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Viking Cruise Danube Waltz 8 Secret Tips: Discover the Magic
The Danube River, which flows through 10 European countries, creates an beautiful array of history, culture, and natural beauty. Cruising along its banks is a voyage full with interesting experiences and exciting adventures. The banks of the Danube have all received UNESCO World Heritage designation. Viking Cruise Danube Waltz gives every enthusiastic traveler an opportunity to explore the beautiful cities situated along the banks of Danube river. Here, we will dive into the itinerary, excursions and tips related to your journey with Viking Cruise Danube Waltz for making it well informed and memorable.
Introduction
If you want to embark on an unforgettable journey through enchanting European destinations on a beautiful river cruise, then Viking’s Danube Waltz is the suitable option for you. In this eight-day exploration adventure you will leisurely cruising through the four countries, Hungary, Slovakia, Austria, and Germany amidst spectacular scenery full unforgettable experiences.Lets explore with details about the itinerary, excursions and useful tips to make you ready and well prepared for picturesque journey of a lifetime.
Itinerary of Viking Cruise Danube Waltz
Viking Cruise Danube Waltz tour takes eight days of exploration and visits six cities on the banks of the Danube River as it flows through Hungary, Slovakia, Austria, and Germany. In this eight days of exploration you will have six guided tours of Budapest, Bratislava, Vienna, Krem, Linz, and Passau.Let’s take a look at the entire Viking Cruise Danube Waltz itinerary to prepare you for this wonderful adventure.
Day 1: Your Arrival in Budapest
The first day of your tour begins with a welcome to Budapest, Hungary’s capital. Transfer to your ship from the airport. If you choose Viking Air, ground transfers are included. After boarding the Viking Danube Waltz cruise, you may spend the afternoon relaxing or exploring. At night, return to the Viking Danube Waltz Cruise for an authentic Hungarian dinner.
Day 2: Your 1st Guided Tour of Budapest
The first guided tour of your Viking Cruise Danube Waltz itinerary will show you the attractions of the city’s mountainous Buda and cosmopolitan Pest sides, beginning with Pest’s National Opera House and ancient Heroes’ Square. In Buda, take a walk around Castle Hill to Fisherman’s Bastion and Matthias Church.
You return to your ship in the afternoon and enjoy the lunch; the rest of the day is free to explore the city. Consider visiting the Art Nouveau Gellért Spa or other luxurious amenities in the “City of Healing Waters.” Late in the evening, you will return to your cruise for dinner before the ship departs for its next stop, Bratislava.
Day 3: Your 2nd Guided Tour of Bratislava
After your arrival in Bratislava in the afternoon, you may take a take walking tour of this Slovakia’s historic capital city. It is must be mentioned that Bratislava is the only national capital in the world which shares borders with two other countries: Austria and Hungary. In this historical city you can explore Gothhic St. Martin’s Cathedral, the baroque Jesuit Church, fortifications at Michael’s Tower, the medieval Town Hall complex along with numerous Hapsburg-era baroque palaces. In the evening, you may take a rest or have a leisurely walk before the Viking Cruise Danube Waltz departs for Vienna, its next stop.
Day 4: Your 3rd Guided Tour of Vienna
On the fourth day of your Viking Cruise Danube Waltz itinerary, you’ll have your third guided tour of Austria’s capital, Vienna. You will have a ride along the Ringstrasse, which replaced the city walls in the mid-nineteenth century. Have a guided exploration of the city’s baroque architecture, which includes Hofburg Palace, St. Stephen’s Cathedral and the renowned Opera House. After returning to the ship in the afternoon, enjoy your lunch.
The remaining part of the day is yours to spend exploring. Take a help your Program Director to plan your free time. Alternatively, you may pay a visit to Schönbrunn Palace, known as the “Versailles of Vienna,” which was built in 1778 and has formal gardens, Grecian statuary, the world’s oldest zoo, and Roman remains.After supper, relax or attend an optional classical concert.
Day 5: Your 4th Guided Tour of Krems
The highlight of the fifth day of your itinerary is your fourth guided tour of the package, which includes an exclusive visit to the magnificent Benedictine Abbey of Gottweig, an operating monastery for almost 900 years. Participate in Gottweig’s exclusive visiting program, designed to give insight into the venerable institution’s everyday operations.You may also embark on an exhilarating bicycle ride in the Wachau Valley before returning to your cruise. The same day, enjoy spectacular sailing as the ship heads into Linz.
Day 6: Your 5th Guided Tour of Linz
This morning, wake up in Linz and embark on your sixth guided tour, exploring this cultural hub on foot. Ride down the Danube’s south bank and view the Brucknerhaus consort hall, Linz Castle, and the Market Hall, where Mozart composed the Linz Symphony, before taking a walking tour of the city’s Old Quarter.
You may take a full day optional tour to CeskyKrumlov, which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Have a nice walk across the town’s beautiful streets, which are lined with cafés, boutiques, and galleries, as well as its baroque and Renaissance buildings. Return to your Viking Cruise Danube Waltz for dinner before departing late in the evening for Passau.
Day 7: Your 6th Guided Tour to Passau
On the seventh day of your Viking Cruise Danube Waltz itinerary, you will arrive at Passau, located at the confluence of the Inn, Ilz, and Danube rivers. This day consists of your sixth guided tour of the package, which includes walk across the town’s narrow streets leading you to the Old Town and past typical patrician houses. Explore the New Bishop’s Residence and the stunning baroque St. Stephen’s Cathedral, which houses Europe’s biggest church organ.
Enjoy an onboard lunch, then return to the city for further exploration of it on your own before dinner time.
Day8: Your Departure from Passau
After breakfast, depart and go to the airport for your return flight. If you book with Viking Air, ground transfers are included in the package. You may prolong your trip by three nights in the stunning Czech Capital of Prague
Recommended Viking Danube Waltz shore excursions
Apart from the six guided tours offered by Viking Cruise Danube Waltz, there are very beautiful off beat destinations which an enthusiastic traveller can explore to get more out of this great tour package. Let’s explore the list of secret escapesto visit, if you can save some time apart from the guided tours.
Budapest Excursion: Short Walk to Szechenyi Chain Bridge
Budapest is known as the “Paris of the East,” and the lovely lights along the river and bridges clearly justify this claim. As Viking River Cruises are granted priority in Budapest port, your Viking Cruise Danube Waltz ship will dock within a short walk of the magnificent Szechenyi Chain Bridge, a suspension bridge connecting the two sections of the city, Buda and Pest. It is undoubtedly one of the most stunning bridges spanning the Danube. So don’t miss the opportunity to visit this bridge, perhaps on the first evening of your itinerary when you have plenty of time to explore.
Bratislava Excursion: Shopping, pubs,Bratislava Castle and old town along the Amber road
It is worth to spend a day or two in charming and historical Bratislava city . It is quickly becoming one of the most interesting cities along the Danube. Despite being a small capital city with a population of roughly 450,000, there are fantastic shopping options, lively pubs, and excellent wine bars. Don’t forget to take home something unique as a souvenir after your Bratislava Panoramic Tour. A short ride will bring you to the hill of Bratislava Castle, which was the former home of Hungary’s crown jewels. The trip followed will get you to the picturesque old town along the Amber Road, a trading route of the older times that connected Northern and Southern Europe. So these are absolutely must visits excursions in Bratislava.
Vienna Excursions
Lipizzaner Stallions
The renowned Spanish Riding School in Vienna showcases Lipizzaner horses, commonly known as Lipizzan in North America, whose ancestry dates back to the fifteenth century. The academy exclusively utilizes the stallions for performances.
Schonbrunn Palace
Schönbrunn Palace is a World Cultural Heritage monument and Austria’s most popular tourist attraction. The baroque work of art consists of a palace and gardens that were owned by the Habsburgs for centuries and are still mostly intact today. Visitors will discover a variety of activities here, including a tour of the Imperial Family’s authentically furnished residential and ceremonial chambers in the palace, a maze and labyrinth in the gardens, and a separate children’s museum.
Viennese of Tradition Coffee at Demel
Demel is one of Vienna’s oldest coffee cafes, serving the royal palace and its occupants. Everyone must try Demel, which is located in the historic core immediately outside the Hofburg Palace. Enjoy your Viennese cup of coffee which will be served in the traditional manner on a small silver tray, with a shot of water on the side. Demel is also well known for its delicious pastries and cakes. There’s a kitchen in the back where you can see them make these delicious confections.
Heurigen
If you decide to participate in the Heurigen evening, it will undoubtedly be the highlight of your trip. It is obvious that you are wondering what is the Heurigen is all about. Yes this might be the case if you are visiting Vienna for the first time. The term “Heurigen” refers to a seasonal winery that opens just after harvest to sell the fresh wine. The term “Heurige” implies “from this year”. A Heurigen evening includes not just wine but also a wide variety of cuisine, which is not traditional but is becoming popular among tourists.
As Viking Cruise Danube Waltz guests, you may spend the evening with Heuriger Wolff, one of Vienna’s oldest winemaking families. The sign over the gate states 1609, which is really a long time.You will experience a burst of traditional music, many toasts, and a feeling of good cheer, In the Heurigen. So that is a darn good recommendation.
Krens Excursion: Cruising through the Wachau Valley
As your cruise departs from Krems port, have your camera ready to take beautiful pictures of scenic Wachau Valley. This majestic Valley, expands from Krems to Melk and has been declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2000. The valley is regarded as the most beautiful and scenic part of the Danube River. The Wachau is also known for its stunning terraced vineyards, medieval villages and castle ruins. You may take a short excursion of beautiful Wachau Valley along the Danube river to Durnstein on electric bike.
Litz Excursion
Enjoy the Litz culinary excursion amid stunning sceneries. Stop along the road to enjoy the region’s delicious produce. You’ll start with a drive through rural farmlands near Linz, where crops are nourished by Danube water. Your destination is the modest and serene town of Gutau, where life moves at the natural rhythm of the seasons. A bread maker invites you to a demonstration on a nearby farm, where you will learn how to bake your own loaves using local skills.
Passau Excursion
Enjoy the Litz culinary excursion amid stunning sceneries. Stop along the road to enjoy the region’s delicious produce. You’ll start with a drive through rural farmlands near Linz, where crops are nourished by Danube water. Your destination is the modest and serene town of Gutau, where life moves at the natural rhythm of the seasons. A bread maker invites you to a demonstration on a nearby farm, where you will learn how to bake your own loaves using local skills.
The Neuschwanstein Castle excursion is an optional tour available from Passau. This castle is the inspiration of famous Walt Disney Castle. This excursion is done with helicopter from Passau. Passau excursions also include hiking to the Passau hills, electric biking along the Inn river and visiting Bavarian farms & countryside to explore rural life of local formers.
Important Tips for your memorable trip in Viking Danube Waltz Cruise
Tip #1: Read your Viking Cruise Documents
While both ships offer an abundance of entertainment and activities, it’s the unique features lіkеthе Sky Pad on the Indеpеndеncе of the Seas and laser tag on the Freedom of thеSеas that sеtthеm apart, еnsuring an unforgеttablеvoyagе for еvеrytravеlеr.
Tip #2: Check the vikingrivercruises.com website
The Viking River Cruises website has a variety of information, including film and mini-language lessons relevant to your route along the Danube river. Read few suggested historical books about the cities along the riverside of Danube from the suggested reading list. This will give you some ready historical context to make your experience more enjoyable.
The website also has extensive details about your Viking longship as well, giving you the complete deck plan and detailed information of the cabins available on the Viking Cruise Danube Waltz. For comparison about various cabins available on Viking river cruises you may check the link given here.
Tip #3: Consider your interests and fitness level
It is not always that you will enjoy every scheduled excursion of the trip. Reason might be your interest or your level of physical fitness. Some trips, for example, include difficult hikes or bicycle rides. If you are unable to walk up a steep slope or stairs, do not take the tour. The tour’s description indicates the level of difficulty.
In the same way it goes with your interest, if you do not like tour of any historical monument of the guided tour, you may skip it for any local coffee shop visit.Most excursions of Viking Cruise Danube Waltz, begin early in the morning and depart by 8:00 a.m., but you’re under no obligation to take any tours.
Tip #4: Early to Rise and have your breakfast on time
It may happen that you wake up late in the morning and hurriedly prepare yourself for the guided tour but skipped your breakfast altogether. now this is a really troubling situation as some of the guided tour such as visit Gottweig Abbey or CeskyKrumlov, are half-day outings. To avoid this, it is highly recommended to wake up early and have your breakfast on time. Of course, you can include something in your day bag if you need a snack before lunch.
Tip #5: Keep your audio device charged and bagged
Every room on the river cruise contains a set of audio device that you may take with you on excursions . They let you to hear the tour guide even if you’re walking at the back of the group. Make sure your device is fully charged and ready to go every morning.
The best practice put your audio device on charging after you return to the river cruise and so it is ready for the next day. It should be your first accessory going to your tour bag in the morning.
Tip #6: Keep your mobile charged with important phone numbers
Always carry the Viking cruise’s contact information, including the phone number of the tour guide, and ensure that your cell phone is charged. It may happen that you get separated from the Viking tourist group while exploring a beautiful location. So the handy contact number of the tour guide or the Viking cruise will get you back to the group.
Tip #7: Get involved in Port talks with the Program Director
Every night before dinner, a port discussion with the Program Director is held in the lounge. It is highly recommended to get involved in this discussion. They are not only educational, but also entertaining. Have a drink, sit next to someone new, start a conversation, and plan your dinner. In addition, the Chef will generally inform you of the evening’s menu specialties. There is usually a regional menu available, as well as traditional food made using local products.
Tip 8#: Read Viking Daily newsletter
Each evening, you will receive a Viking Daily newsletter in your room, which will include information about the next port city, as well as some fun regional trivia, cuisine and culture, restaurant recommendations, and other advice. These are your ideal list of things to do for the next day excursion. So have a look at these newsletters before your next day tour.
Conclusion
Finally, boarding aboard Viking’s Danube Waltz cruise promises a wonderful tour through stunning European destinations. This eight-day river cruise tour brings you to the four countries: Hungary, Slovakia, Austria, and Germany along with stunning natural landscapes and amazing historical monuments. The ancient towns of Budapest, Bratislava, Vienna, Krems, Linz, and Passau and stunning vistas of the Wachau Valley provides a distinct perspective on Europe’s rich natural,cultural and historical heritage.
Diligent consideration of the Viking’s Danube Waltz cruise itinerary, possible quick excursions, and helpful tips ensures that guests are well prepared and informed for this breathtaking adventure of a lifetime. Viking Cruise Danube Waltz aims to exceed expectations and create memorable experiences with carefully planned guided tours, off-the-beaten-path activities, and practical assistance.