We enjoy a series of curated walks: Kutuzov’s gamble at Dürnstein, Bagration’s rearguard action at Schöngrabern, and two full days following in the footsteps of both armies at Austerlitz. The walking throughout is steady, rewarding, and suited to those comfortable on varied terrain. Daily distances range from gentle 4 km strolls to longer 15–16 km routes, with ascents of up to 370 metres on hill paths and vineyard tracks. Much of the ground is open countryside, taking in woodland trails, ridgelines, and historic village lanes. We walk at a measured pace with frequent stops for explanations, views, and rest. Good walking shoes and a reasonable level of fitness will ensure you enjoy the experience fully. The routes offer rich scenery, atmospheric landscapes, and an immersive connection to the history underfoot.

As a result of the capitulation of the “unfortunate General Mack” at Ulm, reinforcing Russian Armies were compelled to retrace their steps along the Danube valley hotly pursued by the victorious French. What followed was a dramatic game of ‘cat and mouse’ as both sides tried their utmost to hinder their opponents by way of manoeuvre, ambush, speed of march and trickery. Ultimately the armies would find themselves astride the Moravian fortress city of Brunn (Brno) each waiting for the other to make the next move. When the Allies finally advanced, the battle of Austerlitz was fought on the 2 December 1805 which saw Napoleon decisively defeat the combined armies of Russia and Austria bringing the Third Coalition to its knees in front of an astonished Europe. Fighting on a field of his own choosing, Napoleon used the rolling countryside to conceal his troops waiting to spring their master's trap. By ostensibly showing his weakness by surrendering the high ground, the overconfident Allied army was drawn forward exposing its flanks and rear to counterattack by Marshal Soult. However, despite the apparent gullibility of the Allied commanders, the tenacity of the Russian soldier ensured that Napoleon’s victory was harder won than he might have expected.

Day 1: Arrival
Fly London to Vienna, or meet at Vienna Airport. Drive to Krems and check in to our hotel for two nights. Campaign briefing over drinks followed by dinner. (D)

Day 2: Dürnstein
Today we retrace the ill-fated night march of Russian General Dokhturov, though in daylight, crossing the hills from Krems to Dürnstein in his attempt to strike the rear of the advancing French. Along the way, we enjoy sweeping views of the majestic River Danube and explore the ruins of Dürnstein Castle, the onetime prison of Richard the Lionheart. We then follow the path of the French along the riverbank, examining their desperate struggle to break free from the tightening Russian encirclement. By the end of the day, we will have covered over 9 km, climbed a total of 370 metres, and spent roughly six hours on the battlefield. (B.L,D)

Day 3: Ruse de Guerre
We drive to Floridsdorf to examine the site of the Tabor Bridge, whose deceptive seizure allowed the French to steal a march on the retreating Kutuzov. From there, we take a gentle 4 km walk across the ground where Bagration fought his rearguard action at Schöngrabern. In the late afternoon, we check in to our Brno hotel for three nights, followed by an early evening stroll through this historic city. (B,L,D)

Day 4: The Allies
We review the Allies’ plan for the upcoming battle at Krzenowitz (Krenowitz), then ascend the Pratzen Heights to gain the same vantage the Allied monarchs held over the Staré Vinohrady. From there, we cross the fields that would soon become a scene of confusion as the battle began, following the routes taken by Kollowrat’s and Miloradovich’s columns across the heights. We visit the newly renovated museum before descending into the Goldbach valley, crossing the stream, and continuing through the Pheasantry to Sokolnitz with its imposing granary. We then traverse the ground where French forces engaged one another, finishing at the Telnitz mound, from which the opening shots of the battle were fired. In total, the walk is a little over 15 km and lasts around seven hours, including commentary along the way. (B,L,D)

Day 5: The French
Starting at Soult’s and Larrey’s headquarters in Slapanitz (Šlapanice), we walk to the Žuráň to examine Napoleon’s plan and his orders for the battle. Following the route taken by Bernadotte’s men, we continue into Jírovice (Jirkovitz) and on to Ponětovice (Puntowitz), from where we trace Soult’s attack up the Pratzen Heights. From the summit, we discuss Kollowrat’s engagement, the unfolding struggle on the Staré Vinohrady between the Imperial Guards of both sides, and the confused cavalry clashes. Like Vandamme and the French Imperial Guard, we then proceed to the southern slopes of the heights to explore the dramatic conclusion of the battle, finishing at St Anthony’s Chapel, Napoleon’s vantage point for witnessing the collapse of the Allied army. In total, the route covers almost 16 km and involves around seven hours on the battlefield. (B,L,D)

Day 6: The Northern Flank and Home
Prior to returning to Vienna Airport, we make a short ascent of the Santon to discuss the fight between Lannes and Bagration, and at the Špálovský Mill (Spalny Mill) consider the post-battle meeting between Napoleon and Francis II. (B)