About This Cruise
Itinerary Highlights
Passau, Germany; Linz and Salzburg, Austria; Melk and Dürnstein; Vienna, Bratislava, Slovakia; Budapest, Hungary
Included:
- Seven nights in your river-view stateroom
- All onboard meals: 7 breakfasts, 5 lunches & 7 dinners, featuring regional specialties and including Welcome Cocktail Reception & Dinner and Captain's Farewell Dinner
- Complimentary wine, beer and soft drinks with onboard dinner and lunch service
- Daily Shore Excursions - 6 included guided tours with audio headset
- Visit 4 UNESCO World Heritage Sites
- Culture Curriculum: Enjoy musical entertainment highlighting Austrian and Hungarian classics; attend lectures on Mozart and Viennese coffeehouses; learn some basics of German language; find out how Austrians make their apple strudel
- Port Charges - Included on all itineraries
- Air Taxes, Fees, Fuel Surcharges & Transfers - Included with airfare
- Internet Access - Free wi-fi, connection speed may vary
Air Options
Special airfares may be available. Please inquire for details.
Not included:
Itinerary
Note: Itinerary is reversed on certain dates.
Day 1, Passau
Arrive in Munich, then transfer to your ship in Passau. Note: Airport meet and greet transfers included when air is purchased from Viking River Cruises. After boarding, use free time to explore or join our "welcome walk" to stretch your legs and start getting oriented. (D)
Day 2, Passau
Today you will take a walking tour of this elegant town, called the Dreiflüssestadt (“City on Three Rivers”), which is situated at the confluence of the Danube, Ilz and Inn Rivers. Admire the New Bishop’s Residence and visit the impressive baroque St. Stephen’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.† This afternoon, you are free to explore Passau. See the sights and experience the local culture, or simply relax on board your ship before departure.(B, L, D)
Day 3, Linz
Wake up in Linz this morning and set off on an all-day excursion to the beautiful Bohemian town of Český Krumlov, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Ride through the scenic Czech countryside and take a walking tour featuring the lovely historic center of the city with many baroque and Renaissance buildings, dating back hundreds of years. You have some free time to enjoy Krumlov’s charming streets, filled with cafés, shops, galleries and pubs. Maybe stop for lunch in one of the many local restaurants. Return on board for dinner and a late-evening departure.(B, D)
Day 4,Krems
After scenic sailing this morning through the Wachau Valley, you will arrive in Krems. Enjoy lunch on board, then depart your ship for an exclusive visit of the splendid Benedictine Abbey of Göttweig, a working monastery for more than 900 years. You may also pay a visit to a local vineyard for a tasting before returning to your ship. Dinner will be served on board as we prepare to set sail for Vienna. (B, L, D)
Day 5, Vienna
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,” erected in 1778 and graced by a number of formal gardens, Grecian statuary, the world’s oldest zoo and Roman ruins. After dinner, relax or enjoy an optional classical concert. (B, L, D)
Day 6, Bratislava
Arrive in Bratislava this morning and embark on a walking tour of Slovakia’s charming capital with a long and fascinating history. It is the only national capital that borders two other countries, Austria and Hungary. See attractions like the medieval Town Hall complex and fortifications at Michael’s Tower, the baroque Jesuit Church and Gothic St. Martin’s Cathedral, and pass by several Hapsburg-era baroque palaces before returning to your ship. Enjoy scenic cruising this afternoon as we set sail toward Budapest. (B, L, D)
Day 7, Budapest
Today we visit highlights of the once separate towns of Buda and Pest, starting with Pest’s National Opera House and historic Heroes’ Square. In Buda, walk along Castle Hill to Fishermen’s Bastion and Matthias Church. Enjoy lunch on board your ship, with the rest of the day to explore on your own. 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 a traditional Hungarian farewell dinner. (B, L, D)
Day 8, Budapest
After breakfast, disembark and proceed to the airport for your return flight (B)
All excursions are included. Please see Itinerary.
Pre/Post-Cruise Options
More days means more to discover - with packages you can add before or after your Viking journey. Wherever your journey takes you, we offer exciting ways to see even more of the region.
Note that Itinerary is reversed on certain dates.
Pre-Extension: Prague
Begin your journey by discovering the Czech Republic’s vibrant capital, the “City of a Hundred Spires.”
- 3 nights in Prague: Hilton Prague Hotel (or similar)
Post-Extension: Budapest
Extend your time in Hungary’s legendary capital city; discover its gracious atmosphere and delightful cuisine.
- 2 nights in Budapest: Hilton Budapest (or similar)
Pre-Extension: Munich & Salzburg
Discover the historic and iconic in the Bavarian capital city of Munich and the enchanting Austrian city of Salzburg.