Budapest, Bratislava & Vienna: A Danube Discovery River Cruise - MS Riviera Radiance
Holiday Highlights
- Discover the Slovakian capital, Bratislava with its 17th-century castle and charming old town on a guided tour.
- See Vienna's iconic cultural sites, including St Stephen's Cathedral and the colossal Hofburg, in the company of a local guide on our sightseeing tour of Vienna.
- Spend time in the Hungarian capital, Budapest, seeing its iconic Parliament Building and ancient Castle Hill.
- Enjoy a performance by a locally inspired string quartet, paying tribute to regional musical traditions with a blend of classical and folk influences.
What's Included
- Prices are per person, based on two people sharing a twin cabin with a limited number of sole occupancy cabins available, at the relevant supplement. The price includes:
- Full board during your cruise from dinner on your day of arrival until breakfast on your final day Â
- All-inclusive drinks package
- 4 nights on board a Five-star ship
- Complimentary on-board Wi-Fi (connection speeds may vary)
- All visits and excursions as mentioned Â
- Return flights Â
- Coach travel as mentioned
- Transfers from the airport to and from the port of embarkation
- English-speaking expert guides Â
- The services of a Riviera Travel Cruise Director and Concierge
- All port charges & airport taxes
- Checked luggageÂ
Itinerary
Day 1
Budapest - On arrival in Budapest, you’ll be met by a member of the Rivera team and transferred to our ship, the newly launched Riviera Radiance. Our welcoming, English-speaking crew will be ready to assist you in finding your cabin. After settling in, take some time to explore the many first-class amenities before sitting down to your first delicious dinner in our stylish onboard restaurant. We’ll remain moored in Budapest overnight.
Day 2
Budapest - Although divided by the Danube River, the twin cities of Buda and Pest have been unified since 1873. Buda, sitting on the western side, offers fairytale architecture, pretty promenades and wooded hills whilst Pest, to the east, is known for its lively and more modern atmosphere with plenty of trendy bars, cafés and restaurants. Through the centuries, this land has been shaped by struggle and resilience. The Ottomans ruled for 150 years before their departure in the late 17th century. Their enduring legacy continues to thrive in the form of thermal baths nourished by healing hot springs, earning Budapest its inspiring title – the ‘City of Spas’. At the end of the Ottoman rule, it became the imperial city of the Habsburg Empire, attracting great cultural and commercial wealth, before contending with the atrocities of fascism and communism. Yet despite its dark past, Hungary’s gorgeous capital emerged as one of the most vibrant, fascinating cities in Europe - and one of the most beautiful. Here contemporary cool and old-school grandeur mix effortlessly, and all with a distinctly Hungarian flavour. On our guided tour this morning, we'll see all the ways in which Budapest lives up to its reputation as the ‘Pearl of the Danube’, from Castle Hill to the awe-inspiring neo-Gothic Parliament Building. The outstanding Art Nouveau and Secessionist architecture and excellent shopping offer a fittingly elegant start to your Danube cruise. But that's not all Budapest has to offer - there are endless galleries and museums to explore, including the Museum of Fine Art which is home to masterpieces by Raphael, Giorgione, Titian, Tintoretto, and Tiepolo. Or perhaps visit a cosy café or bar and enjoy a more relaxing start to your discovery tour. Not sure where to start? Talk to your expert Tour Manager or local guide and get their recommendations for things to see and do! In the early evening, we'll begin our journey upstream towards Bratislava so this evening, relax and enjoy views of the riverbanks gliding by.Â
From the split-level lounge and dining in the main restaurant to the floor-to-ceiling French balconies available in over 80% of cabins and suites, life on board the 135-metre MS Riviera Radiance feels airy and light. The Grand Suites, located on our Diamond Deck, are an impressive 32 square metres and feature separate living and sleeping space as well as a full balcony - making them our biggest suites yet - and at 24 square metres, our Superior Suites feel luxuriously spacious.
Our brand-new ship features all the facilities you'd expect to find in a boutique hotel. The main restaurant rivals the finest onshore establishments, taking fine dining to another level, complemented by delicate European porcelain, gleaming glassware and the intuitive service in which the Swiss excel. On board are two additional, speciality restaurants, which offer a more intimate dining experience and showcase a delicious array of local flavours. You'll never go hungry on board!
Designed with the very latest technology and our strong environmental values in mind, MS Riviera Radiance is on track to qualify for the Gold Standard as part of the Green Award programme. So, you can lay back, relax and enjoy that cocktail on the Sun Deck guilt-free knowing your holiday will have a minimised impact on the peaceful natural landscapes we cruise through, protecting the world we love exploring for future generations to enjoy.