CRUISES DANUBE - MEKONG - D OURO
UK BREAKS GRIM'S DYKE, LONDON
Your next Adventure starts here
We're more than a cruise company We sail extraordinary rivers with fascinating tours. We choose outstanding ships and we promise exceptional value for money. When it comes to filling our social programme, we have a significant advantage over our competitors. We are the same people that run the Gilbert & Sullivan Festival and National G&S Opera Company. The musical talent we employ on our cruises is hand- picked from our network of talented opera stars. Your onboard musical director ensures a bespoke programme of musical magic. Every night is filled with fantastic entertainment. You will not find any afterdinner lectures that leave you begging for the sweet release of an early night! And there are plenty of opportunities for passengers to get involved as well. Throughout the cruise, guests can rehearse a light opera or concert for a performance along the way. Our customers return year after year, cruise after cruise. Join us on the next one and find out why.
Contents
DANUBE - AUSTRIA / SLOVAKIA / HUNGARY 19 MARCH - 26 MARCH 2024 PAGES 1 - 4
MEKONG - VIETNAM / CAMBODIA 20 APRIL - 30 APRIL 2024 PAGES 5 - 10
DOURO - PORTUGAL / SPAIN 04 NOVEMBER - 11 NOVEMBER 2024 PAGES 11 - 14
NEW UK BREAK - GRIM'S DYKE - 05 - 08 JANUARY 2024 PAGES 15 - 16
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FISHERMAN'S BASTION (HALASZBASTYA) BUDAPEST, HUNGARY
The Danube is one of Europe’s most beautiful rivers, and our Blue Danube cruise waltzes between the glorious capital cities of Vienna, Bratislava and Budapest, with stops in Dürnstein, Melk Abbey and Salzburg. The river flows for 1700 miles through the heart of Europe, and along the way, you will enjoy the stunning landscapes and spectacular cities that have inspired composers and writers for centuries. We sail on the MS Ariana, one of our favourite ships. It is spacious, modern and very comfortable. Recently renovated rooms and the ship’s brand-new culinary team will perfectly compliment this extraordinary Theatrical Adventure.
AU ST R I A , S LOVA K I A , H U N G A R Y T H E T H R E E C A P I TA L S DA N U B E C R U I S E 19 MARCH - 26 MARCH 2024
As always, we will enjoy fantastic nightly entertainment from our outstanding professional soloists and musicians.
2 BRATISLAVA AT NIGHT
Cruise the Danube 19 March - 26 March 2024 | ITINERARY 19 MARCH | VIENNA Arrive in Vienna at your leisure and transfer to the Ariana from 3pm. You have time to settle in and enjoy free time exploring the city prior to our evening departure to Melk at 6:30pm.
22 MARCH | DÜRNSTEIN This morning we have a walking tour around the small town of Dürnstein, one of the most visited tourist destinations in the Wachau region and also a wellknown wine growing area.
20 MARCH | SALZBURG Enjoy a full day coach trip to Salzburg with its medieval and baroque buildings on the pedestrian Altstadt (Old City). The birthplace of Mozart is preserved as a museum displaying his childhood instruments.
23 MARCH | BUDAPEST This morning we enjoy a guided coach tour of Budapest, before lunch onboard the Ariana. We then depart by coach for an optional excursion to Szentendre known for its baroque architecture, churches, colourful houses and narrow, cobbled streets. The main square and the alleyways around it are lined with art galleries, museums and shops. We return for dinner and at 9:00pm, guests are invited to the top deck to enjoy a stunning night-time sail through Budapest, past the famous Parliament building as we journey to Bratislava.
21 MARCH | MELK Today we take an optional excursion to Melk Abbey, a spectacular Benedictine Abbey above the town of Melk, on a rocky outcrop overlooking the Danube river, adjoining the Wachau valley, a UNESCO World Heritage site. This afternoon is spent at leisure, with a rehearsal for the Theatrical Adventures Choir in the lounge.
24 MARCH | BRATISLAVA This afternoon we arrive in Bratislava, the capital of Slovakia with time for a guided stroll through the historical pedestrian streets. We head towards the heart of Bratislava’s Old Town, The Main Square, surrounded by colourful buildings and landmarks, such as the Old Town Hall.
25 MARCH| VIENNA We dock in Vienna this morning and enjoy a panoramic, guided coach tour of the city, travelling around the Ringstrasse with its imposing palaces and residences, followed by a walking tour though the city centre. 26 MARCH| VIENNA Disembark after breakfast for your return journey home.
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DECK PLAN AND CABIN PRICES Key
TOP DECK
FRESCO IN STIFT MELK
Stateroom Category A Twin £1775 pp B Twin £1675 pp C Single £2100 D Twin £1650 pp E Twin £1550 pp F Single £1700 G Single £1550 French Balcony
Lounge
302 304 306 308 310 312 314 316 318 320 322 324 326 328 330 332 334 301 303 305 307 309 311 313 315 317 319 321 323 325 327 329 331 333
MIDDLE DECK
French Balcony 202 204 206 208 210 212 214 216 218 220 222 224 226 228 230 201 202 205 207 209 211 213 215 217 219 221 223 225 227 229
MAIN DECK 100 102 104 106 108 110 112 114
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101 103 105 107 109 111 113 115 117
TOP / MIDDLE DECK CABIN ON THE ARIANA
Reception
AT A GLANCE This fabulous cruise will see us travel through the Austrian capital Vienna, the Slovakian capital Bratislava and the Hungarian capital Budapest. We will also visit Salzburg, Melk Abbey and Durnstein. EXCURSIONS - Full day coach trip and guided tour to Salzburg - Optional excursion to Melk Abbey - Walking tour around Dürnstein - Guided tour around Budapest - Optional tour to Szentendre - Guided walking tour around Bratislava’s Old Town - Guided coach tour around Vienna’s Ringstrasse, followed by a walking tour through the city centre ONBOARD The Ariana is one of our favourite ships to cruise on. It’s modern, spacious cabins come equipped with: -
Full en-suite shower rooms Satellite TV Telephone Mini safe Personal air-conditioning and heating
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WACHAU VALLEY, AUSTRIA. THE MEDIEVAL TOWN OF DÜRNSTEIN
MELK ABBEY
HUNGARIAN PARLIAMENT, BUDAPEST
THE VIENNA STATE OPERA IN AUSTRIA
5 STONE FACE, ANGKOR THOM, CAMBODIA
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Explore the magnificent River Mekong for the holiday of a lifetime. Our exceptional cruise on the luxury RV Indochine II offers superb comfort and tranquillity and allows you to unwind amidst the vibrant and bustling life along the river. Enjoy peaceful moments on deck, gazing at the lush, everchanging landscapes, and indulge in the leisurely pace of river travel. We start our adventure in Ho Chi Minh City and travel through Vietnam into the rich countryside of Cambodia. We spend a full day in Phnom Penh, before exploring more remote waterways as we head to the great monuments of Angkor and a two-night stay in the fabulous five-star Sofitel Angkor Hotel.
MEKONG, VIETNAM / CAMBODIA DISCOVER SOUTH EAST ASIA 20 APRIL - 30 APRIL 2024
This is certainly a Theatrical Adventure with a difference, and as always, our onboard professional opera singers will keep you entertained each evening. And, our cruise directors will be on hand throughout to ensure your trip is smooth and stress-free from start to finish.
6 ROWING BOAT IN MEKONG DELTA, VIETNAM
Cruise the Mekong and discover South East Asia 20 April - 30 April 2024 | ITINERARY 20 APRIL | HO CHI MINH CITY You will be met at the airport and escorted to the meeting point. We will all get together at the Liberty Central Riverside Hotel restaurant between 11.00 am and 1.30 pm. Lunch at the hotel. In the afternoon, we tour the city seeing the Reunification Palace, Notre Dame Cathedral, and the Saigon Central Post Office. Next, we’ll head to Cholon, the Chinese-influenced section of the city, to tour its hectic market and the Thien Hau temple. We then transfer to the ship. After comfortably settling into your cabins, we introduce our crew with a welcome cocktail. We have dinner and spend the night on the ship. 21 APRIL | HO CHI MINH CITY We’ll leave by coach for the Cu Chi tunnels, an immense network of underground tunnels that were the location of several military campaigns during the Vietnam War. After lunch, join us for a visit to the Museum of Vietnamese History. Then we begin to cruise to the Chao Gao canal. 22 APRIL | CHAO GAO During our passage through the Chao Gao Canal, you’ll discover the daily life in Vietnam. In My Tho, we’ll visit a bee farm and enjoy some honey tea and exotic fruit. We’ll then take a ride in small sampans along the canal lined with mangrove palms. After lunch on board, we visit Vinh Long, located in the middle of the Delta region between two of the Mekong’s distributaries. 23 APRIL | SA DEC We’ll visit the former house of Huynh Thuy Le, the man who Marguerite Duras based her book “The Lover” on. After
our excursion, enjoy some free time in Sa Dec. We return on board and cast off as you sit down to lunch. Our ship will begin to cruise towards Cambodia. 24 APRIL | CHAU DOC After breakfast and our arrival in Chau Doc, we visit a local fish farm, the Ba Chua Xu Temple, and the Tay An Pagoda. We’ll enjoy lunch on board and arrive in Phnom Penh in the evening. After Dinner, we take a tour of the area by “tuk-tuk”. 25 APRIL | PHNOM PENH Enjoy a tour of the fabulous Royal Palace and the Silver Pagoda, which is inlaid with more than 5,000 silver tiles, follwed by a visit to the National Museum of Cambodia. We have lunch in the city. In the afternoon, you can pay a visit to the Tuol Svay Prey School, a former detention, torture, and execution center run by the Khmer Rouge during the civil war. Afterwards, enjoy some free time at the market. We return to the ship for a performance of classical Khmer dancing and music. 26 APRIL | KAMPONG TRALACH We explore Koh Chen, a small village where craftspeople specialize in silver and copper work. Enjoy lunch on board. We head to the beautiful monastery at the Wat Kampong Tralach Leu pagoda, travelling on ox carts through magnificent rice fields. 27 APRIL | TONLE SAP LAKE This morning there is a visit to Kampong Chhnang, one of the largest fishing ports on Tonle Sap Lake. Fish farming is abundant here. The region is also known for its traditional pottery combining ancient knowledge with
modern techniques. Enjoy a tasting of regional products, followed by lunch on board. We then cruise to Tonle Sap Lake, the largest freshwater lake in Southeast Asia. Tonight, we have our final cocktail and dinner on the ship. 28 APRIL | SIEM REAP, ANGKOR TEMPLES Spend the morning cruising the river before disembarking and having lunch on shore. After, we’ll visit the Angkor Wat temple: the epitome of Khmer architectural art and the most famous and imposing of all the monuments in Angkor. Enjoy a stroll through the Angkor Night Market. Dinner and overnight in the 5* Sofitel Angkor Hotel. 29 APRIL | SIEM REAP, ANGKOR TEMPLES This morning, we’ll visit the mysterious Beng Mealea temple, once utterly consumed by jungle. The temple was built in the 12th century and used the same floor plan as Angkor Wat. We’ll have lunch in the city. We’ll visit the Senteurs d’Angkor, a local business with a diverse collection of silk and carvings followed by a visit a silk farm to learn about the complex process of creating the luxurious fabric. The day ends at Phare, the Cambodian circus. 30 APRIL | SIEM REAP, ANGKOR TEMPLES This morning, we’ll tour Ta Prohm, a Cambodian temple dedicated to the family of Jayavarman VII. We’ll then explore Angkor Thom. Stroll through the grounds of the former Royal Palac. Lunch will be served at the hotel. We’ll bid you farewell at approximately 2.00 pm. Please do not book your flight before 5.00 pm.
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DECK PLAN AND CABIN PRICES
HO CHI MINH CITY HALL
EXCURSIONS ALL INCLUDED - Visit the Reunification Palace, Notre Dam Cathedral & Saigon Central Post Office - Tour Cholon & visit Thein Hau temple - Visit Cu Chi tunnels & the Museum of Vietnamese History
ANGKOR WATT, CAMBODIA
- Visit to a Bee Farm & take a ‘sampan’ ride down mangrove lined canals - In Vinh Long, we visit a brick and pottery factory - Visit the house of Huynh Thuy Le - Tour a Fish Farm, the temple Ba Chua Xu and see the Tay An Pagoda - Take a ‘tuk-tuk’ tour of Phnom Penh
ANGKOR TEMPLES, CAMBODIA
- Guided tour or the Royal Palace & Silver Pagoda - Visit the National Museum of Cambodia - Visit Tuol Svay Prey School & free time in a market - Visit the Vihara at the Wat Kampong Tralach Leu pagoda - Taste regional products in Kamong Chhnang - Guided tour at Angkor Wat temple and vist to Angkor market - Tour Beng Mealea temple - Visit Senteurs d’Angkor - Visit the Cambodian Circus - Tour Ta Prohm
PHNOM PENH
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RV Indochine II
An intimate-sized Premium ship with spacious, comfortable and bright cabins, spread out over two decks.
DECK
POOL
DINING ROOM
DINING AREA
SOFITEL HOTEL
CABIN TERRACE
CABIN
All cabins have a private balcony, offering amenities and providing guests with all the comforts they need during their stay. A massage room and a swimming pool on the sun deck, allow you to relax and admire the landscapes. The ship perfectly combines colonial and contemporary influences, charm and comfort, elegance and refinement ONBOARD All cabins are exterior facing and include a private balcony (4 m2). They are all spacious and comfortable (22.5 m2) and are ensuite. Cabins 201, 202, 221 and 224 (Category A*) come with a 6m2 mini-terrace. Your cabin includes: - TV - Private bathroom with shower - Air-conditioning - Safe - Hairdryer - Dresser - Toiletries ONBOARD FEATURES: - Wifi - Laundry Service - Pool - Massage Salon
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Sofitel Angkor Phokeethra Golf & Spa Resort
in d e ud Incl rice! p the
We stay in the five-star Sofitel Angkor Phokeethra Golf & Spa Resort for the final two days of our Mekong Adventure. The hotel is the perfect gateway to Angkor Wat, and just ten minutes away from the UNESCO temple complex making it the ideal place for exploring this ancient wonder. Guests enjoy the very best service throughout their stay, and the opulent interiors exude luxury and sophistication. Take advantage of the lavish swimming pool or see what the gorgeous awardwinning spa has to offer. All breakfasts, lunches, and dinners are included during our two-night stay in the hotel.
SOFITEL HOTEL
Ten minutes away from the famed monuments of Angkor Wat, French colonial elegance sits amidst the manicured gardens of the 5* Sofitel Angkor Phokeethra Golf & Spa Resort – our base for the final two days.
BEDROOM
SOFITEL HOTEL DINING ROOM
OUTDOOR RESTAURANT
HOTEL EXTERIOR
11 VINEYARD HILLS IN THE RIVER DOURO VALLEY
The Douro River is one of the most breathtaking rivers in Europe, stretching from Spain to Portugal and flowing through some of the continent's most stunning landscapes. The river is famous for its terraced vineyards, which produce some of the world's best port wines. Highlights include exploring charming riverside towns like Pinhão and Régua, visiting historic wineries, and taking in panoramic views from hilltop viewpoints. Every night we will have a concert featuring our professional soloists, along with some flamenco dancing and Portuguese Fado entertainment too!
D OURO - P ORTUGAL, SPAIN THE RIVER OF GOLD 04 NOVEMBER - 11 NOVEMBER 2024
This cruise is a firm favourite, combining spectacular scenery, fabulous food and our world class entertainment. We look forward to travelling with you.
12 PORTO WITH THE DOM LUIZ BRIDGE, PORTUGAL
Cruise the Douro 04 November - 11 November 2024 | ITINERARY 4 NOVEMBER | PORTO Passengers are welcome to board our ship at 5.00 pm After comfortably settling into your cabins, we'll introduce our crew at a welcome cocktail. 5 NOVEMBER | REGUA Join us for a guided tour of Porto followed by a wine tasting session in the cellars at Vila Nova de Gaïa. The afternoon will be spent sailing. 6 NOVEMBER | VILA RÉAL Take part in our excursion to Vila Réal, a town with a great variety of religious buildings and architecture. We'll stroll through the formal gardens at the Mateus Palace. The afternoon will be spent sailing.
7 NOVEMBER | SALAMANCA Join us for an excursion to Salamanca (lunch included). We'll visit its unusual cathedral and its famous university dating back to 1218, making it one of the oldest in the world. We'll return on board after our tour.
10 NOVEMBER| PORTO Enjoy time at leisure this morning to discover Porto at your own pace. Afterwards, join us for an excursion to Aveiro, a charming medieval town surrounded by salt marshes, beaches and lagoons.
8 NOVEMBER | PINHAO This morning will be spent cruising. We'll set off on our excursion along the Porto Wine Route: we'll discover the vineyards famously arranged in rows as well as small typical villages, followed by a wine-tasting session in a true Portuguese quinta. Tonight's our gala evening and dinner.
11 NOVEMBER| PORTO Enjoy one last buffet breakfast on board before disembarking at 9.00 am
9 NOVEMBER | LAMEGO Join us on a guided tour of Lamego. The afternoon will be spent sailing towards Porto.
Adeus until next time!
Enjoy nightly entertainment from our onboard professional soloists as well as local Flamenco dancers and traditional Fado entertainment!
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DECK PLAN AND CABIN PRICES
CHURCH IN SALAMANCA
WHAT'S INCLUDED - All meals from dinner on day 1, through to breakfast on the final day - Beer, wine and soft drinks with meals - Nightly entertainment - All excursions listed in the itinerary EXCURSIONS All listed excursions are included in the offer: - Guided tour of Porto and Wine Tasting at Vila Nova de Gaïa - Excursion to Vila Réal - Excursion to Salamanca - Excursion along the Porto Wine Route, followed by a wine tasting at an authentic Portuguese quinta - Guided tour of Lamego - Excursion to Aveiro
ALLEYWAY IN PORTO PORTO, PORTUGAL
ONBOARD All cabins are exterior facing. Top deck cabins have large French balconies, middle deck cabins have large windows, which open at the top and main deck cabins have large windows. They are all ensuite. Your cabin includes: - TV - Private bathroom with shower - Air-conditioning - Safe - Hairdryer - Dresser - Wifi
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CASA DE MATEUS À VILA REAL, PORTUGAL
WINE CELLAR TOUR
NOSSA SENHORA DOS REMÉDIOS SANCTUARY IN LAMEGO
COLORFUL MOLICEIRO BOATS - AVEIRO, PORTUGAL.
15 GRIM'S DYKE HOUSE
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Join us for an exclusive break at Grim’s Dyke, London’s premier country house hotel and the former home of Sir William and Lady Gilbert, for a delightfully different way to celebrate the New Year! Steeped in history, Grim’s Dyke is a Grade II listed building set in forty acres of beautiful formal gardens and tranquil woodlands, yet just twelve miles from the West End. We have a fabulous weekend in store with outstanding musical entertainment from our professional opera stars, including Simon Butteriss and Rebecca Bottone. Local G&S Society Abbots Langley will join us for a concert performance of The Pirates of Penzance with many opportunities to join in. The National Festival Orchestra’s String Quartet will be there, and we will learn about the extraordinary life of operatic tenor Bonaventura Bottone, who has performed at many of the world’s leading opera houses.
GRIM’S DYKE - FROM £799PP NEW YEAR GALA WEEKED 05 JANUARY - 08 JANUARY 2024
We have a fabulous range of rooms available in this unique hotel. If you are interested in an upgrade, please call us on 01422 323252
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Grim's Dyke Weekend 05 January - 08 January 2024 | ITINERARY FRIDAY 5 JANUARY | Guests make their way to Grim's Dyke Country House Hotel. There will be a welcome reception with your tour directors and dinner in the hotel. Our entertainer this evening is the celebrated baritone Simon Butteriss, who will set the stage for the coming days, with an outstanding concert. SATURDAY 6 JANUARY | After a full English or continental breakfast, we will leave the hotel by coach for a tour, returning around 3pm. Enjoy free time until our reception and dinner, when our string
quartet will entertain us. This will be followed by our exclusive New Year Concert. Performance: Rebbecca Bottone & Simon Butteriss Present The New Year Concert SUNDAY 7 JANUARY | We have a leisurely breakfast followed by a talk with opera star Bonaventura Bottone. Bonaventura has performed at many of the world's leading opera houses and has many fantastic tales to tell! We will enjoy a buffet lunch in the hotel, followed by a tour of the house and grounds. Grim’s Dyke has a long history and stunning gardens.
GRIM'S DYKE HOTEL - MASTER SUITE
WHAT'S INCLUDED Three nights accommodation on a bed and breakfast basis. Three drinks receptions Three dinners, each including a glass of wine One Lunch Half-day trip on Saturday Morning talk on Sunday Cabaret with Simon Butteriss on Friday evening Concert including Simon Butteriss and Rebecca Bottone on Saturday Entertainment from the National Festival Orchestra String Quartet Concert performance of The Pirates of Penzance with Abbots Langley G&S Society Tour of the house and gardens Theatrical Adventures directors will be on hand throughout your stay
This evening there will be a reception and dinner followed by a concert performance of The Pirates of Penzance with local G&S Society (and former G&S Festival champions, Abbots Langley). And of course, any guests who love to sing are very welcome to join in! Performance: Abbots Langley G&S Society present The Pirates of Penzance MONDAY 8 JANUARY | Breakfast followed by departures. See you on our next Theatrical Adventure
GRIM'S DYKE HOTEL - GARDENS
ABBOTS LANGLEY G&S SOCIETY - THE PIRATES OF PENZANCE
For your next Theatrical Adventure call 01422 323 252 or visit www.theatricaladventures.com Contact 01422 323 252 info@theatricaladventures.com Open Monday - Friday 9.30 am - 5 pm