All This Is Included:

  • Cruise with river-view stateroom
  • Guided tours with audio headset
  • All meals: breakfasts, lunches & dinners, featuring regional specialties and including Welcome Cocktail Reception & Dinner
  • Complimentary on board Silver Spirits Beverage package: Unlimited wine, beer, premium cocktails, soft drinks, juices and specialty coffees (cat ES only 2018. All other categories Beer, wine and soft drinks with on board lunch & dinner)
  • All tipping & gratuities
  • Visit several UNESCO World Heritage Sites
  • Culture/Traditional Curriculum
  • All port charges
  • Free Wi-Fi, connection speed may vary

Full itineraries are available below:

 

Grand European Tour 2018 Amsterdam to Budapest from $5,995pp*| 15 Days | 12 Guided Tours | 4 Countries

Admire Rhine Valley vistas from a 900-year-old castle. Sample the food and wine of Austria’s Wachau Valley. Learn the Viennese waltz and linger in Budapest’s Café Gerbeaud. Indulge all your senses on this 15-day journey spanning the best of Europe. The most iconic itinerary traces the Rhine, Main and Danube Rivers between the windmill-dotted waterways of Holland and the stunning landscapes of Hungary, with engaging encounters at every bend.

BOOK A 2018 RIVER CRUISE, SAVE $2,000 PER COUPLE & FLY FREE TO EUROPE

—Must book by 30 June 2017

 

Day 1 — Amsterdam, The Netherlands

Arrive in Amsterdam, then transfer to your ship. * After boarding, the afternoon is yours to relax or explore the city on your own. If your arrival schedule permits, you may wish to visit the Rijksmuseum, or the van Gogh Museum next door. (D)

 

Day 2 — Kinderdijk, The Netherlands

This morning you sail to Kinderdijk, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, for a tour of this ingenious network of windmills and other flood management devices. You learn why the windmills were built and see how they work, plus you enter a working windmill for a tour of its mechanisms and living quarters. Return aboard for lunch and an enjoyable afternoon of Dutch diversions: sample handcrafted Dutch cheeses and jenever, a distilled juniper liquor, and try your hand at sjoelen (Dutch table shuffleboard). You cruise through the night. (B, L, D)

 

Day 3 — Cologne, Germany

You have a morning tour of Cologne, including a visit to the Dom, Germany’s largest cathedral and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. After your tour, spend the rest of the day and evening exploring Cologne on your own: There are Roman ruins, interesting neighborhoods and wonderful museums like the Fragrance Museum and the Chocolate Museum. As always, your Program Director can help you plan your free time. Lunch and dinner are served aboard; you depart at midnight. (B, L, D)

 

Day 4 — Koblenz, Germany

Cruise past hilltop castles along the Rhine, stopping in Koblenz to visit Marksburg Castle, the only Rhine fortress never destroyed. After your tour, continue cruising this stunning stretch of the Rhine, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Pass the Lorelei Rock, which marks the river’s narrowest point and is named after the legendary Rhine maiden who lured sailors to their demise. Lunch and dinner are served aboard your ship. (B, L, D)

 

Day 5 — Miltenberg, Germany

The morning is spent sailing along the beautiful Main River as it winds its way through the Spessart region, home of the actual Snow White. After lunch, you stop in Miltenberg, known for its half-timbered houses and Germany’s oldest inn. Join our walking tour that concludes with free time for you to explore. Back on your ship, learn about the region’s glassblowing traditions during a live demonstration. You sail through the night to Würzburg. (B, L, D)

 

Day 6 — Würzburg, Germany

After breakfast, tour Würzburg’s Bishops’ Residenz, one of Germany’s largest and most ornate baroque palaces and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Then enjoy scenic afternoon cruising. Or, instead of touring Würzburg, join an optional full-day journey along Germany’s “Romantic Road” to Rothenburg, which features a turreted city wall and impressive Gothic and baroque architecture. Rejoin your ship for dinner. (B, L, D)

 

Day 7 — Bamberg, Germany

Sail through the morning; after lunch you visit Bamberg, with its medieval city center, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Your walking tour includes a visit to the magnificent 11th-century cathedral, reworked in late Romanesque style in the 13th century, and the picturesque city hall built on a tiny island in the middle of a river. Take some free time to enjoy Bamberg and perhaps try some of the town’s distinctive smoke-flavored beer before returning aboard. (B, L, D)

 

Day 8 — Nuremberg, Germany

After breakfast, disembark in Nuremberg and visit the ruins of Zeppelin Field, the Nazi parade grounds of the 1930s; then see the Palace of Justice, site of the infamous Nuremberg Trials. Spend free time exploring Nuremberg’s Old Town, or join an optional World War II tour that includes the illuminating Documentation Center Museum. You depart just before dinner. (B, L, D)

 

Day 9 — Regensburg, Germany

Arrive in Regensburg midday. After lunch, tour this wonderfully preserved medieval city, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, including structures dating back to Roman times. Discover many 13th- and 14th-century patrician houses and see the splendid St. Peter’s Cathedral. During free time, visit the Alte Würstküche (Old Sausage Kitchen), Germany’s oldest restaurant. Dinner is served aboard before our evening departure. (B, L, D)

 

Day 10 — 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. You’ll see the New Bishop’s Residence and visit the impressive baroque St. Stephen’s Cathedral with its ornate interior. Inside, you are treated to a special concert played on the 17,000-pipe organ, considered Europe’s largest church organ. † Enjoy lunch aboard your ship, and return to the city for further exploration on your own before departing. You cruise through the night. (B, L, D) †Passau organ concert is only available May 1-October 31 and is closed on Sunday.

 

Day 11 — Melk, Austria

After breakfast, visit the abbey at Melk, a 900-year-old Benedictine monastery featuring Austria’s finest Italian baroque architecture. Rejoin your ship; cruise through the spectacular Wachau Valley this afternoon. Before dinner, you have time to explore the time-honored town of Krems and see the Steiner Tor, the last remaining city gate, or sample some local vintages from this famous wine-producing region. (B, L, D)

 

Day 12 — Vienna, Austria

Today you 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. Stephan’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 take an optional tour to Schönbrunn Palace, the “Versailles of Vienna,” erected in 1778 and graced by several formal gardens, Grecian statuary, the world’s oldest zoo and Roman ruins. After dinner, relax or enjoy an optional classical concert. (B, L, D)

 

Day 13 — Vienna, Austria

Enjoy a day at leisure in Vienna. Perhaps see an unrivaled collection of Old Masters and other spectacular art treasures at the Museum of Fine Arts, or visit the Albertina, with the most valuable graphic arts collection in the world. Maybe ride the Riesenrad, the world’s oldest Ferris wheel, or go shopping for high-quality gifts inspired by the turn-of-the-century arts movement. A cup of coffee or tea and a slice of exquisite sächertorte are a must for any afternoon in Vienna. Later, rejoin your ship and sail for Budapest. (B, L, D)

 

Day 14 — Budapest, Hungary

The Danube River divides Hungary’s capital city into the once separate towns of Buda and Pest. Explore both sides, starting with Pest’s National Opera House and historic Heroes’ Square. In Buda, walk along Castle Hill to Fishermen’s Bastion and Matthias Church. Enjoy lunch aboard your ship, with the rest of the day to explore on your own. Return to your ship for a traditional Hungarian dinner. (B, L, D)

 

Day 15 — Budapest, Hungary

After breakfast, disembark and proceed to the airport for your return flight. * Or, extend your journey with 3 nights in Prague, Czech Republic, where you tour Old Town landmarks and Prague Castle. (B)

 

*The following meals are included: B = Breakfast; L = Lunch; D = Dinner. Airport transfers are included when Viking international airfares purchased and air arrival and departure dates coincide with the first and the last day and destination of the cruise/tour itinerary.

 

Pre & Post Cruise Extensions

More days means more to discover; with extension packages, you can add before or after your Viking cruise or cruise tour. Maximize the value of your overseas flight and enjoy additional days to explore your embarkation or disembarkation city, or see a new destination altogether with a choice of exciting cities.

Pre-Extension: Amsterdam, The Netherlands- LEARN MORE

Post-Extension: Prague, Czech Republic-LEARN MORE

Post-Extension: Budapest, Hungary-LEARN MORE

 

WATERWAYS OF THE TSARS: 2017 Moscow to St. Petersburg From $8,299pp* | 13 Days | 10 Guided Tours | 1 country 

See the swirling onion domes and stout towers of Moscow’s Red Square. Share stories at the kitchen table of an Uglich family. Savor Russian caviar with your blini pancakes. Soak up the steam in a traditional banya in riverside Mandrogy village. Envision Peter the Great luxuriating in massive Peterhof Palace, then see how multiple families shared living space at a Soviet-era kommunalka. From Moscow to St. Petersburg, this 13-day voyage reveals the real Russia as never before.

Cruise Russia in 2017, save $3,000 per couple AND fly free to Europe. Strictly limited, available until sold out.

 

 

Day 1 — Moscow, Russia

Arrive in Moscow and transfer to your ship. * After boarding, you have free time to relax before dinner. (D)

 

Day 2 — Moscow, Russia

Relax this morning and enjoy an early lunch before your half-day tour of Moscow. See the famed Bolshoi Theater and stop at Red Square for a view of the brightly colored St. Basil’s Cathedral and a visit to the famous GUM Department Store. You will also get the chance to experience the city’s Metro. Stay in the city center for an evening performance of traditional Russian folkloric music. (B, L, D)

 

Day 3 — Moscow, Russia

Today you have a full day to further explore Moscow’s many buildings, parks and monuments. Or you may choose an optional experience: Take a morning tour to Tretyakov Gallery, the world’s foremost museum of Russian fine art. This afternoon you may visit the Cosmonaut Museum with displays that trace the history of space exploration or take a Jewish Moscow tour, illustrating the history and spirit of the Jewish people who settled in the city. Dine aboard for dinner, then relax or take an optional Moscow by Night tour. (B, L, D)

 

Day 4 — Moscow, Russia

After breakfast, travel to the city’s famous red brick enclosure known as the Kremlin. You’ll go behind its walls to see historic gems like Tsar’s Canon and Tsar’s Bell, and tour inside two cathedrals. Enjoy a scenic cruise along the Moscow Canal after lunch as you depart the city. (B, L, D)

 

Day 5 — Uglich, Russia

You cruise through the morning. After lunch, disembark for your walking tour through the provincial village of Uglich, one of the Golden Ring cities that preserve the memory of Russia’s historical events. See the former Kremlin of Uglich and visit the Church of St. Dmitry on the Blood, built on the site where Ivan the Terrible’s son Dmitry was mysteriously killed. Then a local family invites you into their home for tea and friendly conversation. Depart before dinner; cruise through the night. (B, L, D)

 

Day 6 — Yaroslavl, Russia

Arrive this morning in Yaroslavl, another Golden Ring city. Tour this ancient town rich in monuments and visit the covered food market where you may shop for handcrafted souvenirs. During your free time, you may visit the Church of St. Elijah the Prophet, featuring detailed frescoes and icons. Return to your ship for lunch and departure. (B, L, D)

 

Day 7 — Kuzino, Russia

You dock this morning in Kuzino, a typical Russian village. From here, you visit the renowned Kirillo-Belozersky Monastery, founded by Saint Cyril in 1397. Take a guided walk through the monastery’s historic grounds, seeing several small wooden chapels, the Assumption Cathedral and a museum. You will also have the opportunity to visit a children’s school in Kuzino. Return to your ship for lunch and an afternoon departure. Spend the remainder of the day cruising along the Volga-Baltic Waterway. This system of rivers and canals, spanning 229 miles and seven locks, links the Volga River with the Baltic Sea. (B, L, D)

 

Day 8 — Kizhi, Russia

You cruise through the morning, admiring the tranquil waters of Lake Onega, Europe’s second largest lake, and arrive this afternoon at the island village of Kizhi. Set out on a walking tour through the Open-Air Museum of Architecture, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Here, see a collection of wooden houses, windmills and churches representing ancient Russian architecture, highlighted by the famous three-tiered Preobranzhenskaya (Transfiguration) Church, a fairy-tale-like structure built in 1714 without a single nail. Depart in the evening and cruise through the night. (B, L, D)

 

Day 9 — Mandrogy, Russia

Spend a relaxing day cruising Russia’s intricate waterways. Sail the scenic Svir River, traveling the 139-mile “Blue Route” as it takes you southwest from Lake Onega. Stop in Mandrogy and take some time to explore this museum village. Visit the Vodka Museum or shop for handmade Russian craft items. For a truly immersive experience, try an optional visit to a banya; (traditional Russian bath house), or you may choose an optional tour where you will witness and participate in the art of matryoshka doll making (both tours bookable on board only). Continue along the Svir, then cross Lake Ladoga, Europe’s largest lake, on your way to the Neva River. All meals are served aboard your ship. (B, L, D)

 

Day 10 — St. Petersburg, Russia

Sail on the Neva River into St. Petersburg early this morning. After a leisurely breakfast, visit the Winter Palace to tour the legendary Hermitage Museum, where you marvel at the vast collection of art, antiquities, jewelry and sculpture. Return aboard for an early dinner, followed by an evening performance of traditional Russian ballet. (B, L, D)

 

Day 11 — St. Petersburg, Russia

Today’s excursion goes to the Pushkin area where you visit Catherine Palace, the elegant rococo 18th-century summer residence of the Russian tsars, named for Catherine I (widow of Peter the Great). Tour its various halls, including the storied Amber and Agate Rooms, and see the ornate decor throughout. Return to your ship for lunch. After lunch embark on a city tour; see noted sights including St. Isaac’s Cathedral, Peter & Paul Fortress and Nevsky Prospekt. Dine aboard, then relax or attend an optional evening folkloric performance. (B, L, D)

 

Day 12 — St. Petersburg, Russia

You have the day free to see the sights that interest you. Visit one of the many palaces, churches or museums, or take an optional morning tour to Peterhof Palace, with its landscaped gardens and beautiful fountains. In the afternoon, you may choose to join an optional kommunalka visit to get a glimpse of these communal living spaces or take an optional tour of St. Petersburg from the water. Lunch and dinner are served aboard. (B, L, D)

 

Day 13 — St. Petersburg, Russia

After breakfast, disembark and proceed to the airport for your return flight.* Or, extend your journey into another country with 3 nights in Helsinki, Finland, the “White City of the North.” (B)

 

Pre & Post Cruise Extensions

More days means more to discover; with extension packages, you can add before or after your Viking cruise or cruise tour. Maximize the value of your overseas flight and enjoy additional days to explore your embarkation or disembarkation city, or see a new destination altogether with a choice of exciting cities.

Pre-Extension: Moscow, Russia- LEARN MORE

Post-Extension: Helsinki, Finland- LEARN MORE

Post-Extension: St. Petersburg, Russia- LEARN MORE

*The following meals are included: B = Breakfast; L = Lunch; D = Dinner* Airport transfers arve included when Viking international airfares purchased and air arrival and departure dates coincide with the first and the last day and destination of the cruise/tour itinerary.