The Blue Danube

Day 1  Budapest, Hungary
Fly to Budapest and transfer to your ship upon arrival.

Day 2  Esztergom
After a restful night’s sleep, wake up in Hungary’s medieval capital – a masterpiece of classicism. Little has changed since Habsburg times; the town is renowned for its neo-classical basilica which looms over the river and boasts one of the world’s largest altars.

Day 3  Bratislava, Slovakia
Surrounded by vineyards and rolling hills, the Slovakian capital is a medley of austere communist façades and beautiful baroque architecture. Discover how different nations, religions and people shaped the city on a guided tour and, after an exhilarating morning, enjoy the peaceful countryside vistas as you cruise into lower Austria.

Day 4  Durnstein & Melk, Austria
Visit both picturesque Durnstein, famous for its incredible ice-blue tower as well as the castle in which Richard the Lionheart was imprisoned in 1192, and the charming town of Melk, home to the enormous Benedictine Melk Abbey.

Day 5  Salzburg or Linz
Reach Linz, where you have the choice to stay in the city and take a guided walking tour, exploring its charming baroque old town. Alternatively, opt to head to Salzburg, with mountains to the south, rolling plains to the north and an old town peppered with spires and domes. This glorious setting famously provided the backdrop to The Sound of Music, but the town is perhaps even more famous as the birthplace of Mozart. Enjoy a guided tour of the city to fully appreciate all that it has to offer.

Day 6  Vienna
A stroll around Vienna reveals architecture of remarkable grandeur, not least the formidable palaces of the Hofburg and Schoenbrunn. What better place to enjoy the music of some of the greatest composers than the city in which they lived and worked. Mozart, Beethoven, Schubert and Brahms all plied their trade here and their legacy lives on in the city’s beautiful theatres.

Day 7  Budapest, Hungary
Once two cities on opposing sides of the Danube, Buda and Pest are now united. The hills of Buda are home to the imposing Buda Castle, while Pest plays host to the majority of the city’s historic landmarks including Heroes’ Square and the Hungarian Parliament. Enjoy a guided tour of the city before free time to explore later on. Be sure to visit one of the ornate bathhouses – the perfect place to unwind and reflect at your journey’s end.

Day 8  Disembark in Budapest and fly home

Your Ship; Whichever ship you sail on, with Riviera Travel you can be assured of the highest possible standards and finish, with well-appointed cabins, and a stylish and tasteful décor to match. Dining is a real pleasure with tantalising menus served in sumptuous surroundings, while the spacious decks are perfect for soaking up the scenery.