Viking Rivers Cruises – Capitals of Eastern Europe (Austria, Slovakia, Hungary, Croatia, Serbia, Bulgaria, Romania) 17 Days

Vienna, Austria
Transfer to your ship and settle into your stateroom. Renowned as the “City of Waltzes,” Austria’s capital city of Vienna is Europe’s center of classical music. Strauss and Mozart composed many of their finest pieces here. Vienna’s musical history is matched by the elegant, graceful architecture that lines the Ringstrasse, the wide boulevard encircling the Inner City. Baroque, neo-Renaissance, Gothic-Romanesque and other splendidly styled structures, from the Hofburg Palace to the Vienna State Opera, take the breath away with their grand facades. Vienna has a more intimate side too: inviting footpaths lead through green parks and its famed Viennese cafés sweeten any stay with coffee and the city’s delectable Sachertorte.

Vienna, Austria
Vienna is considered one of Europe’s greatest cultural hubs. Its art scene has long been established with the Hapsburg’s collection of fine art, now housed at the Kunsthistorisches Museum. Today, Vienna’s modern side showcases street art murals that don the side of buildings along the banks of the Danube. Ingrained in local life is the long-embraced tradition of coffeehouses; UNESCO includes Viennese coffeehouse culture on its list of Intangible Cultural Heritages. It is considered one of life’s pleasures to while away an afternoon over an Einspänner coffee and a pastry.

Shore Excursions – Panoramic Vienna
Duration: 3 hours 30 minutes  
See the magnificent architectural highlights of one of Europe’s most elegant and romantic cultural capitals. Vienna was center of arts and intellect during the reign of the Hapsburgs and beyond. Meet your guide and drive into the city for a motor coach and walking tour, focusing on the splendid buildings on the Ringstrasse, the gracious boulevard laid out on the site of the old city walls during the mid-19th century. Imposing palaces, elegant public buildings and grand residences line this world-famous avenue. See the magnificent Hofburg Palace, winter residence of the Hapsburgs and home of the Spanish Riding School with its Lipizzaner horses. Admire the Gothic St. Stephen’s Cathedral, crowned with a gleaming spire and colorful roof tiles. And view the beautiful Vienna State Opera concert hall, its facade adorned with elaborate frescoes depicting Mozart’s opera The Magic Flute.

Shore Excursions – Vienna’s Sights Up Close
Duration: 3 hours 30 minutes      
Travel like a local as you journey by subway and on foot to view the city’s main sights. Begin with a subway ride to Karlsplatz, where you will walk by the stunning opera building and see the famed Viennese coffeehouse, Café Sacher, and Albertinaplatz. The engaging walk also takes you by the Spanish Riding School, named for the Spanish horses that formed one of the bases of the Lipizzan breed, at Josefsplatz. Continue with your guide along Kohlmarkt, home to many luxury boutiques and the acclaimed pastry shop, Demel, established in 1786. Visit the Judenplatz Holocaust Memorial and then walk to one of the oldest squares in Vienna, Hoher Markt, where the historic Ankeruhr (Anker Clock) stands. Enjoy some free time at Stephansplatz before heading back to the ship via the subway.

Vienna, Austria
Streets lined with Baroque facades and grand imperial palaces are a legacy of the wealthy Hapsburg monarchy. The Hofburg Palace complex is home to the world-famous Vienna Boys’ Choir and elegant Lipizzaner stallions that perform at the Spanish Riding School, as well as numerous museums that play host to grand masterpieces. Behind the Hofburg, the lively MuseumsQuartiers showcases Austrian art in the former imperial stables, and the city’s musical heritage can be enjoyed at incredible venues across the city, from the Staatsoper to the acoustically renowned Musikverein.

Bratislava, Slovakia
The Slovakian capital of Bratislava is filled with lovingly restored baroque city palaces and leafy squares. The Little Carpathians rise steeply in the north and the enormous hrad(or castle) perches 300 feet above the Danube, lending the city a picturesque setting. Below the castle, the Old Town boasts elegant mansions, art nouveau houses and gracious pedestrian zones. Eleven Hungarian kings and eight queens were crowned in St. Martin’s Cathedral, today a concert hall that plays a central role in the city’s rich cultural offerings.

Shore Excursions – Bratislava Walking Tour
Duration: 2 hours    
Bratislava was built on a smaller scale than other European capitals, so you will explore with ease on this excursion. Join your guide and set off along the Amber Road, tracing the ancient trade route that once linked Northern and Southern Europe. Stop to view the Gothic-style Universitas Istropolitana, the first university to have been founded in present-day Slovakia. Though it operated for only 25 years, it proved highly influential in the fields of mathematics and astrology. In the main square, admire the Roland Fountain, built in 1572 to provide water to the public. Around the square, you will see the rococo, late-baroque Grassalkovich Palace, residence of the president, and the rose-hued Archbishop’s Palace, home to today’s mayor. You will also see the outside of the Gothic St. Martin’s Cathedral, home of Hungarian coronations for more than 250 years.

Scenic Sailing: Danube Bend
Take in the natural beauty of the fabled “Blue Danube” as you pass through the Danube Bend, considered one of the most beautiful sections of the river. Cruising this 40-mile stretch through northern Hungary, you will see peaceful farmland and an ancient castle that once served as hunting grounds for royals and visiting dignitaries. As you sail the passage between the Börzsöny and Pilis Ranges, you will marvel at the steep hills draped with bucolic forests. And delight in the majestic church domes peering at the waterway from inviting villages and historic cities.

Budapest, Hungary
Riverside beauty and a vibrant cultural scene blend together in Budapest to form one of Europe’s most rewarding cities. Hungary’s enchanting capital straddles the banks of the Danube, with traditional hillside Buda on one side and modern Pest on the other. By day, stunning art nouveau buildings, stalwart castles and grand palaces set the stage for inspiring strolls and long soaks in thermal spas. By night, the shimmering lights of the Parliament building dance across the waters of the Danube, the Chain Bridge uniting it all as a dramatic centerpiece.

Shore Excursions – Panoramic Budapest
Duration: 3 hours 30 minutes 
Take in one of Europe’s great cultural capitals and see its iconic sights. Over the last few decades, Budapest has reemerged as one of the continent’s iconic cities, divided by the Danube River and connected by the graceful Chain Bridge. Meet your guide for a panoramic tour, beginning in modern Pest. Along the elegant Andrássy Avenue, admire the National Opera House. Pass Heroes’ Square, a spacious plaza of monuments and statues commemorating the Magyar state. Across the river, explore the more traditional Buda side of the city. Here, visit the Castle District with its massive hilltop castle complex, the turreted Fisherman’s Bastion and Matthias Church. From the heights of Buda Hill, take in views of the famous Chain Bridge. Afterward, enjoy free time to explore the enchanting Buda Hill Castle area at your leisure, before returning to your ship.

Budapest, Hungary
Budapest’s old town is a fascinating medieval patchwork of narrow streets and colorful houses. In the Castle District, the Matthias Church soars in Gothic glory. Adjacent, the expansive wall and seven turrets of Fisherman’s Bastion overlook the Danube, the graceful Chain Bridge and the Pest side of the river. The centerpiece of the district is the sprawling Buda Castle. Constructed in the 13th century and expanded to its current baroque splendor during the 18th century, this edifice was home to Hungary’s kings for almost 700 years.

Mohács, Hungary
Mohács is home to the annual Busójárás Carnival, which marks the end of winter and features busós—mask wearing, fur clad townsmen—parading and dancing through the town in celebration of the arrival of spring. Mohács was also the site of one of the bloodiest battles in Hungarian history, the Battle of Mohács, following the Ottoman invasion of 1526. The Mohács Visitor Center tells the story of the battle, which saw more than 17,000 Hungarian soldiers, including several notable leaders, lose their lives. The site’s mass grave was discovered during the 1970s and remains a poignant memorial to this day.

Shore Excursions – Historic Pécs
Duration: 4 hours 30 minutes  
See the historic sights of Pécs, a picturesque city in southern Hungary with a distinctly Mediterranean flair. Embark on a scenic drive by motor coach and arrive in Pécs for a guided walk to view its landmarks. Begin your stroll at Pécs Cathedral and admire the exquisite Romanesque stone carvings. Learn about the cathedral’s importance as a cultural center that illustrates the reach of Italian, German and French influences throughout Eastern Europe. You will then continue to Cella Septichora, a historic Christian burial site awarded UNESCO World Heritage status in 2000; there, you can observe paintings depicting biblical scenes along with a series of brick tombs. Afterward, head to Széchenyi Square, the city’s main plaza, where you may spend time exploring on your own. After time at your leisure, return to your awaiting ship.

Vukovar, Croatia
Vučedol culture flourished in Vukovar from 3000 to 2200 BCE, making this archaeological park one of the most important in Europe. However, the town is better known for its recent history; in 1991, Vukovar came under siege during the Yugoslav Wars, becoming the only town in Europe to have suffered such destruction since World War II. Notable buildings have now been restored, including the Eltz Manor and the Baroque Church of St. Nicholas. Vukovar’s streets are best explored on foot; the town carries the echoes of the war and stories of bravery of those who lived here.

Shore Excursions – Osijek Citadel & Vukovar’s Eltz Manor Museum
Duration: 4 hours  
Enjoy a guided walk in Osijek’s Old Town and visit the Eltz Manor in Vukovar. Set off with your guide to explore the baroque treasures and modern sights; Osijek’s citadel is home to the best-preserved and largest ensemble of 18th-century baroque buildings in Croatia. Continue by motor coach to Vukovar; known as “The Hero City,” it was heavily destroyed during the Croatian War of Independence. The city’s resilient past can be observed during a guided visit to Eltz Manor, the baroque palace first constructed in 1751 and destroyed in 1991 during the Croatian War. It was completely restored in 2011 and now houses the Vukovar City Museum, where you can view a rich and revealing collection of artifacts dating back centuries. After your tour, return to your awaiting ship.

Ilok, Croatia
Ilok’s vineyards have helped to firmly cement Croatia’s position on every oenophile’s map. For more than two millennia, the town has been producing some of the region’s finest wines, thanks to its superior soil and the climate of the surrounding hillsides. In the town, wine cellars can be found on every street, providing ample opportunity to sample a hearty vintage, and the remains of a Roman fort with evidence of a water supply system can still be seen. The 15th-century Ilok Castle presides over the medieval town, offering magnificent views of the Danube.

Novi Sad, Serbia
A European Capital of Culture, Novi Sad is Serbia’s second largest city. The Petrovaradin Fortress dominates the skyline and offers stunning vistas over the city, while the nearby historic neighborhood of Stari Grad is home to many of the city’s lively cafés, restaurants, museums and shops. Notable museums in Novi Sad include the Museum of Vojvodina, which houses collections and exhibits that showcase Serbian culture and life since ancient times. The Pavle Beljanski Memorial Collection features one of the most extensive collections of 20th-century Serbian and Yugoslav art.

Shore Excursions – The Town of Novi Sad
Duration: 3 hours    
Immerse yourself in the fascinating culture of Novi Sad during a walking tour. Meet your guide at the pier and set off on foot to explore the stunning architecture of the city. Marvel at the varied baroque, neoclassicism and seccession styles as your guide regales you with stories of its time, when the city was ruled by the Austro-Hungarian Empire. Savor the sweet and salty delight, uštipci(fried dough balls), at Novi Sad’s green market and continue through the main walking street, pausing for stops at the statue of famed Serbian poet Jovan Jovanović Zmaj and the Grand Cathedral. Visit the historic Novi Sad Synagogue, where you will enjoy a short concert performed by members of the local Jewish community. Afterward, stroll back to your awaiting ship along the famed Danube River and admire views of the imposing Petrovaradin Fortress.

Belgrade, Serbia
The Serbian capital and former capital of the state of Yugoslavia, Belgrade is one of the oldest cities in Europe. Its location at the confluence of the Sava and Danube Rivers has long made it a contested region. Throughout its history, the “White City,” as its Serbian name translates, has been destroyed and rebuilt 20 times. Fortunately, the wide-reaching citadel remains, housing the Kalemegdan Fortress, Orthodox churches, Turkish baths and green parkland. Its Church of St. Sava is one of the largest Orthodox buildings in the world.

Shore Excursions – Panoramic Belgrade
Duration: 4 hours  
See Belgrade’s monuments and architectural splendor during this enlightening tour of Europe’s most resilient city. The Serbian capital of Belgrade overlooks the confluence of the Danube and Sava Rivers. Ravaged and rebuilt 20 times in its history, many of the city’s finest buildings have been gloriously restored. Take a guided walk around the famed Kalemegdan Fortress. Its stalwart walls loom over the Old Town; impressive medieval gates enclose Orthodox churches, Turkish baths, a soaring monument to “The Victor” and more. Enjoy a stroll in the park around the fortress, taking in vistas of the river. Later, witness modern-day Belgrade during a panoramic drive and visit the Church of St. Sava, one of the world’s largest Orthodox churches. Stop in the Square of the Republic to admire the statue of Prince Michael and enjoy free time to browse stores in the adjacent pedestrian shopping area.

Donji Milanovac, Serbia
A gateway to the Djerdap National Park and home to an 8,000-year-old Mesolithic archaeological site, Donji Milanovac is one of Serbia’s hidden treasures. The Djerdap National Park stretches out along the Danube River and is famous for its sweeping views of the Iron Gate gorge, within which lies Lepenski Vir, one of the most important archaeological sites in Serbia and the oldest planned settlement in Europe. The site was discovered in 1960, unveiling several pristine sculptures representing human figures as well as tools made of bones and stones, and settlement ruins.

Scenic Sailing: The Iron Gate
Sail through one of Europe’s most dramatic natural wonders, the picturesque stretch famously known as the Iron Gate. Meander through narrow gorges that slice through the Carpathian Mountains to the north and the Balkan Mountains to the south, and marvel at the towering white limestone cliffs draped with forest. Be on the lookout for ancient remains upon the dramatic walls. On the Serbian side, Trajan’s Tablet was laid to mark the construction of a Roman military road; on the Romanian side, marvel at the enormous rock sculpture of Dacian king Decebalus.

Vidin, Bulgaria
One of Bulgaria’s oldest riverside towns, Vidin is home to the only entirely preserved medieval Bulgarian castle. Perched impressively on the riverbank, its striking pose, thick ring walls, stout towers and solid gates form a fortress known as Babini Vidini Kuli, which means Granny Vida’s Towers. Around the castle rose a fairy-tale town of 25 minarets, domes and other charming architecture of the period. Though many of these features have been shadowed by today’s city, Vidin retains its charms. Today it is largely an agricultural and trade center renowned for its wines.

Shore Excursions – Vidin on Foot
Duration: 2 hours 30 minutes    
Immerse yourself in the history and architecture of Vidin and enjoy a stroll along the famed Danube River. One of the oldest cities in Bulgaria, Vidin’s rich history is displayed in the landmarks throughout the town. The Baba Vida Fortress, a 10th-century medieval fortress, was the main defensive structure during the Middle Ages and is the symbol of Vidin. You will also witness other landmarks that exhibit the city’s glorious past; the “Triangle of Tolerance,” which includes St. Nicholas Orthodox Church, the neo-Gothic Vidin Synagogue and the beautifully preserved Osman Pazvantoglu Mosque, is a celebration of multiple faiths living harmoniously side by side. You will also be able to enjoy some free time in the town’s pedestrian zone, before returning to your ship.

Pleven, Bulgaria
Pleven is surrounded by limestone hills in an agricultural region of the Danubian Plain. It was a stronghold of the Bulgarian Empire and has more than 450 places of architectural and cultural significance. It was a key fortress during the Ottoman Empire and became an important trade center from the 15th to the 19th century. Several museums and monuments in the town are dedicated to the Siege of Pleven, fought during the Russo-Turkish War of 1877-1878. Today, the town is a major economic hub and the third largest in Northern Bulgaria.

Shore Excursions – Panoramic Pleven
Duration: 4 hours 30 minutes      
Discover Pleven, one of the most beautiful cities in Bulgaria, located on the scenic Danubian plain. Embark on a scenic drive by motor coach to the heart of the city to explore its cultural delights. Here, you will visit St. Nicholas Orthodox Church, built in 1834, and enjoy a stroll through the city’s pedestrianized district, passing Pleven’s cascading fountains. Arrive at the St. George Chapel mausoleum and enjoy a guided tour. Built in 1907 in dedication to St. George, the patron saint of soldiers, the landmark honors the Russian and Romanian soldiers who fought in the 1877 Siege of Pleven during the Russo-Turkish War. Continue to the Pleven Epopee 1877 Panorama, a monument created by 13 Russian and Bulgarian artists to commemorate the battle. After refreshments at a local Balkan restaurant, you will return to your coach and drive back to your awaiting ship.

Constanţa, Romania
On the shores of the Black Sea lies Constanța, a city steeped in history. A pleasant stroll along its boardwalk offers views over the Old Town, along which sits the iconic art nouveau building of the Constanța Casino. The towering minaret of the Grand Mosque presides over the city and a climb to the top rewards visitors with spectacular vistas over the ocean. Nearby, the Cathedral of Saints Peter and Paul is inspired by Romanian-style architecture of the 17th and 18th centuries, featuring a Greco-Roman style of pressed brick and a 114-foot-high tower.

Shore Excursions – Constanța On Foot
Duration: 1 hour 30 minutes
Unwind on the tree-lined coast of Constanța and explore the highlights of the old town during a walking tour. Visit the old town to take in some of Constanța’s cultural sights on foot. Admire the Capitolina Wolf statue and the statue of Ovid, the 155-foot-high minaret of the Turkish mosque and the Old Town Hall. Pause to admire the Orthodox Cathedral of Saints Peter and Paul, built between 1883 and 1885. During World War II, the church was severely damaged and was restored back to its former glory in 1951. After a stroll along the promenade, you will reach the art nouveau Constanța Casino and admire the views over the harbor. After time to linger over the vistas of the Black Sea, you will return to your motor coach and back to your awaiting ship.

Bucharest, Romania
After breakfast, disembark your ship and transfer to your destination. Bucharest is Romania’s cultural capital. Its original fortress, the first of many, was built to protect the Walachian state from the Turks. Today, it is a city of elegant French-style boulevards, lush gardens and green expanses, including the tranquil Bucharest Botanical Garden. The historic Lipscani district exudes the old-world charms of cobblestone alleys, inns and shops. The sprawling Palace of Parliament is the world’s largest civilian building, said to contain 3,000 rooms. Arrive and check in to your hotel.

Shore Excursions – Panoramic Bucharest
Duration: 3 hours 30 minutes  
Discover Bucharest on a panoramic drive through the Romanian capital. Meet your guide and embark on a scenic drive through the historic metropolis. Bucharest is a city of elegant French-style boulevards, lush gardens and green expanses, and around every corner you will find a link to its bountiful history. See the Romanian Athenaeum, the Arch of Triumph and the People’s Palace, and you will enjoy photo stops at several iconic historic buildings. Visit the Stavropoleos Monastery, built in 1724, and enjoy a stroll through its courtyard. Famed for its beautiful interior, admire this fine example of Brancovan architecture and intricate detail of its décor. Services celebrate its musical heritage and play Byzantine music; the church’s choir is recognized the world over and its library houses the largest collection of Byzantine music books in Romania. Take time to immerse in the tranquil surroundings before boarding your coach and returning to your hotel.

Bucharest, Romania
Communism changed the face of Bucharest and has left in its wake a city brimming with imposing socialist architecture. Dotted among today’s cityscape are wonderful art nouveau buildings, ancient churches and monasteries that were rescued from the bulldozer. From the 18th-century church Schitul Maicilor to the 16th-century Mihai Vodă Church, it is best to discover these treasures on foot. Bucharest is also home to an array of world-class museums, including the George Enescu National Museum, which features a beautiful oyster-shaped glass awning.

Bucharest, Romania
Bid farewell to your fellow guests and journey home. Or spend more time exploring, perhaps joining one of our extensions.