Exclusive for MoS readers: Discover the Danube with John Simpson – see Vienna, Bratislava and Budapest, plus meet the BBC star
Sailing along the mighty Danube is one of the world’s great river journeys and on this exclusive trip you will enjoy all its historic and cultural highlights – while also meeting one of the world’s most famous reporters.
BBC legend John Simpson will join you as you sail between Vienna and Budapest on your premium CroisiEurope river boat, with all your meals and drinks on board already included in the price.
In Vienna, John will give a fascinating talk and Q&A about his life and extraordinary career, sharing brilliant stories and insights from his decades covering wars and revolutions around the world.
Magnificent: The Hungarian Parliament Building on the banks of the Danube in Budapest
Each booking will also receive a copy of John’s gripping new thriller, Moscow, Midnight, his first novel in 35 years, which he will be happy to sign for you at a special book signing in Budapest.
John has seen the Hungarian capital transformed since the fall of communism and, armed with his expert insights, you will have plenty of time to discover the city for yourself.
You will then sail to Bratislava, capital of Slovakia, where you can explore the beautiful and historic old town. Fascinating guided excursions of Vienna, Budapest and Bratislava are all included in what promises to be unique and unforgettable adventure along the Danube.
John says: ‘Over more than 30 years as a foreign correspondent and editor for the BBC, I have been fortunate to have witnessed at first hand many of the seismic events that shaped the modern world.
‘I look forward to sharing some of these unforgettable experiences and my own insights as we sail together between two of Europe’s great cities, Vienna and Budapest.’
REASONS TO BOOK
Meet John Simpson
One of the greatest journalists of his generation, John Simpson joined the BBC in 1966, has reported from 140 countries, including 42 war zones, interviewed at least 200 leaders and been awarded three Baftas and an Emmy. You will be there to hear his private talk in Vienna, as he recounts how some of the countries you will be visiting freed themselves from communism, and the part he played in the demise of the infamous dictator Nicolae Ceausescu in neighbouring Romania.
You will also have the chance to ask John your own burning ques-tions following his talk and for him to sign your complimentary copy of his new novel, Moscow, Midnight, at a special book signing event where you’ll get to meet him one-on-one.
Sail in style on MS Vivaldi
MS Vivaldi, a premium-class ship in CroisiEurope’s impressive European fleet, boasts comfortable cabins with picture windows, a panoramic lounge, bar and sundeck. The restaurant serves delicious French food and all your meals and drinks on board are included.
Free tours of Vienna, Budapest and Bratislava
Your superb five-day itinerary includes free guided excursions to all three stunning European capitals en route. Your trip starts in magnificent Vienna, famous for its stunning baroque architecture and for being the home of great composers such as Beethoven, Mozart and Strauss. In Budapest, known as the ‘Pearl of the Danube’, you can visit the historic Hungarian Parliament Building and Buda Castle, and bathe in the famous Gellért Baths. In Bratislava, you can explore its pedestrian-only old quarter with its beautiful palaces, churches and squares.