viking cruises passage to eastern europe

• River Cruising

Any suggestions or advice on Viking "Passage to Eastern Europe" river trip?

By OnTheJourney , April 18, 2019 in River Cruising

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OnTheJourney

Particularly, if anyone has done either the pre or post extension that includes Bucharest and Transylvania. If done as pre-cruise, it seems that there is one night in Bucharest, then one night in Brasov, then back to Bucharest again for one night. That's ok, but alot of moving around. If done as a post extension, however, it looks like it might be the one night in Brasov first, then 2 consecutive nights in Bucharest. Not certain though since the descriptions aren't clear. I'll run this by a Viking rep but thought someone here might know. The itinerary on this trip looks really nice. We've never been east of Budapest so would like to see more than our AMS-BUD trip offered. 

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Last year we did the Viking River "Passage to Eastern Europe" as part of our Bucharest-Amsterdam  trip.  The Bucharest-Budapest was a totally different trip that the Budapest-Amsterdam leg.  We moved from the poorest areas of Europe (Romania, Bulgaria and the Balkan countries to the most affluent.  Since we started in Bucharest we arrived two days early and toured Bucharest on our own, we did no excursions.  There is a lot to see aside from the one day tour offered by Viking.  We enjoyed the Passage to Eastern Europe.  PM if you have questions.

Suggest you look at the Passage to Eastern Europe Roll Call forum; there is a lot of info there and people posting live as they do the trip. (link below)

I'm on this cruise in June but I am not taking either extension package but the standard cruise includes 2 nights in a hotel in Budapest and one night in a Bucharest hotel on the BUD>BUC route

Peregrina651

We loved the cruise. I regret that we did not add more time in Bucharest. The one day with the ship was not enough and it left very little time for exploring on our own.

Just back from this itinerary (home last Friday) and we LOVED it.

As  pontac  linked to above, there is a ton of info on the thread in the Roll Call section.

If you have a specific question that I can answer, please let me know.

Hi Jeff...did you do either of the Viking extensions? That's the main thing I have questions about. 

1 hour ago, gretschwhtfalcon said: Hi Jeff...did you do either of the Viking extensions? That's the main thing I have questions about. 

We we did the cruise from Budapest to Bucharest, and then did the trip extension to Transylvania. 

Please ask away 🙂

Jeff...ok....tell me how this extension worked. If I'm correct, I'm betting that you had one night in Brasov, then two consecutive nights at Bucharest?  What concerns me is that doing the cruise in reverse seems to result in the extension being broken up- 1 night in Bucharest, then the one night in Brasov, then back again to Bucharest ...a bit of extra moving about. The reason this trip interests us is that over the years we considered an Amsterdam to the Black Sea cruise (with Tauck) but then the scheduling dates and just the length of it seemed a bit much, so we opted to  do AMS-BUD, and really enjoyed it, but now would still like to do the other part continuing east. 

We're looking at various trips that would make use of the voucher we got from Viking. (We were on the 3/14 Sky sailing that was evacuated by helicopter). 

8 hours ago, gretschwhtfalcon said: Jeff...ok....tell me how this extension worked. If I'm correct, I'm betting that you had one night in Brasov, then two consecutive nights at Bucharest?  What concerns me is that doing the cruise in reverse seems to result in the extension being broken up- 1 night in Bucharest, then the one night in Brasov, then back again to Bucharest ...a bit of extra moving about. The reason this trip interests us is that over the years we considered an Amsterdam to the Black Sea cruise (with Tauck) but then the scheduling dates and just the length of it seemed a bit much, so we opted to  do AMS-BUD, and really enjoyed it, but now would still like to do the other part continuing east.    We're looking at various trips that would make use of the voucher we got from Viking. (We were on the 3/14 Sky sailing that was evacuated by helicopter). 

Hello again.

Once we disembarked from the ship in Giurgiu, we were taken to Bucharest for our tour of the city, village museum, lunch, and then inside the Parliament. You had the option of Parliament, or Old Town walking tour - both included lunch and the village museum. After Parliament, we were taken to our hotel for the night. The trip to Transylvania left the next morning. We headed to Bran Castle on the first day, overnighted in Braşov, then toured Peles Castle the next morning before heading back to Bucharest. The order of castles may vary depending on time of year. We did Peles second since it was still during their Winter schedule, and they were closed on the first day. You will then come back to the same hotel in Bucharest, which is nice as they let you leave luggage there so you don’t have to schlep all of it to Transylvania. We then had a full free day in Bucharest, early bedtime, then very early wake up for our transfer to the airport.

We thought the schedule was ideal, as it gave you extra free time to see what you want in Bucharest. Would have loved a bit more free time in Braşov, but you still get a good feel of it for the time that you’re there.

If you’re considering this trip extension, please beware that it sells out far in advance. We booked our “Passage” cruise plus extension one year in advance.

Hope this helps!

Jeff..still a bit confused. So you're saying you could leave luggage in your room at Bucharest while you were overnighting in Brasov? And then...what...returned to the same room in Bucharest for the 3rd evening? I'm sure it worked out fine, but not crazy about having to split up luggage and have just an overnight bag for the one night in Brasov. Just sounds a bit much. As we get older, I'm starting to think the simpler the better!  I was hoping they'd do 1 night in Brasov, then 2 consecutive. As you mentioned, it may depend on what is available when. 

Just read through some of the roll call...your description of the one evening where you had high wind and waves went right through me like a knife. I think the events of March 23 on the Sky will have some permanent lasting effects on us. It'll be interesting to see what happens the next time we cruise (north atlantic) in the fall and how we react to any adverse sailing conditions. Could determine the future of cruising for us I suppose. Saw a movie recently that had footage of a hurricane in FL - did not have a good reaction to that either. It just takes me right back to the bomb cyclone we experienced in Hustadvika. 

6 hours ago, gretschwhtfalcon said: Jeff..still a bit confused. So you're saying you could leave luggage in your room at Bucharest while you were overnighting in Brasov? And then...what...returned to the same room in Bucharest for the 3rd evening? I'm sure it worked out fine, but not crazy about having to split up luggage and have just an overnight bag for the one night in Brasov. Just sounds a bit much. As we get older, I'm starting to think the simpler the better!  I was hoping they'd do 1 night in Brasov, then 2 consecutive. As you mentioned, it may depend on what is available when.   

They gave us the option to leave whatever we didn’t want to take, but you could bring everything if you wanted. You check out of the hotel in Bucharest after the first night and they put your bag in storage (if you want). You then have your night in Braşov and then come back to the same hotel in Bucharest and then check in again for your two additional nights. Mind you, check in consisted of them handing you an envelope with your room keys. For us it was nicely done, and once we walked into our new room in Bucharest, the bags we left behind were waiting for us in the room.

Regarding the waves, it was extreme for a river cruise (been on five now and have never felt anything like it) but nothing compared to what you experienced! We felt it more since we were in the lower level rooms. Regardless, it was an unusual weather event, and I doubt that this sort of thing is very common. We never felt unsafe, mind you.

Hi again Jeff...I appreciate you taking all this time to explain, but also know you enjoy doing so 🙂   Now it seems, though, like you're referring to 4 nights total. I looked again at the extension and it says 3 nights. I'll have to look into this further. Still not crazy about the Bucharest hotel 'holding luggage' during the day/night in Brasov. On our river trip - when arriving in Budapest at the end of the journey -  the hotel indicated the luggage would be securely locked up while we were out for the day and it turned out everything was simply in what really appeared to be an unguarded room. People weren't even given tags, etc. so anybody off the street could have probably gotten any pieces of luggage they wanted.  Not that it was likely to happen but were still surprised at the lack of security regarding peoples' suitcases. Makes no sense to me why they can't do this extension by either 1) doing the single night in Brasov first then the two nights in Bucharest or 2) do the two nights in Bucharest first, then the day/night in Brasov, then transfer back over to Bucharest airport at the end. Splitting it up just seems a bit cumbersome. I don't care for it and yet doing the Transylvania part really seems like something one shouldn't pass up. Have to chat with the agents a bit on this and see what they tell me. It's not that I mind hotel hopping - quite the opposite - since we love car trips and moving from place to place. But, I do not care for (and try to avoid whenever possible) back-tracking. I plan enough time at one place to see what we want and then move on to the next place. The way you describe this extension really seems like back-tracking rather than finishing up the first stop completely then doing the second.

Yes, I'm sure the waves and wind were not what the Sky experienced but still, your mentioning an 'unusual weather event' is a bit scary also since in the wake of climate change and global warming (I'm a firm believer) it seems many different 'unusual' events are happening more and more worldwide - tornados springing up in places that never had them before, increasingly violent hurricanes, and so forth. There were two of these "bomb cyclones" here in the US shortly after we got home from Norway. A bit unnerving since you never know when the next one of these "superstorms" will develop in regions that perhaps previously never experienced anything of the sort. 

Thanks so much again. This trip is certainly a strong possibility to use our Sky travel vouchers. See how things go, first of all, with our fall cruise in the North Atlantic. It'll be a bit of an experiment to see how we deal with any sort of bad weather. 3/23 was certainly one of those life changing events that may well have some lasting effects, especially when it comes to future cruising. Saw a movie the other day that had footage of a hurricane in FL. Seeing those big waves and hearing all the wind was most unsettling and left me just a bit shaky. Hopefully more of a short rather than longterm aftereffect of the Norway incident. Time will tell I suppose. 

Just a couple more notes 🙂

The first night in Bucharest is actually part of the cruise, so the night in Brasov is actually the first night of the extension.

We were staying in Bucharest at the JW Marriott Grand Hotel (VERY nice!), and they stored our luggage in a locked room near the check in area.

Again - you have the option to take all of your items with you.

If you decide to do this itinerary - PLEASE don't miss Transylvania! It was a very striking part of Europe, and not to be missed.

Agree re: Climate Change, and it's getting to be a tad scary regarding weather patterns, etc. I've noticed that air turbulence is happening more frequently as well. Scary stuff!

Thanks for clarifying...thought the extension was only 3 nights. 

I'm being too grumpy about all this!! 🙂   Will definitely do the extension...absolutely!  If we could manage being a 'refugee' for a few nights in Norway with hardly anything other than what we we had with us on Saturday morning the 23rd (although they took us shopping at a mall the next day to buy things), I believe that hotel hop between Bucharest and Brasov should be easy enough!

Change of subject...Have you ever done any of the China trips with Viking? That is one of the other options I'm considering. I read good (actually lots of good) but also some things that put me off a bit from going over there. Always wanted to though. 

Well...I should have looked at your signature!!! Saw you have the Emerald booked for next year. 

Host Jazzbeau

If you really want to have the extension as you describe, you would have to switch to AMA.  Their 2020 "Gems of Southeast Europe" itinerary from Budapest to Giurgiu includes an optional extension of 2 nights in Brasov followed by 2 nights in Bucharest.

Thanks Jazzbeau...good suggestion, except that we're aiming towards using vouchers from the 3/14 Sky sailing, and so are looking at Viking trips only. Appreciate the idea though. 

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Passage to Eastern Europe

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Sail to lands rich in traditions

See Bucharest’s 3,000-room Palace of Parliament. Make banitsa bread with a home cook in Vidin. Explore Belgrade’s Ottoman and European treasures, including the 6th-century Kalemegdan Fortress. View the Danube’s towering Iron Gate. Witness Hungary’s daredevil Puszta horsemen. Behold Budapest’s grandeur. Once hidden behind the Iron Curtain, the eastern Danube still has secrets to reveal on this enriching cruisetour.

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Arrive in Bucharest and transfer to your hotel in the heart of the city for a 1-night stay. Spend the rest of the day relaxing, or do some exploring on your own.

After breakfast, check out of your hotel and take a tour of the city. See the city’s wide boulevards, the Romanian Athenaeum, the Arch of Triumph and the Palace of Parliament. Visit the outdoor Muzeul Satului, otherwise known as the Village Museum, where authentic dwellings from all regions of the country have been relocated and reassembled, including rural cottages, farmhouses and water mills. During lunch at a local restaurant, enjoy a lively folkloric performance that recalls the simple pleasures of rural life. You then proceed to Giurgiu to board your ship and enjoy a welcome dinner. (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)

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Arrive in the picturesque Bulgarian port of Vidin, and take an excursion to see Belogradchik Fortress, built right into the striking Belogradchik Rocks. See the fortress’s amazing construction, begun in Roman times and greatly extended by Bulgarian tsars and the Ottomans, and enjoy breathtaking views. Enjoy lunch on board your ship; then you have free time to explore Vidin’s city center, Orthodox churches and the ruins of the city’s once-grand synagogue. We depart during dinner. (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)

This morning, enjoy scenic cruising as you travel through one of the most picturesque areas of the Lower Danube. The Iron Gate is one of Europe’s most dramatic natural wonders—a spectacular narrow gorge with enormous white limestone cliffs. Arrive in Donji Milanovac where you can choose to disembark and join an optional tour, or continue to enjoy scenic sailing. Arrive in Golubac and join an included tour of the Golubac Fortress where you will admire sweeping views over the Danube. Enjoy dinner on board before departing to Belgrade. (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)

Wake up in Belgrade, capital of Serbia. Take a guided walk through the grounds of Kalemegdan Fortress, now a stately park; also see the Orthodox cathedral and stop at the Square of the Republic. Enjoy lunch on board your ship before you have free time to explore Belgrade’s gracious architecture or visit one of its many museums. Enjoy dinner on board your ship. (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)

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Sail into Hungary this morning, arriving in Kalocsa after lunch. Take a guided city tour followed by a short organ concert at St. Joseph Church. Then, you are treated to a performance of traditional Puszta horsemanship. Return to the ship and enjoy a festive dinner on board as we depart for Budapest. (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)

Disembark after breakfast and take a tour of Budapest. Begin in Pest, where you see the National Opera House and historic Heroes’ Square. Cross the Chain Bridge to Buda, where you walk along Castle Hill to Fisherman’s Bastion and Matthias Church, and visit the Grand Market. Check in to your hotel for a 2-night stay, then take the rest of the day to sightsee on your own. Explore a museum, do some shopping or relax in one of the Art Nouveau spas. (Breakfast)

Take a full day to explore Budapest on your own. Ride the city’s innovative, efficient metro; walk through the City Park or along the Pest embankment for views of the Buda Castle District; explore the Buda Castle Labyrinth; visit the Jewish Quarter and tour the beautifully restored Dohány Street Synagogue. Your Viking Host is available to help you plan your time in Budapest. (Breakfast)

After breakfast, check out of your hotel and proceed to the airport for your return flight. Or extend your journey with 2 additional nights in bustling Budapest or 3 nights in Prague, the Czech Republic’s gracious capital. (Breakfast)

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Offer valid on bookings made from Apr 13 to Apr 30, 2023. Cruise from $2,999 per person based on select Jul 2023 departures of  Passage to Eastern Europe  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. Book by Apr 30, 2023; pay in full at time of booking. Offer expires Apr 30, 2023. 

FREE international airfare based on Jul-Aug & Oct 2023 departures of  Passage to Eastern Europe . 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. Ask for Offer AT23. Offer expires Apr 30, 2023.

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Passage to Eastern Europe

• From $3,799
• 8 Guided Tours
• 5 Countries
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• 2024 2025 2026
• Bucharest to Budapest Budapest to Bucharest

Passage to Eastern Europe Map

Sail to lands rich in traditions

See Bucharest’s 3,000-room Palace of Parliament. Make banitsa bread with a home cook in Vidin. Explore Belgrade’s Ottoman and European treasures, including the 6th-century Kalemegdan Fortress. View the Danube’s towering Iron Gate. Witness Hungary’s daredevil Puszta horsemen. Behold Budapest’s grandeur. Once hidden behind the Iron Curtain, the eastern Danube still has secrets to reveal on this enriching cruisetour.

SPRING SALE

Viking Inclusive Value

All you need included, with no surprises or hidden fees

To learn more about each port of call and our included as well as optional excursions, click on the individual days below.

Itinerary and shore excursions are subject to change and may vary by departure.

More features, services and excursions included

One complimentary shore excursion in every port of call

Free Wi-Fi (connection speed may vary)

Beer, wine & soft drinks with onboard lunch & dinner

24-hour specialty coffees, teas  & bottled water

Port taxes & fees

Ground transfers with Viking Air purchase

Visits to UNESCO Sites

Enrichment lectures & Destination Performances

Your Stateroom Includes:

River-view stateroom

Bottled water replenished daily

110/220 volt outlets

Queen-size Viking Explorer Bed (optional twin-bed configuration) with luxury linens & pillows

Private bathroom with shower, heated floor & anti-fog mirror

Premium Freyja® toiletries

Plush robes & slippers (upon request)

40" or 42" flat-screen Sony® TV with infotainment system featuring Movies On Demand, plus CNBC, CNN, FOX & more

Telephone, safe, refrigerator

Individual climate control

*All amenities on board Viking Longships; amenities vary on other ships.

Pre & Post Cruise Extensions

More days means more to discover, with extension packages you can add before or after your Viking cruise or cruisetour. Enjoy additional days to explore your embarkation or disembarkation city, or see a new destination altogether with a choice of exciting cities. Pre & Post Cruise Extensions vary by itinerary and are subject to change.

Pre: Istanbul

From $1,399 | 3 Nights

Pre: Transylvania & Bucharest

From $899 | 3 Nights

Post: Budapest

From $599 | 2 Nights

Post: Prague

Post: Prague Premium

From $1,199 | 3 Nights

Post: Budapest Premium

Post: Vienna

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Passage to Eastern Europe – A Viking River Cruise

• Post author: James
• Post published: June 17, 2021
• Post category: Viking / Europe

Please note that the opinions expressed in this article are entirely  our own, and we have not been compensated in any way for these opinions.

After two Viking River Cruises that included The Netherlands, Germany, France, Switzerland, Austria and Hungary, we decided to venture into Eastern Europe.  We were certainly not as familiar with Romania, Bulgaria, Serbia and Croatia, but were very excited to explore this area along the Danube.  As it turned out, we found these countries fascinating.  The interesting places that we visited and the warm, welcoming people we met far exceeded all of our expectations!  

Before discussing the specific itinerary of the Passage to Eastern Europe cruise, we thought we would first take a look at the Viking Cruise company and some general information regarding what to expect from any of their river cruises.  If you read our previous article on the Viking Rhine Getaway Cruise , this information may be familiar to you.

Viking Cruises

Founded in 1997, Viking Cruises has grown to be the world’s leading river cruise line and has expanded to include an ocean fleet that now sails around the world.  In January 2022, Viking will launch new expedition voyages, sailing to Antarctica, the Arctic and North America’s Great Lakes.  Also in 2022, Viking will expand its destination-focused travel experiences with the launch of Mississippi River cruises.  You can see all of their cruise options on their site here .

– Why You Should Give Viking a Try – One of the reasons we love Viking, and there are many, is that so much is included, with very few additional charges.   For one price you will have a beautiful stateroom, all your meals, a free excursion in every port, unlimited wine and beer with lunch and dinner and free WiFi.  You will only pay for drinks outside of lunch/dinner, gratuities and any optional excursions that you elect to take. Need some additional incentive to consider a Viking cruise?  Take a look at one of our recent articles, Viking River Cruise – 10 Reasons to Go .

– Preparing for Your River Cruise – To ensure you get the most from your river cruise experience, we recommend a number of things that you can do to enhance your trip, and it all starts from the time that you book your trip.

For example, Viking offers the option of booking your flight directly through Viking.  Typically, their pricing is very competitive and they even offer free air on some cruises.  For a small additional fee, you can even work with Viking to select your specific flights, including options for stopping over in other destination cities on the way to and from your cruise.  You can also enhance your trip by taking advantage of pre and post extensions, allowing you to spend additional time before or after your cruise in some spectacular destinations. 

You can find more information about booking tips in one of our previous articles, Tips for Booking a Viking Cruise. 

– Life on Board Viking’s River Ships  

The Viking river ships have no more than 195 passengers and never feel crowded.  There are several areas to relax, take in the sights and have a libation.  But there are a few things you will not find on a Viking river ship.  First, everyone must be 18 or over, so there are no children.  Second, there is no casino, theater or exercise gym (although there is a walking track on the top deck).  You can think of the ship as a luxury hotel that takes you from destination to destination.   

TIP: Although reservations were not needed in the past for the main dining venue, The Restaurant, protocols arising from the pandemic may require dinner reservations in advance.

• Lounge – The lounge is the main gathering place in the late afternoon as guests relax with their favorite beverage, after a fun-filled day of sightseeing. Each evening before dinner, the cruise director discusses any pertinent announcements and the next day’s itinerary, while the chef previews the evening’s dinner options.  By the way, we found the drink prices in the lounge to be very reasonably priced, much less than your typical luxury hotel!

After dinner the lounge is the place to go for the evening’s entertainment, which could be a cultural experience, live music or even a trivia game.

We know that first time cruisers may have many more questions about what to expect during the cruise itself.  You can find some additional information in another article, Viking Cruises Frequently Asked Questions.

Another frequently asked question is what to wear during your cruise.  In our article, What to Wear on a European River Cruise we will walk you through what to pack.

Passage to Eastern Europe – Ports of Call

Now that we have discussed some of the general information, let’s get started with the Passage to Eastern Europe cruise itinerary, along with the pre and post extensions that we added on to our cruise.   We opted for the pre-extension in Bucharest mainly because it included a trip to the Carpathian Mountains and a night in Brasov.   We also loved Prague so much from a previous trip, we decided to visit there again as a post-extension. 

Our trip was from mid-June to the first week in July.  The weather along the way was pleasant, although it consistently grew warmer throughout the remainder of June and as we entered July. 

TIP: Weather can always be unpredictable, so it’s always best to bring along layers so that you can easily adjust to changes in the weather during the day.

– Bucharest and Brasov, Romania

Our flight arrived in Bucharest late in the afternoon, the day before the Viking extension started.  We decided to come in one day early so we could do our own excursion before the start of the actual Viking extension.  It is easy to adjust your arrival and departure days by using the Viking deviation process .  We checked in to our hotel, the Sheraton Bucharest Hotel.  We selected the Sheraton because it was the same hotel Viking used for the extension, so we didn’t need to change hotels or even rooms.  Since we arrived one day early, we were not able to utilize Viking’s airport transfer, and we had to make our way to the hotel on our own.  We ended up simply taking an express bus from the airport to the town center and then had a short walk to the Sheraton. 

The Sheraton is very conveniently located and many restaurants and tourist sites are within walking distance. Once we settled in to our hotel, we had time to walk around a little and grab a bite to eat.

In this article we will review the highlights of the pre-extension trip to Brasov, but we previously wrote a detailed article on both Bucharest and Transylvania that covers these areas in more detail along with some recommendations for places to stay, restaurants and things to do.  You can find the articles here, A Week in Romania – Part 1: Bucharest and A Week in Romania – Part 2: Transylvania and Dracula’s Castle .

Romania Day 1: Bohemian Bucharest Tour – Most pre-extension passengers were arriving throughout the day. However, since we arrived the previous day, we arranged our own tour to see some of the historical, architectural, and culinary aspects of Bucharest that we knew the Viking tours would not cover.  We found this tour from Urban Adventures   to be excellent.  Our tour included walking through some historic neighborhoods (called mahallas), visiting an awesome marketplace and sampling local foods, including mici.  Mici are caseless sausages, made of ground beef mixed with various spices.  Believe me, they are delicious and became an instant favorite.  Our excellent guide, Dana, was very friendly and knowledgeable, helping to ensure that we had a fantastic time while learning a lot about Bucharest.

Romania Day 2: Brasov and Peles Castle – The next morning was the official start of the Viking extension.  After our included breakfast, we boarded a tour bus to head to the Carpathian Mountains.  We enjoyed a beautiful drive through the Romanian countryside before arriving at Peles Castle.  Peles Castle is located just north of the town of Sinaia about an hour north of Ploiesti. This ornate, beautiful castle is built in the Neo-Renaissance style and looks like something out of a fairytale. Romania’s first king, King Carol I, constructed the castle as part of a compound that he and his family used as a summer residence.  Be sure to stroll through the surrounding gardens after your tour of the castle.

From Peles Castle we continued on to the town of Brasov, which was to be our overnight stop.  Before checking in to the hotel, the Kronwell Brasov Hotel, we had a tour of Brasov.  The main square in Brasov is called Council Square.  The square is full of shops and restaurants, and there was plenty of time to walk around and relax with a coffee at one of the many cafes.  The Biserica Neagră church, which translates as the ‘Black Church’, is also located here.  Legend has it that the 15 th century church gets its name from a fire that caused damage and turned the walls black in the 1600’s. 

Romania Day 3: Bran Castle – The next morning we checked out of the hotel and boarded the bus again for a trip to Bran Castle.  Admittedly Bran Castle is a very ‘touristy’ place, however the castle and its history are quite interesting.  Coupled with the beautiful surroundings, this really is a spot not to be missed. Plus, how many people can say they visited Dracula’s castle (wink-wink)?

After the morning tour, we were on our own to grab lunch.  At the base of the castle are many shops and restaurants.  We chose a charming place and for a tourist spot, meals are very reasonably priced.   We split a pizza and each had a beer and our check was under $15!  After lunch we again boarded the bus, made our way back to Bucharest and checked back into the Sheraton.

Romania Day 4: Snagov Monastery & Mogosoaia Palace – This day was the last day of the extension and no included tours were offered.  So, we decided to take the optional tour to Mogosaia Palace & Snagov Monastery.

The Mogosoaia Palace was the home of Constantin Brancoveanu, Prince of Wallachia from 1688 to 1714. (Wallachia was the name of this area of southern Romania from the 1300’s to the 1800’s.) The beautiful summer palace was completed in the Brancovenesc style, which is a combination of Ottoman and Venetian architectural styles.

Located about 25 miles from the Mogosoaia Palace is the Snagov Monastery. The monastery was founded in the 1300’s and is located on an island in the middle of a lake. There is supposedly one monk remaining who is responsible for caring for the small Orthodox Church, which is really the only remnant of the original monastery. The religious artwork inside the little church is very well preserved and is quite beautiful.  In the middle of the church is the grave of Vlad the Impaler. (If you are not aware, Vlad the Impaler was a 15th century ruler of Romania and Bram Stoker’s inspiration for Dracula.) However, there seems to be some disagreement regarding who is actually buried there.

As noted, this day was the last for the pre-extension.  So, while we were out on our excursion, our fellow cruise passengers had been checking in at the hotel in Bucharest throughout the day, marking the official start of the cruise portion of our trip. 

Romania Day 5: Bucharest & The Village Museum – After checking out of our hotel and before arriving at our cruise ship, an included all day tour took us to the top sites in Bucharest.  The first part of the tour consisted mostly of riding in the bus and driving by some of Bucharests’s highlights such as the Romanian Athenaeum, the Arch of Triumph and the expansive Palace of Parliament.  On our trip, two versions of the included tour were offered.  One version included a full tour of the Parliament building.  So, we selected that option and we were not disappointed. The interior of the Parliament building is huge and it is in fact the second largest building in the world, exceeded only by the Pentagon.

The second main destination for the day was the Dimitri Gusti National Village Museum.  For a real step back in time, the National Village Museum brings to life the history of Romania’s rural areas and traditional lifestyles. This nearly 40-acre, open-air museum is comprised of an impressive collection of authentic structures, many of which have been relocated from across the country.

The included lunch of Romanian specialties was very good and also included a lively folkloric performance.

– Russe, Bulgaria

The first stop on the cruise was Russe, Bulgaria.  Russe is located just across the Danube from where we boarded our ship, so there wasn’t any real sailing required to get to this destination.  But now on the Bulgarian side of the Danube, we boarded buses to begin our first day in Bulgaria.

Veliko Tarnovo – At the start of our journey, we traveled through the city of Russe and the Bulgarian countryside as we made our way to our first stop in Veliko Tarnovo.  The countryside was full of sunflower fields that seemed to go on forever.  As you can see from the picture, they make for an amazing site!  The small medieval town of Veliko Tarnovo is built around Tsarevets Hill and the royal castle on its hilltop.

We stopped for coffee and some treats at the Interhotel Veliko Tarnovo.  Built in the 1980’s, this Soviet-era hotel is very unique, if not somewhat strange.  It is sometimes referred to as the ‘world’s ugliest hotel’ despite the fact that it was considered luxurious in its day.  From this spot on the Yantra River we had good views of the surrounding town, including the castle.

The next stop was Samovodska Charshia, which is a traditional street packed with artisans, small shops, and very friendly shop owners.   We had seen a silversmith’s shop on an episode of Rick Steve’s Europe, so we had to go in and meet the owner.  The shop owner talked with us for a while and proudly displayed pictures of himself with Rick.  We even picked out a piece of jewelry to take back home with us.

Arbanasi – We stopped for lunch just a short drive away in Arbanasi.   The restaurant was located in a charming park-like setting.  Throughout the garden were multiple small buildings and patios with dining tables, so that everyone was spread out throughout the garden.  Bulgarian specialties were offered in a multi-course meal, while traditionally dressed singers and dancers performed at each of the venues.  We enjoyed both the food and the entertainment.  After lunch we stopped at the Nativity Church.  The church was purposefully built to be very plain on its exterior.  However, the inside is very ornate and the frescos were incredible.  From the church our bus carried us back across the countryside to our waiting ship and dinner.

– Vidin, Bulgaria

The day started after breakfast with a one-hour drive across more incredible Bulgarian landscape to reach Belogradchik Rocks & Fortress.  We had no idea these unique rock formations even existed!  Although it was a bit of a hike, the views from the top were well worth it.  Some folks took longer to get to the top than others, but I think everyone who wanted to, made it to the top.  There was plenty of time to explore the surroundings and there were many spots for excellent photo opportunities. 

After arriving back at the ship and grabbing a quick bite for lunch, we decided to explore some of Vidin on our own.  We started our walk along the river and quickly reached the Monument of Freedom.  Just a few steps further and we were at Baba Vida Fortress.  Baba Vida is among the most well-preserved medieval fortification constructions in Bulgaria.  While we did not take the tour of the interior of the fortress, we did walk around its perimeter and the mote that surrounds it.

After leaving the fortress, we turned back toward town to view the ruins of the Vidin Synagogue, which was completed in 1894 and was Bulgaria’s second largest synagogue.   It was seized by the communist government after World War II and was left in ruins.  There have been discussions for years concerning its restoration, but unfortunately it still stands in ruins today.  

– The Iron Gate & Golubac, Serbia

As you cruise this area, watch for Trajan’s Tablet on the Serbian side of the Danube (above left), which marks the location of a Roman military road and the enormous rock sculpture of Dacian King Decebalus on the Romanian side of the river (above right).

Once we exited the Iron Gate area, we made a quick stop at Donji Milanovac on the Serbian side of the Danube.  This stop was to let people disembark for an optional tour.  While we did not take that tour, we did have time to stroll along the river in the picturesque small town.

Golubac Fortress – We then continued on to the impressive Golubac Fortress, which was not even listed as a stop on our itinerary at the time of our cruise.   Located right along the river, the fortress and visitor’s center had only recently opened for visitors.  We were told that this was one of the first times Viking had stopped at this spot and they solicited passengers’ opinions about making the Golubac Fortress a permanent part of the cruise itinerary.   We really enjoyed the fortress and apparently others liked it as well, since it is now on the cruise itinerary.   

– Belgrade, Serbia

Belgrade was the capital of the former state of Yugoslavia and is now the capital of Serbia.  It’s location at the confluence of the Sava and Danube Rivers has made it a contested region and has contributed to the city being destroyed and rebuilt some 20 times.  Owing to reconstruction that took place after the warfare of the 1990’s, the city is now a combination of old historical structures and new, very modern buildings.

We arrived in Belgrade just before sunrise and awoke to some very load music.  I opened the sliding glass doors on our cabin to realize the sound was live bands coming from bars along the river.  I was amazed that people were still partying at sunrise on a weekday, but after talking with some local folks, we found that it is not too unusual for Belgrade.

After breakfast, our included tour started with a stop at Kalemegdan Fortress.  The fortress dominates the skyline of Belgrade and the views and photo opportunities are very good.  Also located here is the Victor Statue (Pobednik monument), which is Belgrade’s most famous landmark.  It commemorates the Kingdom of Serbia’s war victories over the Ottoman Empire (First Balkan War) and Austria-Hungary (World War I).  The bronze male figure holds a falcon in one hand, on watch for the new threats on the horizon, and a sword of war, ready to counter these threats in the other.

Rejoining the bus, the tour of the city continued with a drive highlighting some of the more modern aspects of Belgrade.  Again, we were amazed at the contrast of old and new buildings and at how beautiful and clean the city appeared.

Our tour ended with a stop at the Temple of St. Sava.  Although the church was built in the 20 th century, construction was started and stopped many times due to wars and political upheaval.   St. Sava was one of the most important figures in Serbian history.  The church’s site was selected because St. Sava’s grave was said to be here.  It is the largest Orthodox Church in Serbia, and it ranks among the largest churches in the world.  When we arrived, we were told we could not go inside, and that we could only visit the basement.  At first we were disappointed, but upon entering the basement, we were in awe.  The pictures are amazing, but hardly do the site justice.

– Osijek and Vukovar, Croatia

After cruising all night and most of the next morning, we arrived in Vukovar, Croatia around noon.  Our included tour started right after lunch and began with a driving tour of Vukovar before setting off toward Osijek, which is on the Drava River. 

After arriving in Osijek, we visited the Rising of the Holy Cross Church and enjoyed a short concert there.  After exploring the Holy Trinity Square and all of the small shops and architecture, we traveled back to our waiting ship.

– Kalocsa, Hungary

We arrived in Kalocsa after lunch and then boarded the bus for our included tour. The first stop was in Kalocsa to visit the Archbishop’s Palace and St. Joseph Church.  The church had a beautiful organ and we were treated to a short concert. 

From there we traveled to the Bakodpuszta Equestrian Center, a family-owned horse farm.  If you have never seen Hungarian horsemen in action, prepare to be amazed.   The horsemanship displayed is a testament to the amazing relationship of trust and respect that exists between the humans and the horses. There was time after the show to explore the grounds, take a carriage ride, and visit some of the horses and other animals residing at the Equestrian Center.

TIP: You might have noticed that we didn’t do any optional excursions during our time on the ship.  We found that the included tours were very good and took up most of the time in port.  We also love walking around and exploring on our own.  So be careful not to book too many excursions and save time for your own exploration.

– Budapest, Hungary

This visit was our second time in Budapest. If you would like more detail about Budapest, including where to stay, where to eat and things to do, we wrote a detailed article on visiting Budapest that you can find here, Budapest in 3 Days .   Below are the highlights of the activities from this cruise.

Budapest Day 1: Panoramic Budapest Tour – We arrived in Budapest in the morning.  From the Sun Deck of our ship the views of the city are truly amazing.  The Liberty Statue high above the river, the famous Chain Bridge, and the Parliament Building on the bank of river offer so much to see!  Once we disembarked, we started our tour of all of the major sights.  Starting on the more modern Pest side of the river, we drove down the elegant Andrássy Avenue, sometimes called the Champs-Élysées of Budapest.  We admired the National Opera House and circled Heroes’ Square, a wide-open plaza of monuments and statues commemorating the Magyar state.

Crossing the river to the more traditional Buda side of the city, we arrived in the Castle District with its massive hilltop castle complex, the turreted Fishermen’s Bastion and Matthias Church.  We had a tour inside the church and had time to discover fantastic picture spots from atop Fisherman’s Bastion, where we had some of the best views of Budapest. 

Next, we traveled to the Market Hall and browsed the huge market where all types of fresh food was for sale.  Just outside and across the street from the Market Hall,  we found the Anna Cafe, where we shared a charcuterie board and sampled the local brew.  Finally, we arrived at our hotel, the Hilton Budapest City, our home for the next two nights.

Budapest Day 2: Wine Tour and Andrássy Avenue – Since we had been to Budapest before, we decided we would spend the morning on a non-Viking tour to the Etyek-Buda Wine Region, only 30km from Budapest. That morning our guide picked us up right on time from our hotel for the 4-hour tour. We first visited the Nadas Bormuhely winery where we met the owner and sampled six of his delicious wines. We also toured his winemaking facilities and learned about the history of wine in this region of the country. From there we traveled a short distance to the Buzal-Morocza Winery and Guesthouse, where we were treated to a delicious 3-course lunch served with plenty of the winery’s wonderful vintages. So if you are looking for a fun adventure that is a little more laid back and a chance to meet the local people, this wine country tour is a great excursion.

After returning from the winery tour, we set out to explore Andrássy Avenue on our own.  Andrássy Avenue is just under 3 miles long and extends from Heroes’ Square to Elizabeth Square.  Elizabeth Square is also where the Budapest Eye is located.  After we finished our walk, we stopped by the High Note Skybar.  It is a great stop for an afternoon or late night snack and libation. Located one block off Andrassy Avenue near the Budapest Eye and next to St. Stephen’s Basilica, we had fantastic 360-degree views from their multi-level rooftop terrace.

– Prague, Czech Republic

We had also visited Prague on a previous trip and we wrote this article on the Highlights of Prague . You can find more detailed information about Prague in that article.  Here, we will recap our time in Prague after the Passage to Eastern Europe Cruise.  

Prague Day 1: Prague by Night – The bus ride from Budapest to the Czech Republic takes about 6 hours. Passing through 3 countries, Hungary, Slovakia and the Czech Republic, the scenery is beautiful and the time passes quickly.  After arriving in Prague, we checked in to our hotel, the Art Nouveau Palace Hotel. This is a charming hotel, only a few blocks off the Old Town Square.

We had signed up for the Prague by Night optional tour and while it was not really completely dark at that time of July, the tour was lovely nonetheless.  The first stop was the Žižkov Television Tower.  The tower was completed in the early 1990s and is regarded as one of the ugliest structures in the world.  Most of the pictures you see of Prague are taken from the Prague Castle side of the city. But the tower is on the opposite side of Prague, so the tower’s observation deck does provide a unique vantage point for some excellent photos of Prague.   Now for the strange part. The tower is also home to unique sculptures called ‘The Babies’. These baby statues are huge, faceless and crawling all over the tower. Some people really like it and find it artistic. Others, not so much. Personally, we thought they were very creepy.

Our next major stop was on the other side of Prague at the Strahov Monastery, not far from Prague Castle.  From there we could see the television tower we had just visited,  along with some of the more iconic views of Prague.  We were glad we did this optional tour as it provided some unique photo opportunities.  It also allowed us to discover a great lunch spot we would visit a few days later, Bellavista Prague, which is adjacent to the monastery and offers the spectacular views.

Prague Day 2: Panoramic Prague – Right after breakfast, the included tour started in the Old Town Square.  It is a wonderful tour that explores many of the main sights of Prague. 

Old Town Square – The Old Town Square contains some of the main attractions in Prague.  We started with the Tyne Church. This magnificent Gothic church was built in the 14th century. Its spires tower more than 260 feet and are the dominant feature on the Prague skyline.  Next, we walked over to the Astronomical Clock. This beautiful clock has been in place on the Old Town Hall since 1410, and is the oldest astronomical clock that is still operating. At the top of each hour the clock chimes and various sculptures, including a skeleton, move about on the clock.  On the opposite side of the square from the Tyne Church is the St Nicholas Church. Built in the 18th century, this church is one of the best examples of Baroque architecture in central Europe.

Charles Bridge – From the square we walked a short distance to the Charles Bridge.  The bridge was built in the 15th century and is a pedestrian-only bridge which connects the Old Town with the Castle District.  All along the bridge are 30 statues of the saints erected during the 17 th and 18 th centuries.

Castle District – Just beyond the Charles Bridge, our tour continued on a Viking bus that drove us up to the Castle District.  Prague Castle is more than a thousand years old and is now a UNESCO World Heritage site. Built in the 10th century, Prague Castle is the largest castle complex in the world, is composed of buildings constructed in various architectural styles and currently houses the office of the Czech president.

There are quite a few sights to see in the Castle District.  The most prominent sight is the St. Vitus Cathedral.  It is the largest cathedral in the country and we found it quite remarkable.   A second and smaller church, the Basilica of St. George’s, was originally built around 920 and is one of the oldest churches in the Czech Republic.   We also visited the Royal Palace that was used for various state functions.  If time permits, try to check out some of the other buildings in the complex, as well as the changing of the guard ceremony that takes place daily at noon.     

TIP:  Here is a bit of advice.  While the included tour is fantastic, it puts you in the Castle District by late morning, the busiest time of the day.  Since this is the top spot in Prague, it will be packed and hard to see the sites. Consider returning to the Castle District on another day and making it your starting point for the day.  Most of the sites open at 9 AM, and tickets go on sale shortly before that time. There are different types of tickets, known as circuits. We purchased one for about $10 per person and it included all the main sites. More information can be found here .   Using this strategy, we were able to walk into every site, virtually by ourselves.

Prague Day 3: Terizen Optional Excursion – For our last day in Prague, we thought we would do something outside of the city.  So, we selected the optional excursion to Terizen.  Terizen was a World War II concentration camp, located 30 miles north of Prague.  Although this tour was certainly not uplifting, it was educational and very moving. As painful as it is, it is important for everyone to understand history in the hope that it is never repeated.

The next morning, we departed our hotel and Viking escorted us to the airport for our long flight home. We really enjoyed this trip and we think you will too!

We hope you found our review of the Viking Passage to Eastern Europe Cruise helpful and informative.  And we hope you join us in the future as we explore some other Viking Cruises.   

Safe travels!

This Post Has 8 Comments

Really enjoyed the article. This should be a great help for those wishing to explore this part of the world. Keep up the good work.

Thank you for sharing this trip. We are going on this itinerary in October with Emerald. I have a question about money. We’re there any places you weren’t able to use a credit card for purchases? Are there many street vendors? With so many countries and each having their own currency, it is making for more difficult planning.

Whenever we travel, we try to use our credit card as much as possible. In Europe, this is fairly easy. We did take some Euros with us, which we used for tipping tour guides. It is also easy to stop at an ATM and get some local currency if you need it. But avoid the ATMs on the street, they will over charge you. Try to use an ATM in a hotel or bank.

Thank you for the resume of this trip. We were booked on this same trip for May 2020 rescheduled to August 2021 and again rescheduled to July 2022. Really hoping this one will work. We are also doing the pre-cruise in Bucharest. You’ve done a really great job of detailing your trip, thanks so much. Now we are more eager than ever to do this trip.

Thank you for the comment. Hope you have a great trip!

Sounds fabulous. Can you share info about your independent tour of Etyek- Buda wine region? Who did you book with?

Here is a link to the tour we did. It was great fun and good food. https://www.tripadvisor.com/AttractionProductReview-g274887-d11454343-Half_day_Wine_Tasting_Tour_in_Etyek_Wine_Country_near_Budapest-Budapest_Central_Hu.html

Just got back from this trip. It was amazing and I felt it taught me a lot about politics, communism as I heard many stories about life there from people we met. In Bucharest took a private tour “The Real Communism” which was both chilling but victorious in the end in Liberty Square. I HIGHLY recommend this Viking tour as it is thought provoking besides interesting and full of history. (American ex-pat living in England)

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• 2024 2025 2026
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VIKING RIVER CRUISES 11 Days | Passage to Eastern Europe Eastbound

BUDAPEST TO BUCHAREST Day 1 | Budapest, Hungary. Arrive at the Budapest airport and transfer to the moderate deluxe Hilton Budapest (or similar) in the heart of the city for a 2-night stay. Spend the rest of the day relaxing, or begin doing a bit of exploring on your own. Day 2 | Budapest.  This morning, take a tour of Hungary’s capital, exploring both the “Buda” and “Pest” sides. Begin in Pest, where you see the National Opera House and visit historic Heroes’ Square. Cross the Chain Bridge to Buda, where you stroll Fishermen’s Hill to Fishermen’s Bastion and Matthias Church. The rest of your day is free. (B) Day 3 | Budapest.  After breakfast, check out of your hotel and we will take you to embark your ship. Enjoy a final free day in Budapest—explore a museum, do some shopping, ride around the city on the wonderful subway system, peek inside one of the Art Deco spas or visit the Great Synagogue and Jewish Quarter. As always, your Program Director can help you plan your free time. Return to your ship for a welcome dinner aboard. (B, D) Day 4 | Kalocsa. Arrive in Kalocsa this morning and take a guided city tour including a visit to the Archbishop’s Palace. Then, you are treated to a performance of traditional Puszta horsemanship. Return aboard and enjoy your lunch during departure. Dine aboard. (B, L, D) Day 5 | Osijek, Croatia. Wake up in Vukovar and have breakfast before your excursion to the Croatian city of Osijek. Inhabited by humans since Neolithic times, this area has had several heydays under the Romans, the Ottomans and the Habsburgs; now it is a pleasant town popular for its baroque buildings, parks and monuments. Return aboard for lunch and departure. International cuisine for dinner in the evening. (B, L, D) Day 6 | Belgrade, Serbia. Wake up in Belgrade, capital of Serbia. Take a guided walk through the grounds of Kalemegdan Fortress, now a beautiful park; also see the Orthodox cathedral and stop at the Square of the Republic. Lunch aboard, then free time to explore Belgrade’s gracious architecture or visit one of its many museums, like the Nikola Tesla Museum. Dine aboard or experience some of Belgrade’s nightlife—we depart very late this evening. (B, L, D) Day 7 | Scenic Cruising. Iron Gate. Today, enjoy scenic cruising as you travel through one of the most picturesque areas of the Lower Danube. The Iron Gate is one of Europe’s most dramatic natural wonders, a spectacular narrow gorge with enormous white limestone cliffs. Your cruise director will provide commentary about the region and scenic points of interest as you sail toward Vidin. (B, L, D) Day 8 | Vidin, Bulgaria. Belogradchik.  Arrive in the picturesque Bulgarian port of Vidin during breakfast, then take an excursion to see Belogradchik Fortress, built right into the striking Belogradchik Rocks, and enjoy breathtaking views. Lunch aboard is followed by free time to explore Vidin’s city center, Orthodox churches and the ruins of the city’s once-grand synagogue. Depart during dinner. (B, L, D) Day 9 | Veliko Tarnovo. Arbanasi. After breakfast, disembark at Russe for a full-day excursion to Bulgaria’s former capital, Veliko Tarnovo. There you will see Tsaravets Hill and the ruins of the royal castle. During free time, shop for local crafts along Samovodska Charshia. Proceed to Arbanasi for lunch in a local restaurant and a guided tour of the Nativity Church with its intricate floor-to-ceiling murals and icons. Return to your ship and dine aboard. (B, L, D) Day 10 | Giurgiu, Romania. Bucharest. Disembark in Giurgiu and proceed to the superior first class Athenee Palace Hilton (or similar) in the heart of the Bucharest for a 1-night stay. This afternoon, enjoy a half-day tour of Romania’s lovely capital city. See the Arch of Triumph, the Antim Monastery and the iconic Palace of Justice, completing your tour at the Palace of Parliament. Enjoy a final evening in Bucharest. (B, L) Day 11 | Bucharest. After breakfast, check out of your hotel and proceed to the airport for your return flight. Or, extend your journey with 3 nights in the Black Sea region. (B) NOTE: Itinerary is subject to change without notice. For the most up-to-date information, please refer to the itinerary schedule you receive with your final documents.

• Expeditions
• Complimentary Brochures
• Bucharest to Budapest
• Budapest to Bucharest

Passage to Eastern Europe

• From AU$5,395
• 8 Guided Tours
• 5 Countries
• Dates & Pricing
• 2024 2025 2026
• Bucharest to Budapest Budapest to Bucharest

Passage to Eastern Europe Map

Sail to lands rich in traditions

See Bucharest’s 3,000-room Palace of Parliament. Make banitsa bread with a home cook in Vidin. Explore Belgrade’s Ottoman and European treasures, including the 6th-century Kalemegdan Fortress. View the Danube’s towering Iron Gate. Witness Hungary’s daredevil Puszta horsemen. Behold Budapest’s grandeur. Once hidden behind the Iron Curtain, the eastern Danube still has secrets to reveal on this enriching cruisetour.

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Bottled water replenished daily

110/220 volt outlets

Queen-size Viking Explorer Bed (optional twin-bed configuration) with luxury linens & pillows

Private bathroom with shower, heated floor & anti-fog mirror

Premium Freyja® toiletries

Plush robes & slippers (upon request)

40" or 42" flat-screen Sony® TV with infotainment system featuring Movies On Demand, plus CNBC, CNN, FOX & more

Telephone, safe, refrigerator

Individual climate control

*All amenities on board Viking Longships; amenities vary on other ships.

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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. 

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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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Viking reveals the best of the Far East and Southeast Asia, painting a canvas with brushstrokes of lush jungle, fishing villages and modern cities. Experience India’s temples, Jakarta’s street cuisine and ports such as Tokyo and Shanghai. Here are a few highlights you will enjoy:

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Your Stateroom Includes:

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Private bathroom with shower, heated floor & anti-fog mirror

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40" or 42" flat-screen Sony® TV with infotainment system featuring Movies On Demand, plus CNBC, CNN, FOX & more

Telephone, safe, refrigerator

Individual climate control

*All amenities on board Viking Longships; amenities vary on other ships.

Booking Terms & Conditions >

Booking Terms & Conditions

2024-2026 RIVER CRUISE AND AIR FARES:  Offer applies to bookings made from April 1-30, 2024. Terms & conditions for select promotions may vary. $25 deposit is applicable to all River itineraries. Special fares plus up to FREE International airfare valid on select departures of Grand European Tour, Lyon Provence & the Rhineland, European Sojourn and Capitals of Eastern Europe . Airfares may vary on other gateways & departures. Airfare does not have to be purchased to get cruise\cruisetour offer. All prices are in CA dollars and for CA residents only. Additional restrictions may apply. 2024: Pay in full by May 31, 2024 or at time of booking if within 120 days of departure. 2025: Pay in full by July 31, 2024. 2026: Pay in full by February 15, 2025. Offers expires April 30, 2024.

$25 DEPOSIT:  For itineraries 35 days or less, a $25 deposit applies to September 2024 & onward departures; for itineraries greater than 35 days, a $25 deposit applies to November 2024 & onward departures; World Cruise products excluded; call for details.

GENERAL RESTRICTIONS: Cruise fares listed are cruise only in CAD dollars, per person, based on double occupancy and for CA residents only. Cruise ship fuel surcharge may apply. All fares and offers are for new bookings made April 1, 2024 to April 30, 2024, are subject to availability; may not combinable with other offers except Viking Explorer Society Credit and Viking Referral Rewards. Special cruise fares are based upon published full cruise fares; cruise fares do not include prepaid charges, optional facilities and service fees, and personal charges, as defined in the terms and conditions of the  Passenger Ticket Contract  which may be viewed elsewhere on this website. Full cruise fares may not have resulted in actual sales in all stateroom categories and may not have been in effect during the last 90 days. Promotional fares may remain in effect after the expiration date. Air promotion applies to economy, roundtrip flights only from select Viking River Cruises CA gateways and includes airport-to-ship or hotel transfers, air taxes and air fuel surcharges. Viking reserves the right to correct errors or omissions and to change any and all fares, fees and surcharges at any time. For up-to-date prices, please call Viking or your Travel Agent. The cruise ship fuel surcharge is additional revenue to Viking Cruises, as are any additional charges relating to currency fluctuation other than for fully paid cruise fares and full fares, which fluctuations are beyond our control. All fares include cruise taxes, port taxes and fees. Additional terms and conditions may apply. Complete terms and conditions may be found in the  Passenger Ticket Contract  .

Additional airline-imposed baggage charges may apply; for more information on  Airline Luggage Restrictions  or to learn more about allowances and general airline information visit  Airline Information & Restrictions . AIR UPGRADE:  Upgrade to Premium Economy air from $999 CAD per person or Business Class air from $4,499 CAD per person based on select gateways and dates. Additional airline-imposed baggage charges may apply; for more information visit  Airline Luggage Restrictions . Air prices are per person based on cruise/cruisetour check-in date and include transfers plus all government taxes/fees of approximately $160 and air fuel surcharges. Air seats are limited; airfares are subject to change and are not guaranteed until full payment of air is received. For more information about customized air services and US gateways, visit the Viking Air Plus page.

AIR OFFER RESTRICTIONS:  Offer expires April 30, 2024.

NOTE:  North American flights depart one day prior to check-in date. Paid Business or Premium Economy Class may require travel in economy on flights within North America or Europe. Premium economy is limited to specific airlines and we may not be able to accommodate based on aircraft type and availability. Roundtrip airport transfers are included when air is purchased with a cruise or cruisetour package; if air is not purchased from Viking, transfers may be purchased separately. All transfers must be in conjunction with a Viking-purchased cruise, cruisetour, land extension or extra hotel nights. Air prices are per person based on cruise/cruisetour check-in date and include transfers plus all government taxes/fees of approximately $160 and air fuel surcharges. Air seats are limited; airfares are subject to change and are not guaranteed until full payment of air is received.

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5-Day River Sale

• Free Silver Spirits Beverage Package on select 2025 & 2026 river voyages
• Use offer code SW4