Day 1 - Passau Arrive in Munich, then transfer to your ship in Passau. *After boarding, use free time to explore, or join our "welcome walk" to stretch your legs and start getting orientated. (D)
Day 2 - Passau Today you will take a walking tour of this elegant town, called the Dreiflussestadt (City on Three Rivers), which is situated at the confluence of the Danube, Ilz and Inn Rivers. You will see the impressive Veste Oberhaus, a 13th century fortress that served as a bishop's stronghold for several centuries, and see St Stephan's Cathedral, which holds the world's largest pipe organ. This afternoon, you are free to explore Passau. See the sights and experience the local culture, do some shopping at the Christmas market in the heart of the old city area, or simply relax on board before dinner and evening departure. (B, L, D)
Day 3 - Linz & Salzburg Today's activity is an excursion to the legendary Austrian city of Salzburg, known as the location for the film, The Sound of Music. Ride through the scenic Austrian countryside to Salzburg's Old Town area, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and take a walking tour featuring the birthplace of Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart and the Hohensalzburg Fortress just above the city centre. Take free time to explore Salzburg's narrow cobbled streets and colourful buildings and get lunch in one of the charming cafes; return aboard for dinner and a late evening departure. (B, D)
Day 4 - Melk & Durnstein This morning, visit the 900 year old abbey at Melk, a Benedictine monastery that was originally one of Leopold II's castles. See its spectacular wall and ceiling frescoes, note the library's comprehensive collection of medieval manuscripts, and admire the graceful spiral staircase. After lunch aboard, we stop at the picturesque Wachau Valley town of Durnstein, where you can explore on your own, sample some local vintages from this famous wine producing region, or join an optional walking tour of the town's highlights. Dine aboard this evening. (B, L, D)
Day 5 - Vienna Arrive in Vienna during breakfast. Disembark and join a tour of the Austrian capital. Ride along the Ringstrasse, which replaced the city walls in the mid-19th century. See some of the city's baroque architecture, including the world famous Opera House, St Stephan's Cathedral and Hofburg Palace. Return to your ship for lunch. The rest of the day is yours to further explore and shop at one of the city's Christmas markets. Or you may take an optional tour to Schonbrunn Palace, the Versailles of Vienna, graced by a number of formal gardens, classical statuary, the world's oldest zoo and the "Roman ruin" erected in 1778. After dinner, relax or enjoy an optional classical concert. (B, L, D)
Day 6 - Vienna After breakfast, take a leisurely ride to the famous Vienna Woods, a tree lined area of the lower Alpine slopes that inspired Johann Strauss to write his cheerful, lilting masterpiece, "Tales from the Vienna Woods". Lunch is served aboard. This afternoon you can see some of the sights of Vienna decked out for the holidays. (B, L, D)
Day 7 - Bratislava Arrive in Bratislava during breakfast, then embark on a walking tour of Slovakia's charming capital - the only national capital that borders two other countries, Austria and Hungary - with a long fascinating history. See attractions like the medieval Town Hall complex and fortifications at Michael's Tower, baroque Jesuit Church and Gothic St. Martin's Cathedral, and pass by several Habsburg-era baroque palaces before returning to your ship for lunch. Enjoy free time this afternoon and evening; your ship remains docked until midnight. (B, L, D)
Day 8 - Esztergom & Budapest This Christmas morning, arrive in the beautiful city of Esztergom, one of the oldest towns in Hungary.Tour the basilica, the largest cathedral in Hungary, with its commanding view of the river; see the monumental altarpiece depicting the Assumption and the exquisite 16th century red marble Bakocz Chapel. Catch some wonderful views of the Danube Bend before returning to your ship for lunch. Depart for Budapest around noon. Prepare for an impressive arrival in Budapest, complete with view of the Chain Bridge and Hungarian Parliament Building. (B, L, D)
Day 9 - Budapest Today visit highlights of both the older "Buda" and more cosmopolitan "Pest" sides of the city, starting with Pest's National Opera House and historic Heroes' Square. In Buda, walk along Fishermen's Hill to Fishermen's Bastion and Matthias Church. Enjoy lunch aboard with the rest of the day to explore on your own - you may wish to visit the Art Deco Gellert Spa or one of the many other lavish facilities in the "City of Healing Waters". You may also join an optional excursion to the Budapest Opera House. Return to your ship for a traditional Hungarian farewell dinner. (B, L, D)
Day 10 - Budapest After breakfast, disembark and proceed to the airport for your return flight. * Or, extend your journey with 2 additional nights in Budapest, giving yourself more time to explore the Hungarian capital. (B)
The following meals are included:
B = Breakfast, L = Lunch, D = Dinner
* Transfers are not included. Let us know if you would like help arranging your airport transfers.
* Ports of call may vary based on itinerary and departure dates selected
Cabin Pricing
Ports
Passau
Passau is not merely a transfer point but a destination unto itself. Life is easy-going and lived outdoors where street cafes and restaurants abound. Student life is vibrant and multifaceted. Guests can actively interface with young people from around the world over a Hacklbräu, Andorfer Weissbier or Passauer Löwenbräu brew in the beer gardens.
Country - Germany Distance from port to City - 0kms Distance from Port to Airport - 100kms Currency - Euro (EUR)
Places of Interest Bavarian Forest, Local Breweries, Danube River
Linz
Linz is a city of the third millennium. In and around the city, its Roman and medieval past slumbers. The opulence of the Baroque and the boldness of industrial architecture from the early 20th century are part of present-day life. Linz on the Danube is manageable, cosy, cherishes its traditions and, as the third biggest city in a small country, it is both metropolis and province, Central European crossroads and regional niche.
Country - Austria Distance from port to City - 0kms Distance from Port to Airport - 11kms Currency - Euro (EUR)
Places of Interest Old Town, Linz Castle, Arts Electronica Centre, Brucknerhaus Concert Hall
Melk
Empress Maria Theresa said of Melk, "If I had never come here, I would have regretted it." The center of Melk is the Abbey and the Stiftskirche (the abbey church), some of the best examples of Baroque architecture anywhere in the world. The abbey library contains allegorical paintings by Troger on the ceiling while the Stiftskirche, has works by Rottmayr and Troger and is almost completely decorated in gold. Stand on the terrace of the abbey and view the river much as Napoleon did during the campaign against Austria so many years ago.
Country - Austria Distance from port to City - 0kms Distance to Airport - 105kms Currency - Euro (EUR)
Places of Interest Melk Abbey and Museum
Durnstein
One of the Wachau district’s most attractive villages is Durnstein, where the ruins of a castle - the Kuenringerburg - high up on a hill commands a superb view of the Danube as it winds through the valley. Stroll among the ruins and soak in the historic atmosphere of the castle where King Richard I of England was incarcerated in 1192. And after your journey into the past rejoin the 21st century and sample some of the splendid local wines in one of the local taverns.
Country - Austria Distance from port to City - 0kms Distance to Airport - 95kms Currency - Euro (EUR)
Places of Interest Kuenringerburg, Wachsu Wine District
Vienna
Vienna is known worldwide as a city of music. Quality orchestras and ensembles are its seal of excellence. Along with well-established ensembles for contemporary music classical music continues to play a vital role, as made evident by the City of Vienna Concert Orchestra and the Vienna Symphony Orchestra, amongst others. The Vienna Academy, the Vienna Chamber Orchestra and the Women's Chamber Orchestra are dedicated to tradition and modern music alike. International artists are a great gain to cultural life in Vienna.Vienna's cultural life is multi-faceted. You have the choice of 50 theatres, four opera houses, two stages for musicals, 100 museums and numerous theatre, music and dance festivals. The museum quarter with its baroque facade is home to one of the biggest cultural districts in Europe.
CountryAustria Distance from port to City - 0kms Distance from Port to Airport - 15kms Currency -Euro (EUR)
Places of Interest Hofburg Palace, Vienna Opera House, Spanish Riding School, Prater Park, Danube Tower, Vienna Zoo
Bratislava
Bratislava is redolent with Hapsburg Baroque architecture, preserved in many historic row houses and the pedestrianised Old Town, which has been extensively renovated. But as an ancient trading post, its history is much older, with German settlers since the middle ages, Hungarians, Italians, and a large Jewish community with some places of worship still remaining.
Country - Slovakia Distance from port to City - 0kms Distance from Port to Airport - 8kms Currency - Slovak Koruna (SKK)
Places of Interest Bratislava Castle, Slovak National Gallery, Primatial Palace, Slavin Monument, Michalska Street
Esztergom
Esztergom is one of the most historic towns in Hungary. Throughout the rich history of our town, times of bright kings, significant events, rich palaces and churches were followed by the massacre of vicious battles, the raids of Tatar and Turkish hordes – devastation, followed by reconstruction.The history of the town accumulates the history of the whole country. There is not a single decade in the millenial Hungarian history without reference to Esztergom's name.
Country - Hungary Distance from port to City - 0kms Distance from Port to Airport - 50kms Currency - Forint (HUF)
Places of Interest Maria Valeira Bridge, Varhegy, Great Moravian Castle
Budapest
Budapest possesses a rich and fascinating history as well as a vibrant cultural heritage. Recognizing the unique value of its traditions it has managed to maintain its magic and charm, and is rightly known as the Queen of the Danube. It has also been called the City of Spas, as there are a dozen thermal baths complexes served by over a hundred natural thermal springs.
Country - Hungary Distance from port to City - 0kms Distance from Port to Airport - 14kms Currency - Forint (HUF)
Places of Interest Ecseri Flea Market, Royal Palace, National Gallery, Great Synagogue and Jewish Museum, Fisherman's Bastion, Statue Park
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Viking River Cruises
Viking River Cruises itineraries journey along the rivers of Europe and Russia, allowing you to explore fascinating destinations up close and in comfort.
Better than an ocean cruise or bus tour, our river cruises show you the best of Europe from the large cosmopolitan cities to small quaint villages.
So come aboard, unpack just once, and see it all. Spend your time exploring Europe, not getting to it, and enjoy the best of Europe with Viking River Cruises.
A river cruise with Viking River Cruises is the best way to see the real Europe up close and in depth. Explore the best of Europe from an intimate perspective, spending your time being there, not getting there.
Unlike a bus tour where you spend more time on the bus than actually seeing the country, or a hotel-hopping trip where you constantly pack and unpack, Viking River Cruises offers you fine food, great service and scenic cruising along Europe's great rivers.
Viking River Cruises visits at least one port a day on virtually every itinerary and you can explore small villages off the beaten path that are inaccessible via an ocean cruise. Docking in the heart of town, you'll have more to time to see the cities, not just travel to the cities. You'll experience ever-changing riverside scenery as well as local nightlife when your ship overnights in port.
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Viking - Europe River Cruises
To visitors, Europe is a colorful world of picturesque landscapes, legendary rivers, lush vineyards and hilltop castles. As you travel through Europe with Viking River Cruises, its rich history is arrayed before your eyes—Roman ruins, magnificent monasteries, hallowed universities, rural villages and sophisticated cities, and a vibrant collage of food, music, dance, costumes and languages recalling thousands of years of human history. Traveling with Viking River Cruises gives you the opportunity to experience and learn about all these aspects of your cruise destinations. Throughout history, each great European river has played a crucial role, carrying goods and passengers from city to city and country to country. Today’s river cruises continue this proud tradition. The Rhine River, the Seine River, the Danube River, the Elbe River—their very names evoke a timeless beauty and grace. Viking River Cruises excels at giving travelers an authentic European experience on land and by river. Take one of our unforgettable river cruises along a legendary European river; these waterways cover the entire Continent, from the North Sea through the heart of Europe to the Black Sea. Enjoy natural wonders on our river cruises, like Austria’s Wachau Valley and Germany’s Rhine Valley—both UNESCO World Heritage Sites—and engineering marvels like the Main-Danube Canal. Hilltop castles, lush vineyards and gorgeous countryside are right outside your ship on our European river cruises. Experience Europe’s legendary history, contemporary life and bright future for yourself.
Viking River Cruises ships cruising the waterways of Europe are listed below. Click on the ship name for details about each specific ship.
