Riviera Travel The Danube’s Imperial Cities & Yuletide Markets River Cruise

• Explore Budapest, Vienna and Bratislava on guided tours and watch the kaleidoscope of winter scenery along the banks of the Danube River glide by as you sail between these captivating capitals.
• Soak up the festive ambience at the Yuletide Markets of Vienna, Bratislava and Budapest, filled with seasonal sights, sounds and traditions.
• Enjoy Glühwein and Stollen on board your festively decorated ship, accompanied by a live music recital from a classical quartet.

• 5nts on board a 5-star ship
• Return flights & transfers
• 7 included experiences
• Full Board dining
• Complimentary on-board tea & coffee
• Superior Drinks Package (2025) or All-Inclusive drinks package (2026)
• Complimentary on-board wi-fi
• Services of an Expert Cruise Director & Concierge
• All port charges and airport taxes
• Checked luggage

Day 1: Arrival in Budapest
Fly to Budapest where you’ll transfer to the cruise ship. The ship is moored overnight so you have the chance to start exploring the city before dinner.

Day 2: Budapest
In the morning, take a guided tour seeing the city’s main sights, including the iconic Parliament Building. There’s also free time to explore on your own, whether that means visiting a museum or wandering through the markets. Head back to the ship for lunch, with the ship beginning its journey to Bratislava. Navigate the spectacular Danube Bend, taking in the Christmas card scenery.

Day 3: Bratislava
During breakfast, the ship arrives in Bratislava, the capital of Slovakia. This morning, you’ll discover more of the city’s history, seeing the main sights and visiting a number of churches to see their traditional Christmas cribs. Enjoy lunch back onboard before spending some free time wandering through the city.

Day 4: Vienna
After breakfast, enjoy a guided tour seeing the main sights. After lunch back on board the ship, there’s plenty of time to explore more of the markets. Return to the ship for the Captain’s Dinner followed by a classic string quartet recital.

Day 5: Budapest
Spend a relaxing morning onboard the ship, taking advantage of its excellent facilities. After lunch, the ship docks in Budapest, which you’ll have the afternoon free to explore the Christmas markets in the heart of Pest.

Day 6: Return home
This morning at the appropriate time, you will be taken to the airport for your flight home.

MS William Wordsworth

MS Geoffrey Chaucer

MS Riviera Radiance

MS Riviera Reflection

Essential Facts

• Currencies: Euro, Forint
• Flight Time: Approx. 2 hrs 25 mins to 3 hrs
• Languages: German, Hungarian, Slovak
• Time Zone: GMT+1
• Countries: Austria, Hungary, Slovakia

All transfer times listed here are approximate and dependent on traffic.*

What’s included in Riviera Travel The Danube’s Imperial Cities and Yuletide Markets River Cruise?
This festive river cruise includes five nights aboard a five-star ship, full-board dining, an all-inclusive drinks package, guided tours of Budapest, Bratislava and Vienna, onboard entertainment, Wi-Fi, return flights and transfers, and the services of a Riviera Cruise Director and Cruise Host.

How active is this cruise?
The cruise is suitable for travellers comfortable with guided sightseeing and walking through historic city centres and Christmas markets. Excursions are generally leisurely paced, with opportunities to explore independently.

Will I have any free time?
Yes, alongside guided tours, there is free time in Bratislava and Vienna to browse festive markets, discover local attractions or relax on board while enjoying the scenery along the Danube.

Who is this cruise suitable for?
This cruise is ideal for travellers looking to combine festive Christmas markets with cultural sightseeing, scenic winter cruising and the charm of Central Europe’s imperial cities during the holiday season.

Exclusive prices available on request. Our Pricing Policy.