Getting active while sailing down the Danube on a discovery cruise

Hidden treasures

On spotting a pre-breakfast jogging tour of Vienna, I’m curious enough to give it a go. I’ve never jogged anywhere in my life, but I hope my low-level fitness will help me to muddle through.

We’re soon trotting past the imposing St Stephen’s Cathedral and along Graben shopping street towards the Hofburg Palace and Spanish Riding School and, despite my lungs feeling fit to burst, I can’t help noticing how much Vienna lends itself to exploration on foot.

After 90 minutes and three-and-a-half miles, I feel euphoric as our guide calls it a day.

I’ve survived – though my shell-shocked legs ache for the next 48 hours. In a strangely masochistic way, I’ve enjoyed exploring the city this way – though I would recommend being fitter to truly relish it.

An early-morning walking tour the following day is more to my liking as we dive into a maze of deserted streets, tucked-away squares and tiny passageways, stopping for a delicious breakfast in a traditional Viennese coffee house.

One of the plus-points of my exertions is that wining and dining becomes a guilt-free pleasure as I feel I’ve earned such treats, with appetising buffet breakfasts and lunches (though more choice would be welcome); and good four-course dinners accompanied by free-flowing drinks that are complimentary with meals.

Slower pace

There are numerous other excursions that don’t involve breaking into a sweat.

Each day brings a choice designated as either Classic; Discovery, for wine-tasting and behind-the-scenes “insider” tours, with most included in the price; and Active, which covers hiking, biking and canoeing.

Our first morning is spent at a medieval knights tournament, and the old-world feel continues one evening when coaches take us into the hills to Clam Castle where, over glasses of local wine, Count Carl Philip Clam regales us with tales from his family’s colourful history.

Another trip, which is emotionally rather than physically demanding, is to Mauthausen concentration camp near Linz where our guide recounts the horrors of Austria’s only concentration camp.

It’s hard to believe something so evil could co-exist with the beautiful surroundings that are such a standout feature of this sailing.

Mix and match

Avalon’s UK chief executive Giles Hawke says the line’s Active & Discovery sailings tend to attract guests who are, on average, three years younger than their normal demographic.

“That said, these cruises aren’t necessarily aimed at younger people, but those wanting a more active style of holiday,” he explains.

“People can choose an active shore excursion or one about discovery, such as a painting class. It’s not just about hikes, bikes and kayaks.”

He adds: “The key approach for selling is to be clear on the options and understand the concept of Classic, Discovery and Active shore experiences and focus on the immersive aspect.

“Customers aren’t forced to be active. They can mix and match excursions and experiences, so they aren’t committed to being active every day.”

I can vouch for that as I relish lazy days recovering from my energetic diversions, sprawled on my bed which faces the vast windows of my Panorama Suite – and the best thing is, I don’t even need to move my aching muscles to admire the views.