New Year on the Danube River Cruise

Budapest - This morning, you can choose to see Budapest in the way that suits you best: on a panoramic coach tour of the city, or a guided walk through 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 pause 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. Back on board for lunch we slip our mooring, and our Danube adventure begins. Wrap up and take to the deck to enjoy a kaleidoscope of winter scenery along the famous Danube Bend before stepping back into the warmth of the ship’s inviting lounge. Join new found friends for welcome cocktails before a superb dinner as we sail towards Bratislava.

Bratislava - After a delicious breakfast, this morning we explore Slovakia’s capital city, Bratislava, on a guided tour. 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. Equally impressive is the imposing white fortress, former seat of the rulers, which enjoys commanding expansive views across the Danube.After lunch back on board you’ll have plenty of free time to explore the cobble-stoned streets of this captivating city – so what’s it to be? Why not head to the regal Primatial Palace with its fabulous Hall of Mirrors? Built in the late 1700s in a classical style, the once home to the archbishop of Esztergom now holds a rare collection of tapestry works from the 17th-century. Alternatively wander the maze of streets, admiring the charming baroque architecture, until you reach the main square. Absorb the café culture with a freshly brewed coffee and maybe sample some local delicacies such as skalický trdelník. This hollow pastry treat comes with the likes of almonds, apricots or walnuts, before being dusted with sugar. Return to the ship in time for an apéritif, before tonight's dinner is served and we depart for Vienna.

Vienna on New Year’s Eve - For many, waking in Vienna will be a highlight of the cruise. The city’s very name provokes images of elegance, fine music, wide boulevards, Baroque architecture and a rich tapestry of peoples 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 was 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. This morning, we’ll enjoy a panoramic coach tour of Vienna with a local expert, who’ll bring to life the stories behind one of Europe’s great capitals — now beautifully dressed with a touch of winter sparkle. Afterwards, you can either continue on a guided walk through the old town, or enjoy some free time to explore independently.We’ll discover some of the city’s finest treasures, including the vast Hofburg, once the heart of the imperial court and today home to outstanding museums, the Crown Jewels, the Spanish Riding School and the Vienna Boys’ Choir. We’ll also see Saint Stephen’s Cathedral, Vienna’s most recognisable landmark, with its striking tiled roof and soaring Gothic spire.If you choose to wander under your own steam, perhaps slip into the elegant warmth of a traditional Viennese café for a hot chocolate and a tempting pastry. 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. 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 back to the ship to refresh for tonight’s celebrations. Tonight 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 - transformed with seasonal décor - for a delightful classical recital, the perfect prelude to the evening’s celebrations.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.

Budapest on New Year’s Day - Having left Vienna after the New Year's Eve celebrations, we have sailed overnight; draw back the curtains to see the gentle pastoral landscape, draped in a blanket of glistening frost. 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!A sumptuous brunch will be served, giving you the perfect opportunity to mark the New Year and share your favourite moments.Afterwards, 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. For the more energetic, perhaps a visit to the ship’s fitness centre to keep up your usual routine or start something new.Our ship will be moored right in the heart of Budapest later this afternoon so why not take a stroll before the magnificent Chef’s Dinner. A lively Hungarian folklore show draws this glorious cruise to a close, giving you 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.