The Danube’s Imperial Cities and Yuletide Markets

The The Danube’s Imperial Cities and Yuletide Markets is a 5-night Europe cruise aboard MS Lord Byron, operated by Riviera Travel. Departing Budapest on December 7, 2026, the voyage visits 3 ports.

Length: 5 nights
Departs: Dec 7, 2026
Returns: Dec 12, 2026
Ports of call: 3

Itinerary

Day 1 Dec 7, 2026 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. Budapest port guide Search cruises visiting Budapest

Day 3 Dec 9, 2026 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. Bratislava port guide Search cruises visiting Bratislava

Bratislava photo — Day 3 Dec 9, 2026 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. Bratislava port guide Search cruises visiting Bratislava

Day 4 Dec 10, 2026 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. Vienna, Austria port guide Search cruises visiting Vienna, Austria

Vienna, Austria photo — Day 4 Dec 10, 2026 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. Vienna, Austria port guide Search cruises visiting Vienna, Austria

Pricing

Current prices

Per person · 2 guests · incl. taxes & fees

Price information is not available.

Show all 22 cabin grades

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
Deluxe Suite - Diamond Deck	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 **2025** 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. MS Lord Byron ship guide Search cruises on MS Lord Byron

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