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Viking Grand European Tour 15-Day River Cruise Review

By: Sherry Laskin · Updated On: August 17, 2022

I was more than ready for this Viking Grand European Tour 15-day river cruise from Budapest to Amsterdam. Lee Oliver, our Viking Lif river ship Program Director, greeted us at the gangway with a warm “Welcome Aboard!” 

Those two words were like music to my ears. Maybe not Bartok or Liszt but music nonetheless.

Budapest , Hungary, on the beautiful and sometimes-blue Danube , has so much to experience.

A mid-afternoon boarding gave guests plenty of time before dinner to explore this spirited yet somewhat austere city, either on their own or with a Viking tour excursion.

Viking River Grand European River Cruise Review

In This Post...

In the course of two-weeks, we would cruise on three rivers; the Danube, Main and Rhine rivers. Along the way, Viking Lif  had 12 scheduled cruise ports to visit before docking in Amsterdam. A couple of port tour excursions offered day trips to other nearby ancient towns, and I highly recommend those options. Here’s our itinerary.

Grand European Tour Itinerary

• Day 1:    Budapest, Hungary
• Day 2:    Budapest and Bratislava, Slovakia
• Day 3:    Vienna, Austria
• Day 4:    Melk, Austria
• Day 5:    Linz, Austria and Passau, Germany
• Day 6:    Regensburg, Germany
• Day 7:    Nuremberg, Germany
• Day 8:    Bamberg, Germany
• Day 9:    Wurzburg, Germany and Rothenburg ob der Tauber, Germany
• Day 10:  Wertheim, Germany
• Day 11:  Koblenz, Germany
• Day 12:  Cologne, Germany
• Day 13:  Kinderdijk, The Netherlands
• Day 14:  Amsterdam, The Netherlands

Getting to Budapest by Train

As a solo traveler and someone who doesn’t fly, it was a challenge to figure out how to get to Budapest. After one night in Munich, Germany, it was an eight hour train ride to Budapest.

In First Class on trains in Europe, you’ll find many English-speaking passengers from North America. It was easy to strike up conversations with fellow travelers and the eight hours quickly passed.

With the help of Viking reservations, I pre-reserved a driver to meet me at Budapest’s historic Keleti station.

Within 30 minutes of pulling into the station and getting into the taxi, I was on board Viking Lif , met our program director and settled into my cozy cabin. Our Viking Grand European Tour was about to begin.

RELATED:   How to Take the Train to Budapest for a River Cruise

Day 1:  Viking Lif Embarkation

By the time I arrived at the ship in the late afternoon, other passengers had already unpacked and were mingling about the vessel. They had enough time for a short city tour and were enjoying cocktails in the lounge. 

I had about an hour to get acquainted with my cabin and Viking Lif river ship before the first pre-dinner meeting.

At 6:30pm, it was time to head to the lounge, meet the other guests and attend the informative yet brief review of our river cruise itinerary. Though the meeting was necessary and very informative, I really looked forward to tonight’s dinner. 

All I ate on the eight-hour train ride from Munich to Budapest was a bowl of Hungarian Goulash. No complaints…the goulash was very good and of course, very appropriate!

READ NEXT:  Getting to Budapest for Viking Grand European Tour Embarkation

It was a balmy autumn night that beckoned tourists and locals alike to stroll along the banks of the Danube late into the evening. I was tired but excited to finally have a chance to walk across Budapest’s historic Chain Bridge. 

Camera in hand, I must have crossed the Danube four or six times, snapping photos of the warm yellow bridge lights, couples strolling arm in arm, and the magnificently illuminated state buildings that line the riverfront.

Finally, it was time to call it a night. Tomorrow, our Grand European Tour river cruise would begin with a full day of sightseeing before we even got underway.

READ MORE:  In-Depth Review of Embarkation Day in Budapest

Day 2:  Touring and Tasting Budapest

If being chatty at breakfast isn’t your thing, there’s the option for a very relaxing breakfast buffet at Aquavit Terrace every morning. It’s also a good way to plan your morning time if you have a 9:00am or even earlier tour departure. This was usually how my day started; quiet, comfortable, and a cappuccino in hand.

By 8:15am on our second day in Budapest, passengers heard the first warning announcement for our city tour departure.

Know Your Tour Departure Time

Here’s how it’s done on river cruises. You know your tour departure time, say 9 A.M. At 8:45 A.M. over the PA system, you’re given a 15-minute heads-up for the tour to leave. 

Then you hear a 5-minute warning for your motor coach departure. The tour departure time that’s posted is not when you should walk out of your stateroom. It’s actually when the bus departs. I’ve had to run to catch the bus on more than one occasion.

Today’s complimentary morning tour was your basic European city overview; historic places, medieval churches, political hotspots of yore. In the scope of four hours, we would either drive by, stop to view or exit the motor coach to stretch and take photos. 

Highlights of Our Budapest Tours

Morning tour of budapest.

Our motor coach drove across the Chain Bridge to Buda side of the Danube. This is the hilly side of the city where many of the most beautiful building are located.

Views from the Buda side of the river…

Fishermen’s Bastion, built between 1895 and 1902, the beautiful towers and covered terrace weren’t built to defend the territory but to provide unparalleled views of the city. We had ample time to wander along the terrace and up to the Neo-Romanesque designed towers. This is the prime photo op location for sweeping vistas of Budapest.

Back aboard Viking Lif in time for lunch. As there would be on every day of the cruise, you can choose from two lunch venues; The Restaurant with table service and a buffet or in Aquavit for a café lunch, buffet-style. Most days, I chose Aquavit Lounge.

Afternoon Tour on the Pest Side

Budapest jewish and hungarian history.

I signed up for the optional 2:00PM Dohány Street Synagogue and Hungarian Jewish Museum tour. The motor coach let us off just a short walk to the synagogue. Part of the intrigue was seeing the small shops, bars and cafés in what was once the Jewish Quarter, or Ghetto.

Built in the Moorish Revival style between 1854-1859, it is the largest synagogue in Europe. In addition to the main synagogue (Great Synagogue), inside you’ll find the Hungarian Jewish Museum, the Graveyard and the Memorial.

The Weeping Willow memorial is in the courtyard behind the synagogue. On its leaves are inscribed the names of 30,000 Holocaust victims. The father of actor Tony Curtis, Emanuel Schwartz, funded the weeping willow memorial. 

The courtyard was named Raoul Wallenberg, the Swedish diplomat who managed to save thousands of Jews from going to concentration camps.

Stopping for a Slice of Budapest’s Finest

After a stop at a small shop for a Hungarian pastry called, “Flódni”, we boarded the bus to head back to the ship. We returned just in time for Cocktail Hour.

Tonight was the official “Welcome Aboard” toast by Captain Marcin and Hotel Manager Eve. One sparkling wine down and just before dinner, we had our next day’s briefing. Next port going north on the Danube would be Bratislava, Slovakia.

READ MORE:  Top 10 Things to See in Budapest

Day 3:  Bratislava, Slovakia and Funny Little Men

I woke up to see that we were underway, gently cruising along the Danube towards our next port, Bratislava , Slovakia.

Following breakfast and before we’d arrive, a mandatory safety drill was held. Warm autumn weather quickly drew everyone to the top deck and the drill took all of 15-20 minutes.

Afterwards, many of us stayed and either walked laps or settled into a lounge chair. With a mid-afternoon arrival into Bratislava, the day would be relaxing and informative. 

Program Director Lee led an enrichment talk about Vienna coffeehouses (where to go and what to eat) and a background about Austrian-born composer Wolfgang Mozart.

Locals have a great sense of humor as can be sensed when you try to find all the bronze statues. When I was in Bratislava, I counted eight almost human-size funny little men bronze statues. How many will you find?

Day 4:  Vienna, Austria

This wasn’t my first visit to this medieval city. From the beautifully baroque Schönbrunn Palace to a peek at the Spanish Lipizzaner Horses, Vienna has something surprising or magnificent around every corner.

I decided to pass on the complimentary morning motor coach tour of the city and get some writing done. One thing to note about Vienna, river cruise ship dockage is usually too far to walk to the city center. It is walkable but most people opt for a bus into the city and some will then walk back to the river ship.

Too good to pass up, I signed up for the Chef’s Tour to the Farmer’s Market (Naschtmarkt). A bit of walking, two subway trains and we were smack in the middle of a working-class neighborhood and a several-blocks-long farmer’s Market.

After a couple of hours, we were back on the subway, walked two blocks through Mexikoplatz and past St. Francis of Assisi Church and we were back on Viking Lif …in time for cocktails, of course. But not much time to spare. 

Not-to-Miss Evening in Vienna

I had signed up for the optional ($) Viking excursion tour to a concert hall for a Mozart and Strauss concert. Every river cruise line offers this but I had never done it. There would be an early dinner on board and then leave on the motor coaches before 7pm for the concert hall.

The concert hall was beautifully Baroque. We were all packed in on folding chairs like sardines in a tin though not as smelly. The performances were excellent with most of the music and singing were familiar classical pieces. 

If you have a chance to book a shore excursion that includes a concert in Vienna, I highly recommend it.

Afterwards, everyone was really quiet on the motor coach back to the ship. It had been a busy, long day from one end of the city to another.

When we arrived back to the ship, we were greeted with a special Viking Grand European bedtime treat: goulash soup in Aquavit Restaurant. The gorgeous bowl of soup and a fresh-baked crunchy roll accompanied me back to my cabin. Within an hour, I was asleep. One more port in Austria tomorrow.

Day 5:  Melk, Austria

All that glitters is mostly gold.

Melk is a curiously monastic community with the resplendent gold Melk Abbey high on a hill overlooking the Danube. Cobblestone street wind through town, leading to the Abbey’s grand entrance. Monks from the Abbey stroll through town and work in the Abbey as they have for more than 900 years.

Plan to spend about an hour inside the Abbey. You can walk up to the entrance or take a motor coach to the top of the hill.

The baroque interior is dazzling, the library has over 80,000 medieval manuscripts and several hidden doors. Leave time to step outside for a sweeping view of the city and Danube below. 

It’s a pleasant stroll over a little bridge back to the river ship, or take the motor coach again. The town is lovely with cafés and small boutique shops.

With a “Be back on board” at 3:45pm, we were welcomed with an Austrian apple strudel-making demonstration. Then the habitual cocktail hour, daily port briefing and the slow walk into the dining room. Another satisfying multi-course dinner and off to bed.

Every night on the river cruise there’s entertainment in the lounge. So far, we’ve had the onboard musician at the keyboard and dancing, Slovakian folk dancing show and the goulash event. With days so busy, evening entertainment has been kept to a minimum. I think Viking knows that we’d be exhausted.

READ NEXT:  Viking Adds New Pre- and Post-River Cruise Options

Day 6:  Passau, Engine Issues and a Slight Detour

Surprise! We were informed last night that Viking Lif was having engine trouble and we’d not make it to dock in Passau. Instead, Viking Lif would tie up in Linz. So at 8:15am, (it was a really early wake-up!) passengers boarded Viking’s motor coach for a full-day nine-hour tour.

Sadly, one man had to see a doctor in the nearest town so he and his wife had to stay in Linz. I was working under deadline to file a story, so a 9-hour day in motion put me into panic. 

Viking’s Program Director, Lee, made similar arrangements for me so that I could spend the day writing instead of touring. I was so incredibly happy when I found out I would have a hotel room for the day in Linz and would get a full day’s writing done.

Even the light drizzle didn’t stop anyone from walking in the city center. After my friend’s doctor appointment, the three of us met for lunch and a walk through town. Linz is one of the most non-touristic larger cities I’ve visited in Europe. It’s very charming. And I’ll bet it’s even lovelier during the holiday/Christmas market season.

At 5:00PM, a white minivan arrived and the three of us were off to meet Viking Lif , fully repaired at the shipyard in Linz. All the other passengers were on their way back from Passau. And we all arrived in time for cocktail hour, daily briefing and another very nice dinner in the dining room.

Onward to Straubing, Germany! Almost halfway through our Viking Grand European Tour. Tempus Fugit.

Day 7:  Regensburg, Bavaria – Germany

This was one of those years in central Europe when the rain seems to never stop. Germany and France had seen flooding at the end of summer and rivers were swollen and overflowing their banks. 

As we made our way up the Danube, I started to watch the water’s edge. I knew from past river cruises, if I saw tree trunks submerged and debris quickly flowing past us, it meant trouble.

With high water, river ships cannot fit under the dozens of ancient bridges. Locks get stuck. But Viking Lif made its way to Straubing and by 2:00pm, we boarded the motor coach for the short ride to beautiful medieval Regensburg.

I was so glad Regensburg was included on this Viking Grand European Tour. It’s among my favorite places in Europe. This is the oldest city on the Danube and dates back to the year 179.

While the Dom St. Peter Gothic Cathedral is one of the grandest in all Bavaria and worth a visit, I always head to the Alte Würstküche, meaning, “Old Sausage Kitchen”, it’s the oldest restaurant in Germany.

The restaurant is usually packed with tourists throughout the summer but this rainy October day, I had no problem getting my own indoor table. Once you’ve finished your beer and extras, take a walk across the Old Stone Bridge. Built between 1135 and 1146, it was the bridge used by the knights on the second and third Crusades to the Holy Land.

Danube Begins to Look a Little Ominous

What I saw from Regensburg Old Bridge didn’t look too good. I’d been on enough floods on the rivers in Europe to recognize the inevitable.

The Danube was rushing past us downstream heading towards the Black Sea, its terminus. Trees were submerged. The water was creeping up to the lower levels of the medieval buildings.

While we were in Regensburg, Viking Lif sailed from Straubing to Regensburg to meet us. This was a chance for passengers who simply yearned for a quiet day onboard to just cruise.

Back onboard with time to freshen up before the daily briefing. But tonight, the meeting took a sudden twist. The Program Director proceeded with an (un)expected announcement.

To paraphrase, Lee said, “Pack your bags, we’re changing river ships in the morning”. It was a very busy evening for everyone. 

We would disembark with our carry-on luggage the next morning at 8:30 AM in Deggendorf, then board a bus to meet sister ship, Viking Skadi, in Nuremberg. Our Viking Grand European Tour was about to take a twist.

Day 8:  Changing Ships and a Detour

A visit to an extraordinarily bizarre monument.

With our luggage taken off the ship and loaded onto buses, we only had to bring along our carry-on bags. 

I had been through this river ship shuffle three times in the last few years so I knew what to expect. River cruisers seem to roll with the punches. There’s nothing you can do when there’s a flood or a drought except board a bus and change ships.

Viking had a really good plan on the way to Nuremberg. Driving through Bavaria en route to Nuremberg, we stopped at Walhalla, Germany’s monument to its native Germanic language politicians, scientists, artists and other distinguished people over the centuries. 

Perched on a hilltop overlooking the Danube river, Walhalla looms on the horizon bearing a striking resemblance to the Parthenon in Greece.

By 11 AM we were back on the bus leaving Walhalla, heading to our next ship. 

How River Cruise Ships Deal With Floods

To explain how this ship shuffle works, our original river ship, Viking Lif, couldn’t go any further upriver – the water was too high to let Viking Lif go under the next bridge. Viking Skad i, on its way south from Amsterdam, couldn’t get past Nuremberg for the same reason. 

Thus, each ship would swap passengers and bus everyone to the other ship. Then the ships do a U-turn and continue on the route of the original river ship. Everyone would end up at their scheduled port. Viking had this ship exchange experience down to a science.

We had reached the half-way point of our Grand European Tour. Where did that first week go?

READ MORE ABOUT:  What exactly happened on this ship-shuffle day

I divided my Viking Grand European Tour river cruise into two parts. 

This is part one; Budapest to Nuremberg. Click the link below to continue onto our  second week; Nuremberg to Amsterdam.

CONTINUE READING : WEEK 2 ABOARD VIKING SKADI – NUREMBERG TO AMSTERDAM

Thank you for reading the first half of my Viking Grand European Tour. Spoiler alert:  Seven more days of cruising, castles, culture and cuisine.

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About Sherry Laskin

I'm the editor and creator of CruiseMaven.com, a solo traveler cruising the world without flying. I hope my articles and photos entertain, advise and inspire you to travel the world without flying. Take a breath...stop for a local meal and a glass of wine along the way.

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April 2, 2022 at 12:03 pm

Hi Gary, Thank you for your comment and for reading my article. I think I did this cruise in 2018. The last two years were a wash for sure. Nothing has changed with the itinerary, unless it is a last minute decision. Viking still advertises for their Grand European Tour so I think my article is very reliable to help readers decide to try this amazing trip. Viking did a great job, especially when you consider the unexpected ship change. Thank you again for taking the time to write. I hope you have the opportunity to try this cruise.

April 2, 2022 at 11:47 am

Hi Ruth, Thank you for writing and taking the time to read my post. As you saw, this river cruise was with Viking and it was wonderful. I also recommend AmaWaterways, Avalon and Uniworld for these longer cruises – they also carry fewer passengers.

While a suite isn’t necessary, it does give you more space. But similar to ocean cruising, in my opinion, as long as I can open a door for fresh air, a balcony or french balcony on a river cruise is fine…and less expensive. Whichever line you choose, have a wonderful river cruise. Thanks again for your comment.

April 2, 2022 at 10:48 am

When did you take this cruise? It looks like a great cruise.

March 19, 2022 at 12:52 pm

This is the River cruise I’ve been wanting to do..I’m just undecided which company to go with. This seems very busy to get everything in. I also wanted a suite room but maybe that’s not necessary. Your article is very informative especially about the changing of boats due to water issues..I’ve always wondered how that would work.

February 15, 2022 at 1:30 pm

Hi Terry, Thank you, too, for reading my article and your comment. Much appreciated!

February 15, 2022 at 1:11 pm

Most interesting thank you

My Viking Grand European Tour Continues Post-Flood and Ship Swap

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Updated on August 17, 2022 by Sherry Laskin

15-Day Viking Cruises Grand European Tour Itinerary

Out of all the river cruise itineraries in Europe, the ultimate is probably the Grand European Tour, which runs between Budapest and Amsterdam. Dan and I had fallen in love with river cruising during our Rhine River cruise , so when Viking River Cruises invited us to review their Grand European Tour, we couldn’t resist. Five countries in two weeks, without changing hotels? Share it all with our readers? Heck, yeah!

Cruise days are full, so I kept a daily river cruise journal along the way. Our 15-day cruise became a series of stories that will tell you what you can expect every day and what you can do in each cruise port. There are articles about every stop on our river cruise itinerary. You’ll find the links throughout this article.

What happens on a river cruise?

We’ve only been on two Viking river cruises so far, and the daily routine is generally similar. Every port of call begins with a guided tour of the city (included), after which you have leisure time to do whatever you fancy until the ship sails.

As for the lunchtime meal, some passengers return to eat on the ship. Others, including ourselves, prefer to stay in town and buy their own noontime meal. In our opinion, few things can match ordering local food in a local restaurant with local patrons. To us, it adds another layer to the experience of being in another culture.

At some stops, you may be able to join an additional tour. These special interest Viking excursions usually have a limited appeal, so they charge a nominal additional fee to cover the cost. It’s a creative way to keep the basic price low, yet still add extra value to passengers. (Note: For the 2015 season, prices ranged between 29 and 64 euros per person.)

One thing about this cruise itinerary: Be prepared for a lot of scenery, culture, UNESCO sites, history and food. If you enjoy things like this, you will really enjoy the river cruising experience.

Viking Grand European river cruise itinerary

To give you a sense of the river cruise route, here is a map of our ports of call.

Now, let’s get started on the Viking Grand European Tour itinerary! 😀

Days 1 and 2 – Budapest, Hungary

Day 1—welcome aboard.

The recommended check-in time for a Viking river cruise is 3 pm. Travel schedules being what they are, Viking provides a light buffet lunch for passengers who can’t help arriving early. You can read about the first day on a Viking cruise here.

The first Grand European Tour activity happens mid-afternoon. It’s an unofficial guided walk around the area to help battle jet lag, should you be arriving the day of the cruise. You’ll also have plenty of time to explore the area and pick up a few authentic souvenirs of Budapest.

Our Program Director promised that our first dinner on board would be special, and it was. They offered a traditional Hungarian menu, accompanied by local wines and beers. Many people don’t know that Hungary has 22 wine regions and produces a number of excellent vintages. Tokaj and Bulls Blood are probably the best-known wines, and Hungary’s Tokaj wine region is so phenomenal that it is a bona fide UNESCO site.

If Hungarian food isn’t your thing or you need to selective about what you eat, no worries. They can accommodate many special diets and every menu includes a few familiar options, like grilled salmon and steak.

ⓘ TIP: If you enjoy good wine, pick up some local vintages along the way to enjoy with dinner. Unlike some river cruise lines, Viking doesn’t charge a corkage fee.

Inspired? Pin this post and share it with your friends!

Day 2—Tour Budapest

Your first full day in Budapest begins with a morning tour. From Pest’s National Opera House and historic Heroes’ Square, we crossed over the Danube to the Buda side of the river. Oour tour took us along Castle Hill to Fishermen’s Bastion and Matthias Church. We also had some free time to explore before returning to the ship for lunch.

Your afternoon options are varied. Would you like to explore Budapest on your own or join an optional tour? Your choices are:

• Dohány Street Synagogue and Jewish Budapest (tour highlighting Budapest’s colorful Jewish past and present)
• Spa Experience (Budapest is famous for its therapeutic thermal waters and has the spas to prove it)
• Hungarian Horsemen: Lazar Equestrian Park (trip to see a horsemanship exhibition).

The second evening in Budapest began with a Welcome Reception. Consider it an official opportunity to chat with your Program Director and traveling companions.

The evening departure results in some phenomenal photographs. Evening cruising through Budapest on the Danube is spectacular. See our Budapest photos here.

Days 3 and 4 – Vienna, Austria

Viking has updated their itinerary since our cruise, dropping a day in Bratislava in favor of two days in Vienna. As much as we enjoyed Slovakia’s capital, we left Austria’s capital feeling as though we hadn’t seen enough. Props to Viking for listening to passenger feedback and adding more time for visiting Vienna.

The Historic Centre of Vienna is a UNESCO site and there is plenty to see. We did see some of the city’s baroque architecture on our morning tour. Our guide made sure we saw the world-famous Opera House, St. Stephan’s Cathedral and Hofburg Palace, among other things.

Many of our fellow passengers spent the afternoon exploring Vienna on their own. If you do that, make sure to set aside some time to relax in one of Vienna’s traditional coffee houses, just as the locals do.

We chose to take the optional afternoon tour to Schönbrunn Palace. It is called the “Versailles of Vienna” due to its massive size (1,441 rooms!), and it qualifies as a UNESCO site as well.

After dinner, we were treated to a classical concert (think Mozart and Strauss, not classic rock) performed by a Viennese orchestra. That’s another optional tour; no need to endure it if you’re not a fan.

Day 5 – Wachau Valley + Melk, Austria

Most cruising is done overnight, unless it’s through a picturesque area. This morning we enjoyed some scenic cruising through the Wachau Valley, heart of Austria’s wine country. The Wachau is a stretch of the Danube Valley between Melk and Krems, and is of such unsurpassed beauty and historic importance that it has been named a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

The crown jewel of Melk is its abbey, an incredibly ornate 900-year-old Benedictine monastery. It features Austria’s finest Italian baroque architecture. Melk Abbey also has wonderful frescoes, as well as a library that holds an extensive collection of medieval manuscripts.

Day 6 – Passau, Germany

Passau is a town that lies where the Inn, Ilz and Danube Rivers meet. Our guided walk along the town’s narrow streets took us through Old Town and past many traditional patrician houses. Lying at the confluence of three rivers, Passau often experiences flooding, and one of the sights is where previous floods have left their mark.

We also saw the New Bishop’s Residence and the impressive baroque St. Stephen’s Cathedral with its ornate interior. If you arrive at noon, you can be treated to a special noontime concert on Europe’s largest church organ (17,000 pipes).

Then, free time to explore Passau on our own.

Day 7 – Regensburg, Germany

Regensburg is a wonderfully preserved medieval city. It’s full of medieval architecture, dark and narrow lanes, and strong fortifications, and that’s what makes it a UNESCO site.

We had a chance to tour the town’s market, city hall and the splendid St. Peter’s Cathedral, discover many 13th- and 14th-century patrician houses, and see ancient Roman, Romanesque and Gothic buildings.

Day 8 – Nuremberg, Germany

Our morning was spent on board, cruising to Nuremberg, Germany. Our program director offered a morning talk about the European Union, but Dan and I skipped it. We sat on our private stateroom balcony, sipping coffee and watching the passing scenery.

The afternoon options included a walking tour of the Old Town area. Highlights were the Albrecht Dürer House and Main Market Square. We drove by Zeppelin Field (the Nazi parade grounds of the 1930s) and the Palace of Justice, site of the infamous Nuremberg Trials.

World War II buffs can take an optional tour of the Documentation Center instead.

Day 9 – Bamberg, Germany

We spent the morning cruising through the 106-mile long Main-Danube Canal and passing through some of its 16 locks. Charlemagne first thought of continuous river travel from the North Sea to the Black Sea in 793, but it took until 1992—a whopping 1200 years—to actually accomplish his dream.

Once arriving in port, we were taken on a walking tour of Bamberg’s medieval city center. Bamberg has a magnificent 11th-century cathedral. However, it’s best know for its picturesque city hall, built on a tiny island in the middle of a river.

When our guide released us to explore this UNESCO site on our own, a few of us asked for one final stop. Schlenkerla is a historic brewpub in Bamberg, Germany and is renowned for its smoked Aecht Schlenkerla Rauchbier.

Germany’s Franconia region may be known for its wine, but Bamberg is famous for its distinctive, smoke-flavored beer. Truth be told, I enjoy smoky flavors so much that visiting the brewery is my favorite memory of Bamberg.

Day 10 – Romantic Road excursion to Rothenburg + Würzburg, Germany

Most passengers spent the day in Wurzburg. but we joined Viking’s optional Romantic Road excursion to Rothenburg ob der Tauber. The motorcoach ride was scenic, but it was drizzling and hard to see through the wet windows.

Rothenburg is a medieval town with charming half-timbered houses, a turreted city wall and impressive Gothic and baroque architecture. It ranks among one of the most picturesque in all of Germany. If you have a camera, you should really consider taking this tour.

After a traditional German lunch in a Rothenburg restaurant, we returned to Würzburg. The town is best known for the Bishops’ Residenz. One of Germany’s largest and most ornate baroque palaces, the palace is also a UNESCO site.

It’s over-the-top elaborate, and hard to believe someone actually lived like this.

We had another delicious dinner on board. Viking had planned an evening glassblowing demonstration afterwards, but nope. The cruise director had to postpone it at the last minute because the glassblower missed the ship.

Day 11 – Wertheim, Germany

Wertheim is located at the confluence of the Main and Tauber Rivers. It’s a typical, small German town, with roots that date back to the 7th century. Wertheim is renowned for its glassblowing tradition.

Our walking tour included a visit to the historic marketplace and our guide pointed us to glassblowing studio that we could visit. Many passengers spent their free time in glass shops buying souvenirs. Dan and I preferred to leave the main drag and explore the old town’s 1100-year-old back streets. (You can see our photos here. )

Down time in the afternoon. Time to relax on the sun deck with other passengers and watch the scenic vineyards of Franconia sail by. Dinner included some of the area’s wines.

Tonight, we finally got our glassblowing demonstration. He was quite entertaining and kept us all laughing, especially when he drafted audience participants. The whole evening was super fun!

Day 12 – Upper Middle Rhine Valley + Mosel River + wine tasting + Koblenz

This morning was all about hilltop castles along a stunning stretch of the Rhine River. It’s so special that the Upper Middle Rhine Valley has been designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site. There were plenty of oohs and aahs on the Sun Deck as we passed the dozens of castles and vineyards along its banks.

This was our second time in the Rhine Gorge and we enjoyed it just as much. The views are incredible and the associated commentary is fascinating!

The ship stopped in Braubach for a tour of one-of-a-kind Marksburg Castle. This castle is in perfect shape; it’s the only Rhine fortress that has never been destroyed. Definitely a must-see.

As we had seen the castle on our previous Rhine River cruise, we opted to join a couple dozen other passengers for the optional Moselle wine tour. Our route took us along along the Mosel River, which offers a landscape of terraced vineyards punctuated here and there by typically German towns.

After stopping to stretch our legs at a very scenic overlook, we continued on to a Mosel winery. They took us into the inner sanctum of wine production and showed how they produced their wines. Then, of course, we sampled a few of their best.

Our ship docked in Koblenz until late evening. This is the picturesque town where the Moselle and Rhine converge. We ran into a group of crew members in town. They were enjoying a few hours off and invited us to join them.

Always inquisitive, we took the opportunity to ask about working for Viking. We figured they could speak frankly since we were off the ship, and we were right. Seems a few of them have worked for other river cruise lines or on ocean liners. Consensus: Viking has high standards, and they treat their employees better than the other companies did. Isn’t that wonderful?!

Day 13 – Cologne, Germany

Cologne is Germany’s fourth largest city. Our morning walking tour through Old Town passed St. Martin’s Church, the Renaissance city hall and the remnants of an ancient Jewish mikveh (a ritual bathhouse). Our tour ended at the Dom, Germany’s largest cathedral and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The rest of the day was free to enjoy Cologne. I made sure we went to the Chocolate Museum….

The Captain’s Farewell Reception was a blast – we had a “Taste of Germany” buffet dinner, complete with live oompah music. The crew dressed up in German costumes to give it an especially festive air.

And being that it was a buffet, the chef made sure to come over to help us figure out which dishes were on our diet. (We had mentioned it once, at the beginning of our cruise, and the entire staff never needed to be told again. They kept it in mind every time we ordered.)

After dinner, we joined the optional Prost! Tour so we could experience Brauhaus culture and drink Cologne’s famous Kölsch beer. We’d done it on our Rhine cruise and it was just as fun this time.

• Read more: One Day in Cologne

Day 14 – Kinderdijk, Netherlands

We sailed along the Rhine all morning. and Viking had plenty of activities to keep us entertained. We enjoyed sampling Dutch cheeses and jenever (a distilled juniper liquor), and trying our hand at sjoelen (Dutch table shuffleboard).

After lunch, we docked in Kinderdijk (UNESCO!) for an afternoon tour. This is a fascinating experience, both for the photo ops and the opportunity to learn about windmills first-hand. We had done this on our last cruise, and the best part was climbing into a working windmill to explore its mechanisms and living quarters.

If you’re claustrophobic, have mobility challenges, or have already visited a real Dutch windmill, there’s an alternate tour. Passengers who would prefer an alternative can join a tour to watch Dutch cheese making. Holland is famous for Edam, but the cheese farm we visited specializes in Gouda.

Of course, the best part was sampling the many varieties in their shop….

We enjoyed a final dinner on board and our last evening together as we cruised on to Amsterdam.

• Read more: See Dutch Windmills and Cheese Making in Kinderdijk

Day 15 – Amsterdam, Netherlands

Our cruise ship docked sometime after midnight. We left late and could have one last enjoyable breakfast, once again with local breads, cheeses and other specialties.

No Amsterdam tour is included on the itinerary (even though its canals are yet another UNESCO site), and I assume that’s because most people have planes to catch. If you wish, you are welcome to join the next round of passengers on the afternoon walkabout.

Or you can do what we did and spend more time in Amsterdam . There’s a lot to enjoy in the city: neighborhoods, restaurants, museums and exciting nightlife.

Even if you don’t do anything else, be sure to take a canal cruise! It’s ranked as the best things to do in Amsterdam for a reason. This tour is especially popular.

Where to stay in Amsterdam

We can recommend two hotels from personal experience:

• Renaissance Amsterdam Hotel — a short walk from Centraal Train Station.
• Bilderberg Garden Hotel — a bit further out and in a quieter location.

Both are quite nice and near a tram stop.

Note: As is common in the travel industry, Dan and Linda were provided with a complimentary cruise package for the purpose of review. While it has not influenced coverage, AWSI believes in full disclosure of all potential conflicts of interest. For more information, see the Disclosure page.

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Written by Linda

Linda is multilingual and has been to over 50 countries. Her insatiable love of travel, cuisine, and foreign languages inspired her to create As We Saw It, where she documents her trips, shares practical itineraries, and offers insider tips. She’s passionate about helping fellow travelers save time, money, and hassle, and loves to discover new places to explore.

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25 thoughts on “15-day viking cruises grand european tour itinerary”.

I like your philosophy of never wasting a day in life. Bamberg is certainly a top place to spend one. Nice post.

Thanks, Stuart. That cruise sure kept us busy – we didn’t waste a moment!

What is the best month to travel on the europe ?

We went in early June, but September would be nice as well, and daylight is still long enough. We prefer spring and fall, when school is in session and there are fewer tourist crowds.

It seems a nice tour and honestly, I would like to follow this itinerary. Thanks for sharing this post and on a very honest note, I got much information about the European cities and countries.

Glad it helped.

Thanks for the information, we are taking the Budapest to Amsterdam trip end of July on the Viking Modi. looks like Bratislava, Slovakia is no longer part of itinerary

Well dang, Larry & Maggie, you’re right! Instead, you get an extra day in Vienna. As much as we enjoyed our time in Slovakia, that seems like a fantastic trade-off. We were left longing for more with our single day in Vienna.

Come to think of it, we’ve seen day trips to Bratislava from Budapest online, and trains run regularly. Should be easy for one to fly in a couple of days early and see it as well.

Thanks for letting us know!

We are taking this cruise in June 2018 and reading your day to day journal is helpful in terms of what to expect each day. Thank you for sharing your adventure, it makes me even more excited about our trip.

You are more than welcome. We know you’ll have so much fun! (Do you mind if we admit to the tiniest bit of envy? We’d love to take that cruise again.)

I’ve seen comments about long bus rides at each port to get to the sites. Was that your experience on the Grand European Tour?

Well, yes and no. We docked in town at most of the Rhine and Danube stops. Those towns developed around the rivers, so naturally, ports are centrally located. Most of the trips that required bus rides were for towns on the Main Canal, because it was constructed recently and to preserve infrastructure and homes, they had to build it where space was still available.

The rides didn’t seem particularly long to us, though. Our guides gave us interesting orientations and we had wonderful scenery to enjoy on the way. (We napped and chatted on the way back.)

This itinerary looks pretty awesome. I had no idea the tours were quite so long and you get to see so many awesome places! I’d love to go on one of these cruises one day!

If you do go, you’ll be amazed. The staff is remarkable, the tours are excellent (and free), and the small passenger capacity makes it an intimate experience you will never forget.

You should go! River cruises are a fabulous experience. We can’t recommend them enough.

A Viking cruise is on our bucket list; thanks for the info. All the places look amazing. Now you have made me want to go even more.

I know what you mean. We want to take the Nile and Mekong cruises next.

Thank you so much for sharing your adventures. This has been very helpful because I will be cruising from Amsterdam to Budapest in April.

How did you pack all you needed in a carry-on and a back-pack? I would love to be able to do that.

Hi Bette, thanks for your question. Actually, I’ve been pondering writing a post about this.

In a nutshell, we always carry our valuables (camera and electronics) on board with us in our backpacks. The biggest keys to packing light are to:

• wear your clothes multiple days (just not in a row!)
• coordinate your clothes with a neutral color (I chose colorful tops and scarves, black sweater, skirt and slacks)
• hand wash your clothes when needed (we packed only 7 days’ worth of underwear)
• limit your shoes (I had walking sandals, sneakers and ballet flats, all black)
• bring travel size toiletries and leave the ones that hotels provide at home.

Enjoyed the information your post included. We are scheduled to take this cruise in July 2018 and you gave me a concise idea of what to expect each day. Also greatly appreciated your ideas on packing–this cruise will require different items than on a big ship in the Caribbean!

Thanks for the feedback! We’re so glad our post was so helpful. I hope our other posts for each destination were as useful and informative. 🙂

I am curious how you got permission to take pictures inside the Schönbrunn palace and the Milky Abbey. We were told it was absolutely not possible to take pictures while inside.

The only part of Melk Abbey that is off limits to photographers is the library. As for Schonbrunn, they forgot to tell our tour group that we couldn’t take photos until we had already taken shots of that one room. So we stopped.

I would love to do one of these river cruises and have been enjoying the posts taking note of how our small family of 3 would fare on such a cruise.

I think river cruises are best when children are old enough to appreciate sightseeing and history. Most little ones have far too much energy for a ship of that size and need more room to run and play.

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Grand European Tour

15 Days | 12 Guided Tours | 4 Countries

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  Offer ends Apr 30, 2023

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Arrive in Amsterdam, then transfer to your ship.* After boarding, the afternoon is yours to relax or explore the city on your own. If your arrival schedule permits, you may wish to visit the Rijksmuseum, or the Van Gogh Museum next door.

This morning we sail to Kinderdijk, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, for a tour of this ingenious network of windmills and other flood management devices. Learn why the windmills were built and see how they work, and enter a working windmill for a tour of its mechanisms and living quarters. Return on board for lunch and an enjoyable afternoon of Dutch diversions: sample handcrafted Dutch cheeses and  jenever , a distilled juniper liquor, and take in a culturally enriching presentation on the Dutch Golden Age. We cruise through the night.

You have a morning tour of Cologne, including a visit to the Dom, Germany’s largest cathedral and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. After your tour, spend the rest of the day and evening exploring Cologne on your own: There are Roman ruins, interesting neighborhoods and wonderful museums like the Fragrance Museum and the Chocolate Museum. As always, your Program Director can help you plan your free time. Or, join an optional excursion on which you ascend to the Dom’s roof, enjoying up-close views of the cathedral’s architecture and bird’s-eye vistas of Cologne. Lunch and dinner are served on board; we depart at midnight. 

Cruise past hilltop castles along the Rhine, stopping in Koblenz to visit Marksburg Castle, the only Rhine fortress never destroyed. After your tour, continue cruising this stunning stretch of the Rhine, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Be sure to keep an eye out for the Lorelei Rock, which marks the river’s narrowest point and is named after the legendary Rhine maiden who lured sailors to their demise. Lunch and dinner are served on board your ship.

The morning is spent sailing along the beautiful Main River as it winds its way through the Spessart region, home of the actual Snow White. During our sail, be sure to take advantage of the opportunity to learn about the region’s glassblowing traditions during a live demonstration. After lunch, we stop in Miltenberg, known for its half-timbered houses and Germany’s oldest inn. Join our walking tour that concludes with free time for you to explore. We sail through the night. 

After breakfast, tour Würzburg’s Bishops’ Residenz, one of Germany’s largest and most ornate baroque palaces and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Or, instead, join an optional full-day journey along Germany’s picturesque “Romantic Road” to Rothenburg, with its turreted city wall and impressive Gothic and baroque architecture. Upon returning to Würzburg, enjoy a tour of the Bishops’ Residenz before rejoining your ship for dinner. 

Sail through the morning; after lunch we visit Bamberg, with its medieval city center, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Your walking tour includes a visit to the magnificent 11th-century cathedral, reworked in late Romanesque style in the 13th century, and the picturesque city hall built on a tiny island in the middle of a river. Take some free time to enjoy Bamberg and perhaps try some of the town’s distinctive smoke-flavored beer before returning on board.

After breakfast, disembark in Nuremberg and visit the ruins of Zeppelin Field, the Nazi parade grounds of the 1930s; then see the Palace of Justice, site of the infamous Nuremberg Trials. Alternately, you may take an optional World War II tour that includes the illuminating Documentation Center Museum. After lunch, spend free time exploring Nuremberg’s Old Town. Or, join an optional tour to discover the secret network of underground bunkers where priceless art was hidden in wartime. We depart just before dinner. 

Arrive in Regensburg midday. After lunch, tour this wonderfully preserved medieval city, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, including structures dating back to Roman times. Discover many 13th- and 14th-century patrician houses and see the splendid St. Peter’s Cathedral. During free time, visit the Alte Würstküche (Old Sausage Kitchen), Germany’s oldest restaurant. Alternately, you may choose to disembark this morning and drive with your guide to Munich for an optional full-day tour of this cultural and historic city, rejoining your ship in time to enjoy dinner on board before our evening departure. 

Arrive this morning in Passau, at the confluence of the Inn, Ilz and Danube Rivers. Your guided walk along the town’s narrow streets takes you through Old Town and past traditional patrician houses. Admire 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.† Enjoy lunch on board your ship, and return to the city for further exploration on your own before departing. Alternately, set out this morning with your guide to enjoy a full-day optional tour of picturesque Salzburg, the birthplace of Mozart and setting of  The Sound of Music . We cruise through the night. 

After breakfast, visit the abbey at Melk, a 900-year-old Benedictine monastery featuring Austria’s finest Italian baroque architecture. Rejoin your ship; cruise through the spectacular Wachau Valley this afternoon. Before dinner, you have time to explore the time-honored town of Krems and see the Steiner Tor, the last remaining city gate, or take an optional excursion to a local winery to sample some local vintages from this famous wine-producing region.

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. 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.

Enjoy a day at leisure in Vienna. Perhaps see an unrivaled collection of Old Masters at the Museum of Fine Arts, or visit the Albertina. Maybe ride the Riesenrad, the world’s oldest Ferris wheel. Alternately, you may join an optional tour to Schönbrunn Palace, the “Versailles of Vienna,” or enjoy a Viennese waltz lesson as well as visiting the palace during a full-day optional excursion. A cup of coffee or tea and a slice of exquisite Sachertorte are a must for any afternoon in Vienna. Later, rejoin your ship and sail for Budapest.

The Danube River divides Hungary’s capital city into the once separate towns of Buda and Pest. Explore both sides, 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 on board your ship, with the rest of the day to explore on your own. Alternately, choose one of our optional excursions designed to allow you to delve deeper into the history, culture and cuisine of this fascinating city. Return to your ship for a traditional Hungarian dinner.

After breakfast, disembark and proceed to the airport for your return flight.* Or, extend your journey with 3 nights in Prague, Czech Republic, where you tour Old Town landmarks and Prague Castle. 

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Prices are per person for featured departures.

Airfare offers valid on all N. American gateways except Alaska, Hawaii, San Juan and Mexico City.

Boston, Chicago, Dallas/Ft. Worth, Los Angeles, New York, San Francisco, Washington D.C. Many additional gateways available, air fares may vary; call for details.

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Offer valid on bookings made from Apr 13 to Apr 30, 2023. Cruise from $3,199 per person based on select Nov 2023 departures of Grand European Tour in category F; subject to availability, other categories may be higher. Call for details. Prices are in US dollars and for US residents only. Air does not have to be purchased to get cruise/tour offer. All fares reflect cruise taxes, port taxes and fees. Apr 30, 2023; pay in full at time of booking. Offer expires Apr 30, 2023.

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Maddy's Avenue

By: Maddy Cornelius · Last Updated: October 11, 2023

Viking River Cruises Grand European Tour: In Review

It’s been a few weeks since we disembarked from our Viking River Cruise in Amsterdam. And even today, it’s difficult to put into words how incredible our entire experience was on our  Grand European Tour .

Over 15 magical days, we sailed along the Danube, Main, and Rhine rivers. We explored four countries, stopping in fairy tale towns , brilliant imperial cities, and quaint countryside villages along the way. We drank copious amounts of German beer, indulged in Viking’s culinary masterpieces, laughed with the other guests on board, and savored the stunning river views as we sailed.

As you can already tell, we loved our time aboard our Viking ship. However, in this post, we’ll give a full review of our Grand European Tour with Viking River Cruises so you know exactly what to expect.

Continue reading for our opinions of the cruise, from our ship and stateroom, to our itinerary and the food on board!

For two weeks, we called the Viking Embla home.

Throughout the ship, there were many different areas we could relax in and enjoy the views as we sailed.

Our Viking Longship featured a spacious and bright reception area , where the crew offered refreshing drinks each time we returned from an excursion.

Next to the reception area was the beautiful restaurant which featured floor-to-ceiling windows. Each night, we enjoyed spectacular valley views and sunsets over incredible cuisine, wine, and cheese platters.

Upstairs, a library featured comfortable seating, board games, travel books, Viking’s daily news printouts, and guest computers.

Also upstairs, the Observation Lounge served as the ship’s main gathering area. Each night, after dinner, we’d have drinks at the bar, meanwhile other guests danced to live music. Other events, like cultural demonstrations, late-night snacks, and night sailing were held here. And of course, it wasn’t called the Observation Lounge for nothing; like the restaurant, floor-to-ceiling windows allowed guests to enjoy the river views at all times.

Off of the Observation Lounge lied both the covered-outdoor Aquavit Buffet and the uncovered-outdoor Aquavit Terrace . In these areas, we enjoyed casual meals and snacks, soaked up the sunshine and fresh air, and simply relaxed.

On top of the longship, on the Sun Deck , mini-golf, tables and chairs, and lounge chairs allowed for more relaxation, yet there was also room to walk and run to get our exercise in.

Our Stateroom

When it comes to cruise ship staterooms, ours had it all!

We booked Viking’s Veranda Stateroom (B) which included everything necessary for both a comfortable and luxurious European river cruise.

Our favorite feature was, of course, our veranda. When we woke up each morning, we stepped out onto the veranda, only to be greeted by a gentle breeze, soaring mountains covered in vineyards, and beautiful medieval villages. What a way to start each day!

The stateroom itself, however, was brilliantly engineered and very well-acquainted. While our room was small (only 205 square feet), we had enough room to store all of our things, feel comfortable, and have enough space to move around.

Our stateroom featured a spacious closet to hang all of our clothes, and to keep our shoes, and backpacks/purses out of the way. Next to the closet was a dresser with six drawers for more clothing. There was also enough space under our bed to fit both of our large suitcases! Our private bathroom, though small, also had tons of storage for all of our toiletries.

Really, Viking’s design of both our stateroom and bathroom were quite impressive.

Additionally, our stateroom included:

• A bottle of champagne upon arrival
• Fresh fruit platters replenished daily
• Premium bath products
• Bathrobes and slippers
• Telephone, refrigerator, safe, hair dryer & bottled water replenished daily
• Hotel-style beds
• Individual climate control
• American and European electrical sockets
• Sony 40-inch flat-panel TV with premium entertainment package including BBC News, CNBC, CNN, National Geographic, TNT Series, Sky Sports, and videos on demand

The Food and Drinks

We couldn’t believe how delicious and thoughtful every meal aboard our Viking ship was. And as you all know, food is very important to us.

Between serving regional dishes based on our whereabouts, local wine pairings, and top-quality ingredients, each meal aboard our beloved Viking Embla left us full and happy.

The lunch and dinner menus aboard a Viking River Cruise don’t feature your typical cruise cuisine, either. Oh, no! It’s all gourmet, plated beautifully, and absolutely delicious.

For lunch each day, we had choices between a few appetizers, main courses, and desserts from the menu. There were also buffet options both at the Aquavit Buffet and the restaurant.

For dinner each night, we also indulged in appetizers, main courses, desserts, and cheese plates, from the dinner menu.

Multiple times throughout the cruise, when we’d disembark to explore a new city, we’d see crew members stocking the ship with fresh produce and meats for all of our meals. That’s one way that we knew the food aboard our Viking ship was top quality. But how else did we know? Well, we ate it for two weeks straight, didn’t we? And we didn’t have one bad meal; not even close!

To give you a better idea, here’s one of the mouth-watering dinner menus we indulged in during our cruise:

Roasted Mushroom Velouté

crisp bacon, mushroom chips, truffle sabayon

Salmon Tartar

baby greens, honey mustard dip

Crisp Tandoori Chicken & Parmesan Foam

tomato salad

cassis sorbet with sparking wine

Beef Wellington Napoleon Style

sautéed vegetables, pommes duchesse & Cognac sauce

Sautéed Prawns & Saffron Beurre Blanc

potato soufflé, sautéed fennel

Crisp Dark Valrhona Chocolate Tart

mango salad

The following cheese plate is accompanied by 

Ginger Honey

Walnut Cheese

Isn’t that menu just fantastic ? And trust us, the food didn’t disappoint either! The care and thoughtfulness put into each menu was reflected in each plate’s rich flavors and stunning presentation.

For us, the food and wine aboard the Viking Embla was the highlight of the cruise — other than the destinations we explored, of course.

The On-Board Entertainment

Even after long days of exploring different cities and towns throughout Europe, we wanted to experience everything we possibly could during our cruise.  Given that destinations are so close together on the Grand European Tour, we never had to kill more than a few hours aboard the ship (other than for meals and to sleep); however, while on the cruise, we wished there were a few more activities to occupy our sailing time.

Entertainment options other than the nightly live music and dancing, or the occasional cultural talk would have been a nice touch. Though for us, the on-board entertainment wasn’t a deal breaker. Not even close!

Firstly, we would have loved a gym on board. With all of the scrumptious food and drinks we consumed during our two-week cruise, staying fit was important. However, our ship’s Sun Deck did have plenty of space to walk, jog, and even do calisthenics. A pool or spa also would have been lovely, though with such a small cruise ship, this wish-list item probably wasn’t possible to include.

Also, as travel bloggers, we need our WiFi. As we cruised, the WiFi was spotty, making it, at times, difficult to get work done. But of course, this should be expected aboard any cruise ship; that’s just the way it goes!

With all that said, there is still one key fact to remember: river cruises are meant for relaxing! 

While we sailed, I enjoyed curling up with a nice book, soaking in the incredible views, hitting the bar with the guests we’d met, and watching movies in bed. That’s what a vacation is all about anyway, right?

The Service/Staff

The service we experienced aboard the Viking Embla gets 5 stars.

Even when we think really hard, we can’t find anything bad to say about the customer service we experienced on board.

The crew’s main goal was always to make sure that everyone on board was having a great time, and that everyone was happy. It truly seemed that if guests weren’t completely satisfied, then neither were the crew members. They did everything in their power to make sure we were all comfortable, content, and had everything we could ever want.

Every day, our cruise director, Sonja, made sure everyone booked the right excursions according to their interests, answered any questions we had about the cruise, and accommodated each and every guest’s requests.

The m aître d’, Gabor, and all of the restaurant servers went out of their way to please us, too. For example, during dinner one night, we told our server how much we liked the wine, and to our surprise, he came back with a new bottle for us to take home! Also, as you read above, we loved the food aboard the ship. Some nights, all of the appetizers and main courses sounded so delicious that we wanted them all, and for the Viking Embla crew, that was no problem. If we wanted it, we could have it. Each staff member ensured they fulfilled our every request, always with a warm smile!

Some of the servers even went the extra mile by memorizing what we did and didn’t like. For example, each morning, when I sat down at our table for breakfast, a steaming kettle of fruity green tea would promptly arrive, regardless of whether I asked for it or not; the crew just knew that I loved that particular tea. The Viking Embla’s amazing omelet man also remembered exactly which ingredients I liked in my omelets. These might seem like small gestures, but when you remember that there were at least 120 other guests on board, it’s actually quite impressive!

In addition, our stateroom, and the entire ship, were always perfectly tidy. Aboard our Viking cruise, you’d never find a table of empty plates or crumbs, never any water droplets on the restroom floors, never any wine glass unpolished. The whole ship was spotless.

Viking’s attention to detail in every aspect of the cruise is something we’ve never seen before. The service we experienced is truly something that Viking River Cruises should be proud of!

The Itinerary

And now for the best part, the Grand European Tour itinerary!

With world-famous cities like Amsterdam, Budapest and Vienna, and tiny, widely-unknown towns like Melk, Bamberg, and Wertheim, each place we visited on our cruise was completely different from the next. On this cruise, we visited towns we’d never even heard of, and places we would never have dreamed we’d visit, if it weren’t for Viking River Cruises.

The timing of our itinerary was also planned out perfectly. On most cruises, you always feel rushed. On the Viking River Cruises Grand European Tour, this wasn’t the case. In the big cities, Budapest and Vienna, we had two days! And in the small towns and villages, we had enough time to thoroughly explore the quiet cobblestone alleys, shop for unique souvenirs, and visit the must-see sites.

The Grand European itinerary allowed us to see quaint towns and stunning big cities, countless centuries-old castles, famous museums, ornate cathedrals, bright-colored architecture, and so much more! Truly, it was the European trip of a lifetime!

The Stops (Budapest to Amsterdam)

We decided to begin our cruise in Budapest, and disembark in Amsterdam. However, note that you can also book the opposite route, starting in Amsterdam!

Of the 13 ports we stopped at, not one of them fell short. When I think back to this cruise now, it seems too magical to actually be real.

At each stop, Viking offers guided tours, which are always included in the cruise’s price. Our tour guides were always very knowledgeable, entertaining, and were open to answering all of our questions.

However, we often added on optional excursions, which made our experience all the more memorable. For example, in Budapest we booked an excursion to the Széchenyi Thermal Baths, and in Vienna we attended a brilliant opera performance — both of which were necessary to experience the best of each city. And to really make the most of our cruise, we also took a few day trips, swapping Passau for Salzburg, and Würzburg for Rothenburg ob der Tauber.

For those interested in eating and drinking, history, architecture, and art, the Viking River Cruises Grand European Tour is the perfect choice.

Finally, here are photos from each of our 13 stops! We hope you enjoy them as much as we enjoyed taking them!

Rothenburg ob der Tauber

Viking River Cruises Grand European Tour

Would we recommend the Viking River Cruises Grand European Tour to our closest friends? Yes.

Would we book another cruise with Viking River Cruises? Yes, yes, yes. 1,000 times, yes.

What else is there to say? We loved every second of our time with Viking River Cruises on the Grand European Tour and we know you will, too!

What to Pack

Keep in mind that the season of your visit will help determine what you need to pack. Winter gets VERY cold!

Of course, summer is warmer, and you can dress as you would in this part of Europe. But as expected the winter is very cold. Always bring a beautiful coat in winter!

Here are a few top tips of what to wear:

• Wool coat: During the colder months a beautiful wool coat is essential for style and practicality. You will fit in with the locals with this one . For the deeper parts of winter a down jacket is needed as an extra layer.
• Comfortable boots : As expected, you’ll walk a lot, so opt for a comfortable but stylish boot that you’ve worn in. You can’t go wrong with a smart Chelsea boot, like these . In the winter pair with good socks to keep extra warm.
• Hat , scarf and gloves : For the winter you absolutely need these to keep warm
• Floaty dress : In the summer opt for a long floaty dress so you stay cool, and bring a light scarf so you are always prepared to enter religious sites and cover your shoulders.
• Camera : There are too many beautiful things to see, you’ll want to take plenty of photos.
• Sunscreen : Nothing spoils your trip (and your photos!) more than sunburn. Remember to prepare with a good, natural sunscreen , even in the winter the sun is strong here so stay protected.
• Reusable water bottle : Remember to keep hydrated during your adventures; it can’t all be wine and coffee all the time! Bring a reusable water bottle so you can keep topped up.
• Tote bag : For those souvenirs and treasures found on your travels
• Travel insurance : As with any trip, you should ALWAYS purchase travel insurance in case anything goes wrong. I’ve had my fair share of travel mishaps! 
• HOTEL : I use this website for scoring amazing deals on accommodation worldwide.
• HOSTELWORLD : If you’re traveling on a budget, this is the best website to score cheap hostel deals.
• VACATION RENTAL : I use this site for finding the perfect vacation rental for an unforgettable getaway. 
• TRAVEL INSURANCE : Never go on a trip without travel insurance! It isn’t worth the risk if something goes wrong.
• GUIDED TOURS & EXCURSIONS : Many of the tours I recommend are hosted with Viator, which also works with local tour operators. Search them all here .
• CHEAP FLIGHTS : Get great deals on flights using my favorite flight fare aggregator .
• TRAVEL GEAR : A collection of all of my must-have travel gear are all listed here . Most important to remember is comfortable shoes and a scarf to use when visiting religious sites or if it gets a little cold.
• CAR RENTAL : If you need to rent a car book car rental in advance here for the best deals.

Are you thinking about booking the Viking River Cruises Grand European Tour? Have you sailed with Viking River Cruises before? What’s your take? Let us know in the comments, and feel free to ask questions, too!

Maddy’s Avenue experienced the Viking River Cruises Grand European Tour as guests of Viking River Cruises, but as always, all opinions are our own.

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About Maddy Cornelius

Hey! I'm the cook, world explorer, chief wordsmith, and photographer behind Maddy's Avenue. A California native, I've lived in many countries around the globe, but I'm currently traveling through Latin America. Slowly. Running two businesses. Livin' the "digital nomad" life. I’m here to learn, grow, and explore this planet - ever in search of big flavors and epic adventures. My goal? To inspire you to live a bold life: to discover yourself and the world around you at greater depths – one forkful, or one plane ticket, at a time. Thanks for being here!

You’ll Also Love

September 19, 2016 at 5:41 pm

This looks like an AMAZING time! You got to visit so many places that are still on the must-see list for us. A river cruise would be the perfect way to see all of these in quick succession. :D The Viking cruises look so, so nice–I’ve heard so many great things about them.

September 19, 2016 at 8:27 pm

It was so incredible — everything about it! We hope to embark on another one very soon! :)

September 19, 2016 at 10:46 pm

We also were on the Grand Tour cruise with Viking, loved loved loved it Can not wait to go again??????????

September 20, 2016 at 9:19 am

Glad to hear you had a lovely time as well. We hope to do another river cruise with Viking, but possibly in Asia next time. Those itineraries look great.

September 20, 2016 at 1:09 pm

We found Uniworld of much higher quality,and all inclusive,including all top quality Wine and speciality drinks. Also tips

September 20, 2016 at 1:36 pm

Hi, Dianne! We are unsure what you mean by, “Also tips.” But anyway, thanks for your input! We have never sailed with Uniworld, but we loved everything about Viking and will continue to cruise with them. Thank you for your comment!

September 20, 2016 at 3:56 pm

Wow you guys! This is quite the post. This cruise sounds so amazing. I didn’t even know anything like this existed! I am definitely saving this post for future reference to read through more carefully. Would love to do something like this! Your photos from your trip are just absolutely stunning, and the ship sounds amazing. Welcome home!!

-Emily http://www.coatandcoffee.com

September 20, 2016 at 4:30 pm

Yes… It is quite the long post ;) So glad we could introduce you to this kind of travel. There’s no way you wouldn’t enjoy it. We loved it and plan to do another Viking cruise in the next few months hopefully.

September 20, 2016 at 4:14 pm

I’ve always wanted to go on a cruise like this! Just curious- did y’all feel like the youngest ones there, or were there other people your age?

September 20, 2016 at 4:28 pm

Hey Olya! Yes, we were definitely the youngest people on the ship. There were a few others in their 20s and 30s, but the majority were probably 45-70.

April 26, 2017 at 4:02 pm

This review sounds fantastic….are you all compensated at all by Viking River Cruises?

April 26, 2017 at 4:25 pm

Well, that’s because this cruise is absolutely fantastic. We loved every moment of it and would do it over again and again. However, yes, Viking River Cruises did invite us aboard to share our experiences and our opinions with our readers. This is our 100% honest review and we wouldn’t recommend it to our readers if we didn’t truly love this cruise!

April 26, 2017 at 10:24 pm

Thoroughly enjoyed this review. I cruised with my mom on Viking’s Portraits of S France last year. 1st time with VRC. It was wonderful! The crew/staff were amazing – professional, conscientious, and quite helpful. My husband and I are looking forward to our Grand European cruise in 2018 with friends. Great to read about your experiences on this itinerary. Thank you.

May 1, 2017 at 4:11 pm

Hi Kimberly! We’re so glad you enjoyed our review and love to hear that you’ve also had a great experience with Viking. We LOVE them and hope to sail again with Viking. We hope you enjoy your Grand European Tour as much as we did — but we are sure you will!

May 23, 2017 at 9:45 am

We booked this cruise for April 2018, starting with 2 days in Amsterdam. Always wanted to go on a Viking River Cruise.

May 23, 2017 at 3:11 pm

That is great to hear! You are going to have the time of your life. Enjoy!

February 14, 2018 at 12:14 pm

Great pictures and looks like you all had a nice trip. We too will be taking this trip this summer 2018., however I would have found your review to be more honest and helpful if Viking had NOT comped this trip. You are obligated to give a glowing review. When you actually pay for something you tend to be more critical. I realize that your future free travel demands that you give amazing reviews, however after reading this I won’t be signing up for future e-mails

February 15, 2018 at 3:22 am

Hi Drew, Thanks for your comment! Actually our future of “free” travel does not depend on us giving amazing reviews… Our future as bloggers depends on us giving honest reviews, information, tips, and stories that will help out our readers. Our readers and our credibility are most important to us, and for those reasons, we are extra critical. It just so happens that we loved everything about this cruise (apart from the fact that there could’ve been more to do while on the ship – and this is noted in our review) because Viking is an all-around fantastic cruise operator; that is the only reason for the “glowing review.” We bet that after you go on the trip, you will feel the same way!! Have a great cruise! :)

March 30, 2018 at 8:15 am

How was the weather? Seems like you went in August? We’re planning to take this cruise fall 2018, but if it wasn’t too unbearably hot, or unbearably rainy (which it doesn’t appear to have been, based on your photos), we might bump it up to late summer.

April 7, 2018 at 12:26 am

We were there in July and the weather was absolutely perfect. Hot, but not too hot. These places have pretty mild climates. :)

We also had rain some days.

January 31, 2019 at 5:06 pm

Thank you for your thoughtful and insightful review of your trip. As someone who formerly solo traveled and made all of his own travel arrangements, I am in the new situation of having a spouse with physical limitations AND having a budget that allows others to do much of the accommodation and service arrangements. Though I will miss sleeping in jugendherberge and matrazenlagers as I did when I wondered through Germany and Switzerland several summers in the 80’s and 90’s, I am looking forward to entrusting accommodation, tours and food to professionals. Your review has helped me settle on Viking for this purpose. My upcoming Rhine travels will be far different from my first journeys from Amsterdam to Koln (Cologne) and along the Rhine as a passenger on one of the river transit boats.

January 15, 2024 at 5:09 am

Hi! Your review was very helpful. Just curious if you did the Viking organized tours or explored on your own. We will be doing the Grand European Cruise this coming fall and aren’t typical organized tour types of travelers but will be cruising with our parents. Would love your input on organized vs own?

January 15, 2024 at 2:43 pm

Hi Amy, I am typically a DIY kind of traveler too, but on this cruise, I went on a lot of the complimentary/included guided tours where I was particularly interested in the history. You can always start with the group and then veer off on your own once you’ve heard enough. That’s what I’d typically do – and I just loved that there was the option. As far as the optional (extra cost) organized tours, I chose to go on the ones that I was particularly interested in or that really enhanced the experience of the place (i.e. I went on the day trips to Rothenburg ob der Tauber and Salzburg, and went on the tours to the opera in Vienna and the Szechenyi Baths in Budapest… They were all great.). That said, everything was included in the media agreement I made with Viking. But if I had been paying out-of-pocket, I probably would have still done those tours!

January 15, 2024 at 2:44 pm

I also did a waltz lesson in Vienna which I absolutely would not do again…. I cringe when I think about me trying to waltz hahahaha

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Viking Grand European Tour: The Ultimate Guide

If you are planning to book your Viking Grand European Tour 15 day cruise, look no further. This comprehensive guide will give you all the information to have the best cruise possible.

One of the best features of this fifteen day itinerary is that you get both a Danube River Cruise and a Rhine River Cruise, all in one. Viking offers a plethora of European itineraries to choose from, but I am biased and will say this one was fantastic.

There are so many wonderful stops along the rivers and so much history and beauty to see in each port. What is even better is that each day brings something new.

Passau, Germany

As a seasoned ocean cruiser, I did not know what to expect on a river cruise, but I am so glad I got to go on one. There are not many similarities between ocean and river cruises but they all have their special qualities.

I think what I found to be one of the best incentives of the smaller river cruise was that you never got lost among the people. All the staff know who you are, they know what you like and don’t like, if you have allergies, etc. The staff is superior on Viking and they are going to make sure you have the best trip you could ask for.

Cruising The Danube

Viking Grand European Tour: Know Before You Go

Würzburg’s Bishops’ Residenz

• deciding on an itinerary – for the Viking Grand European Tour 15 day cruise, we opted to go Budapest to Amsterdam but you can go Amsterdam to Budapest as well. We chose this route specifically because of a desire to have more time in Budapest to explore the city more in depth
• choosing a room – I can’t stress enough that having a balcony room is the best way to go. You spend a lot of time on the rivers and you can easily sit on your balcony and watch all the cute towns, castles, and so forth pass you by. Grab a wine and watch the sun go down or a coffee and watch it rise
• tables are shared during dining and this is an excellent way to meet new people and make new friends on board. You do not have to sit in the same spot everyday and are free to dine around. We sat in every section available to try all the servers during our Viking Grand European Tour
• there is a coffee, tea and water bar that usually has baked goods like cookies or muffins available
• in Budapest – Hungarian goulash
• in Vienna – sachertorte, schnitzel and strudel
• in Germany – pretzels, sausage, beer, and sauerkraut
• in The Netherlands – stroopwafle
• after you book log in to “ MyVikingJourney ” – set up your account so that you can access your itinerary, book excursions, find documents and make sure everything is done prior to boarding, see the ports, add enhancements for your trip, and much more
• booking excursions – it is said that excursions fill up before departure, and I did notice that some were full months before. You can book them right in your MyVikingJourney account online, including the free ones, and you will be set to go
• cruise information – Viking will send out luggage tags and a book with all your cruise info in it well before the cruise starts. In the book you will find everything you need to know about the ship, port guide with tours, and questions you may have, etc
• since we came into Budapest early, we had to get to the river on our own. In the booklet that Viking sends out before your cruise, it shows where the boat should be. It is in one of three spots on the Danube close to each other. There is a number and email address you can contact if need be
• embarkation – getting to the dock was easy and when we arrived we walked onto the ship with our luggage where one of the staff took it to our room. We checked in and made it to our room within minutes. Since there are no scheduled tours the day of, we went back out into Budapest to explore on our own
• dress code – casual. Most of your time is out in ports exploring and you want to be comfortable, especially on cobblestone and uneven terrain in older buildings. For dinner you are free to get dressed up but it is not the rule
• Because I needed to be able to work while I was away, I brought my WiFi hotspot to use while I was out in ports and it worked perfectly.
• currency – how much to bring and where to exchange: there is not an ATM on board, and thus you should bring cash with you. I brought $400 Euros and that was plenty. I was able to use my Visa in many of the ports as well for shopping or extra dining
• additionally, we tipped our housekeeper and servers for going above and beyond
• I did not extend my trip in Amsterdam because I was short on time, but I have also been to the city before. If you get a chance to see the Amsterdam tulips , I highly recommend it. The W Hotel in Amsterdam is also a wonderful luxury property with easy walking access to attractions.
• purchase insurance – travel insurance is a necessity to protect you and your trip as you never know what could happen
• example: we had arranged to go directly to the airport. Our luggage was due outside our door at 8:30am and our ride was there at 9:30 am. We were take to the airport in Amsterdam and Viking staff on the ground helped with our bags and checking in for our flights.
• elevator – there is an elevator on board. The only floor it does not go to is the very top deck
• 110/220 volt outlets & USB ports in each room – you do not have to pack converters if you do not want to. I packed a power bar because I have so many items that need to be charged and wanted to make sure we had plenty of outlets available
• things that are not on board – medical services, a store for toiletries, medications, room service, spa
• laundry – this service is available on board and priced very nicely! We did not pack for cold weather and it was cold and rainy a lot of our trip, so we needed to have our warmer wear washed a few times. It was always back same day or within 24 hours
• shop on board – there is a small shop in the reception area that sells items like jackets, fleeces, postcards, napkin holders, books, etc
• postcards – you can buy stamps from the front desk AND they will mail out your postcards for you
• first floor is all rooms
• second floor is rooms, reception, the store, and the restaurant
• third floor is rooms, the lounge, library, coffee and tea stations, Aquavit Terrace
• fourth floor is the rooftop and you will find a walking track, shuffleboard, putting green, herb garden, and smoking area
• when the rooftop closes for a portion of the trip, they bring smoking to the third floor on the balcony
• viking daily – each night your housekeeper will leave  Viking Daily in your room that includes all the information you will need to know for the next day. You will find information on the port, what time each tour departs, places of interest in case you opt not to take tours, if there are buses provided by Viking into the city center, meal times (a few times it was different), weather, arrival and departure, if there is evening entertainment, a daily nautical term, “on this day” in history section, and so much more
• daily printed newspaper headlines from a variety of countries
• complimentary water and umbrellas during tours
• motion sickness – i rarely felt the boat move unless we were in locks, but even then, it was not anything like an ocean cruise. It would be a small movement or so and then we would carry on. I barely felt the ship move at all when we were cruising down the river
• language – all staff and tour guides spoke in English
• quietvox for tours – in your stateroom there is a quietvox for each passenger to take on tours. It comes with a left earphone only (bring headphones if you have trouble hearing on your left side) and when you meet with your tour guide they will activate it so that you can hear them on your tours

Viking Grand European Tour: Life on Board

This was one of the most asked questions I received from my viewers. To be honest, you spend about 50% of your time in ports exploring and the other 50% on board eating meals, sleeping, showering, and utilizing free time.

I purposely booked my tours on top of each other to maximize my time in ports. If there were days where i could do a morning and afternoon or even an evening excursion too, I almost always did it. By doing this, I cut some of my time on board down in favor of seeing more of the cities.

However, life on board is just as you would expect. Lots of eating, hanging out with fellow passengers, playing games, watching sunrise and sunsets, relaxing with a cocktail, reading books, watching TV, walking laps on the rooftop – you could really do anything.

I would highly recommend taking it easy on board and enjoying your down time. Its a very nice experience to go out into ports each day and learn about the places you visit and then have a wonderful place to come home to with cooked meals and friendly faces. A lot of people talked about their day and the excursions they went on or self exploration.

Everyone on board was very friendly, staff included. It becomes more of a friend atmosphere because the group is so small and you are together for fifteen days.

Staterooms:

The Viking Baldur offers 95 staterooms over five categories to include: 2 Explorer Suites, 7 Veranda Suites, 39 Veranda Staterooms, 22 French Balcony Staterooms, and 25 Standard Staterooms.

Veranda Stateroom

During our time on board our Viking Grand European Tour, we stayed in a Veranda Stateroom, room 221. Here is what was included in our room:

• size was about 205 square feet
• full size veranda offering river views and floor to ceiling glass doors
• king size bed or option for two twins
• reading lights for each side of the bed
• 2 nightstands with drawers
• vanity area with mirror and outlets
• additional sitting chair in room
• 40″ TV programmed with a location map, movies and TV shows
• 110/220 volt outlets & USB ports
• telephone, safe, refrigerator, hair dryer & individual climate control
• private bathroom with heated flooring, glass shower and anti-fog mirror
• premium Freyja® toiletrie
• spacious wardrobe and drawers
• twice daily housekeeping
• water replaced daily
• robes and slippers available upon request

We found our room to be of good size for this adventure through Europe. We opted for the two twin beds and slept pretty well each night. When we arrived, we unpacked our suitcases and they fit easily under our beds as to not take up any of the space in the room. The closet and drawer space was plentiful for our needs and we even had room to spare.

Welcome Gift From Viking

The bathroom was a nice size for a cruise room. Our housekeeper cleaned it twice a day, leaving us fresh towels and toiletries when needed.

Everyone on board our cruise was watching “Downton Abbey.” Viking was kind enough to put the entire series on the TV for everyone to binge watch during their trip. I could overhear conversations about the show throughout the cruise and everyone seemed to love it.

We had the BEST housekeeper! He brought us snacks when we requested them and he was just the sweetest.

Viking Grand European Tour: Dining on Board

Dinner Table

One thing that I really loved about the dining on board this Viking cruise was the consistency in dining times, knowing what to expect and the always changing regional menus.

Available 24/7 are two coffee and tea stations outside of the lounge. You can help yourself to a variety of teas, coffee drinks, flat and sparkling water, and there was usually pastries, cookies or something of that nature in the baskets to snack on. Often, the pastry chef would make baked goods that were local to the region. I remember when we were in Kinderdijk stroopwafles were made and they were the absolute best!

Breakfast was essentially the same everyday. From 6-11 continental breakfast was available on the Aquavit Terrace and a buffet and sit down hot breakfast was available in the dining room from 7-10am. The breakfast menu never changed and included items like french toast, eggs Benedict, pancakes, etc. The buffet always had an omelette and egg station, hot meats, breads and pastries, yogurts, fresh fruits, and so much more.

French Toast

Lunch went from about 1230-2pm each day on board and was a buffet style plus a menu. You could mix and match items from the buffet and the menu.

On the buffet you would find build your own salad items, a new pasta station everyday, fresh fruits, side items and salads, etc. The menu was different each day (with the exception of the cheeseburger and hot dog always being available) and always had items like soup, sandwiches, burgers, etc.

Additionally, you could get dessert everyday at lunch and it was new everyday. Lunch was actually my favorite meal on this Viking Grand European Tour. I loved how creative chef was with the soups and pastas!

Salad Bar Toppings

Dinner started at 7pm almost every single night and went until about 9pm. Everyone pretty much came between 7-730.

At 715 there would be a few tables available in the Aquavit Terrace for dining that had the same menu as the restaurant. Dinner was a sit down meal where one side of the menu never changed and offered items like salmon, chicken and steak. The other side of the menu had a daily regional offering (for wherever we were) and other chef selections.

Stroopwaffle Dessert

Plum Dessert

Aquavit Terrace

There was one night on board where there was a dinner buffet of German and Austrian food and the entire dining room was set up so fun. Some of the staff was dressed in traditional clothing, tables were set up with pretzels and charcuterie. beer was being passed, and everything was so perfect. Don’t miss this fun event on board.

Things to note about dining:

• there is no dress code
• tables are shared in 6+ seating arrangements
• you do not have to sit at the same table for every meal
• meal times are fixed and you can find them each day on the Viking Daily
• beer, wine and soft drinks are included in your lunch and dinner. Additionally, if you find a local wine in port that you love, you can bring it with you to a meal and there is no corkage fee
• bread and butter is on the table for lunch and dinner each day. Chef mixes it up so you get to try a variety of breads and rolls

Wines at Lunch and Dinner

One thing I don’t want to leave out is how fantastic the servers are. We made a point to sit in every server groups section just to get to know the staff a little bit. By the end of the cruise everyone knew us by name and our preferences for beverages and food at each meal. The staff does a really great job at getting to know you and what you like/don’t like – which is pretty impressive since they turn the boat over twice a month.

On one of the last nights on the ship the chef let everyone take a quick tour of the kitchen so they could see how all the magic happens behind the scenes. I highly recommend stepping in briefly just so you get a feel for it.

Downtime on the Viking Grand European Tour:

While each day brings a great new adventure on this Viking Grand European Tour, you will have downtime each day to relax and get ready for the next day. I would say to approach this trip with excitement for exploration but also appreciation for the slow relaxation. Some days in ports you could be on a tour for just 2 hours and leave, which gives you a lot of time back on board.

One of the many highlights of the Viking Baldur was the rooftop deck. There was a walking deck, shuffleboard, putting green, herb garden, and plenty of seats both covered and uncovered to watch the world go by on the river. I would strongly argue the sunrise and sunset views were the best and should not be missed.

Additional items on board:

• board games
• computer center
• seating areas to hang out
• lounge with a bar
• TV pre-loaded with movies and TV shows
• occasional nightly entertainment (music, glass blowing, etc)

Seating Area

I would highly recommend bringing a book or two to give yourself something to do when you are not out exploring. There is a small library but they may not have what you want. Personally, I brought books and card games. I even got some other guests to play cards with us when we were sailing.

During the downtime on board when you are sailing to your next port, you will go through many locks. A lot of them are overnight but you will see some during the day too.

Viking Grand European Tour: Itinerary

On this 15 day Viking Grand European Tour, there are 12 ports of call that the Viking Baldur stops in and offers excursions. On the last day of the itinerary, you can go home, or stay in the city the boat docks in. With this itinerary you are essentially getting two cruises in one as you experience both a Danube River Cruise and a Rhine River Cruise. Viking does offer more than one ship that does this itinerary and it goes both ways. For our itinerary we went Budapest to Amsterdam, but it is also offered Amsterdam to Budapest as well. Below is the itinerary we were on:

• Day 1: Embark in Budapest, Hungary – boarding and overnight
• Day 2: Budapest, Hungary
• Day 3: Vienna, Austria – arrive in the evening
• Day 4: Vienna, Austria – full day in port
• Day 5: Scenic cruising Wachau Valley AND Melk, Austria
• Day 6: Passau, Germany
• Day 7: Regensburg, Germany
• Day 8: Main-Danube Canal AND Nuremburg, Germany
• Day 9: Bamberg, Germany
• Day 10: Wurzburg, Germany
• Day 11: Wertheim, Germany AND Scenic Cruising: Main River, Spessart
• Day 12: Middle Rhine Scenic Cruising AND Koblenz, Germany
• Day 13: Cologne, Germany
• Day 14: Scenic cruising Waal and Merwede AND Kinderdijk, The Netherlands
• Day 15: Disembark in Amsterdam, The Netherlands

Each day when the ship docks in a new city, before you get off the ship there are things you should get at the front desk:

• your personal badge – which lets the staff know you are not on the ship. You turn this back in when you get back. This is how they know who they are missing.
• a card that gives you a letter and a number (example: 20H) this lets you know what tour you are on. A lot of days there are many tour guides and buses and this helps you to stay with your guide and on the right boat.
• maps are often available of the cities at port with highlights that include: popular attractions, post offices, restrooms, taxi, etc.
• bottled water is available before you leave each day before your tour.
• umbrellas are available each day before your tour.

Danube River Cruise: Ports of Call

Viking Baldur in Port

Many great stops were were on this Danube River cruise portion of the trip. Below are the stops and tours that were available. Please note that some of these may be seasonal and excursion offers may change. I am just putting them out there to give you an idea of what to expect.

You will spend the first 2 days in Budapest . On the first day you will be allowed to check in on the ship at 3:00pm local time. There are no excursions offered on the first day but you are free to roam the city as you wish. I recommend booking tickets in advance to see the Hungarian Parliament inside and visiting the most beautiful cafe: New York Palace Cafe.

Parliament at night

Since the boat does not leave on the first night and does leave the second day during the day, for to hours in the evening the boat will leave dock and cruise past Parliament so that you can see it all lit up from the Danube. I found this to be a wonderful first night on the boat.

Hungarian Parliament

On the second day in Budapest it is a full day, so you will see options for morning, afternoon and night. You can book tours during all three slots, just make sure there is no overlap. Here are the tours offered:

• Panoramic Budapest (Included tour) – this is a bus and walking tour of the city
• Hungarian Horseman – on this tour you will travel to horse country and experience a farm and horsemanship

Dohány Street Synagogue & Jewish Budapest – exploration of Budapest’s Jewish History 

Budapest Thermal Bath – this is a must do while in Budapest. The city is famous for its baths. *We did this tour and I HIGHLY recommend it. This is a great way to really relax before the trip gets full ahead.

• Grand Market: Taste of Hungary – this tour is an exploration of Budapest’s Grand Market Hall

Budapest Castle Hill City Hike – on this tour you will visit Castle Hill, walk across Chain Bridge, ride the funicular, Royal Palace, Matthias Church, the Fishermen’s Bastion, and finish at Grand Market Hall

Life Behind the Iron Curtain – take a ride in a Trabant and explore the communist past of the city 

Thermal Bath Excursion

Schönbrunn Palace

You will arrive in Vienna in the late afternoon and stay about a day and a half in the city exploring. I highly recommend a Vienna City tour of sorts – whether you book all or some excursions through Viking, this city should not be missed.

Day one of Vienna excursions:

Mozart & Strauss Concert – visit the Vienna Residence Orchestra for a special concert 

Day two of Vienna excursions:

Panoramic Vienna (included tour) – this tour of the city is included with your cruise and you will learn about the Hapsburg dynasty, marvel at the gorgeous architecture and see the Hofburg Palace, Gothic St. Stephen’s Cathedral, and the Vienna State Opera concert hall.

• Schönbrunn Palace – On this tour, visit the magnificent home of the Hapsburg Dynasty, built to rival the sprawling Château de Versailles in France.
• Imperial Vienna – learn the Waltz, have a glamorous lunch and stroll the grounds at Schönbrunn Palace

Heurigen Dinner – enjoy a Heurigen Dinner and experience this years wine at a local vineyard 

Behind the Scenes at the Lipizzaner Stallions – visit this Spanish riding school and see world-famous Lipizzaner stallions!

• Frolic to the country side for the Salzburg Sound of Music tour .

**Seasonally there are some great Austrian Christmas markets !

Melk is a shorter destination visit with only two tours offered on this Viking Grand European tour.

Melk Abbey (included tour) – you will see this masterpiece of Baroque time soaring above the Danube. Spend your excursion exploring this landmark. 

The Abbeys of Göttweig & Melk – explore both Abbey’s on this tour. This includes Melk Abbey and Göttweig.

Melk Abbey Ceiling

Melk Abbey Library

Melk Abbey Staircase

Passau is the first of the beautiful cities in Germany you will explore on this Viking Grand European Tour and is one of Bavaria’s oldest cities. Passau Germany is bursting with color and exploration.

• Passau Walking Tour and Organ Concert (included tour) – you will meet your guide for a walk through Passau and your tour ends at St. Stephens Cathedral where you will see an organ concert with Europe’s largest pipe organ.
• Salzburg Highlights – if you are interested in the movie “The Sound of Music” then this tour is for you!
• Hike The Passau Hills -this is an exploration of the city of three rivers by foot – it is a demanding activity
• Bavarian Cruise & Baroque Town of Sharding – you will visit sharding by bus for a walking tour and then board a boat for a cruise on the Inn River with pretzels, cheese and beer. Please note you need to cross a small suspension bridge to get to the boat and there is an unpaved path and stairs to get aboard the boat. We assisted many guests and others were willing to help as well. **Our boat was running late due to locks so our tour guide took us up to the top of the Fortress for the most magnificent views of Passau.
• Bavaria by Bike – this is a demanding 2.5 hour bike tour
• Passau Flightseeing – soar above Passau in a private chartered plane and see the city and rivers below

Regensburg is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the best preserved medieval towns in Europe.

• Regensburg Walking Tour (included) – this is a 1.5 hour walking tour that will show you the Old Stone Bridge, a stroll through the city and learn about the history. **We abandoned the tour about half way through because we saw cuckoo clocks in a window and decided to go shopping.
• Munich Highlights – this 8.5 hour tour takes you to the Bavarian Capital
• Sausage Making Class – this 4 hour class will teach you to make weisswurst!

Nuremburg was one of my favorite stops on the Viking Grand European Tour but also holds a lot of dark history around WWII.

• Nuremburg Through History (included tour) – this 4.5 hour tour is both driving and walking. You will see where Nazi rallies were held and the Nuremburg trials. Then you will visit the old city that is still enclosed by its walls (of which you can walk up to)
• Surviving the War: Art in Nuremburg – this easy 3 hour tour showcases the underground chambers were art was stored during the war. Additionally you will go to the old town for more exploration.
• Nuremburg and World War Two – some of the places you will visit on this tour include: Zeppelin Field, Congress Hall and Courtroom 600 where the Nuremburg Trials took place.
• Gingerbread Making Class – learn to make this delicious treat that the locals have been making since the 14th century!

Bamberg was one of the most colorful towns we visited on the Viking Grand European Tour. We took the included walking tour and eventually just walked about 5 miles on our own exploring the city and grabbing sausages for lunch.

• Bamberg Walking Tour – this 4.5 tour of the city is a moderate activity with a lot of walking. The medieval city center is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and full of shopping, restaurants and charm. You will have free time to explore on your own.

Dining in Bamberg

Rothenburg ob der Tauber

This was my favorite port on the Viking Grand European Tour and we opted to take the day tour to Rothenburg ob der Tauber. I cannot recommend this tour enough!! The town is just stunning.

• Wurzburg Residenz and Walk (included tour) – this is an included tour of the former residence of the Wurzburg prince-bishop. **Please note, no cameras are allowed in side.
• Rothenbur ob der Tauber – toted as “Germany’s most beloved town” this day trip does not disappoint! This is an 8.5 hour tour that includes lunch, a walking tour and plenty of free time for shopping and self exploration
• Hike the Wurzburg Hills – this demanding activity leads you to Marienberg Fortress and gives impressive views over the city

Schloss Mespelbrunn – Modern Aristocracy Tour

Wertheim is such a charming city to explore.

• Wertheim Walking Tour (included tour) – this 1 hour tour is a great introduction to this charming city
• Modern Aristocracy – fairy-tale castles and 21st century royalty. This 8 hour tour gives you privileged access to two German castles, a visit to Miltenburg and the most delicious lunch in Germany! We did this tour on the Viking Grand European Tour and loved it.
• Wertheim Castle Hike – this demanding activity is a hike to the top to Wertheim Castle that offers sweeping views of the city below.
• Wertheim by Bicycle – this 16 mile bike journey takes you through Tauber Valley from Wertheim to Freudenberg

Rhine River Cruise: Ports of Call

Koblenz 

We actually did not take a tour in Koblenz, but instead took the cable car that was right outside the boat up to the Fortress. Riding the cable car up you can see “Germany’s Corner” where two rivers converge. You can see the Rhine River and the Moselle River. Then we walked the city for about an hour and had a small meal in town.

• Marksburg Castle (Included Tour) – this is the ONLY castle on the Rhine Valley that was never destroyed! Note that this is a demanding activity as the bus will only take you so far and then you need to walk up the rest
• Ehrenbreitstein Fortress – the fortress you can see set up high on the hill across from the boat. On this three hour tour you’ll be able to explore the fortress and see incredible views of the city
• Moselle Wine Tasting – on this tour you will explore small villages and see where some of the best Rieslings in the world come from

Cologne 

Cologne is the very last stop in Germany on this Viking Grand European Tour and it felt least like all the other cities we had been to. I was starting to get used to all the cobblestone and medieval architecture with Christmas shopping galore. But alas, Cologne is a fine city!

If you opt not to take any tours, you can go to the city in your own or the boat had buses taking people in to the old city a few times throughout the afternoon for self exploration and shopping. Additionally the boat was docked in a great spot by the bridge and many just walked across.

You could also get a taxi very easily to or from the boat.

• Cologne Walking Tour (Included Tour) – this tour lasts two hours and has a heavy focus on the Gothic cathedral
• note – you can do both the included tour and this tour as they do not overlap
• Top Of Cologne – this is a tour I WISH we had time for. You will go to the top of the Cathedral and you can see the city and Rhine River from above
• Cologne’s Beer Culture Dinner – you will visit three brew houses and enjoy Kolsch from them all

Kinderdijk 

Molly and Millie

The last and final stop on this Viking Grand European Tour, Kinderdijk, The Netherlands. The city is known for its 19 windmills that are from the 18th century, some of which are still lived in.

This is a very short stop and you do not have to take a tour here if you do not want to. The boat docks directly across from the path where the windmills are. There are a couple souvenir shops on the grounds if you are looking for postcards, trinkets, stroopwafles, etc.

• Kinderdijk Windmills (Included Tour) – this walking tour located directly across from where the boat docks, last two hours and explores this UNESCO site
• Kinderdijk Windmills and Dutch Cheese Making – on this tour you will visit the windmills and a farm to see how cheese is made
• Kinderdijk Windmills by Bicycle – this is the same as the walking tour except you will be on a bike
• Kinderdijk by Vintage Barge – hop on board a 125 year old restored cargo vessel and see the windmills from the water. This tour also stops at the oldest windmill on site and you get a tour of the grounds and to go inside

Viking Grand European Tour: Packing Tips

While the rooms are comfortable and offer generous storage space, I would highly suggest not over packing. Pack just enough or for 3/4’s of your trip and plan to have laundry done on board. We brought two big suitcases, a carry on suitcase, and two bags. All of our luggage fit under the bed.

Currently I am traveling with Bespoke luggage from Globe-Trotter . I love the design elements of the Trolley Case and found it easy to pack, carry-on, the style is very luxurious and the suitcase is sturdy. Since the suitcase is hard side, I put all my electronics and all the breakable items I bought on the trip inside to get home. This worked out really well because I was nervous about breaking the glass items, but I knew they would be safe in there.

Here are my top packing tips:

• it rained nearly everyday, so bring a rain coat and layers to be safe. We did not expect this, but weather happens. If you end up underprepared like we were, no worries, there is a small store on board with some clothing items and laundry service is very affordable and quick on the return (within 24 hours)
• pack all your electronics, medication and a change of clothes in your carry-on in case there is luggage delay for some reason. You will want to have easy access to things you need should your luggage not arrive on time.
• but also pack 1-2 other pairs of shoes in case something goes wrong with the ones you are wearing and/or like variety
• bring a camera to capture all the wonderful memories you are going to make. Believe me when I say, what you are going to see on this trip is magnificent!
• bring a first aid kit and any medications you take or may need as there is not any available on board. I brought band-aids, Tylenol, Motrin, antibiotic cream, etc
• binoculars for looking at high perched castles along the rivers and birds
• bring a book or something to entertain yourself at night or on longer days cruising

Souvenirs to Buy on Your Viking Grand European Tour:

Before I left on this trip I did not plan to buy anything but that quickly changed. When I arrived in Germany I KNEW I had to have a cuckoo clock… and so started the shopping ..

• cuckoo clock in Germany
• ornaments from Kathe Wohlfahrt (found in some of the Germany ports)
• stroopwaffles in Kinderdijk
• hummel in Germany

I really enjoyed my Viking Grand European Tour and so did my best friend. I think taking a trip like this is the best way to see multiple cities without having the hassle of having to pack, repack, get new hotels, and drive everyday somewhere new.

The overall goal of a cruise is to introduce you to many places and let you decide where you would like to spend more time. For me, I fell in love with Budapest, Vienna, Rothenburg ob de Tauber, Regensburg, Bamberg, Miltenberg, and Nuremburg. I would absolutely LOVE to come during the holidays and to explore their Christmas markets and see more of the stuff I didn’t get to on this trip. Everyone says the Christmas markets are magical.

Because the ship has less than 200 guests on board, you get to know everyone in some way because the Viking Grand European Tour is 15 days long. Whether its by dining with them, being on tours with them or just in passing on the boat. I think this is a fantastic way to get to know people with like minded interests and to make long lasting friendships.

If you are on the fence about booking a Viking River Cruise, I think you should book it. I say try everything once, twice if you like it. I know this will not be my last Viking Cruise.

Wertheim, Germany

Pins for Pinterest:

Disclosure: I was a guest of Viking River Cruises, as always, opinions are entirely my own. 

The rooms look awesome and the meals look even better. Fabulous. If you cruise you may as well do it right. Viking definitely does it right. Fabulous post!

Planning on this trip in 2020. Appreciate your post on this trip….helped confirm that this is the one we need to do! Thanks!

Thanks for reading! You are going to have a good time.

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Linda On The Run

Travel, Lifestyle, And Fitness For Those Over 60

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Viking Grand European Tour Review: River Cruise Highlights

May 19, 2019 //  by  Linda Malys Yore //   30 Comments

Considering taking the Viking Grand European Tour? 

Have you ever been on a river cruise? Are you thinking of taking a European river cruise and looking for first-hand information from someone who already has?

Well, look no further because I sailed the spectacular 15   day Viking Grand European Tour river cruise   and it was definitely the trip-of-a-lifetime.

From the moment we began working with the Viking liaison in the comfort of our homes until boarding our international flight home in Budapest, Viking made every step of the way, every decision as easy as possible for us.

Here I will share with you just how simple and effortless it was to book and plan for a Viking river cruise,  and how decadent and simply delightful the cruise was!

Experience Europe like a local by staying at an Airbnb. Get a $55 Airbnb coupon  by using  my code  when you book!

Viking Grand European Tour, Highlights 

Amsterdam, holland to nuremberg, germany, the planning stage.

My sister Robyne accompanied me on the Viking Grand European Tour river cruise.

As soon as we selected our cruise, we were immediately assigned a Viking consultant who handled everything for us.

We were notified of her name, email, and phone number by an email, and from that point on we used Cathy as our “go-to” person with any and all questions we had. AND WE HAD A LOT!

Read about  the second week of the cruise here Viking  Grand European Tour, Highlights Part 2 

We were directed to create an account at MyVikingJourney.com .

It would turn out to be a personalized account created by us to keep track of our trip. We could always see the specific tours, excursions, and decisions we had made for our trip.

Fifteen days was a long trip and there were many decisions to consider.

At MyVikingJourney.com everything was accessible online at one convenient location.

There was a question and answer section that had tons of information right at our fingertips to access that saved us a lot of time and angst.

We were sailing on the Viking Baldur . Baldur is the Norse God of Light and Joy.

If you need packing tips, read my How To Pack Lightly for tips.

First off, after we decided on our cruise and dates, we needed flights to Europe.

Our Viking representative Cathy, took care of that. We simply gave her the dates we chose to fly and which airport we preferred to fly out of and Viking took care of the rest, and our flights were VERY reasonable.

Be sure to check with your travel agent or Viking directly about packages which include airfare, or discounted airfare. Amenities like this may change frequently.

If you plan to arrive early read these 18 things to know before traveling to Amsterdam.

Next decisions were about selecting excursions while on the river cruise.

At every city along the Viking Grand European Tour, included tours are offered free of charge.

On our customized Viking website, there were detailed explanations about each tour, along with what time of day it was taking place, how long it would be, and the exercise intensity.

I signed us up for all the included tours. On the website, most day’s explanations included videos of the areas we were scheduled to visit.

They really helped a lot in the planning process and to heighten the anticipation.

Read Next: 20 Viking River Cruise Tips To Help You Plan Your Trip

Viking made everything as easy as possible right from the start!

Next, we carefully read about the optional tours being offered.

Usually, they did not conflict with the included tours but were in addition to them.

There was an additional cost for them , some nominal and some a bit more.

You may receive a shipboard credit as a bonus from your travel agent or the company, and going on the optional tours is a fabulous treat to yourself because they are truly spectacular.

We also had to decide if we wanted to purchase the Silver Spirits Beverage Package for our Viking Grand European Tour.

House wines, beer, and soda were complimentary during lunch and dinner, beginning at the daily 5:30 pm cocktail hour, but if we wanted cocktails or premium wines or a drink at any other time, we considered the beverage package.

At first, we decided no, but at the very last minute, we changed our minds.

We were literally on the runway in Atlanta flying directly to Amsterdam to begin our odyssey and all it took was a quick email to Cathy our Viking representative.

It was in place upon our arrival on the Viking Baldur on Sunday afternoon in Amsterdam. Now that was service!

If you are taking a long haul flight to get to Europe, read my tips here.

Day 1: Viking Grand European Tour, Amsterdam

Because of the 6 hour time difference, we decided to fly to Amsterdam, Holland a day early to explore the city and catch up on our rest.

It was our responsibility to get ourselves to the embarkation dock location.

I received an email from Viking 48 hours before we left the USA, notifying us of the specific cruise dock location for our Viking Grand European Tour, where the Viking Baldur would be located.

Read about What to do in Amsterdam in one day for my tips.

Amsterdam was our first European city to explore during our Viking Grand European Tour. 

Read Next: The Ultimate 2 Days In Amsterdam Itinerary

Read Next: 7 Best Things To Do In Passau Germany

From our hotel in Amsterdam, it was a quick walk to the metro station and a very quick ride to Central Station, where we very easily located the cruise docks.

Viking Cruise Lines had a large canopy in its signature red color, which was very visible and easy to spot.

The officers of the ship were all under the canopy to warmly greet us new passengers, and to direct us to our ship, the Baldur .

We checked in about noon. We had placed the specific Viking luggage tags we received while still at home on our luggage in the morning.  They had our names and room numbers on them, for our bags to be delivered to our stateroom.

Then we headed to our cabin to see where we would be living for the next 15 days on our Viking Grand European Tour. We couldn’t wait to see it.

We had plenty of room in our stateroom on our Viking Grand European tour.

And we were not disappointed. We had a verandah room with a walk-out-onto balcony (which we ended up using a lot during the cruise!)

There were two chairs and a table for our convenience outside on our balcony.

We used the balcony in our stateroom every day to enjoy the scenery that we passed by. 

The room itself was very spacious. My sister and I wondered how we were going to tolerate each other for 15 days in a very tiny space.

No worries- there was ample space for each of us, with plenty to spare. We could walk around our beds, and there was storage space galore.

The drawers were huge, and the closet fit as many clothes as we wanted to hang. We each had 9 hangers and hung multiple items on each, and everything easily fit into the closet for us.

More hangers could be obtained simply by asking the staff. There was a safe located in the closet and shelving which we eventually utilized for more storage.

The closet had ample space to accommodate just about anything you would bring for your Viking Grand European Tour. We utilized the stateroom safe the entire duration of our trip.

We were very pleased to have a small refrigerator in our room. We used it every single day for storing water and fruit. And candy, and snacks!

Thank you, Viking for the refrigerator. We used it every day!

The bathroom a modest size but very elegant and with amazing storage. Definitely enough for two women for two weeks!

There was a nightlight that turned on automatically when all the lights were off, and that was a comfort to me. No fumbling or stumbling to get to the bathroom during the night.

Our floor tiles were heated, and there was a retractable clothesline in the beautiful walk-in shower. It ended up being a lifesaver as we washed our lingerie often during the Viking Grand European Tour.

Plenty of storage in the bathroom during our Viking Grand European Tour.

There was a large flat-screen television with enough selections that we did not feel like we were out of touch with the current events.

The choices were: live TV (an ample selection of news outlets), a whole slew of movies , and all 6 seasons of Downton Abbey!

There was a mandatory safety video that had to be watched first before the television was “unlocked.” There were also features where we could track the position of the Baldur.

Look at all that storage! Our QuietVox hearing devices are in their charger on the far right.

Next, we headed to lunch!

A buffet luncheon was served on the Aquavit  Terrace every day during our Viking Grand European Tour.

It was just what we needed on our first afternoon! We met some of the crew, met the Maitre d’, introduced ourselves and informed him I was a vegan, and Robyne was gluten-free.

Salads, sandwiches, soup, and desserts were served and were all delicious. 

After lunch, and a quick stop to our cabin where we discovered all of our luggage had been delivered, we headed off into Amsterdam for more sight-seeing.

Lunch was spectacular in the Aquavit Terrace! This was our hangout every afternoon for lunch during our Viking Grand European Tour.

If we had chosen, we could have taken 1 of 2 Viking guided welcome walks  excursions through Amsterdam, or attend a wine and cheese tasting party on board during the afternoon.

Later that afternoon, we embarked once again to our home away from home for the next 15 days on our Viking Grand European Tour and unpacked.

We had lots of space for everything and stored all of our luggage under our beds.

There was space enough to store the huge suitcases under our beds which left the room looking spacious and orderly and welcoming.

My large checked suitcase easily fit under my bed and was out of the way the entire trip. 

There was an official Welcome Briefing where we were introduced to the officers of the Baldur. And we were given a brief explanation of life on board for the next 2 weeks.

Here I am with the officers of the Viking Baldur during our Viking Grand European Tour.

Every evening, we could choose to have dinner in two different locations: in the main dining room, or in the more casual and much smaller Aquavit Terrace.

Both locations offered the same menu, it was simply a matter of how we felt, which place we chose to dine at.

The first evening we chose to eat in the main dining room. It was festive and fun and we sat at a table for 6 that began lifelong friendships.

After dinner, we headed up to the lounge for music and dancing.

It was a long day for most of us, but the duo playing music was lively and there was a great group of our fellow passengers having a good time. And we were no different.

This was the perfect way to end our first day of our Viking Grand European Tour! The Viking Baldur departed Amsterdam at 11:30 PM and we were on our way officially!

Day 2: Viking Grand European Tour, Kinderjdijk, Holland

Every morning there was a variety of ways and places to have breakfast.

First, there were two coffee stations where you could make your own choice of coffees where pastries and muffins were available.

You could choose a continental breakfast on the Aquavit Terrace, or a warm buffet breakfast with a wide selection of made-to-order options cooked right there for you in the dining room.

Made to order hot meals were available every morning in the Viking Baldur’s dining room.

There were two coffee stations. Coffee, tea, pastries, muffins, and water were always available during the entirety of the Viking Grand European Tour.

Our program director extraordinaire, Tessa, would come on to the overhead loudspeaker every morning greeting us a “Good Morning” in the native language of whichever country we were in.

She would remind us of the day and date and the city we were docked in. And recite briefly the excursions for the day.

On Day 2, we selected the Viking  included shore excursion: Kinderjdijk Windmills.

It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Much of Holland is below sea level and Holland has a grim history of flooding with her citizens losing their lives, their homes, and their livelihoods.

So with a unique network of windmills and water management techniques, Holland is now able to successfully deal with the seasonal rising waters and prevent future disasters.

We were surprised to learn that the Amsterdam International Airport is 20 feet below sea level!

The Viking Baldur docked at Kinderdijk, Holland

To manage a group of 186+ passengers efficiently, Viking divided us into groups of about 25 or so, and each group had their own local guide narrating.

Each guide carried a “lollipop” a round disc in Viking red on a handle the guide held up for us to see. The Viking Baldur was ship #20, so guides escorting us carried “lollipops” with Viking 20 and either A, B, C, etc for the exact group we were assigned to.

In order to hear the guide, we used QuietVox audio receivers (with headphones). We brought them with us on mostly every tour. In order to activate them, we had to touch the tip of the receiver to the lollipop for each tour.

The windmills and the history and the story of Kinderdijk were immensely interesting.

We were given a short and humorous history by our guide, Kaas, and walked past flood control devices. We walked through the Holland grasslands past several windmills.

And finally, we were brought to a windmill where further information was given to explain in detail the windmill and how it worked and were even permitted to tour the inside of the windmill.

It was very interesting, but what a hard life it must have been back in those days.

This is the windmill we were able to tour inside when our Viking Grand European trip visited Kinderdijk, Holland.

When our tour was complete, we were all back on board from Kinderdijk by 10:30 AM and we set sail for Cologne, Germany shortly thereafter.

The rest of the day was spent aboard discovering what the Baldur had to offer and getting to know our fellow passengers.

At 2:00 PM we had the mandatory muster drill. We located our life jackets under our beds, donned them, and met at our specific designated location on the top deck.

Later that afternoon, we had the option to tour the wheelhouse and meet the captain, which Robyne and I definitely took advantage of.

The instrumentation was amazing and we learned so much about the waterways and all the barges and boats that passed us on either side and from either direction.

Every evening our program director, Tessa,  would meet us all in the lounge at 6:45 PM, right before dinner, for her port talk .

She would give an overview of the next day’s excursions and answer specific questions from passengers. This became a nightly social event and a lively gathering among the passengers.

Robyne and I toasting during cocktail hour during our Viking Grand European tour. 

This evening we were officially welcomed aboard with champagne toasts (or mimosas!) by Captain Marcin and the hotel manager Marcello.

Such a warm welcoming and bonding experience. Dinner and dancing rounded out the rest of the day for us.

On our way from Amsterdam to Budapest, the Viking Baldur was going to pass through 68 “locks.”

Locks raise or lower boats connecting waters of different levels through countries that are not level.

The  Rhine, Main, and Danube Rivers pass through countrysides of distinct and different elevations and locks were a necessity for boat traffic.

The rivers of Europe are used today as superhighways, transporting and delivering goods throughout Europe.

I was surprised at the traffic on the European rivers and the size of the boats/barges we sailed past. The locks were indeed an unusual experience.

Here you can see by the watermarks on the walls how much we were lowered to match the water level on the other side. The gate was opening for us to continue.

Day 3:  Cologne, Germany

Upon leaving the Baldur guests stopped at the Reception Desk to pick up several things: a red plastic card which identified which group we were assigned to for the specific tour we were heading out for.

Ours was always “20” because that was the Baldur’s number.

Whether we were heading out for a walking tour or being transported via coach, we looked for the corresponding number either on the guide’s lollipop or on the dashboard of the bus. 

Also we picked up a card with our name on it, that had to be returned as soon as we stepped back on board the ship.

This is how the staff kept track of who still was not on board.  And a card with the specific docking location of the ship, in case we chose to linger longer in town or had a language barrier issue with a local or simply could not find our way back.

It also had the program director’s phone number on it, and could simply be handed to any local and they would be able to direct us back to the ship. 

We never left the Viking Baldur during our Viking Grand European Tour without taking our ship’s local address card.

In Cologne, we chose the Viking included Cologne Walking Tour.

We were transferred to Old Town Cologne via motorcoach and dropped off one block from the main square, which was in front of Cologne Cathedral, the Cathedral of St. Peter.

After we met with our guide and activated our listening devices to his lollipop, we began with him narrating a brief history of Cologne, and then we entered Cologne Cathedral.

It was certainly a tourist attraction and very crowded.  But the beauty of the church shone through and we were able to make our way to view the relics of the Three Wise Men of the Bible.

The Gothic-inspired Cologne Cathedral in Old Town Cologne, Germany

We then took a walking tour of Old Town Cologne and learned more about its history from our guide.

He also pointed out the best beer gardens and shops to look for quality souvenirs.

Some of our friends elected to stay and explore Cologne after our tour was over, but we decided to head back to the ship via the coach.

After lunch on the Aquavit Terrace, we had a few minutes to freshen up, before we left for an optional Viking tour of the UNESCO designated Bruhl Palaces.

To delve deeper into local culture and treasures, Viking offers exceptional  optional tours, which come with a price tag because they are specially arranged tours.

Before my Viking Grand European Tour, I was not especially knowledgeable in European architecture.

But that quickly changed with the tours Viking provided and the locations we visited. The Bruhl Palaces were a prime example, and my first, of the Rococo style, very ornate and playful.

The palace was commissioned by the Archbishop Clemens August in the 1700s. The grand staircase defies an explanation, so beautiful it was.

Each room was more ornate, more beautiful using the Rococo architecture. Unfortunately, no picture taking was allowed, and several security cameras monitored each room and hallway.

The spectacular Bruhl Palace and lavash gardens outside Cologne.  This UNESCO World Heritage site, an optional tour during our Viking Grand European tour is well worth taking.

The adjacent hunting lodge was equally impressive with its lavish Rococo style but on a smaller scale.

Each room was more stunning than the one before it. And finally, the gardens and park did not disappoint. They were exquisite and unbelievably manicured.

Flowers were still blooming and the trees stood at attention and in beautiful symmetry surrounding the gardens.

The smaller but no less impressive Bruhl hunting lodge displaying the lighter Rococo style .

The decision to visit the Bruhl Unesco Palaces, and to peer into the unbelievable life of a prince-archbishop was a great one for us. I would highly recommend this optional tour to anyone taking the Viking Grand European Tour.

While onboard, Viking offered quality enrichment opportunities for us.

This day there was a local who spoke about modern Germany in the Baldur lounge.

After dinner, local musicians entertained us with a classical music journey by famous composers.

While not all the opportunities would interest all guests at all times, I can say with certainty, all presentations were with experts in their fields, who were engaging, interesting and charming.

We tried to attend as many as we could.

Good evening from the Viking Baldur’s grand staircase at the end of Day 3 of our Viking Grand European Tour.

Day 4: Koblenz, Germany

Viking does a spectacular job offering daily excursions for all physical abilities.

Every day, whenever possible, there was a “gentle” walking excursion for those who had difficulty ambulating or were in a wheelchair, or simply didn’t feel up doing a longer walking tour.

Today’s included shore excursion on our Viking Grand European Tour was described as strenuous . On tap, was climbing up to Marksburg Castle, a 700-year hilltop castle with simply the most fantastic views!

We boarded our Viking motorcoach to Marksburg Castle at 9:40 AM. 

Upon arrival, we began the trek uphill to the castle. It was steep enough, with many uneven cobblestones to negotiate.

While I highly recommend this Viking excursion, during your Viking Grand European Tour, please wear sturdy closed-toe shoes for support, and you will be more than fine.

The history of the fortress-castle was amazing.

Our guide took us through many rooms with interesting explanations and stories about the people who lived there in the past.

The torture chamber with its instruments of death definitely was one of the more interesting ones. 

Marksburg was never intended to be a palace but was built to protect the town of Braubach below it. During its history, it also became a prison and housed infirmed soldiers.

The Marksburg Castle Fortress 

After the guided tour we had time to ooh and ahh at the views from around the top.

The Middle Rhine below us was spectacular. Here we were able to see first-hand what a summer of record high temperatures and lack of rain did to the depth of the river.

Sandbars were evident in several places.

The beautiful and very scenic Middle Rhine River from Marksburg Castle during our Viking Grand European tour.

The walk back down the side of the 550-foot high mountain was all paved and much easier to do. Again, I highly recommend sturdy shoes to help with stability and balance.

We arrived via our Viking motorcoach to the Viking Baldur in Braubach just in time for lunch.

Here we are having a lovely lunch out in the brilliant sunshine while cruising the Middle Rhine on our Viking Grand European Tour after visiting Marksburg Castle. Wouldn’t you like to do this too!?

Our afternoon would be spent sailing through the scenic (just like you see in travel magazines!) Middle Rhine River, also referred to the Romantic Rhine. 

We passed bucolic countrysides full of hillsides covered in vineyards, what a remarkable sight!

Then there were all the castles, like out of a fairytale. To help us understand it all, Tessa narrated for several hours as we sailed the afternoon away.

So inspiring, so unique, so unbelievable is this scenic region, it has been designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

We made use of the walking track  on the top deck during our Viking Grand European Tour, especially this afternoon during such scenic cruising.

We were so grateful that Viking provided a walking track for guests. We met some of the nicest fellow-travelers out on the walking track!

The majestic Romantic Rhine portion of our Viking Grand European Tour. Can”t you imagine sailing there?!!

There were other options that afternoon for our entertainment and enrichment.

Robyne enjoyed the live demonstration on how to make Rudesheim Coffee: coffee, brandy, sugar, whipped cream, and dark chocolate.

Can you even imagine such deliciousness?? Of course, she had a cup!

In the late afternoon, there was German teatime: tea and a variety of German pastries. Oh gosh!

We were certainly being spoiled. And we were never bored-all the options presented to us for our enjoyment by the Viking staff took care of that.

There were several games in the lounge after dinner during the course of our Viking Grand European Tour that were immediate bonding experiences for the guests.

Run by Tessa, our program director, we got to know her better and she got to know us better as well.

This night it was a movie trivia game. It was so much fun, and everyone laughed a lot .

Unbelievably, we were on the winning team, the “Movie Mavericks!” The prize was a bottle of wine, which we immediately opened and toasted to our success!

Here we are the Movie Mavericks toasting to our success! Such a fun experience.

Day 5: Viking Grand European Tour, Miltenberg, Germany

We sailed all morning through the lovely German countryside, so we used this opportunity to sleep in!

Mid-morning Tessa hosted a presentation in the lounge all about Germany and even taught guests a few German words.

After lunch, the Baldur docked in Freudenberg a short while, to drop off guests taking the Miltenberg Walking tour, which we did.

We were now sailing on the Main River in Germany and were in Germany’s wine-producing regions, specifically Franconia.

I did not realize Germans drank fine wines. Don’t all Germans drink lots of beer from huge steins? (That’s in Bavaria, a different region of Germany!)

The Viking Baldur docked at Freudenberg to transport us to Miltenberg for our tour. Very convenient!

Miltenberg was a charming German village, just the kind I envisioned. It was so unique with its half-timbered houses and quaint cobblestone streets.

One of the highlights of the town square was the Zum Riesen Inn, Germany’s oldest inn, opened in 1411.

After our wonderful guided tour, we had time to walk around the town square on our own, until we had to meet our program director Tessa to head back to our coaches and back to the ship.

I appreciated the free time to explore cities on our own during our Viking Grand European Tour.

We were able to head back for a missed picture opportunity, or go into an interesting shop for a special souvenir.

Miltenberg, Germany historical half-timbered houses in medieval Old Town. Just like out of a storybook. 

The lovely Main River flowing through picturesque Miltenberg, Germany

When back on the Baldur , we attended cocktail hour in the lounge, followed by Tessa’s port talk, dinner. And closed off another fantastic day dancing to the music of Alessio and Sara in the lounge.

As I mentioned, there’s never a dull moment during a Viking Grand European Tour!

Viking Cruise Lines has consistently earned culinary awards for its outstanding food. As a vegan, I never once worried about what I would eat. This is my entree after a very busy day in Miltenberg. Epic deliciousness.

Day 6: Wurzburg, Germany

Our included tour today, Wurzburg Residenz and Walking Tour began at 9 AM.

The motorcoach ride was only 10 minutes into town. We toured the historic city center and learned all about the Franconian wine vineyards located around Wurzburg.

Also, the city was very heavily damaged during World War II.  My first lesson on the ornate baroque architecture was during our tour of the Bishops’ Residenz palace. 

The opulence of the palace was striking. Because this is one of Germany’s largest and most ornate palaces, it has been given the designation of a UNESCO World Heritage site.

The Bishop’s Residence in Wurzburg on our Viking Grand European Tour is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

The opulence was unparalleled. No picture taking was permitted and I was sad, because there was so much to see, to process.

The grand staircase was magnificent, and the ceiling fresco in the grand main hall, representing 4 continents was unbelievable. The rooms, each more stunning than the ones before or after it, were breathtaking.

The unbelievable thing is, during WWII, the curators of the palace, instinctively knew there was imminent danger of Wurzburg’s bombing, and dismantled and stored as much of the precious chandeliers, tapestries, paintings, and furniture as they could.

After the bombings, which did strike the palace, there was a renovation and all the beautiful artifacts were restored to their original locations for generations to come to enjoy.

The very charming city center of Wurzburg Germany

After our coach ride back to the Baldur , we had the afternoon free to do as we pleased.

We chose not to go on any additional optional tours of the area, including the Marienberg Fortress. So after lunch, Robyne and I decided to head back into Wurzburg.

It was a pleasant walk, and we shopped the afternoon away. We appreciated the free time and the opportunity to explore on our own.

The Baldur had docked just steps away from Wurzburg’s iconic Old Main Bridge with the Marienberg Fortress looming over it. 

The Baldur was docked on the Main River, just outside of the Wurzburg city center.

I used the late afternoon hours to get in a quick 4-mile run.  My route, suggested by Eddie, at the Baldur reception desk, was along the Main River, through tree-lined streets and shaded parks.

It was epic. That’s the way to run!  I appreciated the encouragement and suggestion from Eddie because I was running by myself in a foreign country and did not know the area.

He recommended the best route for me. I was reassured and had no worries for my safety.

Cocktail hour was a highlight and a daily ritual for both of us.

We were getting to know our fellow passengers better as we visited with them every evening in the lounge to discuss how our days went.

Robyne and I decided to purchase the optional Silver Spirits Beverage Package , which included cocktails,  mixed drinks, and premium beers and wines. 

The Baldur bar staff provided us with unparalleled service. They made and served us our drinks perfectly as we preferred them, and always offered us those calorie-laden cocktail nuts we so craved right before dinner!

During our Viking Grand European Tour, we were reminded of the low water levels of the rivers we were traveling on.

We could SEE how low the waters were. From high atop our perch when touring Marksburg Castle we could see the sandbars in the Middle Rhine River.

This evening during the port talk, Tessa informed us the water level was too low for the Baldur to pass any further along past Nuremberg. That was sad, for several reasons.

First off, no one wanted to pack up everything and move to another ship. Secondly, and more importantly, we came to know and love our staff, and we did not want to leave them .

Tessa would accompany us, but the staff would all stay with the Baldur.

Here I am with Tessa, our program director, in the Viking Baldur lounge during our Viking Grand European Tour .

Tessa spent time explaining that Viking had an identical longboat, the Magni , which was traveling in the opposite direction and would not be able to pass through the same area.

So, we would simply switch ships. No excursions (save one) would be impacted.

After a myriad of questions that Tessa patiently answered, we all understood that the low water levels due to higher than normal temperatures, along with lower than normal rainfall were responsible for our situation.

Everyone accepted the transfer graciously. We would be transferring ships in two days.

Dinner in the dining room after a busy day on our Viking Grand European Tour cruise!

After dinner, Tessa conducted another game in the lounge called Majority Rules.

We were on another team with different passengers we got to know a little better, laughed a whole lot, and our team came in 3rd place.

Another simply wonderful day full of epic events during our Viking Grand European Tour of a lifetime!

Good evening from the grand entry of the Viking Baldur

Day 7: Viking Grand River Tour, Bamberg, Germany

We were sailing this morning, and Robyne and I took advantage of this and slept in.

After breakfast, Robyne began packing. I headed to the lounge for a live demonstration of glassblowing.

By now, I had come to realize that every enrichment presentation by Viking on our Grand European Tour river cruise was an expert in their field .

They were all of the highest caliber, who were highly engaging, that captured and kept our attention. Karl Ittig, the world-renowned glassblower Viking presented that morning was no exception.

That morning, by sheer good fortune, I was the one from the audience randomly selected to participate in the glass blowing demonstration.

I assisted with making a colorful Christmas ornament, which turned out lovely. I even got to keep it as a souvenir! What an amazing surprise.

Assisting with the glassblowing presentation on the Viking Baldur

Karl Ittig brought a large quantity of blown glass of all shapes, sizes, and colors for us to purchase if we wanted.

It was all so fabulous and of course, there was something that pleased just about every guest there. What a great way to spend the morning.

After lunch, we were ready for our included shore excursion: Bamberg Walking Tour.

We grabbed our cards from the reception desk, boarded our motorcoach. Soon we were off into Bamberg’s old town where we met our guide.

The charming panorama of Bamber’s Old Town.

Bamberg was one of the few German cities not destroyed by bombing during WWII. Hitler held the Bamberg Conference there in an attempt to foster unity within the young Nazi party.

Bamberg has a very large Old Town, and it was just as I thought medieval Germany would have looked like! Bamberg was awarded the honor of being a UNESCO World Heritage site in 1993.

Bamberg is to be preserved for her “outstanding universal value,” a site that belongs to all the peoples of the world.

Bamberg is built on 7 hills each topped by a beautiful church. In every direction, you see beautiful steeples.

We toured the Bamberg Cathedral which exposed us to Romanesque architecture. It was massive and very inspiring. The unique city hall was built on a tiny piece of land in the middle of 2 rivers.

Very charming and interesting. Bamberg is known for its distinctive Rauchbier or smoky beer. Many in our group sampled it, but I’m no beer drinker so I passed.

Bamberg’s Old Town Hall has a very clever and historical history.

All too soon, we boarded our motorcoach for the ride back to the Baldur. Some villages we visited during our Viking Grand European Tour were not directly adjacent to where we docked the boat.

Then we needed to be transported. In those cases, Viking provided a local guide to narrate for us the sights we passed along the way.

When we arrived at our destination, another local guide on the ground met us for the city tour. We were never unattended as there was always something interesting to see or question to ask.

Once back on the  Baldu r, everyone was very interested in the specific instructions we would receive from Tessa at the evening port talk, about tomorrow’s transfer to the Viking Magni.

Our luggage was to be left outside our door by 8:00 AM. the next morning. (Not too early!) We would travel by motorcoach as scheduled to Nuremberg, our next scheduled stop.

Viking had scheduled lunch for us in an authentic German Inn. After lunch, we would travel by motorcoach to the Magni, waiting for us in Passau, Germany. 

All guests were saddened to be leaving their beloved Baldur and her staff. However, we all understood the low water levels were an act of God and not in Viking’s control. How could we be angry?

After dinner, we went to the lounge to dance and bid a farewell to the Baldur staff. They treated us so kindly.

Every single one of them went above and beyond to ensure we had a great experience during our Viking Grand European Tour. They felt like family!

There was always a party in the lounge. This evening we were celebrating Morgan’s birthday, and saying goodbye to the Baldur staff.

Day 8:   Nuremberg, Germany

Our packed bags were left outside our stateroom door before 8:00 AM. The included excursion which we selected was Nuremberg through History.

The Viking coaches arrived and we began boarding at 8:30 AM. (There was an optional tour also available that delved into Nuremberg and World War II.)

The rooftops of Nuremberg make a stunning impression.

It was our first cold, rainy, dreary day and that began with a narrated coach ride through Nuremberg as we headed to the “old town” inside the city walls.

We stopped at Zeppelin Field where Hitler held the infamous Nazi rallies. And the Palace of Justice, where the post-war Nuremberg Trials were held. It was heartbreaking and inspiring at the same time.

When we reached medieval Altstadt (Old Town), we headed up to the Imperial Palace, one of Europe’s greatest fortresses. Sweeping views of Nuremberg were there before us.

Along the way, our local guide explained about the Imperial Palace- not built for royalty but for protection. The cobblestone streets added to the charm.

At the Imperial Palace in Nuremberg. So convenient that umbrellas were provided for us during our Viking Grand European River Tour.

Nuremberg’s Market Square with the impressive Church of Our Lady. 

When the guided tour was concluded we were at the city center. There was a herb market going on in the square.

We had free time to wander about the square but being it was a Sunday, shops were closed due to German law.

There was still much to see and the square was filled with stalls of vendors selling all sorts of wonderful and unique items.

Here I am spinning the brass ring at the Beautiful Fountain in the market square in Nuremberg

We were to meet Tessa at noon at the Beautiful Fountain, aptly named, because it was simply an amazing tribute to Gothic architecture, right out in the square.

The fountain was formed in the shape of a church spire and had 40 colorful figures adorning it. There were 2 brass rings embedded in the fence opposite one another.

Legend has it, spinning the gold ring three times will bring good fortune. Yes, of course, we spun!

For me, the highlight of the morning, wandering the Nuremberg Market Square and spinning the gold rings, was at noon when the bells of the Cathedral of the Church of Our Lady rang loudly. 

That is when her glockenspiel high above began to move. The Mannleinlaufen or mechanical clock was activated at midday by the bells.

A drummer and trumpeters process around the Holy Roman Emperor figure as well as other figures. It was definitely a memorable moment during our Viking Grand European Tour.

The glockenspiel of the Cathedral of Our Lady in Nuremberg.

We then headed to a lovely and authentic German restaurant for lunch.  A delicious vegan meal was made especially for me. 

It was delicious, especially the German potato salad which was made with vinegar instead of mayonnaise.

After lunch, we headed to our Viking motor coaches and the 3-hour drive which would take us to our new ship, the Viking Magni. Each coach had its own local guide to accompany it and narrate the sights along the way.

Halfway through, we stopped for a bathroom break and to stretch our legs at a gas station that sold soft drinks and snacks. Soon enough we were back on the road again.

Before we knew it we reached Passau, Germany, and our new ship to continue our Viking Grand European Tour.

The staff of the Viking Magni was waiting with welcome arms for us, and we felt very much reassured when we met them.

There was enough time to visit our new stateroom (same room number,) and see that all of our luggage had arrived before us.

After freshening up, we headed up to the lounge for cocktail hour and Tessa’a port talk. When she was finished, we were officially welcomed to the ship by the officers with a champagne toast!

Here we were being welcomed by the Viking Magni staff to our new ship to continue our Viking Grand European Tour

After dinner, we headed to the lounge for a nightcap and to check out the new duo who would be playing music for us during the second week of our Viking Grand European Tour.

Read next: Viking River Cruise’s Grand European Tour Highlights, Part 2.

Packing List For Your Viking River Cruise

I have listed most of my go-to items that I personally bring when I travel. I hope this list helps you to have a more organized and more relaxing experience.

A  concealed travel pouch  may be one of the most important items you bring to Europe.

This  unisex RFID blocking concealed travel pouch is  lightweight and comes in several colors. It has lots of organization to give you peace of mind.

If you have a pouch already that does not come with the RFID protection, these  RFID  sleeves  would be a solution.

This configuration comes with enough passport and credit card sleeves that the entire family would be protected. They are slim too, so they will easily fit into your pouch or wallet. 

I was never a fan of  packing cubes  until I tried them out! Now  I am sold .

  These Bagail packing cubes   are  the exact ones I use whenever I travel . I cannot believe how much more organized I am now! And I never leave without them anymore.

Don’t forget to bring along a  universal power adapter  on your 2 days in Prague. This  worldwide power plug   is a great example and will charge your phone at the end of your busy days.

And this  world traveler adapter kit  can charge several devices at the same time. This is what you will need when there are several people traveling in your group, or if you bring several electronic devices on your trip that require charging at the same time.

If you are planning on taking a lot of pictures with your phone (like we did!) you will definitely want to consider an  external charging battery .

This  Anker high-speed phone charging battery  is  the exact one I carry with me on all of my trips.

It can be used on a variety of phones, not just an iPhone like I have. And wow is it fast! I like that it holds its charging capabilities for several uses so I do not have to worry about it while out and about.

My daughter gifted me with this  FugeTek selfie stick and tripod  for my birthday. It is made of lightweight aluminum and is Bluetooth enabled.

It connects with my phone easily and it is actually very simple to take group photos or selfies with the remote control. I think it would be a great item to add to your Paris packing list.

Hydration is so important. You want to remain hydrated to support your immune system which in turn will be stronger to fight off any germs you will encounter during your travels. 

You will want to bring your own  refillable water bottle  with you.

I never leave home on a trip without my   Bobble filtration bottle .  the 18.5-ounce size is perfect for travel and it fits nicely in the pocket of a backpack or your purse.

Also when filled with water, it is not too heavy to carry. And the charcoal filter ensures fresh clean water whenever you fill the Bobble. You can find  filter replacements here. 

Perhaps you are traveling a long distance and packing space is a premium. Then this  set of collapsible silicone foldable water bottles  would work well for you. Would not take up much space in your suitcase at all. 

You will want a  backpack or daypack  with you to store snacks, your water bottle, phone, extra clothes, etc. while you are exploring Paris.

This  foldable water-resistant backpack   would be great. It is very affordable and is available in many color options for you to choose from. The fact that it folds down into a zippered pouch will make it easy to pack.

Perhaps you need a more substantial backpack for your international travel. This  antitheft backpack   has a charging port, is water-resistant and can comfortably carry up to a 15.6″ laptop.

You will be walking more than usual during your Viking European river cruise. A sturdy and comfortable walking shoes  are a must-have,  especially because there are a lot of cobblestoned streets.

These  waterproof all-season shoes   are extremely affordable and yet fashionable.  Mostly everyone is familiar with the Skechers brand, and these  Air Run high fashion sneakers  come in a lot of colors to match your outfits and are still affordable.

If you are visiting Europe in warmer weather, maybe you want a pair of sandals  to wear to dinner or to the local cafe, I highly recommend these  Vionics adjustable strap orthotic sandals.

I have several pairs of Vionics that I bring with me *everywhere* I travel. They are very comfortable. 

Bring a lightweight scarf or shawl . Scarves and shawls are very popular in Europe. Both men and women wear scarves, both decoratively and as a layering piece to keep warm.

This  cotton unisex lightweight  scarf is versatile and can be worn in any season. And here’s another option to consider:

this  lightweight sunscreen shawl scarf  would do double duty to protect you from the Czech sun should you spend 2 days in Prague in the warmer seasons as well as being a fashion accessory layering piece.

We all need to  protect our eyes  from the sun’s harmful UVA/UVB rays. These  unisex polarized sunglasses   come in a lot of lens colors and frame designs and are extremely affordable too.

If you are fond of the  aviator-style of sunglasses  these polarized aviators may interest you. 

If you are in need of new luggage to travel to France, this  expandable soft side spinner luggage  is affordable and comes in lots of colors.

If you like hard-sided better, then you may favor this  hard-sided luggage set  better. Both sets come with TSA locks and 8 wheels per piece.

Have you ever been on a Viking river cruise? Which one and please share some highlights of your trip in the comments section below.

Are you dreaming of taking a European river cruise and have some questions? Please ask away in the comments section below.

Please note: I was provided with a complimentary Viking Grand European Tour cruise for myself and a guest, and a stipend, as an opportunity through Viking Cruises for the purpose of this honest review. All opinions are my own.

Linda On the Run  is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com

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Reader Interactions

October 24, 2018 at 2:20 pm

This is awsome. Great job. Your descriptions and photos inspire me to sign up and go enjoy. Thank you.

October 24, 2018 at 2:49 pm

Thank you, Christine. I can def tell you if you went on a Viking cruise, you won’t be disappointed. Check them out. First class all the way.

October 24, 2018 at 3:49 pm

I love your details. Looks like a fabulous trip with your sweet sister. I wouldn’t be able to keep up with you gals. I am putting this trip on my bucket list.

October 24, 2018 at 7:42 pm

Oh Elane! You guys would be out there right next to us! What we really did appreciate tho was how we were able to schedule our days, to be as busy or free as we wanted. The ship was so lovely we didn’t mind spending rest time aboard it. Hope you check it out someday!

October 24, 2018 at 9:07 pm

Sissy, your very articulate writing coupled with your fabulous pictures are a true account of our experiences! A once in a lifetime “first” for us! Reading your blog brought back such fond memories! Thank you for that….. And for the wonderful and awesome trip we had! Viking definitely knocked it out of the park!!! We made friends from all over the world! Many will be friends for the rest of our lives! Thank you for the time of a lifetime Linny!!!!

October 24, 2018 at 10:10 pm

Robyne – yes it was the trip of a lifetime. And I’m very glad we experienced it together.

October 24, 2018 at 9:53 pm

Linda this was such an interesting review! This would be a fabulous cruise to do someday. Do you think the crowd is mostly age 50+?

October 24, 2018 at 10:14 pm

Michelle. Yes. 50s and 60s. Most very active. And lots of 70s. We loved all ages. Everyone had an interesting story to tell.

October 27, 2018 at 9:19 pm

Been wondering about a Viking River Cruise. Photos are great. Helpful to know that the excursions are free of charge. Not been true on many cruises.

October 28, 2018 at 8:36 pm

Sue, Viking offered a free excursion everyday on our cruise. It was def nice as ALL were fantastic.

October 28, 2018 at 3:11 am

Sounds really cool! I’ve nrver been on an actual cruise but I love Germany so stopping at all these awesome german towns sounds like a perfect week!

October 28, 2018 at 8:38 pm

Sarah, I’d never been to Germany before, so visiting so many different cities was absolutely fantastic. River cruising is the way to go!

October 29, 2018 at 1:53 am

I haven’t actually been with Viking however I have done 3 river cruises with APT and next year will be going with Senic…I love river cruising

October 29, 2018 at 8:18 am

Me too Bree. I love you can unpack once and that’s it. No lugging suitcases in and out of car/bus to hotel after hotel. Have fun on your next river cruise!

October 29, 2018 at 5:13 am

Not been on a Viking Cruise but we did a cycle cruise with our teens, cycling along the banks of the Danube during the day which whetted our appetite for more.

October 29, 2018 at 8:21 am

There were tons of cyclists in Europe that we saw. Matter of fact, there were cycling paths the entire time from Amsterdam to Budapest. I bet you had a blast doing that trip with your kids.

October 30, 2018 at 11:09 am

LInda!! What a great job! And I so want to go on a Viking Cruise now. I’ve already emailed your story to my best friend, Marg and she would love to go with me. Marg and I both lived in Heidelberg, Germany, (our fathers were stationed there in the 60’s) so it was so exciting to relive some of the places that we had visited as young teenagers. I’ve been “drinking” in all of your comments and pictures (while at work when I can sit at the computer and take my time in between working/taking calls). I’ve truly enjoyed it, LInda and I’m looking forward to Part 2?? Love ya! Gina

October 30, 2018 at 10:49 pm

Awww thank you Gina. I know you and Marg would have a great time on a river cruise!

March 31, 2019 at 1:13 pm

My daughter and I are going on this VRC this summer. Your comments and photos were so helpful. Do you know if I can use my own Bluetooth headphones with the QuietVox? Appreciate your response.

March 31, 2019 at 8:32 pm

Oh I am so excited for you. If you have not been spoiled by Viking yet, get ready for the time of your life. Not sure about using your own Bluetooth headphones. The headphones used were nothing special and not associated or necessarily compatible w/QuietVox, but I’d say maybe. Best thing to do is ask once you arrive on board. Guess what? I’m jelly!

April 1, 2019 at 10:45 am

Thank you for your prompt reply. I think I’ll check next with my VCR rep. Happy travels!

April 1, 2019 at 11:59 am

No problem at all.

July 21, 2019 at 11:21 pm

Hey Linda! Hubby and I are booked for a Viking cruise, Basel to Amsterdam in November 2019. I was wondering when your cruise was? What part of the year? Looks like you and your sis had a great time!!

July 21, 2019 at 11:52 pm

Hi Tiffany. Our cruise was in mid-September. November sounds like a perfect time to explore Europe w/Viking. I am jealous!!!!

November 4, 2019 at 2:28 am

Hi Linda, My husband and I are going in June of 2020. Can’t wait. Thank you for all the helpful information and a guide to the whole trip. It looks wonderful.

November 8, 2019 at 6:14 pm

Your trip will be here before you know it! I am happy I am able to help you with your trip preparations. Viking Cruises is such an epic company, you are in great hands. Have a fabulous time!

March 26, 2020 at 8:58 am

Hi! Nice to read this whole blog as it has some quality information which is very beneficial for people like me. I hope you will post more such as that, By the way, Thanks for sharing such a great experience with us.

September 27, 2020 at 8:58 pm

Hello Linda. My husband & I are planning to go on either the Danube (8-day) or the Grand Euro (15-day) as you & your sister did in Fall of 2021. Great detail for me and wonderful planning tips. Thank you. May I ask you a few questions? Did you ever feel the Grand Euro was too long? Did you enjoy the first week or the second week best (cities/ports)? I see you actually chose a balcony room. We would probably have to stay with the less expensive standard room with only a window. Do you think that would diminish the experience on the boat. I’ve read that much of the time in your room is only sleeping… Thanks so much for your time & hopeful response. Lola

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Berwick Travel

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Viking River Cruises Grand European Tour

Discover more sale, travel through the heart of europe, 15 days | 12 guided tours | 4 countries.

Admire Rhine Valley vistas from a 900-year-old castle. Sample the food and wine of Austria’s Wachau Valley. Learn the Viennese waltz and linger in Budapest’s Café Gerbeaud. Indulge all your senses on this 15-day journey spanning the best of Europe. Our most iconic itinerary traces the Rhine, Main and Danube Rivers between the windmill-dotted waterways of Holland and the stunning landscapes of Hungary, with engaging encounters at every bend.

Plan Your Viking River Cruise

DAY BY DAY ITINERARY

1: Amsterdam, The Netherlands

Capital of The Netherlands, Amsterdam is renowned for its museums, colorful gardens, abundance of bicycles and endless lattice of canals.

2: Kinderdijk, The Netherlands

The South Holland village community of Kinderdijk includes a set of 19 windmills and other ingenious technologies built in the 18th century to control flooding.

3: Cologne, Germany

An intriguing mix of old and new, Cologne reveals its Roman heritage in the city layout and ancient ruins that lie scattered through the town.

4: Koblenz, Germany

On a breathtaking stretch of the Rhine that leads from medieval Koblenz to Braubach to Rüdesheim, the 13th-century Marksburg Castle towers over the river.

5: Miltenberg, Germany

Lively and romantic, the medieval town of Miltenberg on the Main River lies amid one of Germany’s fine wine–producing regions.

6: Würzburg, Germany

Würzburg is home to the Bishops’ Residenz, one of Germany’s largest and most ornate palaces and a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

7: Bamberg, Germany

Founded in 902, Bamberg remains a medieval-looking city known for its symphony orchestra and specialty, “smoke” beer.

8: Nuremberg, Germany

One of Germany’s most renowned and intriguing cities, Nuremberg is surrounded by 13th-century walls that have many fully intact gates and watchtowers.

9: Regensburg, Germany

Having escaped major damage during World War II, the picturesque town of Regensburg is one of Europe’s best preserved medieval cities and the oldest city along the Danube.

10: Passau, Germany

Set at the confluence of the Inn, Ilz and Danube Rivers, enchanting Passau is home to elegant colored buildings and graceful arcades.

11: Melk, Austria

The charming city of Melk is set amidst an important wine-growing region.

12: Vienna, Austria

The capital city of Austria, Vienna is filled with green parks, upscale stores, theaters and gracious boulevards.

13: Vienna, Austria

Strauss and Mozart composed many fine pieces in Vienna, Europe’s center of classical music.

14: Budapest, Hungary

Budapest is aptly called “Paris of the East” for its beautiful evening illumination and reflected lights in the Danube’s waters.

15: Budapest, Hungary

Riverside beauty, a vibrant cultural scene and elegant Art Nouveau architecture converge in Budapest.

Itinerary and shore excursions are subject to change and may vary by departure. Itinerary sails in both directions; stops are the same for Budapest to Amsterdam but in reverse order.

Offer valid on bookings made from April 1-30, 2024. Onboard Credit is max $300 per person and cannot be refunded for cash, for new to Viking guests only. OBC $100pp for Standard E/F, $200pp for French Balcony or Veranda A/B/C/D, $300pp for Suite AA/ES. Prices are in US dollars and for US residents only. Solo travelers higher. Air does not have to be purchased to get cruise/tour offer. All fares reflect cruise taxes, port taxes and fees. Offer expires April 30, 2024.

Air Promo: FREE international airfare based on select Jun/Jul/Aug/Oct/Nov/Dec 2024 & Jul/Aug/Nov 2025 departures of Grand European Tour. Call for details. Air prices are per person based on cruise or cruise tour check-in date and include transfers. Air seats are limited; airfares are subject to change until full payment of air is received. Airfares vary on other gateways and departures. Air offers not valid on Alaska, Hawaii, San Juan and Mexico City; call for details. 

Nothing Compares to a Viking River Cruise

A river cruise is about more than the destination – it’s the journey. We invite you to take one of our European river cruises or Asia river cruises and see the world in luxury and comfort.

Sailing Europe’s storied rivers, the award-winning Viking Longships offer a variety of stateroom categories and true (two-room) suites with full-size verandas. Onboard amenities include a restaurant, bar and lounge, library and expansive sun deck. The ships feature al fresco dining on the Aquavit Terrace, an elegant Scandinavian design and “green” features, such as solar panels, an onboard organic herb garden and energy-efficient hybrid engines for a remarkably smooth ride.

River cruising is a relaxing, immersive and thoroughly enjoyable form of travel where you can enjoy ever-changing scenery along the banks of waterways such as the Danube, Rhine, Seine, Douro, Volga and Yangtze. Unpack just once on an award-winning, state-of-the-art 190-guest Longship and journey into the very heart of iconic cities and charming towns.

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What to Expect on a River Cruise

River cruises are brimming with onboard amenities. Stateroom are most often river-facing, and come equipped with hotel-style beds, private bathrooms, individual climate control, refrigerators, safes and TVs. Higher stateroom categories may have French balconies, verandas, and separate sleeping and sitting quarters. Rooms range from 150 to 600 square feet. Guests receive excellent and personalized service from on board staff. Additionally, ships include restaurants, lounges and bars, as well as free Wi-Fi. Some ships even come equipped with libraries, boutiques, pools and/or sun decks.

Guests are given a choice of dining options, including where and what to eat. Breakfasts can either be enjoyed al fresco or at the morning buffet, while lunches and dinners can be eaten while viewing passing sights or with friends in a common eating area. Open seating is offered, allowing guests to meet new people or enjoy the presence of the same people each day. Cruises offer regional cuisine and use locally sourced ingredients to help with their authenticity. Also common are wine pairings, selected from local tastes to help guests get a closer understanding of a region’s culture.

River cruisers spend more time in the cities, towns and ports along the way. Included shore excursions consist of guided tours that help guests become well-acquainted with the culture, art and history of their destinations. In addition to guided tours, guests can roam freely around local stops or arrange optional shore excursions. There’s always ample opportunity to find something to do in every port, whether it’s visiting an ancient castle, attending a classical concert or enjoying a famous museum.

Who You’ll Be Cruising With

While river cruises can be enjoyed by people of all ages, they generally appeal to people more advanced in age — baby boomers, in particular. Many river cruise lines allow children aboard their ships, although they may have age restrictions in place and usually there isn’t much for kids to do. The makeup of a liner can include people of a wide range of nationalities, but more often than not, guests come from English-speaking countries.

Best Times to Go

Whether you choose to travel in the on-season or the off-season, you’ll be able to gain a deep cultural experience in each of your destinations. In the spring and summer, you may witness local outdoor events and lively activities that only occur during the warmer months of the year. Cooler weather in the fall may mean you’ll run into fewer people in the streets of cities and ports you visit, which will allow you to take your time and get a closer look at sites that interest you without feeling rushed or crowded. And in the winter season, you’ll be delighted by festive Christmas markets and enchanted by the holiday traditions and celebrations of the locals.

What You Should Pack

Given that weather will be variable depending on where your river cruise takes you, bringing along both warm and light clothes is wise. Even during warm months, there is wind on the rivers, so it’s best to plan for layers even if the weather is hot. Additionally, you’ll likely be doing a lot of walking, so bring along comfortable shoes. Lastly, pack some dressier clothes in case you attend a formal event while visiting one of your cruise destinations.

How They Differ from Ocean Cruises

Although river cruises and ocean cruises share a number of similarities, there are also various—and considerable—differences between the two. For one, ocean liners are bigger and offer more stateroom accommodations on average. Appropriately, they’re able to host significantly more guests. The smaller scale of river ships means fewer guests, but more opportunities to get to know fellow travelers, which often lead to lifelong friendships.

In contrast to ocean cruises that may include multiple sea days, you will rarely experience a full day of sailing on a river cruise. Typically, guests will awake each morning to find themselves in a new port. With river cruising, you can also enjoy an ever-changing mural of breathtaking scenery from your ship, so the journey itself becomes part of your discovery.

For those without sea legs, river cruises have the advantage of smooth trekking, shallow waters and the gift of land that’s always in sight. Lastly, most river cruises offer inclusive value, meaning your Wi-Fi, water, alcohol and included excursions are covered in the price. However, ocean cruises tend to offer more upscale amenities, like fitness centers, multiple dining options and a variety of live entertainment.

Who Would Enjoy a River Cruise?

River cruises are great for everyone, especially those desiring a more relaxed and intimate form of travel. Individuals who’ve never stepped foot on a ship before will enjoy the relative ease of a river-bound trip with little chance of seasickness. Furthermore, with a focus on cultural exploration of locations, river cruises are perfect for those with a curiosity about art and history, or a general interest in travel.  Every river is unique and each tells a different story—not only of the countries through which it flows, but also of its locks, canals, scenery and bridges.

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Best Sights to See on the Viking Grand European Tour River Cruise

Imagine visiting lovely cities — small and large — along the fabled Rhine River and Danube River. You can certainly visit these cities on your own and enjoy them. We’ve discovered that river cruising gives you this, but with valuable perks. The Viking Grand European Tour river cruise takes you to all the key towns along the Rhine, Main, and Danube rivers. Each evening you enjoy the company of others, dine on destination-inspired meals, are lulled to sleep in “your own bed,” and wake up refreshed to start another great day of exploring. You have pre-planned tours of towns you visit — or explore on your own — and then return to your floating hotel, lounge, and restaurant.

Check out my Complete Guide to a Viking River Cruise  article to learn more about the overall experience onboard.

My husband, Pop, and I usually design our vacations to Europe, and we like talking about and planning what we want to see and where we want to stay beforehand. However, we heard more and more from friends about how much they enjoy European river cruises. So we decided to leave our comfort zone and find out more. We’re glad we did.

River cruising allows travelers to visit many great places while only having to unpack once. (Sounds good, right?) Essentially, you’re staying in a floating full-service hotel with amenities and planned excursions. We chose Viking River Cruises because of its stellar reputation and its 15-day Grand European Tour that began in Amsterdam, traveled down the Rhine, Main, and Danube rivers, and concluded in Budapest. You could, of course, choose to begin in Budapest and end in Amsterdam. It’s the same journey in reverse. Viking continues to add boats and ports of call, so there are plenty of options depending on your geographic and sightseeing interests. 

Disclaimer: My husband, Pop, and I paid for the Viking Grand European Tour. We did not receive compensation or discounts from Viking or any other organization. I merely want to share our experience on this river cruise with my readers. 

The following are our favorite visits to the major ports of call on Viking’s Grand European Tour river cruise.

AMSTERDAM, The Netherlands

Our Viking Grand European Tour river cruise began in Amsterdam. When we arrived at the ship, we dropped our luggage and explored the city a bit. We had already visited the Rijksmuseum, the Van Gogh Museum, and the Anne Frank House on a previous trip. They were all outstanding, and we highly recommend visiting them. We decided to take a canal boat cruise for this short visit and walk the town more. 

Whether by canal boat or on foot, you’ll notice the relatively narrow homes along the canals. In years past, the maximum width of homes was 18 feet, so people built up multiple floors. Because of the height of the homes and the resulting narrowness of the staircases within, the homes have hoisting beams along with pulleys and ropes on the front gables to lift furniture and goods to the upper floors.

If you have time in your schedule, you may want to arrive a few days early so you have the time to explore the area a bit. There is a lot to see. When we visited a few years ago, we stayed in Haarlem, a 20-minute train ride from Amsterdam. You may have heard that Amsterdam is now considered overrun with tourists. It’s true. It’s crowded. That’s why we liked to return to the peaceful, friendly little town of Haarlem at the end of a busy sightseeing day.

KINDERDIJK, The Netherlands

This village’s name is derived from a long-told story about a flood hundreds of years ago when the water swept away belongings and a child in a cradle. As the tale is told, a cat perched on the cradle, balancing it as it floated away. Thus, the name Kinderdijk “children’s dike,” was born. Today some residents have a cradle (made of willows and reeds) in their back gardens as an homage to the village’s history.

You’ll see lots of windmills here. They’ve long served an important purpose by helping regulate water flow into and out of the river, depending on the water levels behind the dikes. Windmills are still in operation today and are homes for the families of the windmill operators. 

We biked along a path by the windmills and stopped at a museum (Museum Windmill Blokweer) showing  how a typical family lived there in the 1950s. Tragedy struck at this one when the son of the owner walked out the wrong door and was killed by the windmill’s blade. (There are two doors on a windmill, so there’s always a way out that is not on the side where the blade turns.) When people come to visit someone who is living in a windmill, they look up to make sure the brake for the blade is on, which indicates that the blade is not moving.

Whether taking the tour on foot or by bike (we highly recommend this easy biking tour), you’ll gain a keen understanding of the importance of windmills to Dutch life.

COLOGNE, Germany

Our Viking river cruise ship docked within a few minutes walk into the center of Cologne (or Köln in German), the fourth largest German city. Because it’s so walkable, you’ll be able to cover several of the top spots and have time to spare for a meal and/or shopping before you need to board the ship for departure.

Places of Interest

• Cologne Cathedral – When you approach the Gothic Cologne Cathedral, you are greeted with a dark facade. (This is due to the fumes from steam trains as the train terminal is adjacent to the cathedral.) The facade was built with sandstone — a material easy to transport centuries ago — that kind of soaks up the dirty fumes; this makes cleaning it a chore since sandstone is too fragile to power wash. But once you walk into the Cologne Cathedral, you see the beauty of the architecture and the artwork. And you feel small … so small, and that, of course, is by design. You are to look upward and feel the power of God. There are towering walls with detailed stained glass windows all around you.  This cathedral houses the bodies of the three magi, the three wise men, and holds special significance to Christians. It is a sight to see and ponder the labor and craftsmanship that went into building it. The Cologne Cathedral was the tallest building in the world before the Washington Monument and the Eiffel Tower eclipsed it. Gustave Eiffel gained some of his practical structural engineering inspiration from a visit to the Cologne Cathedral. Guided tours in English are available, as are tickets to climb up to the tower.

• Top of Cologne Excursion  – If you get the chance while on a Viking river cruise, take the Top of Cologne optional excursion. Your group will accompany an art historian in the construction elevator that whisks you  up to the workrooms where restoration work is always occurring. The workrooms are situated between the ceiling you see from inside the cathedral and the actual roof of the building. Up here you’ll see what goes into maintaining the cathedral (inside and out) including models of the gargoyles (for use in future restoration work). You can step out on narrow walkways, peer over city rooftops, and down into the streets below. One highlight was stepping out in the belfry for a spectacular 360-degree view. Sadly, we were asked not to share pictures of this excursion online. You’ll just have to go for yourselves. It’s a must-see! By the way, I’m a little afraid of heights, so I positioned myself on the inside of the elevator so I couldn’t easily see outside as it was lifting us up, and I really enjoy this visit.
• Cologne Beer Houses – Cologne has its special version of beer called Kölsch. It’s a pale ale — cold, crisp, and clear- served in small, thin 7-ounce glasses. No beer steins in this part of Germany! When you order a beer in a Brauhaus (beer house where Kölsch is brewed) or other taverns, the waiter will replace your empty glass with another one. This will continue until you put a coaster on top of the glass signaling, “No more! I’ve reached my limit!”  The beer houses are places designed for socialization — European style. Instead of big screen TVs like in the U.S., you’ll find customers enjoying conversations with their friends, welcoming others to the tables, and lots of positive vibes.

• Other Cologne Sights – Within easy walking distance from the dock (and the Viking river cruise ship) are the Museum of Applied Art , the Chocolate Museum , and the Mustard Museum . 

MARKSBURG CASTLE, Braubach, Germany 

An excursion on our Viking Grand European Tour river cruise, the Marksburg Castle is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Dating from the 12th century and expanded over the centuries, the Marksburg Castle suffered minimal damage during World War II when so many other structures were destroyed. The fact that it survived the war relatively unscathed makes it a place that stands pretty much true to its original design.  Situated high atop a hill on the Rhine River not far from Koblenz, the castle served as a home for powerful nobles, a refuge for the citizens of the town Braubach, and a point to control the customs levied on boats traveling on this part of the Rhine River. 

As you walk through the castle (wear good walking/hiking shoes as the terrain is uneven in spots), you can picture yourself back in time because it’s well-preserved. There’s furniture in some rooms and the kitchen is staged to help you visualize castle life centuries ago. The well-narrated tour explains how each room was used and what life was like for the castle’s inhabitants. There’s even a display of armor on mannequins to show the progression of defensive wear soldiers wore through the ages. And, last but not least, there’s a torture chamber that will bring home the point that punishments were harsh. Due to the high strategic position of this castle, its canons were never fired in anger.

CASTLES OF THE MIDDLE RHINE, Germany

Several castles along the middle Rhine River hold the stories of the wealthy landowners who built fortresses for protection and exacted tolls from boats passing by. Cruising down the Rhine River was one of the highlights of Viking’s Grand European Tour. The castles are nestled on hilltops, high above little hamlets and towns. Vineyards are planted along many south-facing hilltops — a reminder of the delicious wines this area boasts for oenophiles and common folks alike. Our program director narrated this tour as we passed by these scenic spots one warm, sunny afternoon; the best views are from the sun deck.

MILTENBERG, Germany  

Miltenberg is a charming, small Bavarian town along the Main River with the city walls still visible. As one entered the town’s gates, in times of old, a toll was collected — whether you were engaged in commerce or just visiting. Nowadays, it’s a relaxing place to spend a few hours, strolling the winding cobbled streets, admiring the half-timbered structures with intricate signs denoting a merchants’ trade, window shopping, stopping for a beer, or walking up to the bishop’s house to catch a view of the river and countryside.

Here there is a monastery where boys as young as seven years old would go to be raised and be taught academics and religion. Boys learned trades at monasteries; in this case, they learned to make beer and bread — including pretzels. The dough for pretzels was commonplace, and people would eat it much like we eat baguettes today since they were then long thin pieces of bread. Over time, the loaves of bread were formed into pretzels. Here’s a story we heard from a guide: during one season of Lent, someone decided to twist the dough so that there’d be three holes, signifying the Holy Trinity. Forming the dough into pretzels also meant that the bread was more portable — a vendor could carry them on a stick and people could easily carry them in their pouches (no pockets back then!).

Zum Riesen , a hotel in the basic shape of a ship, is one of the oldest continuously used hotels in the world. One of its popular features in centuries past was an interior shopping area; this meant prominent ladies dressed in their finery didn’t need to shop in town (which was pretty stinky considering the odors emanating from the horses,  the fish market, and emptied chamber pots). Some of its more famous guests were Napoleon Bonapart and Elvis Presley.

Miltenberg is worth a couple of hours’ visit. It’s small and has charm, but there’s not a lot to do. It feels like it depends on tourism, and while it was quaint, it lacked the energy of other charming towns.

ROTHENBURG OB DER TAUBER, Germany 

Rothenburg is a delightful Bavarian town that carries you back to the Middle Ages. The town’s name means “red fortress above the Tauber” referring to the Tauber River. This is a well-preserved town with a population of a little more than 10,000 that welcomes tourism. 

Like Amsterdam and other European cities, Rothenburg’s half-timbered homes from yesteryear have hooks on the top of their facades to pull grain up to the top floor. Here it was stored for the year; this was particularly important when the town was seized by others because the grain was safely stored in the attic. The plentiful fountains in town served as a source of water, of course, but it also guaranteed a water supply should a half-timbered home have caught fire or if the town was surrounded by enemies. 

• Rothenburg Town Hall ( Rathaus in German) Bell Tower – Climb the bell tower for a far-reaching view of the town and countryside. You climb a little over 200 steps and pay the entry fee (less than 3 Euros for an adult) as you approach the last 10 steps. Enter the town hall through the doors facing the square, and you will see the steps to the bell tower.
• Town Ramparts – Walk the ramparts, and elevated path, to gain a view of the town and the reinforcements that helped protect the town from invaders.
• Castle Garden ( Burggarten in German) – Stroll through the Bishop’s gardens for a peaceful, relaxing time admiring the flowers as well as views of the countryside.
• Bakeries – Sample the snowball cookies — round confections of cookie dough that are deep fried and then either sprinkled with confectioners’ sugar or glazed.

• Disney Delights – Search for the structures that served as inspiration for Disney creations and backdrops for many movies.

WURZBURG, Germany  

Situated on the Main River in northern Bavaria, Wurzburg is known for its culture and wine (a dry white from the Silvaner grape). It’s a university city, and its students help Wurzburg have a younger vibe. As in other stops, our Viking river cruise ship docked within steps of the historic center. 

Main Place of Interest in Wurzburg

Wurzburg Residence –  This structure was built for the Prince-Bishop of Wurzburg in the 18th century.  A UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Wurzburg Residence ( Würzburger Residenz in German) and the outside gardens is one to visit. It was designed and furnished to rival Versailles. Why let the Sun King dominate Europe with his triumphant Versailles? So here you have the prince-bishop’s attempt to gain global attention: an enormous palace with a stately grand staircase and spacious rooms adorned with detailed woodwork and artwork. Each room had a specific purpose; the major ones are the White Hall and the Emperor’s Hall.  Photographs are not allowed once you enter, but suffice it to say, the architecture and artwork are something to see in an over-the-top kind of way. The money that was spent on this palace is incredible to ponder.  Some of the artwork incorporates trompe l’oeil (illusion in art) so some of the frescoes on the ceiling aren’t exactly what you think they are. In fact, there are parts that look as if they’re three-dimensional when, in fact, they’re painted in such a way as to fool the eye. You’ll spend time looking and looking again to try and figure out if that person’s garments are really hanging off the ledge or if it’s an illusion. (Hint: it’s often an illusion!)

Wurzburg War Destruction  About 90% of the Wurzburg Residence was destroyed by Allied bombing in 1945 during World War II.  Major John Davis Skilton, a member  of the U.S. Army and one of the people instrumental in preserving Tiepolo’s Olympus and the Four Continents  artwork on a ceiling in the Wurzburg Residence after it was bombed and left open to the elements , is honored here for his work in helping to restore this historic site after its near destruction. (Prior to the war, he was a curator at the National Gallery of Art in Washington, D.C.) You’ll see a tribute to him as you near the end of the tour. To read more about the work of the hundreds of people dedicated to preserving the artwork during World War II, read The Monuments Men : Allied Heroes, Nazi Thieves, and the Greatest Treasure Hunt in History .

Wurzburg Residence Fun Fact : The Three Musketeers (with Orlando Bloom, 2011) was filmed here. In the movie, Wurzburg stood in for Paris, and the Wurzburg Residence became Versailles. 

Other Places of Interest in Wurzburg

• Old Main Bridge – The Old Main Bridge ( Alte Mainbrücke in German), spanning the Main River, boasts statues of saints and other historic figures. In nice weather, it’s a gathering spot for folks. When we visited, the bridge was crowded with happy-go-lucky people sipping Franconian wine (served by a local restaurant) and visiting with friends.

• Fortress Marienberg – Dating from the 8th century, Fortress Marienberg, sitting atop the bank of the Main River in Wur zburg, offers two museums, a restaurant, and a commanding view of Wurzburg.

FRANCONIAN COUNTRYSIDE

This excursion takes travelers by a private motor coach to several spots. In addition to what is included below, this excursion includes a relaxing stop at a restaurant where visitors enjoy a cold beer along with pretzels (to dip in their delicious mustard).

Places of Interest in the Franconian Countryside

Zeil  .

A small town of less than 10,000, Zeil has half-timbered houses and quaint charm. It is also the place that suffered from conflicts as well as a devastating loss of crops in the early 17th century.  Some people questioned authority and were accused of being witches; ultimately hundreds were tortured and killed here under the local prince-bishop. When you walk through the town, you can see where people were chained to buildings in the square, so that passersby could look at them, spit on them, and more.

Wallfahrtskirche Maria Limbach

Said to have healing power, this pilgrimage church sits along a road calling no attention to itself. In fact, the exterior is so plain, that one would expect the interior to be simple, as well. This is most assuredly not the case. The interior is ornate, over the top, and showy. The architect also worked on the Wurzburg Residence palace in Wurzburg (which is a must-see in that town), but we were told that he died before he was able to design the outside. Today the church is used by appointment for baptisms, weddings, and funerals. Speaking of funerals, there is a very well-tended cemetery in the back of the property.

Seehof Palace  

Built in the 17th century and located just outside Mummelsdorf (and not far from Bamberg), this was the summer residence (to escape the city heat and smells) and hunting lodge of the Bamberg prince-bishops. Its White Hall was an important stateroom for hosting visitors; its ceilings are magnificently painted. The palace is surrounded by a manicured garden. Our guide told us that there was a salt lick outside the prince-bishop’s bedroom window, so he could watch animals as he peered outside in the morning after he awoke.

NUREMBERG, Germany

The second largest city in Bavaria (after Munich), Nuremberg ( Nürnberg in German) has over 500,000 residents, and over 35% of them are immigrants. A major force in German history, it is probably best known for its Christmas markets and its place in World War II history.  When visiting today, you can still see the moat, a centuries-old defensive measure, that encircled the city centuries ago.

It is said that Adolf Hitler and the Nazi party chose Nuremberg as its base due to its central location with Germany, its strong railroad infrastructure (an advantage as it made it easy for the masses to gather here), and the abundant land on the city outskirts which offered the space they needed to build large grounds including Zeppelinfeld (which you can visit) for their rallies. Since about 90% of the city was bombed during World War II, much of Nuremberg was rebuilt and, therefore, not original. Today, Nuremberg has a somewhat odd look to it as it has a patchwork of historic and modern (the 1960s-1970s) architecture. Considering so much of the city’s structures were ruined, there was not a proportional loss of life. I was told by our local guide that this was due, in part, to the large number of beer cellars that were enlarged and converted into air raid shelters. It was Nuremberg, of course, that was the site of the Nuremberg Trials that were held after the war.

Nuremberg Fun Fact : This Bavarian region is known first, for its beer — and second, for its wine. Beer was preferred since if it went bad, you simply made another batch that would be ready in weeks. If the wine went bad, you had to wait until the next year’s harvest before starting the process of replacing the spoiled liquid.

Places of Interest in Nuremberg

• Imperial Palace ( Kaiserburg in German) – The seat of power from the Middle Ages, this palace welcomed visiting emperors and other distinguished dignitaries. Today, mere mortals like you and me can visit the palace and its gardens.

• St. Lorenz Church – Dedicated to St. Lawrence, this church was built in the 15th century and was the first church in Germany to become Lutheran in the 1500s. St. Lorenz was badly damaged during World War II and has since been restored.
• Pedestrian Market Square – Nuremberg is an inviting place for visitors as the square and other areas in the city center are reserved for pedestrians — leaving cars verboten (German for banned ) in these places. Along the square and adjacent areas, people shop and dine in the many places inviting tourist dollars.

• Documentation Center ( Dokumentationszentrum Reichsparteitagsgelaende in German) – With detailed exhibits that include photographs, artifacts, and videos (including some from Holocaust survivors), this museum provides detailed insights into the rise and fall of Adolf Hitler. Near the end of the tour, you come to a balcony of sorts that overlooks the unfinished Congress Hall (resembling a coliseum) that Hitler had planned to use for his efforts. The museum gave off an eerie vibe (one that I’m sure was intended) with its low ceilings, dark lighting, brick walls, and life-sized photographs of the thousands upon thousands of Nazis who used Nuremberg as its base.

• Nuremberg Palace of Justice – The Nuremberg Trials were held here in courtroom 600. The courtroom has changed since the infamous international tribunals of Nazi criminals in 1945-1946, but you can imagine the scene with a guided tour leader explaining it to you. The courtroom is open to visitors when it is not being used for a trial; I was lucky enough to visit on such a day.

REGENSBURG, Germany

Regensburg is a charming medieval town — the oldest on the Danube River — that still has visible remains from the Holy Roman Empire. (Luckily, Regensburg sits right on the river, so we had a very short walk from our Viking river cruise ship to the town itself.) Regensburg grew to become part of a major trade route. Over the years, wealthy citizens boasted of their wealth by building tall towers (20 of the original 60 survive) within the city. Today it’s home to three universities; the young population makes it a happening place: there are plenty of restaurants, shops, and beer gardens.

Places of Interest in Regensburg

• St. Peter’s Cathedral – Built in 1320, this cathedral has a unique feature: a sculpture of a smiling angel (the first such sculptured angel known at this point). We were lucky enough to enjoy some organ music inside at noon — a welcome respite from sightseeing.

• Old Town Hall tour – There’s an afternoon tour in English that is excellent. Our tour guide explained the political system of the Middle Ages and beyond, the hierarchy of the Holy Roman Empire’s nobles, as well as the crime and punishment protocols. This tour included a visit to the torture chamber and prison cells. Buy your tickets at the tourist information office attached to the town hall.

• The Museum of Bavarian History ( Museum der Bayerischen Geschichte in German) – Opened in 2019, the museum recounts Bavarian history from the 19th century onward. 
• Historische Wurstkuchl (Historic Sausage Kitchen) – Our guide recommended this spot on the side of the old stone bridge (today it’s a pedestrian bridge) that serves a sandwich with finger-sized sausages, yummy mustard, and sauerkraut. Delicious! We ate ours as a takeout meal as we strolled over the bridge on our way to Alte Linde, an outdoor beer garden.

• Alte Linde (a beer garden) – This is the perfect spot to relax while visiting Regensburg. Because we had just chowed down on the saus age sandwich  before arriving here, we didn’t order food here, although there is a full menu. We opted to savor one of the beers under the deliciously cool canopy of mature trees along the banks of the Danube.
• Golf Museum – Pop and I don’t play golf, but we heard this is an interesting place for those who do.

Our visit to Regensburg was a day trip. I wish we had been able to stay a couple of nights. This place has a lively vibe with plenty of sightseeing, cafes, and beer gardens to enjoy. Regensburg was another key highlight of our Viking Grand European Tour cruise. 

PASSAU, Germany

It’s a good news, bad news story for this storied town.

Good news: The convergence of three rivers helped Passau (“The City of Three Rivers”) develop into a prosperous town driven by commerce — especially in salt, which was sometimes referred to as “white gold” since trading in salt helped its early economy flourish.

Bad news: Passau’s location on rivers has meant periodic flooding through the centuries.

A delightful town to visit, Passau is the first or last large town along the Danube before entering Austria, assuming you’re heading east. This town of 50,000 includes about 12,000 students at the University of Passau. Despite its popularity, Passau remains an enjoyable town to visit. The streets weren’t crowded; we only saw a lot of people during the midday organ concert at St. Stephan’s Cathedral — it’s a big draw!)

Places of Interest in Passau

• Old Bishop’s Residence ( Veste Oberhaus in German) – Built high above Passau on the opposite bank of the Danube River, the castle represented the power and wealth of the prince-bishop (and the Catholic church itself) who built it. The prince-bishop was the town’s top administrator until Passau became secularized in 1803 when Napoleon took over the area. You can walk through the ruins, visit the museum (well worth it), eat at the restaurant, and take in the view from the ancient walls. From here, you can see how the three rivers come together and even the difference in the color of the Inn River (due to the silt from its journey that originates in the Swiss Alps). You can walk up from the street (which we opted to do) or take a bus from Passau.

• New Bishop’s Residence ( Neue Residenz in German) – Well worth a visit is a stately Baroque stairway crowned with an elaborate ceiling fresco. Dominating the painting are two women. The woman in a red dress represents Rome; the woman in the blue dress represents Passau. The interpretation is that Rome is crowning the prince-bishop of Passau.

• St. Stephan’s Cathedral ( Stephansdom in German) – Built in the 17th century after a fire destroyed a previous church, St. Stephan’s was the seat of the Bishop of Passau. It is yet another ornate church with a richly carved and painted interior. What makes this cathedral particularly interesting is its organ. With over 17,000 pipes, it’s the largest cathedral organ in the world. We enjoyed a 30-minute organ concert here; organ concerts are offered at noon and in the evening most days from May through October.

• Mariahilf – This pilgrimage church, though not as ornate as St. Stephen’s Cathedral, is said to house the tomb of the first Hungarian Christian queen. It can be accessed by climbing up the covered 321 stairs ( Wallfahrtsstiege in German) used by pilgrims through the ages. This is another spot that offers stunning views of the town.

• Park at the Point (Lolly’s name for it) – Walk down here for a peaceful break. You’ll be at the point where the Danube, Inn, and Ilz rivers converge. Benches and a grassy area offer a little relaxation from sightseeing in Passau.

MELK, Austria

I walked from the ship into town on my own along a pebbled path that turned out to be quite peaceful. The path leads you to a bridge, and the town awaits you on the other side. One of the main attractions of Melk is the abbey.

Place of Interest in Melk

Melk Abbey – Sitting high atop a rock in the Wachau Valley in Austria, Melk Abbey ( Stift Melk in German) is a UNESCO World Heritage Cultural Site. Founded by Benedictine monks in 1089, today, the abbey is still home to monks and still has an operating school. There’s elaborate architecture and artwork in all areas of the abbey along with a library with an extensive collection of manuscripts. No photography is allowed inside.

KREMS, Austria 

A city of about 24,000, Krems (or, as it’s sometimes known, Krems an der Donau) was a brief stop for us while on our Viking Grand European Tour river cruise. Therefore, I am only highlighting what we visited: Gottweig Abbey.

Place of Interest in Krems

Gottweig Abbey – Another UNESCO World Heritage Cultural Site, Gottweig Abbey is a Benedictine monastery that dates back to 1083 on a hilltop overlooking the Wachau Valley along the Danube River. The Abbey has vast land holdings, including 13,000 acres of forest. Their main income is derived from timber, tourism, and wine. There are 42 monks with ties to this monastery; some live here, and others live and work in over 20 parishes in surrounding communities. Centuries ago, this was a safe harbor for townspeople to congregate during wartimes. 

The church is both Gothic and Baroque in design. Some of it was destroyed in an 18th-century fire as there was no local water source to halt the fire high atop the hill. This has since been rectified, of course. The altar is adorned by a large painting of Mary, its patron saint. Above the large painting of Mary is another one that is actually one of several that are switched out depending on the Christian season. 

In addition to the church, there is the imperial wing of the abbey with a grand staircase (with small risers, as was the custom centuries ago when women would ascend or descend stairs as if floating — never allowed to show their ankles). The magnificent ceiling fresco above the staircase was painted in 1739 and features Emperor Charles VI and Maria Theresa, the Hapsburg empress. The ceiling fresco features some trompe l’oeil , an optical illusion technique that fools the eye into thinking something is three-dimensional when, in fact, it is not. Other buildings on the campus are an infirmary for the monks (since no one other than the monks can enter the actual domicile of the monks), a retreat house, a youth hostel area, a restaurant, and a gift shop. 

Each of the monks has a responsibility in the community. The one we met was in charge of tourism, and one of the things he oversees is their Instagram feed. Here’s a peek at it: @goettweig, @stiftgottweig.

After our excellent tour by an Abbey guide, we feasted on a dinner on the terrace (overlooking the Wachau Valley), which was a visual and gastronomic delight.  If you’re in the area, this is worth a visit and a meal. They boast a variety of wines as well as apricot juice and jams. (Apricots are an important agricultural product in the area and are found in many local products.)

VIENNA, Austria

Austria’s capital and largest city, Vienna, accounts for about one-third of the country’s population. It’s home to several international organizations, including OPEC. Sometimes dubbed the City of Music for its rich musical history, it’s also sometimes referred to as City of Dreams because of one of its famous former citizens, Sigmund Freud. Its two UNESCO World Heritage Sites (the Historic Center of Vienna and the Palace and Gardens of Schönbrunn) are popular with tourists. 

Vienna is huge compared to the other river towns on our Viking Grand European Tour cruise from Amsterdam to Budapest. It boasts just less than 2 million people. There is much to do and see in Vienna and plenty of excursions from which to choose. We took a walking tour of the city and a guided tour of the Hapsburg’s summer home, Schönbrunn Palace . The palace has more than 1,400 rooms, but only a portion are for public view. We had been spoiled by all the delightful towns on our river journey south. What we found in Vienna and at  Schönbrunn Palace was wall-to-wall people (and this was before schools were on summer vacation). This was a city overrun by tourists. To be honest, my husband, Pop, and I opted to enjoy some of the coffee houses, window shop, and then relax in the relative peace of the Viking river cruise ship. The mobs of people turned us off. Hopefully, you will have a different experience.

BUDAPEST, Hungary

Budapest (actually pronounced Budape sh t because the “s” in Hungarian is pronounced “sh”) is the capital of Hungary. Formed in 1873, Budapest — with a population of over 1.7 million, the tenth largest city in the European Union —  is a marriage of two parts. Buda sits on the western side of the Danube River (the river is Danu in Hungarian) and Pest on the eastern side. It attracts over 14 million visitors annually as it’s become a popular destination.

Places of Interest in Budapest

• Buda Hill Funicular – There are other ways to get up to Castle Hill (by walking or taking the bus), but this is a fun and inexpensive way to make the trip. If possible, get in the first car so you get the best views as you ascend.

• Buda Castle – Home of the National Gallery and the Budapest History Museum, the Buda Castle is something to see on Castle Hill. There are plenty of restaurants and shops to check out in the area.
• Matthias Church ( Mátyás-templom in Hungarian) – A Catholic church built in its current state in the 1200s in front of Fisherman’s Bastion, the church was initially named after the Virgin Mary but was later renamed after King Matthias in the 1800s. King Matthias ordered changes to the structure and held two of his marriages here.

• Fisherman’s Bastion ( Halászbástya in Hungarian) – Built around 1900 to commemorate the millennial birthday of Hungary, the Fisherman’s Bastion is a viewing terrace built on Buda Hill. Its seven towers represent the tribes that settled in the area in the 9th century.

• Széchenyi Chain Bridge – Built in the mid-1800s, this suspension bridge first linked Buda and Pest. It’s a beautiful structure that carries pedestrians and vehicles alike. 
• Hungarian Parliament – With its domed exterior, one might mistakenly think this is a religious building. It’s huge — the second-largest parliament building in Europe (after Romania). Some say the Hungarian Parliament was built to impress visitors from Vienna, 150 miles away. It’s a notable sight from outside — especially at night when it is adorned with lights. But inside, it is an absolute must-see. You can take pictures everywhere inside except in the heavily guarded Dome Hall, where the ancient Hungarian crown is on display (and guarded around the clock). Buy tickets online to ensure you’ve got a spot on an English-speaking tour on the day you’re visiting.

• Shoes on the Danube – This touching display is a short walk from the Hungarian Parliament. These shoes (made of iron) represent Jews who were shot and killed by the Arrow Cross militia in 1944-45. After being shot, their bodies fell into the Danube to drift away.

• Great Market Hall ( Nagyvásárcsarnok in Hungarian) – The oldest indoor market in Budapest, the Great Market Hall was opened in 1896 in the Pest area. It is chock full of stalls with merchants selling produce, meat, candy, baked goods, and Hungarian treats. The upper level has places to eat and souvenirs.

• Thermal Baths – The  Szechenyi Baths are probably the best known of the thermal baths, but there are many in the city. You’ll find luxury spa treatments, saunas, and massages at the baths, so do your research. Don’t forget to pack your swimsuit!

We had two short days in Budapest, but you may want to add more time to explore all the city offers. Many river cruisers add time at the beginning or end of their Viking Grand European Tour cruise (depending on if they are beginning or ending their cruise here), so they have enough time to do this city justice.

Related Articles

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• Viking Ocean Cruises: The Ultimate Guide
• Viking Ocean Cruise Excursions: What You Need to Know
• Viking Cruises: Best Action Steps to Take After Booking a Cruise
• Viking River Cruises: The Complete Guide
• Best Sights to See on a Viking Grand European Tour Cruise
• Viking Antarctica Cruise: A Complete Guide for Adventurers

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Final Thoughts

The Viking Grand European Tour river cruise offered the best of the Rhine, Main, and Danube rivers. We appreciated the well-planned ports of call and excursions. In addition, Viking did a fine job communicating with us about what we were to see each day. The evening port talk by the program director (before dinner) prepared us for the next day’s destination. Also, the Viking Daily, a four-page handout that was left in our stateroom each evening while we were at dinner, outlined the city we would be visiting the next day along with all the important times to note (docking, excursions, departure) and not-to-miss highlights and notable restaurants and shops of each destination. The Grand European Tour was certainly a grand experience for us!

To ensure you remember all the great experiences on your cruise, take lots of pictures and create a photo book of your journey when you return home. You’ll be glad you did!

If you have experiences to share from any of the cities mentioned in this post or as a passenger on the Viking Grand European Tour, feel free to share your thoughts below! 🙂

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8 thoughts on “best sights to see on the viking grand european tour river cruise”.

What a fantastic article. Well done. My wife and I and two friends will be boarding this Viking cruise in Amsterdam April 22nd this year. Your article provided us great insight into what we should expect from Viking and at all the ports of call. We have now completed our tour planning thanks to you.

A short story. We planned this adventure in 2019 for a spring 2020 sailing to celebrate our 50th anniversary and our friends 40th . That didn’t work out as planned due to Covid. So, we rebooked the same for 2021. That didn’t work out. So, we decided to skip a year and happy we did because of the regional politics. We only 6 weeks away from our sail date. Wish us luck.

Wow, your cruise is right around the corner, Glenn! How exciting! I’m glad you found the article helpful — and that your delayed adventure is so close. Good luck! Have fun!

Hello! I came upon your site while searching the internet for information on Viking River cruises. What a wonderful site! I just finished reading everything and it basically answered all of my questions. We are celebrating a 30th anniversary and this is our big trip for the year. Headed out for the Romantic Danube in early September and we’re very excited. Thank you for the information! Great job!!

Hi Phyllis, I’m so glad you found the article helpful. Happy 30th! Enjoy your fall cruise!

Hi Lolly, what time of year did you cruise? We are having a hard time figuring out what kind of clothes to bring.

Thanks, Debbie

Hi Debbie, my husband and I cruised in early summer. We like to visit Europe before schools get out there and families take their summer vacations. We were told years ago by some locals that places can get especially busy during July and August. Another optimal time in my view is September and early October. Enjoy your cruise!

Thank you so much for your review. We have been contemplating this cruise for a year or so and booked this past week for June 2020. Looking forward to it even more now.

Hi Ryan, I’m so glad you found the information helpful. I’m sure you’ll have a wonderful time on your cruise — only a few short months away. When you return, why don’t you post a few thoughts about your experience?! Have fun!

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10 Things You Should Know Before Your First European River Cruise

T wenty-fifth wedding anniversary! Where did the time go? And most importantly, what should we do to celebrate? A few days later, with suspiciously perfect timing, a Viking river cruise advertisement dropped into our mailbox.  

Two decades ago, we tried a Caribbean ocean cruise — big ship, lots of people, so much food and drink — and never did a second one. But a European river cruise sounded appealing: smooth water, a new city every morning on a small ship with less than 200 passengers, top-notch food and a customizable mix of culture, lectures and activities.  

Ten months later, we were flying to Budapest, Hungary to begin our 11-day Passage to Eastern Europe on Viking Cruises. Here are 10 things we learned from our first river cruise: 

1. You’ll Wind Up Feeling Young Again

If you are in your 50s and miss that young and spry feeling, you could do worse than go on a river cruise. We knew the average age would likely skew into the 60s, but we did not anticipate being the youngest couple on our ship. Nor did we mind. Being surrounded by seniors in their 70s and 80s having a great time seeing new places was an inspiration for our own future.   

2.  You Won’t Find Too Many First-Time Cruisers

Those folks a generation ahead of us have been busy. We didn’t stand out just because of our relative youth, but also because this was our first river cruise. Nearly everybody we met had cruised before — not just with Viking, but other lines around the world as well. Ron, a former Army master sergeant, was on his seventh Viking cruise and even admitted to doing the 15-day Grand European Tour from Amsterdam to Budapest twice. 

“I’d do it a third time if they let me do it for free,” he told us.

3. Water Levels May Cause Unexpected Detours

A huge river cruise appeal for my wife was the absence of ocean waves. No waves = no seasickness. But, unlike the ocean, river levels rise and fall. Too high, and the river ships can’t pass under certain bridges. Too low and, like us, the ship may have to stop short of some destinations and passengers will spend extra time on the bus. For us, low water levels triggered shore excursion substitutions in an unexpected Bulgarian city as well as a longer bus ride to Bucharest. Disappointing, but manageable. In other cases, passengers might have to abandon their river ship and bus transfer to an identical one upriver to continue the journey. Be prepared.        

4. Every Day Is Casual Day

We were going to be in Europe, cruising on an upscale boat, and our fellow passengers would be older than us; accordingly, my wife and I planned to dress nicely: collared, button-down shirts and sleek sweaters and blouses. Viking emphasizes no formal dinners and a relaxed vibe, but I still almost brought a jacket for the evenings. 

I’m glad I didn’t. Our fellow passengers overwhelmingly embraced comfortable casual — bright, plush sneakers; jeans; shorts and even a few Harley T-shirts — it was all okay.  There were definitely people like us, avoiding the jeans and sneakers look, and if you want to dress nicer, go for it, but it’s not necessary.

5.  Embrace Conversation

If you fear initiating new conversations with new people several times a day, a river cruise might intimidate you. Fear not. Most of our experienced river cruiser passengers seemed to crave meeting new people and were easy to chat with.      

In our first 24 hours on the ship, I listened to a tale about an encounters with Perth Australia gold miners gone wrong, met a guy who got a Purple Heart when his helicopter crashed in Vietnam, admired the mangled fingers of a 75-year-old New England hockey player and listened to our dinner companion say, “I would not have married my husband if I had to do it again.” With him right there. 

How Expedition Cruising Appeals to the Adventurous Traveler

6.  i’ll have both entrees, please. .

Yes, river cruise food is delicious. Nearly every meal featured regional specialties of the neighboring country. A few minutes before dinner seating began, the chief chef would describe his culinary creations to select from that evening. It was like a halftime speech. He’d finish up and we’d all race (or, in some cases, shuffle) out of the lounge to the dining room, pumped up for the coming delicacies.  

Yet, as good as the shipboard food may be, take some time to…

7. Eat Locally

Don’t confine yourself to only the refined ship meals. A few steps away from your docked ship you’ll probably find flavorful local food well worth nibbling on. Some of my favorite meals of our trip were a platter of cevapcici eaten under a portrait of Uncle Tito (the Cold War era Yugoslav leader) in Belgrade and some meltingly lovely pumpkin phyllo pastry in Croatia.  

8. Pace Yourself

With a new city each day and limited time, you can exhaust yourself trying to do too much. At one point, our new friends, Victor and Leslie, admitted that they signed up for too many excursions. There is only so much anyone can sample in a few hours or even a day, and we accepted that. A travel memoir I found in the ship’s library, Far and Away , gave a satisfying response to that dilemma: “Always leave something for next time, something to tempt you back.”  You’re on a cruise; make some time to simply relax on the sundeck or terrace, admiring the views. 

9.  Find a Less-Traveled River

Ever heard of the Iron Gates of the Danube? I hadn’t either. Every passenger was out taking photos as our ship slipped into this dramatic gorge between Serbia and Romania. At one point, the giant face of an ancient Dacian king carved into the rock wall stared back at us.   

Other European rivers plying well-traveled countries like Germany, the Netherlands and France host most river cruise traffic, but we delighted in discovering more unfamiliar East European countries. Every day gave us new stories and perspectives, often containing history that we’d never heard of. Nor was all of this history ancient. On successive days we got thoughtful perspectives from a local Croatian tour guide and then her Serbian counterpart on the 1990s Balkan War. When choosing your cruise itinerary, consider the lesser-known places. 

10. Cabin Class Choices Matter

After choosing a cruise date and itinerary, you pick your cabin class. I agonized over that. Budget limitations dictated the cheapest, er, “most affordable” cabin for us, down on the lower deck and featuring only a narrow window just above the waterline. My online research emphasized that most of our cabin time would be at night when it was dark anyway.  Moreover, even during daylight hours, the ship would often be parked next to a dock or sandwiched between other cruise ships with someone else’s window inches away.  

All of that was indeed true. And once on board, it was obvious that even the most spacious cabins could not compare to the nearly 360-degree views from the outdoor terrace and top sundeck where passengers gathered in the sunny afternoons. Still, I would have enjoyed more window space in our stateroom. Next cruise maybe I’ll spring for the fancy veranda cabin.

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