Viking River Cruises

Eastern European Odyssey

Itinerary Overview

Admire the grand cities of the Hapsburg Dynasty and the ancient remains of Roman Empire outposts as you make this 14-night odyssey to Eastern Europe. Immerse yourself in fiery Hungarian culture and discover the wonders of Strauss and his classic waltzes. You’ll savor the unique cuisine of a region still being shaped by current events, revel in the natural beauty of the Danube’s exquisite Iron Gate region and explore the Black Sea’s coast. See firsthand how current restoration efforts have preserved the region’s rich historical, architectural and cultural heritage.

What's Included

• 15-day/14-night cruise with river-view, outside cabin onboard deluxe Viking Neptune
• 12 tours with private, English-speaking guides: Budapest; Pecs; Belgrade; Bucharest; Constanta; Russe/Veliko Tarnovo & Arbanasi; Belogradshick; Baile Herculane; Novi Sad; Dakovo/horse show; Kalocsa/Puszta; Danube Bend
• All meals: 14 breakfasts, 10 lunches and 14 dinners, plus 3 lunches in local Romanian or Bulgarian restaurants
• Private motorcoach for all coach excursions
• Welcome Cocktail & Farewell Dinner
• Old World Highlights: Port lectures by your knowledgeable Cruise Manager, apple strudel making demonstration, Hungarian folkloric entertainment and a traditional Lipizzaner horse show
• Individual port guides for on-your-own exploring
• Onboard currency exchange services
• All port charges included

Ship

Detailed Itinerary

This enchanting and exotic capital of Hungary straddles the banks of the Danube and is divided into two distinct parts, traditional Buda and more modern Pest. Budapest is aptly called "Paris of the East," for its beautiful evening illumination and reflected lights in the Danube's waters. The old city features amazing examples of architecture such as Buda Castle, the baroque Parliament building, Chain Bridge and Matthias church, where the coronation ceremonies of Hungarian Kings were held. Gellert Hill, high above the city, offers not-to-be missed views.

Pecs is best known for its city symbol, the Mosque Church, which is the largest building from the Turkish occupation that still stands in Hungry. Pecs is home to several museums including the Victor Vasarely Museum and the Zsolnay Porcelain Exhibit.

Situated at the confluence of the Sava and Danube rivers, Belgrade is one of the oldest cities in Europe. Since ancient times it has been an important city as it is the point of intersection between the roads of Eastern Europe and Western Europe. The only remains of Belgrade's ancient history is the Kalemegdan fortress. Other highlights are the Cathedral and St. Sava Temple.

A spectacular narrow gorge between the Carpathian and Balkan Mountains, the Iron Gate is one of Europe's most dramatic natural wonders. In 1972, a hydroelectric dam was completed aiding in river navigation.

Nicknamed "Little Paris of the East," Bucharest is Romania's cultural capital. Noteworthy buildings include the Palace of Justice, Arch of Triumph and Antim Monastery. The first written appearance of the name Bucharest, "Bucharesti" dates from 1459, when it was recorded in a document of the ruler of Walachia, Vlad III the Impaler. The fortress of Bucharest, the first of many fortifications, was built to protect the Walachian state from the Turks. Bucharest developed rapidly as the main economic center of Walachia and became the capital in 1659.

Constanta is Romania's second largest city and is the country's main harbor on the Black Sea. Many spa towns and beach resorts surround the beautiful city. Constanta began as a Greek colony 2,500 years ago and later became a Roman colony, named for the Emperor Constantine. A number of ruins can be seen in the center of town. The city is approximately 182 sea miles far from Bosphorus and about 85 sea miles far from the town of Sulina where the Danube flows into the Black Sea.

Russe is Bulgaria's largest river port. The town began as a fortified Roman harbor called "Sexantaprista" (Sixty Ships) in the 1st century B.C. and was later destroyed by barbarians in the 7th century. The Ottomans built a new town, Roustchouk, which bore the names of Cherven and Roussè. Under the Turks, the town became an established trade center and a vital military base with a fortress. The Ruse-Varna railway, built in 1866, greatly contributed to the growth of the town as well. Highlights include the Opera House and ancient Orthodox Church.

One of Bulgaria's oldest riverside towns, Vidin houses the only medieval Bulgarian castle that is entirely preserved. The Bulgarian fortress dates back to the 13th century and is called "Babini Vidini Kuli" (Granny Vida's Towers). Vidin is largely an agricultural and trade center, renowned for its wines.

Orsova, at the bank of the "Iron Gate", is famous for its ancient medicinal springs evidenced by many Roman baths. Today "Hercules Spa" is still revered and serves as a modern-day resort.

A pleasant modern university town with a Hungarian background, Novi Sad is blessed with superb museums, most famous being the Museum of the Revolution and the Museum of Painting, and Museum of Archaeology. The 18th century Petrovaradin Citadel also offers walks along its majestic fortress walls and grants a spectacular view of the surrounding countryside.

Vukovar, located in Croatia, has a population of about 20,301. It is located at the confluence of the Vuka river into the Danube and is the center of the Vukovar-Srijem county. Vukovar is the largest Croatian town and river port on the Danube. Its economy is based on farming, viticulture, livestock breeding, textile and food-processing industry. Among interesting pieces of architecture in the area are the Eltz Castle from the 18th century, Baroque buildings in the centre of the town, the Franciscan monastery, the parish church of St. James, and the Orthodox church of St. Nicholas, the birth house of the Nobel prize winner Lavoslav Ružicka. Outside the town, on the banks of the Danube toward Ilok, lies a notable archaeological site, Vucedol. The ritual vessel called the Vucedol Dove (vucedolska golubica) is considered the symbol of Vukovar. Vucedol is also a well-known excursion destination, frequented by anglers and bathers, especially the beautiful sand beach on Orlov Otok (Eagle's Island).

More than 1,000 years old, Kalosca is a quaint town filled with culture. Famous for its paprika, more commonly known as "red gold," the town boast's the world's first Paprika Museum. A cultural center, Kalosca is a great place to see world-renowned Hungarian crafts. Points of interest include the House of Folk Arts and the beautiful cathedral.

This scenic port town was the capital and royal residence of early Hungarian kings. St. Stephen, Hungary's first king, was crowned here in 1000. The city contains a number of monuments and museums that highlight its historic past. The town's great cathedral overlooks the Danube River. This cathedral, modeled after St. Peter's in Rome, it is the largest in Hungary. Nearby lies the Serbian-founded city of Szentendre with its many baroque buildings, museums, and artists' colony.

This capital city of Austria is filled with green parks, elegant stores, theatres and gracious boulevards. Known as the "City of Waltzes," Vienna is considered the center of classical music, where Strauss, Beethoven and Mozart composed many of their finest pieces. Any visitor to Vienna should be sure to stop in one of the city's famous cafes to taste the delectable Sacher Torte. Noted landmarks include the impressive Hofsburg Palace, Vienna Opera House, and lavish Schönbrunn Palace, the preferred residence of the Hapsburgs.

Cost of This Itinerary

The least expensive cabin costs:
$257 per person per night in low season and
$271 pp pn in high season

The most expensive stateroom costs:
$364 per person per night in low season and
$378 pp pn in high season