For a limited time, we’re o ering guests 10% o every single holiday, and that includes our fabulous Danube cruises. What’s more, enjoy a boosted 20% o on selected river cruises departing in July and August next year. Simply book by 16 February 2026.
And with Riviera Travel, you get a lot more than just a saving. Think less worry, more wonder with expert Cruise Directors, insightful excursions led by local guides and the reassurance of our Price Promise and Happiness Guarantee.
Enjoy less fuss and more freedom, with the flexibility to personalise your holiday just the way you like it. No hidden fees, no gimmicks. This is not just a saving – it’s a smarter way to see the world. Terms and conditions apply.
Don’t forget you also get an all-inclusive drinks package on all European river cruises
Why we love the Danube
If a single river evokes rich culture, imperial history and iconic cities, it’s the world-famous Danube – Europe’s enduring and elegant cultural thread.
We adore the Danube for the e ortless way it unveils Europe’s soul through ten fascinating countries. Its scenic banks reveal a subtly shifting landscape of grand capitals, medieval castles and serene nature reserves. From Budapest’s distinctive skyline to the winding beauty of the Wachau, every stretch of the Danube is a fresh chapter waiting to be discovered.
A relaxing river cruise on a five-star ship lets you take all this in with delightful ease and comfort. You unpack once, wake to a new view most mornings and step straight into the heart of each destination, accompanied by experienced Cruise Directors. With so much included – spacious suites, delicious fine dining and thoughtfully guided exploration –all our Danube itineraries o er wonderfully unhurried and unforgettable discoveries.
Less guesswork, more guidance.
Let us show you the highlights of the Danube. You can almost imagine the strains of Strauss’ waltz drifting over the verdant valleys.
Hofburg Palace has 2,600 rooms – basically an imperial city disguised as a ‘palace.’ Even emperors needed GPS!
Vienna
Vienna captivates with imperial architecture, a rich musical heritage and world-famous co ee houses. Take in magnificent Schönbrunn Palace, marvel at the Ringstrasse boulevard and admire the city’s irresistible flair.
Durnstein
Melk Linz AUSTRIA
Bratislava
Compact and characterful Bratislava charms with its pastel façades, hilltop castle and café-lined squares. Wander medieval streets, enjoy panoramic views and discover a capital that is wonderfully easy to explore.
Vienna
SLOVAKIA
Bratislava
Esztergom
HUNGARY
Bratislava Castle overlooks the Danube and o ers panoramic views of Austria and Hungary – a true crossroads of Central European history.
Budapest
Fisherman’s Bastion in Budapest was never meant for defense – it’s a neo-Gothic terrace built purely for stunning panoramic views.
Budapest
The grand Hungarian capital is gloriously theatrical, starring thermal baths, stately boulevards and the majestic Parliament. Wander up to Buda Castle, meander the waterfront and let the city win you over.
Dive deeper into the Danube’s many gems, uncovering places that charm, feed your curiosity and invite you to enjoy the view.
Budapest
Hungary’s gorgeous capital rewards curious travellers. Venture beyond the headline sights and you’ll find Ottoman-era chapels tucked into hillside caves, lively bars set in once-crumbling spaces, and markets alive with paprika, pastries and local chatter. Doubling as a compass, the Danube divides Buda’s slopes from Pest’s stately avenues, each with its own personality. Surprising, expressive and a joy to explore, Budapest is best experienced in layers.
Vienna
Famous for its legendary composers and musical tradition, the ‘City of Music’ invites you to slip into its rhythm. Explore avant-garde galleries, independent workshops crafting everything from violins to artisanal chocolate, and chic cafés that treat lingering as an art form. Beyond the striking palaces is a city of small delights, with vineyard taverns on the city’s edge and wine bars beside the river.
Esztergom
One of Hungary’s oldest cities, Esztergom impresses with its vast basilica rising above the Danube. Views stretch across the river, giving the town a grand yet peaceful presence shaped by centuries of religious and political importance.
Bratislava
Bratislava reveals itself through Gothic gateways, Habsburg influences and inventive modern culture. Street art, craft workshops and riverside cafés sit alongside markets and emerging Slovak wines, giving this cosy capital a distinctively creative and welcoming character.
Dürnstein
In the heart of the Wachau Valley, Dürnstein captures hearts with its blue-towered church and wine terraces. Hilltop ruins, tied to Richard the Lionheart’s captivity, lend a touch of epic storytelling to the pastoral magic.
Melk
High above the Danube, Melk’s outstanding Benedictine Abbey dominates the landscape with Baroque splendour. Inside are frescoed halls, ornate libraries and calm courtyards, while below, the town invites gentle exploration.
Linz
Bratislava’s quirky statues surprise and delight visitors at every turn.
Austria’s third-largest city boasts riverside relaxation and a contemporary arts scene. Wander from medieval squares to cutting-edge museums, pause in leafy parks or ride the hilltop tram for superb views across a city shaped by innovation.
Salzburg
Backed by snow-dusted alpine peaks and crowned by its mighty fortress, Salzburg combines Mozart’s legacy with elegant squares, promenade walks and mountain-fresh air. It’s a city where music, scenery and old-world allure meet in a striking cinematic blend.
Salzburg Melk Abbey
Boosted up to 20% o select dates
SOLO departures available
8 days from: was £2,149PP now £2,099PP
The Blue Danube: Vienna, Budapest & Salzburg river cruise
The glories of Vienna, Budapest and Salzburg are revealed on this splendid cruise along Europe’s most cultured river. Explore fascinating medieval cities, admire superb baroque architecture and immerse yourself in the majestic surroundings that inspired the music of Strauss and Mozart.
10% o all 2026 Danube holidays Every. Single. One.
Your itinerary
DAY 1 – Arrival in Budapest
Travel to Budapest and take a coach to your five-star cruise ship.
DAY 2 – Esztergom
Explore Esztergom and its famous basilica on a guided tour, before a relaxing afternoon sailing.
DAY 3 – Bratislava
Explore Slovakia’s fast-emerging capital city, Bratislava. Then relax with an afternoon cruising into Lower Austria.
DAY 4 – Dürnstein & Melk Abbey
This morning we take a guided tour of Dürnstein, famous for the ice-blue tower of its abbey and the castle where Richard the Lionheart was imprisoned, before visiting Benedictine Melk Abbey this afternoon.
DAY 5 – Salzburg or Linz
Reaching Linz, visit this charming town or drive to Salzburg for a guided walking tour.
DAY 6 – Vienna
For many, today’s visit to Vienna will be one of the highlights of the cruise. This morning we enjoy a guided tour and this afternoon you’re free to explore. Tonight the Captain hosts dinner in the ship’s restaurant.
DAY 7 – Budapest
Cruise through the Hungarian landscape towards Budapest, then after lunch enjoy a sightseeing tour of this captivating city.
DAY 8 – Return home
Highlights
• 7 guided tours: the neoclassical Esztergom Basilica, charming Bratislava, historic Dürnstein, remarkable Melk Abbey, baroque Linz or magnificent Salzburg, elegant Vienna and captivating Budapest
• Live on-board entertainment including Hungarian folklore show and classical string quartet recital
Beautiful cruise. Fantastic service, with a lovely smile. Everyone was so happy to help in any way possible.
Indulge in Sachertorte, a decadent slice of Viennese tradition.
September 2025
Dürnstein
Less fuss, more focus.
Delve deeper into your passions on our themed river cruises, from gardens and gastronomy to music and festive markets, along Europe’s most scenic waterways.
8 days from: was £2,449PP now £2,199PP
Art & Music of the Blue Danube river cruise
11 days from: was £2,599PP now £3,198PP
The Blue Danube river cruise with Vienna extension
Cruise the Danube from Budapest to Salzburg or Linz, then enjoy three nights in Vienna with tours of Schönbrunn, the State Opera and Neusiedlersee, plus a traditional Heurigen evening, with an optional concert to complete this cultural voyage.
11 days from: was £3,299PP now £2,799PP
The Blue Danube river cruise with Budapest extension
Trace the lives of great composers along the Danube, exploring Budapest, Bratislava, Vienna and Salzburg. Enjoy live music, inspiring landscapes and outstanding art in renowned museums and galleries, guided by experts through Austria, Hungary and Slovakia. Boosted up to 20% o select dates
Sail the Danube through historic highlights from Esztergom to Vienna, then enjoy three extra nights in Budapest, exploring its imperial heritage, medieval Buda, elegant Pest and the scenic Puszta for a deeper taste of Hungary’s grandeur.
Budapest, Bratislava & Vienna: A Danube Discovery cruise
Intrigued by the Danube? Our five-day taster cruise is the perfect place to begin. Glide between Budapest, Bratislava and Vienna, sampling the culture, history and beauty of the Danube aboard the new five-star Riviera Radiance.
Highlights
• See Bratislava’s old town and castle with a guide
• Visit Vienna’s iconic sites with a local guide on a sightseeing tour
• Discover Budapest, seeing its Parliament and Castle Hill
• Enjoy a string quartet performance onboard
Bratislava
6 days from: was £1,649PP now £1,449PP
The Danube’s Imperial Cities & Yuletide Markets river cruise
Experience the grand imperial cities nestled along the iconic Danube and their festive markets at a truly enchanting time of year. Relax on board and enjoy the stunning river views, stepping out to soak up the Christmas spirit.
Highlights
• Tour Budapest, Vienna and Bratislava with expert guides
• Admire winter scenery along the Danube
• Experience Vienna, Bratislava and Budapest’s Christmas markets
• Enjoy Glühwein, Stollen and a classical performance on board
Christmas on the Danube river cruise
Celebrate Christmas along the Danube, exploring imperial cities, festive markets and enjoying a memorable gala dinner in seasonal surroundings.
Highlights
• Visit Budapest, Bratislava and Vienna, plus Salzburg or Linz
• Tour Esztergom Basilica and Melk Abbey
• Enjoy a Christmas dinner and live shows on board
New Year on the Danube river cruise 6 days from: was £2,399PP now £2,149PP
Ring in the New Year on the Danube, discovering Vienna, Bratislava and Budapest, Yuletide markets and an unforgettable New Year’s Eve.
Highlights
• Tour Budapest, Bratislava and Vienna
• Welcome the New Year in Vienna
• Enjoy a festive brunch and live shows on board
SOLO departures available
15 days from: was £4,599PP now £4,099PP
Cruise the Heart of Europe: Journey along the Rhine, Main & Danube river cruise
Sail from the majestic Rhine to the legendary Danube, absorbing spectacular scenery. Experience the grandeur of Vienna and the charm of Budapest, the romantic castles of the impressive Rhine Gorge and the picturesque towns and villages along the way.
10% o all 2026 Danube holidays Every. Single. One.
Wertheim
Your itinerary
DAY 1 – Arrival in Cologne
Fly or take the Eurostar and transfer to your ship. Evening and overnight sailing.
DAY 2 – Koblenz & Boppard
Included walking tour of Koblenz. Afternoon sailing to Boppard and included tour.
DAY 3 – Rüdesheim
Cruise through the Rhine Gorge. Included afternoon guided tour of Rüdesheim.
DAY 4 – Mainz
Morning sailing. Included morning guided tour of Mainz. Afternoon and overnight sailing.
DAY 5 – Miltenberg & Wertheim
Included morning guided tour of Miltenberg. Afternoon sailing. Included guided tour of Wertheim. Overnight sailing.
DAY 6 – Würzburg
Included walking tour of Würzburg. Afternoon and overnight sailing.
DAY 7 – Bamberg
Included afternoon tour of Bamberg. Evening and overnight sailing.
DAY 8 – Nuremberg
Included morning tour of Nuremberg. Afternoon and overnight sailing.
DAY 9 – Regensburg
Morning sailing towards Kelheim to join the Danube river. Afternoon guided tour in Regensburg. Overnight sailing.
DAY 10 – Passau
Morning tour of Passau and cathedral visit. Afternoon and overnight sailing.
DAY 11 – Melk
Included tour of Melk Abbey. Afternoon and evening sailing towards Vienna. Tonight, enjoy a classical recital on board.
DAY 12 – Vienna
Included morning tour of Vienna with free time. Evening sailing.
Highlights
• Tour Budapest, Vienna and Bratislava
• Visit Melk, Miltenberg, Wertheim, Mainz, Bamberg and Regensburg
• Explore Würzburg’s fortress and Residenz
• Cruise the Rhine to Koblenz, Boppard, the Rhine Gorge and Rüdesheim
Rüdesheim co ee is flambéed with brandy before adding whipped cream.
DAY 13 – Bratislava
Included morning tour of Bratislava with free time. Afternoon and evening sailing.
DAY 14 – Budapest
Included morning tour of Budapest. Free afternoon.
DAY 15 – Return home
Bamberg Nuremberg Regensburg Passau
Less lacklustre, more luxury.
With Riviera Travel, your ship is a floating boutique hotel: elegant, beautifully run and delightful in all the right ways. Our five-star, primarily Swiss-operated fleet ranks among Europe’s finest, o ering refined relaxation and e ortless ease from the moment you step aboard.
Life on board our river cruise ships blends attentive, outstanding service with excellent facilities, creating an inviting atmosphere throughout your journey. Dining on board is a true highlight, from hearty bu et breakfasts and delicious lunches to fine four-course dinners, often showcasing local flavours from the regions we explore. 2025 saw the arrival of Riviera Radiance, which sails the Danube, so there are even more ways to experience Europe in style.
Our deluxe balcony suites measure up to a staggering 312 square feet.
After a day of exploring, the Panorama Lounge and Bar on the Riviera Radiance is the place to be. With its split-level design and sweeping river views, it’s made for relaxing.
Restaurant, Riviera Radiance
Our mouthwatering menus feature a delicious blend of international classics and regional specialities.
World-class ships
You’ll hear us compare our ships to luxury boutique hotels quite a lot, but that’s because it’s true! Many of our vessels feature a pool, library, sauna and steam room, fitness suite, or hair salon and treatment room, just as you’d expect from a fivestar hotel. You can relax in your spacious cabin or unwind on deck as you glide between towns, past rolling vineyards and fairy-tale castles – wake up to a di erent view every morning. What better way is there to discover Europe?
World-class crew
The crew look after you as if you were family. Once they’re done checking every tiny detail, they’ll be there to welcome you on board, and to help throughout. All our ships have an excellent ratio of crew to guests, so you are guaranteed that personal touch. Working closely with the Riviera Cruise Director, the English-speaking crew will anticipate your every need in a manner which is intuitive and e cient yet discreet and friendly.
World-class facilities
Fully air-conditioned decks, all easily accessed via lift or stairs, o er di erent vantage points of the scenery. Take in views from a panoramic observation lounge and bar, or seek out a quiet spot on deck and enjoy life on the river from a sun lounger.
Lounge, George Eliot
Don’t just take our word for it
Stunning ship, sta and excursions. Very good tour guides. Cabins were spotless. The quality and variety of food and drink were excellent. Really enjoyed our cruise.
November 2025
Penny
The Blue Danube river cruise
Feefo
What a wonderful and di erent way to celebrate the New Year. This was our first ever cruise and the Riviera trip on the Danube lived up to expectations. The boat ‘Oscar Wilde ‘ and its sta and food were amazing. The trips into Budapest, Bratislava and Vienna gave us a taste of the respective countries. We would certainly recommend this trip to others.
Rider
Cruise the Heart of Europe river cruise February 2025
Feefo
Book with the UK’s leading tour & river cruise brand
Rated Excellent based on over 57,000 reviews
Rated Excellent based on over 6,500 reviews Rated 4.7
Magical from start to finish. 5 star food and service and we felt pampered but in a relaxed way. Its our 1st ever cruise and we will be booking more.
Nigel
The Danube’s Imperial Cities & Yuletide Markets river cruise December 2025
