Grand European Tour

  • Europe
  • Operator: Viking Cruise
  • Start: Budapest, Hungary
  • Finish: Amsterdam, The Netherlands
  • Destination: Europe
  • Type: River Cruise
  • March 2027 - November 2028
15 days, 12 guided tours, 4 countries. Admire Rhine Valley vistas from a 900-year-old castle. Sample the culinary delights of Austria’s Wachau Valley. Learn the Viennese waltz, visit Melk’s Benedictine Abbey and ponder Nuremberg’s World War II history.

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Hightlights

Main River, Spessart
Kinderdijk, The Netherlands
Amsterdam, The Netherlands

Travel though the heart of Europe

Admire Rhine Valley vistas from a 900-year-old castle. Sample the culinary delights of Austria’s Wachau Valley. Learn the Viennese waltz, visit Melk’s Benedictine Abbey and ponder Nuremberg’s World War II history. Indulge your senses on this 15-day journey spanning the best of Europe, tracing the Rhine, Main and Danube Rivers between the windmill-dotted waterways of Holland and the stunning landscapes of Hungary, with engaging encounters at every bend.

 

 

FLIGHT ON US 
Economy airfare or flight credit included of up to $2,800pp* 
Expires 30 November 2026

 


 

Viking inclusive values

More features, services and excursions included

*One complimentary shore excursion in every port of call
*Free Wi-Fi (connection speed may vary)
*All onboard meals, featuring regional specialties & always available classics
*Beer, wine & soft drinks with onboard lunch & dinner
*24-hour specialty coffees, teas  & bottled water
*Port taxes & fees
*Ground transfers with Viking Air purchase
*Visits to UNESCO Sites
*Enrichment lectures & Destination Performances
*Onboard gratuities

 

Our stateroom includes

*River-view stateroom
*Bottled water replenished daily
*110/220 volt outlets
*Queen-size Viking Explorer Bed (optional twin-bed configuration) with luxury linens & pillows
*Private bathroom with shower, heated floor & anti-fog mirror
*Premium Freyja® toiletries
*Plush robes & slippers (upon request)
*40″ or 42″ flat-screen Sony® TV with infotainment system featuring Movies On Demand, plus CNBC, CNN, FOX &      more
*Telephone, safe, refrigerator
*Individual climate control

*All amenities on board Viking Longships; amenities vary on other ships.

 

 


Booking terms & conditions

*Prices are per person, in Australian dollars, based on double occupancy and correct at time of publication. Prices include all advertised discounts, and all offers are subject to availability and may be withdrawn at any time. All offers are only valid for new bookings and only on selected departures made between 01 April – 30 November 2026 at 7:00pm (AEST) unless sold out prior.  Viking reserves the right to correct errors or omissions and to change any and all fares, fees and surcharges at any time. View the Passenger Ticket Contract for full booking terms and conditions. Itineraries are subject to change and may vary by departure date. Map depicts the standard itinerary offered.

River Offers Term & Conditions

 

Itinerary

Day 1. Budapest, Hungary

Embark your ship and settle into your stateroom. Riverside beauty and a vibrant cultural scene blend together in Budapest to form one of Europe’s most rewarding cities. Hungary’s enchanting capital straddles the banks of the Danube, with traditional hillside Buda on one side and modern Pest on the other. By day, stunning art nouveau buildings, stalwart castles and grand palaces set the stage for inspiring strolls and long soaks in thermal spas. By night, the shimmering lights of the Parliament building dance across the waters of the Danube, the Chain Bridge uniting it all as a dramatic centerpiece.

* Ground transfers are included with Viking Air purchase.

Day 2. Budapest, Hungary

Budapest’s old town is a fascinating medieval patchwork of narrow streets and colorful houses. In the Castle District, the Matthias Church soars in Gothic glory. Adjacent, the expansive wall and seven turrets of Fisherman’s Bastion overlook the Danube, the graceful Chain Bridge and the Pest side of the river. The centerpiece of the district is the sprawling Buda Castle. Constructed in the 13th century and expanded to its current baroque splendor during the 18th century, this edifice was home to Hungary’s kings for almost 700 years.

Shore Excursions

Hungary’s Graceful and Inspiring Capital

Take in one of Europe’s great cultural capitals and see its iconic sights. Over the last few decades, Budapest has reemerged as one of the continent’s iconic cities, divided by the Danube River and connected by the graceful Chain Bridge. Meet your guide for a panoramic tour, beginning in modern Pest. Along the elegant Andrássy Avenue, admire the National Opera House. Pass Heroes’ Square, a spacious plaza of monuments and statues commemorating the Magyar state. Across the river, explore the more traditional Buda side of the city. Here, visit the Castle District with its massive hilltop castle complex, the turreted Fisherman’s Bastion and Matthias Church. From the heights of Buda Hill, take in views of the famous Chain Bridge. Afterward, enjoy free time to explore the enchanting Buda Hill Castle area at your leisure, before returning to your ship.

Day 3. Vienna, Austria

Renowned as the “City of Waltzes,” Austria’s capital city of Vienna is Europe’s center of classical music. Strauss and Mozart composed many of their finest pieces here. Vienna’s musical history is matched by the elegant, graceful architecture that lines the Ringstrasse, the wide boulevard encircling the Inner City. Baroque, neo-Renaissance, Gothic-Romanesque and other splendidly styled structures, from the Hofburg Palace to the Vienna State Opera, take the breath away with their grand facades. Vienna has a more intimate side too: inviting footpaths lead through green parks and its famed Viennese cafés sweeten any stay with coffee and the city’s delectable Sachertorte.

Day 4. Vienna, Austria

Vienna is considered one of Europe’s greatest cultural hubs. Its art scene has long been established with the Hapsburg’s collection of fine art, now housed at the Kunsthistorisches Museum. Today, Vienna’s modern side showcases street art murals that don the side of buildings along the banks of the Danube. Ingrained in local life is the long-embraced tradition of coffeehouses; UNESCO includes Viennese coffeehouse culture on its list of Intangible Cultural Heritages. It is considered one of life’s pleasures to while away an afternoon over an Einspänner coffee and a pastry.

Shore Excursions (Included)

An Essential Overview of the “City of Waltzes”

See the magnificent architectural highlights of one of Europe’s most elegant and romantic cultural capitals. Vienna was center of arts and intellect during the reign of the Hapsburgs and beyond. Meet your guide and drive into the city for a motor coach and walking tour, focusing on the splendid buildings on the Ringstrasse, the gracious boulevard laid out on the site of the old city walls during the mid-19th century. Imposing palaces, elegant public buildings and grand residences line this world-famous avenue. See the magnificent Hofburg Palace, winter residence of the Hapsburgs and home of the Spanish Riding School with its Lipizzaner horses. Admire the Gothic St. Stephen’s Cathedral, crowned with a gleaming spire and colorful roof tiles. And view the beautiful Vienna State Opera concert hall, its facade adorned with elaborate frescoes depicting Mozart’s opera The Magic Flute.

Day 5. Scenic Sailing: Wachau Valley & Melk, Austria

Scenic Sailing: Wachau Valley

Day 6. Passau, Germany

Founded by the Celts over 2,000 years ago, Passau is one of Bavaria’s oldest cities. Known as the “City of Three Rivers,” it rests at the confluence of the Inn, Ilz and Danube rivers. The city has long enjoyed its strategic position and grew to great economic and political power because of it. The legacy of its past prosperity lives on in graceful arcades, colorful houses with rococo facades and the glorious baroque St. Stephen’s Cathedral, home to one of Europe’s largest pipe organs. Passau is also where two nations meet; it is here that the German-Austrian border begins.

Shore Excursions (Included)

A Stroll Through an Elegant City Capped Off by Beautiful Music

Explore the Italianate-style streets of Passau, where three European rivers converge. Meet your local guide and begin your walking tour through delightful old-world streets, taking in a pastel rainbow of building facades as you stroll. You will see the impressive Bishops’ Residenz from which powerful prince-bishops ruled secular and religious life for hundreds of years. Continue past the 14th-century Rathaus, or Town Hall, built on the site of a former fish market on the Danube. Conclude your walk at the magnificent 17th-century St. Stephen’s Cathedral. This baroque wonder houses Europe’s largest pipe organ, with more than 17,000 pipes, and inspired Franz Liszt to write his Hungarian Coronation Mass. Enjoy free time to explore more of the city on your own before returning to your awaiting ship.

Day 7. Regensburg, Germany

Having escaped major damage during World War II, the picturesque town of Regensburg is one of Europe’s best-preserved medieval cities, the oldest city along the Danube and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The Old Stone Bridge, constructed in the 12th century, is a masterpiece of medieval engineering with its 16 arches. St. Peter’s Cathedral is widely considered Bavaria’s best Gothic architectural work. The old town’s Neupfarrplatz square is a cross section of history—it was once a thriving Jewish quarter, a bustling marketplace and the site of Nazi book burnings.

Shore Excursions (Included)

The Spellbinding City of Marcus Aurelius

Witness a true medieval city untouched by World War II bombing and rich in architectural splendor. Regensburg is one of Germany’s best-preserved cities and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. To get to know this gem, explore it on foot with a local guide, who will share a personal view of the city he knows so well. See some of the city walls erected by Marcus Aurelius upon its founding. Pass the Old Town Hall and see the 12th-century Old Stone Bridge, a 16-arch marvel of medieval engineering that still carries traffic today. See the famous Alte Wurstküche (Old Sausage Kitchen), Germany’s oldest restaurant, and admire its idyllic courtyards. At the Gothic St. Peter’s Cathedral, gaze up at the Donkey Tower, a remnant of the former cathedral that was left to support this one. Marvel at the structure’s superb stained glass windows before returning to your ship at your leisure.

Explore One of Germany’s Oldest Cities and its Jewish History

Discover Regensburg during a walking tour and learn more about the city’s Jewish heritage. This tour contains all the same elements as the regular Regensburg Walking Tour but adds stops at several Jewish-related sights. Meet your guide at the pier and set off on foot, admiring Roman-era ruins and the many landmarks that date back to the Middle Ages. Continue your journey, delving into the city’s Jewish heritage, with stops at important monuments. Learn more about its history at Neupfarrplatz, in what was once the Jewish Quarter. Here, where the Synagogue once stood, is the site of a striking memorial. You will also see the former residence of Oskar Schindler, who saved more than 1,200 Jews, and the tombstones at the Old Town Hall and the Stumbling Stones memorial. These small brass plaques on the pavement commemorate the Jewish residents who died in the Holocaust.

Day 8. Scenic Sailing: Main-Danube Canal, Germany & Nuremberg, Germany

Scenic Sailing: Main-Danube Canal, Germany

Day 9. Bamberg, Germany

Founded in 902, Bamberg remains a medieval-looking city known for its symphony orchestra and rauchbier, specialty smoked beer. The city’s winding streets are filled with baroque patrician houses and are home to the stunning 11th-century Cathedral of Holy Roman Emperor Heinrich II, housing his tomb and that of Pope Clement II. Bamberg is especially noted for its Altes Rathaus, or Old Town Hall, situated on a twin-arched bridge over the Regnitz River, and for the old bishop’s houses: the 16th-century Alte Hofhaltung (Old Court) and 17th-century Neue Residenz (New Residence).

Shore Excursions (Included)

Explore an Old-World Franconian City by Foot

Delve into the history of Bamberg during an informative walk to view historic sights. Join your guide and head to the medieval city center, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Pass by the magnificent 11th-century cathedral with its four imposing towers. The church was rebuilt in the late Romanesque and early Gothic style during the 13th century. Stop to admire the detailed statue of the Bamberger Reiter, or Bamberg Horseman, here. Then, see the Bamberg New Residence with its rose garden and panoramic views of the old town, as well as the picturesque Rathaus, or town hall, built in the middle of a double-arched bridge over the Regnitz River. From here, you can see fishermen’s cottages on the nearby riverbanks. Enjoy time to follow your own whims in Bamberg, perhaps sampling some of the town’s distinctive rauchbier, or smoke-flavored beer, before rejoining your ship.

Day 10. Würzburg, Germany

Surrounded by Franconian vineyards, Würzburg was heavily damaged during World War II, but has since been completely restored. This prestigious university city is a jewel of baroque architecture. Its most pristine example of pomp and glory is the great Bishops’ Residenz palace, built in 1744 for the prince-bishop; his unwavering support of artists is evidenced by the sweeping staircase and magnificent ceiling frescoes by Tiepolo. Other landmarks include the medieval, statue-lined Old Main Bridge and Marienberg Fortress, originally a Celtic hill fort and later residence of the bishops. The city remains a major wine-making center, hosting Germany’s oldest and largest vineyard.

Shore Excursions (Included)

A Baroque and Shining Masterpiece of the Archbishops

Tour Würzburg’s Bishops’ Residenz, one of Germany’s ornate palaces and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Drive with your guide to the former residence of the Würzburg prince-bishop that was built over a 25-year period, beginning in 1719. Admire the overhead ceiling with its stunning, 6,400-square-foot “Four Continents” fresco painted by Venetian artist Giovanni Tiepolo. You will see several of the building’s ornate rooms, the colonnaded chapel and the baroque and English-style gardens lined with ornate statues. A highlight is sure to be the Mirror Cabinet. Incredibly, the entire complex was meticulously reconstructed after suffering extensive damage from World War II bombing. Afterward, continue to the Old Town of Würzburg, where a walking tour shows you the stunning Romanesque Cathedral, the Neumünster church, the market square and Town Hall, and the oldest wine bar in town.

Day 11. Wertheim, Germany & Scenic Sailing: Main River, Spessart

Wertheim, Germany

Day 12. Scenic Sailing: Middle Rhine & Koblenz, Germany

Scenic Sailing: Middle Rhine

Day 13. Cologne, Germany

Cologne reveals its Roman heritage in its city layout and the ancient ruins that lie scattered through the town. Cologne’s modern plazas and Hohe Strasse host welcoming shops, enticing restaurants and cologne boutiques. Of note is the city’s 13th-century cathedral, a stunning example of Gothic artistry and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Having survived Allied bombs during World War II, the cathedral’s imposing twin spires are visible for miles and its stained glass windows fill the interior with brilliant colored light. Its steps lead to a platform with astounding views.

Shore Excursions (Included)

A Historic City Crowned by Northern Europe’s Largest Cathedral

Learn about Cologne’s heritage and view its iconic cathedral, towering over the city in all its Gothic splendor. Step into a rich past, following the city’s preserved historic street patterns and hearing about its Roman and medieval history along the way. As you stroll, your guide will regale you with tales of local folklore figures, Tünnes and Schääl, and the city’s flourishing Jewish community. In Old Cologne, pass the elegant silhouette of St. Martin’s church and stop to view Cologne’s magnificent Gothic cathedral, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Construction of this towering structure began in 1248 and continued in stages over the next seven centuries. The largest Gothic cathedral in Northern Europe, this magnificent church boasts two soaring spires and beautiful stained-glass windows, and survived the Allied bombings that ravaged the city and the rest of Germany during World War II.

Day 14. Scenic Sailing: Waal & Merwede & Kinderdijk, The Netherlands

Scenic Sailing: Waal & Merwede

Day 15. Amsterdam, The Netherlands

Bid farewell to your fellow guests and journey home. Or spend more time exploring, perhaps joining one of our extensions.

* Ground transfers are included with Viking Air purchase.

Pre & Post Cruise Extensions

More days means more to discover, with extension packages you can add before or after your Viking cruise or cruisetour. Enjoy additional days to explore your embarkation or disembarkation city, or see a new destination altogether with a choice of exciting cities. Contact us for more information
Pre and post cruise extensions vary by itinerary and are subject to change.

Dates and prices

From AUD $8,795 per person, twin share

All departures
Deals (11)
March 2027 2 sailings
April 2027 2 sailings
May 2027 4 sailings
June 2027 6 sailings
July 2027 6 sailings
August 2027 6 sailings
September 2027 4 sailings
October 2027 4 sailings
November 2027 4 sailings
May 2028 5 sailings
June 2028 2 sailings
July 2028 1 sailing
August 2028 4 sailings
September 2028 3 sailings
October 2028 4 sailings
November 2028 2 sailings

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FAQ's
  • Cancellation and change policies vary by cruise line and fare type. Refundable fares offer more flexibility, while non-refundable fares may incur penalties.

  • Yes, you can request an upgrade, and some cruise lines offer upgrade bidding programs. Availability depends on demand.

  • Booking early (12–18 months in advance) or during wave season (January to March) often provides the best deals and perks.

  • Cabin choices depend on your preferences: Interior: No windows, budget-friendly. Oceanview: Window or porthole for natural light. Balcony: Private outdoor space. Suite: Luxurious amenities and more space.

  • Yes, it’s recommended to book popular shore excursions early to secure a spot. Many cruise lines and third-party operators offer online bookings.

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