Viking Rivers Cruises – NEW! Rhine, Main & Danube Odyssey (5 Countries) 18 Days

Budapest, Hungary
Embark your ship and settle into your stateroom. 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.

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.

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.

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.

Vienna, Austria
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.

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.

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.

Krems, Austria
A small university town at the eastern end of the Danube’s Wachau Valley, Krems is surrounded by terraced vineyards. In its heyday, during the 12th century, Krems held even more importance than Vienna for its iron, grain, salt and wine trade. As to the latter, the city has played a long and celebrated part in the popularity of the Wachau’s wine culture; the valley’s south slopes in Krems are bathed in sunlight all day and create some of the best Riesling and Veltliner wines in the world. The city’s cobblestone streets, taverns, wine bars and coffeehouses have a timeless appeal.

Scenic Sailing: Wachau Valley
Sail through a serene tapestry of terraced vineyards, forested slopes, charming towns and castle ruins in Austria’s Wachau Valley, celebrated as perhaps the most scenic stretch of the Danube. Journey 18 miles through this vast UNESCO World Heritage Site, where the river courses through picturesque hillsides. Gaze upon the prolific grapevines and quaint wine-producing villages hugging the shores—the legacy of vintners that stretch as far back as Celtic and Roman times and an echo of the more than 30 monasteries that served as vineyards in Renaissance days.

Passau, Germany
Founded by the Celts over 2,000 years ago, Passau is one of Bavaria’s oldest cities. Known as the “City of Three Rivers,” it rests at the confluence of the Inn, Ilz and Danube rivers. The city has long enjoyed its strategic position and grew to great economic and political power because of it. The legacy of its past prosperity lives on in graceful arcades, colorful houses with rococo facades and the glorious baroque St. Stephen’s Cathedral, home to one of Europe’s largest pipe organs. Passau is also where two nations meet; it is here that the German-Austrian border begins.

Regensburg, Germany
Having escaped major damage during World War II, the picturesque town of Regensburg is one of Europe’s best-preserved medieval cities, the oldest city along the Danube and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The Old Stone Bridge, constructed in the 12th century, is a masterpiece of medieval engineering with its 16 arches. St. Peter’s Cathedral is widely considered Bavaria’s best Gothic architectural work. The old town’s Neupfarrplatz square is a cross section of history—it was once a thriving Jewish quarter, a bustling marketplace and the site of Nazi book burnings.

Shore Excursions – Regensburg Walking Tour
Duration: 1 hour 30 minutes
Witness a true medieval city untouched by World War II bombing and rich in architectural splendor. Regensburg is one of Germany’s best-preserved cities and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. To get to know this gem, explore it on foot with a local guide, who will share a personal view of the city he knows so well. See some of the city walls erected by Marcus Aurelius upon its founding. Pass the Old Town Hall and see the 12th-century Old Stone Bridge, a 16-arch marvel of medieval engineering that still carries traffic today. See the famous Alte Wurstküche (Old Sausage Kitchen), Germany’s oldest restaurant, and admire its idyllic courtyards. At the Gothic St. Peter’s Cathedral, gaze up at the Donkey Tower, a remnant of the former cathedral that was left to support this one. Marvel at the structure’s superb stained glass windows before returning to your ship at your leisure.

Shore Excursions – Historic Regensburg & Jewish Heritage
Duration: 2 hours           
Discover Regensburg during a walking tour and learn more about the city’s Jewish heritage. This tour contains all the same elements as the regular Regensburg Walking Tour but adds stops at several Jewish-related sights. Meet your guide at the pier and set off on foot, admiring Roman-era ruins and the many landmarks that date back to the Middle Ages. Continue your journey, delving into the city’s Jewish heritage, with stops at important monuments. Learn more about its history at Neupfarrplatz, in what was once the Jewish Quarter. Here, where the Synagogue once stood, is the site of a striking memorial. You will also see the former residence of Oskar Schindler, who saved more than 1,200 Jews, and the tombstones at the Old Town Hall and the Stumbling Stones memorial. These small brass plaques on the pavement commemorate the Jewish residents who died in the Holocaust.

Regensburg, Germany
Regensburg dates back to Roman times and was the first capital of Bavaria. Today, the city has a laid-back atmosphere and its warren of narrow alleys are a delight to explore. Amid its riverside streets is the small Alte Wurstküche tavern, the world’s first sausage kitchen. It opened its doors in the 12th century to serve the construction workers of the Old Stone Bridge and St. Peter’s Cathedral, making it the first fast-food restaurant ever. In line with Bavarian tradition, visits to the pub are customary for many of the locals and serve as a ritual of community life. After breakfast, disembark your ship before setting out on a relaxing included excursion.

Nuremberg, Germany
This afternoon, transfer to your next ship to begin your voyage. The second-largest city in Bavaria, Nuremberg is filled with traditional half-timbered houses and Gothic churches with intricate spires. Although nearly destroyed during World War II, the remaining medieval city walls stretch some three miles and feature original gateways and 80 original watchtowers. Nuremberg is well known historically for its metal and toy craftsmanship. But it is infamous for its role in World War II, first as the site of Zeppelin Field’s Nazi rallies and later as the site of the war crimes trials at the Palace of Justice that captured the attention of a generation.

Nuremberg, Germany
Within the medieval walls of Nuremberg, Old Town is a place frozen in time. Its rustic half-timbered houses, ornate Gothic churches and cobblestone lanes form a fairy-tale scene. Looming above all is the Imperial Castle, which hosted the coronation of Holy Roman Emperors and the exaltation and entombment of saints. Completed in 1000 AD, it was a formidable fortification and provided a central seat of power for German kings. Nuremberg became the unofficial capital of the empire for 600 years, hosting courts and the Diet, periodic assemblies that shaped policy and strategy.

Shore Excursions – Nuremberg Through History
Duration: 4 hours  
Tour one of Germany’s most renowned and intriguing cities on this included excursion. Meet your guide and drive to the Old Town, where you can delve into Nuremberg’s complex past. This medieval city is still surrounded by 14th-century walls, with many gates and watchtowers fully intact. It grew into a toy-making capital of Europe, where craftsmen also shaped metal into sculpture and carved wood and other materials into decorative crafts. See the grounds on which Nazi rallies were staged and pass the Palace of Justice, then admire the Imperial Palace, one of Europe’s most formidable fortresses. Then, stroll down the hill past half-timbered houses and browse the stalls at the Market Square. One of Europe’s most celebrated, it is famous for its gingerbread and its Gothic Schöner Brunnen, or Beautiful Fountain. Cap your tour with free time to explore on your own.

Bamberg, Germany
Founded in 902, Bamberg remains a medieval-looking city known for its symphony orchestra and rauchbier, specialty smoked beer. The city’s winding streets are filled with baroque patrician houses and are home to the stunning 11th-century Cathedral of Holy Roman Emperor Heinrich II, housing his tomb and that of Pope Clement II. Bamberg is especially noted for its Altes Rathaus, or Old Town Hall, situated on a twin-arched bridge over the Regnitz River, and for the old bishop’s houses: the 16th-century Alte Hofhaltung (Old Court) and 17th-century Neue Residenz (New Residence).

Shore Excursions – Bamberg Walking Tour
Duration: 4 hours 30 minutes      
Delve into the history of Bamberg during an informative walk to view historic sights. Join your guide and head to the medieval city center, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Pass by the magnificent 11th-century cathedral with its four imposing towers. The church was rebuilt in the late Romanesque and early Gothic style during the 13th century. Stop to admire the detailed statue of the Bamberger Reiter, or Bamberg Horseman, here. Then, see the Bamberg New Residence with its rose garden and panoramic views of the old town, as well as the picturesque Rathaus, or town hall, built in the middle of a double-arched bridge over the Regnitz River. From here, you can see fishermen’s cottages on the nearby riverbanks. Enjoy time to follow your own whims in Bamberg, perhaps sampling some of the town’s distinctive rauchbier, or smoke-flavored beer, before rejoining your ship.

Würzburg, Germany
Surrounded by Franconian vineyards, Würzburg was heavily damaged during World War II, but has since been completely restored. This prestigious university city is a jewel of baroque architecture. Its most pristine example of pomp and glory is the great Bishops’ Residenz palace, built in 1744 for the prince-bishop; his unwavering support of artists is evidenced by the sweeping staircase and magnificent ceiling frescoes by Tiepolo. Other landmarks include the medieval, statue-lined Old Main Bridge and Marienberg Fortress, originally a Celtic hill fort and later residence of the bishops. The city remains a major wine-making center, hosting Germany’s oldest and largest vineyard.

Shore Excursions – Würzburg Residenz & Walk
Duration: 3 hours     
Tour Würzburg’s Bishops’ Residenz, one of Germany’s ornate palaces and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Drive with your guide to the former residence of the Würzburg prince-bishop that was built over a 25-year period, beginning in 1719. Admire the overhead ceiling with its stunning, 6,400-square-foot “Four Continents” fresco painted by Venetian artist Giovanni Tiepolo. You will see several of the building’s ornate rooms, the colonnaded chapel and the baroque and English-style gardens lined with ornate statues. A highlight is sure to be the Mirror Cabinet. Incredibly, the entire complex was meticulously reconstructed after suffering extensive damage from World War II bombing. Afterward, continue to the Old Town of Würzburg, where a walking tour shows you the stunning Romanesque Cathedral, the Neumünster church, the market square and Town Hall, and the oldest wine bar in town.

Marktheidenfeld, Germany
Marktheidenfeld is a picturesque town situated in the Lower Franconia region of Bavaria and boasts a rich heritage that dates back to medieval times. Well-preserved, half-timbered houses line quaint streets and in its heart lies a bustling Marktplatz, or market square, that exudes character and a vibrant atmosphere. Local restaurants serve traditional hearty Bavarian fare, including delicious dishes such as Schweinshaxe (pork knuckle), Kaiserschmarrn (scrambled caramelized pancake) and the more commonly known bratwurst.

Scenic Sailing: Main River, Spessart
Journey along one of Germany’s most important waterways today, passing landscapes that embody the country’s scenic beauty and storybook charm. You will sail by quaint riverside villages, undulating farm country and the sylvan forests of the Spessart woodlands. Along the way, you just may lose yourself in the dreamy canvases of half-timbered houses, historic castles and splendid palaces. This is the Germany once ruled by dukes and brought to magical life by the imagination of the Brothers Grimm, who grew up in the town of Hanau and wove fantastic tales from these banks.

Frankfurt, Germany
Straddling the Main River, Frankfurt has been nicknamed “Mainhattan” for its skyline that resembles that of Manhattan. It is a major financial center and a rich hub of culture, history and architecture. No fewer than nine museums line the Main embankment, covering everything from art to film to ethnology. In the Roman Hill district, Frankfurt’s town hall spreads out over 11 conjoined patrician houses. Emperors were crowned in the Gothic St. Bartholomew’s Cathedral, and remnants from Roman settlements are on exhibit in the city’s Archaeological Garden.

Karlsruhe, Germany
Blending tradition and modernity, Karlsruhe is one of southwest Germany’s cultural gems. Founded as the Grand Duchy of Baden during the early-18th century, the city is home to the majestic Karlsruhe Palace, from which the city’s streets span forming a distinctive circular layout. Innovation is ingrained in the city’s DNA; it was the chosen destination to establish the world-renowned Karlsruhe Institute of Technology in 2009. Numerous museums, theaters and galleries are popular sights to explore, as well as the peaceful green spaces that offer a serene escape from city life.

Shore Excursions – Karlsruhe & Botanical Gardens
Duration: 4 hours      
Explore Karlsruhe, admiring views over the Upper Rhine Valley, the botanical gardens and important landmarks. Travel to Turmberg (“Tower Hill”) for an opportunity to gaze out over the city and the valley below. Continue to Karlsruhe, part of the UNESCO Creative Cities Network, and its botanical gardens, a picturesque oasis in the city center. Follow your guide on foot, appreciating the grand architecture, manicured grounds and exotic flora. Pass the elegant palace, as well as the Federal Constitutional Court building, en route to Market Square. Here, you will enjoy free time to explore on your own. See the Rathaus (“city hall”) and baroque-era church, as well as the city’s landmark pyramid; this memorial sits atop the former crypt of the Concordia Church, the final resting place of the city’s founder, Karl Wilhelm. Afterward, board your motor coach and return to your awaiting ship.

Strasbourg, France
The largest port on the Upper Rhine, Strasbourg is the cultural center of France’s Alsace region. Thanks to its location at the border of France and Germany, it boasts a convivial mix of cultural influences. The well-preserved old town is enclosed on all sides by the little Ill River, with sites so compact that it is easy to explore the “island” on foot. And there is plenty to explore: cobblestone streets lined with wooden houses and intersected by picturesque canals. Indulging in Alsatian café culture is central to any visit here; enjoy coffee and cake amid lovely half-timbered houses.

Shore Excursions – Strasbourg Canal Cruise
Duration: 4 hours      
Enjoy a boat ride through picturesque Petite France and discover Strasbourg’s mix of German and French culture. Take a scenic drive through the Alsatian capital’s German Imperial District and the European Quarter, home to institutions such as the European Union and the Council of Europe. Pass remarkable Renaissance architecture en route to the city center, where you will board a boat for a scenic journey through charming Petite France. Surrounded by the Ill River and crisscrossed by charming canals, the former tanner’s district is home to the Old Customs House and the bridges with their defensive towers. After disembarking in the old town, walk to Cathedral Square and view the magnificently restored Strasbourg Cathedral, one of Europe’s finest Gothic cathedrals. Enjoy free time to admire the great Gothic rosette window, beautiful red sandstone portal and remarkable astronomical clock.

Breisach, Germany
Breisach is a gateway to the fabled Black Forest region, built on a basalt rock outcropping in the Rhine plain. It is located in one of the warmest parts of Germany, across the river from French Alsace, famous for its wine growing. But Breisach, too, can boast about its wine: it is home to Europe’s largest cellars, with a storage capacity of more than 160 million liters. The most prominent landmark of Breisach is the Romanesque-Gothic St. Stephen’s Cathedral, built between the 12th and 13th centuries. Its two towers are visible from throughout the city and from the Rhine.

Shore Excursions – Breisach on Foot & the Kaiserstuhl
Duration: 4 hours      
Take a trip to the picturesque corner of southwest Germany to Breisach and the Kaiserstuhl wine region. Meet your guide at the pier and walk to into the heart of Breisach, located on the border between France and Germany, and learn about the region’s rich history, culture and viticulture. Upon arrival, you will set out on a walk through the old town, passing the town hall and the Radbrunnen tower. By St. Stephen’s Cathedral, pause to see the views over the Rhine Valley before having free time to explore on your own. Continue your journey to the Kaiserstuhl region, where terraced vineyards line the steep hillsides. Discover how the mild climate contributes to the production of high-quality wines, the reason why a scenic viewpoint is called “The Texas Pass” and how Kaiserstuhl got its name; in 996 AD, King Otto III was crowned the Holy Roman Emperor here.

Basel, Switzerland
Located where Switzerland, Germany and France meet, Basel reflects a fascinating blend of traditions. The city straddles the Rhine at the river’s farthest navigable point, and an alluring cluster of old-town buildings huddles along the riverbank. Around Market Square, guild houses recall Gothic, Renaissance and baroque splendor; the red-sandstone Rathaus, or Town Hall, is the centerpiece. More than 40 museums of art and culture lend modern polish to its history-rich streets. And there is no more refined way to sample it all than over cheese fondue or croissants.

Shore Excursions – Basel Walking Tour
Duration: 2 hours      
Tour this fascinating city where three nations converge: Switzerland, France and Germany. Basel’s Old Town is an inviting cluster of medieval buildings spread on a hilly riverbank. You will begin your walking tour there, visiting the Marktplatz, or Market Square, surrounded by guild halls of late Gothic, Renaissance and baroque styles. Admire the ornate spires of the Rathaus, or Town Hall, and the thin towers of the 13th-century Romanesque Münster, or Cathedral. Its unusually red sandstone was quarried from the nearby Vosges Mountains in neighboring France. Behind the cathedral, an open terrace affords views of the Rhine River and the traditional cable ferries that use the river’s current carry passengers back and forth. The city’s open air market runs daily here, except Sundays, and is stocked with all kinds of vegetables, fruits and flowers from the surrounding Swiss countryside. You might find a favored local treat, Basler Läckerli cookies.

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