Cruising by the enchanting landscapes and charming cities of Central Europe, Viking River Cruises gives an unparalleled journey expertise. From the historic streets of Budapest to the picturesque canals of Amsterdam, the Budapest to Amsterdam itinerary showcases the wealthy cultural heritage and breathtaking great thing about the area. This article will take you on a journey by time as I share among the highlights of this fascinating Viking River Cruise by Central Europe.
Budapest: The Pearl of the Danube
Our journey started within the fascinating metropolis of Budapest, also known as the “Pearl of the Danube.” Straddling the mighty Danube River, town is split into two components: Buda and Pest. With a historical past that dates again over a thousand years, Budapest gives guests an array of architectural marvels and cultural experiences.
We opted for a cruise extension with a purpose to have extra time to discover Budapest. We arrived a few days earlier than the Viking Tir ship and stayed on the New York Palace Hotel. From the second I step into the lavish foyer, it turns into clear that this was greater than only a lodge—it’s a historic landmark steeped in grandeur, magnificence and the fascinating narrative of a bygone period. A spotlight was the unforgettable eating expertise on the lodge’s famed New York Café. The café is a feast for each the eyes and the palate. Vaulted ceilings, crystal chandeliers and ornate frescoes supply a regal backdrop whilst you indulge within the wealthy culinary choices.
We had a few Viking excursions organized, but additionally had time on our personal to discover town, which struck a pleasant stability. We explored components of Buda Castle on our personal, in addition to in one in every of our excursions. Perched atop Castle Hill, Buda Castle is without doubt one of the metropolis’s most iconic landmarks within the metropolis. This UNESCO World Heritage Site was as soon as the residence of Hungarian kings and now homes the Hungarian National Gallery and the Budapest History Museum. A go to to the fortress is incomplete with no leisurely stroll by the Castle District, the place you possibly can marvel on the colourful Baroque and Gothic buildings.
Climbing aboard the historic Buda Castle Funicular is a enjoyable solution to get to the highest of the hill. As the vintage automobile begins its ascent from the foot of Chain Bridge, a picturesque panorama of Budapest begins to unfold. The funicular, working steeply up Castle Hill, gives a fascinating journey into town’s historical past. Ascending by lush greenery, you attain Buda Castle, with views of the Parliament constructing on the Pest facet of town.
Here are a couple of extra highlights from Budapest:
- Hungarian Parliament Building: One of probably the most lovely parliament buildings on the earth, it sits on the banks of the Danube River.
- St. Stephen’s Basilica: This is the most important church in Budapest, and it gives a powerful panoramic view of town from its dome. The basilica can be dwelling to Hungary’s most sacred relic: St. Stephen’s mummified proper hand.
- Széchenyi Thermal Bath: Europe’s largest medicinal bathtub, sourced from pure thermal springs.
- Heroes’ Square and City Park: Here we discovered statues of Hungarian leaders, the Museum of Fine Arts and the spectacular Vajdahunyad Castle.
- Fisherman’s Bastion: This is without doubt one of the greatest spots for panoramic views of town. It’s a fairy-tale-like fortress with seven towers representing the seven Magyar tribes that based Hungary.
- Margaret Island: Located in the midst of the Danube River, this island is a superb place for out of doors actions.
- House of Terror Museum: This museum serves as a chilling reminder of Hungary’s troublesome previous, specializing in the fascist and communist regimes. The constructing was the previous headquarters of the key police of each the Nazi and Soviet instances.
- Great Market Hall: This three-story market gives a wide range of distributors promoting the whole lot from contemporary native produce, spices, and meats to Hungarian arts and crafts. It’s additionally a fantastic place to attempt conventional Hungarian road meals like Langos.
While in Pest, make sure you indulge within the metropolis’s culinary delights, resembling conventional Hungarian goulash or chimney cake, as you discover town’s vibrant streets. One restaurant I might suggest is TATI Farm to Table, which could be very near the New York Palace Hotel.
Central Europe River Cruise to Vienna: The City of Music
After a couple of days in Budapest we lastly boarded our ship, which was referred to as Viking Tir. It was an thrilling day, and probably the greatest components was the truth that we’d solely need to unpack as soon as. We set sail late within the afternoon to clear skies. It was improbable to be in the midst of the river and seeing the wonderful metropolis of Budapest cross by whereas we noticed from the sundeck.
As our cruise continued alongside the Danube River, we arrive in Vienna the subsequent day. Vienna is know because the “City of Music” as it’s steeped in historical past with vital contributions to classical music and opera.
Each day Viking has an included tour, however on this cease I opted for an non-obligatory tour to take an e-bike experience into the countryside. Our information took us by the outskirts of city the place we went by a few unimaginable parks, together with The Danube Island park, which is about 15 miles lengthy, full of motorcycle trails and a bunch of leisure alternatives. We additionally explored the park surrounding the Danube tower.
After my tour I had a number of hours earlier than the ship would set sail, so I took the subway into town middle to discover a bit by myself. I had been to Vienna a pair many years earlier and actually needed to see St. Stephen’s Cathedral once more. I additionally stumbled onto Burggarten Park, an unimaginable sanctuary inside the metropolis middle. Another one in every of Vienna’s well-known landmarks is the magnificent Schönbrunn Palace. This former imperial residence boasts 1,441 rooms and has beautiful Baroque structure.
The Wachau Valley: Krems and Melk
Early that night we set sail as soon as once more. As the Viking River lengthy ship glided by the Wachau Valley, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, we have been handled to the picturesque surroundings of terraced vineyards and quaint villages. Our first cease within the valley is the city of Krems, the place the Eleventh-century Göttweig Abbey dominates the panorama. This Benedictine monastery is famend for its Baroque structure, intensive artwork assortment, and beautiful views of the Danube River.
Next, we journeyed to the charming city of Melk, dwelling to the magnificent Melk Abbey. Perched on a rocky outcrop, this Baroque masterpiece homes a powerful library and an opulent church adorned with frescoes and gold accents. The Wachau Cultural Landscape surrounding Melk Abbey gives a serene setting for a leisurely stroll by terraced vineyards and the quaint village.
Passau: The City of Three Rivers
Our subsequent cease was to Passau, the “City of Three Rivers.” Located on the confluence of the Danube, Inn, and Ilz Rivers, Passau is a picturesque Bavarian city with a wealthy historical past courting again to Roman instances.
The crown jewel of Passau is St. Stephen’s Cathedral, an exquisite instance of Baroque structure. The cathedral homes the world’s largest cathedral organ, with 17,974 pipes and 233 stops, creating a strong and unforgettable sound throughout every day concert events (which we attended, the charge is simply 5 Euro). We additionally explored the charming Old Town, with its slender streets, pastel-colored buildings, and charming squares.
On this present day I took the morning included tour (a strolling tour), after which within the afternoon I went on and an excellent e-bike experience to the outskirts of city (an non-obligatory tour). We ended up doing a giant loop that took us by a forest and over a bridge again into Austria the place we had some refreshments earlier than heading again alongside the embankment of the Inn River. I additionally visited the Veste Oberhaus, a Thirteenth-century fortress that overlooks town. The fortress gives spectacular views of Passau and the encircling rivers, in addition to an enchanting museum that particulars the historical past of the area.
Central Europe River Cruise to Regensburg: A Medieval Gem
As we proceed alongside the Danube, we arrive in Regensburg, one in every of Germany’s best-preserved medieval cities. With over 1,500 listed buildings, town is a treasure trove of architectural delights and is designated UNESCO World Heritage Site.
One of Regensburg’s most iconic landmarks is the Stone Bridge, a Twelfth-century engineering marvel that spans the Danube River. Nearby, you’ll discover St. Peter’s Cathedral, one other Gothic church with intricate stained-glass home windows and towering spires.
We took a while to discover Regensburg’s cobblestone streets, the place we discovered a mixture of charming cafes, boutique retailers, and historic buildings.
Nuremberg, Bamberg, and Würzburg: A Taste of Bavaria
Our Viking River Cruise continued by the center of Bavaria, with stops in Nuremberg, Bamberg, and Würzburg, all of which have been unimaginable locations.
In Nuremberg, we immerse ourselves within the metropolis’s wealthy historical past as we explored the medieval Imperial Castle, which was as soon as a residence for German emperors. The metropolis’s Old Town, with its timber-framed homes and cobblestone streets, providing an enthralling environment for a leisurely stroll.
Bamberg, was one more UNESCO World Heritage Site, it’s also known as the “Franconian Rome” as a result of its distinctive geography and architectural splendor. The Bamberg Cathedral and the picturesque Old Town Hall are must-see sights, in addition to the historic quarter generally known as “Little Venice,” with its canals and half-timbered homes.
In Würzburg, we noticed the opulent Würzburg Residence, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This Baroque palace is dwelling to the world’s largest ceiling fresco and gives guests a glimpse into the extravagant life-style of town’s former rulers. The Marienberg Fortress, perched on a hill overlooking town, gives beautiful views and an enchanting perception into Würzburg’s historical past. The stroll to the fortress takes you thru a forest, outdated passageways, a bridge over the mote and extra. It was one of many highlights of the journey for me.
While most individuals went on included or non-obligatory excursions, I took each alternative to do some exploring by myself as I simply love that sense of discovery.
That night on board the ship, we had a particular presentation…a glass artist from Wertheim, our subsequent cease of the journey. This artist did an illustration and gave us some historical past on the glass trade in Wertheim.
The Timeless Charm of Wertheim
As we sail alongside the Main River, our subsequent vacation spot was Wertheim, a historic and picturesque setting well-known for its contribution to the glass trade.
The imposing Wertheim Castle overlooks city, providing fascinating perception into the area’s historical past, together with beautiful views of the encircling panorama. I took one of many non-obligatory excursions, a hike to the very high of the fortress, in addition to a tour of city. In addition to the superb 360 diploma views from the watch tower, there was additionally a live performance occurring within the amphitheater.
The Glass Museum and the numerous glass galleries showcases the city’s glassblowing heritage and gives guests an opportunity to attempt their hand at this historic craft. It was additionally a kind of uncommon time the place I really purchased some items and souvenirs to take dwelling.
The Romantic Rhine: Marksburg, Koblenz and Cologne
After 10+ days and fairly a protracted distance navigating upstream alongside the Danube, The Main and another waterways, we lastly entered the legendary Rhine River, the place castles, vineyards, and charming villages line the riverbanks. It was completely spectacular to have a entrance row seat atop the solar deck of our Viking river boat to see this extraordinary panorama as we slowly floated by.
Our first cease was a tour of the Marksburg Castle. Perched excessive above the Rhine River, Marksburg Castle is a fascinating testomony to medieval structure, the one hill fortress within the Middle Rhineland that has by no means been destroyed. Its imposing fortifications and historic inside, replete with authentically furnished rooms, supply a vivid journey again to the Middle Ages, whereas its commanding place gives sweeping, panoramic views over the serpentine course of the Rhine beneath.
Just a bit farther down river we stopped in Koblenz, which is located on the confluence of the Rhine and Moselle rivers. One of Koblenz’s most well-known landmarks is the Deutsches Eck, the place a monumental equestrian statue of Emperor Wilhelm stands guard over the rivers. One of my regrets in Koblenz is that I didn’t enterprise to the Ehrenbreitstein Fortress earlier than 8pm, which is when the cable automobile that companies the fortress, closes. Instead, I went for a protracted stroll round city, then had dinner on board the ship. By the time I used to be prepared, the cable automobile had already shut down for the day. I’ve little doubt this scenic cable automobile, which was positioned proper the place the Viking Tir was docked, would have been fairly the expertise.
Cologne, our subsequent vacation spot, is a metropolis steeped in historical past and residential to one of the crucial well-known cathedrals on the earth. The Cologne Cathedral, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, a construction that too almost 700 years to construct. This masterpiece of Gothic structure homes the Shrine of the Three Kings, a gold sarcophagus mentioned to comprise the stays of the Magi.
While in Cologne, I additionally strolled throughout the Hohenzollern Bridge, adorned with tens, if not tons of of hundreds of affection locks.
The Netherlands: Windmills and Wonderment
Our Viking River Cruise was waning, however we had one enchanting nation left, the Netherlands. Our first, and actually solely cease was the UNESCO World Heritage web site know as Kinderdijk, well-known for its iconic windmills. These fantastically preserved windmills have been constructed within the 18th century to handle water ranges and stop flooding. Our go to to the windmills included a strolling tour to one of many working windmills and a glimpse into the lives of the millers (windmill operators) who as soon as inhabited them.
Our cruise concluded within the vibrant metropolis of Amsterdam, sadly, we arrived early within the morning and needed to catch our flight dwelling. Had we paid nearer consideration to the itinerary, we’d have opted for an extension. I imagine that for those who go from Amsterdam to Budapest, you’ll have a little bit of time in Amsterdam, however none in Budapest, until after all you go for an extension.
Holland was the very first European nation I visited, which was within the mid-90s, I used to be upset to not have the possibility to peruse town’s picturesque canals, historic buildings, and world-class museums, however that simply means I’ll need to plan one other journey to the area at some point quickly.
Food and Service on board Viking River Cruises
Everyday we acquired three superb chef-prepared meals, every with a number of decisions. As a self-proclaimed foodie, I used to be fairly impressed with the standard and number of the dishes obtainable, from native delicacies to dishes with extra worldwide inspiration. Beer and wine have been included with lunch and dinner, whereas champagne (glowing wine) was obtainable within the mornings. There can be a full time espresso, water and tea station that all the time has some candy treats obtainable. As an early riser, I might usually get a cup of espresso and a freshly baked croissant (equally nearly as good as something you’d get in Paris) and sit on the solar deck to see the place we had landed for the day.
The service on board was additionally distinctive, each member of the crew was so very considerate, useful and personable. Our housekeeper be sure that our room was all the time spotless and refreshed with new towels, and so on. Gavin, our cruise director, all the time be sure that we have been nicely knowledgeable for our excursions and stepping into the correct route. Claudia, the lodge director, be sure that every of her departments have been working easily. I can not say sufficient good issues about each the meals, service and high quality of the excursions on our Viking River Cruise.
This was my second Viking cruise, the primary was on one in every of their Viking Vacation ocean cruises, which I proceed to inform individuals about to this present day because it was such a memorable expertise.
That’s it from Central Europe on a Viking River Cruise
The Budapest to Amsterdam Viking River Cruise gives a singular and fascinating journey by the center of Central Europe. With its mix of historical past, tradition, and pure magnificence, this unforgettable voyage invitations vacationers to step again in time and immerse themselves within the enchanting landscapes and cities that line the banks of the Danube, Main, and Rhine rivers. From the architectural wonders of Budapest and Vienna to the charming cities of Melk and Marksburg, this itinerary showcases the perfect of the area. As we concluded our journey, we’re left with a treasure trove of reminiscences and a deeper appreciation for the wealthy tapestry of Central Europe.
If you’ve gotten any questions on a Central Europe Viking River Cruise, depart a remark beneath. So, till subsequent time, we’ll see ya on the street…