Danube Waltz Viking River Cruise

Welcome to Budapest, capital of Hungary. Transfer to your ship from the airport.* After boarding, the afternoon is yours to relax or do a bit of exploring. Tonight, return to your ship for a traditional Hungarian dinner. (Dinner)

^{* Ground transfers are included with Viking Air purchase.}

Today we see highlights of the hilly Buda and cosmopolitan Pest sides of the city, starting with Pests National Opera House and historic Heroes Square. In Buda, walk along Castle Hill to Fishermens Bastion and Matthias Church. Enjoy lunch on board your ship; the rest of the day is yours to explore the city. You may wish to visit the Art Nouveau Gellrt Spa, or one of the many other lavish facilities in this City of Healing Waters. Return to your ship for dinner and evening departure. (B, L, D)

Arrive in Bratislava this afternoon and embark on a walking tour of Slovakias charming capital with a long and fascinating history. It is the only national capital that borders two other countries, Austria and Hungary. See attractions like the medieval Town Hall complex and fortifications at Michaels Tower, the baroque Jesuit Church and Gothic St. Martins Cathedral, and pass by several Hapsburg-era baroque palaces before returning to your ship. This evening you can relax or take a walk before our late departure. (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)

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 citys baroque architecture, including the world-famous Opera House, St. Stephens Cathedral and Hofburg Palace. Return to your ship for lunch. The rest of the day is yours to further explore. As always, your Program Director can help you plan your free time. Or you may take an optional tour to Schnbrunn Palace, the Versailles of Vienna, erected in 1778 and graced by a number of formal gardens, Grecian statuary, the worlds oldest zoo and Roman ruins. After dinner, relax or enjoy an optional classical concert. (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)

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

Wake up in Linz this morning and set off to explore this cultural gem by mini-train and on foot. Ride along the Danubes south bank and take in the sights; see the Brucknerhaus concert hall, Linz Castle and the Market Hall, where Mozart wrote the Linz Symphony, followed by a walking tour of the citys Old Quarter. Alternatively, join a full day optional excursion to the beautiful Bohemian town of esk Krumlov, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Explore the baroque and Renaissance buildings and the towns charming streets, brimming with cafs, shops and galleries. Return on board for dinner and a late-evening departure. (Breakfast, Dinner)

Arrive this morning in Passau, at the confluence of the Inn, Ilz and Danube Rivers. Your guided walk along the towns narrow streets takes you through Old Town and past traditional patrician houses. Admire the New Bishops Residence and see the impressive baroque St. Stephens Cathedral; its ornate interior is home to the Europes largest church organ. Enjoy an onboard lunch, but return to the city to further explore on your own before dinner. (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)