a cruiser gracing any European river. Imaginatively designed and appointed to the highest specification, with all the luxury you would expect to find in a smart ‘boutique style’ hotel, your comfort definitely won’t be compromised on any level!The gleaming marble bathroom features a powerful fully glazed shower with a large ‘rainshower’ head, superbly refreshing after a hard day’s sightseeing. Clever design allows for ample space, and contemporary lighting, complimentary cosmetics by ‘Crabtree and Evelyn’ and fluffy towels, makes preparing for the day ahead an absolute pleasure.The chic styling of a talented designer’s eye extends to the entire suite with generous use of hand-crafted tropical hardwoods blended with premium fittings, discreet thoughtful lighting and a colour scheme of calming neutral tones, creating an ambience to put you in the most relaxed frame of mind from the very first minute! A full size bed assures a good night’s rest in crisp cotton linen of the finest quality - a turndown service each evening adds the finishing touch. Please note all suites have two twin beds with individual bedding which can be moved together or separated accordingly.You will enjoy a particularly generous seating area with two chairs and a table, enabling you to unwind in comfort in the privacy of your own suite whilst a bow camera conveys live images of the ship’s progress to your flat screen TV, ensuring you won’t miss a thing. Careful consideration has been given to the tiniest details with individually controlled air-conditioning so you set the temperature that you desire, a hairdryer, safe, minibar, telephone and the convenience of tea (our meticulous planning even extends to familiar teabags!) and coffee making facilities ensure a familiar home from home experience. Suites on the Diamond (upper) and Ruby (middle) Decks have ‘French Balconies’ – panoramic floor to ceiling sliding glass doors bringing riverside life just that little closer! Indulge in the luxury of Riviera Plus when you stay in an upper deck cabin or suite. In your well-appointed cabin, you’ll find a smart handset* with maps, translator and currency converter, unlimited internet use, L’Occitane en Provence toiletries, a bottle of chilled Prosecco on arrival, a platter of fresh seasonal fruits during the cruise and an aperitif each evening, with our compliments. *Smart handsets will be available on 2022 holiday departures.
Deluxe Balcony Suites (Grade DBS )
If you’re looking to really spoil yourself, at a staggering 25 square metres (269 square feet), the world-class Diamond (upper) Deck Deluxe Balcony Suites are for you. Fifty percent larger than standard suites, they allow for an even more generous living area for the ultimate in space and comfort. In addition you will enjoy a private exterior balcony complete with table and chairs - perfect for an ‘al fresco’ breakfast should you wish or just a quiet morning coffee or a pre-dinner ‘sundowner’ whilst watching the world drift by. With the same fittings as standard suites, exquisitely and lavishly appointed to the very highest standard, plus complimentary soft cotton bathrobes and slippers adding the final little touch, this really is the epitome of river cruise luxury!Indulge in the luxury of?Riviera Plus?when you stay in an upper deck cabin or suite. In your well-appointed cabin, you’ll find a range of extras to make your experience extra special.
Suites (Emerald Deck) (Grade ES )
Suites on the Emerald Deck are slightly smaller, measuring approximately 16 square metres (172 square feet) and have smaller fixed windows. Some are available for sole occupancy with no supplement and are subject to availability.
Suites (Ruby/Diamond Deck) (Grade RS DS )
A gleaming wood door opens revealing your exceptionally appointed suite. At 17 square metres (183 square feet), its generous dimensions are amongst the largest you will find on a cruiser gracing any European river. Imaginatively designed and appointed to the highest specification, with all the luxury you would expect to find in a smart ‘boutique style’ hotel, your comfort definitely won’t be compromised on any level!The gleaming marble bathroom features a powerful fully glazed shower with a large ‘rainshower’ head, superbly refreshing after a hard day’s sightseeing. Clever design allows for ample space, and contemporary lighting, complimentary cosmetics by ‘Crabtree and Evelyn’ and fluffy towels, makes preparing for the day ahead an absolute pleasure.The chic styling of a talented designer’s eye extends to the entire suite with generous use of hand-crafted tropical hardwoods blended with premium fittings, discreet thoughtful lighting and a colour scheme of calming neutral tones, creating an ambience to put you in the most relaxed frame of mind from the very first minute! A full size bed assures a good night’s rest in crisp cotton linen of the finest quality - a turndown service each evening adds the finishing touch. Please note all suites have two twin beds with individual bedding which can be moved together or separated accordingly.You will enjoy a particularly generous seating area with two chairs and a table, enabling you to unwind in comfort in the privacy of your own suite whilst a bow camera conveys live images of the ship’s progress to your flat screen TV, ensuring you won’t miss a thing. Careful consideration has been given to the tiniest details with individually controlled air-conditioning so you set the temperature that you desire, a hairdryer, safe, minibar, telephone and the convenience of tea (our meticulous planning even extends to familiar teabags!) and coffee making facilities ensure a familiar home from home experience. Suites on the Diamond (upper) and Ruby (middle) Decks have ‘French Balconies’ – panoramic floor to ceiling sliding glass doors bringing riverside life just that little closer!Indulge in the luxury of?Riviera Plus?when you stay in an upper deck cabin or suite. In your well-appointed cabin, you’ll find a range of extras to make your experience extra special.
Dining
The restaurant rivals the finest on shore establishments taking fine dining to another level complemented by delicate European porcelain, gleaming glassware and the intuitive service in which the Swiss excel. This superb vessel carries 44 in-house trained crew members serving just 167 guests (similar size vessels may carry well over 190 passengers) giving the ratio which our experience proves is concurrent with our first class service levels.
Bistro
At the Bistro with its open kitchen, large panoramic windows and al fresco seating, enjoy a more intimate dining experience whilst taking in the fantastic views. Here in the evenings the chef presents his personal signature dishes to a small number of diners with menus varying according to the seasons; this intimate dining experience can be reserved on board at no extra charge. When the weather allows the panoramic windows may be fully opened on to the terrace to allow a delightful al fresco dining experience. (complimentary)
Main Restaurant
The ship’s restaurant is located on the Ruby (middle) Deck and here you will experience not only exceptional first class cuisine, but also the most attentive yet discreet service from the ship’s highly professional crew. So just sit back with a well-deserved glass of wine from the carefully selected wine list and delight in the wonderful elegance of your surroundings; beautifully laid tables of just 4 or 6 guests, crisp linen, deep wool carpets and warm wood panelling abound to offer a delectable dining experience of the highest order. (complimentary)
Restaurant
Stunning restaurant on the Main Deck serving buffet breakfast, buffet lunch and four-course dinner
Entertainment
A daily programme is produced on board and delivered to your cabin each evening, detailing the following day’s activities.
Lounge and Bar
Lounge and bar to enjoy cocktails and the early risers' breakfast
Panoramic Lounge & Bar
The superb panoramic observation lounge and bar; a lounge in every sense of the word, complete with plenty of comfortable leather armchairs and sumptuous sofas where you can sink into warmly colourful cushions in beautiful quality fabrics with a freshly made cup of tea. A thick wool carpet feels lovely underfoot and the tasteful contemporary lighting above creates a welcoming and refined ambience, further complemented by the discreet and intuitive service resplendent of the finest five-star hotels. So just sit back with your favourite cocktail and take in the truly mesmerising view.
Kids and Teens
Please note: There are no dedicated children's facilities on board.
Health & Fitness
More information coming soon
Fitness Centre & Salon
On the Emerald (lower) Deck is the fitness centre, perfect for working off all those delicious meals or for something less strenuous treat yourself to a relaxing massage. So you will always look your best there is a hairdresser’s too which also offers manicure and pedicure treatments. Simply put, these world-class ships, elegant and refined in the truest sense, take the idea of river cruising to another level – it really doesn’t get better than this!
Spa and Wellness
Spa and wellness area featuring Nail Salon and Hairdressing Service
Sun Deck
Head on up to this truly spectacular deck and what could be better than watching life ashore slip by from the comfort of a sun lounger, perhaps under shade if the weather gets too hot! There’s always the refreshing splash pool too or why not try your hand on the putting green. Then take a refreshingly long drink and that book you’ve been meaning to read for ages on to the lovely terrace area at the fore of the ship, located right in front of the wheelhouse where you can view the Captain and his team skilfully navigating the twisting river and enjoy truly ‘driving seat’ views. Take a deep breath and relax into the pace of river cruise life – now you’re really on holiday!
Gratuities
Tips are not charged at a set percentage and are not included in the holiday cost, as we understand that giving a gratuity should be entirely at your discretion.
As a guideline we would recommend giving €8-12 per person per day should you feel that is appropriate. Usually, an envelope is left in your cabin on the final evening, for you to drop off at reception, if you choose to, the following morning.The tips are divided equally between the crew.
Should you also wish to give a gratuity directly to your Riviera Travel Cruise Director and Concierge, this is also at your discretion.
Useful Information
Age Restrictions
The minimum age limit is 12 years old at the date of departure. We reserve the right to limit the number of children on any particular cruise. Any minor must be accompanied by and share a cabin with an adult aged 21 or over. If the adult is not the minor’s parent, a ‘Parental Consent Guardianship Form’ must be signed by a parent or legal guardian prior to sailing.
Air Conditioning
Our ships are fully air-conditioned throughout. Each cabin has individual air-conditioning and heating controls.
Dietary Requirements
In the morning a full breakfast is served which includes healthy options and your choice of eggs made to order. For lunch enjoy salads from the buffet, soup and a choice of main courses, including local dishes, plus dessert. The four course a la carte dinners include a selection of international and regional specialities. We cater for most dietary requirements, please ensure you advise our sales team when making the booking.
Disabled Facilities
We want to ensure you make the correct choice before you book your holiday with us. If you have any concerns regarding the suitability of the holiday due to reduced mobility we would encourage you to contact us or call us on 01283 688 518 to discuss these concerns.MooringDue to the popularity of river cruising at some mooring places, or where our ship is moored alongside another vessel, access to the ship may be via the sun deck and require the navigation of steps so passengers must be able to walk on and off the ship themselves, without the use of crutches or other aids, as gangplanks can be positioned at a steep angle.On boardOur ships are not adapted for wheelchair access; if you are intending to take a wheelchair or mobility scooter with you, it is essential that you please contact us to let us know. Wheelchairs and mobility scooters can be used on excursions however cannot be used on board the ships due to safety reasons and must not be left in corridors, the lounge or restaurant or any other public areas, but must be stored at reception.River cruises operate with a smaller crew than ocean cruises and do not have the crew available to personally attend to passengers with reduced mobility; therefore, a travelling companion would need to be able to help with any physical needs.Whilst most of our ships have a lift on board, it does not operate to all decks.River cruising on European rivers offers the opportunity to take in the scenery from the comfort of the ship. If you are unable to do some of the shore excursions, your river cruise can still be enjoyable and worthwhile, so please contact us with any concerns or questions you may have.Shore ExcursionsFor our river cruises which include an extension and feature a hotel stay, the hotels we use have been chosen due to their location and standard, the facilities offered can differ, it is therefore important that we make the appropriate enquiries with our suppliers on your behalf to ensure any special needs or requests can be catered for.AccommodationFor our river cruises which include an extension and feature a hotel stay, the hotels we use have been chosen due to their location and standard, the facilities offered can differ, it is therefore important that we make the appropriate enquiries with our suppliers on your behalf to ensure any special needs or requests can be catered for.Overseas Transport ArrangementsAll of our tours involve coach travel. The coaches we use have not been adapted for wheelchair access.Air TravelWe are able to arrange airport assistance, from the check-in desk to the plane, for anyone with reduced mobility. This is a free service which must be arranged with the airline prior to travel. If you would like us to arrange this assistance for you it needs to be pre-booked more than 48 hours before your flight departs.EurostarIf you have reduced mobility and are travelling by Eurostar to your cruise, please contact us. Should you need to travel in your own wheelchair, Eurostar does have specially adapted wheelchair spaces which need to be pre-booked. If you would like assistance at St. Pancras, we can provide you with information and contact details for Eurostar Assist, although we cannot reserve this service for you directly.
Dress Code
There is no requirement to bring formal dress; smart/casual is acceptable for both day and evening as there is no dress code enforced. However men are requested not to wear shorts for dinner or vest tops at any time in the dining room. Men may wish to wear a jacket and tie for dinner. The Captain’s Dinner offers the opportunity, should you wish, for more special attire.
Drinks Packages
We offer a selection of drinks packages available to purchase and the price is dependent on the length of the cruise, so please check each tour page for more details. This includes the following with lunch and dinner: draught beer; non-alcoholic beer; soft drinks; juices; red, white and rose house wines; and wine recommendations from the menu. The drinks package must be added to your booking for all passengers in a cabin prior to departure and you can do this by calling the reservations team.If you choose not to purchase a drinks package, there is a vast selection of drinks on board each ship available for individual purchase.
Laundry Service
A limited laundry service is available on board, except on the day of disembarkation. A dry cleaning service is not available.
Medical Facilities
If you have any concerns about your health whilst on tour, please see your Cruise Director or Concierge. They will be able to advise you about chemists and availability of doctors, etc. In an emergency you could always phone our emergency number as issued on your itinerary. There are no on-board medical personnel, although specific crew members will have basic first aid training. However, the ship can stop at any time to transfer any passenger requiring emergency medical attention to local medical facilities.
Smoking and E-Cigarette Policy
Smoking, including e-cigarettes, is not permitted anywhere on board except for designated areas on the sun deck.More and more countries in Europe are adopting a stricter legislation on smoking in public places. Smoking is not allowed on any public transport and there may be other restrictions in hotels, bars and restaurants.
What's Included
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Prices are per person, based on two people sharing a twin cabin with a limited number of sole occupancy cabins available on all decks, at the relevant supplement.
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7 nights on board in your choice of luxury cabin or suite
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All meals on board (except one lunch), including welcome cocktails and the Chef’s Dinner
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Return scheduled flights from a selection of regional airports
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All transfers, visits and excursions as mentioned
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Five-star service from an English-speaking crew and knowledgeable local guides
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The Services of a Riviera Travel Cruise Director and Concierge
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Complimentary on-board tea and coffee
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Complimentary on-board Wi-Fi (connection speeds may vary)
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supplements apply
What's Not Included
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One Lunch
One lunch is not included in the meals on board.
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Personal Expenses
Personal expenses such as souvenirs, additional excursions, and other personal purchases are not included.
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Travel Insurance
Travel insurance is not included and must be purchased separately.
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Optional Tours
Optional tours such as visits to the Kunsthistorisches Museum and the Staatsoper in Vienna are not included and may incur additional costs.
Mode of Transport
The tour includes return scheduled flights from a selection of regional airports and all transfers, visits, and excursions as mentioned in the itinerary.
Accommodation
Enjoy 7 nights on board the MS Geoffrey Chaucer in your choice of luxury cabin or suite, complete with five-star service, welcome cocktails, and the Chef’s Dinner.
Check out our Q&As
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What unique musical experiences are included in the tour?
The tour includes classical music performances in Bratislava and Salzburg, a behind-the-scenes tour with the renowned Vienna Boys Choir, and a classical recital on board the ship in Vienna.
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What historical sites will we visit during the tour?
The tour includes visits to Esztergom Basilica, Melk Abbey, and a guided tour of Dürnstein, where you can explore the ruins of the castle where Richard the Lionheart was imprisoned.
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What can I expect during the visit to Salzburg?
In Salzburg, you will have a guided tour of the city's main sights, including Mozart's Birthplace, and enjoy a classical piano concert focusing on Mozart's most famous works.
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What options are available for exploring Budapest?
In Budapest, you can choose to visit the House of Music, which offers a comprehensive exhibition on the history of music, or the Museum of Fine Arts, which houses an extensive European Art collection.
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What is the significance of the Nibelungengau region on the tour?
The Nibelungengau is a beautiful stretch of the Danube that inspired Wagner's epic operatic series Der Ring des Nibelungen, and you will pass through this region during the cruise.
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How long has the tour company been trading?
For almost 40 years
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I have reduced mobility; can I still travel?
We want to ensure you make the correct choice before you book your holiday with us. If you have any concerns regarding the suitability of the holiday due to reduced mobility we would encourage you to contact us to discuss these concerns
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Do I require travel insurance?
It is a condition of booking that you carry suitable travel insurance.
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What is my luggage allowance?
You will receive details of your luggage allowance with your final travel documents, which are sent approximately 10 days prior to your date of departure.
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Low Deposit
CTS demo white label requires a minimum deposit of 55% or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 30 days before departure.
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