Table Of Content
By 11 AM we were back on the bus leaving Walhalla, heading to our next ship. You can walk up to the entrance or take a motor coach to the top of the hill. We were all packed in on folding chairs like sardines in a tin though not as smelly. The performances were excellent with most of the music and singing were familiar classical pieces.
A Portrait of India
Germany and France had seen flooding at the end of summer and rivers were swollen and overflowing their banks. Viking’s Program Director, Lee, made similar arrangements for me so that I could spend the day writing instead of touring. I was so incredibly happy when I found out I would have a hotel room for the day in Linz and would get a full day’s writing done.
Day 8: Changing Ships and a Detour
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The magnificent complex was built in the early 18th century through the efforts of two of the most important personalities of the Baroque era. General Prince Eugene of Savoy was a legend in his own lifetime; as a lover of art, he provided almost unlimited funds for its construction. The brilliant architect Lucas von Hildebrandt was responsible for the execution of the masterful concept, which encompassed a magnificent palace complete with gardens and an idyllic country estate. The palace was acquired by Empress Maria Theresa, who had the central building extended by one floor and remodeled in the style of French classicism. After her reign, the Habsburgs' interest in the country estate waned, but today the Imperial living quarters, banqueting hall and chapel present themselves again as they were once designed by the best artists of their time. Regensburg is one of the best-preserved medieval cities in Germany and its historic buildings are very impressive.
Viking River Cruises – 15 Day Grand European
The tour departure time that’s posted is not when you should walk out of your stateroom. Tomorrow, our Grand European Tour river cruise would begin with a full day of sightseeing before we even got underway. A mid-afternoon boarding gave guests plenty of time before dinner to explore this spirited yet somewhat austere city, either on their own or with a Viking tour excursion. Alternatively, roam further afield in Pest county to the Royal Palace of Gödöllő, one of the most important and imposing Hungarian palaces. Travel by coach along the Marchfelder Schlösserstraße to Hof Castle in Austria.
Christmas Markets of Europe
The restaurant is usually packed with tourists throughout the summer but this rainy October day, I had no problem getting my own indoor table. Once you’ve finished your beer and extras, take a walk across the Old Stone Bridge. Built between 1135 and 1146, it was the bridge used by the knights on the second and third Crusades to the Holy Land. The baroque interior is dazzling, the library has over 80,000 medieval manuscripts and several hidden doors.
Since that day in 1767 wine enthusiasts have been enjoying this variant in these peaceful surroundings. Arrive in time for lunch in the three-rivers city of Passau, lying at the confluence of the Danube, the Inn and the Ilz. In the afternoon, join the city walking tour, which showcases the most enchanting sights of this historic city including St. Stephen’s Cathedral.
The beauty of the Rhine with its castles and cathedral cities, the engineering feat of the Main-Danube canal and the wonders of the Danube River are all highlights along the way. Learn the Viennese waltz, visit Melk’s Benedictine Abbey and delve into Nuremberg’s World War II history. I divided my Viking Grand European Tour river cruise into two parts.
The climate along the Rhine, Main and the Danube rivers is temperate and unpredictable. From June through August, the average high temperatures increase as you travel south along the river and range from 68 to 78°F (20 to 26°C) and the average low temperatures range from 50 to 59°F (10 to 15°C). Rainfall amounts in this region remain fairly constant throughout the year, although late spring and early summer are generally the wettest seasons of the year. Opposite of temperature, rainfall decreases as you travel south.
Day 2: Touring and Tasting Budapest
The capital of the Netherlands is a great starting point with plenty of canals to explore on your way to the Anne Frank House or the Van Gogh museum. Hungary's capital city boasts plenty of attractions such as the Fishermen's Bastion or Buda castle, making it an excellent point to end your journey. Every night on the river cruise there’s entertainment in the lounge. So far, we’ve had the onboard musician at the keyboard and dancing, Slovakian folk dancing show and the goulash event. With days so busy, evening entertainment has been kept to a minimum.
Nestled in an enormous park, it is the largest and most attractive complex of Baroque buildings in Hungary. In recent years it has been lovingly refurbished and you can visit the splendid ballroom with its beautiful, marble stucco details, as well as the apartments of the royal couple. During this tour you will get to know the capital of the young Slovakian Republic. The tour passes St. Martin’s Cathedral and the Grassalkovich Palace and continues up to the hill, where you will have a stunning, panoramic view of the city and surrounding areas.
Here you can still find numerous half-timbered wine houses, restaurants and shops. Immerse yourself in the history of the village before returning to the ship. After lunch, arrive in the imperial city of Bamberg, a UNESCO World Cultural Heritage Site, which retains its medieval layout of three settlement areas, along with its historic buildings. It is ranked as one of Germany’s most attractive towns and is also the place to begin your crossing of the Rhine-Main-Danube canal.
Rothenburg is referred to as Germany’s well-preserved “Jewel of the Middle Ages” with its ramparts, city gates, town hall and the St. Jakob parish church. Towers, city gates, walls, half-timbered gables – all these have remained unchanged since the Thirty Years’ War. After the guided tour, enjoy some free time and buy souvenirs or visit the famous Christmas Museum of Käthe Wohlfahrt. Experience wine and village life in Slovakia on this special excursion. Travel to the outskirts of bustling Bratislava over rolling hills draped in boutique wineries and dotted with traditional buildings.
Over coffee and samples fresh from the oven, a short film will introduce you to the realm of the sweet delicacy made of honey and spices. With its neo-Gothic Parliament, Fisherman’s Bastion, Buda castle and Chain Bridge, the Hungarian capital of Budapest is a perfect finale to your trip. This morning, explore the sites of the Hungarian capital Budapest on a city tour.
Moderately paced, and may include some early morning hotel departures, one or two on-tour flights, and extended motor coach travel. On board this evening, celebrate at the Captain’s Gala Dinner and enjoy a Hungarian folklore show as your vessel cruises the Danube to see this beautiful gem by night. Travel by coach to one of the most beautiful sights of Vienna, Schönbrunn Palace. As one of the most important cultural heritage sites in Austria, Schönbrunn Palace and its gardens were declared a UNESCO World Cultural Heritage site. The reign of Maria Theresia signified the most splendid era for Schönbrunn.
The driving tour passes St. Martin’s Cathedral and the Grassalkovich Palace and continues to the castle hill above the old town, where you will have a stunning, panoramic view of the city and surrounding areas. A guided tour takes you through the abbot’s chambers, along the imperator’s walk, through the marble hall, the balconies and the library. Enjoy an unforgettable ride on the Winzerexpress and discover the beauty of the Rhine Valley.
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