One of Viking’s most popular cruises, the European Sojourn will introduce you to eight countries along the Rhine, Main and Danube Rivers. Viking is also offering extensions in Amsterdam, Bucharest and Transylvania.
From windmills and clogs to the home of Dracula, the Main-Danube Canal allows ships to travel directly from the North Sea to the Black Sea region, traversing Western, Central and Eastern Europe in a single journey. See the canals of Amsterdam, the castles of the Rhine Valley, great Danube cities like Vienna and Budapest, and many colorful capitals of Eastern Europe with Viking River Cruises on the incredible 23-day European Sojourn tour that includes eight countries on the Rhine, Main and Danube Rivers.
With Viking you can explore unforgettable destinations such as Cologne with a visit to the Dom, Germany’s largest cathedral and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Established by the Romans in the first century AD, this ancient city still shows signs of its rich history with an array of Roman ruins waiting to be explored. Cologne is famous for Eau de Cologne, a perfume created by Italian expatriate Johann Maria Farina at the beginning of the 18th century, which is still produced in Cologne today. Wander interesting neighborhoods and wonderful museums such as the Fragrance Museum and the Chocolate Museum – an indulgence no chocaholic can refuse.
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. Spend free time exploring Nuremberg’s Old Town, or join an optional World War II tour that includes the illuminating Documentation Center.
Discover Bucharest, Romania’s cultural capital, which has been nicknamed “Little Paris of the East” for its elegant architecture and the sophistication of its elite. Marvel at the grandeur of the Palace of Parliament, the world’s second largest building, which was originally built as a palace for Nicolae Ceau?escu, but who was overthrown and executed before it was completed or simply sit back and indulge in a local Ursus Beer – nominated by some as the best in the Balkans.
On board a Viking Longship, you are greeted with an abundance of space with room to relax, fresh air to breathe and all the comforts of a fine hotel – one that is designed to blend seamlessly with the spectacular panorama of ever-changing views.
With Viking, guests are also offered the option of extending their European adventure by adding one of Vikings ‘Explore More’ pre- or post-cruise extension packages such as:
· Two night pre-departure extension in Amsterdam.
Visit world-renowned museums including the Van Gogh Museum, Hermitage Amsterdam or Rijksmuseum, featuring works by the Dutch Masters. Discover hidden gems, from the fascinating Maritime Museum to the Jewish Historical Museum. Soak up atmosphere at colorful flower markets or rent a bicycle and tour the town like a local. Two nights at the Mövenpick Hotel Amsterdam (or similar), daily breakfasts, a walking tour and hotel/ship transfers are included along with the services of a Viking host from $599 per person.
· Three night post-departure extension in Bucharest and Transylvania
Extend your Eastern European journey with three nights in Romania. Encounter the mysteries of Transylvania with an excursion to Bra?ov featuring tours of Peles and the famed Dracula’s Castle. An optional visit to the Black Sea port of Constan?a is also available. Two nights at the Radisson Blu Hotel Bucharest and one night at the Ramada Brasov (or similar); daily breakfasts; Bucharest city tour and castle tours; and hotel/ships transfers are included along with the services of a Viking host from $839 per person.
The European Sojourn is priced from $9,295 pp. for a Standard Stateroom, with various departures from March – October 2015. Including accommodation, all onboard meals, complimentary onboard Silver Spirits Beverage package, 19 guided tours with audio headset, all port charges, free Wifi, visits to 9 UNESCO World Heritage Sites and a culture curriculum – Enjoy concerts aboard and ashore; attend lectures on current affairs and the myth of Dracula; learn how to make your own Rüdesheimer coffee; enjoy folkloric performances; learn about icons and orthodox religion from a Bulgarian priest.
Source: Viking River Cruises