Grand Tour: A Taste of Italy & The Blue Danube River Cruise

14 nights May 30, 2027

The Grand Tour: A Taste of Italy & The Blue Danube River Cruise is a 14-night Europe cruise aboard MS Lord Byron, operated by Riviera Travel. Departing Otranto on May 30, 2027, the voyage visits 11 ports. Fares start from $9,649 per person.

Itinerary

Day 1 May 30, 2027 Board in Otranto

Otranto photo — Day 3 Jun 1, 2027 Otranto Otranto is a coastal town in southern Italy’s Apulia region. It’s home to the 15th-century Aragonese Castle and 11th-century Otranto Cathedral, with a rose window and ornate mosaic flooring. At the harbor, Torre Matta tower has sweeping sea views. Nearby beaches include the popular Alimini Beach. Inland are 2 lakes: the saltwater Alimini Grande and spring-fed Alimini Piccolo. South is the Punta Palascìa lighthouse. Go to Otranto Cruises visiting Otranto

Day 6 Jun 4, 2027 Bari Bari, capital of the province of Apulia, lies on southern Italy's Adriatic coast. Its busy port is a leading commercial and industrial centre as well as a transit point for travellers catching ferries across the Adriatic to Greece. Bari comprises a new and an old town. To the north, on a promontory between the old and new harbours, lies the picturesque old town, or Citta Vecchia, with a maze of narrow, crooked streets. To the south is the spacious and regularly planned new town, which has developed considerably since 1930, when the Levant Fair was first held here. The heart of the modern town is Piazza della Liberta. The busy thoroughfare, Corso Vittorio Emanuele II, separates the new town from the old. At the eastern end of the Corso begins the Lungomare Nazario Sauro, a magnificent seafront promenade that runs along the old harbour. Bari and the Apulian region were long recognized for their strategic location, attracting a succession of colonizers such as the Normans, Moors and Spaniards, each leaving their mark. Romanesque churches and powerful castles built by 13th-century Holy Roman Emperor Frederick II of Swabia are among the most impressive buildings in the region. Bari's Basilica of San Nicola became famous as the final resting place of St. Nicholas (Santa Claus). According to local tradition, sailors from Bari went to Myra in Turkey, stole the saint's remains and brought them back to Bari. St. Nicholas was the popular bishop of Myra, who was revered as the patron of sailors, virgins and children. In addition to unspoiled scenery and historical sites, Apulia is also known for its hearty cuisine that has evolved from more than 2,000 years of foreign influences. While not as famous as other areas in Italy, Bari and its surrounding region hold many surprise attractions that make it well worth exploring this ancient land and its capital at the heel of Italy's boot. Go to Bari Cruises visiting Bari

Bari photo — Day 6 Jun 4, 2027 Bari Bari, capital of the province of Apulia, lies on southern Italy's Adriatic coast. Its busy port is a leading commercial and industrial centre as well as a transit point for travellers catching ferries across the Adriatic to Greece. Bari comprises a new and an old town. To the north, on a promontory between the old and new harbours, lies the picturesque old town, or Citta Vecchia, with a maze of narrow, crooked streets. To the south is the spacious and regularly planned new town, which has developed considerably since 1930, when the Levant Fair was first held here. The heart of the modern town is Piazza della Liberta. The busy thoroughfare, Corso Vittorio Emanuele II, separates the new town from the old. At the eastern end of the Corso begins the Lungomare Nazario Sauro, a magnificent seafront promenade that runs along the old harbour. Bari and the Apulian region were long recognized for their strategic location, attracting a succession of colonizers such as the Normans, Moors and Spaniards, each leaving their mark. Romanesque churches and powerful castles built by 13th-century Holy Roman Emperor Frederick II of Swabia are among the most impressive buildings in the region. Bari's Basilica of San Nicola became famous as the final resting place of St. Nicholas (Santa Claus). According to local tradition, sailors from Bari went to Myra in Turkey, stole the saint's remains and brought them back to Bari. St. Nicholas was the popular bishop of Myra, who was revered as the patron of sailors, virgins and children. In addition to unspoiled scenery and historical sites, Apulia is also known for its hearty cuisine that has evolved from more than 2,000 years of foreign influences. While not as famous as other areas in Italy, Bari and its surrounding region hold many surprise attractions that make it well worth exploring this ancient land and its capital at the heel of Italy's boot. Go to Bari Cruises visiting Bari

Day 8 Jun 6, 2027 Budapest On one bank of the Danube is hilly Buda with its Fisherman’s Bastion and Castle Hill; on the other, there’s flat Pest with its House of Parliament. These two beautiful districts couldn’t be more different. Perhaps that’s why it took until 1873 for the two cities on opposite sides of the river to merge and form Budapest. Right from the start, the landmark of this new metropolis was Buda Castle, a monumental structure that rises high above Budapest and provides mesmerising views across the city. In terms of monumental grandeur, the House of Parliament is certainly on a par with Buda Castle. Erected to mark the millennium celebrations of 1896, this gigantic building was completed in just 22 years. Considering it is 96 metres high, 268 metres long and 118 meters wide, with a total of 691 rooms, that’s an incredible achievement. Budapest is a place where you keep coming across echoes from days gone by. There are traces of Ottoman rule, the extravagant Habsburg era and Soviet socialism – different cultural influences that have combined to create a vibrant, lively city that’s a must-see destination. Go to Budapest Cruises visiting Budapest

Day 9 Jun 7, 2027 Esztergom, Hungary This former royal seat is the cradle of the Hungarian nation – and a very attractive one at that. The Cathedral of Our Lady of the Assumption and Saint Adalbert, a neoclassical basilica that stands high above the city, is particularly worth visiting. Esztergom can look back on a long history. Celts settled on the prominent Várhegy (Castle Hill) back in 150 BCE. The Romans also built a settlement there after conquering the region. At one point, the city was part of the Ottoman Empire, whose rulers also recognised the value of its strategic location right on the Danube. All of these influences are still apparent in Esztergom today – and they are what makes it so special.

Day 10 Jun 8, 2027 Bratislava Slovakia’s capital is situated exactly at the point where the country meets Austria and Hungary. This makes it the only capital city in the world that borders more than one neighbouring country. Due to its location, Bratislava has been an ethnic melting pot since ancient times. This influence can be seen in every corner of the city. Cultures meet and merge together. The streets of the old town – lined with well-preserved baroque and rococo city palaces – are filled with the sound of people speaking different languages. And it almost seems as though the music of the Habsburg era still echoes through the city. Go to Bratislava Cruises visiting Bratislava

Bratislava photo — Day 10 Jun 8, 2027 Bratislava Slovakia’s capital is situated exactly at the point where the country meets Austria and Hungary. This makes it the only capital city in the world that borders more than one neighbouring country. Due to its location, Bratislava has been an ethnic melting pot since ancient times. This influence can be seen in every corner of the city. Cultures meet and merge together. The streets of the old town – lined with well-preserved baroque and rococo city palaces – are filled with the sound of people speaking different languages. And it almost seems as though the music of the Habsburg era still echoes through the city. Go to Bratislava Cruises visiting Bratislava

Day 11 Jun 9, 2027 Durnstein The small town is part of the Lower Austrian cultural landscape of Wachau, is located directly on the Danube and is surrounded by vineyards. Those arriving by ship have a beautiful view of the two main attractions of Dürnstein: The ruins of the Kuenringerburg towering high above the city, in which Richard the Lionheart was held for several months in 1192/93, and the Dürnstein monastery. The latter is a monastery of the Augustinian Canons which was closed at the end of the 18th century and is known for its blue and white bell tower. Go to Durnstein Cruises visiting Durnstein

Durnstein photo — Day 11 Jun 9, 2027 Durnstein The small town is part of the Lower Austrian cultural landscape of Wachau, is located directly on the Danube and is surrounded by vineyards. Those arriving by ship have a beautiful view of the two main attractions of Dürnstein: The ruins of the Kuenringerburg towering high above the city, in which Richard the Lionheart was held for several months in 1192/93, and the Dürnstein monastery. The latter is a monastery of the Augustinian Canons which was closed at the end of the 18th century and is known for its blue and white bell tower. Go to Durnstein Cruises visiting Durnstein

Day 11 Jun 9, 2027 Melk Melk has acquired a nice name: The gateway to the Wachau. Anyone approaching the historic city on the Danube will see Melk Abbey very early on, towering high above the river. This is part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site and is well worth a visit in all seasons. The impressive baroque ensemble has been looked after by the monks of the Benedictine order since 1089. Culture, faith and science come together in the splendid rooms of the monastery. Go to Melk Cruises visiting Melk

Melk photo — Day 11 Jun 9, 2027 Melk Melk has acquired a nice name: The gateway to the Wachau. Anyone approaching the historic city on the Danube will see Melk Abbey very early on, towering high above the river. This is part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site and is well worth a visit in all seasons. The impressive baroque ensemble has been looked after by the monks of the Benedictine order since 1089. Culture, faith and science come together in the splendid rooms of the monastery. Go to Melk Cruises visiting Melk

Day 12 Jun 10, 2027 Linz (Salzburg) Baroque facades, numerous churches and, at the centre, the river. As you can see, it’s possible to describe Linz, Austria’s largest port city, in a single sentence. But that would be doing it an injustice, since there’s a whole lot more to Linz than buildings and water. In recent years, this former industrial hub has morphed into a European cultural stronghold. No matter whether it’s theatre, cinema, art or music, there’s both great demand and great support for culture here. The city also provides magnificent views – particularly in the evening – from the pilgrimage church on the Pöstlingberg hill. Go to Linz (Salzburg) Cruises visiting Linz (Salzburg)

Linz (Salzburg) photo — Day 12 Jun 10, 2027 Linz (Salzburg) Baroque facades, numerous churches and, at the centre, the river. As you can see, it’s possible to describe Linz, Austria’s largest port city, in a single sentence. But that would be doing it an injustice, since there’s a whole lot more to Linz than buildings and water. In recent years, this former industrial hub has morphed into a European cultural stronghold. No matter whether it’s theatre, cinema, art or music, there’s both great demand and great support for culture here. The city also provides magnificent views – particularly in the evening – from the pilgrimage church on the Pöstlingberg hill. Go to Linz (Salzburg) Cruises visiting Linz (Salzburg)

Day 13 Jun 11, 2027 Vienna, Austria The Viennese have a special aura about them. They come across as a bit arrogant, but underneath it all they’re warm-hearted. You could say the same about the city itself. Once you’ve been there a few hours and settled in, you won’t want to leave again anytime soon. There are all those cafes to visit, where the traditional Viennese coffee-house culture is still very much alive and well. The city’s history, with its emperors, Elisabeth of Austria and the ostentatious Habsburgs, adds to its fascination. Then there’s the music of the First Viennese School – this city brought out the best in its composers, making its own special contribution to great masterpieces. What’s more, the Austrian capital also produces excellent cuisine. It’s no coincidence that the city’s famous Wiener schnitzel and Sachertorte became popular all around the world. Go to Vienna, Austria Cruises visiting Vienna, Austria

Vienna, Austria photo — Day 13 Jun 11, 2027 Vienna, Austria The Viennese have a special aura about them. They come across as a bit arrogant, but underneath it all they’re warm-hearted. You could say the same about the city itself. Once you’ve been there a few hours and settled in, you won’t want to leave again anytime soon. There are all those cafes to visit, where the traditional Viennese coffee-house culture is still very much alive and well. The city’s history, with its emperors, Elisabeth of Austria and the ostentatious Habsburgs, adds to its fascination. Then there’s the music of the First Viennese School – this city brought out the best in its composers, making its own special contribution to great masterpieces. What’s more, the Austrian capital also produces excellent cuisine. It’s no coincidence that the city’s famous Wiener schnitzel and Sachertorte became popular all around the world. Go to Vienna, Austria Cruises visiting Vienna, Austria

Pricing

Lowest fare we've tracked over the observed 44-day span: $9,149 · range $9,149–$9,649

Current prices

Per person · 2 guests · incl. taxes & fees

Inside

Not available

Oceanview

Not available

Balcony

Not available

Suite

from $9,649

$689 / night

Fare rows

Diamond Deck- Superior Suite (Upper)

Cabin grade

Available

from $9,649

$689 / night

per person · incl. taxes

Prices verified Jun 21, 2026

Prices come from third-party data feeds via Riviera Travel and may differ from the cruise line's current fare. Confirm the final price before booking. How our pricing works

Price history

30 days

Cabin grades

Add a line to the chart

Suite

Lowest Suite $9,649 1 Diamond Deck (Upper) - Deluxe Balcony Suite 2 Diamond Deck- Superior Suite (Upper) $9,649 4 Diamond Deck (Upper)

Lines step between recorded price changes. Plot up to 6 grades at once.

All cabin grades (22) Detailed cabin specs available at booking.

Name	Supplier code	Type
Not listed
Diamond Deck (Upper)	4	Balcony
Ruby Deck (Middle)	5	Balcony
Standard cabin - Middle Deck	SMD	Balcony
Standard Cabin - Upper Deck	SUD	Balcony
Emerald Deck - Sole Occupancy (Lower)	12	Oceanview
Emerald Deck - Sole Occupancy (With Suppl) (Lower)	13	Oceanview
Ruby Deck - Sole Occupancy (Middle)	15	Oceanview
Emerald Deck (Lower)	7	Oceanview
Category A (Main Deck)	A	Oceanview
Category A+ (Upper Deck)	A+	Oceanview
Category B (Lower Deck)	B	Oceanview
Diamond Deck (Upper) - Deluxe Balcony Suite	1	Suite
Diamond Deck - Superior Suite Sole Occ (Upper)	10	Suite
Diamond Deck- Deluxe Suite Sole Occ (Upper)	11	Suite
Emerald Deck - Superior Suite (Lower) Sole Occ	14	Suite
Diamond Deck- Superior Suite (Upper)	2	Suite
Diamond Deck - Superior Stern Suite (Upper)	3	Suite
Ruby Deck- Superior Suite (Middle)	6	Suite
Emerald Deck - Superior Suite (Lower)	8	Suite
Diamond Deck - Deluxe Suite (Upper)	9	Suite
Suite - Middle Deck	SU	Suite

Ship

Your ship MS Lord Byron 5★ **442** GT **140** guests Built **2021** How can one adequately sum up the brand new, wonderfully elegant five-star MS Lord Byron? How can we describe this extraordinary vessel that’s truly one of the finest ships of its type afloat anywhere in the world? Quite simply, every single aspect and element is designed to the highest possible specification and our own exacting standards to bring you the very best and most enjoyable river cruising experience, in the most luxurious comfort. We have worked tirelessly with our Swiss partner Scylla AG, one of the world’s most experienced luxury rivership builders with a pedigree stretching back over nearly 40 years, to design the perfect vessel, with virtually no expense spared. You’ll feel the unmistakable understated opulence of this extraordinary vessel as you board through the spacious, marble-floored lobby. Stylish furnishings using environmentally friendly materials are beautifully combined with the most advanced safety systems … and the work of a wonderful designer’s eye conjuring up the classic lines and sophistication of a luxurious ocean liner. As always, the finesse is in the detail - beautifully crafted tropical hardwoods, wrought iron, highly polished copper and brass, all beautifully illuminated then added to soft leather furnishings and imaginative colour schemes, promotes a subtle, chic ambience of exceptional taste. Intuitive, unobtrusive service is graceful, efficient yet friendly as you might expect from a Swissoperated ship with 35 staff serving just 140 guests. This outstanding ratio of 4:1 allows a personal touch which makes such a difference to your cruise. Plus unlike other vessels typically carrying up to 200 passengers, you’ll enjoy simply far more space – as well as a smaller, more intimate dining experience. Go to MS Lord Byron Cruises on MS Lord Byron

Similar cruises

Other sailing dates

Same itinerary, different dates. Prices per person · incl. taxes & fees.

View	From pp	Departs
	from $7,149 $510 / night	Jun 28, 2027
	from $8,499 $607 / night	Aug 15, 2027
	from $7,399 $528 / night	Sep 13, 2027
	from $8,349 $596 / night	Oct 10, 2027

Compare similar cruises

Magnificent Rivers of Europe

Avalon Imagery II · Europe · 14 nights

from $7,361

$525 / night

per person · incl. taxes

Jun 25, 2026

Jewels of Europe - Amsterdam to Budapest

Scenic Opal · Europe · 14 nights

from $19,044

$1,360 / night

per person · incl. taxes

Jun 23, 2026

European Jewels - Amsterdam to Budapest

S.S. Catherine · Europe · 14 nights

from $7,449

$532 / night

per person · incl. taxes

Jun 21, 2026

Grand European Tour - Amsterdam to Budapest

Viking Gymir · Europe · 14 nights

from $4,999

$357 / night

per person · incl. taxes

Jun 24, 2026

Grand European Tour - Budapest to Amsterdam

Viking Egdir · Europe · 14 nights

from $4,999

$357 / night

per person · incl. taxes

Jun 24, 2026

Grand Danube - Giurgiu to Vilshofen

AmaMagna · Europe · 14 nights

Call for price

per person · incl. taxes

Jun 21, 2026

Browse all cruises in search →