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Viking River Cruises%lt;br%gt;2012 Grand European Tour%lt;br%gt;Budapest to Amsterdam

Viking River Cruises
2012 Grand European Tour
Budapest to Amsterdam

Ship: Viking - Europe River Cruises
Cruise Line: Viking River Cruises
Departures: 
Duration: 14 Nights
Ports: Budapest, Bratislava, Vienna, Melk, Passau, Regensburg, Nuremberg, Bamberg, Wurzburg, Wertheim, Koblenz, Cologne, Kinderdijk, Amsterdam
Airport gateway (Arrival) : Budapest
Airport gateway (Departure) : Amsterdam

Itinerary

Day 1 - Budapest

Arrive in Budapest, capital of Hungary, and transfer to your ship.* After boarding, the afternoon is yours to explore the city on your own—or join our “welcome walk” to stretch your legs and start getting oriented. (D)

Day 2 - 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 3 - 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 Trinity 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 4 - 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 5 - 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 6 - 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 bishop’s 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 7 - 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 Wurstküche (Old Sausage Kitchen), Germany’s oldest restaurant. Cruise through dinner. (B, L, D)

Day 8 - 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 Dürer House and Main Market Square. Spend more time exploring Nuremberg, or join an optional World War II history tour including the Documentation Center Museum. Enjoy free time throughout the evening; dinner is served aboard. Ship departs in the wee hours of the morning. (B, L, D)

Day 9 - Bamberg

Enjoy a tour of Bamberg, with its medieval city center, 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-flavored beer before returning aboard.
(B, L, D)

Day 10 - Würzburg

After breakfast, tour Würzburg’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 11 - 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 12 - 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 13 - 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 14 - 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 15 - Amsterdam

After breakfast, disembark and proceed to the airport for your return flight.* Or, extend your journey with 2 additional nights in Amsterdam; take time to explore the city’s neighborhoods, museums and exciting nightlife. (B)

*Transfers are not included. Let us know if you would like help arranging your airport transfers.

The following meals are included:
B = Breakfast; L = Lunch; D = Dinner

Cruise ships operating this itinerary:
Viking Freya
Viking Njord
Viking Idun
Viking Odin

Viking Prestige

* Ports of call may vary based on itinerary and departure dates selected

Save $1,000 per person
Book by 30 April 2012—ask for offer A10.
All pricing is in AUD; details appear below.

 

Viking Odin | Viking Freya | Viking Njord | Viking Idun | Viking Embla | Viking Aegir

 
2012 Check-In Dates
  Explorer Suite (ES) Veranda Suite (AA) Veranda (A) Veranda (B) French Balcony (C) French Balcony (D) Stnd (E) Stnd (F)
Mar 24 - Viking Odin
Brochure Price
Discount Price
SOLD OUT
SOLD OUT
$7,599
$6,599
$7,199
$6,199
SOLD OUT
SOLD OUT
$5,799
$4,799
SOLD OUT
May 6, 12, 26
Brochure Price
SOLD OUT
SOLD OUT
SOLD OUT
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Jun 9, 17, 23
Brochure Price
Discount Price
SOLD OUT
SOLD OUT
SOLD OUT
SOLD OUT
SOLD OUT
SOLD OUT
$6,799
$5,799
SOLD OUT
Jul 1, 7, 15, 21, 29
Aug 4, 12, 15, 18, 26
Brochure Price
Discount Price
$15,199
$14,199
SOLD OUT
SOLD OUT
SOLD OUT
SOLD OUT
SOLD OUT
$6,599
$5,599
$6,399
$5,399
Aug 29
Sep 1, 9, 12, 15, 23, 26, 29
Brochure Price
Discount Price
SOLD OUT
SOLD OUT
SOLD OUT
SOLD OUT
SOLD OUT
SOLD OUT
$6,999
$5,999
$6,799
$5,799
Oct 7, 10, 13, 21, 24, 27
Brochure Price
Discount Price
$15,099
$14,099
$10,299
$9,299
$8,299
$7,299
$7,899
$6,899
$7,799
$6,799
$7,299
$6,299
$6,499
$5,499
$6,299
$5,299
Nov 4, 10
Brochure Price
Discount Price
$12,999
$11,999
$9,699
$8,699
$7,699
$6,699
$7,299
$6,299
$7,199
$6,199
$6,699
$5,699
$5,899
$4,899
SOLD OUT
Nov 18, 24
Brochure Price
Discount Price
$12,899
$11,899
$9,599
$8,599
$7,599
$6,599
$7,199
$6,199
$7,099
$6,099
$6,599
$5,599
$5,799
$4,799
SOLD OUT
Dec 8 - Viking Idun
Brochure Price
Discount Price
$12,999
$11,999
$9,699
$8,699
$7,699
$6,699
$7,299
$6,299
$7,199
$6,199
$6,699
$5,699
$5,899
$4,899
$5,699
$4,699


 

Viking Prestige

 
2012 Check-In Dates
  Suite (AA) French Balcony (A) French Balcony (B) French Balcony (C) Stnd (D) Stnd (E) Single (CS)
Mar 25 - Viking Prestige
Brochure Price
Discount Price
SOLD OUT
SOLD OUT
SOLD OUT
SOLD OUT
SOLD OUT
SOLD OUT
$7,699
$6,699
May 6, 20
Brochure Price
SOLD OUT
SOLD OUT
SOLD OUT
SOLD OUT
SOLD OUT
SOLD OUT
SOLD OUT
Jun 3, 17
Brochure Price
SOLD OUT
SOLD OUT
SOLD OUT
SOLD OUT
SOLD OUT
SOLD OUT
SOLD OUT
Jul 1, 15, 29
Aug 12, 26
Brochure Price
Discount Price
SOLD OUT
SOLD OUT
SOLD OUT
SOLD OUT
$6,599
$5,599
$6,399
$5,399
SOLD OUT
Sep 9, 23
Brochure Price
Discount Price
SOLD OUT
SOLD OUT
SOLD OUT
SOLD OUT
$6,999
$5,999
SOLD OUT
SOLD OUT
Oct 7, 21
Brochure Price
Discount Price
$10,299
$9,299
$7,799
$6,799
$7,499
$6,499
SOLD OUT
$6,499
$5,499
$6,299
$5,299
SOLD OUT
Nov 4 - Viking Prestige
Brochure Price
Discount Price
$9,699
$8,699
$7,199
$6,199
$6,899
$5,899
SOLD OUT
$5,899
$4,899
SOLD OUT
SOLD OUT
Nov 18 - Viking Prestige
Brochure Price
Discount Price
$9,599
$8,599
$7,099
$6,099
$6,799
$5,799
$6,599
$5,599
$5,799
$4,799
$5,599
$4,599
SOLD OUT


 

Viking Danube

 
2012 Check-In Dates
  Deluxe (A) Deluxe (B) Deluxe (C) Standard (D) Standard (E)
Apr 30
May 14, 28
Brochure Price
SOLD OUT
SOLD OUT
SOLD OUT
SOLD OUT
SOLD OUT
Jun 11, 25
Brochure Price
Discount Price
$7,899
$6,899
SOLD OUT
SOLD OUT
SOLD OUT
SOLD OUT
Jul 9, 23
Aug 6, 20
Brochure Price
Discount Price
$7,699
$6,699
$7,399
$6,399
SOLD OUT
SOLD OUT
SOLD OUT
Sep 3, 17
Brochure Price
SOLD OUT
SOLD OUT
SOLD OUT
SOLD OUT
SOLD OUT
Oct 1, 15, 29
Brochure Price
Discount Price
$7,599
$6,599
$7,299
$6,299
$7,099
$6,099
$6,199
$5,199
SOLD OUT
Nov 12 - Viking Danube
Brochure Price
Discount Price
$6,899
$5,899
$6,599
$5,599
$6,399
$5,399
SOLD OUT
SOLD OUT


 
 
 

 

 

 



 
  

 
Available Ships
Amsterdam to Budapest Budapest to Amsterdam
Viking Aegir Aug 15; Sep 12; Oct 10; Nov 7 Aug 29; Sep 26; Oct 24
Viking Danube Apr 30; May 28; Jun 25; Jul 23; Aug 20; Sep 17; Oct 15; Nov 12 May 14; Jun 11; Jul 9; Aug 6; Sep 3; Oct 1, 29
Viking Embla Jul 15  
Viking Freya May 6; Jul 1, 29; Aug 26; Sep 23; Oct 21; Nov 18 Jun 17; Jul 15; Aug 12; Sep 9; Oct 7; Nov 4
Viking Idun May 26; Jun 23; Jul 21; Aug 18; Sep 15; Oct 13; Nov 10; Dec 8 May 12; Jun 9; Jul 7; Aug 4; Sep 1, 29; Oct 27; Nov 24
Viking Njord May 12; Jun 9; Jul 7; Aug 4; Sep 1, 29; Oct 27 May 26; Jun 23; Jul 21; Aug 18; Sep 15; Oct 13
Viking Odin Mar 24  
Viking Prestige Mar 25; May 20; Jun 17; Jul 15; Aug 12; Sep 9; Oct 7; Nov 4 May 6; Jun 3; Jul 1, 29; Aug 26; Sep 23; Oct 21; Nov 18

 

 

Cabin Pricing

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Ports

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.


Country  Austria
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 - Europe River Cruises Cabin Info

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Cruise line info

Viking River Cruises

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.

 

Ship info

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.

Viking Aegir
Viking Embla
Viking Odin
Viking Njord
Viking Idun
Viking Freya
Viking Danube
Viking Europe
Viking Fontane
Viking Helvetia
Viking Legend
Viking Neptune
Viking Prestige
Viking Pride
Viking Primadonna
Viking Schumann
Viking Spirit
Viking Sky
Viking Sun




 

Viking - Europe River Cruises Deck plans

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