Viking Grand European Tour River Cruise Review
Table Of Content
With the help of Viking reservations, I pre-reserved a driver to meet me at Budapest’s historic Keleti station. In First Class on trains in Europe, you’ll find many English-speaking passengers from North America. It was easy to strike up conversations with fellow travelers and the eight hours quickly passed. As a solo traveler and someone who doesn’t fly, it was a challenge to figure out how to get to Budapest. After one night in Munich, Germany, it was an eight hour train ride to Budapest.
Budapest to Amsterdam River Cruise With Scenic Tours
Your journey begins in the vibrant city of Budapest, the capital of Hungary and one of Europe’s oldest and prettiest cities. We'll keep you up-to-date with our latest news, travel inspiration and special promotions. Hop aboard a colorful wooden boat—which once ferried refugees across the Mediterranean—and settle into the cushions laid along the floor... While the Danube bike path may be Europe’s best-known route for bicyclists, the... The Babenbergs, a great medieval ducal family that controlled a wide swath of Austria before yielding to the Habsburgs, were the first to erect a castle on the hill above Melk, which they subsequently gave to Benedictine monks. These monks, some 900 years ago, turned it into a fortified abbey and...
“From Hops Field to Beer Stein” Farm Visit
If you have to interrupt your tour en route, you may be entitled to a refund for the unused land portion if it exceeds 24 hours; certain restrictions apply. Such refunds are based upon the number of overnights missed less a fee of $40 per person per day for unused transportation and other fixed expenses. Take a journey along Amsterdam’s network of canals or perhaps browse one of the city’s museums. Stroll through Cologne’s Old Town and see the city’s famed Gothic cathedral, a UNESCO Site.
Travel In Good Company
Find a place on the sun deck to watch the Wachau Valley drift by, marvel at the beautiful frescoes of Melk Abbey and take your time to wander the cobblestone streets of Dürnstein. Sightsee the iconic landmarks in Vienna and finish your cruise admiring the glittering lights of Budapest Parliament playing across the water. Step into a fairytale version of the Middle Ages in Rothenburg and visit a medieval castle that’s been described as a miniature Versailles. Spend a relaxing day onboard as your ship wends its way along the Main River between Würzburg and Bamberg. It’s something of a truism to say that this route takes you from wine to beer, and you’ll see the transition as you sail past the vineyard-covered slopes around Würzburg toward Bavaria’s famous beer-brewing center, Bamberg. Enjoy a delightful tour of Cologne’s Old Town, where three medieval gates remain standing, as does the old city hall with its stunning Renaissance façade.
Day 8: Changing Ships and a Detour
I decided to pass on the complimentary morning motor coach tour of the city and get some writing done. One thing to note about Vienna, river cruise ship dockage is usually too far to walk to the city center. It is walkable but most people opt for a bus into the city and some will then walk back to the river ship.
Visit the 900-year-old Melk Abbey and its extraordinarily opulent library. Today is your day to relax onboard, enjoying the luxuries of your river cruise ship while soaking in the spectacular scenery all around you as your ship heads for Vienna. Come up to the Sun Deck to admire the city’s landmarks strung along the riverbanks. From exotic Budapest, “Queen of the Danube,” to imperial Vienna, “City of Waltzes,” to the sky-high spires of Cologne’s Gothic cathedral—centuries of intriguing history and culture unfold before your eyes.
“Morning with the Masters” at the Vienna Art History Museum
If you’re more in the mood for a scenic bike ride, you are welcome to do that instead. In fact, over half of today’s population identifies as belonging to two or more cultures. Hop aboard a colorful wooden boat—which once ferried refugees across the Mediterranean—and settle into the cushions laid along the floor of the ship for a unique take on the popular canal cruise. During your 90 minute ride, you’ll listen to stories from your refugee guide that highlight the remarkable contribution of immigrants to Amsterdam over the centuries. In Amsterdam Noord, you’ll find the NDSM Wharf, a lively area known for its popular bars, restaurants, and artsy atmosphere.
Boasting a staggering 2,000-year history, Regensburg has one of Germany’s best preserved medieval town centres, with more than 900 of its Romanesque and Gothic buildings listed as World Heritage sites. Within its narrow laneways, the city lays claim to having the highest concentration of bars in the country. Regensburg is also fringed by the Bavarian Forest, home to hundreds of kilometres of hiking trails and deer, wild boar, fox and otter.
'My husband and I went on our first river cruise. Here are our honest thoughts.' - Mamamia
'My husband and I went on our first river cruise. Here are our honest thoughts.'.
Posted: Thu, 10 Aug 2023 07:00:00 GMT [source]
Day 2: Touring and Tasting Budapest
Experience the most spectacular scenery on the Rhine later in the afternoon as you cruise past the famous Middle Rhine Valley. Bavaria’s first capital, Regensburg, owes its impressive historical lineage and rich architectural heritage to 600 years as a Free Imperial City, a fact recognized by UNESCO in 2006. Today, you’ll discover how the beautifully preserved medieval city coexists with a vibrant modern urban center. Awaken to the spectacular scenery of the Wachau Valley, one of the most beautiful stretches of river landscape in all of Europe. Named for its white church, Weissenkirchen may very well be the prettiest village in the Wachau Valley. A local expert will show you around and introduce you to some regional delicacies, including a wine tasting.
Encounter the Bishops’ Residenz, a large, ornate baroque palace and UNESCO Site. Admire the patrician houses in the old town and see Passau’s ornately decorated cathedral.
Surrounded by vineyards, the city has historical buildings that date back to the 12th century, including the hilltop ruins of Dürnstein Castle, where Richard the Lionheart was famously imprisoned between 1192 and 1193. Enjoy some free time exploring this charming town before cruising towards Melk. Today in Rüdesheim board the ‘Winzerexpress’ mini train for a guided visit of Siegfried’s Mechanical Musical Instrument Museum. Board a cable car up to the Niederwald Monument, for a bird’s eye view overlooking the river.
Cruise this afternoon through the spectacular Rhine Gorge with its stunning castles and vine-covered slopes. Tonight’s SCENIC ENRICH highlights include a medieval banquet in Marksburg Castle. Set high above the banks of the Rhine, this 12th century castle is the only one in the region never to have been destroyed.
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