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Danube Holiday Explorer 2010

An 8-Day Viking tour starting from $1,756

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Starting Price: $1,756 Printer Friendly Page
Tour Length: 8 Days
Countries Visited: Austria, Germany
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More Information About This Tour:
Tour Type: Deluxe Class
Tour Category: Europe River Cruise
Tour Operator: Viking
Tour Code: VKDAEX2010
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Cities Visited:
Numemberg, Passau, Linz, Melk, Vienna

Usher in the winter with a timeless trip down the Danube River, where you discover the beauty of Austria and Germany and are warmly welcomed by the locals. Sail through the enchanting Wachau Valley and Bavarian countryside, and experience the magic of the holiday season in the region where so many Christmas traditions began. And on select sailings, you can even shop the Christmas markets for handicrafts and unique specialty items. This enchanting cruise is certain to provide lasting memories for years to come.

 
Itinerary
 
 
Ship Details
 
 
  • 6 guided tours

  • Old World Highlights: Apple strudel workshop, folkloric entertainment

  • Culture Curriculum: The European Union, Life and Works of Mozart, Christmas in Europe

    •  

  • Daily Shore Excursions

  • 6 included guided tours

  • Included Meals

  • All meals: 7 breakfasts, 6 lunches & 7 dinners

  • Port Charges

  • Included on all itineraries

  • Air Taxes, Fees, Fuel Surcharges & Transfers Included with airfare

    •  
    Day 1 Vienna
    Arrive in Vienna, capital of Austria. We meet you at the airport and transfer you to your ship.* After boarding, take some time to explore—or join our “welcome walk” to stretch your legs and start getting oriented. (D)

    Day 2 Vienna
    After breakfast, embark on a tour of this "City of Waltzes," where Mozart and Strauss composed many of their finest works. Ride along the Ringstrasse to see the Opera House and beautiful Hofburg Palace. Lunch is served on the ship, then take the afternoon to shop along the Kärtnerstrasse, visit one of the city’s Christmas markets† or people-watch at a quaint café. After dinner aboard, you may opt to attend an evening classical concert. (B, L, D)

    Day 3 Melk
    Dock during lunch and take a ride to the top of the hill where the abbey overlooks the river. Tour this 900-year-old Benedictine monastery and see its baroque splendor inside and out. The lavish interior is decorated with elaborate frescoes, and a highlight is the spectacular library with its comprehensive collection of medieval manuscripts. Depart late afternoon and cruise through this evening, arriving in Linz at about midnight. (B, L, D)

    Day 4 Linz
    Wake up in Linz. After breakfast, take a walking tour past the city’s baroque façades to the Hauptplatz. Continue through the medieval town and old market. From here, tour inside the cathedral and stroll other squares and markets before returning to the ship for lunch. The afternoon is free to explore Linz’s stores or Christmas market—as always, your Program Director can help you plan your free time. Or, instead of touring Linz, you may choose an optional full-day excursion to Salzburg, home to Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart. Dine aboard; remain docked overnight in Linz. (B, L, D)

    Day 5 Passau
    Cruise the scenic Danube this morning and enjoy its quiet winter landscape and quaint riverside towns. Arrive during lunch in beautiful Passau, set at the confluence of the Inn, Ilz and Danube Rivers. Take a walking tour along narrow cobblestone streets and through graceful arcades to visit St. Stephan’s Cathedral. Enjoy afternoon free time to explore the Christmas market or shops. Depart during dinner. (B, L, D)

    Day 6 Regensburg
    Arrive midmorning in medieval Regensburg, whose history dates back nearly 2,000 years to its founding by Marcus Aurelius. Take a walking tour through this well-preserved city and explore its historic splendor. See the Old Town, St. Peter’s Cathedral and the 12th-century Old Stone Bridge. Eat lunch aboard or take free time to visit Germany’s oldest restaurant, the 800-year-old Alte Wurstküche (Old Sausage Kitchen). Dinner aboard is followed by an evening departure. (B, L, D)

    Day 7 Nuremberg
    This morning’s cruise is highlighted by the engineering marvel of the Main-Danube Canal and its many locks. This 106-mile-long waterway, completed in 1992, provides a navigable waterway all the way from the English Channel to the Black Sea, and is designed to have minimal impact on the region’s plant and animal life.

    Arrive during lunch in Nuremberg, Bavaria’s second largest city. Your afternoon tour begins with a journey to see former Nazi rally grounds and the Palace of Justice, site of the historic Nuremberg Trials. From the walled section of downtown, walk up to the Imperial Castle grounds for amazing city views before descending into the Old Town, past the Albrecht Dürer House and the Main Market Square. Stay in the city to visit Nuremberg’s world-famous Christkindlmarkt (Christmas market) or enjoy free time. Dinner is served aboard; ship stays docked overnight. (B, L, D)

    Day 8 Nuremberg
    After breakfast, disembark and we take you to the airport for your return flight.* Or, extend your journey with 3 nights in Prague, Czech Republic. Spend time exploring its famed Hradcany Castle, the Golden Lane where Franz Kafka lived and worked, and the city’s many architectural highlights. (B)

     

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    Airfare Disclaimer
    A NOTE ABOUT AIRFARE: We encourage you to buy your airfare from the tour operator, because if your tour cancels then your airlines tickets will be covered. Purchasing flights separately at a lesser rate and incorporating it with a Non-Guaranteed Departure Date can result in loss of total cost of your flight investment. Depending on the fare rules, flights may be Non-Refundable and/or Non-Transferable. Neither the tour operator and/or Atlas Cruises & Tours will be held responsible for loss if a tour is cancelled for Lack of Participation. If you would like to check for discounted fares on Guaranteed Departures or for competitive pricing on air and hotel packages, we invite you to follow this link.

    Documents
    TRAVEL DOCUMENTS: Necessary Travel Documents such as Passports and Visas is the responsibility of the traveler. Passports must be valid six months from your return travel date.

    Viking Legend

    Joining our European fleet in 2009, Viking Legend carries 189 guests on some of our most popular itineraries. This extraordinary vessel has two 310-square-foot suites and 95 staterooms, all deluxe (except for the 5 single staterooms) with either French balconies or picture windows. With good deck height, Viking Legend is similar to Viking Sun and Viking Helvetia, but has a slightly sleeker shape for ultimate flexibility. Best of all, Viking Legend is a “green” ship, with hybrid diesel-electric engines producing 20% fewer emissions and reduced noise/vibration.

    Viking Legend Ship Features

    • 98 comfortable outside staterooms (all deluxe)
    • Sun deck with 360-degree views
    • Bar
    • Restaurant
    • Onboard boutique
    • Library
    • Free shipwide wireless internet service
    • Laundry service
    • Enriching onboard lectures and demonstrations
    • Local evening entertainment
    Viking Legend

    Staterooms (Click thumbnails to see full size image

    Category A - C Cabin
    Category A - C Cabin

    Category A - C Cabin

    Features

    • Stateroom size: 155 sq. ft.
    • Deluxe staterooms have hotel-style beds
    • French balconies (can be opened)
    • Private bathroom with shower
    • TV, telephone, safe & hair dryer
    • Individual climate control
    • Hotel-style beds 6.56 ft. x 5.25 ft. x 1.48 ft. (can be separated)
    • Height under bed for suitcases: 1.15 ft.
    • Closet space: 6.30 ft. x 2.69 ft.
    • Converter in the bathroom outlet
    • 26-inch Sony flat-panel TV with several TV channels, video channels, info channel, “View From the Bridge” channel
    Category CS Cabin
    Category CS Cabin

    Category CS Cabin

    Features

    • Stateroom size: 134 sq. ft.
    • Single staterooms have a sofa bed
    • French balconies (can be opened) EXCEPT stateroom #122 (main deck) which has a window that cannot be opened
    • Private bathroom with enclosed shower
    • TV, telephone, safe & hair dryer
    • Individual climate control
    • Sofa bed
    • Height under bed for suitcases: 0.82 ft.
    • Closet space: 3.87 ft. x 5.71 ft. x 1.38 ft.
    • Converter in the bathroom outlet
    • 26-inch Sony flat-panel TV with several TV channels, video channels, info channel, “View From the Bridge” channel
    Category D & E Cabin
    Category D & E Cabin

    Category D & E Cabin

    Features

    • Stateroom size: 155 sq. ft.
    • Deluxe staterooms have hotel-style beds
    • Half-high picture window 2.13 ft. x 4.76 ft. (cannot be opened)
    • Private bathroom with shower
    • TV, telephone, safe & hairdryer
    • Individual climate control
    • Hotel-style bed L 6.56ft. x W 5.25 ft. x H 1.48 ft. (can be separated)
    • Height under bed for suitcases: 1.15 ft.
    • Closet space + size: 6.30 ft. x 2.69 ft.
    • Converter in the bathroom outlet
    • 26-inch Sony flat-panel TV with several TV channels, video channels, info channel, “View From the Bridge” channel
    Suite
    Suite

    Suite

    Features

    • Suite size: 310 sq. ft.
    • Deluxe suites have hotel-style beds
    • French balconies (can be opened)
    • Large private bathroom with bathtub and enclosed shower
    • Telephone, safe, hair dryer, refrigerator, two TV sets
    • Individual climate control
    • Hotel-style beds 6.56ft. x 5.25 ft. x 1.48 ft. (can be separated)
    • Sofa bed that can accommodate one or two
    • Height under bed for suitcases: 1.15 ft.
    • Walk-in closet
    • Converter in the desk area
    • Two 26-inch Sony flat-panel TVs with several TV channels, video channels, info channel, “View From the Bridge” channel

    Ship Facts:

    • Inagurated: 2009
    • Length: 443 ft
    • Decks: 4
    • Staterooms: 95 Outside cabins, 2 Suites
    • Passenger Capacity: 189
    • Voltage: 240v

    Ship Amenities:

    Atrium/Reception Lobby
    Viking Legend’s atrium is a large, airy space with a grand staircase to the upper lobby and direct access to the restaurant. The middle deck lobby is where you enter the ship, and serves as your information center throughout your voyage. Your Program Director’s desk is located here, so that you can easily ask questions or discuss the day’s activities. There is a public address system to announce events; there are also restrooms and an onboard boutique.

    Atrium/Seating Area
    The upper part of Viking Legend’s grand atrium features a spacious, comfortable seating area and large panoramic windows, so you can relax, read or watch the scenery go by. There is a 24-hour tea and coffee station with a fruit basket, and some showcases displaying items available at the onboard boutique just downstairs. The middle deck reception lobby is directly accessible via the grand staircase.

    Sun Deck
    Enjoy sunshine and fresh air while you take in 360-degree views of the scenery as you sail past castles, towns, villages, trees and vineyards. Stand at the railings or relax in a comfortable deck chair; some of the seating has a canopy for those who prefer shade. There is an access way from the sun deck to the bridge as well as to the library via staircase at the ship’s stern. The sun deck can be accessed from the library and the atrium.

    Restaurant
    The restaurant is where all meals are served during your cruise. Because it features panoramic windows, you will not miss any of the scenery while you are dining. It seats 189 guests at 29 tables which vary in size, accommodating 6, 8 or 10 guests per table. The dining room is open seating, so you are free to sit where you like—a great way to make new friends. The atmosphere is casual but elegant, with high-quality table linens, china, cutlery and glassware. The room has a stereo system for playing quiet music during meals.

    Observation Lounge/Bar
    The observation lounge is a terrific place to meet friends before and after meals. It boasts a large sitting area with chairs, small tables, sofas and a bar area with barstools. The lounge has a projector and screen installed in the ceiling, so slides can be shown, and there is a stereo system and dance floor.

    Library
    The library has comfortable seating and excellent reading light. Our ships’ libraries carry approximately 80 books, in various languages but mostly English, and several games such as chess, backgammon and playing cards.

     

  • Price Guarantee Once you have paid in full for your trip, you are safe from any additional charges. Airfare increases, currency fluctuations, increased fuel surcharges, new government taxes—none of these will apply to you.

  • Cruise fares listed are cruise only in U.S. dollars, per person, based on double occupancy and include non-commissionable fares. Cruise fares listed are valid for U.S. and Canadian residents only. Cruise ship fuel surcharge may apply. All fares and offers are for new bookings only as of March 1, 2010, are subject to availability, may not be combinable with other offers except Past Guest Travel Credit and Referral Rewards Credit, are capacity-controlled and may be withdrawn at any time without prior notice. 2-for-1 fares are based upon published full brochure fares; cruise fares do not include pre-paid charges, optional facilities and service fees, and personal charges, as defined in the terms and conditions of the Passenger Ticket Contract which may be viewed elsewhere on this website. Full brochure fares may not have resulted in actual sales in all stateroom categories and may not have been in effect during the last 90 days. Promotional fares may remain in effect after the expiration date. Air promotion applies to economy, roundtrip flights only from select Viking River Cruises U.S. and Canadian gateways and includes airport-to-ship or hotel transfers, air taxes and air fuel surcharges. Viking reserves the right to correct errors or omissions and to change any and all fares, fees and surcharges at any time. For up-to-date prices, please call 800-942-3301. The cruise ship fuel surcharge is additional revenue to Viking River Cruises, as are any additional charges relating to currency fluctuation other than for fully paid cruise fares and full fares, which fluctuations are beyond our control. Additional terms and conditions may apply. Complete terms and conditions may be found in the Passenger Ticket Contract.

  • Travel Protection You are looking forward to your trip, and we are looking forward to welcoming you aboard. But sometimes illness or an emergency at home may create the need to postpone or cancel your vacation. If that happens, make sure you are protected. Our new, updated travel protection plan provides 100% protection if you must cancel or interrupt your trip for any reason, including a pre-existing medical condition.


    • Viking Early Booking Savings

    A journey with Viking River Cruises has always been a great vacation value. You travel through exciting destinations in the heart of Europe, Russia, Ukraine, China or Egypt. Your ship is comfortable and intimate; every stateroom has a river view. And with Viking, everything is included—deluxe accommodations, all onboard meals, daily shore excursions, cultural enrichment activities and free shipwide wireless access on all our ships in Europe, Russia, Ukraine and China.

    An all-inclusive river cruise costs less per day than you might otherwise spend for hotels alone. With Viking, you pay in U.S. dollars—and once you have paid, you have no worries about currency fluctuations, fuel surcharges, taxes or anything else. Guaranteed.

    It is our goal to introduce as many people as we can to the joys of river cruising—and to welcome back previous guests who already know how great a Viking River Cruises journey can be.

    That is why Viking is offering their best deals ever—take advantage of a Spring Sale on all 2010 itineraries, or book select 2011 itineraries in Europe, Russia and Egypt* with an Early Booking Discount. Either way, you will receive:

    •Incredible 2-for-1 pricing on every river cruise itinerary

    •A discount of up to 2-for-1 on international air

    •Complimentary wine with onboard dinners

    Give us a call at 800-942-3301 to learn more or to make a reservation. The 2010 Spring Sale expires February 26, 2010 and the 2011 Early Booking Discount expires March 31, 2010. We hope to welcome you aboard soon!

    *Final 2011 itineraries, including China, will launch in April 2010.

     
     

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