The Blue Danube River Cruise with Vienna Extension
Enjoy a cultural immersion on our popular Blue Danube cruise, followed by a brilliant three-night extension which allows you to explore historic Vienna.
After seven nights cruising along the Danube river and exploring historic destinations - including some of Europe's cultural highlights in Budapest, Esztergom, Bratislava, Dürnstein, Melk, Linz, Salzburg and Vienna - end this spectacular adventure with a three-night stay in central Vienna. During our time on shore, we'll discover the natural beauty and history of Neusiedlersee, as well as its fascinating birdlife. And explore Schönbrunn Palace on a tour, following in the footsteps of Emperors through the imperial apartments. We look behind the scenes of the State Opera and experience a traditional Heurigen evening. You can even choose to experience a concert at the Haus der Industrie, before saying goodbye to one of Europe's most opulent cities.
At a glance
Highlights
- Tour the most historic towns and cities along the Danube, including guided tours of Vienna, Dürnstein, Budapest and Bratislava.
- Visit Esztergom Basilica, Melk Abbey, Schönbrunn Palace and the Vienna State Opera House.
- Explore Salzburg or Linz with an expert guide on a tour of the town's most interesting sights.
- Experience the local culture with a Hungarian folklore show and a live classical music performance on board, and enjoy a traditional Heurigen evening on Vienna.
- Get your binoculars ready for a spot of birdwatching at Neusiedlersee, plus a wine-tasting and lunch.
Offers
Raise a glass and enjoy a free drinks package on all European river cruises.
Superior Drinks package on 2025 cruises
With lunch in our restaurants:
- Regional and house wines and draught beers, including non-alcoholic
- Soft drinks and juices
From 6pm to midnight in our bars and restaurants, all of the above plus:
- Cocktail and mocktail of the day
- House spirits, mixers and regional wine
- Selection of pre and after-dinner drinks
All Inclusive drinks on 2026 cruises
Enjoy all the drinks included in the Superior drinks package, but now enjoy them from 10am until midnight. Drink as much – or as little as you like.
This package includes:
- Red, white, rosé and sparkling house wines, including non-alcoholic
- A choice of draught beers, including non-alcoholic
- A selection of soft drinks and juices
- Our cocktail and mocktail of the day
- House spirits and mixers including vodka, gin, rum, whisky, martini, sherry, brandy, port and Baileys (excluding liqueurs)
- Daily recommended wines
- Tea and coffee from the bar
Whether you’re an organised club, a society or even just a group of friends, arranging your group holiday or cruise has never been easier than with Riviera Travel.
Any group of 8 or more people travelling together can book through our dedicated Groups Department. If you’re a larger group we can look at operating your preferred holiday as a private one for just your members only. Smaller groups can travel together on any of our regular tours with other like-minded Riviera guests.
Win big with Riviera!
Simply book any 2026 Riviera holiday by 31 July 2025 and you’ll be automatically entered into THE BIG RIVIERA GIVEAWAY – with over £1 million in gifts waiting to be won! From an all-expenses paid river cruise for two, to Riviera vouchers worth up to an incredible £500.
Your itinerary

Arrival in Budapest
Travel to Budapest and arrive to your cruise ship.

On arrival, a coach will take you to your cruise ship. 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 excellent dinner in the stylish restaurant, conversation is sure to revolve around the delights ahead.
Esztergom
See Esztergom and its famous basilica on a guided tour, before a relaxing afternoon sailing.

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 with Slovakia, and boasting one of the world’s largest altarpieces and a wealth of priceless religious artefacts.
The castle is also worth exploring; it was the seat of government until the Ottomans invaded in the 16th century. Nestling below are myriad atmospheric churches resonating with the enchanting sounds of choir; this is the best of provincial Hungary and is little changed since Habsburg times.
Cruise towards Bratislava
As you enjoy your first lunch on board we gently leave Esztergom in our wake, affording a fascinating opportunity to compare the different landscapes, towns and villages of Hungary on one riverbank and of Slovakia on the other.

Bratislava
Explore Slovakia’s fast-emerging capital city, Bratislava. Then relax with an afternoon cruising into Lower Austria.

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.
Cruise towards Dürnstein
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 & Melk
Take a guided tour of Dürnstein, before visiting Benedictine Melk Abbey this afternoon.

Dürnstein
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.)
Melk
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.
Personalise your holiday
Apricot product tasting in Dürnstein
Duration: 1.5hrs
Price: £14pp (2025) & £16pp (2026)
The Wachau Valley is exceptionally well suited to fruit and wine growing. It's renowned for its apricots, known as Wachauer Marille, which are protected by a designation of origin (PDO). Today, instead of a guided tour of Dürnstein, you can join our local guide for a taste of the region's most famous produce, which are made into jams, brandies, or liqueurs.
Please contact us for more information and to add the above experience to your booking, or you may have the chance on board to book. Minimum numbers apply, so if not enough guests opt for this extra, it may not happen.

Salzburg or Linz
Today visit Linz or Salzburg for a guided walking tour and time to explore at leisure.

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.
Salzburg
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 Salzburg
Duration: 1.5hrs
Price: £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 for more information and to add the above experience to your booking, or you may have the chance on board to book. Minimum numbers apply, so if not enough guests opt for this extra, it may not happen.

Vienna
For many, today’s guided tour of Vienna will be one of the highlights of the cruise.

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.
Free afternoon in Vienna
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 Vienna
Duration: 1hr
Price: £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 for more information and to add the above experience to your booking, or you may have the chance on board to book. Minimum numbers apply, so if not enough guests opt for this extra, it may not happen.
Personalise your holiday
Tour of Schönbrunn Palace with wine-tasting in Vienna
Duration: 4hrs
Price: £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 for more information and to add the above experience to your booking, or you may have the chance on board to book. Minimum numbers apply, so if not enough guests opt for this extra, it may not happen.

Budapest
Enjoy a leisurely morning as we cruise towards Budapest, where we'll have a guided tour this afternoon.

Cruise towards 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.
Budapest
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.
Personalise your holiday
Tour of Hungarian Parliament
Duration: 3hrs
Price: £59pp (2025) & £65pp (2026)
Today, you could enjoy a closer look at one of our favourite sights along the Danube River: The Hungarian Parliament Building. This breathtaking masterpiece of neo-Gothic architecture commands attention from across Budapest, but a guided tour offers a glimpse at the intricate detail and rich cultural heritage of Hungary. We follow our tour of the interior with a brief walk around the outside of the building to take in the building and its surroundings. We'll also see a touching memorial and a monument to the Hungarian Jews who died during the Arrow Cross's region of terror, which is close by on the banks of the Danube.
This optional excursion can be done instead of the guided afternoon tour of Budapest. Please be aware that this is a working parliamentary building, and on rare occasions, it may not be open to the public.
Please contact us for more information and to add the above experience to your booking, or you may have the chance on board to book. Minimum numbers apply, so if not enough guests opt for this extra, it may not happen.

Day 1 of extension - Neusiedlersee
Disembark and head to Neusiedlersee for lunch and wine tasting, plus an orientation walk of its history and birdwatching.

Stay at Mooons Vienna
This morning, we'll disembark in Budapest and journey to Neusiedlersee. The region of Neusiedlersee, located on the border between Austria and Hungary, is home to a picturesque lake - the second-largest steppe lake in Europe. The lake is a haven for nature enthusiasts due to its reed beds and wetlands, which provide a habitat for a variety of wildlife. It is also a popular destination for those seeking adventure, as it offers activities like bird watching, sailing, and cycling. And wine enthusiasts will already know that the region is famous for its fruity red wines which you’re invited to sample today with a lunch and wine tasting at a local winery.
Experience a unique journey that combines history, fine wine, and nature. Begin with a short walk around this historic site, and afterwards, explore the vineyard and receive expert guidance on the art of crafting world-class wines. Enjoy an aperitif in the beautiful National Park before proceeding to the winery for a delightful wine tasting, complemented by traditional Austrian cuisine. The day concludes with a relaxing birdwatching walk, where you will benefit from 45 years of expertise on local wildlife in Illmitz.
We'll arrive in Vienna this afternoon and settle into our centrally located hotel, where we stay for three nights.

Day 2 of extension - Schönbrunn Palace
Discover Schönbrunn Palace - one of Vienna's most popular sights.

Stay at Mooons Vienna
We'll explore Schönbrunn Palace - the most popular sight in Vienna. Experience the opulence of the Habsburg dynasty and explore the stunning architecture, richly furnished rooms and expansive garden of this UNESCO World Heritage site. While the palace was commissioned in the 17th century by Emperor Leopold I, it was Empress Marie Theresa who transformed it into the Palace we see today.
On the grand tour, we'll see the grandeur of Austria's imperial history, walking in the footsteps of Empress Maria Theresa and Emperor Franz Joseph. Adorned with exquisite furniture, elaborate chandeliers, and intricate wall hangings, these rooms offer a glimpse into the extravagant lifestyle of the Habsburg dynasty. Discover the extravagant grandeur of the Great Gallery, the exotic influences of the 'Chinese Cabinets', and the impressive Hall of Ceremonies.
After our tour, explore the palace and grounds at your leisure. Animal lovers should head to the Tiergarten Schönbrunn - the oldest zoo in the world - located within the palace grounds. Here you'll get to see a diverse range of animal species and learn about the conservation efforts being made. Or take a stroll through the meticulously landscaped gardens adorned with fountains, statues and flower beds. Climb the hill to the Gloriette, a striking structure perched at the top of the palace gardens with panoramic views of Vienna and the palace ground. Or head to the nearby Schönbrunn Palace Children's Museum to learn about the everyday lives of the imperial children through interactive exhibits.
The rest of the afternoon and evening will be at leisure in Vienna.
We know that for Riviera Travel guests it’s not enough to see the city, you want to experience it – and what better way to experience Vienna than through the music it’s famous for. Tonight, you can choose to spend the evening in one of the most opulent buildings in the city with an additional optional excursion to Kursalon Music Hall. Enjoy the essence of Vienna through the works by the city's most famous Classical composers - Mozart and Strauss.
Personalise your holiday
Classical Music concert at the Haus der Industrie in Vienna
Price: £90pp (2025) & £95pp (2026)
We know that for Riviera Travel guests it’s not enough to see the city, you want to experience it – and what better way to experience Vienna than through the music it’s famous for. Spend the evening in one of the most opulent buildings in the city, the Haus der Industrie. Concerts of the Vienna Royal Orchestra are staged in the large ballroom with perfect acoustic conditions. Enjoy the essence of Vienna through the works by the city's most famous Classical composers - Mozart and Strauss.
Please contact us to pre-book the experience.

Day 3 of extension - Vienna
Tour the State Opera House and experience a traditional Heurigen evening.

Stay at Mooons Vienna
This morning, we'll peek behind the scenes of the world's largest repertory operation and uncover the secrets hidden from the evening operagoers during a guided tour of the Staatsoper. Our tour of the architectural and cultural highlights of The Vienna State Opera includes its grand staircase, captivating oil paintings and tapestries inspired by Mozart's The Magic Flute.
After our tour, there's free time at leisure to explore the city. Perhaps take a tour of the Hofburg - once the imperial family's residence. Marvel at the impressive collection of drawings and master prints at the Albertina, one of the largest and most significant print collections in the world. Or visit the Burggarten, this leafy oasis is the perfect place to relax with lovely views of its palatial surroundings.
Alternatively, you could choose to join an optional visit to the Kunsthistroisches Museum. This fascinating Art History Museum is home to famous works - ideal for any art enthusiast.
Not sure where to go? Your tour manager is on hand to weigh in with even more local knowledge to help you find the most amazing places most tourists miss.
Tonight, we'll enjoy a traditional Heurigen evening at a nearby restaurant, the Die Wiender Heurige Wolff, where we will be celebrating the latest wine production*. You can experience the taste of this year's vintage with a wine tasting while relishing in the exquisite Viennese cuisine.
*Weather dependent, the meal may be inside instead.
Personalise your holiday
Visit to Kunsthistorisches Museum with audio guide, including transfer.
Price: £30pp (2025) & £32pp (2026)
Join an optional visit to the Kunsthistorisches Museum. This fascinating Art History Museum is home to famous pieces by Raphael, Vermeer, Velazquez, masterworks by Rubens, Rembrandt, Dürer, Titian and Tintoretto and the world's largest collection of Bruegel's art.
Please contact us to pre-book the experience.

Return home
After breakfast, say goodbye to the crew and begin your home.
Available ships

MS Emily Brontë
- Built
- 2017
- Crew
- 44
- Passengers
- 169
It is extremely difficult to convey just how extraordinary this outstanding ship really is and exactly what distinguishes the MS Emily Bronte from similar vessels.

MS Riviera Radiance
- Built
- 2025
- Crew
- 44
- Passengers
- 178
Home to our biggest suites yet, the brand-new MS Riviera Radiance has been brilliantly designed in collaboration with our Swiss partners for the perfect balance of contemporary and cosy.

MS Thomas Hardy
- Built
- 2017
- Crew
- 44
- Passengers
- 167
It is extremely difficult to convey just how extraordinary this outstanding ship really is and exactly what distinguishes the MS Thomas Hardy from similar vessels.

MS William Wordsworth
- Built
- 2018
- Crew
- 44
- Passengers
- 167
Swiss operated and truly world-class, we are absolutely delighted to present the five-star MS William Wordsworth.
Hand-picked hotels

Mooons Vienna
Vienna, Austria
This hotel is conveniently located at the entrance of Vienna's trendy Neubau area, within a ten-minute walk of the city centre.
Extras & upgrades
Duration: 1hr
Price: £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 for more information and to add the above experience to your booking, or you may have the chance on board to book. Minimum numbers apply, so if not enough guests opt for this extra, it may not happen.
Price: £90pp (2025) & £95pp (2026)
We know that for Riviera Travel guests it’s not enough to see the city, you want to experience it – and what better way to experience Vienna than through the music it’s famous for. Spend the evening in one of the most opulent buildings in the city, Kursalon Music Hall. Enjoy the essence of Vienna through the works by the city's most famous Classical composers - Mozart and Strauss.
Please contact us to pre-book the experience.
Price: £30pp (2025) & £32pp (2026)
Join an optional visit to the Kunsthistorisches Museum. This fascinating Art History Museum is home to famous pieces by Raphael, Vermeer, Velazquez, masterworks by Rubens, Rembrandt, Dürer, Titian and Tintoretto and the world's largest collection of Bruegel's art.
Please contact us to pre-book the experience.
Opt for a convenient door-to-door service with transport from your home to your choice of regional airport or train station, available as an added optional with every holiday. This can be added to your booking after you've booked online by giving our reservations team a call, or when you're booking over the phone.
From hotel upgrades to holiday extensions, you can benefit from our Travel Concierge service:
- Add hotel stays before you sail in the destination your river cruises starts from
- Add hotel stays after your cruise in the destination your river cruises ends in
- Change your departure airport (depending on flight availability)
- Upgrade or change your Eurostar/train travel
- Book a door-to-door transfer service from your home to your departure airport or airport hotel
- Book transfers from the airport/travel station to your hotel
- Book internal flights within Europe
Available pre and post booking.
Travel connections
These are the local airports and approximate transfer times (dependent on traffic).
Airport | Ship location | Transfer time |
---|---|---|
Budapest Airport | Budapest | 45 mins |
Final hotel location | Departure airport | Transfer time |
---|---|---|
Vienna | Vienna Airport | 30-45 mins |
FAQs
Prices are per person, based on two people sharing a twin cabin and room with a limited number of sole occupancy cabins and rooms available, 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.
- Bed & Breakfast at a centrally located hotel during your land extension, plus one lunch and one dinner
- Tea and coffee available
- All visits and excursions as mentioned
- Coach travel as mentioned
- Transfers from the airport to port of embarkation and from the hotel to the airport
- The services of a Riviera Travel Cruise Director on your cruise, and Tour Manager during the land extension
UK Citizens do not require a visa to enter Hungary, Austria or Slovakia however must have a valid passport. For the most up-to-date passport and visa information visit:
- https://www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/hungary/entry-requirements
- https://www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/austria/entry-requirements
- https://www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/slovakia/entry-requirements
We are unable to accept responsibility if you are unable to travel because you have not complied with any passport/entry/immigration requirements.
You can take a look at our river cruise FAQs to find answers to common questions, or find out about accessibility on our cruises and tours on our mobility FAQs page.
Alternatively, you can take a look at our Why River Cruise page to delve further into life on board, whether it's the onboard dining, onshore excursions, or more about the ships and cabins.
The deposit for this holiday is £500pp, then the remaining balance of the holiday is due a minimum of 101 days before you depart.
Availability
Selecting price display and sort by options will update the results displayed below automatically.
We've found you 58 holidays
Choose your date, departure point and the type of tour. Accommodation options will be shown at the next step.
Tour style | Date | Departs | Departing from | Accommodation | Price from | Call to action |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
River Cruise
|
07 07 2025 | 16:20 |
|
MS Riviera Radiance | £3,488 pp | Enquire now |
Outbound:
|
Inbound:
|
|||||
River Cruise
|
07 07 2025 | 17:00 | Budapest - Cruise Only | MS Riviera Radiance | £3,188 pp | Enquire now |
River Cruise
|
29 08 2025 | 10:30 |
|
MS William Wordsworth | £3,338 pp | Enquire now |
Outbound:
|
Inbound:
|
|||||
River Cruise
|
29 08 2025 | 16:30 |
|
MS William Wordsworth | £3,338 pp | Enquire now |
Outbound:
|
Inbound:
|
|||||
River Cruise
|
29 08 2025 | 07:45 |
|
MS William Wordsworth | £3,338 pp | Enquire now |
Outbound:
|
Inbound:
|
|||||
River Cruise
|
26 09 2025 | 11:15 |
|
MS William Wordsworth | £4,648 pp | Enquire now |
Outbound:
|
Inbound:
|
|||||
River Cruise
|
26 09 2025 | 17:00 | Budapest - Cruise Only | MS William Wordsworth | £4,348 pp | Enquire now |
River Cruise
|
26 09 2025 | 07:45 |
|
MS William Wordsworth | £4,648 pp | Enquire now |
Outbound:
|
Inbound:
|
|||||
River Cruise
|
26 09 2025 | 16:30 |
|
MS William Wordsworth | £4,648 pp | Enquire now |
Outbound:
|
Inbound:
|
|||||
River Cruise
|
03 10 2025 | 13:20 |
|
MS William Wordsworth | £3,348 pp | Enquire now |
Outbound:
|
Inbound:
|
|||||
River Cruise
|
03 10 2025 | 17:00 | Budapest - Cruise Only | MS William Wordsworth | £3,048 pp | Enquire now |
River Cruise
|
03 10 2025 | 07:45 |
|
MS William Wordsworth | £3,348 pp | Enquire now |
Outbound:
|
Inbound:
|