Discover the wonders of Europe on scenic river cruises

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Rococo palaces, scenic landscapes and ancient towns are just some of the highlights to experience on Fred. Olsen’s portfolio of river cruises. Touring rivers including the Rhine, the Danube and the Moselle, Fred. Olsen’s intimate cruises take travellers to the heart of Europe. Its small ship, the Brabant, carries around 150 passengers, to provide a ‘home-from-home’ experience. With Arts Society Lecturers on board to share insights about the places you’ll encounter, the sailings have plenty to offer culture lovers. Here are some of the adventures to discover.

Cultural cities of the Upper Danube

Sailing from Regensburg to Budapest, this seven-night voyage threads through cities including Passau, Melk, Vienna and Bratislava. Enjoy a guided tour around St Stephen’s Cathedral in Passau – home to the largest pipe organ in Europe – and take in the interior of the Vienna State Opera. The voyage also sails through the UNESCO-listed Wachau Valley, a landscape known for its historic villages and vineyards. Arts Society Lecturer Hugh Ellwood will bring the region’s art and architecture to life. An alternative version of the cruise, sailing from Budapest to Regensburg, is also available to book (itinerary is reversed).

Cities and scenery of the historic Danube

Discover some of Europe’s natural and cultural wonders on this three-week cruise, which stretches from southeast Germany to the shores of Romania’s Black Sea. As you pass through countries including Croatia, Serbia, Bulgaria, Hungary and Austria, Hugh Ellwood will be on hand to uncover the region’s history. Highlights of the trip include a tour of the Danube Delta, home to more than 300 species of bird.

Sailing the scenic Moselle to Luxembourg

Explore fairy-tale castles, butterfly gardens and woodland scenery on this seven-night cruise. Starting in Cologne, the voyage passes through destinations including Trier ­– Germany’s oldest city – and the winemaking town of Bernkastel–Kues. Journeys to Remich, known as ‘the pearl of the Moselle’, the butterfly garden of Grevenmacher and a cable-car ride to Ehrenbreitstein Fortress are not to be missed. On board, Professor Andrew Hopkins FSA will share his knowledge of the area’s architecture.

Historic gems of Germany

From the half-timbered houses of Miltenberg to the Baroque Palace of Würzburg, there’s plenty to discover on this seven-night cruise from Cologne to Regensburg. Stopping off at destinations including Rüdesheim and Bamberg – known for its UNESCO-listed centre – the voyage showcases Germany’s rich history. The cruise also passes through the Middle Rhine Valley, home to the ‘murmuring’ Lorelei rock. Insights from Arts Society Lecturer Simon Rees will illuminate the trip.

Seven-night fly-cruise fares from only £1,599 pp *

What’s included in your Fred. Olsen River Cruise?

• Comfortable en-suite accommodation
• Breakfast, lunch, afternoon tea and five-course a la carte dinner
• 24-hour tea and coffee station
• Welcome cocktail, welcome dinner and Captain’s Gala Dinner
• Complimentary Wi-Fi
• Use of fitness room
• Live music every day

Special offer!

Members of The Arts Society can enjoy free on board spend ranging between £70 and £200 per person on selected cruises. Tips will be included for bookings made by 31 May 2019. See below for full terms and conditions.

Your adventure begins here

To book or to order a Fred. Olsen River Cruise brochure, please call our Reservation Department on 0800 0355 116, quoting The Arts Society code AFN0001

For more information about European river cruising with Arts Society accredited guest lecturers, please click here

Terms and conditions

Fares are per person, based on twin occupancy in a standard room, subject to availability. (£1,599 pp fly-cruise fare is based on cruise R2003 correct at time of going to print, May 2019). Offers may be amended or withdrawn at any time without prior notice, are subject to availability and cannot be applied retrospectively. These offers are not combinable with any other offer, including NADFAS or Arts Society Tours affinity discount codes. All bookings are subject to Fred. Olsen’s standard terms and conditions, available on our/their website and on request. Tours, drinks, medical facilities and other optional spend, during travel to the ship and while on board, are not included. Any additional expenditure will need to be paid separately. The free on board spend credit is per person, based on the specified amounts, cruise dependent. The on board spend credit is automatically applied to guests’ on board ship accounts and cannot be transferred, refunded or exchanged for cash or used towards Shore Tours. Please note lecturers have been confirmed at time of going to print, but may be subject to change. Offers are subject to availability and are capacity controlled. Tips are paid directly to the relevant staff on board, are non-refundable and non-transferable, and cannot be exchanged for cash. Offer cannot be applied retrospectively, is applicable to new bookings only and is not combinable with any other offer, unless specified. E&OE.