A new eight-day river cruise along the Danube offers travelers an all-inclusive itinerary exploring three European capitals—Vienna, Bratislava, and Budapest—alongside several scenic rural towns in Austria, Slovakia, and Hungary. Operated by CroisiEurope aboard the MS Beethoven, the cruise allows guests to experience a blend of history, culture, and natural beauty across central Europe.
The journey begins in Vienna, Austria’s elegant capital known for its imperial-era architecture and cultural landmarks. Upon boarding the MS Beethoven, passengers are welcomed with a cocktail reception and dinner before setting off overnight toward Melk. There, guests can take a guided tour of the Benedictine monastery, a historic site dating back over a millennium, situated in the picturesque Wachau Valley.
Subsequent stops include the medieval town of Dürnstein, where visitors have the opportunity to explore the remains of a castle and abbey as well as the town’s historic streets. From Austria, the cruise sails east into Slovakia, arriving in Bratislava, the Slovak capital. Highlights in Bratislava include visits to the 18th-century castle, the extensive Primate’s Palace, and the cobbled old town.
The itinerary then leads to rural Hungary, with a call at Kalocsa, a small town offering leisure time and an optional excursion to the nearby Puszta grasslands, a UNESCO World Heritage site. The excursion includes an equestrian show featuring traditional csikós horsemen and a tasting session of local brandy, providing insight into Hungary’s rural heritage.
Continuing to Budapest, often called the “Pearl of the Danube,” the cruise includes a full-day guided tour covering both Buda’s historic hills and Pest’s cosmopolitan district. Passengers can also opt for additional evening tours to explore more of the city’s vibrant cultural scene.
On the return trip to Vienna, the MS Beethoven stops in Esztergom, one of Hungary’s oldest cities, where guests have time to visit its vast basilica. The cruise concludes with a final day at leisure in Vienna, allowing travelers to take part in optional tours to prominent sites such as the Schönbrunn and Hofburg palaces before disembarking for their journey home.
The cruise package features onboard French-inspired dining that highlights regional specialties, accompanied by local wines and welcome drinks. An English-speaking crew and a dedicated tour manager from Newmarket Holidays provide support throughout the voyage, ensuring a comfortable and immersive travel experience from start to finish.