The Blue Danube River Cruise with Budapest Extension

The Blue Danube River Cruise with Budapest Extension - MS Riviera Radiance

10 nights - 04 Jul 2027

MS Riviera Radiance | Danube

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~~WAS £3468pp~~ From £3329PP

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~~WAS £4068pp~~ From £3905PP

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~~WAS £4768pp~~ From £4577PP

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~~WAS £4268pp~~ From £4097PP

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Prices based on 2 people sharing. Cruise only price does not include flights. Fly-cruise price may vary by chosen UK airport.

(Prices correct as of today’s date, are updated daily, are subject to change and represent genuine availability at time of update).

Cruise only holidays are financially protected by ABTA. Fly cruise holidays are financially protected by Riviera Travel under ATOL number 3230

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Other dates available

05 Jun 2026

Riviera Travel

The Blue Danube River Cruise with Budapest Extension - MS Riviera Radiance

from £4655 pp

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30 May 2027

Riviera Travel

The Blue Danube River Cruise with Budapest Extension - MS Riviera Radiance

from £3329 pp

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01 Aug 2027

Riviera Travel

The Blue Danube River Cruise with Budapest Extension - MS Riviera Radiance

from £2897 pp

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19 Sep 2027

Riviera Travel

The Blue Danube River Cruise with Budapest Extension - MS Riviera Radiance

from £3281 pp

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Itinerary

List Timeline

Budapest

Arrival in Budapest - Arrive at the ship, where the dedicated crew are there to welcome you on board, ensuring you settle in and familiarise yourself with this first-class floating hotel.There’s always a sense of expectancy and excitement on the eve of a cruise and, after an excelle...

Day 1

04 July 2027

Budapest

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Day 2

05 July 2027

Esztergom

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Day 3

06 July 2027

Bratislava

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Day 4

07 July 2027

Dürnstein

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Day 5

08 July 2027

Linz

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Day 6

09 July 2027

Vienna

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Day 7

10 July 2027

Budapest

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Day 8

11 July 2027

Budapest

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Day 9

12 July 2027

Budapest

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Day 10

13 July 2027

Budapest

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Day 11

14 July 2027

Budapest

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Budapest

Esztergom

Esztergom - Overnight we have cruised upstream to Esztergom, one of Hungary’s oldest towns, a royal capital during medieval times and today the seat of the country’s archbishop. We have a guided tour of the famous neoclassical basilica, standing sentinel over the Danube on the border...

Bratislava

Bratislava - This morning we explore Slovakia’s fast-emerging capital city, Bratislava, on a guided tour. Until recently swathed in the drab uniformity of Communism, the city has rekindled the splendour of its imperial past in its beautifully restored Old Town.Discover 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.In the Main Square, you will find the former old town hall now housing a museum dedicated to the history of the city and where you may climb the tower for some lovely views. Equally impressive is the great 17th-century fortress which dominates the city with its commanding expansive views across the Danube. Or head for the Primatial Palace with its fabulous Hall of Mirrors and rare collection of 17th-century English tapestries.Like its people, the streets are filled with humour. For a more leisurely visit, why not wander its streets? As you explore, you'll spot funny signs and interesting and imaginative statues - like the Čumil, a bronze statue peeking out of a manhole, and the jolly-looking Schöne Náci. Then perhaps, enjoy a freshly ground coffee or homemade lemonade in one of the many bars of cafés.This afternoon we 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 distant as you absorb the ever-changing scenes, we pass children playing on the riverbanks, young couples strolling arm in arm like generations before them, vignerons carefully pruning their vines, and cobbled quaysides lined by half-timbered buildings.You’ll marvel as the captain skilfully navigates the ship along the serene river and through locks whose mechanisms never cease to fascinate, as we cruise towards Dürnstein.

Dürnstein

Dürnstein & Melk - Dürnstein is known principally for the ice-blue tower of its abbey, which dominates the view, and the castle where Richard the Lionheart was imprisoned in 1192 after being shipwrecked on his return from the crusades. This morning, we embark on a guided walking tour to delve deeper into this unforgettable city.Wander the town's small, pedestrian streets to the heart of Dürnstein to see the Town Hall. Established in 1547, it boasts an impressive late Gothic structure that was tastefully renovated in the Renaissance style in 1563. The courtyard, graced by a charming stairway, invites passersby to pause and capture the perfect photograph amidst its historical ambiance.The Krems Gate, formerly known as the Steiner Gate, serves as the eastern city entrance. This magnificent gate features a striking four-story square tower dating back to the 15th century, a testament to the city's rich architectural heritage. The strong city wall stretches southward toward the banks of the Danube and northward to the evocative ruins, today, the impressive tower is a private residence.If you're feeling active this morning, you could join our optional walk up to see Dürnstein castle, set on a rocky outcrop high above the river. Although the walk up this steep hill is not for the faint-hearted, those who do take on this challenge have the opportunity to admire lovely views of the river valley and town below. At the top, you can explore the ruins of the castle where England’s legendary monarch was held captive. It's easy to imagine Richard the Lionheart seething with frustration far from home while waiting for his family to raise funds to pay his ransom. (Please note, this requires a good level of mobility and appropriate footwear.) After lunch you visit the remarkable Melk Abbey. Nothing quite prepares you for your first sight of this enormous honey-coloured building, standing resplendent above the surrounding countryside. Originally a castle, it was gifted to the Benedictine Order in the 11th-century and, although reconstructed in Baroque style during the 18th century, it has remained a monastic school and monastery ever since.The Abbey is renowned for its 214-yard-long Emperor’s Gallery lined with portraits, many fine rooms and an ornate library.After the tour, explore the grounds or take a stroll back to the ship through the picturesque old town, with buildings dating back to the 15th century.After we re-join the ship, dinner is served during the final part of our cruise upstream through the pretty Nibelungengau, immortalised in the music of Wagner.

Linz

Salzburg or Linz - 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 above the city by Emperor Friedrich III, now a museum housing a fine collection of nineteenth and twentieth-century artworks.The afternoon is free for you to explore. Consider taking a ride on the Pöstlingbergbahn, a unique narrow-gauge electric railway known as the "mountain tramway." This train connects the main square in Linz with the district of Pöstlingberg. It is the steepest adhesion railway in Europe, and its route offers stunning views as it passes the Danube and the Ars Electronica Center, leading directly to a natural oasis on the outskirts of the city. Once you arrive, you can visit the pilgrimage basilica, enjoy the views of Linz from the viewing platform, explore a local zoo, and much more.Alternatively, you could explore one of the fascinating museums in Linz. The Ars Electronica Center (AEC) serves as the city’s museum of the future, showcasing innovative technology alongside visionary media arts. Additionally, the Lentos Kunstmuseum features exhibits of modern and contemporary art from the 19th century, including works from the classical modernity period (such as Klimt, Schiele, and Kokoschka) as well as pieces from the Expressionism movement. 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 for lunch at leisure and 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!We return to the ship for another splendid dinner.Personalise your holiday -Austrian lunch in SalzburgDuration: 1.5hrsPrice: £59pp (2025) & £65pp (2026)Dine in a slice of history for lunch in Salzberg. Join us for a delicious lunch featuring traditional Austrian dishes, like Wiener Schnitzel and strudel, in what is believed to be Europe's oldest restaurant, St. Peter Stiftskulinarium. This restaurant has been welcoming hungry guests for over 1200 years, with mentions of the establishment date back to 803 AD by scholar Alcuin of York, an advisor to Emperor Charlemagne.Optional excursion can be done during your free time in Salzburg.Please contact us at least three weeks before your departure to add this experience to your booking. Minimum and maximum numbers apply. If not enough guests opt for this extra, the experience may not run..

Vienna

Vienna - For many, today’s visit to Vienna will be one of the highlights of the cruise. The city’s very name provokes images of elegance, fine music, wide boulevards, Baroque architecture and a rich tapestry of peoples who were drawn here from all corners of Europe.For 200 years until the First World War, Vienna was the cultural centre of Europe and many of the showpiece buildings, galleries, aristocratic palaces and magnificent churches you see today were built to reflect its imperial status. The city’s most iconic monument is the breathtaking Saint Stephen’s Cathedral, whose striking multi-coloured roof and huge Gothic South Tower dominate the skyline.There’s also the colossal Hofburg, the former royal court that is now home to a collection of museums, the Crown Jewels and the Spanish Riding School, and where the Vienna Boys’ Choir performs. Then there are the lavish Imperial Apartments and an outstanding collection of relics of the Holy Roman Empire, including, allegedly, the sabre of Charlemagne himself. The Kunsthistorisches Museum, which contains the world’s fourth largest collection of paintings, is just across the road.This morning we have a tour with a local guide offering insights into why Vienna is one of Europe’s great capitals – the seat of the Habsburg emperors and home to some of the world’s finest classical composers, including Beethoven, Brahms, Mozart and, of course, a whole family of Strausses. After the panoramic tour on coach along the Ringstrasse, the famous boulevard, built where the city walls once stood and lined with many of the most important sights, you can choose to continue your tour on foot through the old town or explore independently.During the afternoon you’re free to explore as you wish. Take a stroll in the Prater, notable for the huge Ferris wheel that features in several Cold War spy thrillers. Or, for something quite different, visit the Schönbrunn Palace, a former royal residence now housing a range of world-class museums and galleries. Perhaps, though, just take a stroll through Vienna’s atmospheric side streets, or enjoy a coffee and a slice of delicious Sachertorte in one of the lovely coffee houses.This evening we have something special in store. Not only do we have our indulgent Chef's Dinner, but we've also organised for a live musical experience on board. So after this special dinner, sit back and enjoy an intimate classical recital. To hear this exquisite music in Vienna - where it was created - is truly the icing on the cake.Personalise your holiday -Visit the Spanish Riding School in ViennaDuration: 1hrPrice: £30pp (2025) & £33pp (2026)Enjoy a visit to the Spanish Riding School, the only institution in the world that has practised classical equitation in the Renaissance tradition of the haute école for over 440 years and continues to do so. On this guided tour you will get a glimpse behind the scenes, see the stables of the Lippizaner horses, the training grounds and learn about the history, equestrian traditions and horses. Please note for 6 weeks in summer, the horses are on their holiday, therefore you won’t see any during the tour.This optional excursion can be done during your free afternoon in Vienna.This guided tour doesn’t include a performance of horses. Other available events like the morning training sessions and performances vary depending on the day of the week of your visit and season. Details can be found on www.srs.at/en/tickets-events/ where we recommend you book your tickets directly prior to travel.Please contact us at least three weeks before your departure to add this experience to your booking. Minimum and maximum numbers apply. If not enough guests opt for this extra, the experience may not run.Personalise your holiday -Tour of Schönbrunn Palace with wine-tasting in ViennaDuration: 4hrsPrice: £93pp (2025) & £99pp (2026)Join us for a tour of Schönbrunn Palace with a local guide. Once a summer residence in the countryside, Schönbrunn now serves as an oasis of architectural beauty and tranquillity in the heart of 21st-century Vienna, thanks to the city's expansion. On our guided tour we’ll see the palace’s highlights, including the state rooms and private apartments of the Habsburg emperors.After our tour, we'll visit the Josef II restaurant nestled in the palace gardens where we'll dive into Viennese viticulture. No other federal capital in the world has as much wine-growing area as Vienna, with large vineyards on the outskirts of the city and today we'll enjoy a taste of the local offering, accompanied by cheese and bread.This optional excursion can be done during your free afternoon in Vienna.Please contact us at least three weeks before your departure to add this experience to your booking. Minimum and maximum numbers apply. If not enough guests opt for this extra, the experience may not run.

Budapest

Budapest - Enjoy a leisurely morning as we cruise majestically through Hungary’s peaceful pastoral landscape towards Budapest. After breakfast head up onto the magnificent sun deck to enjoy some fabulous river views as we cruise along the 'Danube Bend', surrounded by historic and picturesque cities like Visegrad and Szentendre. Castle ruins, churches, pretty houses perching on the hills, and thick forests are reflected in the waters of the river. Squeeze in a spot of reading on the sun deck or simply recline, letting the gentle breezes lull you into a relaxing doze.After lunch we enjoy a sightseeing tour of this captivating city, which truly lives up to its reputation as the ‘Pearl of the Danube’.The twin cities of Buda, built around the hilltop fortress, and Pest, with its wide boulevards, were fought over through the centuries. The Ottomans ruled here for 150 years before being ousted in the late 17th century, but their legacy lives on in the many thermal baths fed by hot springs, giving rise to Budapest’s other sobriquet – the ‘City of Spas’.After the end of Ottoman rule, Budapest became an imperial city of the Habsburg Empire, attracting great cultural and commercial wealth. Castle Hill is Budapest in microcosm: two churches, seven museums and a theatre among streets and squares with their own special atmosphere and a dramatic view across the river to the awe-inspiring neo-Gothic Parliament Building.This afternoon you have a couple of choices:If you choose the panoramic coach tour, you’ll drive past some of Budapest’s famous sites, including the Opera House, Gellert Baths, chain bridge, Parliament building, and more, and stop for photos and some time to explore at Hero’s Square and Buda castle.Alternatively, you can choose our active tour, where you’ll take a coach to the castle district. From here, you’ll take lifts up to the castle terraces to begin a guided walking tour around the castle area and Fisherman’s bastion. You’ll then have free time to explore before heading back to the coach for the transfer to the ship. This tour involves uneven grounds and a lot of walking so we only recommend it for customers who are comfortable with a moderate activity level.This evening’s dinner closes with a Hungarian folklore show, giving you time to bid farewell to your travelling companions and reflect on all the inspirational places, sights and sounds you have experienced on a truly ‘imperial’ cruise.

Budapest

Day 1 of extension - Puszta - We leave the ship to explore some of the region’s hidden gems.We take a scenic drive through the outskirts of the Puszta, Hungary’s Great Plain, which covers half the country. Although prone to flooding, the soil was rich with volcanic silt, and in medi...

Budapest

Day 2 of extension - Budapest - Budapest is truly a magnificent city – an alluring collage of palatial buildings and grand churches with dramatic spires and magnificent domes straddling the vast waters of the Danube. Numerous foreign powers have ruled here, reflected in the city’s eclectic architectural mix. However, the greatest influence on its architecture was Hungary’s union with Austria in 1867, which initiated growth up to the First World War. This resulted in some sensational buildings in a range of styles, including the elegant Art Nouveau Gellert Hotel and its thermal baths, resplendent with majolica tiles and colourful mosaics.The iconic Parliament Building – the world’s third largest – was also built during this period. Constructed in neo-Gothic style and arguably grander than our own Houses of Parliament, it dominates the riverbank with its striking central dome and spires soaring into the sky above. Its cathedral-like interior is breathtakingly ornate, with fabulous frescoes, stained glass and mosaics. During an included tour, we’ll see the Domed Hall, home to the Hungarian Crown Jewels, the 16-sided Central Hall with its stunning gilded ceiling and intricate carvings, and the astonishing Golden Staircase.Afterwards, why not enjoy lunch at our next stop, the Great Market Hall, a vibrant hub of Hungarian culture, history, and cuisine. Built in 1897, the neoclassical facade and brightly coloured roof hall are a must-see for travellers visiting Budapest - you can spot its roof tiles from across the city skyline. Inside the market, you’ll find a vast array of dining options and local products, from fresh produce and meats to traditional handicrafts and souvenirs.We will then head to the Zwack Museum, where you’ll delve into the rich history of Unicum, Hungary’s famous herbal liqueur, made from a closely guarded recipe that has been passed down for over 230 years. The museum offers a fascinating collection of artifacts, including the oldest surviving bottle of Unicum, a unique World War I-era postcard, poems written by the renowned Hungarian poet Endre Ady for Mylitta (Péter Zwack’s aunt), and a Swedish passport given to Péter Zwack by Raoul Wallenberg. The exhibits also highlight significant moments from Hungary's political transformation, as well as the introduction of Unicum Plum, a revolutionary innovation to the world of liqueurs.The experience concludes with a tasting of two distinct types of Unicum, allowing you to savour the rich flavours of this iconic Hungarian spirit.The rest of the afternoon is at leisure, you can explore the area or take a walk back to our hotel and take advantage of the hotel facilities.

Budapest

Day 3 of extension - The National Gallery - Today, we'll visit the impressive National Gallery, which is located in Buda Castle and includes a phenomenal collection of Hungarian masterpieces spanning the centuries as well as a crypt containing tombs of several members of the Habsburg...

*This holiday is generally suitable for persons with reduced mobility. For customers with reduced mobility or any medical condition that may require special assistance or arrangements to be made, please notify your Cruise Concierge at the time of your enquiry, so that we can provide specific information as to the suitability of the holiday, as well as make suitable arrangements with the Holiday Provider on your behalf.

04 July 2027

Budapest

05 July 2027

Esztergom

06 July 2027

Bratislava

07 July 2027

Dürnstein

08 July 2027

Linz

09 July 2027

Vienna

10 July 2027

Budapest

11 July 2027

Budapest

12 July 2027

Budapest

13 July 2027

Budapest

14 July 2027

Budapest

Return home

What's Included with
Riviera Travel

Whats Included Intro

Tea and coffee

All airport taxes and port charges

Direct flights from up to 17 UK airports with no regional supplements & transfers

Five-star ships with impeccable on-board service

Spacious cabins with windows

Insightful excursions & visits every day with local guides

Expert Riviera Cruise Director looking after you throughout

Evening entertainment from quizzes to impressive performers

Delicious full board dining, plus Captain's Dinner

Free Wi-Fi

Explore MS Riviera Radiance

Double Cabin (Diamond Deck)

Imaginatively designed and well-appointed, our 16 square metre Double Cabins offer all the luxury you would expect to find in a smart ‘boutique style’ hotel. A full-sized double bed ensures a good night’s rest in crisp cotton linen. Double Cabins on the Diamond Deck have a French Balcony – panoramic floor-to-ceiling sliding glass doors that bring riverside life just that little closer!

Careful consideration has been given to every detail with individually controlled air-conditioning so you can set the temperature that you desire, a hairdryer, safe, minibar, telephone and the convenience of tea (our meticulous planning even extends to familiar teabags!) and coffee-making facilities ensure a familiar home from home experience.

Features

Individual climate control
Floor to ceiling windows with French style balcony
Twin beds which can be configured as double
Nespresso machine and tea making facilities
Ensuite bathroom with walk-in shower
Luxury toiletries: shampoo, conditioner, shower gel, body lotion, soap
Towels, bathrobes, slippers and hairdryer
UK plug sockets & 2 USB charging points
Table and chairs
Telephone, radio and flat-screen TV
Safe & mini fridge
Turn down service

Riviera Plus (2024 and 2025 only)

10% off spa treatment or massage
10% off hairdresser services
Luxury toiletries
Locally inspired gifts
Bottle of champagne
10% off onboard laundry services

Facilities

Double or Twin Configuration
Lounge Area
Shower
Toiletries Provided
Room Service Available
TV
Free Wi-Fi
Coffee Machine
Safe
Hair Dryer
Telephone
Desk
Air Conditioning
Mini Bar (Additional Cost)

Grand Suite (Diamond Deck)

Designed for the ultimate in space and comfort, the Grand Suites are our biggest-ever cabins at an impressive 32 square metres. Whether you're relaxing in your separate living space - featuring a sofa, chair and table - or enjoying an afternoon siesta on your king-sized bed, you'll feel spoilt by all this space. The Grand Suites are finished to an exceptionally high standard with superior quality fittings in the most refined taste featuring individually controlled air conditioning, a desk, double wardrobe, hairdryer, safe, TV and telephone, and tea/coffee-making facilities are available in every room.

In addition to the indoor space, you'll also enjoy a private exterior balcony, complete with outdoor seating - the perfect place to enjoy breakfast 'al fresco', a pre-dinner 'sundown' cocktail or simply sit and watch the riverbanks glide by as we sail.

Features

Individual climate control
Floor-to-ceiling windows with outside balcony and seating
Twin beds which can be configured as king
Separate indoor seating area with sofa, table and chair
Nespresso machine and tea making facilities
Spacious ensuite bathroom with walk-in shower
Luxury toiletries: shampoo, conditioner, shower gel, body lotion, soap
Towels, bathrobes, slippers and hairdryer
UK plug sockets & 2 USB charging points
Desk & chair
Telephone, radio and flat-screen TV
Safe & mini fridge
Turn down service

Riviera Plus (2024 and 2025 only)

10% off spa treatment or massage
10% off hairdresser services
Luxury toiletries
Locally inspired gifts
Bottle of champagne
10% off onboard laundry services

Indulge in the luxury of Riviera Plus when you stay in an upper deck cabin or suite. In your well-appointed cabin, you’ll find a range of extras to make your experience extra special.

Facilities

Shower
Toiletries Provided
TV
Coffee Machine
Safe
Hair Dryer
Telephone
Desk
Air Conditioning
King or Twin Configuration
Lounge Area
Room Service Available
Free Wi-Fi
Mini Bar (Additional Cost)

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