The Danube’s Imperial Cities and Yuletide Markets River Cruise - MS Geoffrey Chaucer
Holiday Highlights
- Explore Budapest, Vienna and Bratislava on guided tours of these capital cities.
- Watch the kaleidoscope of winter scenery along the banks of the Danube River glide by as we sail.
- Soak up the festive ambience at the festive Yuletide Markets of Vienna, Bratislava and Budapest.
- Enjoy Glühwein and Stollen, and a live music recital by a classical quartet on board our festively decorated ship.
What's Included
- Prices are per person, based on two people sharing a twin cabin with a limited number of sole occupancy cabins available, at the relevant supplement. The price includes:
- Full board during your cruise from dinner on your day of arrival until breakfast on your final day
- Free drinks package
- Complimentary on-board tea and coffee
- Complimentary on-board Wi-Fi (connection speeds may vary)
- All visits and excursions as mentioned
- Return flights
- Coach travel as mentioned
- Transfers from the airport to and from the port of embarkation
- English-speaking expert guides
- The services of a Riviera Travel Cruise Director and Concierge
Itinerary
Day 1
Arrival in Budapest - On arrival, a coach will transfer you to your five-star cruise ship moored in this beautiful city straddling the banks of the glorious Danube. As you step on board you will be greeted by your professional, five-star crew who are on hand to help you settle in as you familiarise yourself with the layout of this splendid ship. We are moored overnight so you may fancy a wander ashore to start exploring this charismatic city, so full of atmosphere at this special time of year. It won’t be long before our first excellent dinner is served in the ship’s restaurant, over which you can get acquainted with some of your fellow travellers. Enjoy a digestif in the welcoming lounge as you ponder all that the next few days has in store!
Day 2
Budapest - Budapest is always an atmospheric and fascinating city, but at this time of the year, the muted colours of its magnificent archaic spires and grand domes are especially captivating on the wintry skyline. The historic and palatial buildings, the superb Roman ruins and exquisite Art Nouveau architecture provide a truly impressive backdrop for the city’s acclaimed Christmas markets. This morning we enjoy a guided tour seeing the main sights such as the iconic Parliament Building and the ancient Castle District with its winding streets and panoramic views. There’s some free time here to explore under your own steam, so perhaps wander the markets and soak up the traditional atmosphere as classical music fills the air along with the delicious smells of spicy gingerbread and peppery goulash – and don’t forget the mulled wine to stave off the winter chill! Back on board for lunch, excitement mounts as we slip our mooring, and our adventure begins; just sit back and relax as the fairytale landscape glides by through the ship’s panoramic windows. This afternoon we witness a cruising highlight as we navigate the Danube Bend, where the river spectacularly winds its way through a narrow twisting valley, flanked by high mountains and snow-covered hillsides. Wrap up and take to the deck to enjoy this wonderful kaleidoscope of Christmas card scenery drifting by in the frosty air, then return to the warmth of the ship’s inviting lounge and catch up on some reading or write those final Christmas cards. Later head to the convivial atmosphere of the ship’s well-stocked bar for your favourite aperitif, before another excellent dinner is served.
Some ships are admired for being new. Others — like our Geoffrey Chaucer — are adored for being lovely. She's a proper classic: comfortable, well cared for and quietly elegant.
Step into the bright marble lobby with its atrium overhead and you'll see what we mean. Spacious, calm and thoughtfully designed, with rich hardwoods, polished brass, soft lighting. Familiar in the best sense, easy to enjoy.
The restaurant is one of our favourite spots on board: proper European porcelain, attentive Swiss service and food worth lingering over. With 44 crew for 167 guests, the pace stays relaxed.
Behind a smart wood door waits your suite — a generous 17 sq m (183 sq ft), among the larger you'll find on a European river ship. The marble bathroom has a rainshower, fluffy towels and complimentary toiletries. Inside, hand-crafted hardwoods, calming neutrals and a full-size bed in crisp cotton linen, with a turndown service as the finishing touch.
All suites have two twin beds with individual bedding, which can be pushed together or apart.
Suites on the Diamond and Ruby Decks have French balconies — floor-to-ceiling glass doors that bring the riverside that little bit closer.