Budapest
Budapest 08/04/2023
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),
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08/04/2023 |
08/04/2023 |
Visegrad
Visegrad 08/05/2023
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 Chain Bridge. Drive through Heroes' Square and 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),
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08/05/2023 |
08/05/2023 |
Budapest
Budapest 08/05/2023
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),
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08/05/2023 |
08/05/2023 |
Vienna
Vienna 08/06/2023
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),
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08/06/2023 |
08/06/2023 |
Vienna
Vienna 08/07/2023
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),
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08/07/2023 |
08/07/2023 |
Göttweig Abbey
Göttweig Abbey 08/08/2023
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),
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08/08/2023 |
08/08/2023 |
Krems
Krems 08/08/2023
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 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 onboard your ship, and return to the city for further exploration on your own before departing. Alternately, you may instead journey into the countryside on an optional excursion to a local farm where you will have the opportunity to join a festive Bavarian party, experiencing traditional German music and food and tasting locally brewed beer. Or, you may choose a full-day optional excursion to explore glorious Salzburg; visit the Italianate Old Town, see settings from the film The Sound of Music, and enjoy lunch at Austria's oldest restaurant. (B,L,D),
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08/08/2023 |
08/08/2023 |
Passau
Passau 08/09/2023
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!
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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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08/09/2023 |
08/09/2023 |
Regensburg
Regensburg 08/10/2023
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!
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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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08/10/2023 |
08/10/2023 |
Regensburg
Regensburg 08/11/2023
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!
-
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:
-
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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08/11/2023 |
08/11/2023 |
