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A building ruin amongst a green Slovakia landscape.

The Former Austro-Hungarian Empire (Hiking Cruise)

Example 8 Day Cruise aboard MS Beethoven
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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”
Activities
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.
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Full Itinerary

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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

  • Ship
  • 1 Breakfast, 1 Lunch, 1 Dinner
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

  • Ship
  • 1 Breakfast, 1 Lunch, 1 Dinner
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

  • Ship
  • 1 Breakfast, 1 Lunch, 1 Dinner
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

  • Ship
  • 1 Breakfast, 1 Lunch, 1 Dinner
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

  • Ship
  • 1 Breakfast, 1 Lunch, 1 Dinner
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

  • Ship
  • 1 Breakfast, 1 Lunch, 1 Dinner
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

Per person starting at
$2,431
Rates are dynamic and fluctuate based on capacity. Contact us for a specific quote.
MS Beethoven
Select a Date
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
Select a Date
Main Deck-Cat B
4 double cabins- equipped with shower and toilet, hairdryer, satellite TV, radio, safe.
MS Beethoven
Select a Date
Main Deck-Cat C
4 double cabins- equipped with shower and toilet, hairdryer, satellite TV, radio, safe.
Cabins aboard the MS Beethoven
Select a Date
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
Select a Date
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
Select a Date
Middle Deck-Cat C
6 double cabins- equipped with a shower and toilet, hairdryer, satellite TV, radio, safe.
Cabins aboard the MS Beethoven
Select a Date
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
Select a Date
Upper Deck-Cat B
20 double cabins- equipped with shower and toilet, hairdryer, satellite TV, radio, safe.
Cabins aboard the MS Beethoven
Select a Date
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
  • Onboard Entertainment 
  • Assistance from our onboard multi-lingual host/hostess
  • Travel assistance and repatriation insurance
  • Welcome cocktail
  • Onboard drinks included (except for drinks from the special lists)
  • Double-occupancy cabin with shower in bathroom
  • Excursions included in the package selected
  • Gala dinner
  • 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
  • Transfers/travel to and from departure/arrival points

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