Capitals of Eastern Europe Vienna to Bucharest
16-Night River Cruise Holiday with Fly Free Offer Included
- 26 Oct ‘25
- 16 nights
- Vienna, Austria
- Viking Rinda
*Based on Oceanview Stateroom.
Balcony Stateroom an extra $3,800
What's Included
Explore lesser known treasures on this 17 night Eastern European river cruise from Vienna to Budapest with return flights included
Discover the “City of Waltzes,” Austria’s elegant capital and European centre of classical music. In Bratislava, view grand palaces from the Hapsburg era and delve into Budapest’s vibrant culture. Be captivated by lesser-known gems as you visit towns and cities across the Balkans. Explore Bucharest’s old-world charm, tree-lined boulevards and witness its socialist architecture. With visits to five capital cities, this 17-day voyage is sure to inspire.
With Viking Inclusive value, all you need is included.
⚓ One complimentary shore excursion in every port of call
⚓ Free Wi-Fi (connection speed may vary)
⚓ Beer, wine & soft drinks with onboard lunch & dinner
⚓ 24-hour specialty coffees, teas & bottled water
⚓ Port taxes & fees
⚓ Visits to UNESCO Sites
⚓ Enrichment lectures & Destination Performances
⚓ Onboard gratuities
Book now and Fly Free to Europe!
This voyage operates from March to November each year, pricing will vary by departure date. Ask your Cruiseabout Travel Advisor for your preferred travel dates.
YOUR ITINERARY
Transfer to your ship and settle into your stateroom. Ren ...
Transfer to your ship and settle into your stateroom. Renowned as the “City of Waltzes,” Austria’s capital city of Vienna is Europe’s centre 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.
Vienna is considered one of Europe’s greatest cultural hubs. It ...
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.
Streets lined with Baroque facades and grand imperial palaces ...
Streets lined with Baroque facades and grand imperial palaces are a legacy of the wealthy Hapsburg monarchy. The Hofburg Palace complex is home to the world-famous Vienna Boys’ Choir and elegant Lipizzaner stallions that perform at the Spanish Riding School, as well as numerous museums that play host to grand masterpieces. Behind the Hofburg, the lively MuseumsQuartiers showcases Austrian art in the former imperial stables, and the city’s musical heritage can be enjoyed at incredible venues across the city, from the Staatsoper to the acoustically renowned Musikverein.
The Slovakian capital of Bratislava is filled with loving ...
The Slovakian capital of Bratislava is filled with lovingly restored baroque city palaces and leafy squares. The Little Carpathians rise steeply in the north and the enormous hrad (or castle) perches 300 feet above the Danube, lending the city a picturesque setting. Below the castle, the Old Town boasts elegant mansions, art nouveau houses and gracious pedestrian zones. Eleven Hungarian kings and eight queens were crowned in St. Martin’s Cathedral, today a concert hall that plays a central role in the city’s rich cultural offerings.
Riverside beauty and a vibrant cultural scene blend to ...
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 centrepiece.
Budapest’s old town is a fascinating medieval patchwork of narro ...
Budapest’s old town is a fascinating medieval patchwork of narrow streets and colourful 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 centrepiece of the district is the sprawling Buda Castle. Constructed in the 13th century and expanded to its current baroque splendour during the 18th century, this edifice was home to Hungary’s kings for almost 700 years.
Mohács is home to the annual Busójárás Carnival, ...
Mohács is home to the annual Busójárás Carnival, which marks the end of winter and features busós—mask wearing, fur clad townsmen—parading and dancing through the town in celebration of the arrival of spring. Mohács was also the site of one of the bloodiest battles in Hungarian history, the Battle of Mohács, following the Ottoman invasion of 1526. The Mohács Visitor Center tells the story of the battle, which saw more than 17,000 Hungarian soldiers, including several notable leaders, lose their lives. The site’s mass grave was discovered during the 1970s and remains a poignant memorial to this day.
Vučedol culture flourished in Vukovar from 3000 to ...
Vučedol culture flourished in Vukovar from 3000 to 2200 BCE, making this archaeological park one of the most important in Europe. However, the town is better known for its recent history; in 1991, Vukovar came under siege during the Yugoslav Wars, becoming the only town in Europe to have suffered such destruction since World War II. Notable buildings have now been restored, including the Eltz Manor and the Baroque Church of St. Nicholas. Vukovar’s streets are best explored on foot; the town carries the echoes of the war and stories of bravery of those who lived here.
Ilok’s vineyards have helped to firmly cement Croatia’s position on every oenophile’s map. For more than two millennia, the town has been producing some of the region’s finest wines, thanks to its superior soil and the climate of the surrounding hillsides. In the town, wine cellars can be found on every street, providing ample opportunity to sample a hearty vintage, and the remains of a Roman fort with evidence of a water supply system can still be seen. The 15th-century Ilok Castle presides over the medieval town, offering magnificent views of the Danube.
A European Capital of Culture, Novi Sad is Serbia’s second ...
A European Capital of Culture, Novi Sad is Serbia’s second largest city. The Petrovaradin Fortress dominates the skyline and offers stunning vistas over the city, while the nearby historic neighborhood of Stari Grad is home to many of the city’s lively cafés, restaurants, museums and shops. Notable museums in Novi Sad include the Museum of Vojvodina, which houses collections and exhibits that showcase Serbian culture and life since ancient times. The Pavle Beljanski Memorial Collection features one of the most extensive collections of 20th-century Serbian and Yugoslav art.
The Serbian capital and former capital of the sta ...
The Serbian capital and former capital of the state of Yugoslavia, Belgrade is one of the oldest cities in Europe. Its location at the confluence of the Sava and Danube Rivers has long made it a contested region. Throughout its history, the “White City,” as its Serbian name translates, has been destroyed and rebuilt 20 times. Fortunately, the wide-reaching citadel remains, housing the Kalemegdan Fortress, Orthodox churches, Turkish baths and green parkland. Its Church of St. Sava is one of the largest Orthodox buildings in the world.
A gateway to the Djerdap National Park and home to an ...
A gateway to the Djerdap National Park and home to an 8,000-year-old Mesolithic archaeological site, Donji Milanovac is one of Serbia’s hidden treasures. The Djerdap National Park stretches out along the Danube River and is famous for its sweeping views of the Iron Gate gorge, within which lies Lepenski Vir, one of the most important archaeological sites in Serbia and the oldest planned settlement in Europe. The site was discovered in 1960, unveiling several pristine sculptures representing human figures as well as tools made of bones and stones, and settlement ruins.
One of Bulgaria’s oldest riverside towns, Vidin is home to ...
One of Bulgaria’s oldest riverside towns, Vidin is home to the only entirely preserved medieval Bulgarian castle. Perched impressively on the riverbank, its striking pose, thick ring walls, stout towers and solid gates form a fortress known as Babini Vidini Kuli, which means Granny Vida’s Towers. Around the castle rose a fairy-tale town of 25 minarets, domes and other charming architecture of the period. Though many of these features have been shadowed by today’s city, Vidin retains its charms. Today it is largely an agricultural and trade centre renowned for its wines.
Pleven is surrounded by limestone hills in an agricul ...
Pleven is surrounded by limestone hills in an agricultural region of the Danubian Plain. It was a stronghold of the Bulgarian Empire and has more than 450 places of architectural and cultural significance. It was a key fortress during the Ottoman Empire and became an important trade centre from the 15th to the 19th century. Several museums and monuments in the town are dedicated to the Siege of Pleven, fought during the Russo-Turkish War of 1877-1878. Today, the town is a major economic hub and the third largest in Northern Bulgaria.
On the shores of the Black Sea lies Constanța, a cit ...
On the shores of the Black Sea lies Constanța, a city steeped in history. A pleasant stroll along its boardwalk offers views over the Old Town, along which sits the iconic art nouveau building of the Constanța Casino. The towering minaret of the Grand Mosque presides over the city and a climb to the top rewards visitors with spectacular vistas over the ocean. Nearby, the Cathedral of Saints Peter and Paul is inspired by Romanian-style architecture of the 17th and 18th centuries, featuring a Greco-Roman style of pressed brick and a 114-foot-high tower.
After breakfast, disembark your ship and transfer to your ...
After breakfast, disembark your ship and transfer to your destination. Bucharest is Romania’s cultural capital. Its original fortress, the first of many, was built to protect the Walachian state from the Turks. Today, it is a city of elegant French-style boulevards, lush gardens and green expanses, including the tranquil Bucharest Botanical Garden. The historic Lipscani district exudes the old-world charms of cobblestone alleys, inns and shops. The sprawling Palace of Parliament is the world’s largest civilian building, said to contain 3,000 rooms. Arrive and check in to your hotel.
Communism changed the face of Bucharest and has lef ...
Communism changed the face of Bucharest and has left in its wake a city brimming with imposing socialist architecture. Dotted among today’s cityscape are wonderful art nouveau buildings, ancient churches and monasteries that were rescued from the bulldozer. From the 18th-century church Schitul Maicilor to the 16th-century Mihai Vodă Church, it is best to discover these treasures on foot. Bucharest is also home to an array of world-class museums, including the George Enescu National Museum, which features a beautiful oyster-shaped glass awning.
Bucharest is home to one of the finest examples of Brancovan arc ...
Bucharest is home to one of the finest examples of Brancovan architecture. The 18th-century Stavropoleos Monastery is renowned for its ornate interior and beautifully detailed decor. The church’s resident choir is internationally recognized, as is its library with its collection of Byzantine music books. Bucharest’s culinary scene is elegantly understated and homestyle fare can be found in quaint eateries throughout the Old Town. A regeneration has seen the capital’s streets transformed into a charismatic district, filled with hidden treasures. After breakfast, check out of your hotel and journey home. Alternatively, ask your Cruiseabout Travel Advisor about our incredible range of accommodation packages, touring and cruise extensions.
YOUR SHIP - The Viking Rinda
Beautiful and headstrong, Rinda personifies the hard, frozen earth. She is the daughter of Billing, King of the Ruthenians, and wife of Odin, father of the gods.
Description
Beautiful and headstrong, Rinda personifies the hard, frozen earth. She is the daughter of Billing, King of the Ruthenians, and wife of Odin, father of the gods.
Food and Drink
Bar
Lounge
Raffles Court & Terrace
Veranda
Technology
Interactive TV
Internet Cafe
Recreational
Library
Putting Green
Other
Boutique
Elevator
Laundry Service
Observation Lounge
Walking Track
STATEROOMS
Suite
Balcony Stateroom
Oceanview Stateroom
Important Notice
The following product terms and conditions apply in addition to our Booking Terms and Conditions (available on our website) and terms and conditions of the relevant travel service provider. Prices quoted are valid for sale until 15 November 2024 for travel during the period specified (if applicable) unless otherwise stated or sold out prior. All prices are per person, twin share (unless otherwise stated), subject to availability and may be withdrawn or varied without notice. Prices shown are fully inclusive of taxes, levies and government charges current at the time of publication. Additional supplier conditions and travel restrictions may apply. Prices shown are for payments made by cash in store or by BPAY. Payments made in store by credit card will incur a surcharge (see Booking Terms and Conditions for further details). Prices quoted are accurate as of 1 August 2024 and may be higher depending on date of purchase and date of travel. Cruiseabout cannot guarantee that any particular product will still be available at the following prices, or for your exact dates of travel. At the time of making your booking, prices may differ to the price displayed on the website. Fly Free Economy Flights up to the value of AU$2300pp when booking flights with Viking: Fly Free is economy flight(s) for both guests up to the value of AU$2300 per person (pp) to/from Australia/New Zealand. If the flight cost exceeds AU$2300pp the guest will cover the difference. If flights are cheaper than AU$2300pp the unused portion of the air funds will be waived and cannot be transferred towards any other portion of the booking or any other person. A guest can use the AU$2300pp to instead upgrade to business class or premium economy (booked through Viking) with the difference to be covered by the guest. Any flight cost difference is to be paid at the time of flight booking. Applicable if flights are booked through Viking and must be booked in conjunction with a selected 2025/2026/2027 Viking River cruise. Flights are Viking’s choice of airline for selected major gateways in AU: ADL/BNE/CBR/CNS/DRW/HBA/LST/MEL/OOL/PER/SYD. Guest must return their air form to Viking within 14 business days of receiving request for flights, otherwise Viking reserve the right to remove the free air promo and apply the respective in lieu of flights discount. Valid on bookings made between 01 August 2024 – 15 November 2024. Guest may not request to change to flights included promotion post campaign end date of 15 November 2024. Viking will reach out to you or your travel advisor once flights are in the date range, at this point you may nominate your preferred in / out dates. Both guests must be on the same airline booking (PNR) and fly together in both directions. Solo guests for River can use up to AU$4600 towards their flights. Any unused portion of the air funds will be waived and cannot be transferred towards any other portion of the booking or any other person or booking. Save AU$2300pp and book flights independently: Guests are eligible to get a discount of AU$2300 per person (pp) off the cruise fare at the time of booking in lieu of the Free Economy Class flights. Solo guests for River are eligible to get a discount of AUD$4600 per booking off the cruise fare in lieu of the free flights. Guests book their own flights independently of Viking. Valid on bookings made between 01 August 2024 – 15 November 2024. Guest may not request to change to flights included promotion post campaign end date of 15 November 2024. All savings are included in the advertised price. Please contact your Cruiseabout Travel Advisor to obtain the latest up to date information regarding applicable prices, fees and charges, taxes, availability, blackout dates (such as school holidays), seasonal surcharges and other terms and conditions which may apply.