Cruise the Danube
8 day holiday - Friday 13th March 2026
Highlights...
- 'Live music from The National G&S Opera Company
- Three Capital Cities
- Route of The Sound of Music
After two sell-out G & S Cruises, we have been lucky enough to secure another for 2026. The next Theatrical Adventure is a cruise of the Danube, highlighting the stunning landscapes and amazing cities that, for centuries, inspired many composers and writers. During this journey, on-board the MS Ariana, you will be entertained every evening by talented musicians from the National Gilbert & Sullivan Opera Company, ensuring a memorable holiday is had.
The Danube river flows for 1,700miles through the heart of Europe, and during its course passes through ten countries. During our journey we will enjoy visits to three glorious capital cities: Vienna, Bratislava and Budapest. Vienna, rich in history and amazing architecture, but most famous for its musical heritage and connections with Mozart, Beethoven and Haydn. Bratislava, a charming city with a mixture of modern flare and classic Baroque architecture, is most famous for its Old Town. Budapest, split in half by the River with the hilly Buda district one side and the flat Pest district on the other. It is a city filled with an amazing blend of architecture from neo-Gothic to Art Nouveau. The course of our voyage also gives us the opportunity to visit Dunstein, Melik and Salzburg. Our cruise along the Danube provides the chance for us to experience some real treasures and delights of the natural beauty in the stunning landscapes, a variety of striking architecture, and the culture of three amazing cities.
MS Ariana
★ ★ ★ ★
The Ariana is the ideal ship for cruising the Danube, and is of the favourite ships in the fleet. Recently renovated room and a brand-new culinary team add to the offerings of this spacious, modern and very comfortable ship. The ship’s restaurant, located at the front of the middle deck, with the lounge and bar on the main top deck. Entertainment will be in the great setting of the lounge. Your cabin, either on the top or middle deck, includes amenities such as a TV, telephone, safe, air-conditioning and heating, and full en-suite shower rooms. The top deck houses a plunge pool for your use and an ideal place to take in the panoramic views. Onboard meals include a buffet breakfast; lunch (or packed lunch for excursions); 4-course dinner and unlimited drinks. Smart-casual attire is recommended for evenings.
Itinerary
Day 1 – Friday 13th March (VIENNA)
Your door-to-door driver will escort you to the meeting point at a London based airport. The Tour Manager will assist you with check-in and VIP fast track service. Check-in complete, we will purchase refreshments before boarding. we will use taxis to transfer to the dock for embarkation. After settling in to your cabin, we join fellow guests for a welcome cocktail reception and dinner onboard the MS Ariana, followed by onboard soloist entertainment. The ship departs to Budapest at 5:00pm.
Day 2 – Saturday 14th March (BUDAPEST)
Our day of exploration begins with a coach tour around ‘Pest’, the flatter district of the city. There will be a visit to Heroes’ Square, one of the highlights in Budapest with its stone pillars rising in the centre surrounded by statues of heroes. We will then head to the historic centre for a walking tour. Lunch will be back on board, before a free afternoon to relax or take in more of the delightful city independently. We will end the day with dinner on board, followed by entertainment. There is an optional trip in the evening to the theatre (subject to availability and at your own expense).
Day 3 – Sunday 15th March (BUDAPEST)
Today our excursion takes us to the other side of the river to the district of ‘Buda’. Here we will visit Fisherman’s Bastion, an enchanting landmark offering spectacular views and whimsical architecture. We continue seeing this beautiful area on a walking tour before returning to the ship. Following lunch, the ship departs back along the Danube to Bratislava. During our time on board you may choose to enjoy the views of the landscape or join in with some community singing led by the musical director and professional soloists. Relax and unwind before our evening meal and show.
Day 4 – Monday 16th (BRATISLAVA)
Spend a relaxing morning cruising before arriving in Bratislava, capital of Slovakia. There will be a guided walk through the historic pedestrian streets of this charming city. A visit to the heart of the Old Town, the Main Square, will provide a feast for the eyes with its delightful hub of colourful architecture and famous landmarks, including the Old Town Hall. One of the oldest stone buildings and museums in Bratislava it holds exhibits on the history of the city. There will be free time on board before dinner, and a performance from the professional soloists.
Day 5 – Tuesday 17th March (DURNSTEIN AND MELK)
This morning we start with a walking tour of Durnstein, which sits on the curve of the Danube right ahead of the picturesque Wachau region. Known to be one of the most beautiful areas in Austria it is home to many landmarks; the stunning Abbey and Kunringerburg Castle ruins, complimented by 16th century houses. This pleasant town is also known for its production of wine. After enjoying lunch on board, we set sail to Melk, a small town in Austria with cobblestone streets and eye-catching architecture. Sitting on a high, rocky outcropping is the stunning 11th century, golden Benedictine Abbey. There is an optional excursion to visit this magnificent landmark.
Day 6 – Wednesday 18th March (SALZBURG)
Today will be a full day excursion to Salzburg, a city in Austria on the boarder of Germany and the birthplace of composer Mozart. We will trace the route highlighted in the famous film The Sound of Music. Our guided walking tour reveals the city’s rich history, its Gothic and Baroque architecture within the pedestrian friendly Altstadt. The afternoon will be free for you to explore more of the city on your own or you may choose to take a ride in the funicular up to Hohensalzburg Fortress. The 900-year old structure is one of the best-preserved fortresses in Europe and offers amazing views of the city. Our evening will be spent on board for dinner and entertainment.
Day 7 – Thursday 19th March (VIENNA)
We will arrive back in Vienna this morning and enjoy a panoramic coach tour around the grand Ringstrasse. The Ringstrasse was built in the late 19th century and replaces the former city walls and is famous for its impressive buildings. Our tour will allow us to admire the city’s historic palaces and stylish architecture and offers a glimpse into Vienna’s past and present. After our coach tour, we will continue our excursion on foot to take in all that the vibrant city has to offer. Our evening will be filled once again with fantastic operatic entertainment.
Day 8 – Friday 20th March (VIENNA)
After breakfast, your Tour Manager will take care of everything at check-out and ensure your luggage is at reception. We say ‘farewell’ to the MS Ariana and the Theatrical Adventures team and take taxis for our transfer to the airport. During our journey home we will purchase refreshments. Upon arrival back to London, your door-to-door cars will be ready for you journey back home.

Total Price of the Holiday: £4,150 per person
Deposit: £200
Balance due:
9th January 2026
Whats Included:
- Door to door cars from your home to the meeting point and back
- Assistance with luggage from the car to the airport terminals
- Return flights from a London based airport.
- Airport fast track through security
- 7 nights onboard the MS Ariana
- Buffet Breakfast including drinks
- Lunch onboard or packed lunch for excursions
- Four course evening meals
- Evening entertainment from the National Gilbert & Sullivan Opera
- House wine, beer or soft drinks included with lunch and dinner
- Coach travel throughout the holiday
- The services of your Tour Manager throughout your stay
- Gratuities
- V.A.T.
For more information or to book call
020 4568 3377
