Set sail in search of spies and heroes...
Your mission led by an MI6 chief and a BBC star
THERE is no river quite like the Danube. Flowing through four capital cities – more than any other waterway in the world – the Danube has divided empires and been central to some of the most significant changes in our lifetime.
Who better to explain the events s that have shaped its recent history y than two special guests who will l join The Mail on Sunday’s excluusive eight-day Secrets And Spies s cruise: Sir Richard Dearlove, the e former MI6 chief who served d behind the Iron Curtain; and the e BBC’s world affairs editor John n Simpson, who has documented d first-hand the region’s revolutions s and regeneration.
Along with t heir fascinating g insights, you will experience the wonders of this majestic river – from palatial Vienna and the historic old town of Bratislava, to the bathing houses of Budapest and resurgent Belgrade – all from the comfort of one of Scenic’s five-star Space-Ships.
1 JOIN JOHN SIMPSON IN BUDAPEST
THE BBC world affairs editor has witnessed at first hand some of the great changes of our time in Central Europe.
He will join you in the Hungarian capital to talk about his experience covering the fall of the Iron Curtain, with insights into the different ways nations freed themselves from communism, and the legacy of those crucial moments of history.
2 MEET THE MI6 SPYMASTER
YOU will hear from Sir Richard Dearlove, who served behind the I r o n Curt a i n b e f o r e h e was appointed Chief of MI6. In a fascinating talk, Sir Richard will elaborate on the shifting geopolitics of the region, and the way intelligence operations have changed since he was a frontline case officer. He will also join readers on a tour of the old communist haunts of the Slovak capital, Bratislava.
3 SAIL IN FIVE- STAR LUXURY ALL THE WAY
AS YOU travel east from Vienna, you will sail in true style on board a Scenic Space-Ship. These luxurious 440ft-long vessels are among the finest in Europe, with a staffto-guest ratio of one to three. There are up to six dining options, and facilities on board include a lounge bar, sun deck, pool, wellness centre and gym, and e-bikes for adventures ashore.
The balcony suites include a sunlounge system, which transforms your balcony into an all-weather conservatory- style space, while all cabins have the same amenities: a private butler service for every guest, high- definition TVs, Mac Mini system, L’Occitane toiletries and a minibar that is restocked on a daily basis.
4 EXPLORE FOUR GREAT CAPITALS
YOU will have the opportunity to explore all four of the capital cities on the river. Starting in the beauti- ful, baroque Austrian capital of Vienna, you will sail onwards to Bratislava, where you will have the chance to wander its historic old town.
The next stop is Budapest, the wonderful Hungarian capital, and a city that has been transformed in the decades since communist rule came to an end. Finally, you will disembark in Belgrade, the capital
of Serbia, which has a troubled past but a vibrant future.
5 FASCINATING EXCURSIONS
ALL the excursions are included in the cost of the cruise – and there is a tantalising selection to choose from.
In Vienna, you can opt to visit t he renowned Spanish Riding School or explore the former imperial summer residence at Schonbrunn Palace. You can experience the famous bathing houses of Budapest or witness the startling horsemanship at a show held at the Puszta Horse Farm.
The i tinerary also takes you through some beautiful Croatian riverside towns, including Osijek and Vukovar. Both still bear the scars of recent conflict, situated as they were along the fault line of the Balkans conflict of the 1990s.
But these towns have now largely returned to their elegant, attractive former glory.
6 EVERYTHING IS INCLUDED
THE price you pay includes all flights, transfers and meals on board ( with wine, beer and soft drinks included with lunch and dinner) as well as all shore excursions, butler service, talks and lectures, all gratuities and taxes and even an unlimited minibar ( including top- shelf spirits and cocktails in your room).