Free drinks package includes drinks from 10 am to 5 pm each day
- Red, white, rose, and sparkling house wine, including non-alcoholic
- Draft beer, including non-alcoholic
- A selection of soft drinks and juices
- Riviera's cocktail and mocktail of the day
- House spirits and mixers (Gin, Vodka, Rum, Whisky, Brandy, Port and Bailey) (excludes liquers)
- Daily wine during dinner
- Tea and Coffee from the Bar
5 nights on board a five-star ship
7 included experiences
Full board dining
Complimentary on-board tea & coffee
Free Wi-Fi
Expert Riviera Cruise Director & Concierge
All port charges
All additional taxes
On arrival, a coach will transfer you to your five-star cruise ship moored in this beautiful city straddling the banks of the glorious Danube. As you step on board you will be greeted by your professional, five-star crew who are on hand to help you settle in as you familiarize yourself with the layout of this splendid ship.
We are moored overnight so you may fancy a wander ashore to start exploring this charismatic city, so full of atmosphere at this special time of year. It won’t be long before our first excellent dinner is served in the ship’s restaurant, over which you can get acquainted with some of your fellow travelers.
Enjoy a digestif in the welcoming lounge as you ponder all that the next few days has in store!
Explore Budapest on a guided tour, then cruise along the Danube Bend this afternoon.
- Guided tour of Budapest included
- Free afternoon sailing along the Danube
Budapest is always an atmospheric and fascinating city, but at this time of the year, the muted colors of its magnificent archaic spires and grand domes are especially captivating on the wintry skyline.
The historic and palatial buildings, the superb Roman ruins and exquisite Art Nouveau architecture provide a truly impressive backdrop for the city’s acclaimed Christmas markets. This morning, we enjoy a guided tour seeing the main sights such as the iconic Parliament Building and the ancient Castle District with its winding streets and panoramic views.
There’s some free time here to explore under your own steam, so perhaps wander the markets and soak up the traditional atmosphere as classical music fills the air along with the delicious smells of spicy gingerbread and peppery goulash – and don’t forget the mulled wine to stave off the winter chill!
Enjoy a guided tour of Bratislava, then visit the Christmas markets after lunch.
- Guided tour of Bratislava
- Visit to Bratislava's Christmas markets
During this morning’s breakfast, we arrive in Bratislava, the capital of Slovakia. Its communist past now firmly confined to the history books, the city has rediscovered its imperial heritage in its beautifully restored baroque old town whilst the grand white fortress, former seat of the rulers, enjoys commanding views over the river.
This morning we will discover more about the city’s interesting history, seeing the fortress and discovering the main sights of the old town, the only preserved gate of the city’s fortification system, the Neo-Renaissance-style Old Opera House, St. Martin’s Cathedral - a Gothic structure from the 15th century and former coronation site - along with the Classicist Primate’s Palace.
After lunch back on board you may wish to return to shore – wander the maze of streets, admiring the Christmas decorations until you reach the main square and the market with its cozy atmosphere; the sweet fragrance of cinnamon wafts on the air and hundreds of fairy lights twinkle amongst the branches of the Christmas trees. Perhaps climb the tower of the Old Town Hall for a bird’s eye view of the city and the bustling market below. The pretty red and white stalls groan with inspirational artisan gifts, from decorations, wooden figurines or pottery. Sample some local delicacies, such as potato pancakes or poppy-seed strudel, but try not to spoil your appetite — it won’t be long until dinner is served back on board as we continue our journey towards Vienna.
See Vienna's highlights on our guided tour, then visit the Yuletide markets. Tonight enjoy a classical quartet recital on board.
- Guided tour of Vienna
- Visit to Vienna's Christmas markets
- Classical string quartet recital
During the early hours, our ship has stealthily crept into port, and you awake to find yourself in Vienna. There are few places that can so delightfully evoke the spirit of Christmas than here – where the elegant imperial facades, their decorations glittering in the glow from a thousand Christmas lights, the sound of classical carols floating on the crisp air and the irresistible smell of cotton candy and roasted chestnuts is truly reminiscent of Christmas from a bygone age.
There has been a Christmas market here since the Middle Ages and today there are more than 20 markets held over the festive period selling a huge range of seasonal gifts and mouth-watering treats. Vienna’s City Hall provides a splendid backdrop for one of the most popular, its windows a giant advent calendar, reflecting the myriad of lights glistening in the trees below. The magnificent Schönbrunn Palace also hosts a superb market, specializing in traditional handicrafts and nostalgic toys.
After breakfast you enjoy a guided tour seeing the main sights such as St Stephen’s Cathedral and the impressive Hofburg complex, former royal court, now home to a collection of museums, the Vienna Boys’ Choir and the world-famous Spanish Riding School.
After lunch on board there’s plenty of time to explore some more of the markets, while the brass band plays its Christmas repertoire, and the sweet aroma of nutmeg fills the air. When things turn chilly, retreat to the refined yet cozy elegance of a traditional Viennese café for a steaming hot chocolate and watch the last daylight fade away.
Return to the ship in time for tonight’s superb Chef’s Dinner, expertly served by your attentive crew.
Afterwards we’ve arranged truly the ‘icing on the cake’: no visit to Vienna is complete without a live musical experience, so after dinner we have a classical recital on board. To hear this exquisite music played in the city of its creation makes a wonderful finale to the day.
Relax during our final morning of sailing. This afternoon we return to Budapest for a chance to explore the local Christmas markets.
- Free morning sailing towards Budapest
- Onboard Stollen-making demonstration
- Visit to Budapest's Christmas markets
We have sailed overnight and on waking, draw back the curtains to see the early morning mist rising over this gentle pastoral landscape, draped in a blanket of glistening frost. After breakfast, seek out a good vantage spot in the lounge, sink into a comfy chair and watch this lovely slideshow of winter wonderland scenery effortlessly gliding by – what could be more relaxing?
Later this morning, gather for a delightful onboard demonstration of traditional Stollen-making. With the scent of festive spices filling the air and the ship adorned in seasonal decorations, it’s a cozy and engaging way to embrace the spirit of this festive season.
For the more energetic, perhaps a visit to the ship’s fitness center to work off some of those delicious meals or head up to the sun deck to enjoy the bracing river breeze with a steaming mug of spiced Glühwein in hand as the captain skillfully navigates our return course to the Hungarian capital.
Budapest
Our final lunch is served during which Budapest’s majestic skyline comes into view. This afternoon you are at leisure so perhaps visit the Christmas market at Vorosmarty Square in the very heart of Pest, where the rustic cottage-style wooden stalls groan under the weight of their treasure troves of unique Christmas gifts. The scent of traditional honey cookies and mulled wine pervades the air as you browse the stalls, enjoying the friendly festive ambience or perhaps indulging in a slice of traditional chimney cake.
Tonight, after another delicious dinner on board, enjoy one last evening amongst newly made friends in the convivial bar, recounting stories from a very magical cruise.
It’s time to say goodbye to your crew and start the journey home.
Airfare and pre- or post-cruise stay not included but are available
Cabins are selling out!
Note: Prices and availability based on double occupancy unless otherwise noted and are subject to change until your booking is fully deposited. A deposit of $600 per person is due at the time of booking. Final payment will be due by August 9, 2026.
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