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Viking Cruise Danube Waltz 8 Secret Tips: Discover the Magic
The river Danube flows through 10 European countries which offer a remarkable blend of culture, history, and natural beauty. It is an exciting and thrilling journey to travel along the banks.
Each of the Danube’s banks has been designated as a UNESCO World Heritage site. A chance for every aspiring tourist to explore the picturesque cities along the Danube River is presented by Viking Cruise Danube Waltz.
In this article I will provide you detailed information on the itinerary, excursions, and tips for your Viking Cruise Danube Waltz adventure to ensure a smooth and enjoyable experience.
Introduction
For those looking for a stunning river trip, Viking’s Danube Waltz is a great option among several European river cruises. Travelling through four countries, Hungary, Slovakia, Austria, and Germany amidst breathtaking scenery for an eight-day exploration adventure will provide unforgettable experiences. We’ll go over the itinerary, excursions, and tips to help you plan an outstanding trip.
Itinerary of Viking Cruise Danube Waltz
Exploration cruise Viking Cruise Danube Waltz, takes eight days to visit six cities on the banks of a river that flows through Hungary and Slovakia, as well as Austria and Germany.
With a Viking Cruise Danube Waltz tour, you’ll have the opportunity to experience six guided tours of Budapest, Bratislava, Vienna, Krem, Linz, and Passau in just eight days.
Begin from Budapest: Your journey to the Capital (Day 1)
You’re welcome to start your trip from the capital of Hungary, Budapest. Get to your cruise from the airport. Viking Air includes ground transfers as well.
On the cruise spend your afternoon exploring or unwind. Return back the Cruise for a real Hungarian feast at night.
Your First Tour through Budapest (Day 2)
During your Viking Cruise Danube Waltz excursion, you will go on a guided excursion of the city’s hilly Buda and cosmopolitan Pest regions, starting with the historic Heroes’ Square and Pest’s National Opera House.
Walk through Castle Hill and reach Fisherman’s Bastion and Matthias Church in Buda.The afternoon is up before you go back to your ship, where you enjoy lunch; the rest of the day is free for exploring this city.
The “City of Healing Waters” provides a variety of luxury amenities, including the Art Nouveau Gellért Spa. You’ll then have dinner with your fellow passengers before departing for Bratislava.
Day 3: Your 2nd Guided Tour of Bratislava
On the 3rd day you will arrive at Bratislava at afternoon. You can take a walk through the historic capital of Slovakia in Bratislava after lunch. Besides, Bratislava is also the only national capital of the world that shares borders two other countries, namely Austria and Hungary.
This historic city boasts a medieval Town Hall complex, fortifications at Michael’s Tower, and several baroque Jesuit churches. Additionally, Gothic St. Many baroque palaces from the Hapsburg era, including Martin’s Cathedral.
You may rest or enjoy a leisurely walk in the evening time before departing on the Viking Cruise Danube Waltz, which will depart for Vienna as its next stop.
Day 4: Your Third Guided Tour of Vienna.
The fourth day of your Viking Cruise Danube Waltz journey includes a guided tour of Vienna, the capital of Austria. You’ll travel along the Ringstrasse, which replaced the city walls in the mid-nineteenth century. Explore the baroque architecture of Hofburg Palace, the Opera House and Stephen’s Cathedral.
Enjoy your lunch after you have returned to the ship in the afternoon.The rest of the day is open for exploration across the city. You may ask your Program Director for organizing your leisure time.
Also worth mentioning is Schönbrunn Palace, commonly known as the “Versailles of Vienna,” was built in 1778 featuring formal gardens, Grecian statuary, the world’s oldest zoo, and Roman remnants. After the dinner, you can either relax or attend an optional classical concert.
Day 5: Your 4th Guided Tour of Krems
Almost 900 years old, the Benedictine Abbey of Gottweig is the highlight on your fourth day of guided tours. Attend an exclusive visit by Gottwuig, to learn about the famous school’s day-to-day operations.
Before returning to your cruise, consider taking a thrilling bicycle ride through the Wachau Valley. Enjoy magnificent sailing as the ship approaches Linz on that day.
Day 6: Your 5th Guided Tour of Linz
Get up in morning in Linz as you take on your sixth guided tour, exploring this historic town on foot. While cycling down the Danube, one can admire impressive structures such as Brucknerhaus consert hall, Linz Castle, and the Market Hall, where Mozart wrote the Linzer Symphony, before enjoying a trip through the city’s Old Quarter.
A full-day optional visit to the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Cesky Krumlov is also available. Enjoy the picturesque streets of town, with its bars, shops, and galleries all located there, as does the historic baroque architecture of this city during the Middle Ages. Make your way back to your Viking Cruise Danube Waltz for dinner before departing for Passau in the evening.
Day 7: Your 6th Guided Tour to Passau
The Viking Cruise Danube Waltz journey will end on day seven at Passau, where the Inn, Ilz, and Dana River meet. With the guided tour walk along the town’s narrow streets towards the Old Town, past classic patrician mansions.
Discover the New Bishop’s Residence and the stunning baroque St. by visiting this place. Witness Europe’s most extensive church organ situated in Stephen’S Cathedral. Enjoy a buffet lunch aboard the ship, then set off for another city-to-city excursion before your evening meal.
Day 8: Your Departure from Passau
After breakfast, leave for your return trip to the airport. Viking Air’s package includes ground transfers if you book through them. You may extend your trip for three nights in picturesque Czech Capital Prague.
Recommended Viking Danube Waltz shore excursions
Besides the six guided tours provided by Viking Cruise Danube Waltz, there are also some stunningly scenic areas that an adventurous traveler can explore to maximize the benefits of this exceptional tour package. If you can save time from guided tours, we recommend exploring the list of hidden gems.
Budapest: Short Walk to Szechenyi Chain Bridge
The “Paris of the East” nickname for Budapest is attributed to its beautiful bridges and sparkling lights that illuminate the river. Due to the priority given to Viking River Cruises in Budapest port, your ship will dock within a short distance of the Szechenyi Chain Bridge, which is essentially an artificial suspension bridge connecting two parts thereof, Buda and Pest.
The view of the Danube Bridge is truly spectacular. Make sure to visit this bridge on the first evening of your itinerary and make use of any available time.
Bratislava Trip: Shopping, Pubs, Bratislava Castle, and Old Town upon the Amber Road
Taking a day or two to explore the charming and historic Bratislava city is worth it. It is rapidly becoming one of the most captivating cities on the Danube. In this relatively small capital city of approximately 450,000 citizens, you will find fantastic shopping options, lively pubs and wine bars.
Remember to bring something special as a souvenir after your Bratislava Panoramic Tour. Bratislava Castle, the former residence of Hungary’s most prestigious cities and gardens, is visible from the hill you ride to.
The trip will lead you to a picturesque ancient settlement situated on the Amber Road, an ancient trade route that connected Northern and Southern Europe. These are essential visits to Bratislava for tourists.
Vienna Excursions
Lipizzaner Stallions
During the fifteenth century, the famous Spanish Riding School in Vienna showcased Lipizzaner horses, which are also known as Liparine in North America. The stallions are exclusively utilized for display at the academy.
Schonbrunn Palace
As a World Cultural Heritage site, Schönbrunt Palace is Austria’s most well-known tourist destination. Among its baroque works are the remains of an ancient Habsburg palace and gardens that have been preserved for all intents and purposes.
The palace dates back to medieval times and is a famous tourist site, who can explore the Imperial Family’s lavishly, decorated residential and ceremonial rooms, enchanted gardens, maze, and kid’s museum.
Viennese of Tradition Coffee at Demel
One of Vienna’s oldest coffee shops, Demel, serves the royal palace and its inhabitants. The Hofburg Palace’s old town center is where Demel is located, and it should be tried by anyone interested.
Taste a traditional Viennese cup of hot coffee served on an elaborate silver plate, with water added to the drink. It is also known for its excellent pastries and cakes from Demel. These delicious treats are being made in the kitchen located behind the restaurant.
Heurigen
The Heurigen evening is the most outstanding experience you’ll have if you choose to participate. You must be wondering what the Heurigen is all about, if it’s your first visit to Vienna. The term “Heurigen” is used to describe a seasonal winery that opens its doors just after the harvest to sell fresh wines.
The term “Heurige” signifies “from this year”. While wine is a must-drink experience, it’s also bringing in an array of food options that aren’t typically on offer to tourists.You can also choose to spend the evening with Heuriger Wolff, one of Vienna’s oldest winemaking families, as Viking Cruise Danube Waltz guests.
The gate’s sign reflects a long period of time, around 1609. The Heurigen creates a joyful environment with traditional music and many toasts.
Krens Excursion: Cruising through the Wachau Valley
Just leaving Krems port, your cruise will take you on scenic walks through the picturesque Wachau Valley. This magnificent Valley, which was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2000, extends from Krems to Melk.
The valley is believed to be among the most beautiful and stunning part of the Danube River. Terraced vineyards, medieval villages, and castle ruins are among the other impressive features of The Wachau. You can enjoy a brief trip through the picturesque Wachau Valley on the Danube river to Durnstein using an electric bike.
Litz Excursion
Enjoy the culinary adventure at Litz amidst breathtaking scenery. Travel along the route to taste the local cuisine and fresh produce. The first step involves traversing rural farmlands near Linz, where Danube water is used to nourish crops.
Gutau, a quiet and tranquil village, is your destination, where time flows smoothly through each season. Visit a local bakery, where a local farm bread maker will take you through the procedures of producing your own loaves with traditional methods.
Passau Excursion
An optional activity in Passau is the visit to Neuschwanstein Castle. This castle served as the inspiration for the famous Walt Disney Castle. The trip takes place via helicopter from Passau.
Passau excursions feature a hike up the Passauer hills, electric biking along the Inn river, and visits to Bavarian farms and countryside to learn about the lifestyle of locals.
Important Tips for your memorable trip in Viking Danube Waltz Cruise
Tip #1: Read your Viking Cruise Documents
Upon confirmation of your Viking Cruise Danube Waltz booking, you will receive your cruise documents via email. The documents contain all the necessary information about your arrival, departure, currency, cruise ship, and Danube river ports.
These also contain information on food, drinks and tipping, baggage or other Viking commitments for your tour. It’s crucial to read these documents to be well-prepared for the journey.
Tip #2: Check the vikingrivercruises.com website
Various details are available on the Viking River Cruises website, including film and mini-lectures in languages specific to your river cruise across the Danube. Choose between several historical books that focus on the cities along the Danube riverbank. A pre-existing historical background will be provided, making your experience more enjoyable.
You can find detailed information about your Viking longship on the website, including a complete deck plan and details on all the available cabins on their Danube Waltz cruise ship. For a comparison of the cabins on Viking River cruises, click here.
Tip #3: Consider your interests and fitness level
The trip’s planned stops may not always be enjoyable as the enjoyment of any location also depends on your level of enthusiasm or fitness. Certain journeys involve challenging hikes or cycling excursions. Hence, those who are incapable of scaling a steep ascent or ascending stairs should consider joining the tour instead.
The description of the journey outlines the level of difficulty. If you’re not fond of history and prefer to visit a local coffee shop, consider skipping the guided tour. Additionally, there are other options available.
The majority of Viking Cruise Danube Waltz trips commence early in the morning and depart at 8:00 am, but there is no requirement to participate in any excursions.
Tip #4: Early to Rise and have your breakfast on time
Sometimes, individuals wake up in the middle of the day and rush to get ready for the guided tour only to skip breakfast, which can be concerning as some guided tours, like those at Gottweig Abbey or Cesky Krumlov, are half-day excursions.
You can prevent this issue by waking up earlier and having breakfast on time. If you need to snack before lunch, it’s okay to pack something in your day bag.
Tip #5: Keep your audio device charged and bagged
The river cruise includes a variety of audio equipment in each room, which you can take along on excursions. Even if you are not in the front of the group, the audio device will help you to listen to the tour guide. Keep your device fully charged every morning.
I recommend charging your audio device after you’ve finished the sightseeing to make it ready for the next day. Your tour bag should bear this as the first accessory.
Tip #6: Keep your mobile charged with important phone numbers
Keep your tour guide’s phone number and keep your cell phone charged while on a Viking cruise. . It can happen to get separated from the Viking tourist group on a picturesque journey. A handy contact number of the tour guide or Viking cruise will assist in bringing you back to the group.
Tip #7: Get involved in Port talks with the Program Director
Every evening before dinner, a port discussion is held in the lounge with the Program Director. You have the opportunity to join the discussion.
Not only are they informative, but they’re also entertaining. Enjoy some wine, savor dinner with someone unfamiliar and start a conversation. Additionally, the Chef will typically provide you with details on the evening’s menu specialties, which are traditional dishes made with local ingredients.
Tip 8#: Read Viking Daily newsletter
Each evening, in the comfort of your room you are provided with a Viking Daily newsletter filled with local trivia, cuisine and culture tips along with information on nearby port cities. Additionally, there are recommendations for restaurants and other activities.
The following these will help you to enhance next day’s adventure. So, don’t forget to review these newsletters before your next day on the excursion.
Conclusion
Viking’s Danube Waltz cruise offers a memorable journey through stunning European landscapes. The experience is truly unforgettable. Guests will embark on an eight-day river cruise that takes in four countries: Hungary, Slovakia, Austria, and Germany, as well as marvelling natural landscapes at various historical sites.
A visit to the ancient towns of Budapest, Bratislava, Vienna and Krems along with the scenic Wachau Valley highlights Europe’s rich natural, cultural and historical heritage.
The Viking’s Danube Waltz cruise itinerary, potential quick getaways, and practical tips are carefully considered to ensure that guests are well-prepared for this unforgettable experience. By offering well-thought-out guided tours, off-the-beaten-path activities, and practical assistance, Viking Cruise Danube Waltz strives to exceed expectations.