Douro and Danube delights with Riviera Travel
Sponsored by Riviera Travel
Riviera Travel is giving keen river cruisers the chance to explore two of Europe’s most storied waterways onboard its newest vessels, Riviera Radiance and Riviera Rose
Home to the line’s biggest suites yet, Radiance has been thoughtfully designed in collaboration with the river cruise and touring operator’s Swiss partners for the perfect balance of contemporary and cosy.
From the split-level lounge and dining in the main restaurant to the floor-to-ceiling French balconies available in more than 80 per cent of cabins and suites, life on board the 135-metre vessel feels airy and light.
Meanwhile, the Grand Suites, located on the Diamond Deck, are 32 square metres and feature a separate living and sleeping space as well as a full balcony.
Radiance will sail an eight-day Blue Danube River Cruise roundtrip from Budapest via Esztergom, Bratislava, Durnstein and Melk, Salzburg or Linz and Vienna, with prices from £1,949pp for a 23 October 2026 departure.
During the sailing, guests will have the chance to soak up the Danube’s wealth of grand baroque architecture, medieval cities and picture-perfect towns, as well as the sights, smells and sounds that inspired Strauss and Mozart.
From the Hungarian capital, the ship journeys north to Esztergom to spend the morning exploring its Basilica and historic centre before continuing west towards the capital of Slovakia. There’s also the chance to explore the romantic town of Dürnstein and Melk’s imposing monastery.
As the vessel returns eastwards, guests will enjoy a classical recital in Vienna before straddling the picturesque Danube on route to Budapest. After a guided tour of this palatial city, following a final dinner, travellers enjoy a Hungarian folklore show.
Delving into the Douro
Further south, Radiance’s sister vessel MS Riviera Rose will sail an eight-day Highlights of the Douro Valley & Salamanca River Cruise, roundtrip from Porto via Castelo Rodrigo or Foz Côa Engravings Museum, Salamanca or Almeida, Pinhão and Lamego or Mateus Palace, Quinta da Avessada and Vila Nova de Gaia Port Cellar or Guimarães. A 27 October 2026 departure has prices from £2,249pp.
The ship has cabins and amenities spread over four decks. Whether guests are relaxing on the Sun Deck with a drink with their fellow travellers in the bar or curling up for a good night’s sleep in their spacious and well-furnished cabin, everything has been meticulously designed for comfort.
The ship’s restaurant offers a relaxed fine dining experience with informal seating for easy conversation with like-minded explorers. In the Rio restaurant, travellers can enjoy a more intimate dining experience and al fresco dining options.
Pairing this intimate onboard experience with a sailing along the Douro’s picturesque riverbanks will ensure customers are keen to return for more.
They will have the chance to explore this enchanting region on an itinerary that encompasses a mixture of authentic local experiences, sightseeing and plenty of opportunity to taste Portuguese port and wine. Free time is available in the quaint town of Lamego, and there is also the chance to see Mateus Palace and its iconic gardens.
Then, cruisers can visit the walled village of Castelo Rodrigo or learn about the palaeolithic rock art of the Côa Valley. This river cruise captures the scenic beauty of the Douro Valley and is ideal for wine aficionados, history buffs and architecture enthusiasts.
