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2008 Amsterdam to Budapest
Mar 23
Apr 20
May 4, 18
Jun 1, 15, 29
Jul 13, 27
Aug 10, 24
Sep 7, 21
Oct 5, 19
Nov 2

2008 Budapest to Amsterdam
Apr 6
May 4, 18
Jun 1, 15, 29
Jul 13, 27
Aug 10, 24
Sep 7, 21
Oct 5, 19
Nov 2

Viking Spirit
Viking Pride
Viking Danube

1-888-942-3301

Certain restrictions apply. All rates in U.S. dollars. Prices, savings offers, and other terms subject to change without notice. Images, logos, photographs etc. on this page is copyrighted by Viking River Cruises. It is presumed to be accurate and is subject to change without notice.

This voyage from Amsterdam to Budapest explores the Rhine and Main Rivers and travels along the Danube as it winds its way through the Netherlands, Germany, Austria and Slovakia to Hungary. Cruise from Holland’s windmill-studded fields past Germany’s fairy-tale castles and through the engineering marvel of the Main-Danube Canal. Then sail past the vineyards of Austria’s Wachau Valley as you travel to Vienna. Continue along the blue Danube to experience the magic of Slovakia’s capital, Bratislava, and finally, view the imperial beauty of Budapest. You’ll sail aboard a ship designed to maximize scenery viewing with panoramic windows, a sun deck and river-view, outside cabins. Our onboard meals, prepared by European chefs, include a choice of entrées, regional specialties and traditional favorites. You’ll also enjoy a traditional Franconian lunch in Rothenburg, Germany’s best-preserved medieval city, and a Hungarian farewell dinner. These and all onboard meals are included in your cruise fare.

Our English-speaking guides will take you to famous landmarks as well as hidden gems. Highlights include a tour of Holland’s premier art museum, the Van Gogh Museum, as well as a walking tour of Cologne and visit to its grand Gothic cathedral. Step back in time as you stroll the cobbled streets of charming towns and see traditional half-timbered houses. Explore the local culture as you taste the region’s fine wines, discover the artistry of glassblowing and enjoy Bavarian and Hungarian folkloric entertainment.

Day 1 Amsterdam
Commence your journey in this colorful city
Welcome to Amsterdam, capital of the Netherlands. We’ll meet you at the airport and transfer you to your ship.* After boarding, the afternoon is yours to explore the city on your own. Dinner included.

Day 2 Amsterdam
Glide through a labyrinth of famed canals
This morning, get a city overview with a canal boat cruise past merchant houses and the Old Harbor, dating back to Holland’s Golden Age. Continue with a visit to the world-famous Van Gogh Museum, featuring works by the noted artist. Return to your ship for lunch and cruise through the night. Breakfast, lunch and dinner included.

Day 3 Cologne
A lively atmosphere, an ancient backdrop
Enjoy scenic cruising along the legendary Rhine. After lunch, tour Cologne and visit the Dom— Germany’s largest cathedral and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Afterwards, sample Kölsch, Cologne’s signature beer. EB

Day 4 Koblenz, Rüdesheim
Half-timbered houses on cobbled streets
Cruise past hilltop castles along the Rhine. Eat lunch aboard; late this afternoon take a mini-train ride in Rüdesheim to tour Siegfried’s Mechanical Music Museum which houses elaborate musical machines. The evening is then yours to explore Rüdesheim’s famed Drosselgasse—a pedestrian-only street lined with pubs, restaurants and wine shops. Dine aboard or you can stay in town to experience local nightlife.
Breakfast, lunch and dinner included.

Day 5 Mainz
Home to father of the printing press
After breakfast tour Mainz and visit the Gutenberg Museum, chronicling the history of printing and featuring Johannes Gutenberg’s original Bibles. Enjoy free time followed by lunch aboard. Sail through the night to Wertheim. Breakfast, lunch and dinner included.

Day 6 Wertheim
Discover the traditional methods of glassblowing in a private demonstration
During your morning walking tour, learn about Wertheim’s glassblowing tradition. Afterwards, enjoy free time to explore local shops and markets. Return to your ship for lunch and an afternoon glassblowing demonstration. Breakfast, lunch and dinner included.

Day 7 Würzburg, Rothenburg
Explore a baroque palace and a medieval city
After breakfast, tour Würzburg’s Bishops’ Residenz, one of Germany’s largest and most ornate baroque palaces and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Then, take a motorcoach ride along Germany’s “Romantic Road” to Rothenburg, with lunch in a local restaurant. Dine aboard; evening cruising. Breakfast, lunch and dinner included.

Day 8 Nuremberg
Step back in time to remember World War II
After lunch aboard, dock in Nuremberg. Visit the ruins of Zeppelin Field and see the Palace of Justice, site of the WWII Nuremberg Trials. Or, join an optional WWII history tour visiting the Documentation Center Museum. Enjoy free time; depart just before dinner. Breakfast, lunch and dinner included.

Day 9 Regensburg
Wander along charming, narrow streets
Arrive in Regensburg after lunch and tour this wonderfully preserved city. Discover many 13th and 14th century patrician houses and tour St. Peter’s Cathedral. During free time, visit the Alte Wurstküche (Old Sausage Kitchen), Germany’s oldest restaurant. Cruise through dinner. Breakfast, lunch and dinner included.

Day 10 Passau, Linz
Hear Europe’s largest pipe organ & see romantic Linz
On this morning’s walking tour, see Passau’s Italianate architecture. Then, listen to a concert on Europe’s largest pipe organ in St. Stephan’s Cathedral.† Arrive in Linz during dinner. Tonight, explore on your own. You may want to sample the city’s famed Linzer Torte. Breakfast, lunch and dinner included. †Passau organ concert not available after November 1.

Day 11 Melk, Dürnstein
Picturesque villages, hilltop castles & a famous wine town
After lunch, visit the baroque abbey at Melk, a 900-year-old Benedictine monastery featuring Austria’s finest Italian baroque architecture. Rejoin your ship; cruise through dinner. You then have free time to explore Dürnstein. You can see Kuenringer Castle where Richard the Lionheart was imprisoned in 1193. Or, sample some local vintages from this famous wine-producing region. Breakfast, lunch and dinner included.

Day 12 Vienna
Spend a day in the “City of Waltzes”
Ride along Vienna’s Ringstrasse, which replaced the city walls in the mid-19th century. Then tour the baroque Belvedere Palace and view its collection of Austrian art. You’ll also see Vienna’s 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. After dinner, enjoy an optional classical concert.
Breakfast, lunch and dinner included.

Day 13 Bratislava
Tour historic Old Town—a local favorite
After an early arrival, you embark on a walking tour of the Slovak Republic’s charming capital to see attractions like the medieval fortifications at Michael’s Tower, baroque Trinity Church and Gothic St. Martin’s Cathedral. You also pass by several baroque palaces from the Hapsburg Dynasty before you return to your ship for an afternoon of scenic cruising. Late tonight, arrive in Budapest. Breakfast, lunch and dinner included.

Day 14 Budapest
Explore ancient “Buda” and modern “Pest”
The Danube River divides this Hungarian capital city into “Buda” and “Pest.” Explore both parts, starting with Pest’s National Opera House and historic Heroes’ Square. In Buda, stroll Fishermen’s Hill to Fishermen’s Bastion and Matthias Church. Enjoy lunch aboard with the rest of the day to explore on your own. Return to your ship for a traditional Hungarian farewell dinner. Breakfast, lunch and dinner included.

Day 15 Budapest
After breakfast, disembark and we’ll take you to the airport for your return flight.* Or, extend your journey with 3 nights in Budapest, where you’ll be centrally located within Buda’s Castle District and minutes from the Chain Bridge.
Breakfast included.

Note: Schedules and activities are subject to change depending upon river water levels, port accessibility and weather conditions. Tours often include walks over cobblestones, steps and uneven ground; for passenger safety and enjoyment, we recommend you be in good physical condition to participate fully in all tours. For safety reasons, sun deck access may be limited during times of high water levels/low bridge clearance and during the Main-Danube Canal transit.

† Passau organ concert not available after November 1.

This itinerary is also available in the reverse direction. Port sequence, tours and times may vary.

*Airport meet & greet transfers included when air is purchased from Viking River Cruises.

► ADD 3 NIGHTS IN AMSTERDAM (2008)

Discover more of Amsterdam with this 3-night city-stay package you add before your river cruise (for itineraries beginning in Amsterdam) or after your cruise (for itineraries ending in Amsterdam).

AMSTERDAM DAY BY DAY
DAY 1 Amsterdam
Transfer to the canalside 5-star Hilton Amsterdam, within walking distance to Museum Square, the flower market and the bustling shopping district. Enjoy the rest of your day at leisure.

DAY 2 Amsterdam
Tour the world-famous Rijksmuseum with its superb collection of Dutch Masters’ works. Afternoon and evening free time allows for visiting local markets, the Heineken Museum or shopping. Breakfast included.

DAY 3 Amsterdam
You have a full day to further explore this “Venice of the North.” Experience history by touring the Anne Frank House followed by free time—maybe rent a bicycle and take a ride through the city, Dutch-style. Breakfast included.

DAY 4 Amsterdam
We’ll take you to your ship or to the airport for your return flight. Breakfast included.

INCLUDED IN YOUR EXTENSION PRICE OF $599*

• 3 nights at centrally located Hilton Amsterdam (or similar)

• Daily breakfasts

• Entry to Rijksmuseum and Anne Frank House

• Services of a Viking River Cruises host

• Transfer to/from hotel/ship

• Airport meet & greet transfers included when air is purchased from Viking River Cruises

*Single supplement $299.

► ADD 3 NIGHTS IN BUDAPEST (2008)

Discover more of Budapest with this 3-night city-stay package you add before your river cruise (for itineraries beginning in Budapest or Vienna) or after your cruise (for itineraries ending in Budapest or Vienna).

BUDAPEST DAY BY DAY
DAY 1 Budapest
Transfer to the 5-star Hilton Budapest, centrally located within Buda’s Castle District with Fishermen’s Bastion at your doorstep, and minutes from the Chain Bridge and city center. Take the rest of the day to explore on your own.

DAY 2 Budapest
Get an insider’s tour through the narrow, curving lanes and quaint courtyards of Old Buda; see Buda Castle and Matthias Fountain. The afternoon and evening is for independent exploration.

DAY 3 Budapest
You have a full day to further explore Budapest. Cross the Danube via the Chain Bridge and visit more modern “Pest,” go shopping along Váci utca and sample traditional goulash.

DAY 4 Budapest
We’ll take you to your ship or to the airport for your return flight.

INCLUDED IN YOUR EXTENSION PRICE OF $499 per person*

• 3 nights at centrally located Hilton Budapest (or similar)

• Daily breakfasts

• Guided walk through Old Buda

• Services of a Viking River Cruises host

• Transfer to/from hotel/ship

• Airport meet & greet transfers included when air is purchased from Viking River Cruises

*Single supplement $299.