River cruising just got a five-star makeover for golf fans. Riverside Luxury Cruises launches golf focussed cruise holiday along the scenic Danube. This July, golfers will glide from Vienna to Budapest in absolute style. It’s not just about the views, although those are spectacular. It’s about playing iconic European golf courses with a private pro on board. Add in palace concerts and gourmet dining and you’ve got the perfect swing break.
This is not your average cruise or golf break. Riverside has carefully blended championship-level golf with cultural luxury. Guests get to play at five prestigious courses across Austria and Hungary. They’ll also enjoy expert tuition, elegant cabins and butler service throughout. With only a select number of places available, exclusivity is guaranteed. This is a cruise designed for golfers who want the best of everything.
It’s rare to see such a focused trip aimed at premium-level players. Every day offers something to wow even the most seasoned traveller. Between spa treatments and fine wines, guests get to test their game against top European courses. And when the golf is done, the evenings bring music, art and unforgettable views. Riverside Luxury Cruises launches golf focussed cruise holiday to completely reimagine what a golf trip can be. It’s a bold and brilliant new concept.
A warm Viennese welcome
The journey begins in the heart of Vienna, Austria’s capital of culture. Guests board the Riverside Mozart and meet the ship’s onboard golf pro during a private dinner. This is the first chance to get to know fellow passengers and hear what’s in store. The setting is relaxed, refined, and brimming with anticipation. It’s not every day you start a holiday with Mozart and a golf coach. But this is no ordinary holiday.
The next morning, guests are taken to Linz St Florian Golf Club, one of Austria’s oldest. Perched beside a historic castle, the course is as scenic as it is challenging. Expect rolling fairways, pristine greens, and a real sense of grandeur. After the round, players return to the ship where luxury awaits. From there, the cruise flows deeper into the Danube’s heart. Fine food, five-star service, and sunset views keep the mood serene.
With the game and scenery both delivering, the tone is set early. Guests quickly learn this cruise is about more than ticking boxes. It’s about thoughtful detail, top-level hospitality, and once-in-a-lifetime experiences. From the first tee to the final toast, it feels personal. This offers golfers something they’ve never had before. And Vienna is the perfect place to start.
River views and rising fairways
Day three arrives with fresh views and a legendary new course. The Riverside Mozart docks at Dürnstein, a medieval gem in the Wachau Valley. Here, golfers head to the Diamond Country Club in Atzenbrugg. This course is well-known for its water hazards and its stunning 10-hectare lake. Every hole demands focus, with the natural beauty offering a constant distraction. It’s a game for both skill and style.
That evening is one of the cruise’s major highlights. Guests attend a VIP, after-hours event at Vienna’s Belvedere Palace. With a glass of champagne in hand, they enjoy a private concert in the palace halls. After the music, they get an exclusive viewing of Klimt’s The Kiss. No crowds, no rush, just pure art in perfect peace. It’s the kind of moment that makes this trip unforgettable.
This combination of golf and culture sets the cruise apart. One minute you’re hitting birdies, the next you’re drinking bubbly in a baroque palace. It’s a seamless blend of passions for those who love both. Riverside has planned each moment with a luxury traveller’s mindset. Riverside Luxury Cruises offers an experience that goes beyond the clubhouse. And it does so in spectacular fashion.
Champions play here
The next destination is the prestigious Fontana Golf Club back in Vienna. Regarded as one of Europe’s top ten courses, it’s built to challenge and impress. Golfers face long water carries, strategic bunkers and tightly guarded greens. The course finishes with two stunning holes beside a vast lake. It’s a picture-perfect finale to a demanding round. Expect plenty of wow moments here.
But this cruise isn’t just about playing hard. It’s about improving your game in a setting that inspires. Onboard pro Oliver Rath offers coaching, guidance and encouragement throughout the journey. Whether you’re a seasoned golfer or looking to improve, you’re in expert hands. Rath is approachable, experienced, and adds a personal edge to the trip. His presence lifts the experience above standard golf tours.
There’s also time to relax after every round. The ship’s spa, sun deck and private lounges are the perfect recovery zones. Treat yourself to a massage, sip a cocktail, or just take in the views. The cruise feels balanced between active days and indulgent evenings. The Riverside Luxury Cruises has the idea that excellence should feel effortless and we are here for it!
Into Hungary with style
As the ship crosses the border into Hungary, the scenery shifts but the luxury stays. The first Hungarian stop is Esztergom, a city full of character and charm. Golfers head to Old Lake Golf Club, widely regarded as Hungary’s best course. It’s also one of the first courses ever built in the country. Surrounded by trees and mountain views, the setting is idyllic. The golf, meanwhile, is as rewarding as it is technical.
Riverside handles all logistics with ease. Clubs can be brought on board or rented at each course. Carts are available for those who prefer to cruise the fairways. After every round, guests enjoy a celebratory drink at the “19th Hole”. These moments allow travellers to unwind, share stories and toast to great golf. It’s a social, yet exclusive, part of the experience.
As always, the ship provides top-tier comforts in between. Suites are plush and roomy, perfect for resting up before the next game. Meals are freshly prepared and beautifully served. Staff are attentive without being intrusive.
Budapest brings a final flourish
The grand finale arrives in the beautiful city of Budapest. Golfers head to Botaniq Mariavolgyi Golf Club, a newly renovated gem. This course winds through a lush valley with tricky fairways and varied hazards. Players face tight lies, changing elevations and impressive course design. It’s a thrilling test for the final round. And the views are nothing short of epic.
Back on board, the mood is celebratory. Guests enjoy one last gourmet dinner with their travel companions. Stories from the week are shared over glasses of fine wine. It’s a time to reflect, unwind and savour every memory made. There’s a real sense of camaraderie by this stage. New friends, great games, and unforgettable moments unite everyone on board.
Budapest itself offers one last shot of wonder. Travellers can choose to explore the city or stay aboard and enjoy the view. Either way, it’s a stylish send-off to a standout week. Riverside Luxury Cruises has launched a golf holiday that finishes as strong as it starts. From first tee to last toast, the trip is a total triumph. And we think it’ll set the bar for others to follow.
What else is included
This isn’t just a cruise with golf. It’s a curated luxury experience, tailored for discerning travellers who love the game. Four rounds of golf are included, plus an optional fifth. Golf carts, coaching, club rental and transfers are all available. The itinerary is crafted to be effortless, with everything taken care of in advance. It’s the definition of easy luxury.
Beyond golf, the ship offers full butler service in every suite. Meals are made a la minute with the finest ingredients. There’s complimentary Wi-Fi, self-service laundry, and plenty of space to relax. Bikes and walking poles are available for exploring ports. Every guest is treated like royalty from start to finish. Riverside Luxury Cruises with the traveller’s total comfort in mind.
It’s these extras that make the cruise stand out. It’s not just where you go, but how you’re treated when you get there. The journey is smooth, the service impeccable, and the golf first-class. Whether you’re swinging clubs or sipping wine, every moment feels special. This isn’t just travel, it’s a lifestyle experience. And golfers are going to love every second.
Golftimes summary
At GolfTimes, we think this is one of the most exciting travel launches of 2025. It’s rare to see such a refined experience created for golf lovers. Riverside Luxury Cruises launches a golf focussed cruise holiday and sets a new gold standard. The blend of top-tier courses, luxury accommodation and cultural access is unmatched. We expect demand will be high and places limited. It’s not cheap, but it’s worth every penny.
This isn’t just a cruise or a golf tour. It’s an immersive, elegant, and inspiring escape. With coaching, concerts, castles and clubs, there’s nothing quite like it. We’re already dreaming of booking our own trip down the Danube. If you’re a golfer with a taste for the finer things, this is your chance. Make it your next big swing.
