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Budapest Extension
4 days / 3 nights from only $869pp Departing April to October 2020
SO MUCH IS INCLUDED
• 3 nights in an excellent, centrally located hotel with breakfast • Visit the medieval town of Visegrád and enjoy a Hungarian lunch • Visit picturesque Szentendre, ‘Montmartre of the Danube’ • Guided visit of Budapest’s iconic Parliament Building • Visit the famous National Gallery with its worldclass collection of Hungarian masterpieces and antiquities • Tour of the Royal Palace and stunning gardens at Gödöllő, former summer residence of the Habsburgs • Experience the dramatic ‘Puszta’ on our scenic tour into Hungary’s Great Plain and after lunch, watch a performance by some of the region’s most famous horsemen
Extension Itinerary DAY 8/DAY 1 EXTENSION – VISEGRAD & SZENTENDRE See the medieval town of Visegrád and perhaps explore the beautifully restored Royal Palace and gardens. After a tasty Hungarian lunch, spend a relaxing afternoon in delightful Szentendre.
DAY 9/DAY 2 EXTENSION – BUDAPEST Enjoy a guided visit of the iconic Parliament Building, followed by a visit to the National Gallery with its impressive collection of Hungarian masterpieces. The rest of the day is at leisure.
DAY 10/DAY 3 EXTENSION – GÖDÖLLŐ & PUSZTA Tour the impressive Royal Palace at Gödöllő this morning before enjoying a scenic drive through the ‘Puszta’, Hungary’s Great Plain. After lunch, watch a performance by some of the region’s most skilled horsemen at the famous Equestrian Park.
DAY 11/DAY 4 EXTENSION – CHECK OUT Check out of the hotel at the appropriate time.
DAY 8/DAY 1 EXTENSION – VISEGRAD & SZENTENDRE For those continuing their vacation with our three-night extension, we leave the ship and return to the dramatic Danube Bend to explore some of the region’s hidden gems. First we visit the medieval town of Visegrad, renowned for its historic Royal Palace and fantastically preserved citadel. The palace, now beautifully restored, was originally built by King Charles Robert in the 14th century when he decided to move the royal court to Visegrad from Budapest. It was abandoned after the Ottoman conquest and lay buried for centuries under mud washed down from the surrounding hills until a chance discovery by an archaeologist in 1934 helped identify the building’s location. You may wish to visit the palace, gardens and remarkable royal chapel featuring a stunning gilded wooden ceiling before enjoying a tasty lunch. There’s also a chance to visit Solomon’s Tower, a 13thcentury hexagonal keep housing a museum with fascinating Gothic and Renaissance discoveries excavated from the town.
We spend the rest of the day in picturesque Szentendre. Nestling below the rolling hills behind, this charming riverside town has a lovely Baroque square lined with brightly painted facades and pretty churches. Described as the ‘Montmartre of the Danube’, the rich, rusty reds and warm orange and yellow hues of its handsome townhouses dazzle in the rosy light. This is the perfect spot to while away a lazy afternoon, exploring the old town’s delightful maze of cobblestone streets.
We return to Budapest where we stay for the next three nights at the K+K Opera Hotel. Superbly located next to the State Opera House, this boutique-style hotel has a sophisticated yet welcoming ambience. The stylishly furnished rooms are well-appointed with all the facilities you would expect in a hotel of this quality. Some departures will stay at the Museum Hotel Budapest which enjoys an excellent central location, stylish lobby bar and wellness center. All the rooms are fully air-conditioned, elegantly furnished and wellappointed.
DAY 9/DAY 2 EXTENSION – BUDAPEST Budapest is truly a magnificent city – an alluring collage of palatial buildings and grand churches with dramatic spires and magnificent domes straddling the vast waters of the Danube. Numerous foreign powers have ruled here and this is reflected in the city’s eclectic architectural mix, including Roman ruins and Turkish baths recalling the days of the Ottoman Empire, but the greatest influence on its architecture was Hungary’s union with Austria in 1867, which initiated a period of huge growth continuing up to the First World War. This resulted in some sensational buildings in a range of styles, including the elegant Art Nouveau Gellert Hotel and its sumptuous thermal baths, resplendent with gleaming majolica tiles and colorful mosaics.
The iconic Parliament Building – the world’s third largest –was also built during this period. Constructed in neo-Gothic style, it dominates the river bank with its striking central dome and spires soaring into the sky above. Its cathedrallike interior is breathtakingly ornate, with fabulous frescoes, stained glass and mosaics. During an included tour we’ll see the Domed Hall, home to the Hungarian Crown Jewels, the 16-sided Central Hall with its stunning gilded ceiling and intricate carvings, and the astonishing Golden Staircase. Our next stop is the impressive National Gallery, which is located in Buda Castle and includes a phenomenal collection of Hungarian masterpieces spanning the centuries as well as a crypt containing tombs of several members of the Habsburg dynasty. We enjoy a visit to this world-famous collection, then the rest of the day is free for you to explore this fantastic city and its multitude of cultural attractions.
When it’s time for a well-earned break, try one of Budapest’s many cellar cafés or sample local cuisine in a cozy restaurant. Hungary is legendary for its goulash and dumplings, but you’ll find many other hearty dishes on offer, often seasoned with the locally produced paprika, which ranges from sweet to hot and is said to be the best in the world due to its rich color and robust flavor.
DAY 10/DAY 3 EXTENSION – GÖDÖLLŐ & THE PUSZTA Today we leave the bustling city behind for something different. The landscape gradually begins to change as the thickly forested hills of the uplands to the north come into view, while isolated sleepy villages and remote ruined castles are all that interrupt the swathes of lush vineyards of this world-class wine-producing region. Our first port of call is the attractive Baroque town of Gödöllő, where we have a
Royal Palace at Gödöllő – Day 9
tour of the impressive Royal Palace. Known as ‘Hungary’s Versailles’, it was used by Queen Elisabeth of Hungary as a residence during the spring and autumn hunting seasons and is surrounded by a large park and gorgeous manicured gardens. Inside we see the stately private apartments, lavishly decorated with exquisite furniture and antiques, and the Queen’s secret staircase linking her bedroom to the library.
Our scenic drive continues south into the Puszta, Hungary’s Great Plain, which covers half the entire country. Although prone to flooding the soil was rich with volcanic silt, and in medieval times vast numbers worked the land here. But in the decades of war that followed, villages were deserted and the oncethick forests destroyed so entirely that the region became an inhospitable swamp. Today this huge, flat expanse is a protected prairie stretching endlessly for miles into the horizon; romantically desolate, the wild, lonely silence of this landscape is broken only by the sound of livestock on the occasional whitewashed farm, where ruby-colored peppers dry in the hazy sun before being ground into paprika.
We visit the renowned Equestrian Park owned by the Lazar brothers – world coachdriving champions! After a welcome drink, we enjoy a traditional fortifying lunch accompanied by the authentic sounds of Hungarian gypsy music. Later we sit back to watch a spectacular performance by some of the most skilled horsemen in the area, and you’ll have the opportunity to take a scenic carriage ride to experience this unique landscape from a different perspective.
DAY 11/DAY 4 EXTENSION – CHECK OUT After a wonderful cruise and tour, we check out of the hotel with memories to treasure.
RELAX, ALL THIS IS INCLUDED
SPACIOUS SUITES & CABINS Our luxurious suites and cabins come with an en-suite bathroom and offer river views.
ALL ON-BOARD MEALS Enjoy buffet breakfasts, delicious lunches, delightful afternoon teas and sumptuous four-course dinners.
COMPLIMENTARY COFFEE, TEA & WI-FI Enjoy coffee or tea in your cabin and stay connected throughout the ship. Connection speeds may vary. INSIGHTFUL TOURS & EXCURSIONS Our thoughtfully balanced itineraries include many guided tours with local experts. Our complimentary headsets will ensure you never miss a word.
EXCEPTIONAL SERVICE Expect five-star service from our hand-picked crew, the best cruise directors and concierges.
MS EMILY BRONTË, MS THOMAS HARDY, MS OSCAR WILDE, MS ROBERT BURNS, MS GEOFFREY CHAUCER & MS WILLIAM WORDSWORTH Five-star
Deck Lower Middle Upper Cabin Type Suite Suite Superior Suite Suite Superior Suite Stern Superior Suite Deluxe Balcony Suite 04/03/20†, 04/06/20 $1,559 $2,169 $2,599 $2,339 $2,779 $2,599 $3,289 04/10/20 $1,829 $2,739 $3,269 $3,009 $3,449 $3,269 $3,959 04/13/20 $2,009 $2,919 $3,449 $3,189 $3,629 $3,449 $4,139 04/17/20 $2,179 $3,089 $3,619 $3,359 $3,799 $3,619 $4,309 04/20/20†, 04/24/20 $2,349 $3,259 $3,789 $3,529 $3,969 $3,789 $4,479 05/09/20, 05/16/20† $2,519 $3,429 $3,959 $3,699 $4,139 $3,959 $4,649 05/21/20†, 05/23/20 $2,699 $3,609 $4,139 $3,879 $4,319 $4,139 $4,829 05/28/20, 05/30/20 $2,869 $3,779 $4,309 $4,049 $4,489 $4,309 $4,999 06/04/20†, 06/06/20, 06/13/20, 06/20/20, 06/22/20†, 06/25/20 $3,039 $3,949 $4,479 $4,219 $4,659 $4,479 $5,169 06/26/20†, 06/27/20,06/29/20 $2,869 $3,779 $4,309 $4,049 $4,489 $4,309 $4,999 07/02/20, 07/03/20, 07/04/20† $2,699 $3,609 $4,139 $3,879 $4,319 $4,139 $4,829 07/09/20, 07/10/20, 07/16/20†, 07/17/20, 07/22/20, 07/23/20, 07/24/20, 07/30/20, 07/31/20, 08/03/20, 08/06/20, 08/07/20†, 08/10/20, 08/13/20, 08/14/20, 08/17/20†, 08/20/20, 08/21/20 $2,519 $3,429 $3,959 $3,699 $4,139 $3,959 $4,649 08/24/20 $2,699 $3,609 $4,139 $3,879 $4,319 $4,139 $4,829 08/27/20, 08/28/20 $2,869 $3,779 $4,309 $4,049 $4,489 $4,309 $4,999 09/03/20, 09/10/20†, 09/17/20, 09/21/20† $3,219 $4,129 $4,659 $4,399 $4,839 $4,659 $5,349 09/28/20 $3,039 $3,949 $4,479 $4,219 $4,659 $4,479 $5,169 10/05/20†, 10/08/20 $2,699 $3,609 $4,139 $3,879 $4,319 $4,139 $4,829 10/12/20† $2,519 $3,429 $3,959 $3,699 $4,139 $3,959 $4,649 10/15/20, 10/16/20 $2,349 $3,259 $3,789 $3,529 $3,969 $3,789 $4,479 10/19/20 $2,179 $3,089 $3,619 $3,359 $3,799 $3,619 $4,309 10/23/20, 10/26/20 $1,559 $2,169 $2,599 $2,339 $2,779 $2,599 $3,289
Dates marked with a † have the option of an extension in Budapest.
Fisherman's Bastion, Budapest – Day 9
BUDAPEST EXTENSION Cruise Departure Date Ship Price per person Hotel
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04/03/20 MS Thomas Hardy $869 K+K Opera Hotel Budapest 04/20/20 MS Robert Burns $869 Museum Hotel Budapest 05/16/20 MS Oscar Wilde $949 K+K Opera Hotel Budapest 05/21/20 MS Geoffrey Chaucer $949 K+K Opera Hotel Budapest 06/04/20 MS Geoffrey Chaucer $949 K+K Opera Hotel Budapest 06/22/20 MS Robert Burns $949 K+K Opera Hotel Budapest 06/26/20 MS Thomas Hardy $949 Museum Hotel Budapest 07/16/20 MS Geoffrey Chaucer $869 K+K Opera Hotel Budapest 08/07/20 MS William Wordsworth $869 K+K Opera Hotel Budapest 08/17/20 MS Robert Burns $869 Museum Hotel Budapest 09/10/20 MS Geoffrey Chaucer $949 Museum Hotel Budapest 09/21/20 MS Emily Brontë $949 Museum Hotel Budapest 10/05/20 MS Emily Brontë $869 K+K Opera Hotel Budapest 10/12/20 MS Robert Burns $869 Museum Hotel Budapest BUDAPEST EXTENSION - 4 days: The dates shown at the left have the option to extend your stay for 3 nights in Budapest. The listed price per person, based on two people sharing, will be added to the cost of your cabin. Double rooms for sole occupancy are subject to availability at a supplement of $289 per person.
SINGLE OCCUPANCY - On the lower deck there are a limited number of standard suites available at No Single Supplement, subject to availability. For 2020, additional lower, middle or upper deck standard suites are available on request at a supplement of 50% of the per person suite price – subject to availability. All other suite types carry a 100% supplement when requested for sole occupancy.
TRANSFERS are not included, however can be arranged at the time of booking if required. Transfer times between Budapest airport and the ship - approx. 45 mins. For departures with Budapest Extension, transfer time between the hotel in Budapest and the airport – approx. 45 mins.
DEPOSIT - The deposit for this river cruise is $400 per person.
PURCHASE A DRINKS PACKAGE Enjoy draught beer; non-alcoholic beer; soft drinks; juices; red, white and rosé house wines and wine recommendations from the menu by the glass with your lunch and dinner in the restaurant on board. Our drinks package is priced at $159pp. Drinks packages must be purchased by all guests in the same cabin or suite and do not include drinks in the bar. ON-BOARD CREDIT Plan ahead by purchasing on-board credit before you sail. Available in denominations of €50, add an amount to suit you, to spend as you wish. Enjoy drinks in the bar and restaurant at any time, indulge in a spa or salon treatment or choose something from the on-board boutique. Please note gratuities cannot be paid using on-board credit.
RELAX, ALL THIS IS INCLUDED
SPACIOUS SUITES & CABINS Our luxurious suites and cabins come with an en-suite bathroom and offer river views.
ALL ON-BOARD MEALS Enjoy buffet breakfasts, delicious lunches, delightful afternoon teas and sumptuous four-course dinners.
COMPLIMENTARY COFFEE, TEA & WI-FI Enjoy coffee or tea in your cabin and stay connected throughout the ship. Connection speeds may vary. INSIGHTFUL TOURS & EXCURSIONS Our thoughtfully balanced itineraries include many guided tours with local experts. Our complimentary headsets will ensure you never miss a word.
EXCEPTIONAL SERVICE Expect five-star service from our hand-picked crew, the best cruise directors and concierges.