Have questions? We're here.
A building ruin amongst a green Slovakia landscape.

The Former Austro-Hungarian Empire (Hiking Cruise)

Example 8 Day Cruise aboard MS Beethoven
Talk with an expert
Build your ideal Danube River trip. Call 1.406.541.2677
Start Planning My Trip
Fall in love with the very heart of Austro-Hungarian traditions and folklore on this wonderful and innovative new way to travel, combining the pleasures of a cruise with hiking. Hike on the most beautiful trails with a qualified mountain guide. Hike through the heart of the Wachau region; with its mild climate and its excellent white wines, the Wachau Valley is registered as a UNESCO World Heritage site. Take a tour to discover Buda and walk along the paved streets by the castle, one of the few remaining examples of medieval Budapest. 
Evening in Vienna, AustriaMozart Statue in ViennaPuszta, HungaryBasilica Budapest, HungaryA building ruin amongst a green Slovakia landscape.
Highlights
  • Explore the Melk Abbey's baroque marble hall, library, and church
  • Hike the Little Carpathian mountain range & enjoy the ruins of Devín Castle
  • Discover the splendid baroque palaces and pleasant squares of Bratislava
  • Visit historical Puzsta, also known as the “Great Hungarian Plain”
Activity Level: Relaxed
Involves minimal physical effort and is typically associated with leisurely activities. Activities are low-intensity or last less than a few hours each day.
0

Full Itinerary

Expand All

Day 1: Vienna, Austria | Embark

Board the ship from 6:00 p.m. in Vienna. Join the presentation of the crew and welcome cocktail followed by dinner on board. Enjoy a magical tour of Vienna by night. 

Day 2: Melk | Durnstein

Visit the Melk Abbey and discover the abbey's baroque marble hall, library and church. Return on board and cruise to Dürnstein through the Wachau Valley.

Hikers' Program: Hike through the heart of the Wachau region. With its mild climate and its excellent white wines, the Wachau Valley, registered in the UNESCO World Heritage, is a magical destination in any season. Return on board in Dürnstein.

Non-hikers' Program: Arrive in Dürnstein. Discover the town with an accompanist. The town is famous for King Richard the Lionheart having been held prisoner in its castle. It also has an abbey, glittering in light blue and white, which has one of the most beautiful baroque bell towers in all of Austria.

Return on board and cruise to Bratislava.

Day 3: Bratislava, Slovakia

Today choose between the optional activities: 

Hikers' Program: Hike in the Little Carpathian mountain range, through Sandberg and the Devínska Kobyla National Nature Reserve to the ruins of Devín Castle (outside).

Non-hikers' Program: Visit the Slovak capital. The charm of Bratislava lies in its old city, with splendid baroque palaces, churches and pleasant squares.

Return on board, cruise toward Kalocsa in Hungary, and enjoy an exclusive evening of entertainment on board.

Day 4: Kalocsa, Hungary

Arrive and visit Puzsta, also known as the “Great Hungarian Plain”. This enormous flat prairie was the Hungarian wild west during the 19th century. Return on board and sail toward Budapest, the “Pearl of the Danube”.

Day 5: Budapest

Today choose between the optional activities: 

Hikers' Program: Walk tour to discover Buda. Walk along the paved streets by the castle, which is one of the few remaining examples of medieval Budapest. Return on board via public transport (not included). Then enjoy an evening hike in Pest to discover the Art Deco and Hungarian Art Nouveau buildings. Return on board via public transport (not included) or on foot.

Non-hikers' Program: Take a guided visit of Budapest (panoramic tour by coach with stops). Discover Buda and Pest, more bustling and busy, proudly displaying its rich mix of architectural styles. Free afternoon for the non-hikers.

Join a unique Folklore evening in Budapest. 

Day 6: Esztergom

Enjoy some free time in Esztergom, birthplace and coronation site of the first Hungarian king. The Basilica of Esztergom is a masterpiece of classic architecture and its large dome towers over the town. It is the largest religious building in Hungary.

Hikers' Program: Hike to Visegrád Castle (exteriors only) from where you can see the Danube Bend.

Spend the afternoon sailing and be part of an exclusive gala dinner and dancing evening.

Day 7: Vienna, Austria

Join a guided visit of Vienna and Schönbrunn Palace, the former summer residence of the imperial family, and one of the most beautiful European baroque palaces. Return on board.

Hikers' Program: In the afternoon, walk up to Leopoldsberg to one of the finest vantage points over the city.

Non-hikers' Program: Enjoy free time to discover Vienna on your own or take a guided visit of the Hofburg: the Palace of the Habsburgs contains magnificent imperial apartments. Return on board. Tonight there is a possibility to attend a Viennese musical concert (optional, depending on the availability). 

Day 8: Vienna | Disembark

  • 1 Breakfast
Enjoy the last buffet breakfast on board and disembark in the morning.

Ship/Hotel

MS Beethoven

Cabins aboard the MS Beethoven
Cabins aboard the MS Beethoven
MS Beethoven

Dates & Prices

My Preferred Start Date

This itinerary is no longer available. For other trip ideas, please visit Danube River Cruises.
Rates are dynamic and fluctuate based on capacity. Contact us for a specific quote.
MS Beethoven
Main Deck-Cat A
21 cabins (19 twins, 2 cabins with a double bed) equipped with shower and toilet, hairdryer, satellite TV, radio, safe.
MS Beethoven
Main Deck-Cat B
4 double cabins- equipped with shower and toilet, hairdryer, satellite TV, radio, safe.
MS Beethoven
Main Deck-Cat C
4 double cabins- equipped with shower and toilet, hairdryer, satellite TV, radio, safe.
Cabins aboard the MS Beethoven
Middle Deck-Cat A
27 cabins (24 twins, 2 cabins with a double bed, 1 cabin equipped for disabled with double bed). All cabins are equipped with a shower and toilet, hairdryer, satellite TV, radio, safe.
Cabins aboard the MS Beethoven
Middle Deck-Cat B
4 double cabins 1 PRM cabin -equipped with a shower and toilet, hairdryer, satellite TV, radio, safe.
Cabins aboard the MS Beethoven
Middle Deck-Cat C
6 double cabins- equipped with a shower and toilet, hairdryer, satellite TV, radio, safe.
Cabins aboard the MS Beethoven
Upper Deck-Cat A
42 cabins (40 twins, 2 cabins with a double bed) equipped with shower and toilet, hairdryer, satellite TV, radio, safe.
Cabins aboard the MS Beethoven
Upper Deck-Cat B
20 double cabins- equipped with shower and toilet, hairdryer, satellite TV, radio, safe.
Cabins aboard the MS Beethoven
Upper Deck-Cat C
2 double cabins- equipped with shower and toilet, hairdryer, satellite TV, radio, safe.

Notes

20% discount on children between 2-10 years
30% discount for 3rd person in triple cabin
Included
  • 7 Breakfasts, 6 Lunches, 7 Dinners
  • 7 Nights Accommodations
  • Accommodations as listed
  • Ground transportation as listed
  • Activities as listed
  • Meals as listed
  • Access to a 24-7 Emergency line while traveling
  • Travel assistance and repatriation insurance
  • Double-occupancy cabin with shower in bathroom
  • Excursions included in the package selected
  • All port fees
Excluded
  • Gratuities
  • Personal Expenses
  • Flight costs (please request a quote)
  • Additional excursions during free time
  • Fuel and transportation surcharges (when applicable)
  • Drinks from the special lists, or drinks ordered during excursions or transfers
  • Cancellation and baggage insurance

Map

When to Go

Inquire

* By providing your phone number, you consent to receive direct phone calls or SMS messages from our Trip Planners to get the process started. We do not share your information with third-parties.
Travel Agents

We Love to Talk Travel

Call 1.800.344.6118
or
Chat Now
This was my first experience with Adventure Life - and I couldn't have been more pleased with the trip. The guides and local staff in both Buenos Aires and Uruguay were terrific - extremely helpful and accommodating. I really enjoyed meeting the friendly staff in Buenos Aires in person (I left my bags with them for the afternoon).
Karen Snider

Danube River Travel Guide

Top Danube River Travel Destinations

Danube River Trips by Departure Date

Top Experiences in Danube River

Danube River Trips by Duration

Danube River Trips by Activity

More Reasons

Why Travel With Adventure Life

All News

Recognized By