22-night European Sojourn Cruise/Land Package

Arrive in Amsterdam, then transfer to your ship (ground transfers are included with Viking Air purchase). 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. (Dinner),

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. You learn why the windmills were built and see how they work, plus you enter a working windmill for a tour of its mechanisms and living quarters. Return onboard 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. (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner),

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 onboard; we depart at midnight. (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner),

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 onboard your ship. (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner),

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 onboard your ship. (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner),

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 onboard your ship. (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner),

Winding from Bingen to Bonn, the 'heroic Rhine' has created a beautifully picturesque gorge. The river-scape has been an inspiration to both artists and authors.

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. (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner),

This morning, you may choose to join an optional full-day excursion 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, one of Germany's largest and most ornate Baroque palaces and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Rejoin your ship for dinner. (Breakfast, Lunch, 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 onboard. (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner),

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. Alternatively, 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. (Breakfast, Lunch, 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 Wurstküche (Old Sausage Kitchen), Germany's oldest restaurant. Alternatively, 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 onboard before our evening departure. (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner),

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. Stephan'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 onboard your ship, and return to the city for further exploration on your own before departing. Alternatively, 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. (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner); Note: Passau organ concert is available May 1–October 31 only and is closed on Sundays.,

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. (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner),

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. (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 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 explore further. As always, your program director can help you plan your free time. Alternatively, 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. (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner),

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. Alternatively, 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. (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner),

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 Fisherman's Bastion and Matthias Church. Enjoy lunch onboard your ship, with the rest of the day to explore on your own. Alternatively, 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. (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner),

After breakfast, disembark for a final free day in Budapest to explore a museum, do some shopping, ride the innovative and efficient metro, visit one of the Art Nouveau spas, or see the Great Synagogue and Jewish Quarter. As always, your program director can help you plan your free time. Enjoy a final evening in the bustling Hungarian capital. (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner),

Arrive in Kalocsa, Hungary, this morning and take a guided city tour visiting the town center followed by a short organ concert at St. Joseph Church. Then, you are treated to a performance of traditional Puszta horsemanship. Return onboard and enjoy your lunch during departure. Dine onboard. (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner),

Arrive in Kalocsa, Hungary, this morning and take a guided city tour visiting the town center followed by a short organ concert at St. Joseph Church. Then, you are treated to a performance of traditional Puszta horsemanship. Return onboard and enjoy your lunch during departure. Dine onboard. (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner),

Arrive in Kalocsa, Hungary, this morning and take a guided city tour visiting the town center followed by a short organ concert at St. Joseph Church. Then, you are treated to a performance of traditional Puszta horsemanship. Return onboard and enjoy your lunch during departure. Dine onboard. (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner),

Wake up in Vukovar and have breakfast before your excursion to the Croatian city of Osijek. Inhabited since Neolithic times, this area has had several heydays under the Romans, the Ottomans, and the Hapsburgs; now, Vukovar is revered for its Baroque buildings, parks, and monuments. Return onboard for lunch and enjoy free time before an early-evening departure. (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner),

Wake up in Vukovar and have breakfast before your excursion to the Croatian city of Osijek. Inhabited since Neolithic times, this area has had several heydays under the Romans, the Ottomans, and the Hapsburgs; now, Vukovar is revered for its Baroque buildings, parks, and monuments. Return onboard for lunch and enjoy free time before an early-evening departure. (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 onboard your ship before you have free time to explore Belgrade's gracious architecture or visit one of its many museums. Dine onboard your ship or experience some of Belgrade's nightlife. We depart very late this evening. (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner),

Sail to Golubac this morning and enjoy an included tour of the Golubac Fortress and admire sweeping views over the Danube. You may also choose to join an optional tour; explore Europe's first settlement from the Stone Age, or take an invigorating hike to Djerdap National Park. Rejoin your ship in Donji Milanovac for lunch. This afternoon, 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. Take in your program director's commentary about the region and scenic points of interest as you sail toward your next port. (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner),

Sail to Golubac this morning and enjoy an included tour of the Golubac Fortress and admire sweeping views over the Danube. You may also choose to join an optional tour; explore Europe's first settlement from the Stone Age, or take an invigorating hike to Djerdap National Park. Rejoin your ship in Donji Milanovac for lunch. This afternoon, 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. Take in your program director's commentary about the region and scenic points of interest as you sail toward your next port. (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner),

Donji Milanovac is a small town on the right bank of Lake Derdap in Serbia. The town is situated between picturesque hills, and enchanting views overlooking the lake. The Mediterranean like climate is very favorable to visitors.

Sail to Golubac this morning and enjoy an included tour of the Golubac Fortress and admire sweeping views over the Danube. You may also choose to join an optional tour; explore Europe's first settlement from the Stone Age, or take an invigorating hike to Djerdap National Park. Rejoin your ship in Donji Milanovac for lunch. This afternoon, 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. Take in your program director's commentary about the region and scenic points of interest as you sail toward your next port. (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner),

This scenic passage is truly a spectacular, once-in-a-lifetime experience. The Iron Gates are a narrow gorge between the Carpathian and Balkan Mountains. The gorge, one of the most dramatic sights in Europe, forms a natural border between Serbia and Romania.

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 onboard 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),

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 onboard 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),

After breakfast, disembark at Russe for a full-day excursion to Bulgaria's former capital, Veliko Tarnovo. See Tsarevets Hill and the ruins of the royal castle. During free time, shop for local crafts along Samovodska Charshia. Continue your venture 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 for dinner. (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner),

After breakfast, disembark at Russe for a full-day excursion to Bulgaria's former capital, Veliko Tarnovo. See Tsarevets Hill and the ruins of the royal castle. During free time, shop for local crafts along Samovodska Charshia. Continue your venture 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 for dinner. (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner),

The former medieval capital, Veliko Tarnovo is easily recognized as a historical and cultural center of contemporary Bulgaria. The cities museums are rich in artifacts and historical monuments and monasteries dot the landscape. The most visited spot in Veliko Tarnovo is the Arbanasi village. The St. Virgin Mary convent lies on one end of the village, the St Nikola monastery on the other. Exploring the village will be a memorable experience.

After breakfast, disembark at Russe for a full-day excursion to Bulgaria's former capital, Veliko Tarnovo. See Tsarevets Hill and the ruins of the royal castle. During free time, shop for local crafts along Samovodska Charshia. Continue your venture 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 for dinner. (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner),

The old settlement of Arbanassi is situated on a high plateau with a picturesque views. Arbanassi is easily distinguishable for its impressive 17th century houses and churches with their rich interior wood-carvings, and mural paintings. It is not only the remarkable houses that are very interesting in Arbanassi. Not to be missed, are spectacular fountains with big eaves – Kokonska and Pazarska fountains and the seven Arbanassi churches are among the most remarkable monuments of Bulgarian art.

Disembark in Giurgiu and set off by motorcoach to Bucharest for a day of exploration. After lunch at a local restaurant, enjoy a tour of Romania's lovely capital 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. After your tour, proceed to your hotel and enjoy a final evening in Bucharest. (Breakfast, Lunch),

Disembark in Giurgiu and set off by motorcoach to Bucharest for a day of exploration. After lunch at a local restaurant, enjoy a tour of Romania's lovely capital 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. After your tour, proceed to your hotel and enjoy a final evening in Bucharest. (Breakfast, Lunch),

Disembark in Giurgiu and set off by motorcoach to Bucharest for a day of exploration. After lunch at a local restaurant, enjoy a tour of Romania's lovely capital 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. After your tour, proceed to your hotel and enjoy a final evening in Bucharest. (Breakfast, Lunch),

After breakfast, check out of your hotel and proceed to the airport for your return flight. Or, extend your journey with three nights in Bucharest and Transylvania. (Breakfast),