Visit the ancient remnants of Roman Empire outposts and the grand cities of the Habsburg Dynasty on this 15-day odyssey through Central and Eastern Europe. Hear the classic waltzes of Johann Strauss as you tour Austria and Germany. Immerse yourself in fiery Hungarian culture, admire natural wonders like the exquisite Iron Gate region, and walk along the golden-sand beaches of a Black Sea resort town. Although very old, the region is still being shaped by world events-and this itinerary shows how current restoration efforts have preserved Eastern Europe's rich cultural heritage.
Day 1Oltenita
We meet you at the Bucharest airport and transfer you to Oltenita to board your ship.* Depart late this evening. (D)
Day 2Constanta
Today, sail along the Danube to Constanta, Romania on the Black Sea coast. The oldest living city in Romania, Constanta was founded around 600 B.C. by Greek settlers, and is now a fashionable resort town. Arrive midmorning for a city tour featuring the iconic seaside casino and Art Nouveau architecture, and a stroll along Mamaia Beach, the "Palm Beach" of the Black Sea. Return aboard for dinner and evening cruising. (B, L, D)
Day 3Russe
Sail into Russe, Bulgaria during breakfast, then embark on a full-day excursion to Bulgaria's former capital, Veliko Tarnovo, where you see Tsaravets Hill and the ruins of the royal castle. During free time, shop for local crafts along Samovodska Charshia. Proceed to Arbanasi for lunch in a local restaurant and a guided tour of the Nativity Church with its intricate floor-to-ceiling murals and icons. Rejoin your ship at Nikopol/Svishtov and dine aboard. (B, L, D)
Day 4Vidin & Belogradchik
Arrive in the picturesque Bulgarian port of Vidin during breakfast, then take an excursion to see Belogradchik Fortress, built right into the striking Belogradchik Rocks, and enjoy breathtaking views. Lunch aboard is followed by free time to explore Vidin's city center, Baba Vida fortress, Orthodox churches and the ruins of the city's once-grand synagogue. Depart during dinner. (B, L, D)
Day 5Iron Gate & Kostolac
Cruise along one of the most scenic areas of the Lower Danube, flanked by enormous white chalk cliffs and spectacular scenery. The day's journey is punctuated with an excursion to Kostolac, Serbia. See the archeological site at Viminacium, a former Roman capital with wide streets, luxurious baths and an amphitheater, recently opened to the public. (B, L, D)
Day 6Belgrade
Wake up in Belgrade, capital of Serbia. Take a guided walk through the grounds of Kalemegdan Fortress, now a beautiful park; also see the Orthodox cathedral and stop at the Square of the Republic. Lunch aboard, then free time to explore Belgrade's gracious architecture or visit one of its many museums, like the Nikola Tesla Museum. Dine aboard or experience some of Belgrade's nightlife-we depart very late this evening. (B, L, D)
Day 7Osijek
Cruise along the Danube, arriving at Vukovar around noon. This afternoon's excursion takes you to the Croatian city of Osijek. Inhabited by humans since Neolithic times, this area has had several heydays under the Romans, the Ottomans and the Habsburgs; now it is a pleasant town popular for its baroque buildings, parks and monuments. Return aboard for dinner. (B, L, D)
Day 8Kalocsa
Sail into Hungary this morning, arriving in Kalocsa after lunch. Visit the House of Folk Arts, showcasing the area's time-honored farming traditions. Then, you are treated to a performance of traditional Puszta horsemanship. Return to the ship and dine during departure. (B, L, D)
Day 9Budapest
This morning's city tour explores both sides of Hungary's capital. Start in "Pest," seeing Heroes' Square, the Parliament and St. Stephen's Basilica. Cross the river and tour the Castle District of older "Buda." Walk to Fishermen's Bastion and Matthias Church. Return to your ship for lunch; enjoy afternoon at leisure-as always your Program Director can help you plan your free time. Dine aboard and cruise through the night. (B, L, D)
Day 10Bratislava
Cruise through the morning, arriving in Bratislava after lunch. Take a walking tour of Slovakia's charming capital; see its medieval fortifications, Michael's Tower, Trinity Church and St. Martin's Cathedral. Pass several Habsburg-era palaces before returning aboard for dinner. You might like to take an evening stroll in Bratislava to see the castle lit up at night and the juxtaposition of medieval and modern structures. (B, L, D)
Day 11Vienna
Today's tour of Vienna takes you to the Opera House and Hofburg Palace. Have lunch aboard; your afternoon is free to explore the city's gracious architecture and delightful cafes. Return to the ship for dinner followed by an optional evening concert of classical music. (B, L, D)
Day 12Melk & Linz
Arrive in Melk during breakfast and tour the 900-year-old Benedictine abbey to see its collection of medieval manuscripts, ceiling paintings and frescoes. Return aboard for lunch and cruise through the famous Wachau Valley, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, this afternoon. After dinner, arrive in Linz; take a walk or sample local wines. (B, L, D)
Day 13Budweis & Cesky Krumlov
Today we have a full-day excursion to two iconic Bohemian Czech cities: Budweis, with an impressive town square featuring Gothic, Renaissance and baroque buildings, and Cesky Krumlov, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. You will have free time to explore and get some lunch at a local cafe. Rejoin your ship in Linz for dinner and late departure. (B, D)
Day 14Passau
Enjoy a morning walking tour of this Bavarian town's Italianate Old City, featuring views of the Veste Oberhaus, a 13th-century fortress that served as a bishop's stronghold for several centuries. Stop in to St. Stephan's Cathedral and enjoy a concert on Europe's largest pipe organ there.? Relax on board before dinner. (B, L, D)
?Passau organ concert not available after November 1.
Day 15Passau & Munich
After breakfast, disembark and we take you to the Munich airport for your return flight.* Or, extend your journey with 3 nights in another country-Prague, Czech Republic. Stay near the Old Town and explore the landmark Prague Castle. (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.
