Cruise : Hiking Cruises in the Former Austro-Hungarian Empire

Transcription

1 Réf : WBB_RAIPP Cruise : Hiking Cruises in the Former Austro-Hungarian Empire VIENNA - MELK - DÜRNSTEIN - BRATISLAVA - KALOCSA - BUDAPEST - ESZTERGOM - VIENNA Reasons to book with us EXCURSIONS INCLUDED Vienna by night Melk Abbey Vienna and Schönbrunn Palace Visit to the Puszta (Great Hungarian Plain) At the very heart of Austro-Hungarian traditions and folklore : Folklore evening in Budapest Concert of Viennese music (optional) Highlights of our Hiking Cruises : You ll explorehiking trails with a qualified guide in the Wachau Valley, the Little Carpathians, Budapest, Visegrád and in Leopoldsberg. All meals included - DRINKS INCLUDED with meals and at onboard bar Refined French cuisine -Gala dinner and evening - Welcome cocktail Free Wi-Fi in lounge and bar Complimentary Samsung Galaxy Tablet for guests use Headsets are included for excursions Official welcome from the captain and crew Onboard activities Travel assistance and repatriation insurance All port fees included 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. Departure of the boat to Melk. 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 regionand 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.

2 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. 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. DAY 5 : BUDAPEST Hikers Program : City walk tourto 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 : Walkin 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-hikerscan enjoy free time this afternoon.

3 Enjoy a free evening or a folklore evening in Budapest. 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. 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 tourof 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.) DAY 8 : VIENNA Enjoy one last buffet breakfast on board before disembarking at 9 :00. End of our services.

4 TRANSPORTATION For more information about flights and transfers, please contact our call center by clicking on «Request a quote» and filling out the form, or by calling FORMULA This offer includes : Your cruise with all meals from dinner the D1 to breakfast on D8 - drinks including water, wine, beer, fruit juices and coffee served by CroisiEurope during meals on board, drinks served at the bar (excluding champagne and wines on the wine list) - 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. This offer does not include : Drinks on the wine list, champagne at the bar, drinks served 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. PRACTICAL INFORMATION

5 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. FORMALITIES Valid passport required. Non-EU nationals are advised to consult their embassy or consulate. 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.