Hike through stunning scenery along the Danube on this river cruise with guided walks through the Wachau region, the Little Carpathian Mountains and the city of Budapest
On this incredible cruise along the Danube you will discover stunning scenery, breathtaking views and historic monuments with hiking and walking programmes for all abilities accompanied by an expert guide. Non-hikers can enjoy excursions to Durnstein and its remarkable abbey, the Slovak capital of Bratislava and a visit to Vienna's Hofburg Palace.
Visit magnificent Melk Abbey then set sail through the beautiful Wachau Valley to Durnstein. Hikers can visit the ruined Aggstein Castle for superb views whilst the less active will enjoy a discovery tour of Durnstein. In Bratislava there is the choice between a hike through the Little Carpathian mountain range and a guided tour of the Slovak capital. From Kalocsa there is a trip to the Puzsta, the Great Hungarian Plain, to watch a traditional horse show.
In Budapest the hikers will discover the two side of the city, Buda and Pest, on walking tours whilst the non-hikers can explore the city on a panoramic coach tour. Explore Esztergom, home to an impressive basilica, and hikers can walk to Visegrad Fortress for views of the Danube Bend. Discover the musical city of Vienna and Schonbrunn Palace, then tour the city on foot or enjoy a guided visit of Hofburg Palace.
Unlimited complimentary house wine, beer, mineral water and soft drinks on board
Cruise itinerary as described including guided walking tours
Welcome cocktail
Entertainment on board
Cruise Manager
Gala farewell dinner
Port taxes
Excludes
Cruise only prices do not include flights or transfers
Optional Excursions (must be pre-booked at least 4 weeks before departure or bookable on board subject to availability)
Gratuities
Personal insurance and expenses
Special Features
CroisiEurope is the leading French river cruise company. Their ships have a distinctly French flavour, the service and the food having received much praise from Blue Water Holidays customers. Staff and passengers come from many European countries and there may be other English speaking passengers on board.
Cruise Map
Itinerary
Day 1Vienna (Austria)
Embark your ship at 6pm and settle into your cabin. Presentation of the crew during a welcome cocktail, and dinner on board this evening. Cruise this evening towards Melk.
Day 2Melk - Durnstein
Visit the Benedictine Melk Abbey then return on board for lunch and cruise through the beautiful Wachau Valley towards Durnstein.
Hikers' Programme: Travel by coach to the village of Aggstein and hike through the heart of the Wachau region to the impressive ruins of Aggstein Castle then through unspoilt scenery to Maria Longegg. Length 4 hours, 400m elevation gain.
Non-hikers' Programme: Join the guided tour of Durnstein, famous for its blue and white abbey.
Return to the ship and cruise towards Bratislava.
Day 3Bratislava (Slovakia)
Hikers' Programme: Travel by coach to Devinska Nova Ves to hike through the Little Carpathian mountain range and enjoy beautiful views of Bratislava from the outside of the ruined Devin Castle. Length 1.5 hours, 250m elevation gain.
Non-hikers' Programme: Visit Bratislava which is home to many historic buildings including the magnificent Mirbach Palace, impressive Gothic cathedral of St Martin and Michael’s Gate, one of the oldest of the town’s structures.which is home to many historical buildings including the magnificent Mirbach Palace, impressive Gothic cathedral of St Martin and Michael’s Gate, one of the oldest of the town’s structures
Return to the ship for lunch and cruise towards Kolocsa. Enjoy evening entertainment on board.
Day 4Kalocsa (Hungary)
Set off to the Puszta for a traditional horse riding show and learn about the tradition and folklore of the Hungarian Wild West. Back on board for lunch and cruise towards Budapest.
Day 5Budapest
Hikers' Programme: Enjoy a city walk through Buda past the famous Gellert Baths and the castle. Length 2.5 hours, 100m elevation gain. Return on board via public transport (not included) for lunch. Later, walk through Pest to see the Art Deco and Art Nouveau buildings. Length 2 hours, level walking. Return on board by public transport (not included) or on foot.
Non-hikers' Programme: Explore Budapest on a panoramic coach tour. Lunch on board followed by time at leisure to explore the city.
Dinner on board then free evening or Folklore Evening in Budapest.
Day 6Budapest - Esztergom
Arrive early this morning in Esztergom where there is free time to explore the town.
Hikers' Programme: Travel by coach to Visegrad and walk to Visegrad Fortress (outside visit only). Length 2 hours, 250m elevation gain.
Enjoy lunch on board then spend the afternoon cruising before tonight's Gala dinner and evening.
Day 7Vienna (Austria)
Enjoy a guided visit to Vienna and Schonbrunn Palace then return to the ship for lunch.
Hikers' Programme: Explore Vienna on a walking discovery tour. Transfer by coach to Nussdorfer Platz then walk up Leopoldsberg for amazing views over the city. Follow the distinctive Nasenweg path with its unique flora and fauna. Length 3-4 hours, 340m elevatiob gain.
Non-hikers' Programme: Explore Vienna at leisure or join the guided visit of the magnificent Hofsburg Palace.
Return on board for dinner. Tonight there is an optional concert of Viennese music.
Day 8Vienna
Disembark ship after breakfast.
WBB_RANPP: Cruise and Hike Along the Danube ItineraryFor navigational reasons the Captain of the ship reserves the right to modify the cruise itinerary.
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