Today, this UNESCO designated city is living history. Thus would be Our trip of a lifetime This lovey Grand European Cruise exceeded all of our expectations. Pair a slice of sausage with their secret mustard recipe or sample some homemade sauerkraut, and youll be in heaven. Viking's longships dock in the heart of each city, so sights and excursions are on your doorstep (sometimes that literally means the Eiffel Tower in Paris). Split in half by the iconic Danube River, Regensberg balances its old trading prowess with its new-fangled university vibe. The stretch between Melk and Krems is one of the most popular biking routes for cyclists in all of Europe. We werent sure what to expect after a couple of ocean cruise disappointments, but Viking earned our business and then some! The ships feature al fresco dining on the Aquavit Terrace, an elegant Scandinavian design and "green" features, such as solar panels . The staff was attentive. The riverboat ride along the Rhine was breathtaking. Our tours and guides were topnotch. If Medieval history is your jam, look no further than this German gem. The thoughtful staff, gourmet food and tours are exciting always. The cities and towns we went to were very enjoyable. We had the time of our lives celebrating our 30th wedding anniversary! The little towns on this itinerary will touch a very special place inside of you. I hadnt ridden a bike for years before joining this tour and while riding through a major city was daunting, and I felt a bit rusty at the beginning, it was a great experience and the guide was very patient. 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. 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. This 8-day cruise from Paris to Paris (roundtrip) celebrates history, art, food and customs in the countrys most elegantly urbane and beautifully pastoral settings of Paris and the Normandy region. You can hike to the top (prepare to get sweaty!) We became fast friends and it made the entire experience so much more enjoyable. I cruised the Mississippi River with daughter. 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. 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. The rich history we learned (and viewed) in Budapest, Austria, Germany and The Netherlands is priceless! Grand European Tour - UnTours Ventures The historic windmills provided a perfect backdrop to the canals with a variety of waterfowl swimming about. Thanks! Viking Grand European Tour: The Ultimate 15 day Guide If you are planning to book your Viking Grand European Tour 15 day cruise, look no further. 1 - 10 of 8,380 Viking Europe Cruise Reviews Romantic Danube with Post in Budapest Review for a Europe - River Cruise Cruise on Viking Var jkw3tx 2-5 Cruises Age 20s Read More Sail. Viking Grand European Tour: The Ultimate 15 day Guide - Eatlivetraveldrink The crew on Viking Pride came through for us when the ship got held up: extra free tours, free beverages and great parties. It's a great way to see Europe and I would do it again in a heartbeat. This 8-day cruise from Avignon to Lyon (or the reverse) highlights the most celebrated regions of France, exploring the Roman ruins of Arles, the fabled Beaujolais vineyards, the UNESCO World Heritage Site at Lyon and more. I chose this Upper Mississippi River cruise over American Queen because 1)I did not want to cruise on a paddleboat, and 2) from experience, I knew what I'd get with Viking whereas American Queen was an unknown factor in my mind. For 15 days we traveled the Rhine and Danube rivers from Amsterdam to Budapest. We were totally surprised and are spoiled. For the ultimate itinerary, check out Viking River Cruises' Grand European Tour. We cant wait to book another Viking Cruise. Port Charges - Included on all itineraries, Air Taxes, Fees, Fuel Surcharges & Transfers - Included with airfare, Internet Access - Free wi-fi, connection speed may vary. Its like being dropped into a storybook. We boarded our Viking motorcoach to Marksburg Castle at 9:40 AM. If you are looking for a bit more structure and education, try the walking tour! Everything was exactly as they promised, no surprises, every convenience is thought of for the guests. 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!). Ratings based off 2,243 reviews about Viking River Cruises - currently showing 50 reviews with comments only. The Viking Embla staff was superior in service and cordiality. . So much so that when I returned home I booked the cruise from Budapest to Bucharest. This 8-day cruise from New Orleans to Memphis (or the reverse) explores the rich French and Acadian cultures that infuse the Lower Mississippi. My husband and I needed and enjoyed this pleasant break. The tour took us through Grande-le, UNESCO World Heritage Site in Strasbourg, France. Shore excursions are educational and informative--just be sure to use comfortable walking shoes! There are detailed tips on how to research shore excursions and when to book. We had one member of our party blow a tire and they met us within minutes. Even tours rated easy have a walk from the ship to the bus which can be a challenge for some. We then boarded the buses and headed to the Kinderdijk Windmills to take a tour and link back up with the ship. I loved taking the Viking river cruise from Amsterdam to Budapest. While the 6+ person per table seating was intimidating at first, we ended up making lifelong friends and having wonderful dinner conversations each night. Also note if you have mobility issues. So great at their jobs! From the tour director to the waitstaff and all of the other people behind the scenes, we were treated to friendly and prompt service. Our shore excursions were wonderful. We saw amazing places, met wonderful people and ate way too much! 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. Use down arrow key to expand the menu and up arrow key to collapse the menu and hit enter to select the link, https://aem-prod-publish.viking.com/content/dam/vikingcruises/en/magnolia-images/mar_content/video-thumbnails-existing-assets/CC_Wachau_Aggstein_Castle_Danube_Sunset_Alamy_RM_3840_2x1.jpg. After tasting the cheese, I think our whole group purchased some to bring home; it was that good. Viking Rhine River Cruise | Amsterdam to Basel By Daryl and Mindi Hirsch Last updated: June 23, 2023 Cruising the Rhine River with Viking River Cruises is a popular option for exploring Europe in style. Viking's itineraries on Europe's most famous rivers -- like the Rhine, Danube and Seine -- are some of the best river cruise options in Europe for almost every kind of traveler. All of the excursions were wonderful. [October] was a great time of year to travel (not as many tourists). Cultural Programs Onboard Viking River Cruise - Grand European Tour - Tripadvisor to travel through the cultural veins of central Europe: Matthias Church, the Chain Bridge, and Heroes Square are part of the included Panoramic Budapest tour if you are traveling with Viking River Cruises! Hot Tip: Bring a lock to seal your love forever with the thousands of other Love Locks found on one of the pedestrian bridges that cross the Danube nearby. You'll have the chance to create a personal bottle of Cognac at the family-run Camus Distillery. This was our second Viking experience and it fully met expectations. Five stars for Viking. Stop inside to see the epic porcelain collection. I would recommend Viking to anyone. All of our tour guides were outstanding. The food was delicious; we could not wait for the next meal. We all paid for the French Balcony rooms. If the cobblestone streets and delightful churches dont win you over, the gingerbread surely will. Grand European Tour Itinerary from Viking River Cruises. Stop by the shop in town to see the exquisite hand-blown bowls, beads, paperweights, and legendary sparrows. Trace French history along the Seine. Pro Tip: After booking your Viking Cruise, make sure to read 5 Important Things To Do To Prepare For Your Viking Cruise. The food was excellent both in preparation and presentation; the appetizers were especially creative and delicious. 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. Its like being dropped into a storybook. They established a family-like atmosphere among us Food, cleanliness and comfort ranked the best. Every chance I get I will recommend Viking River Cruises to anyone who can hear me. Travelers get to know and appreciate the professional staff on the longer cruises. The staff was wonderful. Cancellation Policy. Visit up to 53 countries on one of our Viking World Cruises, or take a Grand Voyage of two or more itineraries on one, seamless trip. We had more than a wonderful time. Viking Cruises Viking Cruises See all things to do Viking Cruises 3 1,401 reviews #1 of 1 Tours & Activities in Lignan-De-Bordeaux Boat Tours Write a review See all photos About Have a question or concern? The attention to passenger convenience and comfort, the attention to safety security, the choice of knowledgeable tour guides, the fabulous food, and schedule organization were managed with precision and expertise. Our compliments to Viking! Our stateroom steward as well as all the staff were superior and so helpful and willing to do anything needed. The destinations are wonderful and the food was excellent. This was our first ever cruise and after so many friends had recommended Viking, it was time for us to go. Peter worked alongside his awesome servers and bartenders. I do not know which part I liked best. Guests who choose this voyage soon see why it is our most popular itinerary. 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. The included excursions were informative using local guides. Viking reviews of shore excursions - Viking Ocean - Cruise Critic Explore historic estates, visit notable Civil War sites, and sample the bustling French-flavored port cities of New Orleans and Baton Rouge. The Viking Cruise Director brought depth, understanding, experience and perspective, as well as entertainment, to evening events. Hot tip: If you are fortunate enough to visit during one of the organ recitals, make sure you stick around to listen. If it's your first time on a Viking River Cruise in Europe, check out Viking's week-long sailings along the Danube River. This wanderlust spirit has led her to experience over 80 countries in the past 10 years! Only seemed more crowded than our last Viking trip. Viking Grand European river cruise itinerary To give you a sense of the river cruise route, here is a map of our ports of call. We all LOVED this itinerary! Try Cafe Prinzess, the oldest coffee shop in Germany, or explore on your own, you really cant go wrong. Reserve your space here or explore the wine region on your own! In many ways, it's a combination of the best Viking river cruises in Europe as it takes in the Rhine, Main and Danube Rivers and Dutch waterways. There were a few nights where the chef and his staff went beyond all expectations. Head on over to Alte Mainbrcke (the Main Bridge), where youll find locals and tourists enjoying the regions famous wines while overlooking the water and admiring the statues of saints. We were hoping to have another excellent experience. If you like beer and want to try authentic German fare, which was delicious, this is a great experience. And we will be sailing in 2015 on Vikings new 29-day ocean cruise! We have already booked your Imperial Jewels of China cruise! Sample the uber fruity alcoholic Plinka (made with plums, apricots, and pears), or reward yourself with some traditional marzipan Hungarian confectioneries at Szamos Cafe right in town. This 8-day roundtrip New Orleans cruise overflows with the charm, history and hospitality of the Lower Mississippi. We had delicious food, amazing service and the excursions were excellent. The excursions were planned well and the optional ones extended the. Thats where the QuietVox audio receiver Peggy mentioned above really pays off. The ports and sights were all so amazing. This was our first river cruise and first cruise with Viking. Up to 50% OFF. The 5 Best Viking River Cruises in Europe - Cruise Critic Kinderdijk was the first stop on my Viking River Cruise from Amsterdam. This 15-day cruise travels through the heart of Europe between Amsterdam and Budapest. This 23-day journey from Amsterdam to Bucharest (or the reverse) combines the Grand European Tour cruise with the . To feed your inner hipster, head to the Belgian quarter. Step off the boat and wander through a fairy-tale world of charming german bakeries, artisan shops, and boutique stores. Our most iconic itinerary traces the Rhine, Main and . I loved that we cruised during the daylight. Grand European Tour was a wonderful experience from start to finish. . Viking Cruise Reviews (2023 UPDATED): Ratings of Viking River Cruises We will definitely be taking another Viking cruise. An absolutely awesome voyage. The stroll was lovely and at an easy pace. 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 may be my first Viking Cruise, but not my last. The hike is totally worth it. The servers learned our names and our preferences. In the Belgian Quarter stop by Caf Belgique for quiche and a cup of joe, and if youre up for a true off-the-beaten path adventure check out Caf Sehnsucht a bio-cafe and slow food restaurant in Ehrenfeld. One of the reasons the Romans settled in Budapest was because of the local geothermal springs, so you can soak up some history in the city of spas. They all catered to our needs. We traveled with our son and daughter and cannot say enough about our wonderful experience. All of them were happy to help you with smiles. From there, the line offers a scenic motorcoach tour to honey-colored Salamanca, Spain's oldest university town (try to spot the tiny frog hidden in the university's facade). This comprehensive guide will give you all the information to have the best cruise possible. Now, let's get started on the Viking Grand European Tour itinerary! Then, we made our way along the Rhine for several miles before heading back to the ship. Learn the Viennese waltz and linger in Budapest's Caf Gerbeaud. Service and amenities were excellent, while the staff was immensely helpful, friendly and fun. Today's included shore excursion on our Viking Grand European Tour was described as strenuous. . Located at the epicenter of the German wine region, Wurzburg, is a small German town that delights visitors with its baroque architecture and delicious wines. Before you read any further, let me just say that when you go with Viking, you go with the best! Everything was in its own way special and exciting. All Ventures >> Viking River >>Grand European Tour. We explored four countries, stopping in fairy tale towns . Food on the ship was excellent and each meal included several choices. We picked Viking because of others reviews and our research. Well be on Viking Sea next yearour fourth cruise with Viking. One of the best Viking River Cruises in Europe takes place on the Rhine River and the scenery is spectacular. Learn how to make your own Rdesheimer coffee. All the passengers were so friendly, and we felt like we knew most of them by the end of the cruise. Her work can be found in Northwest Travel & Life Magazine, 253 Lifestyle Magazine, and other regional publications. The tours were informative and interesting. For an art nouveau vibe, check out the glamorous Cafe Landtmann, a coffee-house living room with elegant cakes and Austrian delicacies. Known for its bustling energy and vibrant nightlife, Nuremberg is the second largest city in Bavaria (after Munich) and was once an unofficial capital of the Holy Roman Empire. Highly recommend the two day pre- extension. We also learned about and ate Flamkuchen, a local Alsace specialty. 31 July 12, 2022 Austin, TX #1 Posted September 21, 2022 (edited) My partner and I are going on our first river cruise May 2023. +1 (800) 242-1825. River Cruise Excursion Costs (Viking Grand European Tour) I cannot speak highly enough of the organization. Explore the narrow streets of this UNESCO world heritage city, and get lost in the maze of wandering allies. Interesting Fact: Japan offered 250M Deutsche Marks to purchase the Marksburg Castle but Germany refused! 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. Excellent excursions, excellent staff, quiet room, fun guests. This 10-day cruise from Amsterdam to Amsterdam (roundtrip) offers the best way to see the Low Countries, from Hollands springtime floral splendor and windmill-dotted landscapes to Belgiums best preserved medieval cities. Sample the food and wine of Austria's Wachau Valley. The once-in-a-lifetime 15-day Viking Grand European Tour begins in one of the hottest destinations in Europe right now: the colorful, art nouveau treasure . We even had time to ride the double-decker carousel a first! Learn the Viennese waltz and linger in Budapest's Caf Gerbeaud. Incredible experience sailing on the Grand European Tour from Amsterdam to Budapest! Aside from all the WONDERFUL cultural and historic cities, castles, and waterfronts you get to see, the innovative Scandinavian-designed ships are packed with amenities and staff who go out of their way to make your experience better. Finally, I agree with Peggy that the Flavors of Alsace was amazing and would highly recommend it. Its easy to visualize living here back in the day and the intelligent design, makes it a joy to explore. Great sites to see The staff was outstandingnever a want or need ignored Love all the great food and wineyou can never go wrong with Viking. The Concierge service knows how to handle passenger requests when an unexpected need for local resources arises, such as doctors, transportation, impromptu reservations and suggestions. If you're looking for the best Viking River Cruises in Europe, you have a lot to consider. Tip #1Grab a Viking Umbrella if rain is coming-we had quite a bit those 2 days. Because walking around on cobblestones and up and down crooked and steep steps is way more rigorous than walking in the mall, it is a good idea to get in shape ahead of time. 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. We learned a little and laughed a lot! We cruised Budapest to Amsterdam. Coffee-house culture and imperial architecture set the scene here. Loved every moment of our journey. Indulge all your senses on this 15-day journey spanning the best of Europe. Dont be shy about pretzel sampling, head on over to the Fritz Frischmuth Bakery for a culinary wonder that will rock your world. The staff of the Magni had published departure information yesterday for all guests. Admire traditional German glass-blowing techniques during a demonstration onboard the ship, and then stop by the glorious Glaskunst, a family-owned glassblowing shop in town. A special thanks to the crew for making this the BEST cruise ever. Take your food to go and enjoy it on a park bench by the Danube River! We also loved the size of the ships because we really got to know other travelers. Manageable itineraries of only eight days are available, though the line does offer longer options. Grand European Tour Budapest to Amsterdam, a 15 days tour from Budapest to Vienna, Melk and 10 destinations. Finally, the team behind the guide is prepared should any issues arise. Viking exudes attention to detail. At all stages of this trip our luggage was handled in an expeditious manner Not one problem. With a population of just under 24,000 residents, Wertheim is the small-town german stop youve been waiting for. We will definitely book another Viking river cruise, maybe Frances Finest in 2015. Keep your eyes peeled for the stunning murals! Already in their 7th generation of glassblowers, the Ittig family pioneered the glassblowing industry in Germany, creating tools and techniques that are now standards around the world. Peggy is one who tends to explore on her own because, frankly, most tours shes taken in the past have been pretty boring. July /August 2023 We went to a bakery for eclairs, a shop for cheese, and even one for gingerbread.
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