Viking Romance on the River

Civilizations have always been built around rivers. So, it stands that cruising on a river can be a journey directly into the heart and pulse of some of the world’s most intriguing cities and towns, often filled with river-abutting scenery you aren’t apt to discover by land. Fairytale castles, forests, cobblestoned villages and history are the ever-changing scenery that comes directly to you as you cruise effortlessly along. (Featured photo courtesy Viking)

River Cruising: Made for explorers

When we think about river cruising, many of us think of a steamboat on the Mississippi or a river barge drifting through France. But luxury river cruising is a whole different experience and really nothing akin to an ocean voyage. One of the top trip choices of the year, it does have the same travel ease that comes with unpacking just once, but this intimate, very personalized experience that you share with a small group of voyagers is for modern-day explorers seeking the daily educational and cultural experience that goes along with stepping feet-first into ancient and rich cultures.

With exploration destinations nearly every day, less time is spent “getting” there and all the more time “being” there. The best part for an avid explorer? Every room, every deck and every seat has a spectacular view all along the way. Special meals, lectures and memento sales are just a few of extras that celebrate the culture and histories of your cruising destinations while onboard. While entertainment is plentiful, the memories that come from the people, the hospitality and the camaraderie are what most passengers remember as their finest onboard experiences.

Viking River Cruises, whose tagline is “exploring the world in comfort,” has been perfecting the idea of getting the entire experience for decades.

Romance on the Danube

One of Europe’s most intriguing waterways and second largest river is the Danube—revered in music, known for its lush landscapes of towering forests and terraced vineyards and full of fascinating legends that meld with its rich 2,000-year-old history. The calm waters of the river pass through four European capitals with only a portion of it assessable to anything but a more intimate river boat.

Hop off for Adventure

It is rare that anyone stays onboard when the Viking stops at the river’s edge. This is the part of the trip when you can capture firsthand what has taunted you from the ship’s view. Hungary’s capital, Budapest is cut “in two” by the Danube, with the more modern side of “Pest” half of the city on one side and the hilly “Buda” older side of the city on the other. A step out of the ship takes you on a tour on bus and on foot to both sides with visits to the hilltop castle complex of Fisherman’s Bastion overlooking the vibrant city.

The ship docks in Vienna, Austria next with a half-day tour on one of Europe’s most elegant cities—from its horse-drawn carriages to opulent palaces. Optional entertainment includes an unforgettable palace concert that celebrates Mozart or Strauss. During the holidays, the Christmas Marketplace is a magical extravaganza.

The Best of the Best: Scenic Cruising to and from Melk

Every day is marked by a different cruising experience, but the journey from Vienna through the Wachau Valley—the heart of Austria’s wine country—is a memorable vision of unsurpassed beauty. Find a comfy seat on the open upper deck and take in hilly slopes terraced in vines, castles perched on mountains and the quaint weekend villages of Viennese commuters. After lunch served on the deck for uninterrupted viewing, the boat docks in Melk with its 900-year-old baroque Melk Abbey perched on the sheer cliffs of town to be toured.

A return to the ship brings more scenic touring and two renowned castles. Your Viking soon reaches Schonbuhel Castle which has towered on its high rocky hillside perch for 1,100 years. The ruins of Aggstein Castle, founded in 1231, can be viewed next in its imposing position 1,000 feet above the river. Now open to the public after restoration, portions of the towers, kitchen and chapel have survived.

Sailing past market villages and Gothic churches leads to one of the best-known villages of Wachau Valley—Durnstein—dominated by the ruins of Kuenringer Castle where King Richard the Lionheart was held prisoner and later released upon payment of a huge ransom.

Passau, Germany on to Medieval Regensburg

Called “City on Three Rivers,” Passau is nestled at the confluence of the Danube, Ilz and Inn rivers. A tour of the city includes the town’s magnificent 17^th century St. Stephan’s Cathedral, with Europe’s largest pipe organ. Cruise-goers are treated to an organ concert with lots of time to wander and shop.

Regensburg—one of Germany’s best-preserved medieval cities—is your next port. It is possible that the visit to Regensburg captures the uniqueness and allure of a river cruise best. After breakfast, step on to shore to experience a walking tour directly into the heart of the cobblestoned village with the gleaming spires of Gothic St. Peter’s Church, the old town hall and Germany’s oldest bridge, the 12^th-century Old Stone Bridge.

An optional tour of Regensburg leads explorers to the 7^th-century Weltenburg Abbey—one of Germany’s oldest monasteries—with its famed brewery founded in 1050. After sampling the ten different brews, board an excursion boat for a cruise through the Danube Gorge where the river cuts through the mountains at its steepest, narrowest point.

Last Stop: Nuremberg

Its history is notorious for the post-World War II war trials, the remains of its Nazi Party rally grounds and documentation center, but Nuremberg stands out as one of Germany’s most fascinating medieval cities, encased by its 13^th-century walls. Opt for a tour of its history then stop for leisure shopping time or museum wandering.

Extend the Experience

Both post-cruise and pre-cruise extensions are offered on the trip, and a large percentage of passengers opt for one or both extensions. Spend more time in Budapest or Prague—or both. Visit Prague Castle—a massive complex of palaces, churches and museums and explore the city’s varied architecture, from Romanesque and Gothic to baroque and Art Nouveau. In Budapest, spend an indulgent day lingering in the famous wellness Baths. Check the Viking website for details.