Hiking Cruises in the Former Austro-Hungarian Empire (port-to-port cruise)

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.

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.

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.

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”.

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.

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.

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 Palace, the Hapsburg's winter residence and its Sisi Museum.

Join us on an optional excursion: Viennese musical concert(1).

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