Overview
Stepping aboard you will appreciate the superb surroundings of your floating luxury hotel for the next seven nights. From Budapest, we slip our moorings and head north to Esztergom spending the morning exploring its historic centre, before continuing to the old town of Bratislava, the capital of Slovakia. Navigating through Lower Austria we then reach the romantic town of Dürnstein. After, we visit the monastery in Melk, with its 200m long Emperor’s Gallery. Soon we arrive in Linz for a guided tour. Alternatively, take the short drive to Salzburg and enjoy a guided tour of the old town.
On our way back eastwards, we will reach Vienna. This city offers up so much wonderful architecture as well as a host of other things to see including the Spanish riding school. Finally, cruising into Hungary, we arrive back in Budapest and explore via a guided tour. Following our final dinner on board, we enjoy a Hungarian folklore show – an excellent finale to this most exceptional and relaxing cruise.
At a Glance:
- Free drinks package
- 7 nights on board a five-star ship
- Return flights & transfers
- 9 included experiences
- Full board dining
- Complimentary on-board tea & coffee
- We’ll meet you at your departure airport or train station
- Welcome dinner and drinks to get to know your fellow travellers
- Expert Tour Manager that specializes in solo travel, looking after you throughout
- All port charges & airport taxes
- Checked luggage
- Free on-board Wi-Fi
Highlights:
- Discover the extraordinary Esztergom Basilica and the Slovakian capital, Bratislava, with its 17th-century castle and pretty old town on guided tours.
- Explore Dürnstein, famous for its ice-blue tower and the castle where Richard the Lionheart was imprisoned, followed by a visit to stunning Melk Abbey.
- Visit the charming baroque town of Linz, or explore the main sights of Salzburg, such as the Hohensalzburg Fortress, Hellbrunn Palace, and the gardens of Mirabell Palace.
- Explore Vienna’s cultural sights, including St. Stephen’s Cathedral and the colossal Hofburg, and experience a guided tour of Budapest, including its iconic Parliament Building and ancient Castle Hill.
- Enjoy a live classical quartet recital with views of Vienna and a Hungarian folklore show in Budapest on board the ship.
Your Itinerary:

Day 1 – Arrival in Budapest:
The adventure begins in Budapest.
Day 2 – Esztergom:
Explore Esztergom and its famous basilica on a guided tour before a relaxing afternoon sailing.
Day 3 – Bratislava:
Explore Slovakia’s fast-emerging capital city, Bratislava, followed by an afternoon of cruising into Lower Austria.
Day 4 – Dürnstein & Melk:
This morning we take a guided tour of Dürnstein, before visiting the Benedictine Melk Abbey in the afternoon.
Day 5 – Salzburg or Linz:
Arrive in Linz, where you can explore this charming town or take a drive to Salzburg for a guided walking tour.
Day 6 – Vienna:
For many, today’s visit to Vienna will be one of the highlights of the cruise.
Day 7 – Budapest:
Enjoy a leisurely morning as we cruise towards Budapest, where we will have a guided tour in the afternoon.
Day 8 – Return home:
It’s time to say goodbye to your crew and start the journey home.
Available Ships:
- MS William Wordsworth (5 stars) – Built in 2018, with a crew of 44 and a capacity of 167 passengers.
- MS Riviera Radiance (5 stars) – Built in 2025, with a crew of 44 and a capacity of 178 passengers. This ship features the largest suites available, blending contemporary and cosy designs.
Extras & Upgrades:
- Visit the Spanish Riding School in Vienna.
- Door-to-door service for your convenience.
Travel Connections:
- Budapest Airport to Ship: 45 minutes (approximate transfer time).
