DESTINATIONS CRUISE | BUDAPEST
Erica Bush swaps new ship Avalon Envision for a canoe and a paddle on one of the line’s Active & Discovery excursions
We’re just a couple of hours’ sailing out of the bustling city of Budapest, yet all I hear is birdsong as I glide down the River Danube in a bright red canoe. Life is lived at a much slower pace in Visegrád, the small castle town 25 miles north of Hungary’s capital, but the region’s sleepy nature is far from its only draw. Visegrád’s volcanic hills, pristine valleys and commanding position on Europe’s second-largest river also make it a fantastic playground for big kids. River cruise line Avalon Waterways agrees, which is why its Active & Discovery itineraries capitalise on the town’s storied history and undulating landscapes. Passengers can hike through the Danube-Ipoly National Park; partake in a knights’ tournament at Visegrád’s High Castle; or, like me, take to the water on the Danube Bend. Leaving Avalon’s sleek river ship for a considerably wobblier vessel, we head downstream in canoes that carry five people along the narrower Szentendre branch – a passage too small for large ships to navigate. Such seclusion means we’re the only souls making tracks on the sun-dappled water, save for a few swans and teal. Large weeping willows line the river’s edge, their
yellow-green branchlets populated with wildlife and dipping tentatively into the dull-grey water below. Lush, rolling hills dotted with tiny, thatched-roofed houses flank the river on either side, its banks sparsely populated with lone locals attempting to fish. Of course, not all of our time is spent floating. Our
canoeing excursion takes in a respectable nine miles and spans three (leisurely) hours – perfect for active clients wishing to work up a sweat away from the ship. As Visegrád’s castle grows smaller behind us, my boatmates and I quickly settle into a steady rhythm, simultaneously scooping our oars deep into the water to propel ourselves forward. Towards the end of our excursion, blue skies give way to grey and fat droplets of rain begin to fall – but our spirits aren’t dampened. We return to the ship feeling accomplished and exhausted; luckily, afternoon tea has just been served.
TW BOOK IT
Active & Discovery on the Danube is offered on Avalon Impression (in 2019) and Avalon Illumination (2020). A nine-day Active & Discovery on the Danube (westbound) cruise on Avalon Impression from Budapest to Linz departing October 28, 2019, starts from £1,387 per person cruise-only.
avaloncruises.co.uk
FROM TOP: Canoeing on the River Danube; Visegrád’s High Castle PICTURE: Shutterstock
52
20 JUNE 2019
travelweekly.co.uk
Budapest
Page 1 |
Page 2 |
Page 3 |
Page 4 |
Page 5 |
Page 6 |
Page 7 |
Page 8 |
Page 9 |
Page 10 |
Page 11 |
Page 12 |
Page 13 |
Page 14 |
Page 15 |
Page 16 |
Page 17 |
Page 18 |
Page 19 |
Page 20 |
Page 21 |
Page 22 |
Page 23 |
Page 24 |
Page 25 |
Page 26 |
Page 27 |
Page 28 |
Page 29 |
Page 30 |
Page 31 |
Page 32 |
Page 33 |
Page 34 |
Page 35 |
Page 36 |
Page 37 |
Page 38 |
Page 39 |
Page 40 |
Page 41 |
Page 42 |
Page 43 |
Page 44 |
Page 45 |
Page 46 |
Page 47 |
Page 48 |
Page 49 |
Page 50 |
Page 51 |
Page 52 |
Page 53 |
Page 54 |
Page 55 |
Page 56 |
Page 57 |
Page 58 |
Page 59 |
Page 60 |
Page 61 |
Page 62 |
Page 63 |
Page 64 |
Page 65 |
Page 66 |
Page 67 |
Page 68 |
Page 69 |
Page 70 |
Page 71 |
Page 72 |
Page 73 |
Page 74 |
Page 75 |
Page 76 |
Page 77 |
Page 78 |
Page 79 |
Page 80 |
Page 81 |
Page 82 |
Page 83 |
Page 84 |
Page 85 |
Page 86 |
Page 87 |
Page 88
