Imagine 15 magical days along the Rhine, Main and Danube Rivers. From Holland's windmill-studded tulip fields to Germany's fairy-tale castles, from the engineering marvel of the Main-Danube Canal to the picturesque vineyards of Austria's Wachau Valley, this epic voyage presents the highlights of Holland, Germany, Austria, Slovakia and Hungary. Savor a decadent
Sachertorte in a Viennese cafe and panoramic views of imperial Budapest-and along the way, discover the legend of the Lorelei, the ancient art of glassblowing, the music of Mozart and more. Guests who choose this voyage soon see why it is our most popular itinerary.
Day 1 Budapest
Welcome to Budapest, capital of Hungary. We will meet you at the airport and transfer you to your ship.* After boarding, the afternoon is yours to explore the city on your own-or join our "welcome walk" to stretch your legs and start getting oriented. (D)
Day 2 Budapest
The Danube River divides this Hungarian capital city into "Buda" and "Pest." Explore both parts, starting with Pest's National Opera House and historic Heroes' Square. In Buda, stroll Fishermen's Hill to Fishermen's Bastion and Matthias Church. Enjoy lunch aboard with the rest of the day to explore on your own. Return to your ship for a traditional Hungarian dinner. (B, L, D)
Day 3 Bratislava
After an afternoon arrival, you embark on a walking tour of Slovakia's charming capital to see attractions like the medieval fortifications at Michael's Tower, baroque Trinity Church and Gothic St. Martin's Cathedral. You also pass by several baroque palaces from the Habsburg Dynasty before you return to your ship and depart late tonight. (B, L, D)
Day 4 Vienna
Ride along Vienna's Ringstrasse, which replaced the city walls in the mid-19th century. You will also see Vienna's world-famous Opera House, St. Stephan's Cathedral and Hofburg Palace. Return aboard for lunch. The rest of the day is yours to further explore-as always, your Program Director can help you plan your free time. After dinner, enjoy an optional classical concert.
(B, L, D)
Day 5 Melk
Today, visit the abbey at Melk, a 900-year-old Benedictine monastery featuring Austria's finest Italian baroque architecture. See its wonderful frescoes and admire the comprehensive collection of medieval manuscripts in its library. Rejoin your ship and cruise through dinner. (B, L, D)
Day 6 Passau
On this morning's walking tour, see Passau's narrow streets and Italianate architecture, and pass the Veste Oberhaus, a 13th-century fortress that served for centuries as a bishop's stronghold. Then, listen to a concert on Europe's largest pipe organ in St. Stephan's Cathedral.? Enjoy free time and dinner aboard. (B, L, D)
? Passau organ concert not available after November 1.
Day 7 Regensburg
Arrive in Regensburg after breakfast and tour this wonderfully preserved medieval city, a UNESCO World Heritage Site including structures dating back to Roman times. Discover many 13th- and 14th-century patrician houses and see the splendid St. Peter's Cathedral. During free time, visit the Alte Wurstkuche (Old Sausage Kitchen), Germany's oldest restaurant. Cruise through dinner. (B, L, D)
Day 8 Nuremberg
During morning cruising, you may choose to attend an interesting presentation about the European Union. Arrive late morning in Nuremberg and disembark for a tour. Visit the ruins of Zeppelin Field, used in the 1930s as Nazi parade grounds, and see the Palace of Justice, site of the famous Nuremberg Trials. See the Old Town area as you walk down past the Albrecht Durer House and Main Market Square. Spend more time exploring Nuremberg, or join an optional World War II history tour including the Documentation Center Museum. Enjoy free time throughout the evening; dinner is served aboard. Ship departs in the wee hours of the morning. (B, L, D)
Day 9 Bamberg
Enjoy a tour of Bamberg, with its medieval city center, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Your walking tour includes a visit to the magnificent 11th-century cathedral, reworked in late-Romanesque style in the 13th century, and the very picturesque city hall built on a tiny island in the middle of a river. Take some free time to enjoy Bamberg and sample some of the town's distinctive smoke-flavored beer before returning aboard.
(B, L, D)
Day 10 Wurzburg
After breakfast and an interesting presentation about the European Union, tour Wurzburg's Bishops' Residenz, one of Germany's largest and most ornate baroque palaces and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Enjoy scenic afternoon cruising-or, take an optional excursion along Germany's "Romantic Road" to Rothenburg, which features a turreted city wall and lovely Gothic and baroque architecture. Rejoin your ship for dinner and evening cruising. (B, L, D)
Day 11 Wertheim
Wertheim is located at the confluence of the Main and Tauber Rivers. During your morning walking tour, experience life in a typical small German town. Stop in a bakery and a butcher shop, and learn about Wertheim's glassblowing tradition. Enjoy free time to explore before returning to your ship for lunch and an afternoon glassblowing demonstration. (B, L, D)
Day 12 Middle Rhine & Koblenz
Cruise past hilltop castles along the Rhine; this stunning stretch of the river is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. You pass the Lorelei Rock, which marks the river's narrowest point; the rock is named for a local legend about Rhine Maidens who lure sailors to their doom. This afternoon, stop to visit Marksburg, the only Rhine castle never destroyed. Rejoin your ship in Koblenz and dine aboard. (B, L, D)
Day 13 Cologne
After scenic morning cruising and lunch aboard, disembark for a tour of Cologne. Stroll through the Old Town past St. Martin's Church and visit the Dom, Germany's largest cathedral and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Enjoy free time to enjoy Cologne's atmospheric waterfront before returning aboard for dinner and evening departure. (B, L, D)
Day 14 Kinderdijk
Sail along the Rhine during the morning hours, enjoying scenic views. You may choose to try your hand at sjoelen (Dutch table shuffleboard) and sample Dutch cheeses and jenever, a juniper liqueur. Arrive around lunchtime at Kinderdijk, a UNESCO World Heritage Site; tour this fascinating network of windmills and other ingenious flood management technologies. Return to your ship for dinner as we sail toward Amsterdam, capital of the Netherlands. (B, L, D)
Day 15 Amsterdam
After breakfast, disembark and we will take you to the airport for your return flight.* Or, extend your journey with 2 additional nights in Amsterdam; take time to explore the city's neighborhoods, museums and exciting nightlife. (B)
The following meals are included:
B = Breakfast; L = Lunch; D = Dinner
*Airport meet & greet transfers included when air is purchased from Viking River Cruises. Please note, Viking can only offer air to guests traveling from the U.S. or Canada.
