Walking the Blue Danube 

Day 1 Fly from London Heathrow to Vienna, its historic centre a UNESCO World Heritage site; its parks and promenades lining the omnipresent Danube. Transfer to the MS Beethoven to embark on your seven-night cruise, and join us for a welcome drink and introduction to the crew. Cruise to Melk. (D)

Day 2 Arrive early at Melk to visit the magnificent Benedictine abbey, dominating the riverbank, founded in the 11th century, and famed for its ‘marble hall’ and lavish library, lit by a window for each day of the year. Cruise through enchanting Wachau Valley to the riverside town of Dürnstein, awash with medieval charm; and travel by coach to Aggstein for a fabulously scenic hike (4hrs, 400m climb), visiting the haunting ruins of 12th century Aggstein Castle, and ending the trek at Maria Langegg village, the crossroads of hiking trails, where the Way of St. James meets the Alpe-Adria path. Re-join the vessel in Dürnstein, enjoy a Jules Verne pre-dinner drinks party, and sail across the Slovakian border to Bratislava, arriving during the night. (B, L, D)

Day 3 Take the coach to Devinska Nova Ves to begin today’s hike in the Little Carpathian mountain range (1½hrs, climb of 250m), walking through Sandberg, the sandy site of a one-time sea, 16million years ago, where fossils of marine fauna were found; and the Devinska Kobyla National Nature Reserve, with unique species of flora; to the Devin Castle ruins, topping a high crag and towering over the confluence of the Danube and Morava rivers. Return to the vessel and cruise south to pretty Kalocsa.  (B, L, D)

Day 4 An excursion by road takes you to the protected Puszta prairie, where we visit a ranch to see the traditional horsemanship of the ‘gulyas’ (Hungarian cowboys), fine-tuned in a truly entertaining show of skill by both human and equine performers. Sail back upstream from Kalocsa to Budapest. (B, L, D)

Day 5 Discover west-bank Buda on a morning walk of the castle district (2½hrs, climb of 100m), where landmarks include the famous Gellert Thermal Baths, majestic Matthias Church, and fabulous views from Fisherman’s Bastion. Return to the vessel on public transport (not included). This afternoon, cross the river to Pest for a 2hr guided walk, passing Art Nouveau façades, and the monumental Budapest synagogue, the largest in Europe; visiting St. Stephen’s Basilica, Budapest’s tallest structure; and strolling the pedestrianised Vaci Utca street, and Freedom Square, a green oasis at the heart of downtown. Enjoy an evening folklore show aboard. Cruise toward Esztergom tonight. (B, L, D)

Day 6 Early arrival in historic Esztergom, the Hungarian capital until the 13th century, facing Slovakia across the Danube. Travel by road to Visegrád for a walk (2hrs, 250m climb) to Visegrád Fortress citadel. The view of the castle is impressive, but the view from its hilltop is a spectacular panorama of the Danube Bend. Gala Dinner on board this evening. Cruise overnight toward Vienna. (B, L, D)

Day 7 Arrive in the capital for a morning walking tour, its regal façades and historic courtyards creating a picture-perfect city, in keeping with its soundtrack of classical music. The tour shows you landmark sights and visits the UNESCO listed Schönbrunn Palace, the summer residence of royalty. Transfer to Nussdorfer Platz for an afternoon hike (3-4hrs, 340m climb), with views of the Danube and Vienna Woods as you walk between the vines and the forest, up to Leopoldsberg, one of the finest vantage points over the city; and continue along the Nasenweg path, known for its rare flora and fauna. This evening, enjoy a concert of Viennese music at a palace in the home town of Johann Strauss. (B, L, D)

Day 8 Disembark the MS Beethoven and transfer to the airport for the return flight to London Heathrow. (B) 

• Key
• B - Breakfast
• L - Lunch
• D - Dinner