Christmas on the Danube River Cruise - MS Riviera Radiance

Itinerary

• Day 1
  Arrival in Budapest - On arrival the dedicated crew are there to welcome you on board, ensuring you settle in and familiarise yourself with this first-class floating hotel. Your eyes will be wide with wonder as you take in the fabulous décor, with garlands adorning the staircases, lights as far as the eye can see and of course the majestic Christmas tree taking centre stage. There’s always a sense of expectancy and excitement on the eve of a cruise, especially at Christmas time and, after an excellent dinner in the stylish restaurant, conversation is sure to revolve around the seasonal delights ahead.
• Day 2
  Budapest - Although divided by the Danube, Budapest's two halves couldn't feel more different. Buda is known for its fairytale architecture, leafy hills and elegant promenades, while Pest buzzes with grand boulevards, lively cafés and a distinctly cosmopolitan atmosphere. Together, they form one of Europe's most captivating capitals, where centuries of history and culture are on display at every turn. This morning, you can choose how you'd like to explore the city. Sit back and take in Budapest's highlights on a panoramic coach tour, passing landmarks such as the Opera House, Gellért Baths, Chain Bridge and Parliament Building. You'll also stop at Heroes' Square and the Castle District, giving you time to soak up the atmosphere and capture some memorable photographs.  Alternatively, join our more active tour of Budapest's historic Castle District. Travelling by coach to the castle area, you'll ascend to the terraces before setting off on a guided walk around Castle Hill and Fisherman's Bastion. From here, admire sweeping views across the Danube and the city beyond before enjoying some free time to explore at your own pace. Please note, this excursion involves more walking and uneven terrain and is recommended for those with a good level of mobility.  Returning to the ship, we'll leave Budapest behind and begin cruising through the beautiful Danube Bend. Relax on the Sun Deck as the river winds past forested hillsides, historic towns and hilltop fortresses. Along the way, you'll pass picturesque settlements such as Visegrád and Szentendre, whose church spires, colourful houses and castle ruins create some of the Danube's most memorable scenery. We’ll pause for a planned stop along the Danube – a lovely opportunity to stretch your legs or simply enjoy the changing scenery.  Tonight, enjoy a lively Hungarian folklore show, showcasing traditional music, costumes and dance in a celebration of the country's rich cultural heritage. 
• Day 3
  Bratislava on Christmas Eve - This morning belongs to the river. Settle in with breakfast, find your favourite spot on board and watch the scenery drift by. Vine-covered hillsides, riverside villages and church spires appear and disappear around each bend, making the journey every bit as enjoyable as the destination. After lunch, we arrive in Slovakia's compact and characterful capital. Bratislava rarely shouts for attention. Instead, it wins people over with elegant squares, centuries of history and a laid-back atmosphere that's refreshingly different from Europe's larger capitals. Our tour leads us up to Bratislava Castle, which has watched over the Danube for centuries. From its hilltop position, you'll enjoy sweeping views across the city and the river beyond before continuing to Michael's Gate, the last remaining entrance to the medieval city and one of Bratislava's most recognisable landmarks. With a local guide leading the way, we'll wander through the Old Town's cobbled streets and hidden corners, where Baroque palaces sit alongside colourful townhouses and lively cafés. Once the guided tour concludes, the rest of the afternoon is yours to enjoy as you please. Stroll along the riverside promenade, where locals gather at waterside cafés and bars, or cross the Danube to the UFO Observation Deck for a completely different perspective on the city. Often named one of Europe's top hidden gems of winter travel, Bratislava’s main square boasts a towering Christmas tree and some 70 wooden stalls selling handmade crafts and local foods. We'll return to the ship this evening, with plenty of stories – and perhaps a favourite Slovak wine – to bring back with us. 
• Day 4
  Dürnstein & Melk on Christmas Day - This morning, we arrive in Dürnstein, one of the Wachau Valley's most picturesque riverside towns. Nestled between the Danube and terraced vineyards, it's best known for its striking blue abbey tower and the castle ruins where Richard the Lionheart was once held captive.  After breakfast, we'll travel by coach to nearby Melk to visit one of Austria's most impressive landmarks. Standing high above the river, Melk Abbey has been watching over the Danube for more than 900 years. Originally founded as a Benedictine monastery, its honey-coloured Baroque exterior gives way to lavish state rooms, a remarkable library and the magnificent Imperial Gallery, where centuries of history are brought vividly to life. After returning to the ship for lunch, you’ll have some time to spend at leisure in Dürnstein. Wander the town's narrow lanes, browse its independent shops, pause at a pavement café or simply enjoy the atmosphere of this charming Wachau town at your own pace. Later this afternoon, we cast off and begin one of the most scenic stretches of cruising on the Danube. As we glide through the UNESCO-listed Wachau Valley, vineyards climb the hillsides above ancient villages and church spires punctuate the landscape. Keep an eye out for Melk Abbey, whose commanding position above the river offers a very different perspective from the water.   Later, gather for a delightful onboard demonstration of traditional stollen-making. With the scent of festive spices filling the air and the ship adorned in seasonal decorations, it’s a cosy and engaging way to embrace the spirit of Christmas on the Danube.  You’re in for a truly magical evening tonight. As the ship glides along the wintry waters of the Danube, you’ll gather with your fellow travellers in the beautifully decorated onboard restaurant for a special Christmas Gala Dinner. Expect a festive atmosphere filled with seasonal cheer, exquisite cuisine prepared by our talented chefs, and the joy of celebrating this most wonderful time of year in unforgettable surroundings.  
• Day 5
  Salzburg or Linz on Boxing Day - When we arrive in Linz, you have a choice of two included excursions: stay in Linz for a guided walk in the morning, followed by lunch on board your ship and a free afternoon cruising through beautiful scenery; or a full-day excursion to Salzburg, starting with a guided tour, then lunch at your leisure and free time to wander the city.  Join our guided walking tour of Linz, exploring the charming, decorated streets of its 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 high above the city by Emperor Friedrich III, now embellished in seasonal splendour. With locals spending time with loved ones today, the markets, shops, cafés and attractions may not be open. Take in the festive ambience with the glow of lights and the magnificent Christmas tree in the Hauptplatz. We return to the ship for another satisfying lunch on board. Later we cruise through beautiful scenery, from the peaceful Machland plains to the Strudengau region, where the river suddenly narrows into a snug gorge with dark, forested hills rising from the water's edge — look out for old castle ruins tucked into the trees. Historically, this stretch was perilous for sailors due to hidden rocks and whirlpools. Fortunately, you can now relax and have your camera at the ready.   As the ship rounds the final bend, Greinburg Castle emerges high on a rocky cliff, looking down on the colourful town of Grein below. It is here in Grein where we pause, and those who chose the Salzburg excursion will rejoin us on board.  On our full-day excursion to Salzburg, we discover some of the city’s main sights with an expert local guide. Then you’re free to explore as you wish. Dominating Salzburg's skyline is one of Europe’s largest stone fortresses, the Hohensalzburg, while beneath its walls, church domes and spires rise from the delightful Altstadt. Then there’s the wonderful Hellbrunn Palace and the splendid formal gardens of the Mirabell Palace. Everywhere there are sights associated with the city’s most famous resident, Mozart, who wrote his first opera when he was 11!   Celebrate the day by the magnificent Christmas tree in Cathedral Square and perhaps reflect on the hauntingly beautiful lyrics of Silent Night. This carol was written by Joseph Mohr who was also born in Salzburg. After our day in Salzburg, we drive to Grein, a historic riverside town on a dramatic bend of the Danube. Here in picture-perfect Grein, we rejoin our ship.  After tonight's delicious dinner on board, perhaps retire to the lounge for a nightcap, as we cruise towards magnificent Vienna. 
• Day 6
  Vienna - During the early hours, our ship has stealthily crept into port, and you awake to find yourself in twinkling Vienna. 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. After breakfast, enjoy a guided panoramic tour by 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, seeing the main sights such as St Stephen’s Cathedral and the impressive Hofburg complex, former royal court, now home to a collection of museums, the Vienna Boys’ Choir and the world-famous Spanish Riding School. Or explore independently and maybe retreat to the refined yet cosy elegance of a traditional Viennese café for an indulgent Sachertorte. After lunch on board we visit the magnificent Schönbrunn Palace. Once the summer residence of the Habsburgs, this former royal residence now houses a range of world-class museums and galleries. The palace also hosts a superb Christmas market, specialising in traditional handicrafts and nostalgic toys. This evening we’ve arranged truly the ‘icing on the cake’: no visit to Vienna is complete without a live musical experience, so after tonight's Chef's dinner, featuring some of their signature dishes, we’ll enjoy a Christmas classical recital in the comfort of our luxury ship, presenting well-known festive melodies - a wonderful finale to the day.
• Day 7
  Budapest - Enjoy a leisurely morning as we cruise majestically through Hungary’s peaceful pastoral landscape, draped in a blanket of glistening frost. After breakfast, seek out a good vantage spot in the lounge, sink into a comfy chair and watch this lovely slideshow of winter wonderland scenery effortlessly gliding by – what could be more relaxing! For the more energetic, perhaps a visit to the ship’s fitness centre to work off some of those delicious meals or head up to the sun deck to enjoy the bracing river breeze with a steaming mug of Glühwein in hand as the Captain skilfully navigates our return course to the Hungarian capital. Our final lunch is served during which Budapest’s majestic skyline comes into view. This afternoon, you're free to explore at your own pace and soak up Budapest's festive atmosphere. Browse the Christmas markets around St Stephen's Basilica and Vörösmarty Square, where wooden chalets brim with handcrafted gifts, seasonal treats and local delicacies. As the aroma of gingerbread, roasted chestnuts and warming goulash fills the air as you wander beneath the twinkling lights that transform the city each Christmas – and don’t forget the mulled wine to stave off the winter chill!   This evening, after your final splendid dinner, you’ll have time to bid farewell to your travelling companions and reflect on all the inspirational places, sights and sounds you have experienced on this very magical festive cruise. 
• Day 8
  Return home