Depart home cities to Europe...

Welcome to Prague

Welcome to Prague, the capital city of the Czech Republic sitting on the Vltava River. Being called “the City of a Hundred Spires,” it's known for its Old Town Square, the heart of its historic core, with colorful baroque buildings, Gothic churches and the medieval Astronomical Clock. Upon arrival we will be transfered to our hotel for the next three nights to relax from our travels. Tonight, we will enjoy a welcome dinner and spend time getting to know each other. 

Touring Prague

Today we will enjoy a full day exploring this amazing city. Our local guide will share the fascinating history of this capital city as we travel to Prague Castle, which is one of the most significant and interesting sights of the Czech Republic. We will tour the wondrous complex that has been a significant national, cultural, and historical monument for Czechs, and remains a symbol of the development of the Czech state even today. This afternoon we visit the Old-new Synagogue that dates back to the beginning of the 15th century and the Jewish Museum, which is one of the best-preserved Gothic buildings in Prague.

Walking Tour and Free Afternoon

Today we enjoy a half day walking tour. Soaking in the Bohemian atmosphere in Prague's beautiful and bustling Old Town Square is a great place to begin any tour of the city. Our guide will explain the workings of the legendary 15th century astronomical clock. We will stroll slowly across the Vitava River on the Charles Bridge, and watch swarms of artists, musicians and street performers vie for your attention. This afternoon is at your leisure to enjoy the city on your own. 

Prague to Budapest

This morning after breakfast we will be transfer from our hotel back to the Prague International airport for our onward flights to Budapest to meet the rest of our group. Upon arrival we will be met at the airport by our transfer bus to the Viking ship, our home for the next week. 

Depart USA

Arrive Budapest and board  the ship, afternoon to explore the city.

Today upon arrival into Budapest make your way to the riverbank and board your home for the next week aboard the Viking Tor.  

Budapest

Your morning begins with a panoramic tour of the Pest side of the city. Journey along Andrássy Avenue and see the 19th- and 20th-century mansions, National Opera House, Parliament Building, and Chain Bridge. Drive through Heroes’ Square and learn more about Hungarian history, then cross the Danube to Buda’s Castle District. Visit Matthias Church and enjoy brilliant views of the Danube and the beautiful Hungarian Parliament building from Fishermen’s Bastion. Rejoin your ship in Visegrád for lunch as we cruise along the scenic Danube River. Enjoy a midafternoon Viennese coffee workshop, complete with apple strudel.

Vienna, Austria

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. Stephen’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 choose to join us for an optional excursion to visit Schönbrunn Palace, erected in 1778 and admired as the “Versailles of Vienna.” This evening, you might celebrate the bottling of this year’s wine vintage among the locals at a high-spirited optional Heurigen dinner.

Vienna, Austria

Today, spend time exploring Vienna. You may choose to join one of our many optional excursions, including a panoramic tour of Vienna by bike or an all-day optional excursion to the Slovakian capital of Bratislava, filled with lovingly restored baroque city palaces and leafy squares. Perhaps venture to the local Farmers’ Market with a local chef. This evening, enjoy dinner on your own or on board, after which you may choose to join us for a Mozart & Strauss concert. We are docked here overnight.

Krems, Austria

After breakfast, disembark in Krems and set off for Göttweig, a working Benedictine abbey that owns many of the vineyards along the Danube. See the splendid ceiling fresco in its imperial stairwell, one of the largest in the world. Visit the abbey church, a masterpiece of baroque architecture. Alternately, you may instead choose to explore your environs by bicycle, enjoying a ride along a riverside bike path considered one of Europe’s most scenic. Afterward, rejoin your ship and cruise leisurely through the captivating Wachau Valley, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Taste some local Austrian specialties during lunch on board, taking in views of attractive towns and castle ruins along the way. 

Passau, Germany

Arrive this morning in Passau, at the confluence of the Inn, Ilz, and Danube Rivers. Your guided walk along the town’s narrow streets takes you through Old Town and past traditional patrician houses. See the New Bishop’s Residence and view the impressive baroque St. Stephen’s Cathedral. Enjoy lunch onboard your ship, and return to the city for further exploration on your own before departing. Alternately, you may instead journey into the countryside on an optional excursion to a local farm where you will have the opportunity to join a festive Bavarian party, experiencing traditional German music and food and tasting locally brewed beer. Or, you may choose a full-day optional excursion to explore glorious Salzburg; visit the Italianate Old Town, see settings from the film The Sound of Music, and enjoy lunch at Austria’s oldest restaurant. We cruise through the night.

Regensburg, Germany

After breakfast, meet your local guide for a walking tour through the scenic town of Regensburg, considered one of Europe’s best-preserved medieval cities. See one of the largest groupings of 13th- and 14th-century church spires, towers, and patrician houses north of the Alps. You also encounter the 12th-century Old Stone Bridge, St. Peter’s Cathedral, and a number of idyllic courtyards. Take time to stroll the streets, shop, or visit Germany’s oldest restaurant, the Alte Würstküche. Lunch is served onboard your ship.

This afternoon, take an optional excursion to visit Weltenburg Abbey* and experience a short cruise through a stunning mountain pass, one of the most breathtakingly scenic bends in the Danube Narrows. Alternately, you may choose a full-day optional excursion to see the highlights of the grand city of Munich or a full-day optional excursion to Nuremberg, one of Germany’s most renowned and intriguing cities

Depart the Cruise, travel to Munich, Germany

After breakfast we disembark and start the final leg – the grand finale of your trip. We travel to Munich by way of the town, Altoetting. We will have free time to visit the baroque Parish Church and the old Chapel with the “Black Madonna”.We then proceed to Munich for lunch at the Olympic Tower followed by a guided bus and walking tour of Munich. The evening is yours to enjoy the city.

Oberammergau - Bavaria

Today we’ll depart Munich and travel into the Bavarian countryside and visit Neuschwanstein and Linderhof Castles.  These were the residences of King Ludwig II of Bavaria.  An eccentric recluse, Ludwig depleted the treasury of his country building extravagant castles and died in mysterious circumstances. Neuschwanstein seems unreal in its romantic Alpine setting and Linderhof is certainly the most elaborate “hunting lodge” you will ever see!  In the afternoon we will visit the fabulous Rococo Weiskirche—it looks somewhat plain and simple on the outside, but just wait until you see the interior. 

Oberammergau

Today we will attend the famous Oberammergau Passion Play that began in 1634.  It will act out, with music, the last week of the Savior’s ministry.  

Munich -- Home 

Bidding a fond farewell to Europe, we travel by coach back to Munich for our return flight to the U.S.A. 

TOUR ID # 922E19