In 2009 Swan Hellenic returns to river cruising, offering a season of river cruises on the Danube and four further river cruises on the Rhone.
The spring and summer/autumn river cruise programme will operate 10 night itineraries on the Danube and seven night itineraries on the Rhone. A unique 13 night Christmas cruise for 2009/10 cruise will also be available on the Danube, which will further extend the river programme.
Swan Hellenic Chairman, Lord Sterling, comments:
We have carefully reviewed the river cruise market in Europe and decided that our best partner will be A-ROSA, which already has an excellent river cruise programme on the Danube and the Rhône. Being well acquainted with A-ROSA from earlier years when they were part of the P&O Group, we are confident of delivering a memorable Swan Hellenic travel experience. A-ROSA’s excellent reputation of providing an ocean going quality of service on board their river boats complements Swan Hellenic’s hallmark travel experience of travelling in comfort and style.
Swan Hellenic Managing Director, Anthony Dyson, comments:
With a maximum number of 100 cabins accommodating just 200 passengers, these river boats offer elegant, spacious cabins, most of which have Juliette (French) balconies. I am confident that these low passenger numbers and the high standard of accommodation, combined with first class food produced by specially selected Chefs de Cuisine, will appeal to Swan Hellenic passengers.
Swan Hellenic will continue to offer an inclusive fare package including a full programme of excursions and all tips on board and ashore and, as on our ocean going ship Minerva, a Swan Hellenic Cruise Director will accompany each cruise. To complete the Swan Hellenic travel experience, a specially selected Guest Speaker(s) will travel on each cruise, their knowledge and insights illuminating your cruise through the heart of Europe; local speakers and musicians will further enhance your travel experience.
The Danube cruises embark and disembark in Vienna visiting cities such as Budapest, Melk, Linz and Passau with two nights in Vienna; and the cruises along the Rhône and Saône, embark and disembark in Lyon to discover historic cities such as Mâcon and Chalon-sur-Saône with overnights in Avignon and Arles. One particular highlight will be the opportunity of spending Christmas Day in Vienna and New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day in Budapest.
River cruise prices start from £1,499 on the Rhone and £2,199 on the Danube with early booking discounts available too.
