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 Amsterdam
Arrive in Amsterdam, capital of the Netherlands. We meet you at the airport and transfer you to your ship.* After boarding, the afternoon is yours to explore the city on your own. If your arrival schedule permits, you may enjoy an organized trip to the Anne Frank House. (D)
Day 2 Kinderdijk
This morning, sail to Kinderdijk, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, where you tour this fascinating network of windmills and other ingenious flood management technologies. After lunch aboard, enjoy an afternoon of sjoelen (Dutch table shuffleboard) and sample Dutch cheeses and jenever, a juniper liqueur. Cruise through the night. (B, L, D)
Day 3 Cologne
You have a morning tour of Cologne, including a visit to the Dom, Germany's largest cathedral and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. After your tour, spend the rest of the day and evening exploring Cologne on your own-there are Roman ruins, interesting neighborhoods and wonderful museums like the Fragrance Museum and the Chocolate Museum. As always, your Program Director can help you plan your free time. Lunch and dinner are served aboard; we depart at midnight. (B, L, D)
Day 4 Koblenz & Middle Rhine
Cruise past hilltop castles along the Rhine, stopping in Koblenz to visit Marksburg, the only Rhine castle never destroyed. After your tour, continue cruising; this stunning stretch of the Rhine 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. Lunch and dinner served aboard. (B, L, D)
Day 5 Miltenberg
The morning is spent sailing along the beautiful Main River as it winds its way through the Spessart region. After lunch, stop in Miltenberg, known for its half-timbered houses, including the oldest inn in Germany. You have a walking tour and some free time to explore. Back on board, learn about the region's glassblowing traditions during a live demonstration; you also have the opportunity to learn some useful German words and phrases. Sail through the night to Wurzburg. (B, L, D)
Day 6 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 instead of touring Wurzburg, take an optional full-day 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 7 Bamberg
Sail through the morning; after lunch, we visit 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 8 Nuremberg
After breakfast, disembark in Nuremberg. 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. This afternoon, spend more time exploring Nuremberg, or join an optional World War II history tour including the Documentation Center Museum. Enjoy free time; depart just before dinner. (B, L, D)
Day 9 Regensburg
Arrive in Regensburg in the late morning; after lunch, 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. Dinner is served aboard before our evening departure. (B, L, D)
Day 10 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.? Take some time this afternoon to explore Passau before returning aboard to cruise through the scenic Schlogener Schlinge, a sort of hairpin turn in the river. (B, L, D)
? Passau organ concert not available after November 1.
Day 11 Melk & Durnstein
After lunch, visit the abbey at Melk, a 900-year-old Benedictine monastery featuring Austria's finest Italian baroque architecture. Rejoin your ship; cruise through the spectacular Wachau Valley this afternoon. After dinner, you have free time to explore Durnstein. You can see Kuenringer Castle, or sample some local vintages from this famous wine-producing region. (B, L, D)
Day 12 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 Vienna's many cafes and museums; you could visit the home of your favorite classical composer. After dinner, enjoy an optional classical concert. (B, L, D)
Day 13 Bratislava
Arrive early and 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 for an afternoon of scenic cruising. Late tonight, arrive in Budapest. (B, L, D)
Day 14 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 farewell dinner. (B, L, D)
Day 15 Budapest
After breakfast, disembark and we will take you to the airport for your return flight.* Or, extend your journey with 3 nights in Prague, Czech Republic, where you tour Old Town landmarks and 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.
