Passage to Eastern Europe

11 days
Save this trip to your favorites or other list
Map not provided by operator
Additional images not provided by operator
Video not provided by operator
4.7/5 Excellent
41 reviews  
90%
Save this trip to your favorites or other list
preferred

USTOA

Cancellation Policy
River Cruise
Sail to lands rich in traditions Behold Budapest’s grandeur. Witness Hungary’s daredevil Puszta horsemen. Visit a Croatian family’s Osijek home. View the Danube’s towering Iron Gate. Explore Belgrade’s Ottoman and European treasures, including 6th-century Kalemegdan Fortress. Make banitsa bread with a home cook in Vidin. See Bucharest’s 3,000-room Palace of...
From$2,699
See departure dates

Overview

Trip type
River Cruise
Lodging level
Premium - 4 star
Physical level
Easy
Trip pace
Flexible schedule

Highlights

    • Take guided walk through the grounds of Kalemegdan Fortress
    • Experience two nights in bustling Budapest, cosmopolitan capital of Hungary
    • Sail past dramatic natural wonders like the soaring white cliffs of the Iron Gate region
    • Enjoy Serbian & Hungarian folkloric performances
    • Enjoy the authentic flavors of Eastern Europe, on shore and aboard

What's this trip about?

    Sail to lands rich in traditions Behold Budapest’s grandeur. Witness Hungary’s daredevil Puszta horsemen. Visit a Croatian family’s Osijek home. View the Danube’s towering Iron Gate. Explore Belgrade’s Ottoman and European treasures, including 6th-century Kalemegdan Fortress. Make banitsa bread with a home cook in Vidin. See Bucharest’s 3,000-room Palace of Parliament. Once hidden behind the Iron Curtain, the eastern Danube still has secrets to reveal on our 11-day cruisetour from Budapest to Bucharest.

Compare to similar trips

Details

Itinerary focusClassic Highlights
Group sizeStandard Group - 25 + people
Age range50 years and up
Flights and transportAll internal ground transport included
Start CityBudapest
End CityBucharest

Travel Themes

  • 50 plus
  • Cultural
  • Small Ship Cruise

Destinations

  • Europe
  • Bulgaria
  • Hungary
  • Romania
  • Croatia
  • Serbia

Attractions

  • Belgrade
  • Bucharest
  • Budapest
  • Croatia

Activities

  • Culture
  • Historic sightseeing
  • Nature
  • River cruise
  • Ruins & Archaeology

Trip includes

    • 11-day cruise tour
    • 8-day cruise with river-view stateroom, 2 nights at the Le Méridien Budapest & 1 night at the Bucharest Radisson Blu (or similar)
    • 7 guided tours with audio headset
    • All onboard meals: 7 breakfasts, 6 lunches & 7 dinners, featuring regional specialties and including Welcome Cocktail Reception & Dinner plus breakfast at the Budapest & Bucharest hotels
    • Complimentary wine, beer and soft drinks with onboard dinner and lunch
    • Visit 1 UNESCO World Heritage Site
    • Culture Curriculum: Enjoy Serbian & Hungarian folkloric performances; learn about icons & orthodox religion from a Bulgarian priest; attend lectures on Serbian current affairs, the myth of Dracula & the European Union; enjoy the authentic flavors of Eastern Europe, on shore and aboard
    • All port charges
    • Free Wi-Fi, connection speed may vary

View Similar Trips

Itinerary

Day 1: Budapest, Hungary

Arrive at the Budapest airport and transfer to the deluxe Hilton Budapest (or similar) in the heart of the city for a 2-night stay.* Spend the rest of the day relaxing, or do some exploring on your own.

Day 2: Budapest, Hungary

Meals: Breakfast

This morning, take a tour of Budapest, the capital of Hungary. Situated along the Danube, it combines the once separate towns of hilly Buda and cosmopolitan Pest into a city rich with history. Begin in Pest, where you see the National Opera Hou...

Day 3: Budapest, Hungary

Meals: Breakfast and Dinner

After breakfast, check out of your hotel and we will take you to embark your ship. Enjoy a final free day in Budapest. Explore a museum; do some shopping; ride the city’s innovative, efficient metro; relax in one of the Art Nouveau s...

Day 4: Kalocsa, Hungary

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Arrive in Kalocsa, Hungary this morning and take a guided city tour including a visit to the Archbishop’s Palace. Then you are treated to a performance of traditional Puszta horsemanship. Return aboard and enjoy your lunch during departure. Dine aboard.

Day 5: Osijek, Croatia

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and 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 re...

Day 6: Belgrade, Serbia

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and 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 aboard your ship be...

Day 7: Iron Gate

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Today, 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...

Day 8: Vidin, Bulgaria

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and 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...

Day 9: Veliko Tarnovo, Bulgaria

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

After breakfast, disembark at Russe for a full-day excursion to Bulgaria’s former capital, Veliko Tarnovo. There you will see Tsaravets Hill and the ruins of the royal castle. During free time, shop for local crafts along Samo...

Day 10: Bucharest, Romania

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Disembark in Giurgiu and proceed to the superior first-class Radisson Blu Hotel Bucharest (or similar) in the heart of Bucharest for a 1-night stay. This afternoon, enjoy a half-day tour of Romania’s glorious capital city. See the Patriarchal Church, the Palace of Parliament and the Arch of Triumph. Enjoy a final evening in Bucharest.

Day 11: Bucharest, Romania

Meals: Breakfast

After breakfast, check out of your hotel and proceed to the airport for your return flight.* Or, extend your journey with 3 nights in the Black Sea region.

Want a tailor-made trip instead?

Your trip, your way, planned by an expert:

  • You choose budget, destinations, activities, transport & lodging type
  • Expert designs the itinerary for you, and once approved, takes care of logistics
Design custom trip

Dates & Availability

Price From $2,699
Price per day$245
Last Updated: 10/25/2019

Check Current Availability, prices, specials with Viking River Cruises.

The total tour cost includes the tour price (regular or promotional) and the compulsory local payment. The promotional price is subject to change. Check directly with the operator for the latest price offer. The tour operator requires you to pay only the tour price to purchase your travel. The compulsory local payment will be paid when you join the trip. All prices are based on double, twin or triple share occupancy. Solo passengers will be accommodated in a double, twin or triple room according to availability with a passenger(s) of the same gender. Single supplement only needs to be paid if the passenger does not want to share and requests their own room. Discounts can only be applied at the time of booking and cannot be added at a later date, regardless of any changes made to the original booking.

Prices may vary due to local taxes and trip seasonality. Click "Request Info" to inquire directly with the tour operator for the final trip price.

Viking River Cruises Reviews & Ratings

4.7/5  Excellent
Excellent
37
Great
0
Average
2
Disappointing
0
Terrible
2
Write a Review

Other Viking River Cruises Reviews

D

Dawn

Sep 2023

Viking River Cruises Company Reviewsby Viking River Cruises

Viking River Cruise Capitals of Eastern Europe

Most of the people on this 17-day river cruise was quite elderly and infirm. Therefore the complimentary excursions were painfully slow walking. Local guides mostl...

C

Charles

Oct 2022

Good and no so goog

Recently returned from a Viking Rhine trip on 10/14. The good: Rhine water levels were good, no issues. Service on the vessel was A+, excluding one attendant with...

T

Tourico Vacations

Sep 2021

Viking River Cruises Company Reviewsby Viking River Cruises

Tourico Vacations -Rhine River Cruise

Rhine Getaway Itinerary: We sailed from Basel, Switzerland up north on the Rhine River and ended at Amsterdam in the Netherlands. Viking also offers the same route i...

Write a Review

Travelers also viewed

Tour Operator

Viking River Cruises

preferred
View Profile

Inspiring destinations, thoughtfully designed itineraries, immersive cultural explorations, state-of-the-art ships, fine cuisine, excellent service and remarkable value. All created with personal attention to every detail.

We call this the Viking Experience. It’s the way your bartender has your drink prepared at just the right moment. The gentle guidance from your tai chi master during your lesson in China. Or the handwritten directions from your concierge to the oldest coffeehouse in Vienna. Every aspect of your time with Viking, from expertly prepared meals to carefully created enrichment programs and beautifully appointed ships, is planned to bring you closer to experiencing the most from your destination.

With more itineraries in more destinations worldwide, we offer behind-the-scenes insights and opportunities that set us apart from other travel companies.

While we deliver the expected and iconic, such as visits to museums and landmarks, we also go beyond. On every itinerary, you can experience local life through such excursions as home-hosted visits or trips to local markets. We also offer the opportunity to see the working world of bakers and artisans, and the option for our guests to experience priviledged access to museums, private collections and after-hours events that we thoughtfully curate.

DISCOVER YOUR DESTINATION

Our daily shore excursions include must-see highlights and delightful surprises. These expertly guided tours bring you closer to the art, architecture, history and people of the land.

GAIN GREATER INSIGHT

Watch a local German glassblower or learn about French Impressionism. Our Culture Curriculum, an enriching onboard program, infuses every cruise and brings history to life.

CAPTURE THE CULTURE

Accompany us on a shopping trip to the local market. Walk through the door of a centuries-old cathedral or visit a contemporary art museum. Meet local fine food and wine purveyors. Our tastings and demonstrations expand your mind and satisfy your senses.

EXPLORE ASHORE

Have you yearned to visit the vaults of the famed Hermitage Museum? Attend a classical concert in Vienna? Enjoy a Tang Dynasty dinner show in Xian? Your Program Director can organize a variety of optional tours.

PERSONALIZE

An appointment at the best spa in Prague or dinner at one of Lyon’s Michelin-star restaurants? Our onboard Viking Concierge is there to assist you with special requests.

 Tweets by VikingRiver

What they’re known for
Classy European and Asian river cruises with premium offerings like personal excursions and private access to attractions.

Associations

About Travelstride

Find your perfect trip

An epic selection of pre-planned trips on every continent, for every style. Thousands of itineraries from over 1,000 trusted travel companies.

Save time

Use simple search and comparison tools to easily find the best trip. Don't sweat the logistics — travel providers plan for you.

Save money

Book directly with the operator. See inclusive packages for the best values, and get access to amazing deals.

Travel confidently

Read unbiased user reviews, pick the operator that suits your needs, and connect with them directly.

Logistics

Ship & cabin information
Viking Longship Aegir
Sailing our most popular itineraries, our award-winning Viking Longships showcase innovative engineering, streamlined design and understated elegance for the most comfortable river cruise experience available. See the 360° Longship Walking Tour See the 360° Longship Tour
Explorer Suite (Es) Features Suite size: 445 sq. ft. Hotel-style beds 79 inches x 63 inches (with optional twin-bed configuration) Private wraparound veranda off the spacious living room offers 270-degree views Floor-to-ceiling sliding glass doors, known as a French balcony, in the bedroom Large bathroom with shower, heated mirror & floor, premium bath products Telephone, refrigerator, safe, hair dryer & bottled water replenished daily Bathrobe and slippers available upon request Individual climate control Space under bed for storing suitcases Roomy wardrobe with wooden hangers Voltage: 220V and 110V in stateroom Two Sony 40-inch flat-panel TVs with premium entertainment package including: BBC News, CNBC, CNN, National Geographic, TNT Series, Sky Sports, videos on demand and “View From the Bridge” View the Explorer Suite in our 360° Longship Tour
Deck Plans
Cancellation policy

For any cruise/land booking, whether under deposit, partially paid, or paid in full and air-inclusive packages paid in full, the following travel agent or guest-requested situations are considered cancellations and penalties will apply as noted below: changes to departure date; substitutions of itinerary; substitution of another person for original booked guest(s); or changing to a promotional fare. All cancellations must be in writing. For all air-inclusive packages cancelled after issuance of an airline ticket, the air portion of the refund, if any, will be processed only after the return of airline ticket to Viking. The following cancellation charges will be assessed for all written cancellations received prior to departure up to the scheduled time of departure.

 

Cancellation received | Following charges will apply: (Broken out by days before departure) 121 days or more is $100 per person | 120-90 days is 15% of full fare | 89-60 days is 35% of full fare | 59-30 days is 50% of full fare | 29-0 days is 100% of full fare.

Full Fare is defined as the full cost of any cruise, land or air component purchased from Viking.

Travel Insurance
We strongly recommend purchasing travel insurance alongside your travel package to safeguard against unforeseen circumstances such as medical expenses, trip cancellations, and other contingencies. It offers you peace of mind and ensures you are prepared for unexpected events that may occur before or during your journey
Visa requirements
Visa requirements vary depending on your country of origin and your country of destination. It is your responsibility to familiarize yourself with the relevant requirements. For a handy tool that can help you quickly find the requirements, please visit this link .
Meals Included

7 Breakfasts, 6 Lunches and 7 Dinners

Age Requirements
50 years and up
Travelstride Take
If there's one thing Viking River Cruises is well known for, it's Danube River Cruises. This Eastern Europe journey takes you through the classic sites of Eastern Europe as only Viking can.  At only 11 days, this isn't exactly the longest cruise you could have on the Danube, so don't expect to be in each city or country for a long time. You'll cover a lot of ground, but some days may feel rushed as you try to see everything you want to see before getting back to the cruise. Great for History lovers. Europe beckons those that love seeing remnants of the past with every step. Viking provides excellent history focused excursions and lectures - a highlight for many travelers with them Foodies. Eastern Europe may not be known for it's cuisine, but for the adventurous eaters it's a great place to expand your culinary tastes. Adventurous spirits. This cruise visits some more off the beaten path kind of destinations like Bucharest, Romania and Belgrade Serbia. You'll gain an appreciation for the many different cultures of Eastern Europe.   Still browsing? Check out other top Danube River Cruises
Additional Information
Trip ID
viking-PasEasVik

Become a member

(it's free)
  • Save up to $700 per person
  • Access members-only specials
  • Personalize trip recommendations
Sign up and save
Top Tour Companies on Travelstride:
All 1,600+ companies >