From the grandeur of Budapest to the imperial elegance of Vienna, with charming stops in Bratislava, Dürnstein, Melk, Linz, and Salzburg, this beautifully curated river voyage immerses you in Central Europe’s baroque heritage and timeless culture. Enjoy full-board dining, a superior drinks package, live classical performances onboard, and expertly guided excursions onboard MS Riviera Radiance.
Arrive in the striking capital of Hungary and board your luxurious river cruise ship, the MS William Wordsworth. Settle into your spacious cabin, enjoy a welcome drink, and meet your fellow travellers over a relaxed dinner onboard as the adventure begins.
Cruise to the charming riverside town of Esztergom, once the capital of Hungary and still home to its largest basilica. Take in sweeping views from the cathedral dome, stroll through cobbled streets, and admire the town’s royal and religious significance. Return to the ship for scenic cruising as you cross into Slovakia.
Step into the compact and character-filled capital of Slovakia. Join a guided tour through its elegant Old Town, home to pastel-coloured baroque buildings, historic squares, and a hilltop castle. Later, enjoy an intimate classical concert in one of the city’s grand palaces, a magical highlight for music lovers.
Wake up in the picturesque Wachau Valley. Wander through the storybook village of Dürnstein, famous for its blue church tower and the ruined castle where Richard the Lionheart was once held captive. In the afternoon, visit the magnificent Melk Abbey—an opulent masterpiece perched high above the river, filled with golden libraries, frescoes and history.
A full-day excursion to Salzburg awaits, nestled among the Austrian Alps. Walk in the footsteps of Mozart, marvel at Mirabell Gardens, and explore the baroque beauty of this UNESCO-listed Old Town. A special piano recital adds an elegant touch to your day in this musical city.
Cruise through the gentle curves of the Danube Bend as you return to Budapest. Enjoy a comprehensive city tour covering both Buda and Pest, including the stunning Parliament building, Heroes’ Square, and Castle District. Cap off the evening with a traditional Hungarian folk show and farewell dinner.
Most journeys are designed to get you somewhere as quickly as possible. The Blue Train does the opposite. Over three days and two nights, it travels roughly 1,600 kilometres between Pretoria and Cape Town, turning the distance between the two cities into an experience in its own right.
Europe is packed with iconic destinations, but some of its most rewarding holidays begin just beyond the well-trodden tourist trail. If you've already ticked off the big-name cities or simply fancy somewhere that feels a little different, there are plenty of places offering beautiful scenery, fascinating history, and memorable food without the queues. From medieval towns on the Adriatic coast to volcanic islands in the Atlantic, these lesser-known corners of Europe prove that sometimes the best trips are the ones you weren't expecting.
Summer might get most of the attention, but autumn can be one of the most rewarding times of year to travel. Cooler temperatures make days outdoors more comfortable, landscapes shift into rich seasonal colours, and many destinations settle into a quieter rhythm once the peak summer crowds have gone. That’s where the ‘cool-cation’ comes in. Instead of chasing the heat, these trips are all about crisp mountain air, lakeside walks, dramatic scenery, cosy food, and the kind of weather that makes you want to pull on another layer and keep exploring. From the Italian Alps to the Canadian Rockies, here are seven destinations that come into their own in autumn.
Finding your match...