Christmas on the Blue Danube

Celebrate Christmas and experience all the pleasures of this joyous time of the year amidst the grand imperial cities of the magnificent Danube. Immerse yourself in majestic surroundings, sample festive treats at the Yuletide markets and enjoy a superb gala dinner on Christmas Day.

Esztergom

Your itinerary

DAY 1 – Arrival in Budapest

Fly to Budapest and transfer to your cruise ship. Overnight sailing to Esztergom.

DAY 2 – Esztergom

Morning tour of the extraordinary Esztergom Basilica. There will also be time to browse the stalls at the Christmas market for last minute gifts. This afternoon sail past enchanting towns and villages en route to Bratislava. (B,L,D) + Included Experience – Visit to Esztergom Basilica and the Christmas market

DAY 3 – Bratislava on Christmas Eve

The Slovakian capital of Bratislava has recently rekindled it past in the restored old town, and the impressive 17th century castle commands expansive views across the Danube. Christmas here is an enchanting experience, with Hviezdoslav Square now dressed up for the special season. This afternoon cruise into Lower Austria. (B,L,D) + Included Experience – Guided tour of Bratislava

DAY 4 – Melk on Christmas Day

We awake on Christmas Day amidst the enchanting surroundings of the Wachau Valley. After breakfast visit the remarkable Melk Abbey. Nothing quite prepares you for your first sight of this

YOUR LUXURIOUS SHIP

enormous honey-coloured building, perhaps even more atmospheric at Christmas time. The final part of our cruise upstream takes us towards Linz. This evening enjoy tonight’s superb Gala Christmas dinner. (B,L,D) + Included Experience – Guided tour of Melk Abbey

DAY 5 – Salzburg or Linz

Join a walking tour of Linz’s charming baroque town. Alternatively visit Salzburg and discover the city’s main sights including the magnificent Christmas tree in Cathedral Square. Please note lunch is not included on the Salzburg excursion, however, the ship will offer a packed lunch.* This evening we cruise towards Vienna. (B,L*,D) + Included Experience – Guided tour of Linz or Salzburg

DAY 6 – Vienna

There are few places that can so delightfully evoke the spirit of Christmas than Vienna. This morning we enjoy a guided tour seeing all the main sights, including St Stephen’s Cathedral and the colossal Hofburg. There has been a Christmas market in Vienna since the Middle Ages and there will also be time for you to browse the stalls for seasonal treats. After lunch we visit the magnificent Schönbrunn Palace which also hosts a superb Christmas market. • MS William

Wordsworth, – see page 89

Tonight enjoy a live classical recital on board. Overnight sailing. (B,L,D) + Included Experiences – Guided tour of Vienna, visit to Schönbrunn Palace & live classical recital

DAY 7 – Budapest

Cruise through the Hungarian landscape towards captivating Budapest and after lunch enjoy a guided tour including the iconic Parliament Building and ancient Castle Hill. There will also be free time to explore. This evening the Captain’s dinner is followed by a Hungarian Christmas folklore show. (B,L,D) + Included Experiences – Guided tour of Budapest & Hungarian Christmas folklore show

DAY 8 – Return home

Transfer to the airport for your return flight to the UK. (B)

GERMANY 5

Linz

5

Salzburg

CZECH REPUBLIC

4

Melk

6

VIENNA SLOVAKIA

3

Bratislava

KEY

Excursion River Cruise Arrive

Depart

AUSTRIA

Esztergom

HUNGARY 2

1 7

BUDAPEST 8 2022

JAN FEB MAR APR MAY JUN JUL AUG SEP OCT NOV DEC

Your cruise includes

• 7 nights on board in your choice of luxury cabin or suite • All meals on board, (except one lunch if choosing the Salzburg excursion), including welcome cocktails, a welcome dinner and the Captain’s dinner • Complimentary on-board tea and coffee • Complimentary on-board Wi-Fi (connection speeds may vary) • Return scheduled flights from a selection of regional airports* • Five-star service from an Englishspeaking crew and knowledgeable local guides • Services of a Riviera Travel cruise director and concierge

(B) Breakfast, (L) Lunch, (D) Dinner Prices are per person. For departure dates, prices and ship information – visit our website. *A supplement may apply.

YOUR EXPERIENCES • 6 guided tours including Esztergom

Basilica, charming Bratislava, historic Melk Abbey, baroque Linz or magnificent Salzburg, elegant Vienna and captivating Budapest • Visit to Schönbrunn Palace • On board classical quartet recital • On board Hungarian Christmas folklore show • Christmas Day Gala dinner

PRICING & DEPARTURES 2022

DECK: LOWER MIDDLE UPPER

CABIN: Standard Standard Standard