Meet top writers as you sail the Danube
Exclusive for MoS readers: Join this unique floating literary festival that will combine European grandeur with great British authors
NEXT spring, with memories of this one firmly in the rear-view mirror, you’ll have the chance to join one of the UK’s most popular literary events – taking place for the first time on a river cruise.
A floating version of the Henley Literary Festival – featuring talks, interviews and more from a host of top writers – will take place on board an Emerald Waterways Star-Ship during an eight-day journey along the mighty Danube.
The river is one of the greatest in Europe, flowing through ten countries and four capital cities – Vienna, Budapest, Bratislava and Belgrade.
This unique itinerary in April next year starts in Passau, an ancient town on the edge of the Black Forest in Germany. Your ship will also stop at Linz; at the towns of Melk and Durnstein in the beautiful Unesco-listed Wachau Valley; then Bratislava and Vienna, before finishing at the stunning Hungarian capital, Budapest.
With an incredible line-up of bestselling authors set to attend, including Dame Jenni Murray, Liz Earle, Victoria Hislop, Jeremy Paxman, Kate Adie and Louis de Bernières, this promises to be an epic voyage through central Europe that booklovers will not want to miss.
YOUR SPECIAL GUESTS
AWARD-winning journalist, author and broadcaster JEREMY PAXMAN was the BBC’s Newsnight anchor for 25 years and has hosted University Challenge since 1994. His books include his insightful memoir, A Life In Questions.
As well as the bestselling author of more than 35 books, LIZ EARLE is a leading wellness entrepreneur, TV presenter, podcast host, charity founder and organic farmer.
VICTORIA HISLOP’s awardwinning first novel, The Island, sold more than five million copies worldwide and has been translated into 35 languages.
LOUIS DE BERNIÈRES’ best-known work is Captain Corelli’s Mandolin, which won the Commonwealth Writers’ Prize for Best Novel in 1994. It was later adapted into a major Hollywood film starring Nicolas Cage and Penélope Cruz.
DAME JENNI MURRAY has presented BBC Radio 4’s Woman’s Hour for more than 30 years and is the author of a number of popular books, including A History Of Britain In 21 Women.
Former BBC Chief News Correspondent
KATE ADIE now presents Radio 4’s From Our Own Correspondent, and she has written several books, including The Kindness Of Strangers, a memoir of her extraordinary life.
REASONS TO BOOK
An incredible line-up: You will rub shoulders with some of our favourite personalities from the world of books, hand-picked by Henley Literary Festival, now one of the UK’s most popular literary festivals. With more speakers to be announced, you’ll get to hear them talk and attend exclusive question-andanswer sessions on board.
Discover the Danube: During this voyage you’ll sail through stunning scenery and visit two of Europe’s great capitals – Vienna, famous for its art and culture, and the historic city of Budapest, Hungary’s capital.
Your deluxe Star-Ship: The Emerald Waterways fleet offers spacious and stylishly designed staterooms, an indoor heated pool with retractable roof, fitness centre, large openair sun deck with putting green and an evening cinema.