Viking River Cruises

A European Adventure

Itinerary Overview

Explore the heart of Europe as you embark on a 12-night adventure that traverses the legendary Rhine and beautiful Main and Danube Rivers. Your journey will take you through the incredible Main-Danube Canal, which allows continuous navigation from the North Sea to the Black Sea. You’ll cruise past some of Europe’s loveliest countryside as you make your way to historic regions of Austria, Germany and Holland. Here you’ll enjoy the breathtaking landscapes and fine wines of Austria’s scenic Wachau Valley, the dazzling elegance of Vienna and the Old World ambiance of Amsterdam. When visiting Cologne, be sure to explore the city’s monumental Gothic Cathedral. In Nuremberg, discover the city's World War II history. And round out your cruise with the beautiful baroque abbey at Melk.

What's Included

• 12-night cruise with river-view, outside cabin onboard deluxe Viking Sky, Viking Neptune or Viking Spirit
• 13 tours with private, English-speaking guides: Vienna; Melk/Benedictine abbey; Passau/organ concert; Regensburg; Nuremberg; Bamberg; Würzburg/Residenz; Rothenburg/Romantic Road; Wertheim; Mainz/Gutenberg Museum; Rüdesheim/Music Museum; Cologne/Cathedral visit/brewery visit; Amsterdam canal cruise/ Rijksmuseum
• All meals: 12 breakfasts, 10 lunches and 12 dinners, plus 1 lunch in a local Franconian restaurant
• Private motorcoach for all coach excursions
• Welcome Cocktail & Farewell Dinner
• Old World Highlights: Port lectures by your knowledgeable Cruise Manager, glassblowing and apple strudel making demonstrations and Bavarian folkloric entertainment
• Individual port guides for on-your-own exploring
• Onboard currency exchange services
• All port charges included

Ship

Detailed Itinerary

Capital of the Netherlands, Amsterdam is renowned for its magnificent museums, colourful gardens, abundance of bicycles and endless lattice of canals. A scenic canal boat ride is an excellent way to enjoy views of the amazing architecture of Amsterdam's Golden Age. This 800-year-old city is also famous for the Rijksmuseum, which houses works by Rembrandt and other Dutch Masters. Other highlights include the famous Anne Frank's house where she penned her poignant Diary chronicling her days in hiding during World War II.

An intriguing mix of old and new, Cologne's Roman heritage is evident from the city layout and ancient ruins that lie scattered through the town. Cologne's modern plazas and the Hohe-Strasse, a pedestrian-only shopping zone, provide shopping, lively bars and enticing German restaurants. The world-famous Eau de Cologne toilet water is manufactured here. Of particular note is the city's 14th century Dom Cathedral, the largest in Europe, and a stunning example of the height of gothic artistry. Spared Allied bombing during World War II, the Cathedral's lacy spires are visible from miles around, and the stained-glass windows exemplify the craftsmanship of medieval artisans.

Located on the Rhine River, Rüdesheim is the chief center of the Rhine wine industry. The famed Drosselgasse, a tavern-lined, cobblestone street, attracts locals and visitors alike. Half-timbered medieval houses, narrow streets, and old inns give the town the flavor of the Middle Ages. Visitors to the town may wish to see the 9th century Bromserburg, the oldest castle on the Rhine or Seigfried's Mechanical Music Museum housing one of the world's largest collections of self-playing instruments.

Located in the heart of the Rhine wine region, Mainz has played many historic roles. Due to its favorable location on the mouth of the Main River and being close to the mouth of the Nahe River, Mainz gained economic and political strength. Under Roman rule, it served a key part of the Roman Empire's northern defenses and during the Middle Ages, it served as a major trade center. Later, Mainz became home to printing pioneer Johannes Guttenberg. Learn more about the invention of the printing press with a visit to the World Museum of Printing or enjoy the Roman-Germanic Museum, the Natural History Museum and the Museum of Historical River Navigation. Visit beautiful St. Stephen's Cathedral featuring Chagall's world-famous stained-glass windows or enjoy a local wine in a cozy tavern.

Situated at the confluence of the Main and Tauber Rivers, Wertheim is a charming town filled with history. In the 12th century, the Dukes of Wertheim built a castle at this strategic spot. The castle's impressive ruins are witness to the importance of the Dukes of Wertheim. Points of interest include the historical Pointed Tower that has guarded the junction of the Main and Tauber Rivers for 800 years, and the Town Hall built in 1540. Known as a successful merchants' town during the Middle Ages, today Wertheim is famous for its Franconian wines.

Surrounded by Franconian vineyards, Würzburg was heavily damaged during World War II, but has since been completely restored. Here is Germany's most pristine example of baroque architecture, the great Residenz, built in 1744 by the Prinz-Bishops. Its sweeping staircase and amazing ceiling frescos by Tiepolo survived wartime bombs. Other landmarks include the medieval statue-lined Main Bridge and the Marienberg fortress, originally a Celtic hill fort and later residence of the bishops. The round 8th century church within the courtyard of the fortress is one of Germany's oldest churches.

Rothenburg - Romantic Road excursion

A charming town with a medieval aura, Rothenburg ob der Tauber lies above a deep valley of the Tauber River along Germany's scenic Romantic Road between Würzburg and the Bavarian Alps. Encircled by towered walls, the city is considered one of Germany's best-preserved villages. According to legend, during the Thirty Years' War, the town was spared destruction by the invading Catholic army when the ex-mayor achieved the mighty task of draining a 3.5-liter tankard of wine in a single draught. Der Meistertrunk, this epic drinking feat that saved the town, is commemorated each year.

The second largest city in Bavaria, Nuremburg is filled with gothic churches and traditional half-timbered houses. Although nearly destroyed during World War II, the protective city walls still feature some of the ancient moats, tall watchtowers and grand gateways. Nuremberg was long known for its metal and toy craftsmanship, and the city's modern historical significance can be traced to its role as the location for the post-World War II war crimes trials of the Nazis at the Palace of Justice. These trials were immortalized in the 1961 film, Judgment at Nuremberg.

Having escaped major damage during World War II, the picturesque town of Regensburg, is one of Europe's best-preserved medieval cities and the oldest city along the Danube. Its history dates back to its founding by Marcus Aurelius, more than 2,000 years ago. Amidst its many architectural highlights to see are the Old Stone Bridge, constructed in the 12th century, and St. Peter's Cathedral with its single remaining romanesque tower around which the new gothic cathedral was constructed.

Set at the confluence of Inn, Ilz and Danube Rivers, enchanting Passau is home to charming cobblestone streets, elegantly colored building facades, and graceful arcades. Founded by the Celts more than 2,000 years ago, it is one of Bavaria's oldest cities. Passau's baroque St. Stephan's Cathedral houses the world's largest church organ with more than 17,000 pipes, which is still used for concerts today.

Linz - Free time

Linz was the setting for Lentia, the Roman castle and settlement in the 1st century A.D. Today, Linz’s art, history and architecture make it an inspiring city to visit and a leading cultural center of Austria

Set amidst an important wine-growing region with picturesque villages and hilltop castles, the charming city of Melk lies at the confluence of the Danube and Melk Rivers at the base of the Wachau Valley. An imposing 900-year-old Benedictine abbey, a breathtaking example of baroque architecture, overlooks the town from its dramatic hilltop location. This architectural treasure has 365 windows, one for each day of the year. Its beautiful library houses medieval manuscripts and marvelous frescoes by Paul Troger, and its meticulously kept grounds are inviting and picturesque.

Dürnstein - Free time

Set amidst the scenic Wachau Valley, Dürnstein is encircled with vine-clad hills and beautiful landscapes. The village maintains its medieval atmosphere by means of its cobblestone streets, and boasts enchanting 18th century houses. Highlights include the ruins of Kuenriger Castle, where Richard the Lionheart of England was allegedly imprisoned in the 12th century. A famous wine town, Dürnstein also is home to many charming taverns where you can taste local wines.

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:
$225 per person per night in low season and
$275 pp pn in high season

The most expensive stateroom costs:
$350 per person per night in low season and
$400 pp pn in high season