The Mighty Amazon River
Embark on a journey to one of the world’s vastly unexplored regions, the mighty Amazon. Experience the Amazon wilderness where it originates in Peru. The Amazon Basin covers an area larger than Western Europe, but it’s in Peru’s Amazon where biodiversity is at its greatest and the rainforest is untamed. Imagine venturing deep into the Amazon jungle in search of elusive wildlife, taking a swim with pink dolphins, and visiting native communities, all while returning to an air-conditioned suite, hot shower, and an over-sized plush bed. Cruises on the Amazon River run through Peru.
Belogradchik Red Rock Valley
Drive through the scenic Bulgarian countryside to Belogradchik, a small town in the foothills of the Balkan Mountains, not far from the Serbian border. After some light refreshment at a local hotel, youll be ready to explore the astonishing rock formations nearby, which are over 200 million years oldand have inspired nearly as many legends! Many of the strange wind- and weather-hewn shapes have names, such as Adam and Eve, the Bear and the Castle. The outcroppings formed a natural defense for the town that was enhanced with man-made fortifications over the centuries. Whether you choose to hike with a local expert to the top of the path or not, youll be rewarded with spectacular views. Your return will take you past some sights that highlight Vidins mixed heritage: the Orthodox cathedral, the Turkish mosque, the Konak and the cruciform barracks . The final stop will be Baba Vida, whose stern 10th-century stone walls were built on the site of a Roman watchtower.
Banitza home baking experience
Today, a local baker will welcome you into their home for a demonstration and workshop on how to make a traditional Bulgarian treat, banitza. Typically made with filo dough, yoghurt and cheese, banitza can always be found at Bulgarian celebrations. First, your hostess will show you how the bread is …
Veliko Tarnovo and Arbanassi with authentic Bulgarian lunch
Let’s Go Bicycle Ride Along The Inn River
The Inn River rises in the Alps, near Innsbruck and flows through three nations on its way to Passau, where it joins the Danube. While the Danube bike path may be Europes best-known route for bicyclists, the Inn River bike path, which follows the river from Innsbruck to Passau, has plenty of fans. The route through the Inn River valley outside Passau is an especially attractive stretch, with great views of the lovely countryside, picturesque villages and the sparkling clear river itself. Your guide will make sure you know the local traffic and safety rules before you and your group set out along the partly flat and paved path. Youll be traveling on both sides of the river, crossing between Germany and Austria as you cross the Inn, and your journey will include a comfort stop before returning to the ship. All in all, its an idyllic way to enjoy the scenery and get some exercise at the same time.
Show
Day 13
Weissenkirchen
Named for its white church, Weissenkirchen may very well be the prettiest village in the Wachau Valley. A local expert will show you around and introduce you to some regional delicacies, including a wine tasting. Prefer to go for baroque? Visit the 900-year-old Melk Abbey and its extraordinarily opulent library. Later, you can stretch your legs with a vineyard hike.
Also Check: Is Celebrity Cruise Line Good
Veliko Tarnovo And Arbanassi With Authentic Bulgarian Lunch
Twice the capital of Bulgariabefore and after the Ottomans conquered the nationVeliko Tarnovo climbs steep hills above the Yantra River, topped by the ruins of Tsarevets, the stronghold where Bulgarias kings ruled between 1185 and 1393. The remains of the great stone walls and towers that you see formed the historic heart of the Second Bulgarian Empire. History lives in this town, as a quick look at the wares for sale in Samovod Marketplace will show you: Handicrafts are all made by local artisans using ancient, medieval or Renaissance technologies. Youll have time to peruse the exceptional local pottery and textiles there before heading to Arbanassi, home to six amazing 17th-century stone churches, each one decorated with colorful and intricate frescoes. Learn something of the multicultural history of this fascinating town at the Ethnographic Museum and visit the UNESCO-designated Nativity Church, where murals of the Nativity, the Last Judgment and the zodiac brilliantly blend religious and humanist iconography. At another of the churches, Holy Archangels Michael and Gabriel, youll hear the otherworldly singing of an Orthodox choir in a short concert. Your days adventure includes a traditional three-course Bulgarian lunch, complete with live folk music.
Rousse walking tour with Ivanovo and Basarbovo Monasteries
Veliko Tarnovo and Arbanassi with authentic Bulgarian lunch
Booking Terms & Conditions
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 taxesnone of these will apply to you.
20222024 RIVER CRUISE AND AIR SAVINGS: Offer valid on bookings made from November 1-30, 2022. Special fares plus FREE international air valid on 20222023 departures of Grand European Tour and European Sojourn 2023 departures of Capitals of Eastern Europe. Airfares vary on other gateways & departures. Airfare does not have to be purchased to get cruise/tour offer. All prices are in CAD dollars and for CA residents only. Additional restrictions may apply. Book by November 30, 2022. 2022: Pay in full by November 30, 2022 or at time of booking if within 90 days of departure. 2023: Pay in full by December 15, 2022. 2024: Pay in full by April 30, 2023. Offers expires November 30, 2022.
AIR OFFER RESTRICTIONS: Offer expires November 30, 2022.
Sign up to receive updates from Viking
Stay current with special offers, news and destination-focused content.
Don’t Miss: Are Viking River Cruises All Inclusive
Masterpiece Collectionproviding The Most All
Bavarian Sausage Making Workshop
Activity Level: Intermediate$93Activity Level: Intermediate$93 pre-purchase79 EUR onboard
Germany’s oldest restaurant, Alte Wurstkuche, has been serving sausages to Regensburg’s residents for almost 900 years-which tells you just how much Regensburg loves sausages. Delve into the craft and art of this delicious regional specialty after a tour of the town’s medieval core that ends at the Regensburg Ratskeller. It’s housed in part of the Old Town Hall, so it’s a historic site in its own right, but it’s also home to a family-owned shop where Bavaria’s beloved Weisswürste are made-weiss, meaning white , and würst, meaning sausage. Roll up your sleeves and help create some white sausage under the supervision of the shop’s master butcher, who shares the traditional recipe with you. Once you’ve weighed and mixed the ingredients and stuffed the casings, you’ll watch them cook to delicious perfection. Then comes the best part: eating your own hand-made sausages with local Händlmaier mustard and a fresh pretzel-and, if you want a truly traditional Regensburg experience in the heart of Old Town, you’ll sip a local beer with it.
Show
Day 12
Passau
Located at the confluence of three riversthe Danube, Inn and Ilz Passau is well known for its ornate baroque cathedral. Today, the city is unusually well preserved, having been spared the brunt of Allied bombing during WWII, as youll see on your walking tour.
Read More About Extreme Weather
- Reversing Course: The Netherlands, a country long shaped by its overabundance of water, is suddenly confronting drought. Its population is hoping to engineer its way to safety.
- Drying Out: The Mississippi River, known for its vast reach and powerful currents, has withered to levels not seen in decades, choking shipping lanes and endangering drinking water supplies.
- Smoke Pollution: Smoke from wildfires has worsened over the past decade, potentially reversing decades of improvements in Western air quality made under the Clean Air Act, according to new research.
Even ships that are able to pass through the Rhine have had to reduce the capacity of their loads, since heavy cargo weighs down ships and causes difficulties in shallow waters.
For Mr. Farmer, the last straw came on day three of his trip, when Viking, the operator, arranged for the guests to stay in a hotel that Mr. Farmer described as subpar, with a man in a building next to the hotel staring into their room when he and his wife walked in.
That night, my wife and I had had enough. I wanted to go home, he said. But after two hours on hold with customer service, it became apparent that Viking wouldnt be giving him a refund. So, he said, he and his wife decided they would change their attitudes. They boarded the ship the next day, and the trip improved significantly.
It ended up being the best trip of their lives. Sometimes the unexpected is a lot more fun than things youve planned for a year, she said.
Recommended Reading: What Is The Best Around The World Cruise
Discover Must Do Experiences And Highlights On A Europe River Cruise
The Elegant Elbe
Are you a seasoned river cruiser? Don’t forget the River Elbe rising in the Giant Mountains of the northern Czech Republic before traversing Bohemia, Germany and flowing into the North Sea.
The Reds of Bordeaux
Take a cycling trip to explore the picturesque Medoc region, stopping to taste the local reds from the finest French region for red wine.
Experience a Quinta
Take the chance to spend a relaxing day at a traditional vineyard in Portugal tasting the Port wine for which the region is famous.
Castles by the Rhine Gorge
Head to the sundeck as you leave Rudesheim and enters the narrows of the World Heritage-listed Rhine Gorge. Spot the 40 castles and fortresses atop the high cliffs as you glide toward Koblenz.
The Lights of Budapest
Feel romance on the Danube as you set sail from Budapest en route to Amsterdam, farewelled by the golden lights that lace the Parliament Building on the riverbank. A magical moment on your European river cruise.
Rdesheim Wine Village And Panoramas Of Niederwald Monument
The huge statue of Germania atop the hill above Rüdesheim is visible for miles. Erected by Wilhelm I to commemorate the unification of Germany following the Franco-Prussian War in 1877, the monument may perfectly embody 19th-century imperial grandiositybut the ride to and from it is the real point of your expedition. Hop aboard an aerial cable car and begin your ascent to Niederwald Heights. You’ll get a great view of the town and the entire Rheingau wine-growing region as you climb high into the air, with the precipitous vineyards falling away below you and spectacular views of the Rhine valley spreading into the distance. Don’t worry if you find there are far too many glorious things to see as you ascend anything you miss while going up, you’ll have a chance to catch coming back down. Explore the historic Niederwald Monument, then head back down into Rüdesheim, where you can enjoy some free time.
Rüdesheim Walk with Local Treats
The winemaking town of Rüdesheim boasts countless delights, especially along the enchanting Drosselgasse alley that runs through the citys Old Town. Follow your guide through this quaint neighborhood and learn how the famous Rüdesheimer Coffee, a coffee infused with Asbach Uralt (a …
Read Also: Can I Fly To Hawaii And Then Cruise The Islands
Van Gogh Museum Visit
The doors open early to give you a crowd-free viewing of an extraordinary collection. A curator will provide an expert introduction, then you can view the collection at your leisure. Youll also have a chance to explore the new all-encompassing 3-D Meet Vincent van Gogh Experience, which uses innovative and interactive techniques to tell the artists life story like never before. Wander with Vincent from the rural Netherlands to the streets of Paris. Pull up a seat at The Potato Eaters table or at Café Le Tambourin in Montmartre. Investigate the details of Van Goghs paintings using a microscope and step into the life-sized Yellow House and engage with a dramatic shadow play. Its a wonderful way to savor Vincents legacy and contemplate his role as an enduring source of inspiration.
Amsterdam Canal cruise
Its called the Venice of the North for a reason: Canals crisscross the heart of the old city, and bridges link some 90 islands. As the principal city in a newly independent Holland, Amsterdam was a boom town in the early 17th century, rapidly outgrowing its medieval walls. The…
Weissenkirchen Village Walk With Wine Tasting
Youve seen the apricot orchards along the river banks now taste the fruit. Begin with an easy walk to Weissenkirchen, which may be the prettiest village in the Wachauand thats saying quite a bit. Named for its famous white church, Weissenkirchen is simply picture-perfect. Its centuries-old wine estates, houses with colorful flower boxes, lovely gardens and apricot orchards make for a wonderfully idyllic setting between the river and the mountains. Later, sample some Wachau wines at a local winery where your guide will share various details about why these extraordinary wines are so unique.
Melk Abbey with Library Visit
The Babenbergs, a great medieval ducal family that controlled a wide swath of Austria before yielding to the Habsburgs, were the first to erect a castle on the hill above Melk, which they subsequently gave to Benedictine monks. These monks, some 900 years ago, turned it into a fortified abbey and…
Passau Walking Tour
The skyline of Passau is dominated by two buildings that owe their existence to the prince-bishops who ruled the city until 1803: the great fortress looming on a hill above the three rivers, home to the bishops until the 17th century, and the green onion domes of St. Stephens Cathedral. As…
You May Like: Carnival Cruise Customer Service Number
Nuremberg Panoramic City Tour
Nuremberg was never officially the capital of the Holy Roman Empire, but German rulers made this city their base for 500 years. They surrounded the medieval city with stout walls and built a great castle on a hilltop, which they expanded again and again over the centuries. Prosperous, secure and vibrant, Nuremberg lured artists and thinkers, merchants and scientists, for centuries.
Discover this archetypal medieval German city today as you trace the great ramparts and gate towers around the Old Town. Stroll through the castle gardens and enjoy breathtaking views of the city, then walk through a maze of cobblestone lanes down to the central Market Square, gathering around the well-named Beautiful Fountain, first erected in 1396. The red sandstone Church of Our Lady stands on the east side of the squarethe 14th-century façade survived WWII bombing and, like much of Old Town, was meticulously reconstructed after the war, with the original stones plucked from the rubble.
Nuremberg City Tour with WWII Rally Grounds and Documentation Center Visit
Hitler considered Nuremberg the perfect expression of German culture , and so beginning in 1927, he chose to hold his massive rallies in the city. By 1933, his favorite architect, Albert Speer, had…
Bamberg Walking Tour
Frankfurt Walking Tour With Local Treats
Heidelberg Castle visit
Walk up a cobblestone incline to Heidelberg Castle, where youll have a guided tour of the courtyard and the Heidelberg Tunthe worlds largest wine barrel. The views from the hilltop castle ruins, which greatly inspired writers and artists of the Romantic era, are simply…
You May Like: Where To Stay In Miami Near Cruise Port
Wertheim Walk With Local Treats
This region of Bavaria is known for its amber-colored beer, spicy bratwurst, traditional soft pretzels and unique wine bottles with short necks and round bodiesand youll encounter several of these local specialties today. First, though, you get to see a little of Wertheim itself. Despite centuries of flooding, a great deal of the Old Town remains. The Pointed Tower, used as a jail for drunkards and shrews in the 13th century, leans toward its neighbors, not from age but because flood waters have undermined it. Its not the only architectural wonder youll see on your tour. You may choose to spend some leisure time in the village or head straight to nearby Kreuzwertheim, a wine-growing area, for a hike through the vineyardsyour efforts will be rewarded with a glass of sparkling wine and a wonderful view of the Main River valley. Whichever option you select, your next stop is a historic winery that produces Franconian wines. Its charming sandstone architecture, vaulted cellars and covered courtyard make for a delightful afternoon. Youve probably tasted some yummy soft pretzels on your trip already, but these are special: Watch a fifth-generation baker make some for you and discover for yourself why he supplies some of Berlins top hotels. Then meet the winerys winemaker, who will present a special wine tasting.
Let’s Go Wertheim Bicycle Tour
Rüdesheim Wine Village and Panoramas of Niederwald Monument
Budapest Panoramic Highlights With Parliament Visit
Take in the highlights of Budapest on a panoramic tour down Andrassy Avenue, a bustling promenade lined with breathtaking Neo-Renaissance architecture. The construction of this street was part of a concerted effort to establish Budapest as a modern metropolis during the 19th century, making the grandeur of these buildings as much a political statement as an artistic one. Today, you can enjoy both the beauty and the history of this UNESCO-designated avenue as you pass through, marvel at Heroes Square, and make your way to the top of Gellért Hill, where youll look down to incredible views of both the Buda and Pest sides of the city.
Stepping off the coach, youll enter the iconic Parliament building that commands Budapests skyline. Likely the most famous building in Budapest, this masterpiece of Neo-Gothic architecture is as spectacular inside as out.
Budapest Walk with Local Treats
Today your guide will show you how to snack around Budapest like a local, starting with a tram ride to the House of Parliament. Hop off the tram and take a short walk to your first treat: a coffee break at the First Strudel House of Pest. Energized by your cup of coffee, youll continue your…
Vienna – Imperial City Highlights
Also Check: Where Do Cruise Ships Dock In Bergen Norway