New Year on the Danube River Cruise for Solo Travellers

Free day cruising to Bratislava - There’s no rush at all today as we meander our way to Bratislava. A New Year’s Eve brunch will be served on board, a most delicious way to spend the morning. Then it’s time to explore your ship, beautifully decked out for the season. You might want to fetch your camera to capture some photos of our fabulously festive spaces. Any concerns about not spending Christmas at home will be laid to rest upon sight of our wonderful tree, meticulously decorated by our crew.If the weather is fine, head up to the Sun Deck for some fresh air and watch the riverside scenery drift by. There’s something magical about landscapes cloaked in wintry splendour. Should the weather not be particularly co-operative, the ship’s observation lounge has plenty of plush seating and floor-to-ceiling windows, perfect for soaking up the Danube’s panoramas.Or find a cosy spot at the bar with your favourite tipple. Perhaps engage in a conversation or two with your fellow guests. Many a friendship has been made on our solo holidays, as we’ve been told. You could also indulge in some pampering at our wellness centre on the lower deck before tonight’s festivities. The ship comes alive with festive spirit as we prepare to ring in the New Year in true Riviera style. You’ll enjoy a superb New Year’s Eve dinner in the ship’s beautifully adorned restaurant, where our chefs will serve a specially curated menu to mark the occasion.After dinner, make your way to the lounge for a delightful classical recital, the perfect prelude to the evening’s celebrations — and a wonderful way to mark our arrival in Bratislava.As midnight approaches, gather with your fellow guests and our wonderful crew to welcome the New Year. With a glass of sparkling wine in hand, you’ll toast to new beginnings as the clock strikes twelve — an unforgettable way to ring in the New Year.

Bratislava on New Year’s Day - Start the new year with a leisurely breakfast, perhaps very welcome after the previous evening’s celebrations. This morning, we explore Bratislava, Slovakia’s capital city, on a guided tour. Once swathed in the uniformity of Communism, the city has rekindled the splendour of its imperial past in its beautifully restored old town. Equally impressive is the imposing white fortress, former seat of the rulers, which enjoys expansive views across the Danube.You’ll have free time in this captivating city, even more special at this time of year. The calm and quiet make exploring a little easier and more enjoyable, like the city has stayed open just for you. Some say it's the best time to photograph the old town's pastel streets. Admire the charming Baroque architecture and absorb the local café culture with a freshly brewed coffee and some local delicacies. Skalický trdelník is a hollow pastry typically coated with almonds, apricots or walnuts, before being dusted with sugar. Back on board, enjoy another delicious lunch as we set sail for one of the highlights of your cruise: Vienna. This afternoon, High Tea is served in the lounge, offering the perfect excuse to sit back, relax and indulge in a selection of sweet treats and freshly brewed tea. The rest of the afternoon is yours to enjoy at leisure. Find a cosy spot in the lounge and watch the winter landscapes drift peacefully by, or head to the sun deck to take in the crisp river air with a warming cup of tea in hand. If you'd prefer something more active, the ship's fitness centre is available should you wish to maintain your regular routine or try something new.

Vienna & Schönbrunn Palace - For many, Vienna will be a highlight of the cruise. For 200 years until the First World War, Vienna was the cultural centre of Europe, and many of its showpiece buildings were constructed to reflect its imperial status. The city was also the seat of the Habsburg emperors, and home to some of the world’s finest classical composers, including Beethoven, Mozart and the Strauss family.This morning, a local expert will join us for a panoramic coach tour of Vienna, made more enchanting by its winter glow. Afterwards, you can choose to continue with us on a guided walk through the old town, or spend some time wandering at your own pace.Our tour takes in some of Vienna’s great landmarks, including the mighty Hofburg, once the centre of imperial power and now home to remarkable museums, the Crown Jewels, the Spanish Riding School and the Vienna Boys’ Choir. We’ll also see Saint Stephen’s Cathedral, the city’s unmistakable symbol, with its patterned roof tiles and soaring Gothic spire rising over the city.Those who prefer to explore independently may like to seek out the cosy refinement of a traditional Viennese café — ideal for a rich hot chocolate and a pastry that’s almost too elegant to count as cake. After lunch back 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. Your included entrance and audio guide allows you into the dazzling state rooms, with their wealth of priceless artworks and the family’s impressive royal carriages. The palace also hosts a superb Yuletide market, specialising in traditional handicrafts and nostalgic toys. There will be some time to browse the stalls of the market before returning to the ship. Enjoy an apéritif before tonight's dinner is served, as we depart Vienna and cruise back towards Budapest.

Budapest - Budapest is always an atmospheric and fascinating city, but at this time of the year, the muted colours of its magnificent archaic spires and grand domes are especially captivating on the wintry skyline. The twin cities of Buda, built around the hilltop fortress, and Pest, with its wide boulevards, were fought over through the centuries. The Ottomans ruled here for 150 years before being ousted in the late 17th-century, but their legacy lives on in the many thermal baths fed by hot springs, giving rise to Budapest’s other sobriquet – the ‘City of Spas’. After the end of Ottoman rule, Budapest became an imperial city of the Habsburg Empire, attracting great cultural and commercial wealth. Castle Hill is Budapest in microcosm: two churches, seven museums and a theatre among streets and squares with their own special atmosphere and a dramatic view across the river to the awe-inspiring neo-Gothic Parliament Building. This morning, you can choose how you want to uncover Budapest: on a panoramic coach tour of the city, or a guided walking tour of the Castle District.Our panoramic coach tour takes in many of Budapest’s most celebrated sights, including the Opera House, Gellért Baths, Chain Bridge and the magnificent Parliament Building. There’ll also be time to stop for photos and a little exploring at Heroes’ Square and Buda Castle. Alternatively, join our more active tour, beginning with a coach transfer to the Castle District. From here, we’ll take the lifts up to the castle terraces for a guided walk around the historic castle area and Fisherman’s Bastion, followed by free time to explore at your own pace before returning by coach to the ship. Please note: this more active option includes uneven ground and a good amount of walking, so it’s best suited to guests who are comfortable with a moderate level of activity. After lunch back on board, the afternoon is free to explore under your own steam - perhaps take a thoughtful stroll along the river to the moving Shoes on the Danube Bank memorial, created in remembrance of the Jewish lives that were taken during the Second World War. From here, continue along the waterfront towards the striking Parliament Building, its grand façade rising gracefully above the river. This evening, gather for the Chef's Dinner, a special culinary celebration and a fitting finale to your festive cruise. Afterwards, enjoy a lively Hungarian folklore show, showcasing traditional music, costumes and dance in a celebration of the country's rich cultural heritage.There’ll be time to bid farewell to your travelling companions and reflect on all the wonderful places you have experienced on this most magical of holidays.

Return home - Your cruise concludes in Budapest, where you'll enjoy a final breakfast on board before disembarking. Depending on your onward travel arrangements, you'll have time to explore at your leisure from a convenient central location before continuing your journey home.