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Danube - Hiking cruise to the Danube capitals
Danube - Hiking cruise to the Danube capitals
Duration
8 days
Start/End
Passau
Tour type
Group
Level
Simple
Accommodation
4 accommodations
Overview
Four countries, three capitals and a new port every day: on this hiking cruise you combine the comfort of a river ship with discovering landscapes and cities along the Danube on foot – instead of by coach, in a small group and with your own mountain guide.
The Danube is Europe’s great river of culture. Between Passau and Budapest it flows through the Mostviertel, the Wachau World Heritage Site with its wine terraces and the plains of Pannonia. Its banks are lined with monasteries, castles and pilgrimage churches – and above them hills and vineyards with the best views of the river. On this trip Vienna, Budapest and Bratislava show a side that many visitors never see: the hills around these capitals are green, quiet and often only a short ride from the landing stage. In autumn the forests change colour, the grape harvest is over and the wine taverns serve the new wine. In the evening you return on board, where your cabin, dinner and the next stage on the water are already waiting. As the group is limited to 13 guests, your mountain guide stays flexible: she adapts pace and route to the weather and the group and knows the best viewpoints and places to stop for refreshments. Cast off, dock, start hiking! Tour highlights: - Pilgrims’ path up to the Basilica of Maria Taferl - Cruising through the Wachau (UNESCO World Heritage) - Through the vineyards up Kahlenberg and Leopoldsberg, with a stop at a wine tavern - Gellért Hill, the Castle District and the Buda Hills in Budapest - From Bratislava Castle up to Kamzík - Melk Abbey and the Wachau World Heritage Trail
Tour Code
Tour language
GermanItinerary
Day 1
Embarkation in Passau, the City of Three Rivers
BELVEDERE
Embarkation 4–5 pm • Departure 7 pm
Embarkation is between 4 and 5 pm. If you arrive earlier, you can explore the old town between the Danube, Inn and Ilz with your mountain guide and climb up to Veste Oberhaus fortress (optional, approx. 3 km). In the evening you get to know your small group before the ship sets off towards Austria. (D)
Embarkation in Passau, the City of Three Rivers
Day 1
BELVEDERE
Embarkation 4–5 pm • Departure 7 pm
Embarkation is between 4 and 5 pm. If you arrive earlier, you can explore the old town between the Danube, Inn and Ilz with your mountain guide and climb up to Veste Oberhaus fortress (optional, approx. 3 km). In the evening you get to know your small group before the ship sets off towards Austria. (D)
Day 2
Ybbs: Along the pilgrims’ path to Maria Taferl
BELVEDERE
approx. 10 km • approx. 250 m ascent • approx. 3 hrs • Arrival 8 am, departure 2:30 pm
Crossing the bridge at the Ybbs-Persenbeug hydroelectric power station to the north bank, you hike through orchards and woods up to the Basilica of Maria Taferl, one of the most important pilgrimage sites in Lower Austria. From the church terrace the view stretches far across the Danube valley. Return to the ship. In the afternoon you glide through the Wachau (UNESCO World Heritage) – best enjoyed on deck. Arrival in Vienna around 11 pm, overnight on board. (B/L/D)
Ybbs: Along the pilgrims’ path to Maria Taferl
Day 2
BELVEDERE
approx. 10 km • approx. 250 m ascent • approx. 3 hrs • Arrival 8 am, departure 2:30 pm
Crossing the bridge at the Ybbs-Persenbeug hydroelectric power station to the north bank, you hike through orchards and woods up to the Basilica of Maria Taferl, one of the most important pilgrimage sites in Lower Austria. From the church terrace the view stretches far across the Danube valley. Return to the ship. In the afternoon you glide through the Wachau (UNESCO World Heritage) – best enjoyed on deck. Arrival in Vienna around 11 pm, overnight on board. (B/L/D)
Day 3
Vienna: Through the vineyards up Kahlenberg
BELVEDERE
approx. 11 km • approx. 350 m ascent • approx. 3.5 hrs • Departure 7 pm
Public transport takes you to Nussdorf. From there, City Hiking Trail 1 leads you through the vineyards up Kahlenberg and Leopoldsberg – with views over the whole city and the Danube. A stop at a traditional wine tavern (Heuriger) rounds off the hike. You can spend the afternoon exploring the city centre on your own, for example around St. Stephen’s Cathedral, the Hofburg and the Ringstrasse. (B/L/D)
Vienna: Through the vineyards up Kahlenberg
Day 3
BELVEDERE
approx. 11 km • approx. 350 m ascent • approx. 3.5 hrs • Departure 7 pm
Public transport takes you to Nussdorf. From there, City Hiking Trail 1 leads you through the vineyards up Kahlenberg and Leopoldsberg – with views over the whole city and the Danube. A stop at a traditional wine tavern (Heuriger) rounds off the hike. You can spend the afternoon exploring the city centre on your own, for example around St. Stephen’s Cathedral, the Hofburg and the Ringstrasse. (B/L/D)
Day 4
Budapest: Gellért Hill and the Castle District
BELVEDERE
approx. 6 km • approx. 200 m ascent • approx. 2.5 hrs • Arrival 12 noon
After lunch you climb Gellért Hill, the viewpoint in the middle of the city: below you lie the Danube, its bridges and the Parliament. You continue to the Castle District with Matthias Church and the Fishermen’s Bastion. The rest of the day is yours to explore as you like – for example with a stroll along the illuminated riverbanks, an evening light cruise on an excursion boat or a folklore evening (optional, not included in the price). (B/L/D)
Budapest: Gellért Hill and the Castle District
Day 4
BELVEDERE
approx. 6 km • approx. 200 m ascent • approx. 2.5 hrs • Arrival 12 noon
After lunch you climb Gellért Hill, the viewpoint in the middle of the city: below you lie the Danube, its bridges and the Parliament. You continue to the Castle District with Matthias Church and the Fishermen’s Bastion. The rest of the day is yours to explore as you like – for example with a stroll along the illuminated riverbanks, an evening light cruise on an excursion boat or a folklore evening (optional, not included in the price). (B/L/D)
Day 5
Budapest: Buda Hills and János-hegy
BELVEDERE
approx. 7 km • approx. 250 m ascent • approx. 2.5 hrs • Departure 2 pm
A shuttle bus takes you up into the wooded Buda Hills. On forest paths you hike from Devil’s Hill to the Elisabeth Lookout Tower on János-hegy (527 m), the highest point in Budapest. You descend on foot or by chairlift and are back on board in good time. (B/L/D)
Budapest: Buda Hills and János-hegy
Day 5
BELVEDERE
approx. 7 km • approx. 250 m ascent • approx. 2.5 hrs • Departure 2 pm
A shuttle bus takes you up into the wooded Buda Hills. On forest paths you hike from Devil’s Hill to the Elisabeth Lookout Tower on János-hegy (527 m), the highest point in Budapest. You descend on foot or by chairlift and are back on board in good time. (B/L/D)
Day 6
Bratislava: From the castle up to Kamzík
BELVEDERE
approx. 9 km • approx. 300 m ascent • approx. 3 hrs • Arrival 8 am, departure 2 pm
Through the lanes of the old town you climb up to the castle, the city’s landmark. The hike continues through Horský park into the foothills of the Little Carpathians to Kamzík with its TV tower and wide views over the city and the Danube. Return by bus. (B/L/D)
Bratislava: From the castle up to Kamzík
Day 6
BELVEDERE
approx. 9 km • approx. 300 m ascent • approx. 3 hrs • Arrival 8 am, departure 2 pm
Through the lanes of the old town you climb up to the castle, the city’s landmark. The hike continues through Horský park into the foothills of the Little Carpathians to Kamzík with its TV tower and wide views over the city and the Danube. Return by bus. (B/L/D)
Day 7
Melk: Melk Abbey and the World Heritage Trail
BELVEDERE
approx. 6 km • approx. 200 m ascent • approx. 2 hrs • Arrival 7:30 am, departure 1:30 pm
Early in the morning you climb up to the Baroque Benedictine abbey of Melk, enthroned high above the Danube. After the visit, a short loop on the Wachau World Heritage Trail leads to viewpoints over the abbey and the river. On the last evening you round off the week together with your group. (B/L/D)
Melk: Melk Abbey and the World Heritage Trail
Day 7
BELVEDERE
approx. 6 km • approx. 200 m ascent • approx. 2 hrs • Arrival 7:30 am, departure 1:30 pm
Early in the morning you climb up to the Baroque Benedictine abbey of Melk, enthroned high above the Danube. After the visit, a short loop on the Wachau World Heritage Trail leads to viewpoints over the abbey and the river. On the last evening you round off the week together with your group. (B/L/D)
Day 8
Disembarkation in Passau
Arrival 7:30 am • Disembarkation by 9:30 am
After breakfast it is time to say goodbye: disembarkation by 9:30 am and individual journey home. (B)
Disembarkation in Passau
Day 8
Arrival 7:30 am • Disembarkation by 9:30 am
After breakfast it is time to say goodbye: disembarkation by 9:30 am and individual journey home. (B)
Services
What's included
River cruise Passau – Vienna – Budapest – Bratislava – Melk – Passau on the BELVEDERE in an outside cabin of the booked category (double occupancy)
Full board on board (nicko cruises): generous breakfast buffet with coffee/tea and juices, multi-course menus served at the table at lunch and dinner, snacks from the grill station on deck at lunchtime depending on the day’s programme, coffee/tea after lunch and dinner, coffee and cake or a midnight snack depending on the day’s programme, multi-course gala dinner “inspired by Johann Lafer”, festive farewell dinner, welcome and farewell reception with the captain, table reservation
All port fees, luggage service at embarkation and disembarkation
Use of the wellness area on board
Personal guidance by an experienced mountain guide throughout the trip
6 guided hikes in a small group of 7 to 13 guests
Planning and organisation of the hikes in each port, timed to the port calls
Transfers to the hikes and back to the ship
Public transport, mountain railways and chairlift as per programme
What's not included
Travel to and from Passau
Drinks (except coffee/tea and juices at breakfast and coffee/tea after lunch and dinner) and personal expenses on board
Local passenger fees (e.g. bed taxes, visitor taxes, tourism levies) – charged to your on-board account at the current rate
Excursion packages of the shipping company
Refreshment stops during the hikes
Travel insurance (we are happy to prepare an individual offer)
Personal equipment
Visa and vaccinations, if required
Character of the trip
Fitness
Simple
Altitude
Low
Culture / nature
Nature-led
The hikes are easily manageable for anyone with a normal basic level of fitness. There are no difficult sections; the routes follow town and forest paths, lead through vineyards and up viewpoint hills of up to approx. 530 m. On 6 hiking days you cover a total of around 50 kilometres. The hikes are about 6 to 11 km long, with walking times of 2 to 3.5 hours and ascents of around 200 to 350 m. All hikes are timed to fit the ship’s port calls, leaving enough time for sightseeing and relaxing on board.
Dates and prices
Group dates
Optional
Hiking package with mountain guide
Personal guidance by the mountain guide, 6 guided hikes in a small group, transfers to the hikes and public transport, mountain railways and chairlift as per programme
€630.00
per person
Drinks package from the shipping company
Unlimited drinks from 9 am to midnight: house wines by the glass (white, rosé, red), house sparkling wine, draught and bottled beers incl. alcohol-free beer, cocktails and long drinks (with/without alcohol), all soft drinks served by the glass, cabin water and daily excursion water, all coffee specialities (without alcohol), hot chocolate and tea
€231.00
per person
Early booking discount from the shipping company: 75 euros per person when booking by 30 November 2026, 50 euros per person when booking by 31 January 2027
Notes on the trip
Requirements and paths
The hikes are technically easy and follow well-maintained paths. Sturdy footwear and a weatherproof jacket are highly recommended in October; hiking poles are helpful.
Port times and schedule
The hikes are timed to fit the port calls. Please note that the ship departs punctually – your mountain guide makes sure the group is back on board in time. All times are approximate times given by the shipping company; changes to the schedule are reserved.
Small group
The hiking group consists of 7 to 13 guests. This keeps the guiding personal, and the group can move flexibly in cities and on public transport.
Travel companions who do not hike
Your partner would like to come along but not hike? No problem: travel companions simply book the cruise without the hiking package and can book the shipping company’s excursion package on board instead.
Programme changes
The safety of participants is the top priority. In the event of heavy rain, storms or other unforeseeable circumstances, your mountain guide adapts the route and programme flexibly. Claims for compensation are excluded in such cases.
Travel to Passau
Travel to and from Passau is not included in the price. The shipping company nicko cruises offers the following options – we are happy to help you book them. From Austria, Passau is easy to reach by train, e.g. via Linz – we are happy to help you plan your journey.
Coach with door-to-door taxi service
Pick-up anywhere in Germany, return trip to/from Passau 329 euros per person. A taxi picks you up at home and takes you to the coach, which brings you to the ship on the same day in time for embarkation – including a light lunch with a free drink and luggage transport to your cabin (guests from southern Bavaria travel directly to Passau without a lunch stop). From northern regions the coach leaves early in the morning; depending on the route a change may be necessary. The pick-up address must be provided no later than 14 days after receipt of the invoice.
By car
Guarded parking in Passau, bookable together with the cruise: open-air car park 87 euros per vehicle (open from 1 April 2027), multi-storey car park 109 euros per vehicle.
By train
Return trip by train to Passau Hbf with transfer to the ship and back, from 238 euros per person (2nd class). TEFRA luggage service available on request.
Hotel extension in Passau
From 90 euros per person per night – not possible if the coach transfer is booked.
Accommodation and partner
7
BELVEDERE (nicko cruises)
Danube
Your floating home for the week: the BELVEDERE operated by nicko cruises accommodates a maximum of 174 guests (126.7 m long, 40 crew members, on-board languages German and English) and was extensively modernised in winter 2024/25. After each hike you return to your cabin while the ship is already heading for the next port. On board: lunch and dinner are served at the table in the restaurant; depending on the day’s programme there is also a light lunch buffet in front of the panorama lounge or snacks from the grill on the sun deck. The sun deck and a wellness area with sauna and whirlpool invite you to relax.
Accommodation
Main deck
BELVEDERE
The outside cabins on the main deck are a cosy retreat with views of the passing river landscape – ideal if you want to travel in comfort and relax between hikes. Facilities: twin cabin in a bright, modern design with shower/WC, satellite TV, air conditioning/heating and safe.
Accommodation
Middle deck
BELVEDERE
On the middle deck all outside cabins have a French balcony – comfort and a pleasant location on board in one. Facilities: twin cabin in a bright, modern design with French balcony, shower/WC, satellite TV, air conditioning/heating and safe.
Accommodation
Upper deck and junior suites
BELVEDERE
On the upper deck you stay in a twin cabin or a junior suite, all with a French balcony – ideal if you value extra comfort and a stylish atmosphere. Facilities: outside cabin or junior suite in a bright, modern design with French balcony, shower/WC, satellite TV, air conditioning/heating and safe.
Our partner on site
Mountain hiking guide Melanie Katzinger
Many years ago I turned my experience and passion into my vocation. As an educator with teaching experience in state schools, I now combine this with my love of sport and gather mountain experience all year round, privately and as a mountain hiking, canyoning and snow sports instructor. In my work as a coach I enjoy sharing ideas on mindfulness, Mental-Stark and forest bathing. The intense time with so many wonderful people keeps adding to my wealth of experience and, together with everything I have learned, gives me a rich store of knowledge that I am happy to pass on to you on our trip.