Guest post by Fox World Travel Tour Manager, Rose Gray

The Fox World Travel Group, Delightful Danube hosted by John McGivern was fortunate to sail on the beautiful, newly furbished S.S. Beatrice in October 2019. And it was no surprise that the guests were BLOWN away!

Making her debut in April this year, the S. S. Beatrice is the fifth Super Ship for the Uniworld Boutique River Cruise Collection.  The S. S. Beatrice is an amazing work of art on the water, featuring a mix of luxury and classic design with marble floors, a Murano chandelier, and a grand staircase made of nickel and black iron.  If the ship alone isn’t enough of a masterpiece the S.S. Beatrice also features original artwork throughout the ship including pieces from Pablo Picasso, Alexander Calder, and Pino Signoretto.

Our itinerary included Budapest, Vienna, Spitz, Passau. Regensburg, Nuremberg and a two-night post-cruise stay in Prague. One of the things that sets Uniworld apart is the unique excursions they offer, many of which are a result of the individual relationships that have developed all over the world. Our group had the opportunity to experience a private wine reception at Artstetten Castle.  We even had the chance to meet Princess Anita von Hohenberg, a member of the Habsburg family, is a direct descendent of Archduke Franz Ferdinand and his wife, Sophie, whose assassination in Sarajevo triggered WWI. The castle itself dates back to the 13^th century and is known for its seven towers.  It is the final resting place of the archduke and his wife, who are entombed in the family crypt, which we had the opportunity to explore.

Other excursions offered included a Bavarian sausage making workshop, a visit to the BMW factory, and a panoramic city tour of Nuremberg with a visit to the Rally grounds and Documentation Center. The BMW factory visit was a guest favorite. They enjoyed experiencing first hand the state-of-the-art production process and the BMW standard of sustainability. Many questions were asked about the possibility of shipping vehicles to the states. Next time I run into a Delightful Danube guest, they may be driving a new series 3!

When it comes to Vienna, Uniworld offers something truly unique.  Most visitors can attend a concert in Vienna, but only Uniworld cruises and Fox Group Travelers get to experience a private personal concert.  It is a magical night of Mozart and Strauss; an experience not to be missed. After the champagne intermission, our guests’ inhibitions disappeared and their dancing shoes appeared! Several joined the vocalists and delighted us with a true Viennese waltz.

After disembarking our ship in Nuremburg, we continued via motorcoach to enchanting Prague where we spent two nights at the Cosmopolitan Hotel. Prague is famous for its dynamic energy and elegant ambiance (and the beers here are pretty amazing too). A thousand years of architecture, from ornate Gothic to fanciful postmodern, has been beautifully preserved here.

S.S. Beatrice, an outstanding itinerary, unique excursions, two days to enjoy spectacular Prague and our superb host, John McGivern equals happy Fox World Travel guests.

Travel with John McGivern and Rose Gray in 2020 on a Burgundy and Provence River Cruise through France

Join John McGivern and Rose Gray October 3-11, 2020 on their journey of exquisite pleasures. Follow in the footsteps of Van Gogh, Cézanne and Gauguin on this exquisite journey through southern France; the same beautiful countryside and culture that inspired the masters will now inspire you.

Cruise the Rhône and Saône rivers, enjoying the region’s incomparable wine and cuisine and discovering its many treasures—from the medieval wonders of UNESCO-designated Avignon to Lyon’s lively river banks. Stroll the very streets of Arles made famous by Van Gogh. Visit Avignon’s majestic Palace of the Popes.

View details of this trip and book today! 

You can also check out our collection of other Fox World Travel Group Vacations!