Gastronomy of the Danube - MS Riviera Radiance

Arrival in Budapest - On arrival, a coach will take you to your cruise ship. Our dedicated crew are there to welcome you on board, ensuring you settle in and familiarise yourself with this first-class floating hotel.There’s always a sense of expectancy and excitement on the eve of a cruise and, after an excellent dinner in the stylish restaurant, conversation is sure to revolve around the delights ahead.

Esztergom - Overnight, we'll have cruised upstream to Esztergom, one of Hungary’s oldest towns, a royal capital during medieval times and today the seat of the country’s archbishop. The castle was the seat of government until the Ottomans invaded in the 16th century. Nestling below are myriad atmospheric churches resonating with the enchanting sounds of choirs; this is the best of provincial Hungary and is little changed since Habsburg times.In Esztergom, we'll enjoy a guided tour of the famous neoclassical basilica, standing sentinel over the Danube on the border with Slovakia, and boasting one of the world’s largest altarpieces and a wealth of priceless religious artefacts.Beneath the beautiful building is a 3,000 square meters large cellar system, as old as the basilica itself. It's here we end our guided tour, with a tasting of Hungarian wines which will introduce you to an array of rustic, fuller-bodied wines from the Carpathian basin. As you enjoy your first lunch on board, we'll gently leave Esztergom in our wake, affording a fascinating opportunity to compare the different landscapes, towns and villages of Hungary on one riverbank and of Slovakia on the other.

Bratislava - This morning we'll explore Slovakia's fast-emerging capital city, Bratislava, on a sightseeing guided tour aboard a land train.  We’ll see the imposing 17th-century castle commanding expansive views across the Danube, along with the Presidential Palace. Then, we'll take a walking tour through the old town. Until recently swathed in the drab uniformity of Communism, the city has rekindled the splendour of its imperial past in its beautifully restored old town. We'll see Messerschmidt Café, named after the famous baroque sculptor Franz Xaver Messerschmidt. Part cafe, part museum, guests can enjoy the works of F.X. Messerschmidt, along with a great cup of coffee and a delicious bratislavské rožky (a traditional sweet pastry).When talking about the gastronomic scene in Bratislava, it is impossible not to mention the Flagship Restaurant. So, to end our tour, we'll visit Europe's largest restaurant, nestled in the Monastery of the Brothers of Mercy on SNP Square - the square where the Gentle Revolution took place in 1989. The restaurant has a capacity of 450 seats on three floors in what was once the cinema. If you're seeking authentic Slovakian cuisine, this is a great place to start with a menu that celebrates these traditional dishes. In the baroque cellars below is Kláštorný Pivovar, the restaurant's very own brewery, and we'll taste two of their most popular brews alongside local specialities like pirohy (potato dumplings) and bryndzové halušky (Slovakia's national dish).  Returning to our ship, we'll spend the afternoon cruising into Lower Austria - a peaceful region and home to some of the country's best wines. By now, the stresses of everyday life seem distant as you absorb the ever-changing scenes: you might spot children playing on the riverbanks, young couples strolling arm in arm like generations before them, vignerons carefully pruning their vines, and cobbled quaysides lined by half-timbered buildings.You'll marvel as the captain skilfully navigates the ship along the serene river and through locks whose mechanisms never cease to fascinate as we cruise towards Dürnstein.

Dürnstein & Melk Abbey - Wachau stands out as one of the most captivating river valleys in Europe, earning UNESCO World Heritage status back in 2000. This well-known wine-growing region is also famed for its sweet and plump apricots - the Wachauer Marille is one of the few Austrian products protected as its own brand within the EU. Along the riverbanks orchards and lush vineyards climb up the hills, while charming towns and villages punctuate the landscape. One of these towns is Dürnstein, known for the ice-blue tower of its abbey, and the castle where Richard the Lionheart was imprisoned in 1192 after being shipwrecked on his return from the Crusades.This morning, we'll take a guided walking tour to explore this memorable town further. We'll stop en route to taste three delicious wines, grown and produced locally.Back on board, whilst sailing through the Wachau Valley, we'll enjoy a delicious lunch celebrating Austrian specialities as we travel on to Melk Abbey. Nothing quite prepares you for your first sight of this enormous honey-coloured building, standing resplendent above the surrounding countryside. Originally a castle, it was gifted to the Benedictine Order in the 11th century and, although reconstructed in Baroque style during the 18th century, it has remained a monastic school and monastery ever since.The abbey is renowned for its 214-yard-long Emperor’s Gallery lined with portraits, many fine rooms and an ornate library. After we re-join the ship, dinner is served during the final part of our cruise upstream through the pretty Nibelungengau region, immortalised in the music of Wagner.

Linz or Salzburg - If you choose to stay in Linz, we'll take a guided walking tour, exploring its charming 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 a museum housing a fine collection of nineteenth and twentieth-century artworks.As we explore, we'll make delightful pit stops to indulge in some of the local delicacies. Among them is the Leberkassemmel, comprised of quality Austrian beef and pork, expertly blended and baked to perfection until a delectable brown crust forms, all nestled within a crisp and soft Semmel bun. Our guided tour also takes us to the Imperial and Royal Court Bakery - the oldest bakery in Linz - where we'll savour a coffee paired with the renowned Linzer Torte. This baked buttery torte is crafted with chopped almonds, sugar, and spices and filled with jam or preserves, and is thought to be the oldest known cake in the world. (Its oldest recipe is listed in a 300-year-old cookbook!) Then we'll relish the flavours of local beer at an authentic Austrian beer garden. This afternoon, you'll have ample free time to explore more of Linz independently.Alternatively, you could choose to travel to Salzburg for a guided walking tour. Salzburg, once an autonomous state, was transformed by its archbishops into a remarkably elegant city. The city's skyline is dominated by the imposing Hohensalzburg fortress, one of the largest stone fortresses in Europe. Below the fortress, the old town, or Altstadt, charms visitors with its church domes and spires peeking out from the picturesque cobblestone streets.As we meander through the paved streets and quaint alleyways, we'll encounter the birthplace of the renowned Salzburger Mozartkugel, a delectable confection featuring a delightful blend of marzipan and pistachio encased in nougat and coated in rich dark chocolate. We'll also see Café Tomaselli, Austria's oldest coffee house, established in 1700. It is said to have been frequented by Salzburg's favourite resident, Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart.After our tour, there'll be free time for lunch and independent exploration. If you'd like a treat to keep you going until dinner, we recommend a Salzburger Nockerl - a culinary speciality of Salzburg. This light and fluffy, three-peaked desert consists of a soufflé baked over a tangly layer of fruit jam dessert - it's a real treat for people with a sweet tooth! (Please note lunch is not included on this full day excursion.)We'll return to the ship for another splendid dinner.

Vienna - For many, today’s visit to Vienna will be one of the highlights of the cruise. The city’s very name provokes images of elegance, fine music, wide boulevards, Baroque architecture and a rich tapestry of people who were drawn here from all corners of Europe.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.There’s also the colossal Hofburg, the former royal court that is now home to a collection of museums, the Crown Jewels and the Spanish Riding School, and where the Vienna Boys’ Choir performs. Then there are the lavish Imperial Apartments and an outstanding collection of relics of the Holy Roman Empire, including, allegedly, the sabre of Charlemagne himself. The Kunsthistorisches Museum, which contains the world’s fourth largest collection of paintings, is just across the road.This morning, we have a tour with a local guide offering insights into why Vienna is one of Europe’s great capitals – the seat of the Habsburg emperors and home to some of the world’s finest classical composers, including Beethoven, Brahms, Mozart and, of course, a whole family of Strausses.After our tour, why not enjoy a coffee in a typical Vienna café accompanied by a Sacher cake, a chocolate sponge with a thin coating of apricot jam, covered in chocolate icing and served with whipped cream.  It is so loved by locals that Austrians celebrate National Sacher Torte Day on the 5th December each year.This afternoon, we head to Gerstner confectioner in the grounds of Schönbrunn Palace. Founded in 1847, they have a long history of supplying the royal court with sweet treats and, today, we will witness the awe-inspiring expertise of master bakers for ourselves. Watch as they artfully prepare the original Viennese apple strudel. The delightful aroma of baked apples and cinnamon is sure to get your stomach rumbling and following their captivating presentation, we will have the opportunity to try these delectable creations for ourselves.Afterwards, there's time to explore Schönbrunn Palace - one of the most popular sights in Vienna. Experience the opulence of the Habsburg dynasty and maybe choose to tour the palace with its stunning architecture and richly furnished rooms, or simply stroll the expansive garden of this UNESCO World Heritage site.This evening, we have something special in store. Not only do we have our indulgent Chef's Dinner, but we've also organised a live musical experience on board. So, after this special dinner, sit back and enjoy an intimate classical recital. To hear this exquisite music in Vienna - where it was created - is truly the icing on the cake. 

Budapest - Enjoy a leisurely morning as we cruise majestically through Hungary’s peaceful pastoral landscape towards Budapest. After breakfast head up onto the sun deck to enjoy some fabulous river views as we cruise along the 'Danube Bend', surrounded by historic and picturesque cities like Visegrad and Szentendre. Castle ruins, churches, pretty houses perching on the hills, and thick forests are reflected in the waters of the river. Squeeze in a spot of reading on the sun deck or simply recline, letting the gentle breezes lull you into a relaxing doze.We'll arrive in Budapest after lunch for a guided tour of the Great Market Hall, a timeless gem nestled in the heart of the city. Established in 1897, it stands as the largest and most beautiful market in Budapest, offering a haven for fresh produce, souvenirs, and so much more. Accompanying our guide around the busy market, they’ll introduce you to the best stalls and teach you more about Hungarian “market etiquette”. Along the way, we'll sample traditional Hungarian foods.After our market tour, we'll discover the unique and renowned Hungarian speciality called Unicum, which is a distinctive herbal liqueur. This iconic drink, considered the national drink of Hungary, is created from a blend of over 40 herbs sourced from around the globe. Its closely guarded recipe has been a secret of its creators, the Zwack family, since its inception in 1790. At the museum, we’ll delve into the intriguing story of its creation and see a captivating collection of personal family memorabilia.Alternatively, you can explore Budapest at leisure. Castle Hill has two churches, seven museums and a theatre. Wander among streets and squares with their own special atmosphere and a dramatic view across the river to the awe-inspiring neo-Gothic Parliament Building. Budapest’s endless galleries, museums, and outstanding Art Nouveau architecture are also worth exploring and the city offers excellent shopping - a fittingly elegant end to your Danube cruise.This evening's dinner closes with a Hungarian folklore show, giving you time to bid farewell to your travelling companions and reflect on all the inspirational places, sights, sounds and flavours you have experienced.

Return home

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The Riverview Kitchen, located at the stern, is available at no extra charge for lunch and dinner. It offers a more intimate dining experience with an open kitchen, large panoramic windows and al fresco seating so you can admire the fantastic views. Here in the evenings,You can enjoy a more informal experience that takes its inspiration from a traditional Grill restaurant.

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Mosaic offers a unique food and wine pairing menu. Each course has a number of elements, each inspired by the rivers of Europe. Our expert sommelier has selected the perfect wine to complement each course. You can choose from our Market Menu, showcasing the best meat and fish dishes, or our Garden Menu that puts the spotlight on fabulous fruits, vegetables and more.

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Our ship's main restaurant is located on the Ruby Deck, offering an exceptional service pairing seasonal menus with a glass of wine from our carefully curated wine list, including a selection of regional favourites. Our friendly and attentive staff are only too happy to help from recommendations to alternative dietary options, nothing is too much trouble. So, you can just sit back and delight in the wonderful elegance of your surroundings; beautifully laid tables of just 4 or 6 guests, crisp linen, deep wool carpets and warm wood panelling abound to offer a delectable dining experience of the highest order.

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Here, you can catch the scenery change from the comfort of a sun lounger, sip cocktails on the deck and, when the sun starts to heat up, cool down with a dip in the plunge pool. Whether we're in port or sailing to our next destination, the Sun Deck is the place to relax.

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You'll usually find your Riviera Travel Cruise Director in the lobby area on the Ruby Deck as well as the reception desk where the helpful staff are on hand to assist you 24 hours a day. Close by, you'll also find our boutique shop. 

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The Diamond Deck is home to the social hub of the ship, the Panorama Lounge and Bar. From here, you can watch the waters of one of Europe's most beautiful waterways rush by and spot the small settlements that reside on the riverbank. And, after the day's adventure, you and your sun-kissed fellow travellers will congregate here to swap stories and discuss the highlights of the day, returning after dinner to enjoy a digestif and the evening's entertainment. 

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Imaginatively designed and well-appointed, our 16 square metre Double Cabins offer all the luxury you would expect to find in a smart ‘boutique style’ hotel. A full-sized double bed ensures a good night’s rest in crisp cotton linen. Double Cabins on the Diamond Deck have a French Balcony – panoramic floor-to-ceiling sliding glass doors that bring riverside life just that little closer!

Careful consideration has been given to every detail with individually controlled air-conditioning so you can set the temperature that you desire, a hairdryer, safe, minibar, telephone and the convenience of tea (our meticulous planning even extends to familiar teabags!) and coffee-making facilities ensure a familiar home from home experience.

Riviera Plus

• 10% off spa treatment or massage
• 10% off hairdresser services
• Luxury toiletries
• Locally inspired gifts
• Bottle of champagne
• 10% off onboard laundry services

Indulge in the luxury of Riviera Plus when you stay in an upper deck cabin or suite. In your well-appointed cabin, you’ll find a range of extras to make your experience extra special. 

Features

• Individual climate control
• Floor to ceiling windows with French style balcony
• Twin beds which can be configured as double
• Nespresso machine and tea making facilities
• Ensuite bathroom with walk-in shower
• Luxury toiletries: shampoo, conditioner, shower gel, body lotion, soap
• Towels, bathrobes, slippers and hairdryer
• UK plug sockets & 2 USB charging points
• Table and chairs
• Telephone, radio and flat-screen TV
• Safe & mini fridge
• Turn down service

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Imaginatively designed and well-appointed, our 16 square metre Double Cabins offer all the luxury you would expect to find in a smart ‘boutique style’ hotel. A full-sized double bed ensures a good night’s rest in crisp cotton linen. Double Cabins on the Ruby Deck have a French Balcony – panoramic floor-to-ceiling sliding glass doors that bring riverside life just that little closer!

Careful consideration has been given to every detail with individually controlled air-conditioning so you can set the temperature that you desire, a hairdryer, safe, minibar, telephone and the convenience of tea (our meticulous planning even extends to familiar teabags!) and coffee-making facilities ensure a familiar home from home experience. 

Features

• Individual climate control
• Floor to ceiling windows with French style balcony
• Twin beds which can be configured as double
• Nespresso machine and tea making facilities
• Ensuite bathroom with walk-in shower
• Luxury toiletries: shampoo, conditioner, shower gel, body lotion, soap
• Towels, bathrobes, slippers and hairdryer
• UK plug sockets & 2 USB charging points
• Table and chairs
• Telephone, radio and flat-screen TV
• Safe & mini fridge
• Turn down service

-

Imaginatively designed and well-appointed, our 16 square metre Double Cabins offer all the luxury you would expect to find in a smart ‘boutique style’ hotel. A full-sized double bed ensures a good night’s rest in crisp cotton linen.

Careful consideration has been given to every detail with individually controlled air-conditioning so you can set the temperature that you desire, a hairdryer, safe, minibar, telephone and the convenience of tea (our meticulous planning even extends to familiar teabags!) and coffee-making facilities ensure a familiar home from home experience. Double Cabins on the Diamond Deck have a smaller fixed window.  

Features

• Individual climate control
• Fixed window
• Twin beds which can be configured as double
• Nespresso machine and tea making facilities
• Ensuite bathroom with walk-in shower
• Luxury toiletries: shampoo, conditioner, shower gel, body lotion, soap
• Towels, bathrobes, slippers and hairdryer
• UK plug sockets & 2 USB charging points
• Table and chairs
• Telephone, radio and flat-screen TV
• Safe & mini fridge
• Turn down service

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Designed for the ultimate in space and comfort, the Grand Suites are our biggest-ever cabins at an impressive 32 square metres. Whether you're relaxing in your separate living space - featuring a sofa, chair and table - or enjoying an afternoon siesta on your king-sized bed, you'll feel spoilt by all this space. The Grand Suites are finished to an exceptionally high standard with superior quality fittings in the most refined taste featuring individually controlled air conditioning, a desk, double wardrobe, hairdryer, safe, TV and telephone, and tea/coffee-making facilities are available in every room.

In addition to the indoor space, you'll also enjoy a private exterior balcony, complete with outdoor seating - the perfect place to enjoy breakfast 'al fresco', a pre-dinner 'sundown' cocktail or simply sit and watch the riverbanks glide by as we sail.

Riviera Plus

• 10% off spa treatment or massage
• 10% off hairdresser services
• Luxury toiletries
• Locally inspired gifts
• Bottle of champagne
• 10% off onboard laundry services

Indulge in the luxury of Riviera Plus when you stay in an upper deck cabin or suite. In your well-appointed cabin, you’ll find a range of extras to make your experience extra special. 

Features

• Individual climate control
• Floor-to-ceiling windows with outside balcony and seating
• Twin beds which can be configured as king
• Separate indoor seating area with sofa, table and chair
• Nespresso machine and tea making facilities
• Spacious ensuite bathroom with walk-in shower
• Luxury toiletries: shampoo, conditioner, shower gel, body lotion, soap
• Towels, bathrobes, slippers and hairdryer
• UK plug sockets & 2 USB charging points
• Desk & chair
• Telephone, radio and flat-screen TV
• Safe & mini fridge
• Turn down service

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Our spacious Superior Suites are 24 square metres with a floor-to-ceiling French balcony that side open, bringing you that much closer to the beautiful waterway beyond. Between onshore adventures, you can watch the world go by through the window from the comfort of your separate living space - featuring a sofa, chair and table.

Throughout the suite are the thoughtfully appointed, high-quality furnishings and fittings that Riviera Travel are known for. The cabin includes air conditioning, hairdryer, safe, TV, telephone, a desk, double wardrobe, a lounge chair and small table and tea/coffee-making facilities are available in every room. The hotel-style beds can be configured as a double or twin, and the room features an ensuite bathroom with a rain shower.

Riviera Plus

• 10% off spa treatment or massage
• 10% off hairdresser services
• Luxury toiletries
• Locally inspired gifts
• Bottle of champagne
• 10% off onboard laundry services

Indulge in the luxury of Riviera Plus when you stay in an upper deck cabin or suite. In your well-appointed cabin, you’ll find a range of extras to make your experience extra special.

Features

• Individual climate control
• Floor to ceiling windows with French style balcony
• Twin beds which can be configured as double
• Separate indoor seating area with sofa, table and chair
• Nespresso machine and tea making facilities
• Ensuite bathroom with walk-in shower
• Luxury toiletries: shampoo, conditioner, shower gel, body lotion, soap
• Towels and hairdryer
• Desk & chair
• Telephone and flat-screen TV
• Safe & mini fridge
• Turn down service

-

Our spacious Superior Suites are 24 square metres with a floor-to-ceiling French balcony that side open, bringing you that much closer to the beautiful waterway beyond. Between onshore adventures, you can watch the world go by through the window from the comfort of your separate living space - featuring a sofa, chair and table.

Throughout the suite are the thoughtfully appointed, high-quality furnishings and fittings that Riviera Travel are known for. The cabin includes air conditioning, hairdryer, safe, TV, telephone, a desk, double wardrobe, a lounge chair and small table and tea/coffee-making facilities are available in every room. The hotel-style beds can be configured as a double or twin, and the room features an ensuite bathroom with a rain shower. 

Riviera Plus

• 10% off spa treatment or massage
• 10% off hairdresser services
• Luxury toiletries
• Locally inspired gifts
• Bottle of champagne
• 10% off onboard laundry services

Indulge in the luxury of Riviera Plus when you stay in an upper deck cabin or suite. In your well-appointed cabin, you’ll find a range of extras to make your experience extra special.

Features

• Individual climate control
• Floor to ceiling windows with French style balcony
• Twin beds which can be configured as double
• Separate indoor seating area with sofa, table and chair
• Nespresso machine and tea making facilities
• Ensuite bathroom with walk-in shower
• Luxury toiletries: shampoo, conditioner, shower gel, body lotion, soap
• Towels and hairdryer
• Desk & chair
• Telephone and flat-screen TV
• Safe & mini fridge
• Turn down service