Danube in Depth - Correspondents' Cruise

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DANUBE IN DEPTH CORRESPONDENTS’ CRUISE

Three of Britain’s finest reporters lead you on a unique river journey through central & Eastern Europe and discuss the events that shaped the region.

John Simpson

UltraTravel columist and BBC world affairs editor

Martin Bell

Former BBC foreign correspondent

Nick Thorpe

BBC central Europe correspondent

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Excellent itinerary and memorable experiences.

All staff on-board the cruise were first class!

Mr & Mrs Goodwin

Meet your Correspondents...

JOHN SIMPSON is the BBC’s world affairs editor and a columnist for UltraTravel, the Telegraph’s luxury travel magazine. During his distinguished career he has reported from more than 120 countries, including 30 war zones - from the the fall of Ceau sescu in Romania and Nelson Mandela’s release in South Africa to the liberation of Kabul.

MARTIN BELL is a former BBC foreign correspondent, former independent politician, a Unicef ambassador and contributor to Telegraph Travel. Over a 30-year career he has reported from 11 conflicts and from 80 countries, making his name with reports from Vietnam, the Middle East, Nigeria, Angola, Northern Ireland and the Balkans. Here he reported from Vukovar, Sarajevo and Mostar in Bosnia and from Zagreb in Croatia.

NICK THORPE has been the BBC’s central Europe correspondent since 1996 and is also an author, documentary film-maker and a regular contributor to Telegraph Travel. He is based in Budapest and has over 25 years’ experience of reporting for the BBC. Among his books is last year’s acclaimed The Danube: A Journey Upriver from the Black Sea to the Black Forest.

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John Simpson

Danube River

What our guests say...

Martin Bell, Budapest Parliament Building

Our first Correspondents’ Cruise sold out in just four days. Having just returned from this remarkable cruise, here are just a few reviews from our guests.

The talk by Martin Bell was the best I’ve attended in many years, if not ever!

Mr & Mrs Foster

Nick’s introduction on the highlights of the Danube was the perfect start to a wonderful cruise.

Nick Thorpe on-board Emerald Sky

Mr & Mrs D White

For us, listening to John talk about his time as a war reporter in the region was the highlight of a unique cruise.

Mr & Mrs Jones

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10-days Danube In Depth Correspondents’ Cruise – Budapest-Bucharest We are delighted to offer guests a unique and rare opportunity on our Correspondents’ river cruise from Budapest to Bucharest. We have curated a one-off journey with the Telegraph and three of their finest reporters: Nick Thorpe, Martin Bell and John Simpson.

As you travel down the Danube on an award-winning Emerald Waterways Star-Ship, the historically charged towns and cities that dot the river’s edges are rife with diversity and culture.

And on this very special cruise, you will enjoy insights into the area from those who reported the events that shaped the landscape. Travelling from hilltop towns to majestic cities, admiring the stone-clad and emerald scenes en-route, this is an Emerald journey like no other.

DAY 1 ARRIVE BUDAPEST Upon arrival in Budapest, you will be met at the airport by a friendly Emerald Waterways representative and transferred by coach to your deluxe ship. After a warm welcome by your Captain and crew, you will have the opportunity to relax and explore the ship’s fantastic facilities before the first highlight of your cruise begins.

NICK THORPE This evening the BBC correspondent in Budapest and author of the ‘The Danube’, will take the lead in an inspiring Q&A session.

Nick is perfectly placed to divulge tales of the river on which you are travelling, before answering questions about his time spent in the area as a journalist. And as you pass under the city’s bridges while indulging in a traditional Hungarian dinner, the scene is set and the stories begin to flow.

Included excursions: traditional Hungarian Welcome Dinner with entertainment.

Included meals: Welcome Dinner.

DAY 2 KALOCSA Early on day two you will sail out of Budapest towards Kalocsa, one of Hungary’s oldest towns.

MARTIN BELL You may have met journalist Martin Bell on day one, wandering aboard the ship, and after Nick takes his leave today, Martin will step in as the ship’s guest speaker with thought provoking tales of his

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time reporting in the region during it’s troubled times.

This afternoon the first excursion included on your cruise will take place here, in Kalocsa. You are invited to witness a showcase of undeniable talent at the Puszta Horse Farm, where riders will take part in a parade for your pleasure.

Included excursions: visit to a Puszta Horse Farm.

Included meals: breakfast, lunch and dinner.

DAY 3 VUKOVAR As you cruise in to Vukovar on day three, a place heavily damaged by the Croatian war, few people are in a better position to assist in a tour of the area than Martin Bell. Today Martin has curated a very special tour starting with local guides taking you on a fascinating tour. The city’s water tower is still riddled with bullet holes, yet remains untouched to serve as a testimony to the events that took place during the early 1990s.

You’ll then move onto Osijek, Croatia’s fourth largest city.

Despite finding itself in the epicentre of the Homeland War in the early 1990s, it’s easy to forget the turmoil endured by the residents of Osijek as you wander along the banks of the Drava. You’ll explore this leafy metropolis on a bus tour before visiting the 18th century fortress to explore on foot. This afternoon, you’ll enjoy an authentic experience, as you meet a local family who will tell you tales of their past and everyday life, and welcome you into their home for a traditional lunch, specially prepared for you.

Included meals: breakfast, lunch and dinner.

DAY 4 BELGRADE Today you’ll explore Serbia’s vibrant capital of Belgrade, with a guided tour taking you back in time to discover Belgrade’s turbulent history.

You’ll visit Tito’s Memorial which is part of a memorial complex in the grounds of the Museum of Yugoslav History and the impressive Fortress Kalemegdan – defensive structure overlooking the confluence of the Sava and the Danube rivers.

You’ll also have the chance to visit St Sava Church which is the world’s largest Orthodox cathedral.

In the afternoon you can book an optional excursion to Novi Sad – Serbia’s second largest city. Here lies the Petrovaradin fortress, which provides a home to artists’ studios, a museum and a stunning view of the city beneath.

Included excursions: a guided tour of Belgrade.

Included meals: breakfast, lunch and dinner.

Palace of the Parliament, Bucharest

The charming hillside city of Veliko Tarnovo

DAY 5 IRON GATE As you relax on-board and glide seamlessly down the river, you’ll sail through the narrow and once-dangerous gorge between the European Alps and Carpathian Mountains known as the Iron Gate.

The towering, stone-clad passage way boasts spectacular scenery and towering cliff faces that form the border between Serbia and Romania. Passing the mythical-looking landscape, the views look stunning from on-deck.

Included meals: breakfast, lunch and dinner.

DAY 6 SVISHTOV - VELIKO TARNOVO - ARBANASSI This morning you’ll cruise into Bulgaria where your ship will dock in the former Roman town of Svishtov, located in Veliko Tarnovo Province on the right bank of the Danube.

After arriving, you and your fellow guests will board a coach to travel to the cliff top town of Veliko Tarnovo, the former capital of the Bulgarian empire, once known as the ‘City of the Tsars’. The cavorting alleyway in these historical hills is home to 200 old year houses, craft workshops, souvenir shops and art galleries, as well as multiple emblematic Medieval churches.

After your tour you’ll visit the historic town of Arbanassi, which is perched high on a plateau overlooking the Yantra Valley, lined with traditional stone houses. Due to its exciting past, Arbanassi boasts a large number of historical monuments, such as 17th and 18th century churches and many examples of Bulgarian National Revival architecture, which have turned the town in to a popular tourist destination.

Included excursions: a guided tour of Veliko Tarnovo and Arbanassi.

Included meals: breakfast, lunch and dinner.

DAY 7 SILISTRA Today you can either relax in the riverside city of Silistra which was once a Roman fort under the Byzantine Empire and later part of the Ottoman conquest. Or you can take an included guided tour to the village of Alfatar where you will see life in a small village and visit a local school and a traditional old house museum. If you’re feeling particularly adventurous, you can replace today’s included excursion by booking an optional

European Square, Osijek

excursion to the Black Sea. As tonight is your final evening on-board your ship, you’ll enjoy a Farewell Dinner.

Included excursions: a guided tour of Alfatar.

Included meals: breakfast, lunch and Farewell Dinner.

DAY 8 BUCHAREST - SNAGNOV This morning you’ll say goodbye to your Captain, crew and Emerald Waterways’ ship as you disembark for Bucharest and check-in for two nights at the Novotel or similar hotel.

JOHN SIMPSON Today you will welcome your third and final guest, BBC correspondent, John Simpson. John was a reporter in Bucharest during the fall of Nicolae Ceausescu in 1989. And John joins you for lunch where he will recall his time in the region, sharing his experiences and tales of his time broadcasting.

As part of your daily itinerary, you also have the chance to take an included excursion to Snagov Monastery, which is the supposed burial site of Vlad the Impaler, more commonly known as Count Dracula.

Included excursions: a visit to Snagov Monastery.

Included meals: breakfast and lunch.

DAY 9 BUCHAREST - SNAGNOV On your second day in Bucharest, you will enjoy a morning guided tour where John will join you for a short period to answer any further questions you have. You will enjoy a visit to the magnificent Palace of the Parliament, Europe’s largest and heaviest civilian building, designed and constructed by its former dictator Nicolae Ceausescu. This afternoon you are free to explore this fascinating city at your own pace.

Included meals: breakfast and dinner.

DAY 10 DEPART BUCHAREST After a delicious breakfast to prepare you for the day ahead, it’s time to say your goodbyes to your fellow guests before you’re transferred to the airport and your journey home begins.

Included meals: breakfast.

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YOUR ON-BOARD OASIS

10-DAYS BUDAPEST TO BUCHAREST

Budapest

HUNGARY Kalocsa

ROMANIA Snagov

CROATIA Osiek

7 Belgrade

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Iron Gate

SERBIA

Bucharest Silistra

Svishtov Arbanassi Veliko Tarnovo

BULGARIA

Horizon Lounge

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Number of nights Coach transfer River cruise Map is a guide only

IT’S ALL INCLUDED Return travel from the UK 2 nights at the Novotel Bucharest or similar

Heated pool

7 nights in a stateroom or suite of your choice, all with a river view 7 shore excursions either on foot or by First Class coach Exclusive talks with John Simpson, Martin Bell and Nick Thorpe 2 EmeraldPLUS experiences, including lunch in the home of a local family 22 on-board meals: 9 breakfasts, 5 lunches, 1 special lunch, 5 dinners and 2 highlight dinners including a Welcome Dinner Complimentary tea and coffee available on-board at all times Complimentary bottled water in your suite or stateroom, restocked daily A variety of on-board evening entertainment First-class service from English-speaking crew and knowledgeable local guides Complimentary WiFi on-board All port charges, airport taxes and transfers within Europe Complimentary wine, beer and soft drinks to accompany lunch and dinner Fly from London, Manchester, Birmingham, Glasgow and Edinburgh at no extra cost All tips, saving you up to £235 per couple

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Mezzanine

From the moment you step on-board you’re greeted by a stunning three-tiered atrium, the sort of centrepiece you might expect to find in a boutique hotel. Meander further down the ship and you’ll find our stylish Horizon Bar & Lounge, a fully equipped fitness area, relaxing wellness centre, hairdressers and our inventive pool and cinema sanctuary at the ship’s stern.

And when the sun’s beaming down, our panoramic Sun Deck is the ideal place to unwind and savour the endless serenity of the river. With the perfect combination of included excursions and free time, you’ll soon become accustomed to the exceptional facilities at your disposal on an Emerald cruise.

Hurry cabins selling fast!

Fortress Kalemegdan, Belgrade

Statue of Dacian King Decebalus, Iron Gate

EmeraldPLUS Lunch with a local family, Osijek

St. Sava Church, Belgrade

Emerald Sky, Rhine Gorge

2015 Departure Dates

E Emerald Stateroom

WAS 18 Apr 22 Aug 27 Aug*

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£2,445 £1,770 £2,545 £1,895

ES Emerald Single Stateroom

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C B A R P S SA Emerald Emerald Emerald Emerald Emerald Grand Owner’s One Panorama Panorama Panorama Panorama Panorama Balcony Suite Bedroom Suite Balcony Suite Balcony Suite Balcony Suite Balcony Suite Balcony Suite WAS

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£3,145 £2,495 £3,145 £2,695 £3,345 £2,695 £3,545 £2,895 £4,245 £3,595

* This departure operates in reverse, from Bucharest - Budapest and the correspondents’ talk times will vary.

Terms & Conditions: All our holidays are subject to availability. All prices are per person based on a twin share (excluding ES Single stateroom).

Please call for details on single supplements. Ask for further details at the time of reservation with full payment required 90 days before departure.

Itineraries may operate in each direction, For full operator terms and conditions apply, please visit www.fred.travel/about-fred/terms-conditions for full terms and conditions.

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