Viking’s Passage to Eastern Europe

In the world of European river cruising, the Danube reigns supreme, with some of the most popular itineraries operated along this famous “blue” stretch of water. Since the introduction of the Main-Danube Canal in the early 1990’s, it became possible to sail all the way from Amsterdam to the Black Sea.

Begin your Eastern European journey in the Hungarian capital of Budapest. Photo © 2011 Aaron Saunders

But many river cruise travellers end their journey in the Hungarian city of Budapest, despite the fact that all of Eastern Europe awaits them. Which is why Viking River Cruises’ 11-day Passage to Eastern Europe itinerary is an excellent choice for those looking to push farther into Europe than ever before.

Departing from Budapest, Hungary, and sailing to Bucharest, Romania, (or reverse), these sailings will call on some of Eastern Europe’s most spectacular cities, like Belgrade and Russe. But one of the most stunning draws here is the spectacular “Iron Gate.” With its limestone cliffs, this natural border between Romania and traverses 83 miles and narrows to just under 700 feet across, while cliffs rise to 1,640 feet in height.

Adding to the appeal of this itinerary are two full days spent in Budapest and an overnight stay in Bucharest; plenty of time to explore the mind-boggling array of attractions and historic sights these cities offer.

Vibrant Victory Avenue in Bucharest, Romania. Photo courtesy of Wikipedia / Creative Commons

The full itinerary:

DAYPORTACTIVITIES
Day 1BudapestMeet at Budapest Airport; transfer to hotel - free time.
Day 2BudapestCity tour of "Buda" and "Pest"; afternoon at leisure or optional Danube Bend excursion.
Day 3BudapestBoard your river cruise ship; full day at leisure.
Day 4KalocsaGuided city tour with Archbishop's Palace & Puszta horsemanship show
Day 5VukovarExcursion to Osijek with Guided City Tour
Day 6BelgradeCity walk with Kalemegdan Fortress guided tour; afternoon free time.
Day 7Danube RiverCrusing the Iron Gate
Day 8VidinTour featuring Belogradchik Rocks & Fortress; afternoon at leisure in Vidin.
Day 9RusseFull-day Veliko Tarnovo excursion & traditional Bulgarian lunch
Day 10OltenitaDisembark and transfer to Bucharest
Day 10BucharestPanoramic city tour featuring the Palace of Parliament; hotel check-in.
Day 11BucharestWe take you from your hotel to the Bucharest Airport
Viking’s Viking Aegir and Viking Embla will operate the line’s Passage to Eastern Europe itineraries in 2013. Photo courtesy of Viking River Cruises

Best of all, in 2013, two of Viking’s latest-and-greatest river cruise ships will be operating Passage to Eastern Europe departures: Viking Aegir and Viking EmblaAnd after our firsthand experiences aboard newly launched sister-ship, Viking Odin, that alone makes these voyages all the more worthwhile.

More information on Viking River Cruises can be found by visiting our complete Viking River Cruises profile here on River Cruise Advisor.

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