This half-day Viking excursion is a great way to see an off-the-beaten path town and travel at a more leisurely pace. Grand European Tour was a wonderful experience from start to finish. A special thanks to the crew for making this the BEST cruise ever. Indulge all your senses on this 15-day journey spanning the best of Europe. Not only is Viking the world's largest river cruise line with some 66 ships now in service around the globe, but the line is operating at near full capacity in Europe, with many itineraries sold . Staff were all very polite, expert at their role, and always willing to help. The crew quickly learned everyones names and likes. The staff was wonderful. I made a point of chatting with the guests, learning which excursions they were going to experience and following up to see what they thought. Vikings mix of local culture, education, relaxation, and a chance to meet fun folks in a classy yet semi-casual atmosphere was just what we wanted. You'll also get a dash of history in medieval Rouen and the quaint fishing village of Honfleur. 4.2/5 - Very Good. There was so much to see, beautiful architecture in every city visited, stately churches and unique shopping along the way. This cruise is heavy on castles and cathedrals as you cruise along the Rhine River. This 8-day journey from Budapest to Nuremberg (or the reverse) showcases the medieval towns, grand cities and stunning scenery along the Blue Danube while cruising through Hungary, Austria and Germany. Loved it! From Hollands windmill-studded tulip fields to Germanys fairytale castles, from the Main-Danube Canal to the vineyards of Austrias Wachau Valley, this epic voyage offers a wealth of wonderful experiences. The other guests were a pleasure to be around and made the excursions more enjoyable. Youll get bonus-in-the-know traveler points for ordering this! Read on and get planning. The thoughtful staff, gourmet food and tours are exciting always. Visitors will notice Roman details as well. Tip: There is a public restroom just to the right of the Gloriette. . It was the best trip we have ever taken. Day 15: Viking Grand European Tour, Budapest, Hungary (Day 2) Viking had arranged Robyne's and my transportation to the Budapest Airport as part of their services before we left home for the trip. Had a fabulous time on our Viking cruise. Admire Rhine Valley vistas from a 900-year-old castle. On tap, was climbing up to Marksburg Castle, a 700-year hilltop castle with simply the most fantastic views! Only seemed more crowded than our last Viking trip. We then boarded the buses and headed to the Kinderdijk Windmills to take a tour and link back up with the ship. So great at their jobs! Rarely caught without a camera, Jeana is an adventurous traveler with a passion for people, cultures and food. I have to say that Viking is a well-oiled machine! Sample the food and wine of Austrias Wachau Valley. It was our first river cruise but will not be our last and we would not think of sailing with anyone but Viking. Cant wait to go again and again. Legend has it that the old bishop of Bamberg did not grant the citizens any land of their own to build a town hall. Coffee-house culture and imperial architecture set the scene here. What a wonderful 15 days we and our friends had! Kudos to you the "SKIRNIR CREW"-- you all are the best and the best assets of the company. The staff was courteous and helpful. Grand European Tour From $4,299 | 15 Days | 12 Guided Tours | 4 Countries Itinerary Dates & Pricing Resources Cruise Reviews Terry L. 2021 WONDERFUL FIRST JOURNEY WITH VIKING The food was great. Learn how your comment data is processed. Tip2 sign up for the micro brewery tour in Regensburg- lots of, Viking River Cruise / Hervor Amsterdam to Basal The most challenging decision we had to make each day was whether to have breakfast in the dining room or foredeck caf. We will definitely come back. When she's not out gallivanting around the world or using her powers for social good, she enjoys sewing, photography, gardening, cooking and building LEGOs with her son. Viking Grand European Tour Review: River Cruise Highlights (Part 2) We learned about the food, culture, history and people of each place we visited without the logistical challenge of creating the trip on our own. I loved that we cruised during the daylight. This is not a complaint, just our own personal feeling about visiting a foreign country. The Douro was first discovered by the Romans who named it the River of Gold. Imagine 15 magical days along the Rhine, Main and Danube Rivers. This family-owned bakery has been churning out delicious, soft salted pretzels for 13th generations and has perfected the art! But in the end, Viking does a wonderful job with what they do, and if you like this type of more structured vacation, I would strongly advise this Viking cruise. Gttweig Abbey, Benedictine monastery near Krems in Lower Austria, founded in 1083, a World Heritage Site., photo courtesy of Viking Cruises. . Strange, Spouse and I are frequent Viking cruisers. I want to return soon. I feel the top deck is the best place for this, but it can really be enjoyed from anywhere, which is pretty special. Immortalized in the famous "Blue Danube" waltz by Johann Strauss, this is one of the most popular Viking river cruises in Europe. Its in every room on a Viking River Cruise and allows you to linger at the store windows to take a look, but still listen in as the group moves ahead. VIKING CRUISES - 585 Photos & 410 Reviews - Yelp Thanks! They seemed understaffed in the dining room. The food was sublime, excursions and tour guides fantastic and ship Covid procedures were easy and precise. Thats where the QuietVox audio receiver Peggy mentioned above really pays off. We thoroughly enjoyed our Grand European Tour on Viking Skadi. We had the best time. Service is great & wonderful staff. Amazing wonderful Cant say enough about Viking. Rising in the Alps and meandering 820 miles through Switzerland, France, Germany and the Netherlands, the Rhine is lined with fairy-tale castles and wine-growing villages. Similar to a pizza with a thin crust, we tried a savory one with onion and bacon lardons, and a sweet one with apples then flambeed with calvados liquor. We had an absolutely marvelous vacation thanks to Viking River Cruises, our second with you. Pro Tips: Tours start as early as 8:30 a.m. so get a good nights sleep. The Viking Embla staff was superior in service and cordiality. The sights were amazing, from the old towns to the views along the river, from cities to churches, from palaces to statues. It was the end of the Easter break in Europe and several Easter Markets, think Christmas Markets but with a spring feel, were still set up a real treat! Because three mountain ranges converge here, the Koblenz region is ideal for summer hiking and the steep slopes give way to exceptional wines. If you go, definitely plan to spend at least half the day there. . One of the most remarkable and historic ways to travel Europe is via river cruise. Every time conversations come up about cruising, we talk about our two Viking river cruises, Grand European Tour and Waterways of the Tsars. There are detailed tips on how to research shore excursions and when to book. Today, this UNESCO designated city is living history. I spent about 4 hours and walked 7 miles within the gardens alone! However, if you like a smaller group setting, want to work off a few calories from all the delicious food, and of course, enjoy riding a bike, this is the perfect tour for you. The sites were above anything to be expected. Also be sure to wear good walking shoes. We are just arriving home after a 2-week Viking Grand European Tour and we cannot say enough about the overall service, staff, entertainment, food, Veranda stateroom and our ship itself. Great River Cruise! This was our first ever cruise and after so many friends had recommended Viking, it was time for us to go. Viking reviews of shore excursions - Viking Ocean - Cruise Critic Its easy to visualize living here back in the day and the intelligent design, makes it a joy to explore. Our guide, a trained opera singer, even shared her talents with us at one stop. Nothing was overlooked. We met our lovely guide just off the ship and we were off. This 15-day cruise from New Orleans to St. Paul (or the reverse) spans the length of the Mississippi Riverfrom the storied Southern Delta to the farmlands of the Northas history unfolds in Vicksburg civil war battlefields, grand riverside estates, and settlement towns of Wisconsin and Minnesota. Not finding the date, cabin or price you are looking for? All Ventures >> Viking River >>Grand European Tour. We danced to Giovannis music, begged for recipes from the Chef and fell a bit in love with our Hotel Manager for his enthusiasm, his stories and his willingness to go to any lengths to make us happy. This 8-day itinerary from Passau to Budapest (or the reverse) takes you through Europes most enchanting countries along the storied Danube River, stopping to explore cultural capitals and fairy-tale villages along the way. And now were planning a 2nd Viking river cruise. The pros: Superb on board service. We liked starting in Passau and going toward Budapest, generally building from the smaller locations (Passau, Melk, Drnstein) to the bigger cities (Bratislava, Vienna, Budapest). Located about 15 minutes uphill (a steep walk from the center of town), this landmark attraction is one of the most picturesque ruins in the country. Colmar is just so picturesque. The crew on the Gefjon were superb. We will definitely travel with Viking again. The servers learned our names and our preferences. We recommend Cafe Simon. $25 Deposit Book by August 31 European River Cruises Immerse yourself in the Old World as you sail Europe's most iconic rivers. We loved the itinerary so much, we booked an even longer itinerary (Bucharest to Amsterdam) in 2023 so we can revisit many of the places we saw again this year and introduce 3 more of our friends to Viking for the first time. Viking River Cruise - Grand European Tour Review of Viking Cruises Reviewed July 1, 2017 In June of 2017 my husband and I traveled with Viking River Cruises on their Skirnir Ship. This was plenty of time to pick up a few goodies. This was our first cruise of any kind and were so impressed with everything. The only way to travel! We sailed from Amsterdam to Budapest. From the tour director to the waitstaff and all of the other people behind the scenes, we were treated to friendly and prompt service. Five stars for Viking. . Running from the mountains in Portugal's east, the Douro cuts through tranquil landscapes filled with vineyards. Concierge services were outstanding and provided a wealth of good information. Cruising the Rhine, Main and Danube Rivers was a once-in-a lifetime experience and will be a lasting memory. This 15-day cruise travels through the heart of Europe between Amsterdam and Budapest. Food, wine and cultural treasures are among the many pleasures on Viking's Seine River cruises. Travel focused lifestyle blog featuring recipe, family and garden content. Admire Rhine Valley vistas from a 900-year-old castle. For return visitors there are voyages along the lesser-explored Lower Danube to discover the Iron Gates gorge and culture-rich capitals of Bucharest and Belgrade. Learn the Viennese waltz and linger in Budapest's Caf Gerbeaud. Viking Rhine Excursions: What Not To Miss? - Cruise Critic . A few that stood out were: the Black Forest E-bike tour, Mercedes-Benz Factory visit, Wine tasting and Dinner at Eberbach Monastery, and Moselle Wine Tasting. Budapest - Bergen 22 Days 17 Guided Tours 6 Countries GRAND EUROPEAN & VIKING FJORDS (Budapest-Bergen) Span the continent on an epic journey from the cultural riches of Budapest to the pristine shores of Norway. Cant say enough good things about this trip. Reserve your space here or explore the wine region on your own! The crew, the local guides and the onboard programs were excellent and all the people of Viking created that sense of warmth we were looking for in a small-ship journey for our family. These days, it's hard to believe that the Douro was once a wild river, though when your Viking river cruise travels the awe-inspiring Carrapatelo Lock -- the deepest in Europe -- you just might see how history has shaped this region. Thank you for the continuing quality. The best place to take a photograph is across the street on the narrow Am Leinritt road. [October] was a great time of year to travel (not as many tourists). Photographs simply do not do it justice. I love Viking! Travel through the heart of Europe. We have Bucharest to Budapest planned for April 2020. Now, let's get started on the Viking Grand European Tour itinerary! It's been a few weeks since we disembarked from our Viking River Cruise in Amsterdam. This 12-day cruise from Cairo to Cairo (roundtrip) uncovers ancient secrets and reveals the welcoming culture of Egypt along the picturesque Nile, with visits to historic cities, awe-inspiring pyramids and well-preserved temples. Check out the Art Nouveau-style Elisabethkapelle (Elizabeth Chapel) to the left of the church and admire the beautiful gold ceilings from the inside. My first stop was at the restaurant to enjoy a slice of Black Forest cake before visiting the shops and looking at the amazing assortment of cuckoo clocks. Our Grand European Tour was wonderful and met or exceeded our expectations in all areas of accommodations, food/drink, excursions, staff and meeting many new friends. From there, you glide along Austrias cultural gems like Melk and Vienna, and wander east into Germany, drifting through the caste-laden Rhine Valley. . Sprinkle in the impressive musical heritage of the city once home to musical masterminds like Beethoven, Mozart, Brahms, among many others and you have a truly magical city for exploring. Once in Schrding, your guide will lead you on a walking tour of the charming pastel buildings, churches, and quirky alleys, giving you a sense of the history and place, and then youll wrap up with a hot salted pretzel and cold beer. The food was excellent both in preparation and presentation; the appetizers were especially creative and delicious. Nothing was too much trouble. Want a taste of Southern Europe on your next cruise? It allows you to hear the guide while the group can spread out a bit, which is nice for social distancing and if you want to linger and look at something a bit more as the group moves ahead. Viking's Rhine sailings wind through Germany's largest wine-producing region. Viking takes care of you from the moment you step off the plane. We will definitely be taking another Viking cruise. Known as the place where rivers and mountains converge, Koblenz, Germany is a haven for historians, nature lovers, and vineyard hoppers. We cruised Budapest to Amsterdam. We explored four countries, stopping in fairy tale towns . The service was excellent. I don't know how she managed to keep everything going so smoothly with so many details to arrange every day. Log in, Rome In A Day: 10 Things Not To Miss On Your Rome Itinerary, Experience Holiday Cheer at Busch Gardens Tampa Bays Christmas Town 2018. We were so happy and impressed, from the very start of booking, Airport, pre- extention hotel, the cruise and post- extension hotel. Those glasses of wine go great with the glorious landscapes of the UNESCO-listed Upper Middle Rhine Valley, where legends swirl around towering Lorelei Rock and fantastical gorge-hugging castles with names like Pfalzgrafenstein and Sterrenberg. Call us at 1-888-868-6871; for some cruises and adventures, availability changes regularly. Step off the boat and wander through a fairy-tale world of charming german bakeries, artisan shops, and boutique stores. We stayed with the included tours as the optional ones were either booked or had too high level of difficulty for one of our group to walk/climb, My wife and I wanted to experience our first river cruise together, so we selected Viking, strongly suggested by our travel agent. Finally, the team behind the guide is prepared should any issues arise. The ship and the staff were outstanding. Every tour was just fabulous and the guides were so informative. Viking's Danube River cruises sail between the grand Hungarian capital Budapest, a city divided in half by the river itself, and Passau in Germany. A wonderful trip. Crews were great. . Because modern-day Regensberg is home to a bustling University population, there are a number of uber trendy (and bookish) cafes that you should hit up when visiting! Viking Odin was beautiful, clean, comfortable and well-appointed, and the staff was terrific. What made this unique was being able to really see the windmills from various perspectives, as well as riding along the village that adjoins them, which wasnt accessible on the walking or barge tours. Our transfer [due to a low-water situation] from Viking Danube to Viking Pride was done with no work on our part and the staff was great on both ships. Find out more about the Viking experience from our guests. Set sail from New Orleans and celebrate the holidays with this festive 8-day voyage into the heart of the South including two days in Memphis and Privileged Access to Elvis Presleys legendary Graceland estate. I would rate this cruise, from Budapest to Amsterdam, as a 95 out of 100. Unfortunately no pictures are allowed inside, but that only adds to the spectacular mystery and appeal. If you like chocolate, sports, Roman history, a good beer, a popping party scene, or beautiful medieval churches, this vibrant city might be just what youre looking for. Viking Grand European Tour 2 Week Cruise - Tripadvisor We cant wait to book another Viking Cruise. Today's included shore excursion on our Viking Grand European Tour was described as strenuous. Just completed the 2-week Grand European Tour river cruise from Amsterdam to Budapest. Without that challenge, we could enjoy an incredible family vacation like no other we have ever had. For the ultimate itinerary, check out Viking River Cruises' Grand European Tour. This list is ideal for the curious, wanderlusting traveler. Viking River Cruises Profile [2023] - 40 reviews, 19 trips - Travelstride This corner of France has inspired generations of artists -- perhaps none more so than Claude Monet. Continue to the bridge at Markustrabbe for some amazing views of riverside homes. Try Cafe Prinzess, the oldest coffee shop in Germany, or explore on your own, you really cant go wrong. If the cobblestone streets and delightful churches dont win you over, the gingerbread surely will. The included excursions were informative using local guides. Our most iconic itinerary traces the Rhine, Main and . Boarding our ship in Budapest, we felt as though we had jumped into a pile of down pillows. We biked across the Rhine River with several stops along the way to hear about the history and take pictures, including outside of the cathedral and the store where eau de cologne was invented. Pro Tip: After booking your Viking Cruise, make sure to read 5 Important Things To Do To Prepare For Your Viking Cruise. Staff daily takes pictures during the cruise and excursions, which are offered as mementos. My stateroom was very clean and spacious with plenty of storage. Grand European Tour - 16 Reviews - Viking - Global Journeys Port Charges - Included on all itineraries, Air Taxes, Fees, Fuel Surcharges & Transfers - Included with airfare, Internet Access - Free wi-fi, connection speed may vary. All of them were happy to help you with smiles. We had the time of our lives celebrating our 30th wedding anniversary! For an art nouveau vibe, check out the glamorous Cafe Landtmann, a coffee-house living room with elegant cakes and Austrian delicacies. Ratings based off 2,243 reviews about Viking River Cruises - currently showing 50 reviews with comments only. And we will be sailing in 2015 on Vikings new 29-day ocean cruise! Well done! This tour allowed our group to see a lot of the city in less time, and with just six of us taking part, created great opportunities for getting to know one another, even while biking along the Rhine. There are a few options when deciding who to sail with, but we recommend Viking Cruises. Straddling the border of Germany and Austria, this wooden barge cruise is simply quaint and if youre there during colder months you can cuddle up in the cozy onboard blankets. They made each day a joy. Its like being dropped into a storybook. Explore historic estates, visit notable Civil War sites, and sample the bustling French-flavored port cities of New Orleans and Baton Rouge. Germany is known for its dramatic castles and this one does not disappoint. The entire experience was even better than we expected. Her favorite travel companions are her twin sons, who are always ready to explore. Here are some of the fabulous excursions Peggy enjoyed on her Viking Rhine River Cruise. I have never seen such teamwork from a crew. Beautiful cities and wonderful excursions. We were in awe at the River's beauty. Built by archbishops on seven hills, Bamberg is a romantic ode to Medieval architecture and is home to a delightful collection of Germanys best breweries. If you need a break from the castles and history tours, pop by this local market. The contrast of the sites and histories is mind blowing, and the guided tour provides an incredibly accurate, yet disturbing depiction of our world history. Formerly known as the fishermans district, the quaint half-timbered houses and gardens are the perfect setting for an afternoon stroll. Regensburg and Passau were living history sites. We went with 2 other couples and we all felt we, My expectations, which were high, were exceeded in every aspect. (Bring a 50-cent Euro piece for entry.). Our compliments to Viking! Take home a curved rolling pin, a traditional glass-blown ornament, and celebrate with a dark dunkel beer! Viking delivers a great experience. This 15-day cruise from Amsterdam to Budapest (or the reverse) 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. Cultural Programs Onboard Hot Tip: Klsch is always served in small .2 liter glasses. Dont be shy about pretzel sampling, head on over to the Fritz Frischmuth Bakery for a culinary wonder that will rock your world. Great cruise, excellent regional food, local entertainment, nice stateroom and interesting ports. The ships staff was absolutely outstanding in every respect. 5 stars! The Restaurant ran smoothly and wait staff knew what we needed before we asked. Before you leave, you have to try this Viennese espresso specialty! During your morning walking tour, experience life in a typical small German town. Whether its strolling through the palatial gardens in Vienna, hiking to the top of a historic fortress in Germany, taking a leisurely bicycle ride in the countryside, or lazing about on the deck while your boat sails through the heart of Budapest weve rounded up the top things you need to do, eat, see, shop for, and experience in central Europe. 721 June 3, 2011 New England #1 Posted September 19, 2017 I have booked my included excursions and am waiting for the other excursions to go "live". Hsk tere (aka Heroes Square) is also another stomping point youll want to hit (if only for the people watching alone): its Budapests most impressive square and gathering point. The entire staff was excellent and made sure that we were well taken care of! If you are looking for outstanding service, you will find this one an outstanding experience. Viking Grand European Tour 2 Week Cruise Review of Viking Cruises Reviewed June 5, 2017 We just completed a 2 week Grand European river cruise on the Viking Baldur. Thus would be Our trip of a lifetime Colmar is just so picturesque. To feed your inner hipster, head to the Belgian quarter. Viking exudes attention to detail. At all stages of this trip our luggage was handled in an expeditious manner Not one problem. On one rewarding journey, you will hear stories of westward settlers and learn about Lewis & Clark, Mark Twain and Norwegian immigrants. Missy enjoys cooking, entertaining, and of course, traveling. Some of our favorite moments were watching the sunset on the 360-degree sundeck, participating in some healthy competition in the library or lounge, and making new friends at dinner (which was delicious and had great a variety of choices to complement our port destinations plus complimentary beer and wine!). The Germans are good at their sweets. This was our second Viking experience and it fully met expectations. Viking River Cruises | Grand European & Viking Fjords The Romantic Danube cruise took us from Hungary to Germany offering many historic venues. Treasures of the Rhine Amsterdam to Basel $25 DEPOSIT 10 days 8 tours 4 countries $1,999 from Learn More PRICE & BUILD Rhine Getaway Manageable itineraries of only eight days are available, though the line does offer longer options. We traveled with our son and daughter and cannot say enough about our wonderful experience. Learn how to make your own Rdesheimer coffee. We would love to hear from you at TellUs@vikingcruises.com or 1-877-668-4546 Lignan-De-Bordeaux, Nouvelle-Aquitaine, France Contact This excursion was a ton of fun. Be sure to try one while you are in the metropolitan center of Cologne, and order a Halve Hahn (rye bread and gouda cheese to go with) at Brauerei Pffgen in the heart of the city.
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