For over five centuries, the Habsburg royal family shaped the destiny of Europe, leaving behind a magnificent legacy of grand palaces, elegant cities and breathtaking architecture that still delights visitors today. This wonderful river cruise invites you to follow in their footsteps, tracing the course of the Danube as it winds through the heart of Central Europe, linking three iconic capital cities and some of the region’s most beautiful scenery.
The Danube - Europe’s second longest river - flows like a storybook route through history, connecting the great Habsburg capitals of Vienna and Budapest. Along the way, you’ll glide past grand palaces and hilltop monasteries, rolling vineyards tumbling down to the river’s edge, and the wide, open plains of the Hungarian Puszta, where time seems to slow right down.
This carefully planned journey includes three historic capitals, one of Europe’s most stunning Baroque monasteries, the famous Wachau wine region, and a visit to the Hungarian Puszta, complete with two evenings of traditional local entertainment. Wherever possible, excursions are arranged privately, and you’ll be accompanied throughout by a dedicated Involved Holidays cruise manager, ensuring everything runs smoothly from beginning to end.
Best of all, twin cabins are available for sole occupancy with no single supplement -offering excellent value for solo travellers who want to explore in comfort, enjoy great company, and experience a fully inclusive, worry-free holiday.
Holiday Highlights
- All inclusive holiday
- No single supplement
- Transfers & Luggage included as standard
- Vienna city tour including a visit to the Hapsburg's Hofburg Palace & the Sisi Museum
- Tour of Vienna's vast Schönbrunn Palace
- Tour of the magnificent riverside Melk Abbey
- Walking tour of the quaint historic village of Dürnstein
- Tour of Bratislava
- Tour of the Hungarian plains (known as the Puszta)
- Orientation tour of beautiful Budapest
- An evening of Hungarian folk dancing
- Time at leisure in Esztergom Hungary's first capital
- Optional evening of Viennese classical music (dependent on availability).
Itinerary
Day One – Arrival Day
Depart from London Heathrow bound for Vienna, then make your way from Vienna Airport to your floating home for the week, the MS Beethoven. Settle in with a welcome reception and drinks before sitting down to your first dinner on board. The ship sets sail at 8pm, beginning its leisurely passage toward Melk.
Day Two – Melk Abbey
The morning brings an included visit to the breathtaking Melk Abbey, one of the grandest and most lavishly adorned baroque complexes anywhere in the world. From Melk, the ship glides through the scenic, vine-covered hills of the Wachau valley to the charming town of Dürnstein, famous as the place where Richard the Lionheart was held captive in its hilltop castle during the 13th century. Though little of that fortress survives, the town itself rewards exploration on a delightful included walking tour. The ship continues overnight toward Bratislava, Slovakia's vibrant capital.
Day Three – Bratislava
Today's included tour of Bratislava opens with a short panoramic bus ride before transitioning into a guided stroll through the heart of the historic old town. Graceful baroque palaces and leafy, sun-dappled squares define this elegant city. After a relaxed lunch on board, the cruise presses on through Slovakia and across the border into Hungary.
Day Four – Budapest
The morning is yours to enjoy at your own pace in the quiet riverside town of Kalocsa. Those looking for adventure can join an optional excursion out onto the Hungarian plains, taking in a horse-drawn carriage ride through the countryside and a thrilling display of traditional Hungarian horsemanship. The ship then glides further along the Danube through the afternoon, arriving in the magnificent city of Budapest.
Day Five – Budapest
This morning features an included panoramic tour of Budapest, one of Europe's most striking capital cities. After lunch, the central mooring location makes it easy to head out and explore independently at your own leisure. As evening falls, the group comes together to enjoy a captivating performance of traditional Hungarian music and dance
Day Six – Esztergom
After cruising through the night, the ship docks in the morning at Esztergom, a town steeped in history as Hungary's medieval capital and still the country's spiritual and religious heart to this day. The morning is free to wander and discover at your own pace before the ship departs in the afternoon, heading back toward Vienna. The evening calls for celebration with a special gala dinner served on board.
Day Seven – Vienna
A full and rewarding final day awaits, packed with two included tours of Vienna's most iconic landmarks. The morning is devoted to the magnificent Schonbrunn Palace, the grand summer residence of the Habsburgs, built on a scale that rivals even Versailles. The afternoon brings a panoramic sweep of the city, followed by a visit to the Hofburg, the Habsburg winter palace, and its celebrated museum honouring the beloved Empress Sisi. To round off the evening, an optional concert of classic Viennese music is expected to be on offer.
Day Eight – Departure Day
After a final breakfast on board, transfer to Vienna Airport for your flight home to the UK. Please note: This itinerary may be subject to minor adjustments in content or order depending on river conditions and weather. Every reasonable effort will be made to deliver the experience as described.
Accommodation
Warm, elegant, and purpose-built for river cruising, the MS Beethoven feels like a boutique floating hotel as it glides effortlessly along the Danube and Rhine. We have secured an exclusive allocation of just 20 cabins, all comfortably and identically appointed, with the only differences being window size and proximity to the sun deck for those who like to step straight out into the fresh air.
Dining on board is a genuine highlight and a key part of the experience. Lunches and dinners are inspired by French cuisine, beautifully presented, and consistently a highlight of the day. Breakfast is a relaxed buffet, perfect for starting the morning at your own pace, while the kitchen is happy to cater for dietary requirements and personal preferences - simply let us know at the time of booking. Daily menus are displayed each evening, and if something doesn’t quite suit, a quick word with the chef the night before ensures it’s taken care of.
Best of all, your drinks are included throughout your stay. Enjoy quality French house wines in red, white and rosé, along with local beers, soft drinks, and a selection of spirits and cocktails. Everything is taken care of - so you can simply sit back, unwind, and watch some of Europe’s most beautiful scenery drift by.