The Blue Danube River Cruise
8 days from only $1,989pp
8 days from only $1,989pp
Selected departures from April to October 2019
Stepping aboard you will appreciate the superb surroundings of your floating luxury hotel for the next seven nights with spacious and well-appointed cabins or suites, private bathrooms and meticulously prepared fine cuisine.
From Budapest, we slip our moorings and head on our journey north to Esztergom spending the morning exploring its historic centre, which once was Hungary’s capital, before continuing westwards to the beautiful old town of Bratislava, the capital of Slovakia. Navigating through Lower Austria we then reach the romantic town of Dürnstein, where Richard the Lionheart was imprisoned, having been shipwrecked on his return from the crusades. After we visit the remarkable monastery in Melk, with its 200m long Emperor’s Gallery, lined with portraits of Austrian emperors.
Soon we arrive in Linz where we take the short drive to Salzburg. During the guided tour of the old town we will see the imposing fortress Hohensalzburg towering over the city and of course the birthplace and residence of Mozart, Salzburg’s most famous citizen. On our way back eastwards we will reach classical Vienna, home of Strauss and many great composers. This city offers up so much wonderful architecture as well as a host of other things to see including the Spanish riding school.
Finally, cruising into Hungary, we arrive back in imperial Budapest, straddling the picturesque Danube. After a guided tour of this palatial city we spend the evening on board, where the Captain hosts another spectacular dinner, an excellent finale to this most exceptional and relaxing cruise.
Arrive in Budapest, where your five-star floating hotel is moored. The dedicated crew will welcome you on board, ensuring you settle into your comfortable and extremely well-equipped cabin and familiarize yourself with the ship. There is always a sense of expectancy and excitement on the eve of a cruise and after an excellent dinner in the stylish restaurant, conversation is sure to revolve around the delights ahead of you.
Experience one of the great delights of cruising as you awake in a completely different location.
Overnight you have slipped upstream to Esztergom, Hungary’s capital during medieval times and today the seat of the country’s Archbishop. The town is internationally famed for its great Renaissance basilica, Hungary’s largest church, standing sentinel over the Danube and boasting one of the world’s largest altars plus a wealth of gold artefacts. You can explore the castle too, seat of the government until the 16th century Ottoman invasion. Nestling below, there are a myriad of exquisite baroque masterpieces of churches from which resonate the enchanting sound of talented choirs, adding to the unmistakable central- European atmosphere. This is the best of provincial Hungary and little changed since Hapsburg times. As you enjoy your first lunch on board, you gently leave Esztergom in your wake, affording a fascinating opportunity to compare the landscape, towns and villages of Hungary and Slovakia on either bank.
This morning, you explore Slovakia’s fast emerging capital city, Bratislava, on a guided tour.
Until recently swathed in the drab uniformity of communism, the city has shrugged off its greyness, rekindling the splendour of its imperial past, so evident in its beautifully restored baroque old town. Equally impressive is the great 17th century fortress commanding expansive views across the Danube. This afternoon you cruise into Lower Austria, a peaceful, bucolic region and home to some of the country’s best wines. By now, the stresses of everyday life seem very distant as you absorb life on the river, children playing on the banks, young couples strolling arm-in-arm like generations before them, vignerons carefully pruning their vines, cobbled quaysides lined by half-timbered buildings teem with life - with no one giving you a second glance. You will marvel as the captain skilfully navigates the ship with such easy confidence along the serene river and into the fascinating locks as we cruise towards Dürnstein whilst enjoying another superb dinner.
Delightfully picturesque Dürnstein is famous for principally two things. Firstly for the amazing ice- blue baroque tower dominating the river and secondly, having been shipwrecked on his return from the crusades, Richard the Lionheart was imprisoned here, before being reluctantly ransomed for a huge sum by his brother, King John. After lunch, you visit the remarkable monastery at Melk.
Nothing quite prepares you for your first sight of this extraordinary, honey-coloured building, an enormous abbey standing resplendent above the surrounding countryside. Originally a palace it was gifted to the Benedictine Order in the 11th century and although reconstructed in baroque style it has remained a monastic school and monastery ever since. It is famed for its 200m long Emperor’s Gallery lined with portraits of Austrian emperors, plus many fine rooms and a large library containing a unique medieval collection of manuscripts. Rejoining the ship, dinner is served during the last upstream cruise, through the pretty Nibelungengau, now immortalised in the music of Wagner.
Reaching Linz, you will have the choice to stay in the city and take a guided walking tour, exploring its charming baroque old town. At its heart you’ll see one of the finest squares in Austria, lined by grand pastel-coloured facades with an impressive central Trinity Column of white marble, crowned by a gilded sunburst. There’s also the fortress-like castle, built high above the city by Emperor Friedrich III, now a museum housing a fine collection of nineteenth and twentieth-century artworks.
Alternatively, we drive to Salzburg, once an independent state whose archbishops turned it into one of the most sophisticated cities north of the Alps. Dominating the skyline is one of Europe’s largest stone fortresses, the Hohensalzburg, while beneath its walls church domes and spires rise from the delightful Altstadt, or Old Town. Then there’s the wonderful Hellbrunn Palace and the splendid formal gardens of the Mirabell Palace – a must for horticulture fans.
This morning, discover some of the city’s main sights in the company of an expert local guide, then you’re free to explore as you wish. Everywhere there are sights associated with the city’s most famous resident, Mozart, who played the harpsichord aged three, composed rudimentary music at five and wrote his first opera when he was 11!
Please note lunch is not included on this full day excursion to Salzburg; however, the ship will offer a packed lunch. We return to the ship for another splendid dinner.
Today will probably bring one of the highlights of the cruise – Vienna, whose very name provokes images of elegance, fine music, sumptuous baroque palaces, grand boulevards, noble architecture and a rich tapestry of peoples from all corners of Europe drawn to the city’s magnificent cultural heart. For two hundred years until the First World War, Vienna was the cultural centre of Europe and the huge array of showpiece buildings, galleries, aristocratic palaces and baroque churches you see today were built. Dominated by the striking multi-coloured roofed St Stephen’s cathedral, you have the Hofburg, the former royal court now a collection of museums, home to the Vienna Boys’ Choir, the Spanish Riding School, the crown jewels and the world’s fourth largest art collection. Then there are the Emperor’s apartments and outstanding medieval craftsmanship in the relics of the Holy Roman Empire including allegedly, the crown of Charlemagne himself.
This morning, your sightseeing tour offers an insight into why this can truly be described as one of Europe’s great capitals, seat of the Hapsburg Emperors and home to some of the world’s finest classical composers at the peak of their influence, including Beethoven, Brahms, Mozart and of course a whole family of Strausses. During the afternoon you are free to explore as you wish. Take a stroll in the Stadtpark, with its huge Ferris wheel and the backdrop to many a ‘cold war’ spy thriller. Or for something quite different, visit the Schönbrunn former royal palace and now a world-class range of outstanding museums and galleries. Perhaps though, just take a stroll through the fascinating side streets, enjoy a coffee and a slice of delicious sachertorte in one of the renowned pavement cafés, or admire the skill of the street entertainers and even the occasional opera singer.
This evening, we have arranged truly the ‘icing on the cake’: no visit to Vienna is truly complete without a live musical experience so after dinner, we have arranged for a recital on board. To hear this exquisite music whilst in the city of its creation makes a wonderful finale to the day.
Dawn breaks and a glance along the shore as it slips gently past reveals Hungary’s peaceful pastoral landscape, as you majestically cruise to Budapest. After lunch, you enjoy a sightseeing tour of the city. The twin cities of Buda, built around the hilltop fortress and Pest, were fought over through the centuries until the 17th century ousting of the Ottomans. A lasting legacy of Turkish rule is the plethora of thermal baths utilising the hot springs giving rise to the sobriquet “City of the Spas”. Subsequently becoming an imperial city of the Hapsburg Empire, it attracted great cultural and commercial wealth. Explore Castle Hill, the city in microcosm: three churches, five museums and a theatre amongst streets and squares with their own special atmosphere and a dramatic view over the river, its banks dominated by the impressive neo-gothic Parliament building. Endless galleries, museums, outstanding art nouveau architecture and excellent shopping offer a fittingly elegant end to your Danube cruise. At this evening’s gala dinner you sadly bid farewell to your travelling companions and reflect on all the inspirational places, sights and sounds you have experienced on a truly ‘imperial’ cruise.
After breakfast this morning, the crew bids you farewell before you disembark the ship.
Prices are per person, based on two people sharing a twin cabin with a limited number of single cabins available on all decks, at the relevant supplement. The price includes full board from dinner on your day of arrival until breakfast on your final day; if you choose to travel with us on any of the full day excursions by coach, a packed lunch will be provided. Anyone choosing to stay on the ship may of course have lunch in the restaurant; morning/afternoon tea and coffee; all visits and excursions as mentioned in the brochure, coach travel as mentioned and the services of a Riviera Travel tour manager.
While we include everything you might need in our prices, we never charge for something you might not. If you prefer to pre-order your drinks, you can purchase our drinks package which offers superb value and includes a selection of drinks during lunch and dinner.
Simply relax and when it’s time to dine in the restaurant, take your pick from a range of: draught beer; non-alcoholic beer; soft drinks; juices; red, white and rosé house wines; and wine recommendations from the menu by the glass.
If you choose not to purchase a drinks package, there is a vast selection of drinks on board each ship available for individual purchase. To see an example bar list please see our dining information.
Drinks packages must be purchased by all guests in the same cabin or suite, and do not include drinks from the bar. To book the drinks package please call the reservations team.
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Launched in 2015, this five-star ship was specially commissioned and designed just for us by one of Europe’s most experienced and respected ship builders. Constructed to the highest standards of comfort, design and security, you can relax into your luxurious surroundings after each day’s sightseeing with peace of mind. With 35 crew members serving just 140 guests, you’ll receive first class service at every moment.
Quality dining is an integral part of your cruise experience and the superb cuisine is prepared on-board by our dedicated and talented chefs. Take the early riser’s breakfast or enjoy a heartier option at the sumptuous full breakfast buffet. Enjoy the comprehensive lunch buffet, but be sure to make room for afternoon tea and the chef’s special patisserie. The day’s culinary highlight is the splendid four-course dinner. Menus include a mix of international classics and dishes that reflect the regions we pass, with hand-picked selections from local markets. We are able to provide for vegetarian, gluten-free, low-sugar, lactose-free and vegan diets - just let us know in advance.
This ship is well-equipped with the following facilities for your convenience, comfort and entertainment:
The beautifully designed cabins and suites on the MS Charles Dickens all have hotel-style beds, crisp cotton linen and your choice of soft or firm pillows, a private bathroom with shower, endless hot water, fluffy towels and complimentary toiletries. With free Wi-Fi, individually controlled air conditioning, a flat-screen TV, hairdryer, safe and telephone, you’ll have everything you need for a relaxing stay. There are even facilities for making tea and coffee with the well-loved brands you’re used to at home.
Cabin sizes range from 14 square metres to 22.8 square metres. All middle and upper deck cabins boast floor-to-ceiling sliding doors with a Juliet balcony, whilst the deluxe suites offer a small, private balcony for you to sit outside and watch the world go by.
The five-star, Swiss-built MS Emily Brontë is quickly becoming one of our most popular river cruising vessels. Designed solely with our customers in mind, this luxury floating hotel is the perfect setting to relax and unwind after a day of sightseeing. Exceptional creativity from Europe’s finest design studio has produced a masterpiece of on-board style and comfort. With 44 crew members serving just 169 guests, you’ll receive first class service at every moment.
Quality dining is an integral part of your cruise experience and the superb cuisine is prepared on-board by our dedicated and talented chefs. Take the early riser’s breakfast or enjoy a heartier option at the sumptuous full breakfast buffet. Enjoy the comprehensive lunch buffet, but be sure to make room for afternoon tea and the chef’s special patisserie. The day’s culinary highlight is the splendid four-course dinner. Menus include a mix of international classics and dishes that reflect the regions we pass, with hand-picked selections from local markets. We are able to provide for vegetarian, gluten-free, low-sugar, lactose-free and vegan diets - just let us know in advance.
This ship is well-equipped with the following facilities for your convenience, comfort and entertainment:
On this all-suite ship, the beautifully designed, spacious rooms all have hotel-style beds, crisp cotton linen and your choice of soft or firm pillows, a private bathroom with shower, endless hot water, fluffy towels and complimentary toiletries. With free Wi-Fi, individually controlled air conditioning or heating, a flat-screen TV, hairdryer, safe and telephone, you’ll have everything you need for a relaxing stay. There are even facilities for making tea and coffee with the well-loved brands you’re used to at home.
Suite sizes range from 16 square metres to a staggering 25 square metres. All middle and upper deck suites boast floor-to-ceiling sliding doors with a Juliet balcony, whilst the deluxe balcony suites offer a private balcony for you to sit outside and watch the world go by.
Launched in 2015 and built just for us by one of the world’s most experienced luxury river ship builders, this vessel is a favourite with our clients as it guarantees a relaxing, comfortable and enjoyable river cruising experience. With 35 crew members serving just 140 guests, you’ll receive first class service at every moment of your stay on this elegant, floating hotel.
Quality dining is an integral part of your cruise experience and the superb cuisine is prepared on-board by our dedicated and talented chefs. Take the early riser’s breakfast or enjoy a heartier option at the sumptuous full breakfast buffet. Enjoy the comprehensive lunch buffet, but be sure to make room for afternoon tea and the chef’s special patisserie. The day’s culinary highlight is the splendid four-course dinner. Menus include a mix of international classics and dishes that reflect the regions we pass, with hand-picked selections from local markets. We are able to provide for vegetarian, gluten-free, low-sugar, lactose-free and vegan diets - just let us know in advance.
This ship is well-equipped with the following facilities for your convenience, comfort and entertainment:
The beautifully designed cabins and suites on-board the MS Jane Austen all have hotel-style beds, crisp cotton linen and your choice of soft or firm pillows, a private bathroom with shower, endless hot water, fluffy towels and complimentary toiletries. With free Wi-Fi, individually controlled air conditioning or heating, a flat-screen TV, hairdryer, safe and telephone, you’ll have everything you need for a relaxing stay. There are even facilities for making tea and coffee with the well-loved brands you’re used to at home.
Cabin sizes range from 15 square metres to 22.5 square metres. All middle and upper deck cabins boast floor-to-ceiling sliding doors with a Juliet balcony. For added space and luxury, treat yourself to a stay in one of the fabulous deluxe suites.
We are delighted to present the brand new, five-star MS Oscar Wilde – a truly world-class vessel. Designed solely with our customers in mind, this luxury floating hotel is the perfect setting to relax and unwind after a day of sightseeing. Exceptional creativity from Europe’s finest design studio has produced a masterpiece of on-board style and comfort. With 44 crew members serving just 169 guests, you’ll receive first class service at every moment.
Quality dining is an integral part of your cruise experience and the superb cuisine is prepared on-board by our dedicated and talented chefs. Take the early riser’s breakfast or enjoy a heartier option at the sumptuous full breakfast buffet. Enjoy the comprehensive lunch buffet, but be sure to make room for afternoon tea and the chef’s special patisserie. The day’s culinary highlight is the splendid four-course dinner. Menus include a mix of international classics and dishes that reflect the regions we pass, with hand-picked selections from local markets. We are able to provide for vegetarian, gluten-free, low-sugar, lactose-free and vegan diets - just let us know in advance.
This ship is well-equipped with the following facilities for your convenience, comfort and entertainment:>
On this all-suite ship, the beautifully designed and spacious rooms all have hotel-style beds, crisp cotton linen and your choice of soft or firm pillows, a private bathroom with shower, endless hot water, fluffy towels and complimentary toiletries. With free Wi-Fi, individually controlled air conditioning or heating, a flat-screen TV, hairdryer, safe and telephone, you’ll have everything you need for a relaxing stay. There are even facilities for making tea and coffee with the well-loved brands you’re used to at home.
Suite sizes range from 16 square metres to a staggering 25 square metres. All middle and upper deck suites boast floor-to-ceiling sliding doors with a Juliet balcony, whilst the deluxe balcony suites offer a private balcony for you to sit outside and watch the world go by.
We are delighted to present the new, five-star MS Robert Burns - a truly world-class vessel. Designed solely with our customers in mind, this luxury floating hotel is the perfect setting to relax and unwind after a day of sightseeing. Exceptional creativity from Europe’s finest design studio has produced a masterpiece of on-board style and comfort. With 44 crew members serving just 169 guests, you’ll receive first class service at every moment.
Quality dining is an integral part of your cruise experience and the superb cuisine is prepared on-board by our dedicated and talented chefs. Take the early riser’s breakfast or enjoy a heartier option at the sumptuous full breakfast buffet. Enjoy the comprehensive lunch buffet, but be sure to make room for afternoon tea and the chef’s special patisserie. The day’s culinary highlight is the splendid four-course dinner. Menus include a mix of international classics and dishes that reflect the regions we pass, with hand-picked selections from local markets. We are able to provide for vegetarian, gluten-free, low-sugar, lactose-free and vegan diets - just let us know in advance.
This ship is well-equipped with the following facilities for your convenience, comfort and entertainment:
On this all-suite ship, the beautifully designed, spacious rooms all have hotel-style beds, crisp cotton linen and your choice of soft or firm pillows, a private bathroom with shower, endless hot water, fluffy towels and complimentary toiletries. With free Wi-Fi, individually controlled air conditioning or heating, a flat-screen TV, hairdryer, safe and telephone, you’ll have everything you need for a relaxing stay. There are even facilities for making tea and coffee with the well-loved brands you’re used to at home.
Suite sizes range from 16 square metres to a staggering 25 square metres. All middle and upper deck suites boast floor-to-ceiling sliding doors with a Juliet balcony, whilst the deluxe balcony suites offer a private balcony for you to sit outside and watch the world go by.
The five-star, Swiss-built MS Thomas Hardy is quickly becoming one of our most popular river cruising vessels. Designed solely with our customers in mind, this luxury floating hotel is the perfect setting to relax and unwind after a day of sightseeing. Exceptional creativity from Europe’s finest design studio has produced a masterpiece of on-board style and comfort. With 44 crew members serving just 169 guests, you’ll receive first class service at every moment.
Quality dining is an integral part of your cruise experience and the superb cuisine is prepared on-board by our dedicated and talented chefs. Take the early riser’s breakfast or enjoy a heartier option at the sumptuous full breakfast buffet. Enjoy the comprehensive lunch buffet, but be sure to make room for afternoon tea and the chef’s special patisserie. The day’s culinary highlight is the splendid four-course dinner. Menus include a mix of international classics and dishes that reflect the regions we pass, with hand-picked selections from local markets. We are able to provide for vegetarian, gluten-free, low-sugar, lactose-free and vegan diets - just let us know in advance.
This ship is well-equipped with the following facilities for your convenience, comfort and entertainment:
On this all-suite ship, the beautifully designed and spacious rooms all have hotel-style beds, crisp cotton linen and your choice of soft or firm pillows, a private bathroom with shower, endless hot water, fluffy towels and complimentary toiletries. With free Wi-Fi, individually controlled air conditioning or heating, a flat-screen TV, hairdryer, safe and telephone, you’ll have everything you need for a relaxing stay. There are even facilities for making tea and coffee with the well-loved brands you’re used to at home.
Suite sizes range from 16 square metres to a staggering 25 square metres. All middle and upper deck suites boast floor-to-ceiling sliding doors with a Juliet balcony, whilst the deluxe balcony suites offer a private balcony for you to sit outside and watch the world go by.
Specially commissioned and designed to our exacting specifications, this vessel is one of the world’s finest river cruise ships. We worked with one of Europe’s most experienced and respected luxury shipbuilders to create the perfect ship. Their exceptional creativity and design has produced a masterpiece of on-board style and comfort. With 35 crew members serving just 140 guests, you’ll receive first class service at every moment.
Quality dining is an integral part of your cruise experience and the superb cuisine is prepared on-board by our dedicated and talented chefs. Take the early riser’s breakfast or enjoy a heartier option at the sumptuous full breakfast buffet. Enjoy the comprehensive lunch buffet, but be sure to make room for afternoon tea and the chef’s special patisserie. The day’s culinary highlight is the splendid four-course dinner. Menus include a mix of international classics and dishes that reflect the regions we pass, with hand-picked selections from local markets. We are able to provide for vegetarian, gluten-free, low-sugar, lactose-free and vegan diets - just let us know in advance.
This ship is well-equipped with the following facilities for your convenience, comfort and entertainment:
The beautifully designed cabins and suites all have hotel-style beds, crisp cotton linen and your choice of soft or firm pillows, a private bathroom with shower, endless hot water, fluffy towels and complimentary toiletries. With free Wi-Fi, individually controlled air conditioning or heating, a flat-screen TV, hairdryer, safe and telephone, you’ll have everything you need for a relaxing stay. There are even facilities for making tea and coffee with the well-loved brands you’re used to at home.
Cabin sizes range from 14 square metres to 22.8 square metres. All middle and upper deck cabins boast floor-to-ceiling sliding doors with a Juliet balcony, whilst the deluxe suites offer a small, private balcony for you to sit outside and watch the world go by.
We are delighted to present the brand new, five-star MS William Wordsworth – a truly world-class vessel operated exclusively for us. Designed solely with our customers in mind, this luxury floating hotel is the perfect setting to relax and unwind after a day of sightseeing. Exceptional creativity from Europe’s finest design studio has produced a masterpiece of on-board style and comfort, and with 44 crew members serving just 169 guests you’ll receive first class service at every moment.
Quality dining is an integral part of your cruise experience and the superb cuisine is prepared on-board by our dedicated and talented chefs. Take the early riser’s breakfast or enjoy a heartier option at the sumptuous full breakfast buffet. Enjoy the comprehensive lunch buffet, but be sure to make room for afternoon tea and the chef’s special patisserie. The day’s culinary highlight is the splendid four-course dinner. Menus include a mix of international classics and dishes that reflect the regions we pass, with hand-picked selections from local markets. We are able to provide for vegetarian, gluten-free, low-sugar, lactose-free and vegan diets - just let us know in advance.
This ship is well-equipped with the following facilities for your convenience, comfort and entertainment:
On this all-suite ship, the beautifully designed, spacious rooms all have hotel-style beds, crisp cotton linen and your choice of soft or firm pillows, a private bathroom with shower, endless hot water, fluffy towels and complimentary toiletries. With free Wi-Fi, individually controlled air conditioning, flat-screen TV, hairdryer, safe and telephone, you’ll have everything you need for a relaxing stay. There are even facilities for making tea and coffee with the well-loved brands you’re used to at home.
Suite sizes range from 16 square metres to a staggering 25 square metres. All middle and upper deck suites boast floor-to-ceiling sliding doors with a Juliet balcony, whilst the deluxe balcony suites offer a private balcony for you to sit outside and watch the world go by.
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