{"id":21107,"date":"2014-10-27T00:05:30","date_gmt":"2014-10-27T06:05:30","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/avidcruiser.com\/livevoyagereports\/?page_id=7263"},"modified":"2017-09-06T17:11:14","modified_gmt":"2017-09-06T23:11:14","slug":"viking-baldur-danube-waltz-christmas-markets","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/rivercruiseadvisor.com\/live-voyage-reports\/viking-baldur-danube-waltz-christmas-markets\/","title":{"rendered":"Viking Baldur Danube Christmas Markets"},"content":{"rendered":"

Danube Waltz Christmas Markets from Budapest to Passau<\/h3>\n

What\u2019s better than taking one river cruise? Taking two.<\/p>\n

In late November, I\u2019ll be travelling to Europe two solid weeks of river cruising adventure with Viking River Cruises<\/strong>. Our very special Live Voyage Report<\/strong> will last 15 days, highlight 12 ports of call in five different countries, incorporate seven UNESCO World Heritage Sites, and profile two of Viking\u2019s beautiful Viking Longships<\/strong> sailing on two of the line\u2019s most distinct itineraries.<\/p>\n

\"Illustration<\/a>

Illustration \u00a9 2014 Aaron Saunders<\/p><\/div>\n

Beginning November 22, 2014<\/strong><\/a>, we\u2019ll embark the gorgeous Viking Forseti<\/em><\/strong> in Bordeaux, France<\/strong> for a week of sailing the Garonne, Gironde, <\/strong>and Dordogne<\/strong> rivers as part of one of Viking\u2019s newest itineraries: the weeklong Chateaux, Rivers & Wine<\/em><\/strong>.<\/em><\/p>\n

The full itinerary:<\/p>\n

Viking Forseti - Chateaux, Rivers and Wine In Bordeaux<\/h2>\n\n\n\n\n\t\n\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t
DAY<\/B><\/th>PORT<\/B><\/th>ACTIVITIES<\/B><\/th>\n<\/tr>\n<\/thead>\n
November 22, 2014<\/a><\/td>Bordeaux, France<\/td>Arrival; free time.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
November 23<\/a><\/td>Gironde River \/ Pauillac, France<\/td>Scenic Cruising \/ Medoc and Margaux wine country visit; wine tasting & evening at leisure<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
November 24<\/a><\/td>Blaye, France<\/td>Tour of Citadel, a UNESCO World Heritage site; afternoon free time or optional excursion to Cognac<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
November 25<\/a><\/td>Libourne, France<\/td>Tour of Saint-Emilion, a UNESCO World Heritage Site & Pomerol wine region; afternoon at leisure or optional excursion to Bergerac<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
November 26<\/a><\/td>Garonne River \/ Cadillac, France<\/td>Scenic Cruising \/ Excursion to Sauternes wine region & wine tasting<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
November 27<\/a><\/td>Cadillac, France \/ Bordeaux, France<\/td>Morning city tour \/ evening at leisure in Bordeaux<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
November 28<\/a><\/td>Bordeaux, France<\/td>Tour of city center, a UNESCO World Heritage site; afternoon at leisure<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
November 29, 2014<\/a><\/td>Bordeaux, France<\/td>Disembark Viking Forseti; flight to Budapest, Hungary for the start of our next Live Voyage Report!<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n\n
\"We're<\/a>

We’re headed back to Bordeaux in November to report live from the full Chateaux, Rivers and Wine itinerary with Viking River Cruises! Photo \u00a9 2014 Aaron Saunders<\/p><\/div>\n

I was in Bordeaux briefly this past spring as part of Viking\u2019s 2014 Viking Longship Christening Ceremonies. Situated along the Garonne River, Bordeaux today is an amazing destination in its own right. After having fallen into disrepair during the late 1990\u2019s, the city embarked on a huge modernisation and restoration programme a decade and a half ago. Classic buildings were restored, tram lines installed, and pedestrian zones created. The result is arguably one of the most stunningly-preserved French cities outside of Paris.<\/p>\n

\"Viking<\/a>

Viking Forseti sailing the Gironde River. Photo \u00a9 2014 Aaron Saunders<\/p><\/div>\n

The other big draw with this itinerary that Viking has created are the areas outside of Bordeaux. Bordeaux \u2013 the region \u2013 is home to some of the most famous wine producers in the world. Appellations found here include Saint-Emilion, Pomerol, Sauternes, Medoc and Margaux \u2013 and Viking has developed land excursions here that are sure to please lovers of the grape.<\/p>\n

If wine isn\u2019t your thing, journey to Cognac where, unsurprisingly, Cognac comes from. Much like Champagne, true Cognac can only be called as such if it comes from the Cognac region in France. In March, I had the privilege to visit The House of CAMUS<\/strong><\/a>, one of the oldest Cognac producers in the region. While touring, I had the ability to even make my own variation of the popular spirit, and a return to Cognac and CAMUS is high on my list of things to do.<\/p>\n

\"The<\/a>

The House of CAMUS is situated in the picturesque countryside, and is worth visiting for the history and scenery alone. Photo \u00a9 2014 Aaron Saunders<\/p><\/div>\n

Then, there\u2019s the Viking Forseti <\/em>herself. One of Viking\u2019s magnificent new Viking Longships, Viking Forseti<\/em> was launched last year and repositioned to France for the 2014 season to inaugurate this new itinerary. As a Longship, she offers everything that makes these innovative river cruise ships so unique, from the soaring glass-topped atrium to the combination indoor-outdoor Aquavit Terrace<\/strong> that has become often imitated but never duplicated on other lines.<\/p>\n

Viking Forseti<\/em> also features economical \u2018riverview\u2019 staterooms, French Balcony staterooms, and staterooms that feature full, step-out balconies in addition to true suites.<\/p>\n

\"Viking<\/a>

Viking Baldur, December 2013. Viking’s picturesque Longships are perfectly suited to cruising through Europe. Warm, inviting and technologically advanced. Photo \u00a9 2013 Aaron Saunders<\/p><\/div>\n

I\u2019m no stranger to the Viking Longships. I\u2019ve sailed on many of them before, and I\u2019ve spent a handful of days aboard Viking Forseti<\/em> already. I look forward, however, to experiencing this fabulous itinerary with Viking. The fact that my home for seven days is a Viking Longship is just the icing on the cake; if you\u2019ve been before, you\u2019ll know these are ships that induce a feeling of warmth and comfort from the very first step onboard.<\/p>\n

That\u2019s not the end of our adventure, though. I\u2019m sailing from Bordeaux aboard Viking Forseti<\/em> because it\u2019s one of Viking River Cruises\u2019 newest itineraries, and a fantastic chance to showcase a part of France that may not quite get the same sort of press that is commonly afforded to locales like Normandy, Paris, and the Cote d\u2019Azur.<\/p>\n

The next river cruise, though, is a selfish favorite of mine: the spectacular Christmas Markets of the Danube. <\/strong><\/p>\n

\"The<\/a>

The cozy Altweiner Christkindlmarkt only takes on a more festive feel as evening falls on Vienna. Photo \u00a9 2012 Aaron Saunders<\/p><\/div>\n

On November 29<\/strong>, I\u2019ll trade Bordeaux, France for Budapest, Hungary<\/strong> in preparation for embarking the wonderful Viking Baldur<\/em><\/strong> for a week\u2019s sailing through Europe\u2019s stunning Christmas Markets between Budapest and Passau, Germany<\/strong>.<\/p>\n

Although I\u2019ve sailed the Danube many times at this festive time of year, I\u2019ve never sailed Viking\u2019s Danube Waltz<\/em> <\/strong>itinerary \u2013 and there are plenty of differentiations between it and the line\u2019s other Danube-based river cruises. The weeklong Danube Waltz<\/em>, for example, calls on Bratislava, Slovakia <\/strong>and Krems, Austria<\/strong> \u2013 two spectacular ports of call that are all-too-frequently left off of Danube river cruises.<\/p>\n

\"Bratislava,<\/a>

Bratislava, Slovakia is a fabulous port of call – and I look forward to seeing it in the winter for the first time ever! Photo \u00a9 2014 Aaron Saunders<\/p><\/div>\n

The itinerary also includes plenty of old favorites too, including calls on Viannea, Melk, Linz <\/strong>(for Salzburg<\/strong>), and an overnight stay in Passau, Germany. The full itinerary:<\/p>\n

Viking Baldur - Danube Waltz Christmas Markets<\/h2>\n\n\n\n\n\t\n\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t
DAY<\/B><\/th>PORT<\/B><\/th>ACTIVITIES<\/B><\/th>\n<\/tr>\n<\/thead>\n
November 29, 2014<\/a><\/td>Budapest, Hungary<\/td>Flight from Bordeaux, France to Budapest, Hungary. Overnight in Budapest at the Kempinski Budapest<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
November 30<\/a><\/td>Budapest, Hungary<\/td>Embark Viking Baldur; free time to visit the Christmas Market. Traditional Hungarian dinner onboard.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
December 1, 2014<\/a><\/td>Budapest, Hungary<\/td>City tour of Buda and Pest, including Castle District - a UNESCO World Heritage Site. <\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
December 2<\/a><\/td>Bratislava, Slovakia<\/td>City tour through Slovakia's capital<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
December 3<\/a><\/td>Vienna, Austria<\/td>Ringstrasse tour or free time; optional excursion to the Christmas Market at Schonbrunn Palace; optional evening concert. <\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
December 4<\/a><\/td>Durnstein & Melk, Austria<\/td>Free time or optional walking tour in Durnstein; tour of Melk Abbey. <\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
December 5<\/a><\/td>Linz, Austria \/ Salzburg, Austria<\/td>Full day excursion to Salzburg, Austria; free time. Return to ship late at night. <\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
December 6<\/a><\/td>Passau, Germany<\/td>Walking tour & free time<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
December 7, 2014<\/td>Passau, Germany<\/td>Disembark Viking Baldur; transfer to Munich, Germany for onward journey home.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n\n

Spectacular in the summertime, I believe the Danube in the heart of the winter months is the absolute best time of year to sail it. The summer tourists have largely left, and the Christmas Markets are out in nearly every city and town! These can range from small, simple affairs with only a handful of stalls to cities like Vienna that boast over a dozen different Christmas Markets of varying sizes and themes. There\u2019s crafts, souvenirs, piping-hot soups, bratwurst, sauerkraut, and the mother of all winter drinks \u2013 Gluhwein<\/em><\/strong>. <\/em>This mulled, spiced, absolutely fantastic <\/em>hot beverage keeps the chill out of the air and just might put an extra spring in your step \u2013 particularly if you enjoy it mit Schuss<\/em> \u2013 or spiked \u2013 with an additional shot of alcohol added to it.<\/p>\n

Our journey aboard the Viking Baldur<\/em> will run from Sunday, November 30 to Sunday, December 7<\/strong>.<\/p>\n

\"Photo<\/a>

Photo \u00a9 2012 Aaron Saunders<\/p><\/div>\n

If you\u2019re keeping track, you might have noticed there\u2019s an extra day in there. To allow for some breathing room between cruises, we\u2019ll be spending a night in Budapest at the glorious Kempinski Hotel Corvinus Budapest<\/a><\/strong>. Located on Erzs\u00e9bet t\u00e9r 7-8, the Kempinski Budapest is within walking distance of Viking\u2019s prime docking location at the foot of the historic Chain Bridge<\/strong>, and is just steps away from Budapest\u2019s own fabulous Christmas Market. It\u2019s also an easy stroll to the city\u2019s Great Market Hall<\/strong>, or Nagycsarnok<\/em> in Hungarian, that was constructed in 1897. With 349 rooms (and 33 suites) \u2013 not to mention two on-site bars, two restaurants, and a coffee house \u2013 it seems like the perfect pairing with a Viking River Cruise.<\/p>\n

\"We'll<\/a>

We’ll also be spending some time in Budapest at the lovely Kempinski Hotel Corvinus, Budapest. Photo courtesy of Kempinski Hotels.<\/p><\/div>\n

So join us in November for one spectacular Live Voyage Report as we spend 15 days sailing the rivers of Europe with Viking River Cruises.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

Danube Waltz Christmas Markets from Budapest to Passau What\u2019s better than taking one river cruise? Taking two. In late November, I\u2019ll be travelling to Europe two solid weeks of river cruising adventure with Viking River Cruises. Our very special Live Voyage Report will last 15 days, highlight 12 ports of call in five different countries, […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":7,"featured_media":7227,"parent":15021,"menu_order":15,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","template":"","meta":{"_genesis_hide_title":false,"_genesis_hide_breadcrumbs":false,"_genesis_hide_singular_image":false,"_genesis_hide_footer_widgets":false,"_genesis_custom_body_class":"","_genesis_custom_post_class":"","_genesis_layout":"","footnotes":""},"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/rivercruiseadvisor.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/21107"}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/rivercruiseadvisor.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/rivercruiseadvisor.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/page"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/rivercruiseadvisor.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/7"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/rivercruiseadvisor.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=21107"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/rivercruiseadvisor.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/21107\/revisions"}],"up":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/rivercruiseadvisor.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/15021"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/rivercruiseadvisor.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/7227"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/rivercruiseadvisor.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=21107"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}