Exclusive for MoS readers: Discover the Danube with John Simpson

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 

YOUR ITINERARY

Day 1 Fly to Vienna and board MS Vivaldi 

Day 2 Vienna and John Simpson talk and Q&A 

Day 3 Budapest and book signing 

Day 4 Bratislava 

Day 5 Vienna and return to the UK

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.’

OUR SPECIAL GUEST 

You will be joined by John Simpson (above)

You will be joined by John Simpson (above)

As the BBC’s World Affairs Editor, John Simpson CBE has enjoyed a remarkable career – flying into Tehran with the returning Ayatollah Khomeini during 1979’s Iranian Revolution and dodging bullets in 1989’s Tiananmen Square massacre. John, right, was also one of the first reporters to enter Afghanistan in 2001, when he crossed the border disguised in a burka. His books include Dispatches From The Barricades: An Eyewitness Account Of The Revolutions That Shook The World, and We Chose To Speak Of War And Strife: The World Of The Foreign Correspondent.

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.

WHAT’S INCLUDED? 

John Simpson's spy thriller, Moscow Midnight

John Simpson’s spy thriller, Moscow Midnight

  • Return flights, taxes and transfers (regional airports available at a supplement).
  • Four-nights’ full-board accommodation on MS Vivaldi, including drinks with meals and at the bar.
  • Return transfers to and from the ship.
  • Exclusive talk, Q&A and book-signing with John Simpson as detailed in the itinerary online.
  • Copy of John Simpson’s Moscow, Midnight (one per booking).
  • Guided tours of Vienna, Budapest and Bratislava.
  • On board activities as detailed in the itinerary online.
  • Free wi-fi in lounge and bar, and all port fees.

HOW TO BOOK

The dates: March 16-20, 2020. The price: From £1,199pp* for five days.

Call 0203 9930 708 quoting reference MOS JOHN SIMPSON. To find out more, visit mailtravel.co.uk/johnsimpson.

Terms and conditions: * Based on two sharing an entry-level cabin. Single supplement applies. Subject to availability. Timings of John’s events are subject to change and there may be slight alterations to the itinerary due to operational restrictions. Drinks on board are included in the price, with the exception of premium wines and spirits, for which there is a charge. This trip is ATOL protected. This trip is operated by Jetline and is exclusive to Mail Travel and select publications. For full Ts&Cs, visit mailtravel.co.uk/johnsimpson. 

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