Budapest
Budapest 05/13/2024
Welcome to Budapest, capital of Hungary. Transfer to your ship from the airport. Airport meet & greet transfers included when air is purchased from Viking River Cruises. After boarding, the afternoon is yours to relax or do a bit of exploring; if your arrival schedule permits, join an organized walk to Budapest's famous covered market in the three-story Great Market Hall established in 1897. Return to your ship for a traditional Hungarian dinner. (D),
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05/13/2024 |
05/13/2024 |
Budapest
Budapest 05/14/2024
Today we visit highlights of the hilly Buda and cosmopolitan Pest sides of the city, starting with Pest's National Opera House and historic Heroes' Square. In Buda, walk along Castle Hill to Fisherman's Bastion and Matthias Church. Enjoy lunch aboard your ship; the rest of the day is yours to explore the city. You may wish to visit the Art Nouveau Gellért Spa, or one of the many other lavish facilities in this "City of Healing Waters". Return to your ship for dinner and evening departure. (B,L,D),
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05/14/2024 |
05/14/2024 |
Vienna
Vienna 05/15/2024
Enjoy a day of scenic cruising as you sail along the beautiful Danube toward Vienna, arriving early this evening. After dinner, relax or enjoy an optional classical concert. (B,L,D),
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05/15/2024 |
05/15/2024 |
Vienna
Vienna 05/16/2024
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 take an optional tour to Schönbrunn Palace, the Versailles of Vienna, graced by a number of formal gardens, Grecian statuary, the world's oldest zoo, and the "Roman ruin" erected in 1778. After dinner, relax or enjoy an optional classical concert. (B,L,D),
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05/16/2024 |
05/16/2024 |
Melk
Melk 05/17/2024
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),
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05/17/2024 |
05/17/2024 |
Passau
Passau 05/18/2024
Arrive this morning in Passau, at the confluence of the Inn, Ilz, and Danube rivers. Your guided walk along the town's narrow streets takes you through the Old Town and past traditional patrician houses. You'll see the New Bishop's Residence and visit the impressive Baroque St. Stephan's Cathedral with its ornate interior. Inside, you are treated to a special concert played on the 17,000-pipe organ, considered Europe's largest church organ. Enjoy lunch aboard your ship, and return to the city for further exploration on your own before departing. We cruise through the night. (B,L,D) Note: Passau organ concert is only available May 1-October 31 and is closed on Sunday.,
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!
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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
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05/18/2024 |
05/18/2024 |
Regensburg
Regensburg 05/19/2024
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),
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!
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Regensburg Jewish Heritage Walking Tour - 3 hours
Follow the traces of the oldest Jewish community in Southern Germany.
Highlights:
- Jewish Cemetery
- Schindler House, Synagogue
- Cathedral
- Document Neupfarrplatz
Tour Duration: 3 hours
Tour can operate: morning or afternoon
Wheelchair Accessible: no
Physical Activity Level: light
Inclusions:
Not Included:
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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
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05/19/2024 |
05/19/2024 |
Nuremberg
Nuremberg 05/20/2024
During our morning cruise, you may choose to attend a noteworthy presentation about the European Union. Then in the late morning you'll arrive in Nuremberg; after lunch, disembark for a tour. Visit the ruins of Zeppelin Field, the Nazi parade grounds of the 1930s, and see the Palace of Justice, site of the infamous Nuremberg Trials. See the Old Town area as you walk past the Albrecht Dürer House and Main Market Square. You can spend more time exploring Nuremberg, or join an optional World War II tour including the illuminating Documentation Center. Enjoy free time throughout the evening; dinner is served aboard your ship. We depart in the wee hours of the morning. (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!
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Nuremberg: From history to Bratwurst and ginger bread
Highlights:
Meet your experienced and fully licensed driver-guide to discuss your interests for the day before getting started
Nuremberg was one of the richest and most important 'free cities' of the Holy German Empire, whose golden age, the German Renaissance, produced such illustrious artists as the painter Albrecht Duerer, the sculptor Veit Stoß and the mastersinger Hans Sachs
Explore the old town market place and sample traditional ginger bread at the legendary local bakeries before heading to the beautiful Fountain and Church of our Lady as well as Sebaldus Church.
Stroll the alleys uphill to the Imperial Castle, affording excellent views over historic city center and passing Albrecht Duerer house along the way
Depending on interest visit sites such as the Nazi documentation centre at the former rallye grounds or the famous room 600 where the Nazi trials were held after WWII
End of tour at Altstadt brewery to enjoy a beer and original Nuremberg sausages before heading back to the ship
Tour Duration: 6 hours
Tour can operate: All day
Wheelchair Accessible: Yes
Physical Activity Level: Light
Inclusions:
- Transportation by luxury car
- Touring with one of our excellent driver-guides
- All taxes
Not Included:
- Meals
- Optional admissions and museum licensing fees
- Tipping at your discretion
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05/20/2024 |
05/20/2024 |
Bamberg
Bamberg 05/21/2024
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 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),
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05/21/2024 |
05/21/2024 |
Wurzburg
Wurzburg 05/22/2024
After breakfast, tour Würzburg Bishops' Residence, one of Germany's largest and most ornate Baroque palaces and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Enjoy an onboard lunch or join an optional journey along Germany's Romantic Road to Rothenburg, which features a turreted city wall and impressive Gothic and Baroque architecture. Rejoin your ship for dinner and an evening glassblowing demonstration. (B,L,D),
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05/22/2024 |
05/22/2024 |
Wertheim
Wertheim 05/23/2024
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),
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05/23/2024 |
05/23/2024 |
Rhine Gorge
Rhine Gorge 05/24/2024
Today, we cruise past hilltop castles along the Rhine; this stunning stretch of the river is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. We pass the Lorelei Rock, which marks the river's narrowest point; the rock is named after a legendary Rhine Maiden who lured sailors to their demise. This afternoon, we'll stop to visit Marksburg Castle, the only Rhine fortress never destroyed. Rejoin your ship in Koblenz and dine aboard. (B,L,D),
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05/24/2024 |
05/24/2024 |
Braubach
Braubach 05/24/2024
Today, we cruise past hilltop castles along the Rhine; this stunning stretch of the river is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. We pass the Lorelei Rock, which marks the river's narrowest point; the rock is named after a legendary Rhine Maiden who lured sailors to their demise. This afternoon, we'll stop to visit Marksburg Castle, the only Rhine fortress never destroyed. Rejoin your ship in Koblenz and dine aboard. (B,L,D),
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05/24/2024 |
05/24/2024 |
Marksburg, Braubach
Marksburg, Braubach 05/24/2024
Today, we cruise past hilltop castles along the Rhine; this stunning stretch of the river is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. We pass the Lorelei Rock, which marks the river's narrowest point; the rock is named after a legendary Rhine Maiden who lured sailors to their demise. This afternoon, we'll stop to visit Marksburg Castle, the only Rhine fortress never destroyed. Rejoin your ship in Koblenz and dine aboard. (B,L,D),
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05/24/2024 |
05/24/2024 |
Koblenz
Koblenz 05/24/2024
Today, we cruise past hilltop castles along the Rhine; this stunning stretch of the river is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. We pass the Lorelei Rock, which marks the river's narrowest point; the rock is named after a legendary Rhine Maiden who lured sailors to their demise. This afternoon, we'll stop to visit Marksburg Castle, the only Rhine fortress never destroyed. Rejoin your ship in Koblenz and dine aboard. (B,L,D),
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05/24/2024 |
05/24/2024 |
Cologne
Cologne 05/25/2024
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. Spend your free time enjoying Cologne's atmospheric waterfront before returning aboard for dinner and evening departure. (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!
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Cologne historic city centre
Highlights:
Meet our experienced local team member and tailor your walking tour according to your interests and expectations before getting started
Founded by the Roman General Agrippa in 38 B.C, Cologne has a rich Roman and medieval past.
The tour will take you to the most important ancient Roman sites, which include: Remnants of the governor's palace, complete with vaulted Roman sewer, Ruins of a Roman villa, Two-story tomb of Poblicius from 40 A.D., Roman graveyard and vestiges of the ancient stone defences
Visit Cologne's towering landmark, the Cathedral (Dom), a masterpiece of High Gothic architecture and one of the largest cathedrals in Europe
Highlights include the 13th century Reliquary of the Three Kings by Nicholas de Verdun; the 10th century Gero-Crucifix, believed to be the western world's oldest monumental cross, and the luminous Adoration of the Magi triptych by Stephan Lochner (15th century)
See the 14th century Gothic town hall, a Jewish bathing house from 1170 and 'Overstolzenhaus’, Cologne's oldest and finest patrician residence with its steep gables and round arches when strolling the charming pedestrian zone
If of interest visit the Roman-Germanic Museum or Museum Ludwig, the city's famous gallery of 20th century highlights
End your tour at one of the many traditional brewery-style restaurants that dot the city and try a fresh ‘Koelsch’ the famous beer from Cologne before heading back to the ship
Tour Duration: 4 hours
Tour can operate: All day
Wheelchair Accessible: Yes
Physical Activity Level: Light walking tour
Inclusions:
- Touring with one of our excellent local insiders
- Cathedral licensing fee
- All taxes
Not Included:
- Meals
- Optional admissions
- Tipping at your discretion
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05/25/2024 |
05/25/2024 |
Kinderdijk
Kinderdijk 05/26/2024
We sail along the Rhine during the morning hours, enjoying scenic views. Spend your morning enjoying some popular Dutch diversions: sample Dutch cheeses and jenever, a distilled juniper liquor, and try your hand at sjoelen (Dutch table shuffleboard). After lunch, your ship arrives in Kinderdijk, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, for an afternoon tour of this ingenious network of windmills and other flood management devices. You learn why the windmills were built and see how they work, plus you enter a working windmill for a tour of its mechanisms and living quarters. Board your ship for departure and dinner. Arrive in Amsterdam after midnight. (B,L,D),
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05/26/2024 |
05/26/2024 |
Amsterdam
Amsterdam 05/27/2024
After breakfast, disembark and proceed to the airport for your return flight. Airport meet & greet transfers included when air is purchased from Viking River Cruises. Or, extend your journey with two additional nights in Amsterdam; take time to explore the city's neighborhoods, museums, and exciting nightlife. (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!
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Amsterdam: An Introduction to Amsterdam – 4 hours
Meet your driver at the Port in Amsterdam for a private transfer to the city centre where your guide is waiting to meet you for a walking tour of this beautiful city. Begin at Dam Square, bordered by the Royal Palace and enjoy wonderful views of the canals and gabled houses of the mercantile quarter before visiting the house in which Anne Frank wrote her celebrated diary during the last war*. After your tour, transfer in the comfort of your own private vehicle back to your ship.
*tickets for the Anne Frank House sell out very quickly and are subject to availability. Guides are not allowed to accompany you into the house itself, but will be waiting for you at the end of your visit (approx. 45-90 mins)
Highlights:
Tour Duration: 4 Hours
Tour Can Operate: Morning/ Afternoon
Wheelchair Accessible: Please enquire for more information
Physical Activity Level: Light
Inclusions:
- Private transport by luxury car or minivan
- An expert local guide for 4 hours
- Entrance fees to all sights and museums
- All taxes
Exclusions:
- All cruise travel, personal items, meals and associated costs
- Gratuities
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Amsterdam: Highlights of Amsterdam - 8 Hours
Spend the day exploring Amsterdam in the hands of your expert guide. You are met at the port and transferred to Dam Square where your morning’s walking tour includes the notable Royal Palace. Admire the views of the canals and the gabled houses of the Canal Ring district, where you will visit the house in which Anne Frank wrote her celebrated diary during the last war*.
After lunch explore the beautifully-restored Rijksmuseum, to admire the stunning collection of masterpieces from the seventeenth-century Golden Age, including works by Rembrandt and Vermeer. No visit to Amsterdam would be complete without seeing the delightful Van Gogh Museum, home to many of his famous works as well as those of other Impressionists and Post-Impressionists.
*tickets for the Anne Frank House sell out very quickly and are subject to availability. Guides are not allowed to accompany you into the house itself, but will be waiting for you at the end of your visit (approx. 45-90 mins)
Highlights:
- Visit Anne Frank's House
- Explore the Van Gogh Museum
Tour Duration: 8 Hours
Tour Can Operate: Morning/ Afternoon
Wheelchair Accessible: Please enquire for more information
Physical Activity Level: Light
Inclusions:
- Private transport by luxury car or minivan
- An expert local guide for 8 hours
- Entrance fees to all sights and museums
- All taxes
Exclusions:
- All cruise travel, personal items, meals and associated costs
- Gratuities
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Amsterdam: The Three Sisters, Delft & Den Haag - 8 Hours
You are met at Amsterdam port for a full-day excursion outside of the city. Head south into the countryside for a photo opportunity at the impressive Three Sisters Windmills in Stompwijk. As over a third of the Netherlands lies below sea level, windmills were initially designed to pump vast amount of water out, thus protecting land from flooding. Today, these silent giants draw many visitors every year for their charming appearances.
From here, you travel on to Delft, world-renowned for its famous blue and white pottery and one of the most beautiful towns in the Netherlands. Take in the town’s architectural gems and charming ambience, which are best appreciated by walking along its small canals with their graceful humpbacked bridges.
Following this, enjoy a privately-guided tour at the Royal Delft Experience, where a painter shares the passion behind the production of this stunning 17th-century earthenware during a special demonstration.
After lunch at leisure, you continue to the Hague, the home of the Dutch Royal Family and the administrative capital of the Netherlands; walk the Inner court past the Government buildings and take the opportunity for a photo stop at the International Court of Justice. You may like to visit the Mauritshuis Museum, which holds one of the world's finest collections of paintings, including Rembrandt, Steen, Hals, Rubens and Van Dyck, or you may choose to visit the Panorama Mesdag, which hosts the Panorama, one of the largest canvas paintings in the world (subject to opening times).
On your return journey, stop at Scheveningen beach for some spectacular views before continuing back. (8 hours, driver and guide)
Highlights:
- Witness the majestic windmills known as the Three Sisters
- Delve into Delft's artistic heritage
Tour Duration: 8 Hours
Tour Can Operate: Morning/ Afternoon
Wheelchair Accessible: Please enquire for more information
Physical Activity Level: Light
Inclusions:
- Private transport by luxury car or minivan
- An expert local guide for 8 hours
- Entrance fees to all sights and museums
- All taxes
Exclusions:
- All cruise travel, personal items, meals and associated costs
- Gratuities
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05/27/2024 |
05/27/2024 |
