Basel
Basel 10/16/2023
Welcome to Budapest, capital of Hungary. Transfer to your ship from the airport (ground transfers are included with Viking Air purchase). After boarding, the afternoon is yours to relax or do a bit of exploring. Tonight, return to your ship for a traditional Hungarian dinner. (D),
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10/16/2023 |
10/16/2023 |
Breisach
Breisach 10/17/2023
Today we visit highlights of the once separate towns of Buda and Pest, starting with Pest's National Opera House and historic Heroes' Square. In Buda, walk along Castle Hill to Fisherman's Bastion and Matthias Church. Enjoy lunch onboard your ship, with the rest of the day to explore on your own. You may wish to visit the Art Nouveau Gellért Spa, or one of the many other lavish facilities in this "City of Healing Waters". Return to your ship for a traditional Hungarian farewell dinner. (B,L,D),
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10/17/2023 |
10/17/2023 |
Black Forest
Black Forest 10/17/2023
Arrive in Breisach this morning, gateway to the Black Forest. Take a scenic excursion through the area's renowned mountain landscape, rolling meadows, and dense forests. Once there, visit a local workshop to see a cuckoo clock-making demonstration, and learn how Black Forest Cake is made. Return to your ship for lunch. This afternoon, perhaps join an optional excursion to the quaint Alsatian town of Colmar to discover the storybook charm of its streets lined with medieval, Gothic, and Renaissance buildings, and visit a fine arts museum. Alternatively, choose an optional excursion that explores Colmar's World War II history. Dine onboard this evening and cruise on through the night. (B,L,D),
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10/17/2023 |
10/17/2023 |
Strasbourg
Strasbourg 10/18/2023
Arrive in Bratislava this afternoon and embark on a walking tour of Slovakia's charming capital with a long and fascinating history. It is the only national capital that borders two other countries, Austria and Hungary. See attractions like the medieval Town Hall complex and fortifications at Michael's Gate, the Baroque Jesuit Church, and Gothic St. Martin's Cathedral, and pass by several Hapsburg-era Baroque palaces before returning to your ship. This evening you can relax or take a walk before our late departure. (B,L,D),
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10/18/2023 |
10/18/2023 |
Speyer
Speyer 10/19/2023
Today, we 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 architecture, including the world-famous Opera House, St. Stephen's Cathedral, and Hofburg Palace. Return to your ship for lunch. The rest of the day is yours to explore further. 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 a number of formal gardens, Grecian statuary, and the world's oldest zoo. After dinner, relax or enjoy an optional classical concert. (B,L,D),
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10/19/2023 |
10/19/2023 |
Rudesheim
Rudesheim 10/19/2023
This morning, disembark for an included tour to visit the historic the historic town of Speyer and take in views of the imposing Speyer Cathedral, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Built in the 11th century on the site of a former basilica, the building's design influenced Romanesque architecture for centuries to come, and is the final resting place of eight German monarchs. Alternatively, after breakfast, you may choose to disembark for a full-day tour of Heidelberg, the home of Germany's oldest university, founded in 1386. Visit the beautiful sandstone ruins of imposing Heidelberg Castle and admire the Neckar River Valley. Continue with a walking tour through Old Town to Heidelberg's renowned gates and rejoin your ship in Rüdesheim after lunch. This evening, you can dine onboard your ship or choose to experience one of our optional dinners on shore tonight. (B,L,D),
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10/19/2023 |
10/19/2023 |
Koblenz
Koblenz 10/20/2023
Today's highlight is an exclusive visit of the splendid Benedictine abbey of Göttweig, a working monastery for more than 900 years. Participate in an exclusive visitor program at Göttweig, created to provide an understanding of the daily business of the venerable institution. You may also take an invigorating bicycle ride through the Wachau Valley before returning to your ship. This afternoon, enjoy scenic sailing as we cruise toward Linz. (B,L,D),
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10/20/2023 |
10/20/2023 |
Cologne
Cologne 10/21/2023
Wake up in Linz this morning and set off to explore this cultural gem by street mini-train and on foot. Ride along the Danube's south bank and take in the sights; see the Brucknerhaus concert hall, Linz Castle, and the Market Hall, where Mozart wrote the Linz Symphony, followed by a walking tour of the city's Old Quarter. Alternatively, join a full-day optional excursion to the beautiful Bohemian town of Ceský Krumlov, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Explore the Baroque and Renaissance buildings and the town's charming streets, brimming with cafés, shops, and galleries. Return on board for dinner and a late-evening departure. (B, D),
Optional Private Excursions
Avoid the crowds and hustle and bustle associated with a group activity. For a memorable trip ashore, we invite you to consider a private shore excursion. Enjoy the undivided attention of your own driver/guide and the flexibility of experiencing the aspects of the local culture that most interest you. Below are just some samples of the private shore excursions we can arrange for you. Let us personalize your experience!
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Cologne historic city centre
<strong><span><span>Highlights:</span></span></strong><br />
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<span><span>Meet our experienced local team member and tailor your walking tour according to your interests and expectations before getting started</span></span><br />
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<span><span>Founded by the Roman General Agrippa in 38 B.C, Cologne has a rich Roman and medieval past. </span></span><br />
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<span><span>The tour will take you to the most important ancient Roman sites, which include: Remnants of the governor's palace, complete with vaulted Roman sewer, Ruins of a Roman villa, Two-story tomb of Poblicius from 40 A.D., Roman graveyard and vestiges of the ancient stone defences</span></span><br />
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<span><span>Visit Cologne's towering landmark, the Cathedral (Dom), a masterpiece of High Gothic architecture and one of the largest cathedrals in Europe</span></span><br />
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<span><span>Highlights include the 13th century Reliquary of the Three Kings by Nicholas de Verdun; the 10th century Gero-Crucifix, believed to be the western world's oldest monumental cross, and the luminous Adoration of the Magi triptych by Stephan Lochner (15th century)</span></span><br />
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<span><span>See the 14th century Gothic town hall, a Jewish bathing house from 1170 and 'Overstolzenhaus’, Cologne's oldest and finest patrician residence with its steep gables and round arches when strolling the charming pedestrian zone</span></span><br />
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<span><span>If of interest visit the Roman-Germanic Museum or Museum Ludwig, the city's famous gallery of 20th century highlights</span></span><br />
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<span><span>End your tour at one of the many traditional brewery-style restaurants that dot the city and try a fresh ‘Koelsch’ the famous beer from Cologne before heading back to the ship</span></span><br />
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<strong><span><span>Tour Duration: </span></span></strong><span><span>4 hours</span></span><br />
<strong><span><span>Tour can operate:</span></span></strong><span><span> All day</span></span><br />
<strong><span><span>Wheelchair Accessible:</span></span></strong><span><span> Yes </span></span><br />
<strong><span><span>Physical Activity Level: </span></span></strong><span><span>Light walking tour</span></span><br />
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<strong><span><span>Inclusions:</span></span></strong>
<ul>
<li><span><span>Touring with one of our excellent local insiders</span></span></li>
<li><span><span>Cathedral licensing fee</span></span></li>
<li><span><span>All taxes</span></span></li>
</ul>
<strong><span><span>Not Included: </span></span></strong>

<ul>
<li><span><span>Meals </span></span></li>
<li><span><span>Optional admissions </span></span></li>
<li><span><span>Tipping at your discretion</span></span></li>
</ul>
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10/21/2023 |
10/21/2023 |
Kinderdijk
Kinderdijk 10/22/2023
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. Admire the New Bishop's Residence and visit the impressive Baroque St. Stephan's Cathedral; its ornate interior is home to the Europe's largest church organ. Enjoy an onboard lunch, but return to the city to further explore on your own before dinner. (B,L,D),
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10/22/2023 |
10/22/2023 |
Amsterdam
Amsterdam 10/23/2023
After breakfast, disembark and proceed to the Munich airport for your return flight. Or, extend your journey with three additional nights in the breathtaking Czech capital of Prague. (B); Note: Ground transfers are included with Viking Air purchase.,
Optional Private Excursions
Avoid the crowds and hustle and bustle associated with a group activity. For a memorable trip ashore, we invite you to consider a private shore excursion. Enjoy the undivided attention of your own driver/guide and the flexibility of experiencing the aspects of the local culture that most interest you. Below are just some samples of the private shore excursions we can arrange for you. Let us personalize your experience!
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Amsterdam: An Introduction to Amsterdam – 4 hours
<span><span><span new="" times=""><font color="#000000">Meet your driver at the Port in Amsterdam for a private transfer to the city centre where your guide is waiting to meet you for a walking tour of this beautiful city. Begin at Dam Square, bordered by the Royal Palace and enjoy wonderful views of the canals and gabled houses of the mercantile quarter before visiting the house in which Anne Frank wrote her celebrated diary during the last war*. After your tour, transfer in the comfort of your own private vehicle back to your ship. </font></span></span></span><br />
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<span>*tickets for the Anne Frank House sell out very quickly and are subject to availability. Guides are not allowed to accompany you into the house itself, but will be waiting for you at the end of your visit (approx. 45-90 mins)</span><br />
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<strong><span><span><span>Highlights: </span></span></span></strong>
<ul>
<li><span><span><span>Tour Anne Frank's house</span></span></span></li>
</ul>

<div><br />
<strong><span><span><span>Tour Duration:</span></span></span></strong><span><span><span> 4 Hours<br />
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<strong>Tour Can Operate:</strong> Morning/ Afternoon<br />
<br />
<strong>Wheelchair Accessible:</strong> Please enquire for more information<br />
<br />
<strong>Physical Activity Level:</strong> Light<br />
<br />
<strong>Inclusions:</strong> </span></span></span></div>

<ul>
<li><span><span><span>Private transport by luxury car or minivan</span></span></span></li>
<li><span><span><span>An expert local guide for 4 hours</span></span></span></li>
<li><span><span><span>Entrance fees to all sights and museums</span></span></span></li>
<li><span><span><span>All taxes</span></span></span></li>
</ul>

<div><strong><span><span><span>Exclusions:</span></span></span></strong></div>

<ul>
<li><span><span><span>All cruise travel, personal items, meals and associated costs</span></span></span></li>
<li>Gratuities</li>
</ul>
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Amsterdam: Highlights of Amsterdam - 8 Hours
<span font-size:="" mso-ansi-language:="" mso-bidi-language:="" mso-fareast-font-family:="" mso-fareast-language:="" mso-fareast-theme-font:="">Spend the day exploring Amsterdam in the hands of your expert guide. You are met at the port and transferred to Dam Square where your morning’s walking tour includes the notable Royal Palace. Admire the views of the canals and the gabled houses of the Canal Ring district, where you will visit the house in which Anne Frank wrote her celebrated diary during the last war*.<br />
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After lunch explore the beautifully-restored Rijksmuseum, to admire the stunning collection of masterpieces from the seventeenth-century Golden Age, including works by Rembrandt and Vermeer. No visit to Amsterdam would be complete without seeing the delightful Van Gogh Museum, home to many of his famous works as well as those of other Impressionists and Post-Impressionists.<br />
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*tickets for the Anne Frank House sell out very quickly and are subject to availability. Guides are not allowed to accompany you into the house itself, but will be waiting for you at the end of your visit (approx. 45-90 mins)</span><br />
<br />
<strong><span><span><span>Highlights: </span></span></span></strong>
<ul>
<li><span><span><font color="#484848">Visit Anne Frank's House</font></span></span></li>
<li><span><span><span>Explore the Van Gogh Museum</span></span></span></li>
</ul>

<div><br />
<strong><span><span><span>Tour Duration:</span></span></span></strong><span><span><span> 8 Hours<br />
<br />
<strong>Tour Can Operate:</strong> Morning/ Afternoon<br />
<br />
<strong>Wheelchair Accessible:</strong> Please enquire for more information<br />
<br />
<strong>Physical Activity Level:</strong> Light<br />
<br />
<strong>Inclusions:</strong> </span></span></span></div>

<ul>
<li><span><span><span>Private transport by luxury car or minivan</span></span></span></li>
<li><span><span><span>An expert local guide for 8 hours</span></span></span></li>
<li><span><span><span>Entrance fees to all sights and museums</span></span></span></li>
<li><span><span><span>All taxes</span></span></span></li>
</ul>

<div><strong><span><span><span>Exclusions:</span></span></span></strong></div>

<ul>
<li><span><span><span>All cruise travel, personal items, meals and associated costs</span></span></span></li>
<li>Gratuities</li>
</ul>
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Amsterdam: The Three Sisters, Delft & Den Haag - 8 Hours
<span>You are met at Amsterdam port for a full-day excursion outside of the city. </span><span><span>Head south into the countryside for a photo opportunity at the impressive Three Sisters Windmills in Stompwijk. As over a third of the Netherlands lies below sea level, windmills were initially designed to pump vast amount of water out, thus protecting land from flooding. Today, these silent giants draw many visitors every year for their charming appearances.<br />
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From here, you travel on to Delft, world-renowned for its famous blue and white pottery and one of the most beautiful towns in the Netherlands. Take in the town’s architectural gems and charming ambience, which are best appreciated by walking along its small canals with their graceful humpbacked bridges.<br />
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Following this, enjoy a privately-guided tour at the Royal Delft Experience, where a painter shares the passion behind the production of this stunning 17th-century earthenware during a special demonstration.</span></span><br />
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<span><span>After lunch at leisure, you continue to the Hague, the home of the Dutch Royal Family and the administrative capital of the Netherlands; walk the Inner court past the Government buildings and take the opportunity for a photo stop at the International Court of Justice. </span></span><span><span>You may like to visit the Mauritshuis Museum, which holds one of the world's finest collections of paintings, including Rembrandt, Steen, Hals, Rubens and Van Dyck, or you may choose to visit the Panorama Mesdag, which hosts the Panorama, one of the largest canvas paintings in the world (subject to opening times).<br />
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On your return journey, stop at Scheveningen beach for some spectacular views before continuing back. (8 hours, driver and guide)</span></span><br />
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<strong><span><span><span>Highlights: </span></span></span></strong>
<ul>
<li><font color="#484848">Witness the majestic windmills known as the Three Sisters</font></li>
<li>Delve into Delft's artistic heritage</li>
</ul>

<div><br />
<strong><span><span><span>Tour Duration:</span></span></span></strong><span><span><span> 8 Hours<br />
<br />
<strong>Tour Can Operate:</strong> Morning/ Afternoon<br />
<br />
<strong>Wheelchair Accessible:</strong> Please enquire for more information<br />
<br />
<strong>Physical Activity Level:</strong> Light<br />
<br />
<strong>Inclusions:</strong> </span></span></span></div>

<ul>
<li><span><span><span>Private transport by luxury car or minivan</span></span></span></li>
<li><span><span><span>An expert local guide for 8 hours</span></span></span></li>
<li><span><span><span>Entrance fees to all sights and museums</span></span></span></li>
<li><span><span><span>All taxes</span></span></span></li>
</ul>

<div><strong><span><span><span>Exclusions:</span></span></span></strong></div>

<ul>
<li><span><span><span>All cruise travel, personal items, meals and associated costs</span></span></span></li>
<li>Gratuities</li>
</ul>
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10/23/2023 |
10/23/2023 |