Regensburg
Regensburg 11/05/2022
After breakfast, disembark and proceed to the airport for your return flight (airport meet & greet transfers are included when air is purchased from Viking River Cruises). (B),
Optional Private Excursions
Avoid the crowds and hustle and bustle associated with a group activity. For a memorable trip ashore, we invite you to consider a private shore excursion. Enjoy the undivided attention of your own driver/guide and the flexibility of experiencing the aspects of the local culture that most interest you. Below are just some samples of the private shore excursions we can arrange for you. Let us personalize your experience!
-
Private walk of romantic Regensburg city center
Highlights:
Meet our experienced local team member at your ship and tailor your explorations according to your interests and expectations
Walk over the medieval stone bridge from 1135, that the knights of the 2nd and 3rd crusade used to cross the Danube on their way to the Holy Land
Visit the historic city center with its famous gothic Cathedral containing numerous 15th century artifacts
Explore the Adler-Pharmacy, founded in 1610 with its exquisite authentic interior and historical vessels
See castle Thurn und Taxis still inhabited by the royal Thurn and Taxis family, depending on interest visit the splendid chambers of this princely residence
Visit remains of the Roman fortress' walls including the Porta Praetoria and the St. Emmeram's Abbey.
Stroll along the charming cobble stone alleys of historic city centre and enjoy a special Regensburg Bratwurst or stop at the oldest café in Germany (founded 1868) continuously serving the most tempting treats before heading back to the ship
Tour Duration: 2 hours
Tour can operate: All day
Wheelchair Accessible: Yes
Physical Activity Level: Light walking tour
Inclusions:
- Touring with one of our excellent local insiders
- All taxes
Not Included:
- Meals
- Optional admissions and museum licensing fees
- Tipping at your discretion
|
11/05/2022 |
11/05/2022 |
Regensburg
Regensburg 11/06/2022
When you awake this morning, your ship will be on the Main–Danube Canal, an engineering marvel that stretches 106 miles from Kelheim on the Danube to Bamberg on the Main River. It began as Charlemagne's dream in 793 and was completed in 1992 with 16 locks that raise the water level 1,332 feet. Today, it enables river travel from the North Sea to the Black Sea. Disembark in Roth to take a shuttle directly to Nuremberg and begin exploring; or, stay onboard to enjoy cruising this legendary canal and arrive in Nuremberg, Bavaria's second-largest city, around lunchtime. After lunch, take a city tour that features a drive to Zeppelin Field, the former Nazi parade grounds, and Congress Hall. You will also drive by the Palace of Justice, the venerable vestige of the Nuremberg Trials. Then visit medieval Nuremberg Castle. Your tour comes to a close with a walk from the imperial palace grounds, past the Albrecht Dürer House and on to the Main Market Square with its elaborate Gothic fountain. Afterward you have some time on your own to explore. Alternatively, you can join an optional World War II tour. Visit Zeppelin Field on foot, see Congress Hall, and spend time at the illuminating Documentation Center Museum. After, visit Courtroom 600 at the Palace of Justice (unless court is in session) before heading to Nuremberg's medieval Old Town, enclosed within ancient city walls. (B,L,D),
Optional Private Excursions
Avoid the crowds and hustle and bustle associated with a group activity. For a memorable trip ashore, we invite you to consider a private shore excursion. Enjoy the undivided attention of your own driver/guide and the flexibility of experiencing the aspects of the local culture that most interest you. Below are just some samples of the private shore excursions we can arrange for you. Let us personalize your experience!
-
Private walk of romantic Regensburg city center
Highlights:
Meet our experienced local team member at your ship and tailor your explorations according to your interests and expectations
Walk over the medieval stone bridge from 1135, that the knights of the 2nd and 3rd crusade used to cross the Danube on their way to the Holy Land
Visit the historic city center with its famous gothic Cathedral containing numerous 15th century artifacts
Explore the Adler-Pharmacy, founded in 1610 with its exquisite authentic interior and historical vessels
See castle Thurn und Taxis still inhabited by the royal Thurn and Taxis family, depending on interest visit the splendid chambers of this princely residence
Visit remains of the Roman fortress' walls including the Porta Praetoria and the St. Emmeram's Abbey.
Stroll along the charming cobble stone alleys of historic city centre and enjoy a special Regensburg Bratwurst or stop at the oldest café in Germany (founded 1868) continuously serving the most tempting treats before heading back to the ship
Tour Duration: 2 hours
Tour can operate: All day
Wheelchair Accessible: Yes
Physical Activity Level: Light walking tour
Inclusions:
- Touring with one of our excellent local insiders
- All taxes
Not Included:
- Meals
- Optional admissions and museum licensing fees
- Tipping at your discretion
|
11/06/2022 |
11/06/2022 |
Passau
Passau 11/07/2022
After breakfast, meet your local guide for a walking tour through the scenic town of Regensburg, considered one of Europe's best-preserved medieval cities. See one of the largest groupings of 13th- and 14th-century church spires, towers, and patrician houses north of the Alps. You also encounter the 12th-century Old Stone Bridge, St. Peter's Cathedral, and a number of idyllic courtyards. Take time to stroll the streets, shop or visit one of Germany's oldest restaurants, the Alte Wurstküche. Lunch is served onboard your ship. This afternoon, enjoy scenic cruising along the Danube River, or take an optional excursion to visit Weltenburg Abbey and experience a short cruise through a stunning river gorge known as the Danube Narrows. Travel by road to Kelheim and board a ferryboat to explore the 400-foot chalk cliffs and dramatic scenery of the Danube Narrows. Visit Weltenburg Abbey, renowned for the dark ale brewed here by monks since 1050, then rejoin your ship in Kelheim in time for dinner (Weltenburg Abbey tour is available from May-October only). Alternately, you may choose a full-day optional excursion to see the highlights of the grand city of Munich. (B,L,D),
Optional Private Excursions
Avoid the crowds and hustle and bustle associated with a group activity. For a memorable trip ashore, we invite you to consider a private shore excursion. Enjoy the undivided attention of your own driver/guide and the flexibility of experiencing the aspects of the local culture that most interest you. Below are just some samples of the private shore excursions we can arrange for you. Let us personalize your experience!
-
Passau Shore Excursion: Private Full Day Tour to Munich, 8 hours
This full day tour takes you to the Bavarian capital for a Private City Tour of Munich; among others you pass by impressive sights such as the Nymphenburg Palace, the Royal Residence, the Olympia Park and many more.
Highlights:
- Private licensed Munich Guide for your City Tour
- Main sights in Munich: e.g. Olympia Park, BMW building, Old and New Art Gallery (Alte Pinakothek and Neue Pinakothek), National Theatre, Royal Residence, Nymphenburg Palace, The Angel of Peace Monument in Schwabing, King’s Square, Victory Gate, English Garden and many more (only outside visits!).
Your guide is always flexible and adapts the tour according to your special interests.
Tour Duration: 7-8 hours
Tour can operate: Full Day
Physical Activity Level: Moderate
Inclusions:
- Pick up and drop off at the landing stage of the cruising ship in Passau or Vilshofen
- Transfer in a private minivan with English speaking driver
- Private licensed English speaking guide for the Munich City Tour (other languages available, but on request)
Not included:
- Meals
- Gratuities and personal expenses
- Entrances
-
Passau Shore Excursion: Private Full Day Tour to Cesky Krumlov, 7 hours
This full day tour takes you just across the border to the Czech Republic,to visit Cesky Krumlov (UNESCO World Heritage Site). From April till October, an inside visit of the Cesky Krumlov Castle is included in this package.
Highlights:
- Private licensed local Guide for your Cesky Krumlov visit
- Cesky Krumlov - medieval city, impressing with its unique atmosphere, including the Minorite Monastery and the Church of St. Vitus.
- From April-October (Tuesday-Sunday): inside visit of the enthroning Cesky Krumlov Castle.
Your guide is always flexible and adapts the tour according to your special interests.
Tour Duration: 7 hours
Tour can operate: Full Day
Physical Activity Level: Moderate
Inclusions:
- Pick up and drop off at the landing stage of the cruising ship in Passau or Vilshofen
- Transfer in a private minivan with English speaking driver
- Private licensed English speaking guide for the Cesky Krumlov City Tour (other languages available, but on request)
- April-October (Tuesday-Sunday): Entrance fee for Cesky Krumlov Castle
Not included:
- Meals
- Gratuities and personal expenses
- Entrances, other than stated above
-
Private explorations in the quaint three river village
Highlights:
Meet our experienced local team member at your ship and tailor your city stroll according to your interests and expectations
The picturesque city of Passau, known as ‘The City of Three Rivers’, stands at the confluence of the Danube, Inn and the Ilz Rivers in Germany’s far southeast corner near the Austrian border
Passau was an ancient Roman colony and a former hub of the salt trade, then later the Holy Roman Empire, largest diocese and a sword-making centre
Enjoy a walking tour of the historic city centre with its enchanting, narrow lanes, beautiful riverbank promenades to see the ‘Rathaus’, with its , Baroque festival hall, the New Bishop's Residence before arriving at St. Stephen's Cathedral
St. Stephen's is a true masterpiece of Italian Baroque and is most famous for its spectacular organ. With 17,774 pipes and 233 registers it is not to be missed. Schedule permitted enjoy a recital by their master organist
End your walk with a stop at our favourite watering hole for a tasting of the famous local Granit gin or enjoy traditional baked goods at ‘Kerscher’ where recipes are handed from generation to generation for over 100 years
Tour Duration: 2 hours
Tour can operate: All day
Wheelchair Accessible: Yes
Physical Activity Level: Light walking tour
Inclusions:
- Touring with one of our excellent local insiders
- All taxes
Not Included:
- Meals
- Optional admissions and museum licensing fees
- Tipping at your discretion
|
11/07/2022 |
11/07/2022 |
|
Krems
|
11/08/2022 |
11/08/2022 |
Göttweig Abbey
Göttweig Abbey 11/08/2022
After breakfast, disembark in Krems and set off for Göttweig, a working Benedictine abbey that owns many of the vineyards along the Danube. See the splendid ceiling fresco in its imperial stairwell, one of the largest in the world. Visit the abbey church, a masterpiece of Baroque architecture. Alternatively, you may instead choose to explore your environs by bicycle, enjoying a ride along a riverside bike path considered one of Europe's most scenic. Afterward, rejoin your ship and cruise leisurely through the captivating Wachau Valley, a UNESCO World Heritage Cultural Landscape. Taste some local Austrian specialties during lunch onboard, taking in views of attractive towns and castle ruins along the way. (B,L,D),
|
11/08/2022 |
11/08/2022 |
Vienna
Optional Private Excursions
Avoid the crowds and hustle and bustle associated with a group activity. For a memorable trip ashore, we invite you to consider a private shore excursion. Enjoy the undivided attention of your own driver/guide and the flexibility of experiencing the aspects of the local culture that most interest you. Below are just some samples of the private shore excursions we can arrange for you. Let us personalize your experience!
-
Vienna Shore Excursion: Private City Walk Vienna's Old Town, 2,5 hours
This interesting city walk offers you an initial overview of the history, culture and achitecture of Vienna, taking you through the most beautiful and elegant streets and passing by some of the most famous sights of the city.
At the end of this tour, you can continue exploring the city centre on your own.
Highlights:
- The Imperial Palace, residence of the Habsburgs for nearly 650 years (outside)
- St. Stephen’s Cathedral, Vienna's landmark (outside)
- State Opera House (outside)
- the Ringstrasse ('ring road')
Your private guide is always flexible and adapts the tour to your special interests.
Tour Duration: 2,5-3 hours
Tour can operate: Morning or Afternoon
Wheelchair Accessible: No
Physical Activity Level: Light to Moderate
Inclusions:
- Pick up at the landing stage of the cruise ship in Vienna
- One way transfer in private car from the pier to the city centre
- Private licensed English speaking guide (other languages available, but on request)
Not included:
- Meals
- Gratuities and personal expenses
- Entrances
- Return transfer to the ship (optional service upon extra charge)
-
Vienna Shore Excursion: Private City Walk Mozart in Vienna, 2,5 hours
During this city walk "On the Traces of Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart", you discover Vienna's historic old town, passing by some of the most important locations of Mozart's life. This tour also includes a visit of the Mozart House. At the end of this tour, you can continue exploring the city centre on your own.
Highlights:
- Vienna's historic old town and former addresses of Mozart (outdoor)
- Visit of the Mozart House Vienna (indoor visit)
- St. Stephen's Cathedral (outdoor)
Your private guide is always flexible and adapts the tour to your special interests.
Tour Duration: 2,5-3 hours
Tour can operate: Morning or Afternoon
Physical Activity Level: Light to Moderate
Inclusions:
- Pick up at the landing stage of the cruise ship in Vienna
- One way transfer in private car from the pier to the city centre
- Private licensed English speaking guide (other languages available, but on request)
- Entrance fee Mozart House (visit with audio-guide)
Not included:
- Meals
- Gratuities and personal expenses
- Entrances other than stated above
- Return transfer to the cruise ship (optional service upon extra charge)
-
Vienna Shore Excursion: Private City Walk Imperial Palace, 2,5 hours
This privately guided walking tour through Vienna's historic old town takes you to the Imperial Palace ('Hofburg'), to visit the Imperial Apartments and the fascinating Sisi Museum.
Highlights:
- Visit of the Imperial Palace and the Imperial Apartments (indoor visit)
- Visit of the Sisi Museum (indoor visit)
- Augustinian Church
Your private guide is always flexible and adapts the tour to your special interests.
Tour Duration: 2,5-3 hours
Tour can operate: Morning or Afternoon
Physical Activity Level: Light to Moderate
Inclusions:
- Pick up the landing stage of the cruise ship in Vienna
- One way transfer in private car from the pier to the city centre
- Private licensed English speaking guide (other languages available, but on request)
- Entrance fee for the Imperial Palace (Imperial Apartments and the Sisi Museum)
Not included:
- Meals
- Gratuities and personal expenses
- Entrances other than stated above
- Return transfer to the ship (optional service upon extra charge)
-
Vienna Shore Excursion: Private City Tour of Vienna & Visit of Schoenbrunn Palace, 4 hours
This privately guided tour shows you the major historical sights along the Ringstrasse, before taking you to the magnificent Schoenbrunn Palace, former summer residence of the Habsburg family.
Highlights:
- Main sights along the Ringstrasse: e.g. Imperial Palace, National Museums, State Opera, Burgtheater, City Hall, Parliament etc. (outside)
- Visit of the Schoenbrunn Palace, privately guided tour (indoor visit)
Your private guide is always flexible and adapts the tour to your special interests.
Tour Duration: 4 hours
Tour can operate: Morning or Afternoon
Physical Activity Level: Light
Inclusions:
- Pick up and drop off at the landing stage of the cruise ship in Vienna
- Transfer in a private car
- Private licensed English speaking guide (other languages available, but on request)
- Entrance fee for Schoenbrunn Palace (Highlight Tour)
Not included:
- Meals
- Gratuities and personal expenses
- Entrances other than stated above
-
Vienna Shore Excursion: Private City Tour Art Nouveau and Viennese Architecture, 4 hours
In addition to the familiar Gothic and Baroque buildings, Art Nouveau has a fixed place in Viennese architecture. Naturally, this tour also covers further architecural epoques, such as modernity.
Highlights:
- Architecturally interesting sights along the Ringstrasse: e.g. Imperial Palace, National Museums, State Opera, City Hall, Parliament etc. (outside)
- Visit of the Vienna Secession (inside visit)
- Visit of the Kunst Haus Wien (insde visit)
- St. Charles's Church (outside)
- Hundertwasserhaus (outside)
Your private guide is always flexible and adapts the tour to your special interests.
Tour Duration: 4 hours
Tour can operate: Tuesday to Sunday; Morning or Afternoon
(Vienna Secession is closed on Monday!)
Physical Activity Level: Light to Moderate
Inclusions:
- Pick up and drop off at the landing stage of the cruise ship in Vienna
- Transfer in a private car
- Private licensed English speaking guide (other languages available, but on request)
- Entrance fee for Vienna Secession
- Entrance fee for Kunst Haus Wien
Not included:
- Meals
- Gratuities and personal expenses
- Entrances other than stated above
-
Vienna Shore Excursion: Private City Walk & the Lipizzaner Horses, 5 hours
From Tuesday to Friday (9am-1pm, excl. July), this package covers many interesting aspects of Vienna: Starting with a short Vienna Old Town City Walk, you follow your guide through the old town towards the Spanish Riding School, where you attend the Lippizaner's Morning Exercise, allowing an insight into the training of the Lipizzaner Horses and their riders. At the end of this tour, you can continue exploring the city centre on your own.
Highlights:
- Overview of the history, culture and architecture of Vienna
- Vienna's historic old town (outside)
- Attendance of the Morning Exercise at the Spanish Riding School (inside visit)
- Coffee break at the famous Café Central
Your private guide is always flexible and adapts the tour to your special interests.
Tour Duration: 4 hours
Tour can operate: Tuesday to Friday, 9am - 1pm (excluding July)
Physical Activity Level: Light to Moderate
Inclusions:
- Pick up at the landing stage of the cruise ship in Vienna
- One way transfer in private car from the pier to the city centre
- Private licensed English speaking guide (other languages available, but on request)
- Entrance fee for the Morning Exercise at the Spanish Riding School
- Coffee break at Café Demel (1 hot drink, 1 piece of cake)
Not included:
- Meals
- Gratuities
- Personal expenses
- Entrances other than stated above
- Return transfer to the ship (optional service upon extra charge)
|
11/08/2022 |
11/08/2022 |
Vienna
Vienna 11/09/2022
After breakfast, disembark in Krems and set off for Göttweig, a working Benedictine abbey that owns many of the vineyards along the Danube. See the splendid ceiling fresco in its imperial stairwell, one of the largest in the world. Visit the abbey church, a masterpiece of Baroque architecture. Alternatively, you may instead choose to explore your environs by bicycle, enjoying a ride along a riverside bike path considered one of Europe's most scenic. Afterward, rejoin your ship and cruise leisurely through the captivating Wachau Valley, a UNESCO World Heritage Cultural Landscape. Taste some local Austrian specialties during lunch onboard, taking in views of attractive towns and castle ruins along the way. (B,L,D),
Optional Private Excursions
Avoid the crowds and hustle and bustle associated with a group activity. For a memorable trip ashore, we invite you to consider a private shore excursion. Enjoy the undivided attention of your own driver/guide and the flexibility of experiencing the aspects of the local culture that most interest you. Below are just some samples of the private shore excursions we can arrange for you. Let us personalize your experience!
-
Vienna Shore Excursion: Private City Walk Vienna's Old Town, 2,5 hours
This interesting city walk offers you an initial overview of the history, culture and achitecture of Vienna, taking you through the most beautiful and elegant streets and passing by some of the most famous sights of the city.
At the end of this tour, you can continue exploring the city centre on your own.
Highlights:
- The Imperial Palace, residence of the Habsburgs for nearly 650 years (outside)
- St. Stephen’s Cathedral, Vienna's landmark (outside)
- State Opera House (outside)
- the Ringstrasse ('ring road')
Your private guide is always flexible and adapts the tour to your special interests.
Tour Duration: 2,5-3 hours
Tour can operate: Morning or Afternoon
Wheelchair Accessible: No
Physical Activity Level: Light to Moderate
Inclusions:
- Pick up at the landing stage of the cruise ship in Vienna
- One way transfer in private car from the pier to the city centre
- Private licensed English speaking guide (other languages available, but on request)
Not included:
- Meals
- Gratuities and personal expenses
- Entrances
- Return transfer to the ship (optional service upon extra charge)
-
Vienna Shore Excursion: Private City Walk Mozart in Vienna, 2,5 hours
During this city walk "On the Traces of Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart", you discover Vienna's historic old town, passing by some of the most important locations of Mozart's life. This tour also includes a visit of the Mozart House. At the end of this tour, you can continue exploring the city centre on your own.
Highlights:
- Vienna's historic old town and former addresses of Mozart (outdoor)
- Visit of the Mozart House Vienna (indoor visit)
- St. Stephen's Cathedral (outdoor)
Your private guide is always flexible and adapts the tour to your special interests.
Tour Duration: 2,5-3 hours
Tour can operate: Morning or Afternoon
Physical Activity Level: Light to Moderate
Inclusions:
- Pick up at the landing stage of the cruise ship in Vienna
- One way transfer in private car from the pier to the city centre
- Private licensed English speaking guide (other languages available, but on request)
- Entrance fee Mozart House (visit with audio-guide)
Not included:
- Meals
- Gratuities and personal expenses
- Entrances other than stated above
- Return transfer to the cruise ship (optional service upon extra charge)
-
Vienna Shore Excursion: Private City Walk Imperial Palace, 2,5 hours
This privately guided walking tour through Vienna's historic old town takes you to the Imperial Palace ('Hofburg'), to visit the Imperial Apartments and the fascinating Sisi Museum.
Highlights:
- Visit of the Imperial Palace and the Imperial Apartments (indoor visit)
- Visit of the Sisi Museum (indoor visit)
- Augustinian Church
Your private guide is always flexible and adapts the tour to your special interests.
Tour Duration: 2,5-3 hours
Tour can operate: Morning or Afternoon
Physical Activity Level: Light to Moderate
Inclusions:
- Pick up the landing stage of the cruise ship in Vienna
- One way transfer in private car from the pier to the city centre
- Private licensed English speaking guide (other languages available, but on request)
- Entrance fee for the Imperial Palace (Imperial Apartments and the Sisi Museum)
Not included:
- Meals
- Gratuities and personal expenses
- Entrances other than stated above
- Return transfer to the ship (optional service upon extra charge)
-
Vienna Shore Excursion: Private City Tour of Vienna & Visit of Schoenbrunn Palace, 4 hours
This privately guided tour shows you the major historical sights along the Ringstrasse, before taking you to the magnificent Schoenbrunn Palace, former summer residence of the Habsburg family.
Highlights:
- Main sights along the Ringstrasse: e.g. Imperial Palace, National Museums, State Opera, Burgtheater, City Hall, Parliament etc. (outside)
- Visit of the Schoenbrunn Palace, privately guided tour (indoor visit)
Your private guide is always flexible and adapts the tour to your special interests.
Tour Duration: 4 hours
Tour can operate: Morning or Afternoon
Physical Activity Level: Light
Inclusions:
- Pick up and drop off at the landing stage of the cruise ship in Vienna
- Transfer in a private car
- Private licensed English speaking guide (other languages available, but on request)
- Entrance fee for Schoenbrunn Palace (Highlight Tour)
Not included:
- Meals
- Gratuities and personal expenses
- Entrances other than stated above
-
Vienna Shore Excursion: Private City Tour Art Nouveau and Viennese Architecture, 4 hours
In addition to the familiar Gothic and Baroque buildings, Art Nouveau has a fixed place in Viennese architecture. Naturally, this tour also covers further architecural epoques, such as modernity.
Highlights:
- Architecturally interesting sights along the Ringstrasse: e.g. Imperial Palace, National Museums, State Opera, City Hall, Parliament etc. (outside)
- Visit of the Vienna Secession (inside visit)
- Visit of the Kunst Haus Wien (insde visit)
- St. Charles's Church (outside)
- Hundertwasserhaus (outside)
Your private guide is always flexible and adapts the tour to your special interests.
Tour Duration: 4 hours
Tour can operate: Tuesday to Sunday; Morning or Afternoon
(Vienna Secession is closed on Monday!)
Physical Activity Level: Light to Moderate
Inclusions:
- Pick up and drop off at the landing stage of the cruise ship in Vienna
- Transfer in a private car
- Private licensed English speaking guide (other languages available, but on request)
- Entrance fee for Vienna Secession
- Entrance fee for Kunst Haus Wien
Not included:
- Meals
- Gratuities and personal expenses
- Entrances other than stated above
-
Vienna Shore Excursion: Private City Walk & the Lipizzaner Horses, 5 hours
From Tuesday to Friday (9am-1pm, excl. July), this package covers many interesting aspects of Vienna: Starting with a short Vienna Old Town City Walk, you follow your guide through the old town towards the Spanish Riding School, where you attend the Lippizaner's Morning Exercise, allowing an insight into the training of the Lipizzaner Horses and their riders. At the end of this tour, you can continue exploring the city centre on your own.
Highlights:
- Overview of the history, culture and architecture of Vienna
- Vienna's historic old town (outside)
- Attendance of the Morning Exercise at the Spanish Riding School (inside visit)
- Coffee break at the famous Café Central
Your private guide is always flexible and adapts the tour to your special interests.
Tour Duration: 4 hours
Tour can operate: Tuesday to Friday, 9am - 1pm (excluding July)
Physical Activity Level: Light to Moderate
Inclusions:
- Pick up at the landing stage of the cruise ship in Vienna
- One way transfer in private car from the pier to the city centre
- Private licensed English speaking guide (other languages available, but on request)
- Entrance fee for the Morning Exercise at the Spanish Riding School
- Coffee break at Café Demel (1 hot drink, 1 piece of cake)
Not included:
- Meals
- Gratuities
- Personal expenses
- Entrances other than stated above
- Return transfer to the ship (optional service upon extra charge)
|
11/09/2022 |
11/09/2022 |
Vienna
Vienna 11/10/2022
Today, we tour the Austrian capital of Vienna. 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. As always, your program director can help you plan your free time. Or, you may choose to join us for an optional excursion. Perhaps visit Schönbrunn Palace, erected in 1778 and admired as the "Versailles of Vienna", or go behind the scenes at the Spanish Riding School to see its famed Lipizzaner stallions. This evening, you might enjoy an optional classical concert or celebrate the bottling of this year's wine vintage among the locals at a high-spirited optional Heurigen dinner. (B,L,D),
Optional Private Excursions
Avoid the crowds and hustle and bustle associated with a group activity. For a memorable trip ashore, we invite you to consider a private shore excursion. Enjoy the undivided attention of your own driver/guide and the flexibility of experiencing the aspects of the local culture that most interest you. Below are just some samples of the private shore excursions we can arrange for you. Let us personalize your experience!
-
Vienna Shore Excursion: Private City Walk Vienna's Old Town, 2,5 hours
This interesting city walk offers you an initial overview of the history, culture and achitecture of Vienna, taking you through the most beautiful and elegant streets and passing by some of the most famous sights of the city.
At the end of this tour, you can continue exploring the city centre on your own.
Highlights:
- The Imperial Palace, residence of the Habsburgs for nearly 650 years (outside)
- St. Stephen’s Cathedral, Vienna's landmark (outside)
- State Opera House (outside)
- the Ringstrasse ('ring road')
Your private guide is always flexible and adapts the tour to your special interests.
Tour Duration: 2,5-3 hours
Tour can operate: Morning or Afternoon
Wheelchair Accessible: No
Physical Activity Level: Light to Moderate
Inclusions:
- Pick up at the landing stage of the cruise ship in Vienna
- One way transfer in private car from the pier to the city centre
- Private licensed English speaking guide (other languages available, but on request)
Not included:
- Meals
- Gratuities and personal expenses
- Entrances
- Return transfer to the ship (optional service upon extra charge)
-
Vienna Shore Excursion: Private City Walk Mozart in Vienna, 2,5 hours
During this city walk "On the Traces of Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart", you discover Vienna's historic old town, passing by some of the most important locations of Mozart's life. This tour also includes a visit of the Mozart House. At the end of this tour, you can continue exploring the city centre on your own.
Highlights:
- Vienna's historic old town and former addresses of Mozart (outdoor)
- Visit of the Mozart House Vienna (indoor visit)
- St. Stephen's Cathedral (outdoor)
Your private guide is always flexible and adapts the tour to your special interests.
Tour Duration: 2,5-3 hours
Tour can operate: Morning or Afternoon
Physical Activity Level: Light to Moderate
Inclusions:
- Pick up at the landing stage of the cruise ship in Vienna
- One way transfer in private car from the pier to the city centre
- Private licensed English speaking guide (other languages available, but on request)
- Entrance fee Mozart House (visit with audio-guide)
Not included:
- Meals
- Gratuities and personal expenses
- Entrances other than stated above
- Return transfer to the cruise ship (optional service upon extra charge)
-
Vienna Shore Excursion: Private City Walk Imperial Palace, 2,5 hours
This privately guided walking tour through Vienna's historic old town takes you to the Imperial Palace ('Hofburg'), to visit the Imperial Apartments and the fascinating Sisi Museum.
Highlights:
- Visit of the Imperial Palace and the Imperial Apartments (indoor visit)
- Visit of the Sisi Museum (indoor visit)
- Augustinian Church
Your private guide is always flexible and adapts the tour to your special interests.
Tour Duration: 2,5-3 hours
Tour can operate: Morning or Afternoon
Physical Activity Level: Light to Moderate
Inclusions:
- Pick up the landing stage of the cruise ship in Vienna
- One way transfer in private car from the pier to the city centre
- Private licensed English speaking guide (other languages available, but on request)
- Entrance fee for the Imperial Palace (Imperial Apartments and the Sisi Museum)
Not included:
- Meals
- Gratuities and personal expenses
- Entrances other than stated above
- Return transfer to the ship (optional service upon extra charge)
-
Vienna Shore Excursion: Private City Tour of Vienna & Visit of Schoenbrunn Palace, 4 hours
This privately guided tour shows you the major historical sights along the Ringstrasse, before taking you to the magnificent Schoenbrunn Palace, former summer residence of the Habsburg family.
Highlights:
- Main sights along the Ringstrasse: e.g. Imperial Palace, National Museums, State Opera, Burgtheater, City Hall, Parliament etc. (outside)
- Visit of the Schoenbrunn Palace, privately guided tour (indoor visit)
Your private guide is always flexible and adapts the tour to your special interests.
Tour Duration: 4 hours
Tour can operate: Morning or Afternoon
Physical Activity Level: Light
Inclusions:
- Pick up and drop off at the landing stage of the cruise ship in Vienna
- Transfer in a private car
- Private licensed English speaking guide (other languages available, but on request)
- Entrance fee for Schoenbrunn Palace (Highlight Tour)
Not included:
- Meals
- Gratuities and personal expenses
- Entrances other than stated above
-
Vienna Shore Excursion: Private City Tour Art Nouveau and Viennese Architecture, 4 hours
In addition to the familiar Gothic and Baroque buildings, Art Nouveau has a fixed place in Viennese architecture. Naturally, this tour also covers further architecural epoques, such as modernity.
Highlights:
- Architecturally interesting sights along the Ringstrasse: e.g. Imperial Palace, National Museums, State Opera, City Hall, Parliament etc. (outside)
- Visit of the Vienna Secession (inside visit)
- Visit of the Kunst Haus Wien (insde visit)
- St. Charles's Church (outside)
- Hundertwasserhaus (outside)
Your private guide is always flexible and adapts the tour to your special interests.
Tour Duration: 4 hours
Tour can operate: Tuesday to Sunday; Morning or Afternoon
(Vienna Secession is closed on Monday!)
Physical Activity Level: Light to Moderate
Inclusions:
- Pick up and drop off at the landing stage of the cruise ship in Vienna
- Transfer in a private car
- Private licensed English speaking guide (other languages available, but on request)
- Entrance fee for Vienna Secession
- Entrance fee for Kunst Haus Wien
Not included:
- Meals
- Gratuities and personal expenses
- Entrances other than stated above
-
Vienna Shore Excursion: Private City Walk & the Lipizzaner Horses, 5 hours
From Tuesday to Friday (9am-1pm, excl. July), this package covers many interesting aspects of Vienna: Starting with a short Vienna Old Town City Walk, you follow your guide through the old town towards the Spanish Riding School, where you attend the Lippizaner's Morning Exercise, allowing an insight into the training of the Lipizzaner Horses and their riders. At the end of this tour, you can continue exploring the city centre on your own.
Highlights:
- Overview of the history, culture and architecture of Vienna
- Vienna's historic old town (outside)
- Attendance of the Morning Exercise at the Spanish Riding School (inside visit)
- Coffee break at the famous Café Central
Your private guide is always flexible and adapts the tour to your special interests.
Tour Duration: 4 hours
Tour can operate: Tuesday to Friday, 9am - 1pm (excluding July)
Physical Activity Level: Light to Moderate
Inclusions:
- Pick up at the landing stage of the cruise ship in Vienna
- One way transfer in private car from the pier to the city centre
- Private licensed English speaking guide (other languages available, but on request)
- Entrance fee for the Morning Exercise at the Spanish Riding School
- Coffee break at Café Demel (1 hot drink, 1 piece of cake)
Not included:
- Meals
- Gratuities
- Personal expenses
- Entrances other than stated above
- Return transfer to the ship (optional service upon extra charge)
|
11/10/2022 |
11/10/2022 |
Budapest
Budapest 11/11/2022
Your morning begins with a panoramic tour of the Pest side of the city. Journey along Andrássy Avenue and see the 19th- and 20th-century mansions, National Opera House, Parliament Building, and the Chain Bridge. Stop in Heroes' Square to learn more about Hungarian history, then cross the Danube to Buda's Castle District. Visit Matthias Church and enjoy brilliant views of the Danube and the beautiful Hungarian Parliament building from Fisherman's Bastion. Rejoin your ship in Visegrád for lunch as we cruise along the scenic Danube River. Enjoy a midafternoon Viennese coffee workshop, complete with apple strudel. (B,L,D),
Optional Private Excursions
Avoid the crowds and hustle and bustle associated with a group activity. For a memorable trip ashore, we invite you to consider a private shore excursion. Enjoy the undivided attention of your own driver/guide and the flexibility of experiencing the aspects of the local culture that most interest you. Below are just some samples of the private shore excursions we can arrange for you. Let us personalize your experience!
-
Budapest- Full Day Sightseeing tour - 8 hours
**The guide will meet clients aboard their river cruise ship.**
Overview
Budapest is the capital of Hungary with almost two million inhabitants. The city flourished as a crossroads where East meets West in the heart of Europe. It is the center of administration, industry, trade, transport and traffic, education, culture, arts and sports. It is situated on both banks of the Danube river: called Buda and Pest. There are nine bridges over the Danube connecting the two sides of the river. Of the capital cities of the world Budapest is the richest in thermal baths.
Your driver will meet you at the Port. You'll first be driven across the lovely 19th century Chain Bridge and discover the oldest part of the city, the historic Castle District on the Buda side. The Castle Hill was settled after the withdrawal of the Mongolian invaders in 1242. During the centuries the castle has been destroyed and rebuilt several times. A stroll through the castle area will take you to the mid 13th century Matthias church, one of the most beautiful examples of gothic architecture and the Fishermen's Bastion offering great views of the city. From here your guide will point out the palace, where Ludwig van Beethoven, the composer used to live for six years and remains of a medieval Synagogue from the 15th century. You'll have a chance to look at the selection of the Herend factory store near the main square of the Castle Area.
After visiting the Castle Hill you'll be driven to the top of the Gellert Hill to admire the spectacular
views of the city.
Lunch in a fine Restaurant (optional)
On the Pest side you'll be driven along the Andrassy boulevard lined with elegant late 19th century
buildings, including the State Opera House, the old Music Academy and several elegant mansions and villas. The boulevard leads to Heroes' square built to commemorate the millennium of Hungary in 1896. The first subway line in continental Europe was opened under the Andrassy boulevard in the very same year.
You'll make a stop to see the Monument of the Millennium of Hungary with statues of eminent Hungarians in the Heroes' Square that closes the outer end of the boulevard.
There are museums on both sides of the square: the Art Gallery and the Museum of Fine Arts. The Museum of Fine Arts houses the second richest collection of the Spanish masters' paintings
after the Prado in Madrid, Spain. The square is actually the entrance to the City Park with the nearby Castle of Vajdahunyad, which is a presentation of details of architectural monuments and illustration of styles of the historic Hungary. In the City Park one can also visit the Zoological and Botanical Garden,
the most famous Gundel restaurant, The Fun Fair and the Széchenyi Bath.
Explore the Jewish quarter of Budapest with the largest Synagogue in the world, the Dohany Synagogue built in romantic Byzantine and Moorish style with it's 3000 seats. The beautiful and also modern Holocaust Memorial in the Raoul Wallenberg Memorial Park is located behind the Synagogue, in the former ghetto area. Visit the Jewish Museum in the adjacent building.
You'll visit the stunning interior of the 2nd largest Parliament of Europe, with the 1000 years old crown
jewels of Hungary. The building was constructed to commemorate the 1000 year's anniversary of the Hungarian's land taking. It's a wonderful piece of architecture.
Return to your awaiting cruise ship.
INCLUSIONS:
Private car and driver/professional guide (or from 4 pax luxury Mercedes-Benz van, driver and guide) service and all entrance fees
EXCLUSIONS:
Meals and gratuities
-
Budapest- Half Day Sightseeing Tour - 4 hours
**The guide will meet clients aboard their river cruise ship**
Overview:
Budapest is the capital of Hungary with almost two million inhabitants. The city flourished as a crossroads where East meets West in the heart of Europe. It is the center of administration,industry, trade, transport and traffic, education, culture, arts and sports. It is situated on both banks of the Danube river: called Buda and Pest. There
are nine bridges over the Danube connecting the two sides of the river. Of the capital cities of the world Budapest is the richest in thermal baths.
You'll fiest discover the oldest part of the city, the historic Castle District on the Buda side. The Castle Hill was settled after the withdrawal of the Mongolian invaders in 1242. During the centuries the castle has been destroyed and rebuilt several times. A stroll through the castle area will take you to the mid 13th century Matthias church, one of the most beautiful examples of gothic architecture and the Fishermen's Bastion offering great views of the city. From here your guide will point out the palace, where Ludwig van Beethoven, the composer used to live for six years and remains of a medieval Synagogue from the 15th century. You'll have a chance to look at the selection of the Herend factory store near the main square of the Castle Area.
After visiting the Castle Hill you'll be driven to the top of the Gellert Hill to admire the spectacular views of the city.
On the Pest side you'll be driven along the Andrassy boulevard lined with elegant late 19th century buildings, including the State Opera House, the old Music Academy and several elegant mansions and villas. The boulevard leads to Heroes' square built to commemorate the millennium of Hungary in 1896. The first subway line in continental Europe was opened under the Andrassy boulevard in the very same year.
You'll make a stop to see the Monument of the Millennium of Hungary with statues of eminent Hungarians in the Heroes' Square that closes the outer end of the boulevard.
Explore the Jewish quarter of Budapest with the largest Synagogue in the world, the Dohany Synagogue built in romantic Byzantine and Moorish style with it's 3000 seats is the largest in the world. The beautiful and also modern Holocaust Memorial in the Raoul Wallenberg Memorial Park is located behind the Synagogue, in the former ghetto area.
You'll visit the interior of the largest and most important Catholic church that is dedicated to St Stephen (Szent István), the first Hungarian Christian king. Inside the impressive building lies the Holy Right (Szent Jobb), the mummified right hand of St Stephen. This Neo-Classical structure was designed by József Hild and was built over the course of half a century from 1851.
You'll drive by the 2nd largest Parliament of Europe, with the 1000 years old crown jewels of Hungary.
The building was constructed to commemorate the 1000 year's anniversary of the Hungarian's landtaking. A wonderful piece of architecture.
Return to your awaiting ship.
INCLUSIONS:
Private car and driver/professional guide (or from 4 pax luxury Mercedes-Benz van, driver and guide) service and all entrance fees
EXCLUSIONS:
Meals and gratuities
-
Budapest-Half Day Tour to Szentendre - 4 hours
**The guide will meet clients aboard their river cruise ship**
Overview
On the way to Szentendre you'll drive through the former capital city of the Roman province - Pannonia.
This part of Budapest (Old Buda) has several original Roman ruins including two amphitheaters, ruins of the aquaduct (waterpipe) system, Roman baths and the
largest Roman open-air museum in Hungary.
Only 12 miles away from Budapest, the village of Szentendre is the most obvious day trip out of Budapest.
Szentendre was originally settled by Serbian refugees and still retains a South Slav air, not only in the Orthodox churches and Cyrillic-inscribed monuments but also in its Mediterranean townscape. Much of the Serbian population abandoned the city in the 19th century, when it was hit by floods and crop disease.
Szentendre is a town of arts and museums. It gives home to the Hungarian open Air Museum exhibiting the folklore architecture and culture of the Carpathian basin. One of the most visited museums of the whole country, the Kovács Margit Museum where you'll have a chance to admire the artist's statues and figurines.
There are further 14 museums and art galleries acquainting visitors with the rich historical past and teeming life of arts.
It is not by chance that the quietness of the little town and the closeness of the bustling metropolis of Budapest has drawn over one hundred artists here.
Return to your awaiting ship.
INCLUSIONS:
Private car and driver/professional guide (or from 4 pax luxury Mercedes-Benz van, driver and guide) service and all entrance fees
EXCLUSIONS:
Meals and gratuities
-
Budapest- Herend and Lake Balaton Tour - 8-9 hours
**The guide will meet clients aboard their river cruise ship**
Overview:
9:30AM: Your private car and guide will pick you up at the pier to take you on a full day tour of the Lake Balaton.
The "Hungarian Sea", is the people's name for the 50 mile long lake with silky green-yellow water in the middle of Transdanubia. Lake Balaton is one of Hungary's most precious treasures and most frequented resort. It is the largest lake in Central Europe. At its center, the depth is 52.5 ft. The southern shores are ideal for small children because of the shallow water. On the north shore the water gets deeper immediately. The summer water temperature of around 80 °F is warmer than the air in the morning and in the evening. The water and the silky mud of the lake are very good remedies for nervous complaints, anemia and nervous fatigue.
Rich vineyards in the region produce an assortment of excellent wines that go very well with the delicious local food. Large numbers of inns and restaurants welcome guests. Veszprém one of the oldest towns in Hungary, lies on the banks of river Séd. People call it 'The city of queens', because it was the bishop of Veszprém, who crowned the Hungarian queens.
Exceptional treasures of Hungarian church history are to be found in this beautiful town. Walk throught the Gate of Hereoes to the fire tower, then to the Archbishop's Archives and Library in the beautiful Baroque archbishop's palace, the Gothic Gizella Chapel, the St. George Chapel and the Queen Gizella Museum. From the Castle which overlooks the city there is a stunning view of the slender St. Stephen viaduct that bridges the valley. The 'Kálmán Kittenberger' Plant and
Game Park is one of the most attractive zoos in Hungary.
Herend porcelain, loved by the British and the Austrian dynasties, has won 24 first prizes and gold medals at international fairs. The china factory was founded in 1826 and its products are made entirely by hand. More than 8000 crafted objects from the factory can be seen in the Porcelain Art Museum. The Porcelanium, a mini-workshop, demonstrates the process of making the china.
At the Apicius Restaurant and coffee shop, original Herend porcelain is used on the tables; and there is a gift shop where the visitor can browse and buy favourite pieces.
After touring Herend, we drive to Tihany, located in a national park. In the town of Tihany, we visit the ancient abbey (founded in 1011) and the almost 1000 year old tomb of King Andrew I. The old streets of Tihany are lined with thatch-roof cottages in traditional style.
Return to your awaiting ship.
INCLUSIONS:
Private car and driver/professional guide (or from 4 pax luxury Mercedes-Benz van, driver and guide) service and all entrance fees
EXCLUSIONS:
Meals and gratuities
-
Budapest- Jewish Heritage Tour in Budapest - 4 hours
**The guide will meet clients aboard their river cruise ship**
Suggested Tour:
We drive our guests to St. Stephen's Park to see the WWII Victims' Memorial in New Leopold Town - a former middle class Jewish District and then we drive back to downtown to see the World's second largest and Europe's largest Synagogue, the Dohany street Synagogue, with seating for 3000. It was built in the middle of the 19th century in Romantic style for the around 30,000 Jewish community of Pest mainly living in this part of the town. The onion domes are strikingly Oriental-Byzantine, as is the facade: the patterns in the brickwork were inspired by ancient ruins in the Middle East. But for all its exoticism, the design also expresses 19th century Hungarian Jews' aspirations toward assimilation. The twin towers evoke church steeples, and the organ inside the synagogue is a clear concession to Christian tradition. It's gigantic hall rests on cast iron columns and arches - a real architectural novelty at that time. A visit the Jewish Museum in the adjacent building is also included. The museum displays items from the 18th and 19th centuries, from both Hungary and abroad, grouped according to the holiday or occasion on which they were used.
Next to the main building lie the arcades of the Jewish Heroes' Mausoleum and Temple in memory of the thousands of Jewish martyrs who died during the Second World War and the ghetto, created here by German troops during the war.
We also show our guests the Raoul Wallenberg Memorial Garden with our beautiful Holocaust Memorial - the Tree of Life. The monument was created by Imre Varga - a well-known Hungarian contemporary sculptor. Tony Curtis has donated a million Dollars for the construction of the Monument. Our knowledgeable guides explain about the horror of the nazi occupation, the deportations and the liberation of the ghetto.
Return to the cruise ship.
INCLUSIONS:
Private car and driver/professional guide (or from 4 pax luxury Mercedes-Benz van, driver and guide) service and all entrance fees
EXCLUSIONS:
Meals and gratuities
-
Budapest Shore Excursion: Private Half Day City Tour of Budapest, 4 hours
This privately guided tour shows you the major sights within on the Pest Side (e.g.the Opera House, St. Stephen's Basilica), as well the Buda Side (Castle Hill). One highlight of this tour is an inside visit of the Fishermen's Bastion and the impressive Matthias Church.
Highlights:
- Heroe's Square, Vajdahunyad Castle (outside)
- State Opera (outside)
- St. Stephen's Basilica (outside)
- Parliament Buidling (outside)
- Fishermen's Bastion (entry to upper terrace)
- Matthias Church (indoor visit)
Your private guide is always flexible and adapts the tour according to your special interests.
Tour Duration: 4 hours
Tour can operate: Morning or Afternoon
Physical Activity Level: Light
Inclusions:
- Pick up and drop off at the landing stage of the cruising ship in Budapest
- Transfer in a private car
- Private licensed English speaking guide (other languages available, but on request)
- Entrance fees for Fishermen's Bastion and Matthias Church
Not included:
- Meals
- Gratuities and personal expenses
- Entrances other than stated above
-
Budapest Shore Excursion: Private Full Day City Tour of Budapest, 8 hours
This extended privately guided full day basically covers all major sights and interesting locations within Budapest, also including inside visits of the Fishermen's Bastion, Matthias Church and the Parliament Building.
Highlights:
- Main sights, e.g. National Museum, State Opera, Heroe's Square, Great Synagogue, Central Market Hall, Gellért Hill, Citatel, Vajdahunyad Castle etc. (outside visits)
- Various Bridges above the Danube, e.g. Chain Bridge, Liberty Bridge, Elisabeth Bridge etc.
- Matthias Church (inside visit)
- Fishermen's Bastion (inside visit)
- Parliament Building (inside visit)
Your guide is always flexible and adapts the tour according to your special interests.
Tour Duration: 8 hours
Tour can operate: Full Day
Physical Activity Level: Moderate
Inclusions:
- Pick up and drop off at the landing stage of the cruising ship in Budapest
- Transfer in a private car
- Private licensed English speaking guide (other languages available, but on request)
- Entrance fees for Fishermen's Bastion, Matthias Church, Parliament
Not included:
- Meals
- Gratuities and personal expenses
- Entrances other than stated above
-
Budapest Shore Excursion: Private Half Day Tour Budapest Castle District, 4 hours
During this privately guided tour, you visit the Castle Hill of Budapest, with the Royal and Presidential Palaces, fascinating squares and medieval cobblestone streets. Highlights are inside visits of the Fishermen's Bastion and the impressive Matthias Church.
Highlights:
- Budapest's Castle Hill
- Royal and Presidential Palaces (outside)
- Holy Trinity Square
- Hess András Square
- Fishermen's Bastion (entry to upper terrace)
- Matthias Church of Our Lady (indoor visit)
Your private guide is always flexible and adapts the tour according to your special interests.
Tour Duration: 4 hours
Tour can operate: Morning or Afternoon
Physical Activity Level: Light
Inclusions:
- Pick up and drop off at the landing stage of the cruising ship in Budapest
- Transfer in a private car
- Private licensed English speaking guide (other languages available, but on request)
- Entrance fees for Fishermen's Bastion and Matthias Church
Not included:
- Meals
- Gratuities and personal expenses
- Entrances other than stated above
|
11/11/2022 |
11/11/2022 |
Budapest
Budapest 11/12/2022
Welcome to Budapest, capital of Hungary. Transfer to your ship from the airport (airport meet & greet transfers are included when air is purchased from Viking River Cruises). After boarding, the afternoon is yours to relax or do a bit of exploring. After dinner onboard tonight, enjoy an evening cruise on your ship to admire Budapest's beautiful scenery from the vantage point of the Danube River. (D),
Optional Private Excursions
Avoid the crowds and hustle and bustle associated with a group activity. For a memorable trip ashore, we invite you to consider a private shore excursion. Enjoy the undivided attention of your own driver/guide and the flexibility of experiencing the aspects of the local culture that most interest you. Below are just some samples of the private shore excursions we can arrange for you. Let us personalize your experience!
-
Budapest- Full Day Sightseeing tour - 8 hours
**The guide will meet clients aboard their river cruise ship.**
Overview
Budapest is the capital of Hungary with almost two million inhabitants. The city flourished as a crossroads where East meets West in the heart of Europe. It is the center of administration, industry, trade, transport and traffic, education, culture, arts and sports. It is situated on both banks of the Danube river: called Buda and Pest. There are nine bridges over the Danube connecting the two sides of the river. Of the capital cities of the world Budapest is the richest in thermal baths.
Your driver will meet you at the Port. You'll first be driven across the lovely 19th century Chain Bridge and discover the oldest part of the city, the historic Castle District on the Buda side. The Castle Hill was settled after the withdrawal of the Mongolian invaders in 1242. During the centuries the castle has been destroyed and rebuilt several times. A stroll through the castle area will take you to the mid 13th century Matthias church, one of the most beautiful examples of gothic architecture and the Fishermen's Bastion offering great views of the city. From here your guide will point out the palace, where Ludwig van Beethoven, the composer used to live for six years and remains of a medieval Synagogue from the 15th century. You'll have a chance to look at the selection of the Herend factory store near the main square of the Castle Area.
After visiting the Castle Hill you'll be driven to the top of the Gellert Hill to admire the spectacular
views of the city.
Lunch in a fine Restaurant (optional)
On the Pest side you'll be driven along the Andrassy boulevard lined with elegant late 19th century
buildings, including the State Opera House, the old Music Academy and several elegant mansions and villas. The boulevard leads to Heroes' square built to commemorate the millennium of Hungary in 1896. The first subway line in continental Europe was opened under the Andrassy boulevard in the very same year.
You'll make a stop to see the Monument of the Millennium of Hungary with statues of eminent Hungarians in the Heroes' Square that closes the outer end of the boulevard.
There are museums on both sides of the square: the Art Gallery and the Museum of Fine Arts. The Museum of Fine Arts houses the second richest collection of the Spanish masters' paintings
after the Prado in Madrid, Spain. The square is actually the entrance to the City Park with the nearby Castle of Vajdahunyad, which is a presentation of details of architectural monuments and illustration of styles of the historic Hungary. In the City Park one can also visit the Zoological and Botanical Garden,
the most famous Gundel restaurant, The Fun Fair and the Széchenyi Bath.
Explore the Jewish quarter of Budapest with the largest Synagogue in the world, the Dohany Synagogue built in romantic Byzantine and Moorish style with it's 3000 seats. The beautiful and also modern Holocaust Memorial in the Raoul Wallenberg Memorial Park is located behind the Synagogue, in the former ghetto area. Visit the Jewish Museum in the adjacent building.
You'll visit the stunning interior of the 2nd largest Parliament of Europe, with the 1000 years old crown
jewels of Hungary. The building was constructed to commemorate the 1000 year's anniversary of the Hungarian's land taking. It's a wonderful piece of architecture.
Return to your awaiting cruise ship.
INCLUSIONS:
Private car and driver/professional guide (or from 4 pax luxury Mercedes-Benz van, driver and guide) service and all entrance fees
EXCLUSIONS:
Meals and gratuities
-
Budapest- Half Day Sightseeing Tour - 4 hours
**The guide will meet clients aboard their river cruise ship**
Overview:
Budapest is the capital of Hungary with almost two million inhabitants. The city flourished as a crossroads where East meets West in the heart of Europe. It is the center of administration,industry, trade, transport and traffic, education, culture, arts and sports. It is situated on both banks of the Danube river: called Buda and Pest. There
are nine bridges over the Danube connecting the two sides of the river. Of the capital cities of the world Budapest is the richest in thermal baths.
You'll fiest discover the oldest part of the city, the historic Castle District on the Buda side. The Castle Hill was settled after the withdrawal of the Mongolian invaders in 1242. During the centuries the castle has been destroyed and rebuilt several times. A stroll through the castle area will take you to the mid 13th century Matthias church, one of the most beautiful examples of gothic architecture and the Fishermen's Bastion offering great views of the city. From here your guide will point out the palace, where Ludwig van Beethoven, the composer used to live for six years and remains of a medieval Synagogue from the 15th century. You'll have a chance to look at the selection of the Herend factory store near the main square of the Castle Area.
After visiting the Castle Hill you'll be driven to the top of the Gellert Hill to admire the spectacular views of the city.
On the Pest side you'll be driven along the Andrassy boulevard lined with elegant late 19th century buildings, including the State Opera House, the old Music Academy and several elegant mansions and villas. The boulevard leads to Heroes' square built to commemorate the millennium of Hungary in 1896. The first subway line in continental Europe was opened under the Andrassy boulevard in the very same year.
You'll make a stop to see the Monument of the Millennium of Hungary with statues of eminent Hungarians in the Heroes' Square that closes the outer end of the boulevard.
Explore the Jewish quarter of Budapest with the largest Synagogue in the world, the Dohany Synagogue built in romantic Byzantine and Moorish style with it's 3000 seats is the largest in the world. The beautiful and also modern Holocaust Memorial in the Raoul Wallenberg Memorial Park is located behind the Synagogue, in the former ghetto area.
You'll visit the interior of the largest and most important Catholic church that is dedicated to St Stephen (Szent István), the first Hungarian Christian king. Inside the impressive building lies the Holy Right (Szent Jobb), the mummified right hand of St Stephen. This Neo-Classical structure was designed by József Hild and was built over the course of half a century from 1851.
You'll drive by the 2nd largest Parliament of Europe, with the 1000 years old crown jewels of Hungary.
The building was constructed to commemorate the 1000 year's anniversary of the Hungarian's landtaking. A wonderful piece of architecture.
Return to your awaiting ship.
INCLUSIONS:
Private car and driver/professional guide (or from 4 pax luxury Mercedes-Benz van, driver and guide) service and all entrance fees
EXCLUSIONS:
Meals and gratuities
-
Budapest-Half Day Tour to Szentendre - 4 hours
**The guide will meet clients aboard their river cruise ship**
Overview
On the way to Szentendre you'll drive through the former capital city of the Roman province - Pannonia.
This part of Budapest (Old Buda) has several original Roman ruins including two amphitheaters, ruins of the aquaduct (waterpipe) system, Roman baths and the
largest Roman open-air museum in Hungary.
Only 12 miles away from Budapest, the village of Szentendre is the most obvious day trip out of Budapest.
Szentendre was originally settled by Serbian refugees and still retains a South Slav air, not only in the Orthodox churches and Cyrillic-inscribed monuments but also in its Mediterranean townscape. Much of the Serbian population abandoned the city in the 19th century, when it was hit by floods and crop disease.
Szentendre is a town of arts and museums. It gives home to the Hungarian open Air Museum exhibiting the folklore architecture and culture of the Carpathian basin. One of the most visited museums of the whole country, the Kovács Margit Museum where you'll have a chance to admire the artist's statues and figurines.
There are further 14 museums and art galleries acquainting visitors with the rich historical past and teeming life of arts.
It is not by chance that the quietness of the little town and the closeness of the bustling metropolis of Budapest has drawn over one hundred artists here.
Return to your awaiting ship.
INCLUSIONS:
Private car and driver/professional guide (or from 4 pax luxury Mercedes-Benz van, driver and guide) service and all entrance fees
EXCLUSIONS:
Meals and gratuities
-
Budapest- Herend and Lake Balaton Tour - 8-9 hours
**The guide will meet clients aboard their river cruise ship**
Overview:
9:30AM: Your private car and guide will pick you up at the pier to take you on a full day tour of the Lake Balaton.
The "Hungarian Sea", is the people's name for the 50 mile long lake with silky green-yellow water in the middle of Transdanubia. Lake Balaton is one of Hungary's most precious treasures and most frequented resort. It is the largest lake in Central Europe. At its center, the depth is 52.5 ft. The southern shores are ideal for small children because of the shallow water. On the north shore the water gets deeper immediately. The summer water temperature of around 80 °F is warmer than the air in the morning and in the evening. The water and the silky mud of the lake are very good remedies for nervous complaints, anemia and nervous fatigue.
Rich vineyards in the region produce an assortment of excellent wines that go very well with the delicious local food. Large numbers of inns and restaurants welcome guests. Veszprém one of the oldest towns in Hungary, lies on the banks of river Séd. People call it 'The city of queens', because it was the bishop of Veszprém, who crowned the Hungarian queens.
Exceptional treasures of Hungarian church history are to be found in this beautiful town. Walk throught the Gate of Hereoes to the fire tower, then to the Archbishop's Archives and Library in the beautiful Baroque archbishop's palace, the Gothic Gizella Chapel, the St. George Chapel and the Queen Gizella Museum. From the Castle which overlooks the city there is a stunning view of the slender St. Stephen viaduct that bridges the valley. The 'Kálmán Kittenberger' Plant and
Game Park is one of the most attractive zoos in Hungary.
Herend porcelain, loved by the British and the Austrian dynasties, has won 24 first prizes and gold medals at international fairs. The china factory was founded in 1826 and its products are made entirely by hand. More than 8000 crafted objects from the factory can be seen in the Porcelain Art Museum. The Porcelanium, a mini-workshop, demonstrates the process of making the china.
At the Apicius Restaurant and coffee shop, original Herend porcelain is used on the tables; and there is a gift shop where the visitor can browse and buy favourite pieces.
After touring Herend, we drive to Tihany, located in a national park. In the town of Tihany, we visit the ancient abbey (founded in 1011) and the almost 1000 year old tomb of King Andrew I. The old streets of Tihany are lined with thatch-roof cottages in traditional style.
Return to your awaiting ship.
INCLUSIONS:
Private car and driver/professional guide (or from 4 pax luxury Mercedes-Benz van, driver and guide) service and all entrance fees
EXCLUSIONS:
Meals and gratuities
-
Budapest- Jewish Heritage Tour in Budapest - 4 hours
**The guide will meet clients aboard their river cruise ship**
Suggested Tour:
We drive our guests to St. Stephen's Park to see the WWII Victims' Memorial in New Leopold Town - a former middle class Jewish District and then we drive back to downtown to see the World's second largest and Europe's largest Synagogue, the Dohany street Synagogue, with seating for 3000. It was built in the middle of the 19th century in Romantic style for the around 30,000 Jewish community of Pest mainly living in this part of the town. The onion domes are strikingly Oriental-Byzantine, as is the facade: the patterns in the brickwork were inspired by ancient ruins in the Middle East. But for all its exoticism, the design also expresses 19th century Hungarian Jews' aspirations toward assimilation. The twin towers evoke church steeples, and the organ inside the synagogue is a clear concession to Christian tradition. It's gigantic hall rests on cast iron columns and arches - a real architectural novelty at that time. A visit the Jewish Museum in the adjacent building is also included. The museum displays items from the 18th and 19th centuries, from both Hungary and abroad, grouped according to the holiday or occasion on which they were used.
Next to the main building lie the arcades of the Jewish Heroes' Mausoleum and Temple in memory of the thousands of Jewish martyrs who died during the Second World War and the ghetto, created here by German troops during the war.
We also show our guests the Raoul Wallenberg Memorial Garden with our beautiful Holocaust Memorial - the Tree of Life. The monument was created by Imre Varga - a well-known Hungarian contemporary sculptor. Tony Curtis has donated a million Dollars for the construction of the Monument. Our knowledgeable guides explain about the horror of the nazi occupation, the deportations and the liberation of the ghetto.
Return to the cruise ship.
INCLUSIONS:
Private car and driver/professional guide (or from 4 pax luxury Mercedes-Benz van, driver and guide) service and all entrance fees
EXCLUSIONS:
Meals and gratuities
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Budapest Shore Excursion: Private Half Day City Tour of Budapest, 4 hours
This privately guided tour shows you the major sights within on the Pest Side (e.g.the Opera House, St. Stephen's Basilica), as well the Buda Side (Castle Hill). One highlight of this tour is an inside visit of the Fishermen's Bastion and the impressive Matthias Church.
Highlights:
- Heroe's Square, Vajdahunyad Castle (outside)
- State Opera (outside)
- St. Stephen's Basilica (outside)
- Parliament Buidling (outside)
- Fishermen's Bastion (entry to upper terrace)
- Matthias Church (indoor visit)
Your private guide is always flexible and adapts the tour according to your special interests.
Tour Duration: 4 hours
Tour can operate: Morning or Afternoon
Physical Activity Level: Light
Inclusions:
- Pick up and drop off at the landing stage of the cruising ship in Budapest
- Transfer in a private car
- Private licensed English speaking guide (other languages available, but on request)
- Entrance fees for Fishermen's Bastion and Matthias Church
Not included:
- Meals
- Gratuities and personal expenses
- Entrances other than stated above
-
Budapest Shore Excursion: Private Full Day City Tour of Budapest, 8 hours
This extended privately guided full day basically covers all major sights and interesting locations within Budapest, also including inside visits of the Fishermen's Bastion, Matthias Church and the Parliament Building.
Highlights:
- Main sights, e.g. National Museum, State Opera, Heroe's Square, Great Synagogue, Central Market Hall, Gellért Hill, Citatel, Vajdahunyad Castle etc. (outside visits)
- Various Bridges above the Danube, e.g. Chain Bridge, Liberty Bridge, Elisabeth Bridge etc.
- Matthias Church (inside visit)
- Fishermen's Bastion (inside visit)
- Parliament Building (inside visit)
Your guide is always flexible and adapts the tour according to your special interests.
Tour Duration: 8 hours
Tour can operate: Full Day
Physical Activity Level: Moderate
Inclusions:
- Pick up and drop off at the landing stage of the cruising ship in Budapest
- Transfer in a private car
- Private licensed English speaking guide (other languages available, but on request)
- Entrance fees for Fishermen's Bastion, Matthias Church, Parliament
Not included:
- Meals
- Gratuities and personal expenses
- Entrances other than stated above
-
Budapest Shore Excursion: Private Half Day Tour Budapest Castle District, 4 hours
During this privately guided tour, you visit the Castle Hill of Budapest, with the Royal and Presidential Palaces, fascinating squares and medieval cobblestone streets. Highlights are inside visits of the Fishermen's Bastion and the impressive Matthias Church.
Highlights:
- Budapest's Castle Hill
- Royal and Presidential Palaces (outside)
- Holy Trinity Square
- Hess András Square
- Fishermen's Bastion (entry to upper terrace)
- Matthias Church of Our Lady (indoor visit)
Your private guide is always flexible and adapts the tour according to your special interests.
Tour Duration: 4 hours
Tour can operate: Morning or Afternoon
Physical Activity Level: Light
Inclusions:
- Pick up and drop off at the landing stage of the cruising ship in Budapest
- Transfer in a private car
- Private licensed English speaking guide (other languages available, but on request)
- Entrance fees for Fishermen's Bastion and Matthias Church
Not included:
- Meals
- Gratuities and personal expenses
- Entrances other than stated above
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11/12/2022 |
11/12/2022 |
