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2019 2020

Hiking Cruises in the Former Austro-Hungarian Empire (port-to-port cruise)
8 Days - WBB_RAIPP
# Description

Cruise

VIENNA - MELK - DÜRNSTEIN - BRATISLAVA - KALOCSA - BUDAPEST - ESZTERGOM - VIENNA

Relaxing hiking and stunning scenery: embark on an incredible cruise along the Danube. From Austria via Hungary to Slovakia, discover breathtaking views and stroll through places earmarked in history such as Aggstein Castle, Devinska Kobyma Nature Reserve or the Fortress of Visegrad.

 

Croisi +
All inclusive on board

THE CROISIEUROPE DIFFERENCE

  • All meals included - DRINKS INCLUDED with meals and at the bar
  • Refined French cuisine - Gala dinner and evening - Welcome cocktail
  • Free Wi-Fi in lounge and bar
  • Headsets are included for excursions
  • Official welcome from the captain and crew
  • Onboard activities
  • Travel assistance and repatriation insurance
  • All port fees included

CRUISE HIGHLIGHTS

  • Hiking trails with a qualified mountain guide
  • Bratislava, Budapest and Vienna
  • At the very heart of Austro-Hungarian traditions and folklore
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Route

© CroisiEurope
Day 1

VIENNA

Passengers are welcome to board our ship at 6:00 p.m. After comfortably settling into your cabins, we'll introduce our crew at a welcome cocktail. Dinner on board. Our ship will depart at 8:00 p.m. towards Melk and sail through the night.

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© CroisiEurope
Day 2

MELK - DÜRNSTEIN

 

We'll set out to visit Melk Abbey. We'll discover the abbey's baroque marble hall, library and church before returning on board and cruising towards Dürnstein through the Wachau Valley.

Hikers' Program: Hike through the heart of the Wachau region and visit the ruins of Aggstein Castle. Its exceptional location and its impressive dimensions make this castle one of the most well-known in Austria. Erected around 1100, it is thought to have been the haunt of pillaging knights during the Middle-Ages. After the visit, we'll hike through unspoilt scenery to Maria Longegg then transfer by coach to rejoin the boat in Dürnstein. (4 hours hiking, with a climb of around 400m)

Non-hikers' program: We'll discover Dürnstein with our hostess. The town is famous for King Richard the Lionhearted 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.

We'll return on board and cruise towards Bratislava.

 

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© CroisiEurope
Day 3

BRATISLAVA

 

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 of the Slovak capital. The charm of Bratislava lies in its old city, with splendid baroque palaces, churches and pleasant squares.

We'll return on board and cruise towards Kalocsa, in Hungary. Enjoy an evening of entertainment on board.

 

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© Frantisek Zvardon
Day 4

KALOCSA

We'll set off for the visit to the Puzsta, also known as the "Great Hungarian Plain”, this enormous flat prairie was the Hungarian Wild West during the 19th century. We'll return on board for lunch and start cruising towards Budapest, the "pearl of the Danube”.

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© Stephane Pfleger
Day 5

BUDAPEST

 

Hikers' Program: City walk tour to discover Buda. Walk along the paved streets by the castle, which is one of the few remaining examples of medieval Budapest. We'll return on board via public transport (not included) for lunch. (2½ hours hiking, with a climb of around 100m)

Non-hikers' Program: Guided visit of Budapest (panoramic tour by coach with stops) to discover Buda, the upper part of the city, with its narrow winding streets, baroque buildings and Royal Palace. Pest, is more bustling and busy, and proudly displays its rich mix of architectural styles.

Hikers' Program: Walk in Pest, to discover the Art Deco and Hungarian Art Nouveau buildings. We'll return on board via public transport (not included) or on foot.

Non-hikers can enjoy free time this afternoon.

Enjoy a free evening or a folklore evening in Budapest.

 

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© Shutterstock
Day 6

BUDAPEST - ESZTERGOM

 

We'll arrive early in the morning and have 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. (2 hours hiking, with a climb of around 250m)

The afternoon will be spent sailing. Tonight is our gala dinner and evening of dancing on board.

 

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© Shutterstock
Day 7

VIENNA

 

We'll set off for a guided tour of Vienna and the Schönbrunn Palace, the former summer residence of the imperial family, and one of the most beautiful European baroque palace.

Hikers' Program: Walking discovery tour of Vienna. The walk up Leopoldsberg will take you to one of the finest vantage points over the city. (Around 3 to 4 hours hiking, with a climb of around 340m)

Non-hikers' Program: Free time to discover Vienna on your own or guided visit of the Hofburg: the Palace of the Habsburgs containing magnificent imperial apartments.

Join us on an optional excursion: Viennese musical concert (subject to availability.)

 

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© Aliaksandr Vlasik
Day 8

VIENNA

Enjoy one last buffet breakfast on board before disembarking at 9:00. End of our services.

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Dates & Prices

Sold-Out
All departure dates are currently sold-out.

Sales

  • Child discount (2-9 years) : - 20%

Formalities

Valid passport required. Non-EU nationals are advised to consult their embassy or consulate.
Included :
Not included

Your cruise with all meals from dinner the D1 to breakfast on D8 - onboard drinks included (except for drinks from our special lists) - double-occupancy cabin with shower in private bathroom - the excursions mentioned in the program except concert of Viennese music - transfers specified in the itinerary - visits and / or hikes as detailed in the program - the services of a qualified guide - onboard entertainment - assistance from our onboard multi-lingual host/hostess - welcome cocktail - the gala dinner and evening - travel assistance and repatriation insurance - all port fees.

Drinks from our special lists, or drinks ordered during excursions or transfers - cancellation and baggage insurance - the optional viennese concert (to be reserved and paid for on board or at travel agency) - airport taxes - personal expenses.

Shore Excursions

10 Shore excursions
HIKING EXCURSIONS PACKAGE
© Bains Gellert
© CroisiEurope
© TT studio
© CroisiEurope
© Frantisek Zvardon
Included in tour package: Visit Melk Abbey Hiking at the heart of the Wachau Valley Hiking in the Little Carpathians Visit to the Puzsta Urban hike through Buda Urban hike through Pest Folklore evening in Budapest Hike to Visegrad Fortress...
Classic
Discover
© CroisiEurope

Guided tour of Vienna and Schoenbrunn Palace

You will begin the tour by taking the famous Ring to reach Schoenbrunn Palace. The "Ring" was one of the personal projects of Emperor Franz Joseph. In 1857, he decided to take down the ramparts that enclosed the city center and had this boulevard bui...

Duration 4h00 Classic
© TT studio

Hiking in Bratislava: The Little Carpathians

We'll leave by coach from Devínska Nová Ves for a hike in the Little Carpathians Protected Landscape Area, including the geographically rich Sandberg expanse. From Devin Castle, we'll take in the splendid view of Bratislava. Aft...

Duration 3h00 Discovery
© CroisiEurope

Morning in the Puszta (1/2 day)

Departure by coach in the company of your host/hostess in the direction of Kiskunsag Park, at the heart of the Puszta. The Puszta, also known as the Great Plain of Hungary, is a large, flat grassland that was regarded as the Wild West of Hungary in t...

Duration 4h00 Classic
© Frantisek Zvardon

Urban hike in Budapest

Set out on an urban hike through Buda! Discover the charm of the old town and its spellbinding architectural details, as well as the Buda hills, on foot. Trek along the shaded lanes, winding roads, and steep hills to the top of the city. We’ll...

Duration 2h30 Classic

Hike in Visegrad

We’ll leave by coach from Esztergom for Visegrad and then hike to the castle where you’ll be able to see the magnificent bend in the Danube River down below. We’ll return on foot to our coach to be transferred back to the ship. PLE...

Duration 2h00 Classic
© CroisiEurope

Traditional evening in Budapest

Transfer by coach in the company of your guides to a theater downtown for a traditional Hungarian show. This one-and-a-half-hour show will take you across all the regions of Hungary through its folklore and Gypsy dance and music. After this show, the...

Duration 2h00 Classic
© CroisiEurope

Urban hike in Pest

From the port, we’ll set out on a hike through Pest to discover its Art Deco and Art Nouveau buildings. The first stop will be the covered market—a hodgepodge of spices, local delicacies, and handicrafts. We’ll pass in front of the...

Duration 2h00 Classic

Hike the Leopoldsberg

You’ll be transferred to Nussdorfer Platz by coach. From here, the path to the Leopoldsberg will bring you to some of the most beautiful views framing the city against the river and forest. Flora and fauna found along this urban trail are uniqu...

Duration 4h00 Classic
© CroisiEurope

Hike through the Wachau Valley

After our guided tour of the Melk Abbey, you’ll be transferred by coach to the village of Aggstein. From there, you’ll set out on a hike through the heart of the Wachau Valley, which includes a visit to the castle ruins. Its breathtaking...

Duration 4h00 Classic
© Zechal

Guided tour of the Melk Abbey

Departure by coach in company of your host/hostess towards Melk Abbey. We will meet up with our guides in the inner courtyard to start our visit. The Abbey overlooking the Danube was first built as the Babenberg's fortified castle. It was founded in...

Duration 1h45 Classic
Discover
© CroisiEurope

Viennese Music Concert

Departure by coach in the company of our host/hostess towards Vienna's Kursalon where the concert will take place. Famous waltz melodies will take you back to the era of Franz Joseph and Sisi. The first half of the concert will be devoted to Mozart c...

Duration 2h30 Classic

Ships

Several ships available for this cruise

MS Beethoven
Additional information

Hiking: Level 2 (on a scale of 1 (easy) to 5 (difficult))
The hikes proposed as part of this cruise program include half-day trips including 2-3 hour hikes or full-day trips with up to 5 hours of hiking, and include varying degrees of ascents and/or descents (approximately 150 m to 400 m). As you hike, you will have the chance to see the natural and cultural sites which form an integral part of the cruise program up close.
The durations given in the program itineraries are for guidance purposes only and do not include stops.
No athletic training is necessary for these hikes, but you should be in good shape and well-rested to fully enjoy this cruise.

 

Equipment needed
Backpack
You'll need to bring a backpack (max 1,830 cubic inches) to carry the things you'll need for the hike. Your backpack should easily hold a sweater, raincoat, picnic, bottle of water and sunscreen.
So that you'll be comfortable and enjoy your hike, make sure that you choose a good backpack. We recommend a backpack that is well-made and of the appropriate size, with padded straps, and made of strong fabric that is waterproof.
You must carry all materials for your hike yourself, as no porter services are provided.
Shoes
You should bring a pair of good-fitting, comfortable shoes. It is best that you use these shoes prior to leaving for your cruise. It is important that you be comfortable in them.
Regardless of the level of difficulty of the hike, your shoes should have a good quality, well sewn-on and non-slip sole for wet or uneven terrain. It is best to choose shoes that provide ankle support and that have shock-absorbing soles to prevent injury to ankles, and back and joint problems.
Clothing
You'll be well-prepared for your hike with these essentials:
appropriate base layers with the correct degree of thickness and warmth appropriate for the type of hikes planned
lightweight pants that dry quickly
a fleece or wool sweater
a rain pancho or raincoat
Hat or cap
lightweight gloves can be welcome items in early and late season
Other equipment
You should consider bringing the following items:
sunglasses
sunscreen
any personal first aid items or medication (see below)
a water bottle
toilet paper
pocket knife
telescoping hiking poles if you are used to using them (recommend for the Douro and Croatia cruises)
Medication and first aid items
Please note that our group leaders always carry a first aid kit on all our hikes.
However, it is essential that you bring your own personal first aid kit, the contents of which will vary according to the destination, but which should contain at least the following items:
adhesive bandages
"second skin” blister treatment bandages
analgesics or pain relievers
mosquito repellent if necessary
eye drops or antiseptic eye lotion
anti-diarrheal medication
Remember to include any personal or prescription medication that you are currently taking or that you might need.
 

For the safety of our passengers, the captain and crew of the boat may decide to modify the navigational itinerary.

(1) Optional excursion.

Alcohol can be harmful to your health. Please drink in moderation.

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