Special offer including air from most US Airports
including rapid city, sd

Departing Thursday 12th December 9 days / 8 nights

Ship Highlights

Sailing the most popular itineraries, the award-winning Viking Longships showcase innovative engineering, streamlined design and understated elegance for the most comfortable river cruise experience available.

Itinerary:

Day 1 Depart USA with overnight Transatlantic flight
Overnight Transatlantic flight.

Day 2 Arrive in Budapest and transfer to your Viking Ship.
Budapest, Hungary. Welcome to Budapest, capital of Hungary. Transfer to your ship from the airport.* After boarding, the afternoon is yours to relax or do a bit of exploring. Tonight, return to your ship for supper.
OVERNIGHT SHIP Budapest, Hungary.

Day 3 Budapest, Hungary
The Christmas season adds another layer of beauty to the already romantic charms of Budapest. Nestled in the heart of Pest lies Vörösmarty Square, home to the city’s largest yuletide market. The enticing aroma of national specialties permeates the air as vendors display traditional and contemporary handicrafts. At the cozy St. Stephen’s Basilica market, mulled wine keeps revelers warm as nightly light shows illuminate the church’s facade. Across the Danube in Buda, Old-World allure mingles with festivities in Fő Square, where seasonal events and an outdoor ice rink entertain.

OVERNIGHT SHIP - Sailing the Danube.

Day 4 Vienna, Austria
Discover the magnificent architectural highlights of Vienna, Austria’s elegant capital, during a festive tour. Set out on a combined motor coach and walking tour that focuses on the splendid buildings along the remarkable Ringstrasse, the gracious boulevard laid out on the site of the old city walls during the mid-19th century. Step back in time as you admire these elegant public buildings, grand residences, and imposing palaces. Pay a short visit to the Christkindlmarkt at the St. Stephen’s Cathedral. Afterward, you will take a stroll through the stunning Christmas Market around Maria Theresien Platz. Known for its outstanding and unique handicrafts and artistic decors, this atmospheric market will give plenty of opportunity for shopping and browsing its many stalls. After a brief orientation tour, you may enjoy free time to explore at your leisure or return to your awaiting ship.

(Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)

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. Stephen’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. Or you may take an optional tour to Schönbrunn Palace, the “Versailles of Vienna,” erected in 1778 and graced by a number of formal gardens, Grecian statuary, the world’s oldest zoo and Roman ruins. After dinner, relax or enjoy an optional classical concert.

(Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)

Day 6 Krems, Austria
A small university town at the eastern end of the Danube’s Wachau Valley, Krems is surrounded by terraced vineyards. In its heyday, during the 12th century, Krems held even more importance than Vienna for its iron, grain, salt and wine trade. As to the latter, the city has played a long and celebrated part in the popularity of the Wachau’s wine culture; the valley’s south slopes in Krems are bathed in sunlight all day and create some of the best Riesling and Veltliner wines in the world. The city’s cobblestone streets, taverns, wine bars and coffeehouses have a timeless appeal.

Today’s highlight is an exclusive visit of the splendid Benedictine Abbey of Göttweig, a working monastery for more than 900 years. Participate in an exclusive visitor program at Göttweig, created to provide an understanding of the daily business of the venerable institution. You may also take an invigorating bicycle ride through the Wachau Valley before returning to your ship. This afternoon, enjoy scenic sailing as we cruise towards Passau.
(Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)

Day 7 Passau, Germany
Stroll historic Passau, watch an Advent wreath demonstration and sample a yuletide treat—gingerbread. Known as “the city of the three rivers” and founded more than 2,000 years ago, Passau is one of the oldest cities in Bavaria. Your knowledgeable guide will take you through the stunning Old Town and pause to admire its imposing baroque cathedral. Along the way, gaze up at the twinkling lights and enjoy the scent of spiced gingerbread, sausages grilling and almonds roasting from street vendors. Stop and learn tips on how to craft the perfect Advent wreath and see how gingerbread is made at a local bakery. Afterward, enjoy free time to browse the stalls of local artisan craftsmen, who display all manner or handmade gifts from unique woolens, delicate glass ornaments and traditional wooden toys. After your tour, you will return to your awaiting ship.

(Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)

Day 8 Regensburg, Germany
The UNESCO World Heritage city of Regensburg is transformed during the holiday season as its medieval streets are donned with festive cheer. Narrow passageways open to hidden courtyards with stalls laden with handcrafted wares, including dolls, pottery and silk paintings. The scent of home-baked spiced gingerbread, cinnamon andglühweinfills the air. The world-famous boys’ choir, the Regensburger Domspatzen, was formed at the city’s cathedral in 975 and travels the globe, performing to admiring audiences internationally.
Soak up the splendor of one of Germany’s hidden gems with this magnificent walking tour of Regensburg. The city is one of Germany’s best-preserved medieval cities and a UNESCO World Heritage Site; its architectural charm dates back more than 2,000 years. Best explored on foot, take the opportunity to immerse yourself in Regensburg’s festive atmosphere as you admire the city’s twinkling lights. Witness historical sights that were untouched by World War II bombings, including the medieval stone bridge, the Altes Rathaus (Old Town Hall) and the Gothic-style St. Peter’s Cathedral, where you can marvel at the superb stained-glass windows. Delight in the charm of the Christmas market in front of the cathedral and enjoy the atmosphere of an organ concert at the Cathedral Parish Church, before heading back to your ship at your leisure.

(Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)

Day 9 Regensburg, Germany
After breakfast it's time to depart our ship and head for the airport and our return flight home.
Arrive home same day.
(Breakfast included)

Staterooms & Pricing:
Viking Longships offer you a choice of stateroom category. From spacious Veranda Staterooms and French Balcony Staterooms with a sliding glass door, to two-room Veranda Suites, each offering understated elegance and sweeping river views

Standard Stateroom (Category E & F) is a 150 sq. ft. Stateroom with a half-height picture window:

Category E & F is $5,495 per person based on Double Occupancy

French Balcony Stateroom (Category C & D) is a 135 sq. ft. Stateroom with floor-to-ceiling sliding glass doors that open to create a French balcony:



Category C & D is $5,995 per person based on Double Occupancy

Veranda Stateroom (Category A & B) is a 205 sq. ft. Stateroom with floor-to-ceiling sliding glass doors that open to a full-size veranda:



Category A & B is $6,495 per person based on Double Occupancy

Weather averages

Itinerary at a Glance

Starts: Thursday December 12th 2024
Ends:   Friday 20th December 2024

What's Included

• Round trip coach class air from  most US Airports & Rapid City, SD.
• 1 overnight Transatlantic Flight
• 7 nights aboard River Boat - Ports of Call as listed 
• All meals once on board with complimentary Beer and House Wines served with lunch and Dinner
• Visits to UNESCO Sites plus Enrichment lectures & Destination Performances
• 24-hour specialty coffees, teas & bottled water & unlimited free WI-FI
• One complimentary shore excursion in each port
• All Taxes and Fees (Boat and Air) and all Transfers from Airport / Hotel /Ship / Airport

Pricing

• Price: from $5,495 (per person double occupancy)
• Single Supplement: Call for pricing

** TRAVEL INSURANCE IS STRONGLY RECOMMENDED - PLEASE CONTACT US FOR A QUOTE - WE OFFER MEDICAL CANCELLATION PLANS PLUS CANCEL FOR ANY REASON POLICIES FROM A RANGE OF PROVIDERS **

Tour Brochure

• Itinerary (PDF)

How to Book

• $1,000 per person at time of booking
• Balance due 12th August 2024
• Booking Form

What You'll Need

• A camera is a must
• Binoculars would be a great idea
• Passports are required for this tour
• The currency in Europe is the Euro - you may wish to buy currency or carry travelers checks
• Providing you have a major credit or debit card (VISA or MasterCard) you will be able to use local ATMs. Remember to check the charges with your bank prior to departure