Art and History on the Danube River Cruise

Art and History on the Danube River Cruise - MS William Wordsworth

7 nights - 25 Jul 2025

MS William Wordsworth | Danube

CALL NOW

FREE Superior drinks package - Available on all 2025 and 2026 European river cruises!

Award-winning European river cruises include everything you need for an exceptional experience.

Delicious full board dining, plus Chef's Dinner

View prices as:

PER PERSON TOTAL PRICE

Select Package

CRUISE ONLY

FLY CRUISE

Select Guest

2 PEOPLE

Select Cabins

Emerald Deck Suite (Lower)

~~WAS £2349pp~~ From £2255PP

Ruby Deck Suite (Middle)

~~WAS £2899pp~~ From £2783PP

Diamond Deck Suite (Upper)

~~WAS £3099pp~~ From £2975PP

Diamond Deck (Upper) - Stern Superior Suite

~~WAS £3449pp~~ From £3311PP

Select Cabins

Emerald Deck Suite (Lower)

~~WAS £2349pp~~ From £2255PP

Ruby Deck Suite (Middle)

~~WAS £2899pp~~ From £2783PP

Diamond Deck Suite (Upper)

~~WAS £3099pp~~ From £2975PP

Diamond Deck (Upper) - Stern Superior Suite

~~WAS £3449pp~~ From £3311PP

Want to add a hotel stay or change your flights?

Just call our team of cruise specialists to help build your dream cruise holiday today!

Free Call our River Cruise Specialists on 0808 248 2164

Request a quote Let us call you back

Prices based on 2 people sharing. Cruise only price does not include flights. Fly-cruise price may vary by chosen UK airport.

(Prices correct as of today’s date, are updated daily, are subject to change and represent genuine availability at time of update).

Cruise only holidays are financially protected by ABTA. Fly cruise holidays are financially protected by Riviera Travel under ATOL number 3230

Please click here to check the essential travel requirements before booking this cruise.

Itinerary

List Timeline

Budapest

Arrival in Budapest - There our friendly crew will be waiting to welcome you on board and help you settle into your beautifully crafted floating hotel. There’s always a sense of expectancy and excitement on the first night and, after an excellent dinner in the stylish restaurant, co...

Day 1

25 July 2025

Budapest

More Info

Day 2

26 July 2025

Esztergom

More Info

Day 3

27 July 2025

Bratislava

More Info

Day 4

28 July 2025

Dürnstein

More Info

Day 5

29 July 2025

Linz

More Info

Day 6

30 July 2025

Vienna

More Info

Day 7

31 July 2025

Budapest

More Info

Day 8

01 August 2025

Budapest

More Info

Esztergom

Bratislava

Dürnstein

Linz

Salzburg & Mauthausen - After reaching our mooring in Linz, we'll take a drive to Salzburg to discover some of the city's main sites in the company of an expert local guide including a visit to Collegiate Church – the church of the University of Salzburg. It’s one of the most important Baroque Churches in Austria, built by Johann Bernhard Fischer von Erlach. While the outside is striking with intricate detailing, the inside seems bare by comparison. Every wall and all decorative elements are white and there are no paintings as not to distract from the overall architecture. It makes for an excellent venue for concerts, theatre performances and art exhibitions. It’s also steeped in history – look closely and you’ll see scorch marks on the marble floor from when the building was used as a warehouse for hay during Salzburg’s Napoleonic occupation.Later, you can enjoy time at leisure to explore Salzburg as you wish. It was once an independent state whose archbishops turned it into one of the most sophisticated cities north of the Alps - and it still is today. You'll probably have heard of its most famous resident - Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart. He was born and spent the first 25 years of his short life living in Salzburg. Understandably, they're very proud of him. You can't walk through the city without spotting something that pays homage to him: statues, ice cream, chocolate - even rubber ducks! You can feel his influence throughout, especially in the beautiful music that drifts through the streets from violinists and harpists who practise in the square. It's a must-see destination for any music lover.Dominating the skyline is Salzburg Cathedral - a stunning feat of baroque architecture with a mighty dome and two towers - which rises from the delightful Altstadt, or Old Town. This UNESCO-protected area is sure to enchant you with its unique mixture of medieval and baroque buildings - it's well worth a wander during time at leisure this afternoon.Alternatively, after our guided tour of Salzburg, you may choose to join us for a visit the Mauthausen Concentration Camp Memorial. Places like this need no introduction. As a company, our philosophy is to inform our clients about all aspects of the countries we visit, which includes the dark side of history as well as ‘tourist musts.'When the memorial was established in 1949, only remnants of the original camp remained. In place of the wooden barracks, nations have erected their own memorials to the victims. The guided tour will be extremely moving as you walk through the cemetery, memorials and exhibitions. If you wish to stay in Salzburg for the full day instead, you are free to do so.We return to the ship for another splendid dinner as we sail overnight to Vienna.

Vienna

Vienna - The city’s very name provokes images of elegance, fine music, wide boulevards, Baroque architecture and a rich tapestry of people 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’s most iconic monument is the breathtaking Saint Stephen’s Cathedral, whose striking multi-coloured roof and huge Gothic South Tower dominate the skyline. There’s also the colossal Hofburg, the former royal court that is now home to a collection of museums, the Crown Jewels and the Spanish Riding School, and where the Vienna Boys’ Choir performs. Then there are the lavish Imperial Apartments and an outstanding collection of relics of the Holy Roman Empire, including, allegedly, the sabre of Charlemagne himself. The Kunsthistorisches Museum, which contains the world’s fourth-largest collection of paintings, is just across the road. This morning we’ll tour the city with a local guide who’ll offer insights into why Vienna is one of Europe’s great capitals – it was the seat of the Habsburg emperors and played host to some of the world’s finest classical composers, including Beethoven, Brahms, Mozart and, of course, a whole family of Strausses.Later, after lunch on board, we'll take the short drive to explore Schönbrunn Palace - one of the most popular sights in Vienna. We'll experience the opulence of the Habsburg dynasty and explore the stunning architecture, richly furnished rooms and expansive garden of this UNESCO World Heritage site. While the palace was commissioned in the 17th century by Emperor Leopold I, it was Empress Marie Theresa who transformed it into the Palace we see today. On the imperial tour, we'll see the grandeur of Austria's imperial history, walking in the footsteps of Empress Maria Theresa and Emperor Franz Joseph. Adorned with exquisite furniture, elaborate chandeliers, and intricate wall hangings, these rooms offer a glimpse into the extravagant lifestyle of the Habsburg dynasty. Don't miss the portraits in the Great Gallery, the exotic influences of the 'Chinese Cabinets', and the impressive Hall of Ceremonies. This evening we’ve arranged what is truly the ‘icing on the cake’: After a spectacular Chef's dinner, featuring some of their signature dishes, we’ll enjoy a classical recital. No visit to Vienna is complete without a live musical experience, to hear this exquisite music played in the city of its creation makes a wonderful finale to the day. Later this evening, we’ll begin the final journey to Budapest.

Budapest

Budapest - Enjoy a leisurely morning as we cruise majestically through Hungary’s peaceful pastoral landscape towards Budapest. After breakfast head up onto the magnificent sun deck to enjoy some fabulous river views as we cruise along the 'Danube Bend', surrounded by historic and picturesque cities like Visegrad and Szentendre. Castle ruins, churches, pretty houses perching on the hills, and thick forests are reflected in the waters of the river. Squeeze in a spot of reading on the sun deck or simply recline, letting the gentle breezes lull you into a relaxing doze.After lunch we'll start our sightseeing tour of this captivating city, which truly lives up to its reputation as the ‘Pearl of the Danube’. The twin cities of Buda - built around the hilltop fortress - and Pest have been 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 - so there's plenty of art and history to uncover here. Today, you can choose your city tour experience with adventures that cater to a more historical focus or an art-focus. A history-filled adventure in Budapest begins at Castle Hill where you could choose to explore the beautiful castle district. There are two churches, seven museums and a theatre among streets and squares that beg to be explored - each with its own special atmosphere. Here, you can look out at a dramatic view across the river to the awe-inspiring neo-Gothic Parliament Building and beyond. Budapest’s endless museums and outstanding Art Nouveau architecture are fittingly elegant end to your Danube cruise - and if you're looking for souvenirs the city has excellent shopping opportunities. Alternatively, you could choose to include a visit to Budapest's Museum of Fine Arts within your tour of the city – it's the perfect sanctuary for any art-lover. With an extensive European Art collection, you can get lost amongst treasures spanning from ancient times to the end of the 18th century. The Egyptian collection is one of the richest of its kind - thanks to 19th-century globe trotters, art collectors and dealers who visited the Nile Valley during their pilgrimage to the Holy Lands. There's also a comprehensive collection of antiquities, especially rich in works from Ancient Greece and Rome, and almost 3000 artworks by the old masters - Raphael, Titian, Velázquez, Hans Holbein, Poussins and John Constables (to name just a few of our favourites) - create a unique mix. You don't have to be an art enthusiast to appreciate the art, history and culture housed here. This evening’s dinner closes with a lively folklore show, giving you your last taste of Hungarian art and culture. Then it’s time to enjoy one last evening with your brilliant travel companions and reflect on all the inspirational places, sights and sounds you have experienced on a truly ‘imperial’ cruise.

25 July 2025

Budapest

26 July 2025

Esztergom

Esztergom - We'll wake up having journeyed upstream to Esztergom - nicknamed 'The Rome of Hungary’ (and with countless monuments, palaces and temples, it's definitely earned its nickname). As one of the country's oldest towns - and a royal capital during medieval times - there's plenty of history to explore here and nowhere in the city is richer with history than the basilica. Standing sentinel over the Danube on the border with Slovakia, Esztergom Basilica is the seat of the country's archbishop and home to one of the world's largest altarpieces. The painting - which depicts the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary by Girolamo Michelange...

27 July 2025

Bratislava

Bratislava - This morning, we'll explore Slovakia’s fast-emerging capital city, Bratislava, on a guided tour exploring the city’s long history. 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. The imposing 17th-century castle commanding expansive views across the Danube and the gleaming white turret of St. Martin's Cathedral - the largest (and oldest) church in the city - are hard to miss. The cathedral is a landmark of the Habsburg dynasty, it saw the ascension of many Hungarian monarchs between the mid-1500s and 1830, including 10 king...

28 July 2025

Dürnstein

Dürnstein & Melk - Dürnstein is known principally for the ice-blue tower of its abbey, which dominates the view, and the castle where Richard the Lionheart was imprisoned in 1192 after being captured on his return from the crusades. This morning, we’ll take a guided walking tour to explore this memorable town. Set on a rocky outcrop high above the river, the castle is now ruined, but it’s easy to imagine England’s legendary monarch seething with frustration far from home, while waiting for his family to raise funds to pay his ransom. After lunch on board, we’ll head to the remarkable Melk Abbey. Nothing quite prepares you for your first si...

29 July 2025

Linz

30 July 2025

Vienna

31 July 2025

Budapest

01 August 2025

Budapest

Return Home

*This holiday is generally suitable for persons with reduced mobility. For customers with reduced mobility or any medical condition that may require special assistance or arrangements to be made, please notify your Cruise Concierge at the time of your enquiry, so that we can provide specific information as to the suitability of the holiday, as well as make suitable arrangements with the Holiday Provider on your behalf.

What's Included with
Riviera Travel

Whats Included Intro

Tea and coffee

All airport taxes and port charges

Direct flights from up to 17 UK airports with no regional supplements & transfers

Five-star ships with impeccable on-board service

Spacious cabins with windows

Insightful excursions & visits every day with local guides

Expert Riviera Cruise Director looking after you throughout

Evening entertainment from quizzes to impressive performers

Delicious full board dining, plus Captain's Dinner

Free Wi-Fi

Explore MS William Wordsworth

Main Restaurant

The ship’s main restaurant is located on the Ruby (middle) Deck and here you will experience not only exceptional first class cuisine, but also the most attentive yet discreet service from the ship’s highly professional crew. So just sit back with a well-deserved glass of wine from the carefully selected wine list and delight in the wonderful elegance of your surroundings; beautifully laid tables for just 4 or 6 guests, crisp linen, deep wool carpets and warm wood panelling abound to offer a delectable dining experience of the highest order.

Excursions

On our river cruises we love to take you right into the heart of each town or city you visit along the way, and during your cruise local guides will offer a variety of guided walking tours, panoramic coach tours and/or visits to museums and local cultural favourites such as a wine tasting in Burgundy and a train journey through the Swiss mountains. You will have a good mix of touring and free time to learn about the history and the little quirks of each place, with plenty of time to explore at your own leisure. Please check the itinerary of the cruise for more specific details.

Panoramic Observation Lounge & Bar

The Diamond Deck is where you will find the very heart of the ship - the superb panoramic observation lounge and bar; a lounge in every sense of the word, complete with plenty of comfortable leather armchairs and sumptuous sofas where you can sink into warmly colourful cushions in beautiful quality fabrics with a freshly made cup of tea. A thick wool carpet feels lovely underfoot and the tasteful contemporary lighting above creates a welcoming and refined ambience, further complemented by the discreet and intuitive service resplendent of the finest five-star hotels. So just sit back with your favourite cocktail and take in the truly mesmerising view. After a superb dinner in the restaurant perhaps it’s time for a digestif accompanied by the soothing tones of the ship’s pianist.

Fitness Centre & Spa

On the Emerald (lower) Deck is the fitness centre, perfect for working off all those delicious meals or for something less strenuous treat yourself to a relaxing massage. So you will always look your best there is a hairdresser’s too which also offers manicure and pedicure treatments.

Sun Deck

Sun Loungers
Splash Pool
Putting Green
Wheelhouse

Diamond Deck

Bistro
Travel Desk
Reception
Souvenir Shop
Panorama Lounge
Bar
Superior Stern Suites
Diamond Deck Suites
Deluxe Balcony Suites
Superior Suites

Ruby Deck

Restaurant
Kitchen
Ruby Deck Suites
Superior Suites

Emerald Deck

Fitness Centre
Hairdresser
Wellness Centre
Emerald Deck Suites

MS William Wordsworth Cabins & Suites

Suite

Deluxe Balcony Suites

If you’re looking to really spoil yourself, at a staggering 25 square metres (269 square feet), the world-class Diamond Deck Deluxe Balcony Suites are for you. Fifty percent larger than standard suites, they allow for an even more generous living area for the ultimate in space and comfort.

In addition you will enjoy a private exterior balcony complete with table and chairs - perfect for an ‘al fresco’ breakfast should you wish or just a quiet morning coffee or a pre-dinner ‘sundowner’ whilst watching the world drift by.

With the same fittings as standard suites, exquisitely and lavishly appointed to the very highest standard, plus complimentary soft cotton bathrobes and slippers adding the final little touch, this really is the epitome of river cruise luxury!

Features

Individual climate control
Floor to ceiling windows with outside balcony
Twin beds which can be configured as double
Nespresso machine and tea making facilities
Spacious ensuite bathroom with walk-in shower
Luxury toiletries: shampoo, conditioner, shower gel, body lotion, soap
Towels, bathrobes, slippers and hairdryer
UK plug sockets & 2 USB charging points
Table and chairs
Telephone, radio and flat-screen TV
Safe & mini fridge
Turn down service

Riviera Plus (2024 and 2025 only)

10% off spa treatment or massage
10% off hairdresser services
Luxury toiletries
Locally inspired gifts
Bottle of champagne
10% off onboard laundry services

Indulge in the luxury of Riviera Plus when you stay in an upper deck cabin or suite. In your well-appointed cabin, you’ll find a range of extras to make your experience extra special.

Facilities

Queen or Twin Configuration
Lounge Area
Shower
Toiletries Provided
Room Service Available
TV
Free Wi-Fi
Safe
Hair Dryer
Desk
Suite Benefits
Telephone
Air Conditioning

08001970854