Budapest, Bratislava & Vienna: A Danube Discovery River Cruise

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.

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. 

Relax over a leisurely breakfast as the fairytale landscape glides by through the ship's panoramic windows.

After lunch on board, we disembark for a tour of Slovakia's capital city.

Bratislava is a city where history meets modernity, where intimate charm replaces the bustle of larger capitals, and where every street corner whispers stories of the past. The city boasts a rich history, neoclassical and gothic architecture and a welcoming atmosphere that captivates every visitor. Accompanied by a knowledgeable local guide, we'll explore the old town, a picturesque maze of cobblestone streets, pastel-coloured buildings, and lively squares as we wind our way up to Bratislava Castle perched high on a hill overlooking the city. After time to admire the panoramic views of the city and the Danube, we'll carry on to Michael's Gate, the only surviving medieval gate of the city's original fortifications and into the heart of the modern city. 

At the end of our guided tour, you're free to explore this charming capital at leisure before dinner on board this evening. You could head to the riverside district, a sleek promenade lined with cosy cafés, boutique shops, and cultural venues, making it a hub of activity day and night. Or check out the quirky UFO Observation Deck across the river from St Martin's Church - it's a futuristic structure offering 360-degree views and a sky-high dining experience. Perhaps, instead, you'll stop in at one of the local bars to sample wines from the surrounding Little Carpathians region, renowned for its centuries-old winemaking traditions.

After dinner this evening, immerse yourself in the sounds of a locally inspired string quartet, paying tribute to regional musical traditions with a classical recital in our cosy on-board lounge and bar. This talented ensemble blends classical and folk influences to create an unforgettable atmosphere. 

Wake up in Vienna - Austria's capital and cultural heart - where time-honoured traditions and artistic elegance meet modern sophistication. This morning, we'll explore its symphony of history, culture, and beauty on a guided tour as our local guide offers insights into why Vienna is one of Europe's great capitals.

Vienna's streets are like an open-air museum, from the grandeur of the Ringstrasse boulevard to the iconic spires of St. Stephen's Cathedral. You can lose yourself in the charm of the historic Innere Stadt with its narrow alleys, chic boutiques, and traditional coffee houses. At the centre of the city lies the majestic Hofburg Palace, a sprawling complex that once served as the winter residence of the Habsburg dynasty. It's home to the lavish Imperial Apartments and an outstanding collection of relics of the Holy Roman Empire, including, allegedly, the sabre of Charlemagne himself.

After a morning exploring Vienna's grand palaces and soaking in the romance of its streets, we'll head back to the ship for lunch and an afternoon sailing back towards Budapest.

This evening, we have something special in store as our talented crew presents the Chef's Dinner - a sumptuous five-course meal filled with local flavours.