Danube Waltz 2013 (Passau to Budapest)

Day 1 Passau
Arrive in Munich, then transfer to your ship in Passau.* 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. You will see the impressive Veste Oberhaus, a 13th-century fortress that served as a bishop’s stronghold for several centuries. This afternoon, you are free to explore Passau. See the sights and experience the local culture, or simply relax on board before dinner.(B,L,D)

Day 3 Linz & Salzburg
Today’s activity is an excursion to the legendary Austrian city of Salzburg, known as the location for the film, The Sound of Music. Ride through the scenic Austrian countryside to Salzburg’s Old Town area, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and take a walking tour featuring the birthplace of Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart and the Hohensalzburg Fortress just above the city center. Take free time to explore Salzburg’s narrow cobbled streets and colorful buildings and get lunch in one of the charming cafés; return aboard for dinner and a late-evening departure.(B,D)

Day 4 Melk & Dürnstein
This morning, visit the 900-year-old abbey at Melk, a Benedictine monastery that was originally one of Leopold II’s castles. See its spectacular wall and ceiling frescoes, note the library’s comprehensive collection of medieval manuscripts, and admire the graceful spiral staircase. After lunch aboard, we stop at the picturesque Wachau Valley town of Dürnstein, where you can explore on your own, sample some local vintages from this famous wine-producing region, or join an optional walking tour of the town’s highlights. Dine aboard as you depart.(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, graced by a number of formal gardens, classical statuary, the world’s oldest zoo and the “Roman ruin” erected in 1778. 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—the only national capital that borders two other countries, Austria and Hungary—with a long and fascinating history. See attractions like the medieval Town Hall complex and fortifications at Michael’s Tower, baroque Jesuit Church and Gothic St. Martin’s Cathedral, and pass by several Habsburg-era baroque palaces before returning to your ship for lunch and departure. Enjoy relaxing Danube cruising; sail into Budapest late this evening.(B,L,D)

Day 7 Budapest
Today we visit highlights of both the older “Buda” and more cosmopolitan “Pest” sides of the city, starting with Pest’s National Opera House and historic Heroes’ Square. In Buda, walk along Fishermen’s Hill to Fishermen’s Bastion and Matthias Church. Enjoy lunch aboard with the rest of the day to explore on your own—you may wish to visit the Art Deco 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.* Or, extend your journey with 2 additional nights in Budapest, giving yourself more time to explore the Hungarian capital.(B)

This 8-day itinerary takes you through four of Europe’s most enchanting countries—Austria, Germany, Hungary and Slovakia—along the storied Danube River. Explore Budapest’s imperial and Art Nouveau delights, and take a comprehensive tour of beautiful Bratislava’s baroque and Gothic buildings and fountains. In Austria, discover why Vienna is “the waltz capital,” sail through the spectacular Wachau Valley, and explore the cobblestone streets and charming town squares of Dürnstein. And in Germany, admire Passau’s ancient fortress and Italianate architecture. Includes a tour of the 900-year-old baroque Benedictine abbey at Melk and a full-day excursion to the scenic city of Salzburg.

• Daily Shore Excursions: 6 included guided tours.
• Included Meals All onboard meals: 7 breakfasts, 5 lunches & 7 dinners.
• Visit 4 UNESCO World Heritage Sites.
• Port Charges Included on all itineraries.
• Air Taxes, Fees, Fuel Surcharges & Transfers Included with airfare.
• Complimentary Beverages, Wine, beer, & soft drinks with onboard lunch and dinner.

River-view stateroom onboard Viking Embla, Viking Legend, Viking Prestige, Viking Sky, Viking Skadi, Viking Magni or Viking Tor

Pre-Extension: Prague
3-night pre-extension - $699 per person

Begin your journey by discovering the Czech Republic’s vibrant capital, the “City of a Hundred Spires.” Three nights at the Hilton Prague (or similar), daily breakfast, panoramic city tour and the services of a Viking host are all included.

Post-Extension: Budapest
2-night post-extension - $399 per person

Extend your time in Hungary’s legendary capital city; discover its gracious atmosphere and delightful cuisine. Two nights at the Hilton Budapest (or similar), daily breakfasts and hotel/ship transfer are included along with the services of a Viking host.

• Passau organ concert is only available May 1-October 31 and is closed on Sunday.
• Cabin upgrades are available.
• Celebrate the Season with Thanksgiving Cruises: Sailing dates between November 1 and November 28 will include a traditional Thanksgiving feast served on board. This celebration of fine food features succulent turkey with caramelized vegetables grown in Germany’s market gardens; clementines poached in red wine from vineyards in Austria’s Wachau Valley; pumpkin pie made with pumpkins grown in northern France; and more!
• The Magic of European Christmas: Sailing dates between November 30 and December 24 will include Christmas markets. Here, the spirit and romance of the holidays come alive with the scent of gingerbread and the tunes of traditional carols around every corner. Whichever Christmas markets you visit, you’ll enjoy a wonderful feast of tasty treats, as well as dozens of stalls brimming with unique and inspiring handcrafted gifts.
• Airport meet & greet transfers included when air is purchased from Viking River Cruises. Viking can only offer air to guests traveling from the U.S. or Canada.
• Please ask your Vacations To Go travel counselor for more information

* The prices shown are U.S. dollars per person, based on double occupancy, and subject to availability. Prices quoted for land/cruise arrangements are subject to increase without notice. Once we have received your deposit, land/cruise prices are guaranteed. Air prices quoted via phone or email are subject to increase and are guaranteed only from the time that full payment is received. Also, air prices or air promotions mentioned on this site or on the phone do not include baggage fees imposed by airlines. Sorry, we are unable to offer air from countries other than the U.S. However, for those international customers who are able to arrange their own transportation to the trip origination city, we are able to offer the land/cruise portion of the package, at the price quoted.