MALVERN WORLD TRAVEL AND MS MOZART CRUISES

Malvern World Travel is pleased to be working with Specialist Tour Operator FRED in Offering our Clients the best of Luxurious Cruises along The Danube on the MS MOZART.
The ‘meandering’ Danube rises in the stunningly beautiful Black Forest mountain range close to the town of Donaueschingen, from whence it takes its name, and then flows a south-eastward tortuous course for a distance of some 1,785 miles, having passed through four Central and Eastern European capitals and ten countries, before emptying into the Black Sea.
The curvaceous course of the river, together with the variable water conditions and low bridges, presented the MS MOZART’s designers with particular challenges. Not least since the aim was not only to resolve the intricate navigational issues but also, in the design process, to evoke a sense of style so that its classical lines and sumptuous facilities hark back to a kinder, gentler time when the emphasis was on journeying rather than just vacationing.
Like no other European river, the Danube has influenced the course of history as the Romans, Thrax, Celts, Illyrics and, of course, the Ottomans have all been here. In the space of a week the echoes of this colourful past will come to the fore as we journey through the very historical beating heart of Europe, to experience the cultural delights of Vienna and Budapest or alternatively to gaze at the gently undulating landscapes of the beautiful Wachau Valley, with its charming riverside villages and vineyard-laced hillsides usually bathed in the most glorious of light. The splendid MS MOZART, elsewhere in the itinerary, introduces us to Vienna, Bratislava, Durnstein, Melk, Passau, and more.
Some two hundred fortunate guests may avail themselves of the many and varied facilities onboard the MS MOZART, including spacious en-suite state cabins, each with large picture windows, the dimensions of which are the envy of many other vessels. Naturally she comes equipped with air-conditioning/heating throughout and with all the usual trimmings. Guests will not fail to be impressed with comfortable lounges and bars that afford uninterrupted views of the passing scenery.
For many, the highlight on any MS MOZART voyage will surely be the culinary prowess of the onboard brigade of chefs who, with the ingredients sourced from the bounty of freshly produced local fare, will not fail to delight the fainthearted. All are served in sumptuous surroundings by liveried stewards.
The vessel also boasts a unique spa and indoor fitness centre where a swimming pool, sauna and whirlpool are complemented with meditation and yoga courses.
Music and musical heritage obviously accompanies us on our voyage. Before the nineteenth century, musicians such as Mozart and Schubert struggled to make ends meet and relied on patronage. This all changed when Johann Strauss the Younger and Elder both became the equivalent of modern musical stars with their popular waltz music, perhaps forever immortalised in ‘The Blue Danube’ which perhaps neatly completes the circle as regards the name of our vessel and majestic river on which she sails.
TO BOOK OR TO CHECK AVAILABILITY CALL MALVERN WORLD TRAVEL ON 01684 562406 or e-mail [email protected]

The Magnificent ‘Mozart’

The majesty of the river certainly demanded something special, perhaps a craft that more closely emulated the classical lines, dimensions not to mention the facilities of a dazzling ocean liner rather than the ubiquitous river cruiser. In 1987 the designers arose to the challenge and presented the magnificent MS MOZART – the dream and concept of one man driven to conjure perfection and harmony on the Danube.
The moment you walk onboard the MS MOZART, the affinity with a classical ocean liner is all apparent as the interested traveller is immediately presented with spacious and sumptuous public areas, the most impressive of which being the sweeping staircase that steers guests ever upwards towards the delightful lounges above, from where after they may gaze free of obstruction upon the magnificence of the scenery as it glides by. No contemporary space this – rather one that was meant to endure through the ages, with generous use of classical hardwood finishes throughout; the vessel most definitely has the feel and atmosphere of a country house hotel rather than that of a river vessel. Take for example the wood panelled library with its comfortable seating and the paintings that adorn its walls, which must have taken a lifetime to collect, elsewhere perhaps tarry a few moments at the Don Giovanni Bar, the Cafe Amadeus or for that matter at the well-stocked Boutique, alternatively for the more energetic the swimming pool and the spa might well beckon, whilst for those whose idea is to just unwind, relax and simply soak up the scenery the Observation Deck is more probably the place to be.
Liveried stewards complete the allusion with the ocean liner where in the delightful restaurant, (that most assuredly speaks of an unhurried grace of a bygone era) the brigade of onboard chefs performing to the peak of their profession, present cuisine that is as pleasing to the palette as it may be to the eye.
The generous dimensions of the State Cabin accommodations onboard the MS MOZART are most certainly the envy of most other vessels and are spread over two decks each presenting guests with facilities that might ordinarily be expected in a five star hotel including: en suite facilities, mini-bar, satellite TV, radio, hairdryer and WIFI. The MS MOZART is Magnificent indeed.

The extensive public areas feature many fine amenities:

A delightful restaurant, bar and coffee bar all with panoramic windows >>
A state-of-the-art SPA including an Indoor Swimming pool and Whirlpool >>
To enhance your voyage, MS Mozart offers a wealth of leisure activities and enrichment programs.
Entertainment
Your cruise includes daily entertainment and enrichment programs designed to enhance your river cruise experience and add a touch of night-life feeling while still being in line with the ship’s relaxing and magnificent surroundings.

A wealth of activities to choose from include:

Our own lecturer on board
Courses and seminars concerning lifestyle themes
A dedicated live band as well as regular musical performances from renowned regional artists
Movie Nights
BBQ Parties on the sundeck
Lavish Afternoon Teas with Live Piano music
Wine tasting sessions
Welcome Cocktail and Farewell Captain’s Dinner
Dining
Whenever you dine on board the MS MOZART you will enjoy the perfect match of exceptional cuisine within exquisite surroundings.

The Restaurant

Our restaurant celebrates wonderful flavours from around the country/region we are sailing by… each meal a delight. It is styled for a joyful dining experience spent with friends and fellow guests.
A sweeping staircase leads up to the wonderfully spacious restaurant lobby adorned with relaxing seating and offering the most splendid view on the beautifully designed and centrally aligned further outlets such as the well-stocked shop on board with its artfully decorated window displays, the cosy card room or the impressive Don Giovanni Lounge.
The architectural design of this Upper Lobby is subtly styled to create the feel of an ocean liner for you to enjoy the beauty of the Art Deco settings.

The Amadeus Coffee Bar

The coffee bar can be found right next to the Restaurant Lobby and the Don Giovanni Lounge. Its indulgent array of gourmet coffees and teas will tempt you throughout the day. Sample the freshly brewed Mochas and teas or maybe enjoy a refreshing smoothie as you relax in the typical Viennese café surroundings.

Don Giovanni Bar

Themed murals and charming artefacts decorate the bar, creating the perfect atmosphere for evening cocktails and an intimate ambience to enjoy tempting cocktails, delicious hors d’oeuvres and an extensive selection of fine wines.
With its river level location and ceiling-high windows all round this bar and lounge is both sophisticated and chic. Serving everything from pre-dinner aperitifs to speciality beers and cognacs the bar closes at 2am … or whenever the last guest leaves.
With an exclusive dance floor, a Piano and daily musical entertainment this is the perfect setting to let yourself float into the evening atmosphere and enjoy a fantastic night on board.

Additional services on board:

Complimentary Coffee and Tea Station during the day
Complimentary water dispensers during the day
The Spa
The Spa on the MS MOZART is a world in itself. It has a stunning range of features designed for your relaxation and rejuvenation.
Enhance your SPA experience on board with our amazing Indoor swimming pool, the only one on any river cruise ship; unwind in the Relaxation Room or invigorate your body with the experience showers. Both feature breathtaking views of the river and are further enhanced by a Whirlpool where water jets work to stimulate and re-energize the body. From here you are invited to our lavishly appointed treatment suites where highly trained therapists are committed to providing exceptional personalized care to each guest and ensure a blissful spa experience.
Offering a complete menu of spa, beauty and hairdressers services, our spa onboard offers the ultimate in decadent relaxation.
Treatments are drawn from wellbeing traditions across the world, from the Caribbean and North America to the Far East and Europe, all combined with our MS MOZART sense of warmth.
Continue your relaxing journey at our spa with a visit to the Sauna & Steam Room.
The beautifully appointed sauna and the steam room provide a perfect setting for total relaxation. A unique system of dry heating ovens dispersing scented steam will invigorate, relax or refresh you.
Included features:

7 or 14 nights Deluxe Cruise

Accommodation in the booked cabin category
Sumptuous dining with all meals, including an extensive breakfast buffet, an indulgent 4-course lunch, afternoon tea, exquisite dinner and midnight snack featuring regional and seasonal specialities.
Cocktail Reception, Welcome Dinner & Captain’s Gala Dinner
Beverage package consisting of mineral water, soft drinks, Free flowing wine and beer and juice for lunch and dinner for each passenger
1 bottle of complimentary sparkling water in cabin on arrival
Daily entertainment highlights
Service of a professional, English speaking Cruise Director on board
All taxes along route
Quietvox tour audio system for shore excursions
Selected excursions included
English guided tours in all destinations (MS Mozart shore excursion programme)
Transfers by bus from Passau main train station to the MS Mozart
Please note that gratuities are not included however if you wish to reward the ship’s crew a recommended €7 per person per night is suggested.
* single occupancy on request only.
There are two itineraries:

“The Royal Danube” – 8 days itinerary Passau – Budapest – Passau

Day 1 Passau
Our Danube voyage begins at the Bavarian city of Passau. If time permits, see the splendid Cathedral which boasts the world’s largest organ and its renowned Italianate architecture. The MS MOZART embarkation begins at 16:00 and is soon followed by the Captain’s Welcome Reception where there is ample opportunity to mingle and get to know one’s fellow guests before sailing towards Upper Austria and the marvels of the Wachau Valley. A welcome dinner is served in the restaurant. Sail during the night.
Day 2 Krems
Today join your included excursion. after breakfast transfer to Dürnstein. Walk through the cobblestone streets of the most famous village of Wachau Valley. You will get to know the Wachau wines during a wine tasting in Dürnstein before driving to the Abbey of Göttweig, perched high on a hill overlooking the Danube. Visit the Abbey and transfer back to the ship..
Day 3 Esztergom/Budapest
Esztergom/Budapest –Today the arrangement provides you with the option to either remain onboard and continue cruising to Budapest or to disembark in Esztergom for our optional excursion to visit the Danube shore side.
Esztergom, the ancient residence of Hungarian kings and the seat of the archbishop, is one of the highlights of this excursion. After visiting the Basilica, the largest church in Hungary, drive along the Danube to the ruins of Visegrad, where you have a wonderful view over the Danube Bend. The next stop is the artist village of Szentendre. After a tour of this picturesque place the bus heads for Budapest when you will re join the ship.
After lunch, join our included City tour of Budapest a city know as the “Queen of the Danube”, is one of the most beautiful cities in Europe. The Danube flows through the heart of the city and divides it into the cities of Buda and Pest. The tour takes you first through the Pest side, past splendid baroque buildings, the City Hall, the Parliament, to the Heroes Square with monuments of many Hungarian kings and the famous Chin Bridge. Then the hills of Buda Castle, where you visit the Matthias Church and the Fishermen’s Bastion return to the ship mid afternoon.
Day 4 Budapest
Morning sees an optional visit to the Parliament Buildings, St Stephen’s Basilica and the Market Hall in Budapest. In the afternoon there is an optional visit to a Hungarian Csarda accompanied by traditional musical renditions and folklore. As the MS MOZART slips her mooring in Budapest at supper time, see the wonderful silhouetted buildings that line the waterfront. Sail during the night.
Day 5 Bratislava
The morning is at leisure as the MS MOZART meanders her way towards the Slovakian capital, Bratislava. In the afternoon an included visit is arranged to see the St Martin’s Dom Cathedral, the Grassalkovich Palace and Castle Hill with its wonderful views over the surrounding countryside. It is a must of any visit to Bratislava to partake in a little (famous) beer tasting which is also on offer following supper. Sail in the evening.
Day 6 Vienna
This morning enjoy our included city tour in Vienna .During the tour you get an overall impression of a large part of the main attractions of this venerable Danube metropolis. The trip along the ring road passes many magnificent buildings – the State Opera, Parliament, Burgtheatre, City Hall, the university and Votive Church – into the heart of the city to St. Stephen’s Cathedral.
In the evening you have a choice to join two optional excursions. ‘Vienna at night’ .This bus ride takes you through the Vienna woods to the Kahlenberg. Enjoy the view over the vineyards and the town before visiting the traditional wine village of Grinzing. Visit of a typical “Heurigen-Pub” and enjoy two “Vierterln” wines, typical spreads and tavern music and learn about the Viennese “Gemütlichkeit” or “Vienna Hofburg Orchestra” transfer from the ship to the Vienna Hofburg Orchestra. your excursion consists of 40 musicians and international soloists from all the major orchestras of Vienna associations. The program consists of the most famous melodies of waltz and operetta music by “Waltz King” Johann Strauss and opera arias by Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart. Venues include the magnificent halls of the Hofburg Palace, the Vienna Konzerthaus and the Musikverein returning to the ship later this evening.
Day 7 Melk
This morning join our included excursion to Melk benedict Abbey where you will visit the Abbey of Melk which has been the spiritual and cultural centre of the country for over 1000 years. The Benedictine Abbey was founded in 1089. During the tour you will visit many of the different rooms including the library and enjoy the magnificent views from the terrace. Return to the ship in time for lunch.
Day 8 Passau
After breakfast disembark for your onward journey
TO BOOK OR TO CHECK AVAILABILITY CALL MALVERN WORLD TRAVEL ON 01684 562406 or e-mail [email protected]

“Iron Gates & Danube Delta Cruise” – 15 Day Itinerary Passau – Tulcea – Passau

Day 1: Passau, Embarkation
Our Danube voyage begins at the Bavarian city of Passau. If time permits, see the splendid Cathedral which boasts the world’s largest organ and its renowned Italianate architecture. The MS MOZART embarkation begins at 15:00 and is soon followed by the Captain’s Welcome Reception where there is ample opportunity to mingle and get to know one’s fellow guests before sailing towards Vienna, the capital of Austria. A welcome dinner is served in the restaurant. Sail during the night.
Day 2: Vienna
Vienna is the city of the waltz, the Spanish Riding School, Sacher Torte and the famous Vienna Boy’s Choir. We enjoy a city tour taking you to the ‘Ringstrasse’ with its magnificent buildings, such as the State Opera, the Hofburg, the Parliament, Town Hall and ‘Burgtheater’, all testimony to the splendour of this unique city. On a short stroll of discovery through the hidden alleyways of the old town and the picturesque backyards, you will experience a completely different side of Vienna.
Day 3: Esztergom & Danube bend
From Esztergom, this excursion first takes you to the old royal city of Esztergom – you will see the Basilica built on the castle hill, the largest Catholic Church in Hungary. Then you drive along an old arm off the Danube to Visegrad. Here you will enjoy a unique view of the Danube bend. Next you will have a leisurely stroll through the artists’ community of Szentendre and finally coming back onboard the MS MOZART in Budapest.
City tour Budapest
Our city tour will introduce you to the Pest side with the impressive parliament building and the elegant Andrassy Street, and also the historic castle quarter on the Buda side with the neo-romantic Fishermen’s Bastions and the legendary Mathias Church.
Budapest by night
An incredible sight from above – we are invited onto a splendid terrace on the Fishermen’s Bastions where we admire the sea of lights over Budapest. Enjoy sparkling wine under the stars and drive through the illuminated city back to the MS MOZART.
Day 4: The Hungarian Puszta
This day you can enjoy an optional very popular excursion to the Puszta, a UNESCO World Heritage site, a centre of Hungarian traditional life. It is a characteristic landscape with its endless horizon of dry steppe, where ancient Hungarian flora and fauna live within national parks in harmony with the local people, their everyday life and traditions. You also can admire the outstanding skills of the horseman in an equestrian show presented by beautiful horses and horseman in traditional costumes. Hungarian wine tasting included. Visit to the only Paprika Museum in the world. Organ concert in Kalocsa Cathedral.
Day 5: City Tour Belgrade
This morning, we arrive in the third largest city on the Danube, Belgrade, and on our excursion, we will discover highlights of the city, including the Kalemegdan Fortress and its impressive gardens. Like no other Euro­pean city Belgrade reflects its history in an impressive way. Belgrade is a city with an atmos­phere of departure – pulsating, multicultural and modern.
Topola & Oplenac
Drive through the idyllic landscapes south of Belgrade to the historic city of Topola. Visit the white marbel church of St. George on the Oplenac hill.
Belgrade by night
An impressive traditional show of dance and music in the centre of Belgrade and a first taste of the Serbian wine followed by a BBQ event in the “Skadarlija” Quarter (the Serbian Montmartre). Live music.
Day 6: Cruising day, Iron Gates
The passage through the Iron Gate forms one of the highlights of this journey. One of Europe´s most impressive gorges stretches out over 110 kilometres. Up to 1,200 metre high cliff massifs mount up at the left and right side of the river. At the narrowest area, the “Kazan-Pass” it seems like the passage is not possible. At no other point along its way, the Danube is as spectacular as at this point.
Day 7: Veliko Tarnovo, Bulgaria
Drive to the ancient capital of Bulgaria, Veliko Tarnovo, impressively located on the steep banks of the river Jantram. Visit to the 13th century church St. Peter & Paul. Leisure time in the traditional „Samovodska Charshia“, the Bulgarian arts & crafts shopping street. Stop at the Zarewez and refreshments at a local hotel.
Day 8: Tulcea
The Danube Delta
We arrive in Tulcea, considered the gateway to the Danube Delta, from where we enjoy an included excursion on a small boat to further explore the Delta, with its unique flora and fauna. This spot of unspoilt nature is inhabited by over 300 species of birds and over 110 species of fish. Please note that we can give no guarantee for animal observations during this excursion.
Day 9: Bucharest City Tour
Exploring Romania’s capital Bukarest, also known as “Paris of the Eastern lands”. Included: traditional lunch and traditional folkloric show.
Day 10: Cruising day
Enjoy the sweet idleness on board the MS MOZART and review the past days. Have another look at the amazing Iron Gate Gorge as we sail through it and indulge yourself by choosing from our range of Spa treatments or relax on the sky deck.
Day 11: Novisad & Krusedol
Novi Sad is where Europe and the Balkans encounter each other and where are many nationalities, religions and cultures mixed. Novi Sad has particular history. Use the possibility to go on a city tour in Novi Sad – the Gibraltar of the Danube. Also visit one of the most beautiful monasteries of Eastern Europe, the Krusedol Monastery from the 16th century nestled in the Fruska Gora mountains. Also included: visit to the impressive city of Sremski Karlovci.
Day 12: Cruising day
Enjoy once more the beautiful scenery of Hungary’s lowlands passing by and a perfect cruising day on board the MS MOZART – you can relax on the sun deck, reading a good book or participate in one of the many exciting activities organized for you on board.
Day 13: Komarno & Bratislava
Start in Komarno, one of Slovakia’s oldest cities. City tour followed by lunch. Continue to Bratislava – the capital city of Slovakia and the only national capital which borders two independent countries, Austria and Hungary. Founded over 2,000 years ago and now capital of Slovakia, Bratislava was also capital of Hungary during the late Middle Ages. This afternoon, join a coach and walking tour of the city with its lovingly-restored old town. Visit to the Bratislava castle also included in this tour.
Panoramic Tour of Bratislava by nostalgic City Train
Full tour of Bratislava’s beautiful sights including stop at the impressive Bratislava castle.
Day 14: Wachau Valley
Duernstein & Melk
Drive through the stunningly beautiful Wachau and stop for a stroll through the romantic wine-growing village of Durnstein, an area of picturesque riverside villages and castles against the backdrop of gently rolling vineyards. Durnstein itself is best explored on foot. Later visit the Baroque Stift Melk Monastery (a UNESCO site) commanding an impressive elevated location overlooking the Danube. The visit concludes with the obligatory wine tasting before re-joining the MS MOZART for the evening Captain’s Farwell reception and dinner. Sail towards Passau.
Day 15:
Disembark after breakfast. Parting of the ways.
TO BOOK OR TO CHECK AVAILABILITY CALL MALVERN WORLD TRAVEL ON 01684 562406 or e-mail [email protected]