Day 1 - Prague Arrive in Prague and transfer to the superior First Class Hilton Prague (or similar), overlooking the Vltava River near the historic Old Town and the shopping district. * The rest of the day is free to explore on your own and sample some of the hearty local cuisine. This evening, see the city's monuments, like the National Theatre, Prague Castle and the famous Charles Bridge, beautifully illuminated.
Day 2 - Prague Begin the day with a panoramic tour of Prague, followed by a free afternoon and evening to visit some of the city's landmarks or museums. A Viking host is available to help you plan your time in Prague so you can make the most of your visit. (B)
Day 3 - Prague You have a full day to further explore Prague. See more of the Old Town or check out some of Prague's more modern sights like the Frank Gehry - designed Dancing House, an unusual office building inspired by Fred Astaire and Ginger Rogers. Walk across the Charles Bridge, see the mesmerizing Astronomical Clock and the poignant Lennon Wall, and stand in historic Wenceslas Square. Wander past the colourful cottages in Golden Lane, where Frank Kafka lived and worked. Or in Josefov, see the 13th century Altneushul, Europe's oldest active synagogue. (B)
Day 4 - Prague & Budapest After breakfast, check out of your hotel and we take you on a relaxing ride through the scenic countryside to Budapest, Hungary to board your ship. The afternoon is yours to begin exploring the city on your own; dinner is served aboard. (B, D)
Day 5 - Budapest The Danube River divides this Hungarian capital city into "Buda" and "Pest". Explore both parts, starting with Pest's National Opera House and historic Heroes' Square. In Buda, stroll Fishermen's Hill to Fishermen's Bastion and Matthias Church. Enjoy lunch aboard with the rest of the day to explore on your own. Return to your ship for a traditional Hungarian dinner. (B, L, D)
Day 6 - Bratislava After an afternoon arrival, you embark on a walking tour of Slovakia's charming capital to see attractions like the medieval fortifications at Michael's Tower, baroque Jesuit Church and Gothic St. Martin's Cathedral. You also pass by several baroque palaces from the Habsburg Dynasty before you return to your ship and depart late tonight. (B, L, D)
Day 7 - Vienna Ride along Vienna's Ringstrasse, which replaced the city walls in the mid 19th century. You will also see Vienna's world famous Opera House, St Stephan's Cathedral and Hofburg Palace. Return aboard for lunch. The rest of the day is yours to further explore - as always, your Program Director can help you plan your free time. After dinner, enjoy an optional classical concert. (B, L, D)
Day 8 - Melk Today, visit the abbey at Melk, a 900 year old Benedictine monastery featuring Austria's finest Italian baroque architecture. See its wonderful frescoes and admire the comprehensive collection of medieval manuscripts in its library. Rejoin your ship and cruise through dinner. (B, L, D)
Day 9 - Passau On this morning's walking tour, see Passau's narrow streets and Italianate architecture, and pass the Veste Oberhaus, a 13th century fortress that served for centuries as a bishops stronghold. Then, listen to a concert on Europe's largest pipe organ in St. Stephan's Cathedral. + Enjoy free time and dinner aboard.
(B, L, D) + Passau organ concert not available after November 1.
Day 10 - Regensburg Arrive in Regensburg after breakfast and tour this wonderfully preserved medieval city, a UNESCO World Heritage Site including structures dating back to Roman times. Discover many 13th and 14th century patrician houses and see the splendid St. Peter's Cathedral. During free time, visit the Alte Wurstkuche (Old Sausage Kitchen), Germany's oldest restaurant. Cruise through dinner. (B, L, D)
Day 11 - Nuremberg During morning cruising, you may choose to attend an interesting presentation about the European Union. Arrive late morning in Nuremberg; after lunch, disembark for a tour. Visit the ruins of Zeppelin Field, used in the 1930s as Nazi parade grounds, and see the Palace of Justice, site of the famous Nuremberg Trials. See the Old Town area as you walk down past the Albrecht Durer House and Main Market Square. Spend more time exploring Nuremberg, or join an optional World War II history tour including the Documentation Centre Museum. Enjoy free time throughout the evening; dinner is served aboard. Ship departs in the wee hours of the morning. (B, L, D)
Day 12 - Bamberg Enjoy a tour of Bamberg, with its medieval city centre, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Your walking tour includes a visit to the magnificent 11th century cathedral, reworked in late Romanesque style in the 13th century, and the very picturesque city hall built on a tiny island in the middle of a river. Take some free time to enjoy Bamberg and sample some of the town's distinctive smoke-flavoured beer before returning aboard. (B, L, D)
Day 13 - Wurzburg After breakfast, tour Wurzburg's Bishops' Residenz, one of Germany's largest and most ornate baroque palaces and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Enjoy lunch aboard or, take an optional excursion along Germany's "Romantic Road" to Rothenburg, which features a turreted city wall and lovely Gothic and baroque architecture. Rejoin your ship for dinner and an evening glassblowing demonstration. (B, L, D)
Day 14 - Wertheim Wertheim is located at the confluence of the Main and Tauber Rivers. During your morning walking tour, experience life in a typical small German town. Stop in a bakery and a butcher shop and learn about Wertheim's glassblowing tradition. Enjoy free time to explore before returning to your ship for lunch. (B, L, D)
Day 15 - Middle Rhine & Koblenz Cruise past hilltop castles along the Rhine; this stunning stretch of the river is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. You pass the Lorelei Rock, which marks the river's narrowest point; the rock is named for a local legend about Rhine Maidens who lure sailors to their doom. This afternoon, stop to visit Marksburg, the only Rhine castle never destroyed. Rejoin your ship in Koblenz and dine aboard. (B, L, D)
Day 16 - Cologne Arrive in Cologne during breakfast, then disembark for a tour of Germany's fourth largest city. Stroll through the Old Town past St. Martin's Church and visit the Dom, Germany's largest cathedral and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Use your free time to enjoy Cologne's atmospheric waterfront before returning aboard for dinner and evening departure. (B, L, D)
Day 17 - Kinderdijk Sail along the Rhine during the morning hours, enjoying scenic views. You can try your hand at sjoelen (Dutch table shuffleboard). Arrive around lunchtime at Kinderdijk, a UNESCO World Heritage Site; tour this fascinating network of windmills and other ingenious flood management technologies. Return to your ship for a dinner of Dutch cuisine and then sample Dutch cheeses and jenever, a juniper liqueur, as we sail toward Amsterdam, capital of the Netherlands. (B, L, D)
Day 18 - Amsterdam After breakfast, disembark and we will transport you to Amsterdam's centrally located Radisson Blu (or similar). Once you get settled, embark on a walking tour through the charming streets and neighbourhoods of Amsterdam. The rest of your day is free to enjoy Amsterdam's wonderful restaurants and many attractions; explore the city's art or historical museums, visit the Anne Frank House or take a canal tour by glass topped boat. (B)
Day 19 - Amsterdam Enjoy breakfast and a full day at leisure to explore Amsterdam's charming neighbourhoods and sample some treats. This evening, you may choose to dine in a local restaurant - Amsterdam offers many establishments in the "grand cafe" style and is also known for excellent Indonesian cuisine and enjoy the city's lively nightlife. A Viking host is available to assist with advice, planning and reservations. (B)
Day 20 - Amsterdam After breakfast, check out of your hotel and proceed to the airport for your return flight. * (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
Save $1,500 per person
Book by 30 April 2012—ask for offer A10.
All pricing is in AUD; details appear below.
Prague: The magical city of bridges, cathedrals, gold-tipped towers and church domes, whose image has been mirrored in the surface of the Vltava river for more than ten centuries. Prague is also a modern European metropolis full of energy, music, and art. It's a city of contrasts: Serene green isles in the river and peaceful parks draping the city's seven hills are just steps away from the architectural treasures and bustling street life of the city center.
Country - Czech Republic Distance from port to City - 0kms Distance from Port to Airport - 14kms Currency - Czech Koruna (CZK)
Places of Interest Old Town Square, Charles Bridge, National Theatre, Prague Observatory, Prague Botanic Gardens, Prague Zoo, Old-new Synagogue
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
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
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
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
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
Regensburg
Regensburg bills itself as "Germany's best-preserved medieval city." It's hard to argue with that description, at least when you're wandering through the Altstadt (old city) with its 13th to 15th Century houses or crossing the Steinerne Bruke (Stone Bridge), which has carried traders and touists across the Danube since the 1100s. Preservation may be Regensburg's most important industry after the BMW and Siemens plants in the modern suburbs. The medieval streets in the city center have been protected by strict laws since the 1970s, and the Bavarian state's conservation experts keep a close eye on all maintenance or renovation
Country - Germany Distance from port to City - 0kms Distance from Port to Airport - 78kms Currency - Euro (EUR)
Places of Interest Medieval city centre, Historic Sausage Kitchen, Johannes Kepler Memorial House
Nuremberg
Visitors to Nuremberg, a lively city with a medieval feel, will find evidence of its 950-year history at every turn. These legacies of the past also reveal much about the past and present of the German people. Here in Nuremberg, monuments to the city's inventiveness and its cultural self-confidence over many centuries stand in the midst of the hustle and bustle of a modern, dynamic urban centre.
Country - Germany Distance from port to City - 0kms Distance from Port to Airport - 6kms Currency - Euro (EUR)
Places of Interest Castle, City Wall, Zoo, Toy Museum, Verkehrs Museum, Old Quarter
Bamberg
Country - Germany Distance from port to City - 1km Distance from port to Airport - 50kms Currency - Euro (EUR)
Places of Interest
Wurzburg
Surrounded by pleasant hillside vineyards Würzburg is both an old episcopal see and a vivacious modern university city. The great medieval fortress of Marienburg dominates the skyline, overlooking the beautiful Old Town with its architectural masterpieces from many different periods. Art, culture and the fine wines of Franconia are all important elements of the Würzburg lifestyle. This carefree city with its relaxed southern atmosphere is the perfect starting-place for a journey of discovery on the Romantic Route.
Country - Germany Distance from port to City - 0kms Distance from Port to Airport - 90kms Currency - Euro (EUR)
Places of Interest Fortress Marienberg, Town Hall
Wertheim
The former capital of the counts of Wertheim, situated at the point where the river Tauber flows into the river Main, with its medieval lanes, frame houses and awe-inspiring castle has an atmosphere of its own and – unlike other towns – has kept its character of a small Franconian town.
Country - Germany Distance from port to City - 0kms Distance from Port to Airport - 95kms Currency - Euro (EUR)
Places of Interest Kilian's Chapel, Glass making Foundry and Museum, Spessart Forest, Tauber Valley
Koblenz
Situated in the picturesque landscape of the Rhine and Moselle and surrounded by four low mountain ranges is the 2000-year-old town of Koblenz. Its abundance of cultural monuments and historic buildings, its cosy lanes and narrow alleyways, the relaxed and happy atmosphere of its squares and river promenades make Koblenz a friendly town where guests feel right at home.
Country - Germany Distance from port to City - 0kms Distance from Port to Airport - 116kms Currency - Euro (EUR)
Places of Interest German Corner, Empress Augusta Gardens, Theatre and Obelisk, Beethoven Memorial, Museum of Military Technology, The Wine Village
Cologne
The city's very name bears witness to its Roman past as the town of Colonia. As well as the legacy from Roman times and the Middle Ages, particularly the world-famous cathedral, Cologne has an extremely lively arts and culture scene. And besides being a centre of carnival activity and the "capital of Rhenish joie de vivre", Cologne is also an extremely attractive trade fair centre. Open, friendly and uncomplicated: that's Cologne!
Country - Germany Distance from port to City - 0kms Distance from Port to Airport - 16kms Currency - Euro (EUR)
Places of Interest Cologne Cathedral, Philharmonic Hall, Zoo
Amsterdam
Take a boat ride along Amsterdam’s charming canals past sturdy old houses and under quaint bridges. Visit one of the city’s superb museums housing many of the Dutch Masters’ most outstanding works or learn about Anne Frank and the city’s Jewish heritage. Or, journey into the countryside and see historic windmills and the fascinating porcelain works in Delft.
Country - Netherlands Distance from port to City - 0kms Distance from port to Airport - 15kms Currency - Euro (EUR)
Places of Interest Dam Square, Anne Frank's House, Volendam & Marken
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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.
