Cruise to enchanting destinations

Admire the Wachau Valley, a UNESCO Site, from your Viking Longship. Learn to waltz at a tradition-steeped Viennese dance school. Savor Austro-Hungarian cuisine in Vienna and Budapest, and on your ship. Explore lesser-known Central European cities like Cesky Krumlov and Bratislava. Soak up the soothing steam at a Budapest thermal bath. This 8-day itinerary reveals the highlights of Passau, Vienna, Bratislava and Budapest, while leisurely cruising through spectacular scenery.

Danube Waltz

This 8-day cruise takes you through Europe's most enchanting countries along the storied Danube River.

Day by Day

Day 1 - Passau, Germany

Arrive in Munich, then transfer to your ship in Passau.* After boarding, spend free time exploring, or join our "welcome walk" to stretch your legs and get oriented. (D)

Day 2 - Passau, Germany

Today you will take a walking tour of this elegant town, called the Dreiflussestadt ("City on Three Rivers"), which is situated at the confluence of the Danube, Ilz and Inn Rivers. You'll see the New Bishop's Residence and visit the impressive baroque St. Stephen's Cathedral with its ornate interior. Inside, you are treated to a special concert played on the 17,000-pipe organ, considered Europe's largest church organ.? This afternoon, you are free to explore Passau. See the sights and experience the local culture, or simply relax aboard your ship before departure. (B, L, D)
?Passau organ concert is only available May 1-October 31 and is closed on Sunday.

Day 3 - Linz, Austria

Arrive in Linz this morning and set off on an all-day excursion to the beautiful Bohemian town of Cesky Krumlov, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Ride through the scenic Czech countryside and take a walking tour featuring the lovely historic center of the city with many baroque and Renaissance buildings, dating back hundreds of years. You have some free time to enjoy Krumlov's charming streets, filled with cafes, shops, galleries and pubs. Maybe stop for lunch in one of the many local restaurants. Return aboard for dinner and a late-evening departure. (B, D)

Day 4 - Melk, Austria

This morning, visit the 900-year-old abbey at Melk, a Benedictine monastery that began life as a castle of Leopold II. See its spectacular wall and ceiling frescoes; take note of the library's comprehensive medieval manuscript collection; and admire the graceful spiral staircase. After lunch aboard your ship, we stop at the picturesque Wachau Valley town of Durnstein, where you can explore on your own, or join an optional excursion to sample some local vintages from this famous wine-producing region. (B, L, D)

Day 5 - Vienna, Austria

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 baroque architecture, including the 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. As always, your Program Director can help you plan your free time. Alternately, you may choose to join an optional excursion to see the famed Lipizzaner Stallions; or, express your creativity and create a lasting keepsake at an optional art workshop inspired by the work of Gustav Klimt. After dinner, relax or enjoy an optional classical concert. (B, L, D)

Day 6 - Bratislava, Slovakia

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 Tower, 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)

Day 7 - Budapest, Hungary

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 Fishermen's Bastion and Matthias Church. Enjoy lunch aboard your ship, with the rest of the day to explore on your own. You may wish to visit the Art Nouveau Gellert 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)

Day 8 - Budapest, Hungary

After breakfast, disembark and proceed to the airport for your return flight.* Or, extend your journey with 2 additional nights in Budapest, giving yourself more time to explore the bustling Hungarian capital. (B)

Viking Inclusive Value

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