BOO K ea and save rly UP T O River Cruising along the Sava, Danube & Tisza Aboard the MS Victor HUGO Hungary Croatia Bosnia Serbia 600 PER PLUS PERSON N SUPP O SINGLE LEMEN T*
Lake Balaton Croatian National Theatre, Zagreb Novi Sad FROM LAKE BALATON TO BUDAPEST A unique journey along the Sava and Danube Rivers visiting Croatia, Bosnia, Serbia and Hungary 26 th May to 6 th June 2015 In our aim to continually offer cruises along unexplored waterways, for 2013 we added the Sava River to our repertoire. The itinerary has proved very popular and due to the success of the cruise, we are delighted to have chartered the MS Victor Hugo in 2015 in order to offer this unique itinerary exclusively for Noble Caledonia guests. Our journey begins with a relaxing two night stay on the shores of picturesque Lake Balaton, the largest lake in Central Europe, after which we embark the MS Victor Hugo in Sisak for our nine night cruise. Our itinerary includes some truly fascinating regions, rich in culture and with a turbulent contemporary history. As we journey through Croatia we admire the painstakingly maintained Baroque architecture of Varazdin and Zagreb and wander their Medieval alleys. Still relatively undiscovered, Serbia s rolling plains dotted with picturesque villages, castles nestled in jagged mountains and Orthodox churches decorated with stunning frescoes are a wonder to behold. In Bosnia we learn of an age-old culture which combines Islamic, Jewish, Orthodox and Catholic influence, creating awe-inspiring architecture. The Itinerary Day 1 London to Lake Balaton, Hungary. Fly by scheduled flight to Budapest. On arrival transfer to Lake Balaton for a two night stay at the Anna Grand Hotel. Tonight we have dinner at the hotel and a chance to meet our fellow travellers. Day 2 Lake Balaton, Hungary. After a leisurely breakfast, join a walking tour along the pretty lakeside promenade. Return to the hotel, and enjoy an afternoon at leisure to relax or explore the many shops, cafes and restaurants of this summery, popular resort. Lunch and dinner are under your own arrangements today. Day 3 Lake Balaton to Varazdin & Sisak, Croatia. After breakfast, transfer by coach to Varazdin, in the Zagorje province, north-west of Zagreb. We begin with a visit of the historic town of Varazdin, a real Baroque gem. Pleasant squares, pastel painted palaces and the graceful silhouette of the chateau form a harmonious and captivating whole, with all the characteristic charms typical of Central European cities. After lunch we continue to Sisak, where we arrive in the late afternoon and embark the MS Victor Hugo. Enjoy a welcome cocktail whilst being introduced to the crew before dinner this evening. Day 4 Zagreb, Croatia. We set off this morning for a full day s excursion to Zagreb during which we will enjoy a lunch of regional specialities. The combination of architecture and green space makes Zagreb a perfect model for a town which features the National Theatre, the Pavilion of the Arts, the Academy of Arts and Science, the University Library (built in Secession style). There is much that is reminiscent of Austria in Zagreb, particularly the coloured buildings and local cuisine. Take a walk along the steep streets of Gradec and Kaptol, the historic centre of Zagreb. Day 5 Jasenovac, Croatia. Morning cruising as we sail for Jasenovac, arriving in the early afternoon. After lunch depart for our excursion to Lonske Polje Nature Park. Here we find a land much favoured by migratory birds during the Lonja floods and villages with traditional wooden dwellings. In Cigoc, we are able to observe the storks which are the pride of the village; each and every house in the village proudly hosts a nest with a winged tenant in residence. Later we are also able to try regional produce on an authentic Slavonian farm, decorated according to local tradition. Day 6 Jasenovac to Slavonski Brod, Croatia. We slip our moorings overnight and set sail towards Slavonski Brod enjoying breakfast as we sail and arriving just after lunch.the town is dominated by the Brod Citadel, an imposing construction in Vauban style, built
Belgrade Post-cruise extension in Budapest 6 th to 8 th June 2015 For those who would like to extend their stay in Budapest, we are offering a two night stay at the centrally located K&K Hotel. The extension includes breakfast daily and transfers. Prices per person: Twin: 295 Single: 395 Price Includes: Transfer from vessel to hotel, two nights hotel accommodation, breakfast daily at the hotel, transfer from hotel to the airport. Not included: Travel insurance, lunch and dinner during extension. Three Rivers Combination Cruise 26 th May to 14 th June 2015 This cruise aboard the MS Victor Hugo from Lake Balaton to Budapest can be combined with our Budapest, Lake Tisza & Tokaj voyage from 6th to 14th June. The combination cruise features time cruising along the Sava, Tisza and Danube Rivers visiting Hungary, Croatia, Bosnia and Serbia. Prices are shown in the grid below. in the 18th century to protect the Austro-Hungarian Empire from Turkish invasions. We continue by coach on our Fertile Plains of Slavonia excursion, through the green hillsides dominating the Sava plains to Pozega, a charming little Baroque town, with an 800-year old cultural and historical heritage. The main square, with its Plague Column and Church of the Holy Spirit, is one of the most beautiful squares in Croatia and a fantastic place to wander. After some free time, we continue to the village of Stara Kapela, where the houses, traditional farms and local crafts are all perfectly preserved. Day 7 Brcko, Bosnia. We sail overnight towards Brcko in Bosnia, where we arrive in the afternoon and set off for a waking tour. The pedestrian main street, lined with buildings in the traditional architectural style of Austro- Hungary and crossed with Ottoman influences, contrasts with the adjacent streets where the ruins of the recent conflicts live side by side with modern constructions. After dinner onboard this evening we are treated to a Folklore Evening onboard. Day 8 Sremska Mitrovica, Serbia. We continue our cruise through the morning, and arrive in Sremska Mitrovica after lunch. From here, we set off on our excursion Across Vojvodina. Around the hamlet of Iriški Venac there are more than 16 Orthodox monasteries and we have the opportunity to absorb Serbian art a mix of Byzantine style and Baroque architecture. We visit the Orthodox monastery at Krusedol. Founded in the 16th century, it is decorated with lavish paintings. Continue to Sremski Karlovci, a peaceful little town of some 9000 inhabitants on the banks of the Danube. In the 17th century, once the Turkish threat had gone, the town became the cultural centre for the Serbs of the Austro-Hungarian Empire and seat of the Orthodox Patriarchate. We take a walk through this romantic town, visiting the school and the Orthodox Cathedral of Saborna Crkva. We return to the vessel for dinner before taking a walk through Sremska Mitrovica, which was known as Sirmium in ancient Roman times, and was one of the four Roman capital cities. The lively, historic centre has many well-preserved remains from this glorious past. Day 9 Belgrade, Serbia. We sail through the night towards Belgrade arriving this afternoon. On arrival join a guided tour of Belgrade. Situated at the confluence of the Danube and Sava rivers, the city has created its own cultural identity base on a mix of Austro-Hungarian, Ottoman and Slavic cultures. From the Kalemegdan Fortress, the view over the river and its tributary is delightful. After dinner this evening we are treated to a Folklore evening in Belgrade. Day 10 Novi Sad, Serbia to Ilok & Vukovar, Croatia. We arrive early this morning in Novi Sad. Located in the southern part of the Great Plain in the Baga region, Novi Sad is the multi-ethnic capital of Vojvodina. From the Petrovaradin Fortress, the view over the Danube is quite unrestricted. The little, lively and colourful historic centre of Novi Sad is absolutely charming and we will explore the town on a guided morning tour. We return to the vessel for lunch and cruise to Ilok, where we have a guided excursion of this Medieval city. A noble Italian family, the Odescalchi, took possession of the town in 1697, leaving behind a rich, historic heritage. We visit the historic centre, the church and convent of St John of Capistrano and the Odescalchi Castle. After the tour we rejoin the ship in Vukovar, where we will enjoy an early evening walking tour of this fascinating town. Day 11 Osijek-Batina, Croatia to Mohacs, Hungary. We begin our day with a visit to Osijek, situated in the eastern historic Croatian region of Slavonia. We have a guided visit of the upper town, and learn a little about the Church of St Peter and St Paul, a neo-gothic brick structure that is so large (90 metres high) and majestic that it is fondly known as Prices per person BOOK EARLY AND SAVE 200 PER PERSON OFF THE PRICES SHOWN FOR FROM LAKE BALATON TO BUDAPEST OR SAVE 600 OFF PRICES SHOWN FOR THREE RIVERS COMBINATION CRUISE PLUS NO SINGLE SUPPLEMENT* CAT CABIN DESCRIPTION a cathedral. We then continue to the old town (Tvrdja) where we begin our visit at the 18th century fortress and then head for the main square, where we pause to admire the monument to the Holy Trinity. Next we head for the nature park of Kopacki Rit, located northwest of the confluence of the Drava and the Danube and close to the Serbian border. The park is one of the largest and most attractive preserved wetlands in Europe and is home to more than 141 different species of birds. Return to the vessel at Mohacs for an afternoon of cruising towards Budapest and a Farewell Gala Dinner onboard tonight. Day 12 Budapest, Hungary to London. Arrive mid-morning into Budapest and disembark, transfer to the airport for your return flight to London. FROM LAKE BALATON TO BUDAPEST Three Rivers COMBINATION CRUISE B Main Deck Twin Cabin 2495 4590 A Upper Deck Twin Cabin 2695 4990 Price Includes: Economy class scheduled air travel, two nights hotel accommodation at Lake Balaton on bed & breakfast basis, dinner on day 1, nine nights (seventeen nights if joining the combined cruise) aboard the MS Victor Hugo on full board basis with wine/beer/soft drinks at lunch and dinner onboard, shore excursions, Noble Caledonia tour manager, guest speaker, transfers, port taxes, airport taxes, gratuities to ship staff and ashore. Not Included: Travel insurance. NB: Ports subject to change. Water levels on the Sava & Tisza can be unpredictable and change at short notice which may affect the itinerary. *Limited number of cabins available with no supplement.
BUDAPEST, LAKE TISZA & TOKAJ A rare opportunity to cruise the Tisza and Danube Rivers 6 th to 14 th June 2015 Another river recently added to our repertoire and which has proved both successful and popular is the Tisza which flows through the Hungarian plains forming a large number of bends and curves. This unusual exploration of the Tisza and Danube will take us through Hungary and Serbia on an interesting journey through some of the most beautiful scenery in Central Europe. From the elegant city of Budapest where we have a day to explore the city sights, we will embark the MS Victor Hugo and make our way along the Danube, visiting the city of Pecs before joining the Tisza. We will pass some fascinating towns which are off the usual cruise route and make our way to Lake Tisza and the famous wine region of Tokaj. Tokaj Vineyards Lake Tisza Palace of Gödöllö The Tisza offers some beautiful and unique scenery, perfect for gentle river cruising and Lake Tisza, Hungary s largest man made lake, created in the early 1970s, today provides an unspoilt and peaceful environment, habitat to numerous bird and animal species. The Itinerary Day 1 London to Budapest, Hungary. Fly by scheduled flight arriving into Budapest in the afternoon. Transfer to the MS Victor Hugo and embark. Welcome cocktail and presentation of the crew, followed by dinner onboard. After dinner there will be an excursion Illuminated Budapest. Moor overnight. Day 2 Budapest to Mohacs, Hungary. After breakfast join a city tour of Budapest. The Danube divides the city into two: the flat Pest with majestic old buildings and hilly Buda with wonderful views over the city. Return to the vessel for lunch and in the afternoon there will be an optional excursion to the Palace of Godollo which was a wedding present to Sissi and Franz-Josef from the Hungarian people. Sissi loved this castle and you will gain a remarkable insight into the married life of the Emperor and Empress, particularly through her letters on display. Return to the vessel and this evening sail for Mohacs, the most southerly of Hungarian cities on the Danube. Day 3 Pecs, Hungary & Novi Sad, Serbia. This morning we drive from Mohacs to Pecs, the regional centre of Southern Hungary and European Capital of Culture in 2012. Visit the cathedral, seat of an archbishop since 1009 and enjoy the Mediterranean ambiance of this ancient city. Return to the ship for lunch and depart for Serbia, stopping in Bezdan for border formalities before arriving in Novi Sad. The ship is moored in Novi Sad overnight. Day 4 Novi Sad, Serbia to Kanjiza, Hungary. Breakfast is followed by a city tour of Novi Sad, capital of Vojvodina, autonomous province in the Republic of Serbia. During lunch we continue cruising to the River Tisza, the longest tributary of the Danube, and discover its unforgettable scenery while sailing to Kanjiza where we moor overnight. Day 5 Szeged, Hungary. Early arrival in Szeged, known as the sunshine city. Join the tour of this, the largest city on the Puszta. The city lies on the confluence of Tisza and Maros and your tour will take you along the banks of the Tisza. Lunch and dinner will be onboard today. Day 6 Csongrad to Szolnok, Hungary. The ship reaches Csongrad in the early morning. Depart for the included excursion to Opustaszer and the park of the same name commemorating Hungary s national history. We will visit a rich ethnographic collection, a paprika farm, a local school and working farms. This all represents very faithfully life on the Puszta in the 19th century. Admire also the famous panoramic painting of the conquest of the Carpathian basin by the Magyars, a painting which was realised in 1896 as part of Hungary s millennium celebrations. During lunch onboard we sail across the Great Southern Plain to Szolnok where we moor overnight. Day 7 Lake Tisza-Tiszafured, Hungary. During breakfast onboard we navigate between lake and river whilst enjoying the scenic countryside. After lunch we arrive at Tiszafured and join the excursion to Hortobagy in the heart of the Puszta (almost 1400 square kilometres in size). Day 8 Tokaj, Hungary. Morning cruising, to Tokaj which is famous for the dessert wine which has been produced here since 1660, the king of wines and the wine of kings according to Louis XVI. Enjoy a visit Prices per person BOOK EARLY AND SAVE 200 PER PERSON OFF THE PRICES SHOWN BELOW PLUS NO SINGLE SUPPLEMENT* CAT CABIN DESCRIPTION to a winery where you will see how the wine is made before some tastings in the famous Rakoczi cellar. Join the Gala Farewell Dinner onboard this evening. Moor overnight in Tokaj. Day 9 Tokaj to London. After breakfast, disembark and transfer to Budapest for your return flight to London. BUDAPEST, LAKE TISZA AND TOKAJ B Main Deck Twin Cabin 2095 A Upper Deck Twin Cabin 2295 Price Includes: Economy class scheduled air travel, eight nights aboard the MS Victor Hugo on full board basis with wine/beer/soft drinks at lunch and dinner onboard, shore excursions, Noble Caledonia tour manager, guest speaker, transfers, port taxes, airport taxes, gratuities to ship staff and ashore. Not Included: Travel insurance, Godollo excursion. NB: Ports subject to change. Water levels on the Tisza can be unpredictable and change at short notice which may affect the itinerary. *Limited number of cabins available with no supplement.
Twin Cabin MS VICTOR HUGO The MS Victor Hugo was built in 2000 and accommodates a maximum of 98 passengers in three-star comfort. The atmosphere is friendly and informal with cabins and public areas arranged over three decks. We have chartered the vessel for these cruises from our French associates, CroisiEurope. Bar/Lounge Your Cabin The 49 cabins measure approximately 12sq m and feature en-suite bathroom with shower, a desk, wardrobe, flatscreen television, telephone, radio, air-conditioning, hairdryer and a safe. Cabins on the Upper and Main decks have fixed twin beds however there are two double bed cabins available on the Upper deck, and three double bedded cabins on the Main deck. All cabins have large picture windows, but windows with opening capabilities are only available on the Upper deck. Your Space Spread over three decks, the onboard facilities include a delightful restaurant which accommodates all guests in one open-seating. The lounge and bar is a lovely area to relax after a day of exploration, styled with comfortable sofas and chairs. There is also a spacious Sun deck with ample furniture and a shaded area. There is a shop onboard which offers a small variety of souvenirs, toiletries and maps. There is also a library on the Upper deck. Restaurant Your Dining Meals are taken in the MS Victor Hugo s bright and airy restaurant on the Upper deck. The open seating restaurant serves local dishes in addition to an international menu. Most tables seat four to six guests. Breakfast is buffet style, with a set (served) menu for lunch and dinner. Water, tea/coffee, wine, beer and soft drinks are served with lunch and dinner and are included in the price of your holiday. SUN DECK WHEEL HOUSE Life Onboard UPPER DECK KITCHEN RESTAURANT G229 G234 247 245 243 241 239 237 235 233 231 252 250 248 246 244 242 240 238 236 RECEPTION BAR LOUNGE The MS Victor Hugo is a small, friendly and well-run ship. The atmosphere onboard is warm, friendly and informal and the friendly crew of 24 work hard to ensure all passengers are made to feel welcome and ensure that you have an enjoyable cruise. MAIN DECK 119 117 115 113 111 109 107 105 103 101 114 112 110 108 106 104 102 G116 G118 G120 124 122 125 123 121 130 128 126 BW127 BW132 CATEGORY A CATEGORY B Please note cabins 116, 118, 120, 229 & 234 feature double beds.
Lake Balaton 2 Chester Close, Belgravia, London, SW1X 7BE +44 (0)20 7752 0000 info@noble-caledonia.co.uk www.noble-caledonia.co.uk Our current booking conditions apply to all reservations and are available on request. Cover image: Hungarian Parliament Building, Budapest. NC_005_080514_K