Overview
This video covers part one of a Viking River Cruise on the Danube, highlighting experiences and excursions from Budapest to Vienna along the Romantic Danube itinerary.
River Cruise Overview
- The itinerary is seven nights and eight days, covering Hungary, Austria, and Germany, and two capital cities: Budapest and Vienna.
- River cruising offers the convenience of visiting multiple destinations with only a single unpack, constant changing scenery, and central docking in most cities.
- Viking was founded in 1997, is adults-only (18+), and is known for Scandinavian-inspired interiors and award-winning service.
Ship Information: Viking GG
- The Viking GG ship has four decks, accommodates 190 passengers and 53 crew, and offers a smaller, friendly cruise environment.
- There are 95 staterooms in various categories, including suites, veranda, French balcony, and standard staterooms.
- Facilities include a sun deck, aqua terrace for outdoor dining, and elegant, light-filled interiors.
Included Features and Amenities
- Return flights from UK airports, one guided excursion in every port, all meals, 24-hour tea/coffee station, complimentary drinks at lunch/dinner, free Wi-Fi, and evening entertainment are included.
- Optional excursions are available for purchase.
Day 1: Arrival in Budapest
- Guests flew from London and were met by Viking representatives for transport to the ship.
- Staterooms featured queen-sized beds, U.S. and European power outlets, modern bathrooms, and underfloor heating.
- An initial guided walk introduced Budapest's Great Market Hall, where guests learned about goulash and sampled paprika.
Budapest City Tour and Departure
- A panoramic tour visited the Budapest Castle District, Matthias Church, and Fisherman’s Bastion with free exploration time.
- Guests enjoyed coffee at Ruszwurm Cafe and saw the Hungarian Parliament building from the river as the ship departed Budapest.
- A welcome toast was held onboard, and guests experienced their first river lock on the journey.
Vienna: Exploration and Excursions
- The included panoramic tour covered the Hofburg Palace, St. Stephen’s Cathedral, and Viennese coffee house culture.
- Optional excursion visited Schönbrunn Palace, the former summer residence of the Habsburgs, with additional time in the gardens.
- The following day, guests explored Vienna independently, revisiting St. Stephen’s Cathedral, food halls, and more coffee houses.
- After dinner, an optional classical concert by the Vienna Residence Orchestra featured works by Mozart and Strauss.
Upcoming: Part Two Preview
- Part two will cover the continuation from Krems, through Austria’s Wachau Valley, and on to the German cities of Passau and Regensburg.