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River Cruises from Budapest to Amsterdam

Discover river cruises that depart from Budapest and end in Amsterdam. Cruises from Budapest to Amsterdam are most popular in May, with the most cruises doing this route then.

8 River cruises from Budapest to Amsterdam with 3 reviews

• River Cruise

Magnificent Rivers of Europe 2024

Magnificent Rivers of Europe 2025

European Jewels (2024) (Budapest to Amsterdam, 2024)

European Jewels (2025) (Budapest to Amsterdam, 2025)

• Wine tasting

Magnificent Europe 2025 Start Budapest, End Amsterdam

• Christmas & New Year

Grand European Tour Budapest to Amsterdam

Nothing was too much trouble for staff. Excellent organisation and xare of clients.

European Gems Budapest to Amsterdam (2025)

European Gems Budapest to Amsterdam (2024)

Travel styles, river cruise from budapest.

• to Prague (19)
• to Vilshofen an der Donau (17)
• to Nuremberg (12)
• to Bucharest (12)
• to Passau (10)
• to Vienna (9)
• to Basel (6)

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Amsterdam to Budapest by Riverboat

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Uniquely Tauck

EXPERIENCE WITH TAUCK

TAUCK EXCLUSIVE – A private Imperial Evening at a traditional palace in Vienna featuring a gala dinner and Viennese performers

TAUCK VALUE INCLUDES

Gratuities to ship staff, drivers, local guides, Tauck Directors and Tauck Cruise Director

All private Tauck shore excursions – $3,383 Value!

In Amsterdam, a guided tour of the famed Rijksmuseum, home to many masterpieces

Day exploring Nürnberg, the walled medieval town whose history is forever intertwined with World War II

Choice of sightseeing in Vienna – a visit to the Sisi Museum and the Imperial Apartments in the Hofburg or to Schönbrunn Palace

SEE WHAT YOUR JOURNEY INCLUDES

Guests should be able to easily walk one to two miles, which may include climbing one or two flights of stairs and walking over uneven pavement, groomed hiking trails or cobblestones. Standing up to one hour or more may be required.

Moderately paced, and may include some early morning hotel departures, one or two on-tour flights, and extended motor coach travel.

Exclusively inclusive river cruising

Cruise along the River Danube from Budapest to Amsterdam on an amazing journey past grand cathedrals, medieval monasteries, castles and vineyards...

The river of kings – the danube, old world europe – rhine river cruises, tauck exclusive - imperial evening at palais pallavicini, another wonderful tauck experience. the scenery was breathtaking and the crew on the riverboat were wonderful..

Thomas Harrigan

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(Note: All Category 7 cabins are three-guest capacity suites with a pull-out couch)

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Northbound: Budapest → Amsterdam

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Southbound: Amsterdam → Budapest

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About Booking This Tour

Travel Documents

If you are a U.S. citizen traveling internationally , you will need a passport valid for six months beyond the completion of your Tauck journey for entry into the Netherlands, Germany, Austria, Slovakia and Hungary. You are not required to obtain a visa to enter any of the countries visited for the short duration of this tour.

If you are a citizen of another country traveling internationally , you should contact an embassy or consulate of the Netherlands, Germany, Austria, Slovakia and Hungary to determine what travel documentation is required.

International maritime security guidelines require that your passport information be provided to us prior to your embarkation. You need to provide this information to us as soon as you book your cruise or boarding may be denied. Once you board the riverboat, your passport will be held by the purser temporarily to make copies.

Please Note: Longer stays abroad for any purpose may require additional travel documentation.

We recommend that you make at least two photocopies of all the travel documents that you bring with you. Include copies of the photo page of your passport that contains the date of issuance, the date of expiration and your citizenship. Secure one set of copies in the safe in your room while traveling and leave one set behind with someone at home who will assist you in the event your documents are misplaced, lost or stolen.

To facilitate Travel Requirements, destinations are increasingly utilizing online forms that require digital proof that you've successfully completed your submission (via an email, QR code, etc.) To ensure smooth travels and peace of mind, we strongly recommend all guests carry a personal smart phone and sign up for international data plans before traveling overseas.

TRAVELING WITH CHILDREN AS A GUARDIAN: If you are traveling as the guardian of a child/children, we strongly suggest that you carry a letter from both parents of the child authorizing emergency treatment in the event of illness or accident. For travel abroad, many foreign countries have specific entry requirements for children under 21 who are traveling internationally without BOTH parents. (These requirements are in response to the increased incidence of children being abducted and taken abroad.) PLEASE NOTE THAT TAUCK IS NOT RESPONSIBLE for the disruption of travel caused by improper documentation for children traveling without both parents.

How to Book a Tour

See your travel advisor, or call Tauck at 800-468-2825 to make a reservation.

At the time of booking, please have the following information ready for all members of your party:

• Tour Name and Departure Date
• Traveler's Name: First and last names as they appear on your passport or driver's license
• Traveler's Address(es)
• Email Address*
• Traveler's Phone Number(s)*
• Emergency Contact Information: Please provide the name and phone number  of a relative or friend (not travelling with you) whom we could contact during the tour in the unlikely event of an emergency
• Interest in purchasing a travel protection plan (US and Canada)
• Interest in extending your trip by staying in a Tauck recommended hotel before your trip begins or after it ends
• Interest in our specially negotiated airfares

* Required Fields

Deposits & Final Payment

The deposit and the fees for the optional Protection Plan or Cancel Fee Waiver [CFW] coverage are due at time of booking.

The deposit amount is $900 per person

Final Payments:

Final Payment is due to Tauck  60  days before departure for lands trips, and  120  days before departure for cruises and rail journeys. If your deposit was made by credit card, final payment will be automatic unless you opted out at time of booking. Bookings without full payment at this time may be subject to cancellation without notice. Failure to make payment will be a considered a cancellation by the guest and all applicable cancellation fees will apply.

Cruise Protection Plan

Effective for plans purchased as of July 1, 2021:

Tauck's Cruise and Event Protection

Tauck's Cruise & Event Protection provides you with cancellation protection before your journey begins as well as insurance benefits while you are traveling. It must be purchased within 10 days of your initial deposit. Guest Protection includes the following:

Cancellation Waiver – Provided by Tauck:

Under Tauck's Cancellation Fee Waiver you can cancel your tour for ANY REASON and Tauck will  reduce the regular cancellation fees outlined herein, provided we are notified of cancellation before your cruise departs. Certain terms and restrictions apply (see below*).

*Extreme Circumstances:  In the event of an act of God, war (whether declared or undeclared), terrorism, accident, natural disaster, outbreak of disease, or other event or circumstance beyond our control that contributes to or results in cancellation rates above our historical cancellation rates in the absence of such event or occurrence, Tauck reserves the right to issue a credit to you in lieu of a money-back refund, applicable to a future Tauck journey.  Travel Insurance Benefits – Underwritten by United States Fire Insurance Company.

• Trip Cancellation –  Should you cancel for covered reasons, the plan reimburses cancellation fees imposed, up to your total trip cost. 
• Trip Interruption –  If you have to interrupt your tour for covered reasons, the plan provides reimbursement to catch up to your tour or return home.
• Travel Delay –  Provides reimbursement for missed, prepaid travel arrangements if you are delayed by a common carrier, natural disaster, unannounced strike, or other reasons as cited in the plan.
• Medical Expense –  Reimburses covered medical expenses incurred in the event you become injured or sick during your trip. 
• Baggage / Personal Effects Protection –  Provides reimbursement in the event your luggage or personal effects are, lost, stolen, damaged or delayed during your trip.

Worldwide Emergency Assistance Services –  Provided by Carefree Travel Assistance; 24-hour emergency telephone assistance hotline for medical and travel related problems.

The cost of Tauck's Cruise and Event Protection is:   $799   per person

This plan provides cancellation coverage for your trip and other insurance coverages that apply only during the covered trip. You may have coverage from other sources that provides you with similar benefits but may be subject to different restrictions depending upon your other coverages. You may wish to compare the terms of this policy with your existing life, health, home and automobile policies. If you have any questions about your current coverage, call your insurer, insurance agent or broker.

This optional Cruise and Event Protection must be requested at time of booking and fee must be included in initial payment. Details will be provided with written confirmation of your reservation. Cruise and Event Protection does not protect travel agent commissions. Reimbursements will be made according to original method of payment. The amount of any refund shall be reduced by any recoveries obtained by you from any third parties.

To obtain your state-specific Certificate of Insurance that contains the complete terms, conditions, limitations and exclusions of the certificate, visit  affinitytravelcert.com/docs/TACCREINTL

If You Have To Cancel

If you cancel within 10 days of initial deposit

Within the first 10 days after you place your initial deposit, you may cancel your reservation for any reason with no cancellation fees.

If you cancel more than 10 days after initial deposit

Regardless of reason, cancellations result in costly charges from our travel and hotel providers covering penalties and fees incurred by canceling confirmed bookings. These fees vary from tour to tour. Therefore, the following fees apply for this tour.

Cancellation Fees with Tauck's Cruise Protection Plan:

120 days or more before departure: Loss of cost of Tauck's Cruise and Event Protection fee per person 119 – 60 days before departure: Loss of 25% of the cost of the cruise, not including air (if applicable), plus loss of Cruise and Event Protection fee, per person 59 – 1 days before departure: Loss of 50% of the cost of the cruise, not including air (if applicable), plus loss of Cruise and Event Protection fee, per person Cancellation Fees without Tauck's Cruise Protection Plan: 120 days or more before departure: $900 per person 119 – 60 days before departure: Loss of 50% of the cost of cruise, not including air (if applicable), per person 59 - 1 days before departure: Loss of 100% of the cost of cruise, not including air (if applicable), per person Time of cancellation will be when notice is received in our Wilton Woods, CT office.

Tour Interruption Fees

If you have to interrupt your tour en route, you may be entitled to a refund for the unused land portion if it exceeds 24 hours; certain restrictions apply. Such refunds are based upon the number of overnights missed less a fee of $40 per person per day for unused transportation and other fixed expenses.

Partial Room Cancellation

A person who cancels or leaves a tour while a roommate remains constitutes a cancellation of one type of accommodation and rebooking of another type of accommodation. The price charged to the remaining person is the new, higher price for the new accommodation.

In the event of an unforeseen circumstance beyond our control, Tauck reserves the right to amend the cancellation and transfer terms outlined herein. Note: All Guests, regardless of residency, who book a Tauck journey have the option of purchasing the Cancellation Waiver provided by Tauck in the event they need to cancel their trip after making their reservations. Tauck's Cruise & Event Protection, which includes both the Cancellation Fee Waiver and the Travel Insurance Benefits and Assistance Services described above, is not available to residents of Puerto Rico.

Travel Terms and Conditions

Click here  to find Tauck's Travel Terms & Conditions.

Travel Requirements For This Tour

Health, Safety and Mobility

HEALTH CONSIDERATIONS

The riverboat is registered in Basel, Switzerland. Please check with your health insurance provider to determine whether you are covered while traveling. If you will not be covered under your current policy, we strongly suggest that you arrange for adequate coverage while on tour.

If you have a medical condition that might limit your participation in activities, please consult your physician for pre-departure health advice and notify us as soon as possible, if you have not already done so. We will advise your Tauck Director accordingly.

VACCINATIONS

If you are a resident of the U.S. , no other vaccinations are currently required for travel to the Netherlands, Germany, Austria, Slovakia or Hungary. For complete vaccination and inoculation information, contact your physician, the public health service in your area, or the U.S. Centers for Disease Control (CDC) in Atlanta, Georgia. The Travelers' Health Section of the CDC operates a 24-hour "Travelers' Health Hotline" at 800-232-4636 (toll-free in the U.S.). You may also log on to the CDC website by clicking here .

If you are a resident of another country , please contact an embassy or consulate of the Netherlands, Germany, Austria, Slovakia or Hungary. to determine what additional vaccinations are required for your travel.

While a river cruise from is very relaxing and the pace leisurely, to enjoy this cruise, you should be in good health and able to walk reasonable distances, often over unpaved and uneven surfaces. Some of the most memorable sightseeing can only be accomplished on foot. There is a moderate to significant amount of walking during our excursions, often along the cobblestone streets on the hills along the rivers; for the most part, however, the amount of walking you do is at your discretion.

Your riverboat has four decks: Sun, Diamond, Ruby and Emerald. The elevator runs between the Diamond Deck and the Dining room, which includes stops at the Lounge and the Ruby Deck. There is no elevator access to the Sun Deck or Emerald Deck. There is no chair lift between any of the decks.

Because you will be cruising on a river and not on the open sea, you are never far from land and, therefore, there is no doctor on board the riverboat. In case of emergency we can easily dock the boat and call for an ambulance or medical assistance.

PLEASE NOTE: We regret that this Tauck itinerary cannot accommodate wheelchairs or motorized scooters. Likewise, we regret that we're unable to provide individual assistance to guests with walking difficulties or other personal needs. The responsibility of the Tauck Director who accompanies your trip is to ensure that the larger group enjoys a relaxing and informative journey, and he or she cannot be relied upon to provide ongoing individual assistance to any one guest. Guests requiring such individualized assistance must be accompanied by an able-bodied companion who can provide it.

Unfortunately, we cannot accommodate service animals on any river cruise for medical and legal reasons.

SPECIAL DIETARY REQUESTS

The restaurants, hotels, caterers and numerous other partners we work with all do their best to accommodate special dietary requests from Tauck guests. However, given the diverse nature of those food providers (from small wineries to grand hotels to world-famous restaurants in more than 70 countries worldwide), some of our partners are better able than others to accommodate such requests. We therefore cannot guarantee that all dietary requests can be accommodated at every meal. Also, please note that where dietary requests can be accommodated, choices will frequently be limited.

On board the riverboat, smoking is permitted in a limited area of the Sun deck. Smoking (including e-Cigarettes) is not permitted in any cabin, the restaurant, the lounge or any other interior space.

Reading List

We have compiled a reading list of recommended books to give you more information about the destinations you will be traveling to on your upcoming journey!

You can view the reading list  here.

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.

To read about current weather conditions, we suggest you log on to the Internet website, noaa.gov , by clicking here.

What To Pack

Bringing the right clothing for your trip is important – we've partnered with New Headings who provide an "easy-to-use, one-stop shop" for your Tauck travel needs, specifically selected for this trip. Click here to visit their site .

Your journey is designed with leisure in mind. Dress for comfort and convenience with a wardrobe that is flexible and allows for layering. Casual, cotton clothing is always advisable. A light jacket or sweater for the sun deck is also recommended. Pack comfortable yet sturdy walking shoes that have already been broken-in, as many of the sites visited were built centuries ago and have uneven surfaces, some steep inclines and many steps.

During evenings aboard the riverboat, dress is resort casual. Items such as slacks and collared shirts are appropriate for men.  For women, slacks, a dress or a skirt and blouse are suitable. For dinner and throughout the evening, guests should refrain from wearing shorts, t-shirts, flip-flops or sneakers.  Your journey also includes one or two special occasion dinners, where a sport coat and tie for gentlemen and a dress/pantsuit for ladies are suggested. (Your Tauck Director will advise you prior to those evenings.)

Bathrobes, slippers and hairdryers are provided in each riverboat cabin.

Valet laundry service is available on the riverboat for a fee. There is no valet dry cleaning available on the riverboat. Ironing facilities are available by request to the front desk. Category 7 suites feature their own irons and ironing boards.

We recommend that you pack an adequate supply of your prescription medication in its original container to last through your entire journey, together with a copy of your doctor's prescription or a letter from your health-care provider on office stationery explaining that the medication has been prescribed for you, a list of the generic names of your medication, your travel documents and a change of clothing in your carry-on bag to avoid any inconvenience in the event that your flight or luggage is delayed. No medications are sold on board the riverboat.

We recommend you pack the following items for your cruise:

• Flat, rubber-soled walking shoes for on board
• Sturdy but comfortable walking shoes that have already been broken-in for onshore
• Casual daytime wear – shorts, slacks, long and short-sleeved shirts
• A Sport jacket (optional tie) for men
• Casually elegant evening wear for ladies
• Sunglasses, sunscreen, hat
• A light sweater or jacket for higher elevations or a breezy night
• Camera, lenses, batteries, memory cards and chargers
• Travel alarm clock/cell phone with alarm fuctions (many hotels don't have clocks in the rooms)
• Rain poncho and collapsible umbrella
• Reusable zipper-lock bags or other waterproof bags
• Daypack for camera equipment
• Sundries and toiletries that may be difficult to find en route
• Copies of your travel documents that should be secured in the safe in your ship cabin while traveling

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TAUCK RIVER CRUISES 15 Days | Budapest To Amsterdam Northbound

BUDAPEST TO AMSTERDAM Day 1 | Budapest, Hungary. Embark. Your Danube, Main and Rhine river cruise starts at 4:00 PM in Budapest. A transfer is included from Budapest's Ferihegy Airport directly to your riverboat. Kick off Tauck's two-week Danube, Main, and Rhine River cruise with dinner aboard ship tonight. (D) Day 2 | Budapest. Explore Budapest on both sides of the Danube River. Sites include Heroes’ Square, bounded by some of the finest architectural works in Hungary; the Parliament building, a Neo-Gothic masterpiece; and Fishermen’s Bastion. Enjoy some free time in the city, then join us aboard the riverboat for the Captain’s welcome reception and dinner. (B,L,D) Day 3 | Bratislava, Slovakia. Arrive in Bratislava, capital of Slovakia, where 17 centuries of history are chronicled on a walking tour. Highlights are Baroque palaces from the Habsburg era, St. Martin's Cathedral, the Opera House, Slovak Philharmonic Hall, and a visit to the Old Town Hall. Back on board the riverboat, Slovakian performers entertain you after dinner; continue your Danube, Main and Rhine river cruise to Vienna this evening. (B,L,D) Day 4 | Vienna, Austria. Get an overview of grand old Vienna, Austria, with a morning sightseeing tour of this historic city, once the center of Europe's Habsburg empire. Then take your choice of a tour of grandiose Schönbrunn Palace, built to rival Versailles, or a visit to the Imperial Silver Room inside the Hofburg – the former Imperial Palace and today the residence of Austria's president. Tonight, you'll receive the royal treatment with a private Imperial Evening at a traditional palace in Vienna, where welcome cocktails and dinner precede a spectacle of elegant finery and a musical performance that celebrates the legacy of Mozart. (B,L,D) Day 5 | Melk. Durnstein. Your riverboat continues along the Danube to Dürnstein, whose twisting medieval lanes you'll explore on a walking tour. High above the town lie the ruins of Kuenringerburg, the castle where English King Richard the Lionhearted was held prisoner during the Crusades; an invigorating walk up the hill to the ruins leads to beautiful vistas of the river, town and surrounding countryside. Enjoy more great views of castles and lush vineyards from the top deck or through the panoramic windows of your riverboat while cruising through the wine-growing Wachau Valley. Stop in Melk for a guided tour of its 900-year-old Benedictine Abbey, perched on a rocky outcrop above the river. Inside this Baroque masterpiece are fine frescoes, early manuscripts, and a high altar. Your evening aboard the riverboat includes a wine tasting and a performance by local entertainers. (B,L,D) Day 6 | Passau, Germany. Cruise the Danube. After crossing the border from Austria to Germany, dock in the Bavarian town of Passau on the Danube and Inn rivers, whose history dates back to the days of the Roman empire. A walking tour reveals the Baroque treasures of this lovely riverside town, known for its stained glass and its many churches; visit St. Stephen's Cathedral, where you’ll see (and perhaps even hear) the largest pipe organ outside of the U.S., and the biggest cathedral organ in the world. Your Danube, Main and Rhine river cruise continues to Regensburg. (B,L,D) Day 7 | Regensburg. It's on to the well-preserved medieval town of Regensburg, once a campsite for the Roman legions, today. Our local guide leads you on a delightful walking tour of Old Town including the Steinerne Brücke over the Danube, the oldest stone bridge in Germany; massive Dom St. Peter, the town's 14th-century Gothic cathedral; and Altes Rathaus, the 15th-century town hall that was once the seat of the Imperial Diet. (B,L,D0 Day 8 | Cruise the Main-Danube Canal. Nuremberg. Your Danube, Main and Rhine river cruise negotiates the Main-Danube Canal, which ultimately links the North Sea with the Black Sea; learn about the canal's history from a local expert during your transit. The idea goes back as far as Charlemagne, but wasn't realized until the canal's completion in the 1990s; pass through 16 locks as the waterway traverses the mountains. After lunch on the riverboat, arrive in historic Nürnberg; take a walking tour through Nürnberg’s medieval ramparts to the Imperial Castle and the old city, or visit sites associated with World War II and its aftermath, including the Courthouse, the Zeppelinfeld rally grounds and the Documentation Center. Sample traditional Bavarian specialties at dinner at a local restaurant tonight. (B,L,D) Day 9 | Bamberg. Awaken in Bavaria's charming town of Bamberg, a UNESCO World Heritage Site situated atop seven hills. See the town’s magnificent 13th-century cathedral with four imposing towers, its lovely gardens, and its unique medieval architecture during a walking tour and time to explore as you please. (B,L,D) Day 10 | Rothenburg. Würzburg. Today's travels take you to medieval Rothenburg, on Germany's "Romantic Road," to see its Gothic cathedrals and gabled houses. In charming Würzburg, discover the ornate Alte Mainbrücke, a bridge over the River Main, and the town's 18th-century Residenz, a UNESCO World Heritage Site; enjoy a wine tasting in the wine cellar of this Baroque masterpiece. And you'll know you're cruising through Bavaria when an oompa band plays for you aboard the riverboat this evening! (B,L,D) Day 11 | Cruise the Main. Lohr. Enjoy an on-board glassblowing demonstration by practitioners of this time-honored craft as your riverboat meanders along the River Main through scenic valleys studded with castles, cathedrals, and fortified towns to Lohr. You’ll see the Bayersturm (the town’s 14th-century watchtower), half-timbered houses and other notable sites on a walking tour of this historic town nestled along the slopes of the Spessart mountain range in lower Franconia. (B,L,D) Day 12 | Cruise the Main to the Rhine. Rüdesheim. Leave the Main behind today as your Rhine River cruise continues on to Rüdesheim. A visit to Siegfrieds Mechanisches Musikkabinett – an eclectic collection of mechanical musical instruments housed in a 15th-century castle in Rüdesheim – precedes tonight's entertaining dinner in a local German restaurant with an old-world ambiance. (B,L,D) Day 13 | Koblenz or Castles. Cologne. Arrive in Koblenz, where you can choose a walking tour of its Old Town or a visit to Marksburg Castle; set high above the Rhine, it dates back to the 13th century and offers a taste of medieval life. Your Rhine River cruise continues through the scenic Lorelei Valley, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, to Köln (Cologne). A guided walking tour includes the lofty Kölner Dom, elaborately decorated with pinnacles and buttresses; the tallest Gothic structure in the world, it took over 600 years to complete. Have a great time celebrating a wonderful cruise at the Captain's farewell dinner aboard the riverboat tonight. (B,L,D) Day 14 | Amsterdam, Holland. Dock in Amsterdam, capital of the Netherlands, where you'll take a close-up look at acclaimed works by the Dutch Masters – including Rembrandt's The Night Watch and many others – at the world-renowned Rijksmuseum. Enjoy views of medieval and Renaissance architecture on a sightseeing cruise along Amsterdam’s 17th-century canals, and check out other treasures along the Museumplein before returning to the riverboat for dinner and a special musical performance tonight. (B,L,D) Day 15 | Amsterdam. Your Danube, Main, and Rhine river cruise ends in Amsterdam, Netherlands. Disembark in Amsterdam; a transfer is included from the riverboat to Amsterdam's Schiphol Airport. Allow 3 hours for departure flight check-in. A transfer will also be provided to the airport for guests enjoying a stay at Tauck's selected Amsterdam hotel following their cruise. (B) NOTE: Itinerary is subject to change without notice. For the most up-to-date information, please refer to the itinerary schedule you receive with your final documents.

Budapest to Amsterdam River Cruise With Scenic Tours

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Explore Europe’s waterways over a 15 day Jewels of Europe River cruise along the Rhine, Main and Danube rivers from Budapest to Amsterdam on a Scenic ‘Space-Ship’ with Balcony Suite prices from $8590. Fly Free Option or Save $250 per couple available on certain dates ! 

• Cruise ID : 4939
• Cruise Type : Ocean
• Book By : 01 Jan 00
• Embarkation :
• Disembarkation :
• Region : Europe
• Departure : 16 Jun 16
• Arrival : 30Jun16
• Duration : 14 nights
• Cruise Line : Scenic Luxury Cruises & Tours
• Cruise Ship :
• Cruise Package Type : Cruise Only
• Ports of Call :

Important Terms

• Prices shown are fully inclusive of taxes unless otherwise stated.
• Advertised price includes any bonus nights, special offers or discounts listed in the inclusions.
• Surcharges may apply due to demand, Christmas & New Year's Eve, school or public holidays, trade shows, special events & other unforeseen circumstances.
• Prices may be based on Dynamic Rates and as such, may fluctuate at anytime without notice, due to matters outside our control, such as adverse currency fluctuations, fuel surcharges, taxes and airfare increases, or at the property's discretion.

Uncover the treasures of the grand waterways of Europe on an unforgettable river cruise along the Danube, Rhine and Main rivers, whose banks are graced by the incredible imperial cities of Budapest, Vienna and Amsterdam. A showcase of medieval castles, vistas of vine covered slopes, the breathtaking Rhine Gorge, and charming villages; this route includes the beautiful Austrian cities of Melk and Linz; the wine town of Dürnstein in the stunning Wachau Valley; historic Cologne, Würzburg on the ‘Romantic Road’; baroque Bamberg; Nuremberg, famous for its beer and bratwurst; Regensburg, the largest preserved medieval city centre in Germany; and Passau, the ‘City of Three Rivers’.

Full Itinerary

Meal inclusions: D = Dinner, L = Lunch and FB = Full Breakfast

Day 1: Budapest (D)

Welcome to Budapest, one of Eastern Europe’s most ancient cities. A Scenic Tours Representative will personally greet you and arrange your transfer* to your luxury Scenic ‘Space-Ship’ where you will be warmly welcomed on board by your dedicated crew. Tonight enjoy a Welcome Reception with your fellow travellers.

Day 2: Budapest (FB,L,D)

Today choose from one of the following Included SCENIC FREE CHOICE tours: (1) discover the highlights of both Buda and Pest during a guided city tour; or (2) relax in the Thermal Baths and Spa; or (3) explore the labyrinths of Hospital in the Rock – Nuclear Bunker Museum.

Day 3: Vienna (FB,L,D)

As you cruise the mighty Danube perhaps relax in one of the lounges and viewing areas on board. SCENIC ENRICH: Highlights include a glass of Austrian sekt at the majestic Palais Liechtenstein followed by an enchanting private Viennese evening concert featuring the music of Strauss and Mozart. The Palais is also known as the Garden Palace and it reveals fascinating insights into 400 years of artistic patronage and is where the Prince of Liechtenstein showcases his privately owned art collection.

Day 4: Vienna (FB,L,D)

To get acquainted with this beautiful city, enjoy an Included orientation tour of the famous sights. Today offers three Included SCENIC FREE CHOICE tours to choose from: (1) a guided tour of Schönbrunn Palace; or (2) an excursion to the Slovakian capital of Bratislava; or (3) a visit to the world renowned Spanish Riding School for a guided tour or witness the famous Lipizzaner Stallions perfecting their skills during their morning exercise program (not available for all departure dates).

Day 5: Dürnstein – Melk (FB,L,D)

This morning your ship docks in the town of Dürnstein. Enjoy leisure time to explore one of the most enchanting villages in the region. Choose from one of the following Included SCENIC FREE CHOICE tours: (1) take a picturesque bike ride from Dürnstein to Melk; or (2) visit the magnificent Benedictine Abbey in Melk.

Day 6: Aschach – Passau (FB,L,D)

Your Included SCENIC FREE CHOICE today gives you a choice of two countries: (1) a visit to Salzburg, setting for ‘The Sound of Music’; or (2) take an excursion to the medieval Czech town of Cesky Krumlov. Your Scenic Tailormade device is also available and gives you an opportunity to explore Passau at your leisure.

Day 7: Regensburg (FB,L,D)

Regensburg is one of Germany’s finest preserved cities. Today you’ll be able to explore this unique town, home to the world’s oldest sausage kitchen. Choose from one of the following Included SCENIC FREE CHOICE tours: (1) a guided walking tour including an organ recital; or (2) a guided bicycle tour to the Walhalla Memorial. Alternatively, explore this charming town independently with Scenic Tailormade, featuring more than 25 points of interest including Thurn and Taxis Palace, the Imperial Hall and Regensburg Cathedral.

Day 8: Nuremberg (FB,L,D)

Today offers two Included SCENIC FREE CHOICE tours to choose from: (1) see the infamous WWII sites followed by a self-guided tour of the Documentation Centre; or (2) ‘Tastes of Nuremberg’: enjoy a delicious sampling of Nuremberg’s famous bratwurst, beer and gingerbread.

Day 9: Bamberg (FB,L,D)

Bursting with character and charm, enjoy the sights of Bamberg on your Included city tour. Back on board, join your fellow passengers for the opportunity to experience some of the region’s finest brews including Bamberg’s famous Smoked Beer.

Day 10: Würzburg (FB,L,D)

Today choose from one of the following Included SCENIC FREE CHOICE tours: (1) a guided walking tour of Würzburg including the Prince Bishop’s Residenz Palace and a wine tasting in its underground cellars; or (2) enjoy an excursion down the Romantic Road to Rothenburg.

Day 11: Wertheim – European Village Life (FB,L,D)

SCENIC ENRICH: Today you will be taken off the beaten track as an invited guest to experience European village life just for a day – exclusive to Scenic Tours. Choose from a selection of SCENIC FREE CHOICE activities, such as playing a game of Kegeln (a typical German game similar to bowling), or be welcomed into private family wineries.

Day 12: Rüdesheim – Rhine Gorge – Marksburg Castle (FB,L,HD)

Today in Rüdesheim board the ‘Winzerexpress’ mini train for a guided visit of Siegfried’s Mechanical Musical Instrument Museum. Board a cable car up to the Niederwald Monument, for a bird’s eye view overlooking the river. Cruise this afternoon through the spectacular Rhine Gorge with its stunning castles and vine-covered slopes. Tonight’s SCENIC ENRICH highlights include a medieval banquet in Marksburg Castle. Set high above the banks of the Rhine, this 12th century castle is the only one in the region never to have been destroyed. Enjoy a private tour of the castle before stepping back in time for a medieval feast.

Day 13: Cologne – Düsseldorf (FB,L,D)

Today choose one of the following Included SCENIC FREE CHOICE tours: (1) enjoy a walking tour of Cologne; or (2) a walking tour of Düsseldorf. Tonight gather in the Crystal Dining Room for the Captain’s Farewell Dinner.

Day 14: Amsterdam (FB,L,D)

Today cruise into the Dutch capital, Amsterdam. Choose from one of the following Included SCENIC FREE CHOICE tours: (1) a sightseeing canal cruise; or (2) an excursion to the windmills of Zaanse Schans. Alternately, explore the city at your own pace on a bicycle with Scenic Tailormade using your personal GPS device.

Day 15: Amsterdam (FB)

After breakfast it is time to farewell your fellow passengers and disembark the cruise. Our Scenic Tours Representative will take* you to the airport.

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Map & Itinerary

Similar trips, trip inclusions.

• 14 nights cruising on a Travelmarvel river ship
• Services of a Travelmarvel Cruise Director and local guides
• 41 meals - 14 breakfasts, 13 lunches and 14 dinners
• Onboard water stations, plus tea and coffee, soft drink, beer and local wine during lunch and dinner on your cruise
• Transfers, port charges and tipping
• Explore 14 towns, villages and cities
• Step back in time during a visit to the World Heritage-listed Augustusburg Castle
• Get a glimpse into local life as you are warmly welcomed into the home of a friendly Miltenberg family
• Itinerary, inclusions and pricing are subject to change
• Prices are for cruise only. Flights are not included unless specified

Designed exclusively for our guests

Insider Experience

Enjoy an included special or unique excursion or event

Arrive Budapest, Embark Ship

Arrive in the enthralling city of Budapest, where your contemporary river ship awaits on the Danube River. Enjoy a Welcome Reception and meet your fellow travellers and Cruise Director.

Stay: 14 Nights, aboard your Travelmarvel river ship

Awake to views of one of the Danube’s most enchanting cities this morning. Disembark and learn the vibrant history of Budapest as your local guide takes you to a host of impressive sights. Back on board this evening, enjoy a delightful Gala Welcome Dinner while you cruise.

Embrace the elegance of Vienna as you drive around the Ringstrasse, taking in some of the city’s most famous buildings. On arrival in the centre, a walking tour will provide an insider’s view of sights such as St Stephen’s Cathedral, the Graben and Hofburg Palace. Afterwards, maybe visit the Naschmarkt and browse the stalls. This evening, you could enjoy an optional concert, featuring music from Mozart to ‘The Sound of Music’.

With the day at leisure, perhaps explore the Hofburg area or wander along Karntnerstrasse, the city’s famous shopping strip. Otherwise, embark on an optional excursion to Schonbrunn Palace, or head to former soviet Bratislava.

Durnstein, Melk

Cruise to Durnstein, a town overlooked by the hilltop ruins of the castle where legendary King Richard the Lionheart was kept as a prisoner in the 12th century. You have the morning free to explore the cobbled streets, town houses and taverns of the town. Perhaps join an optional tour to taste some of the region’s wine. Later, cruise through the picturesque Wachau Valley. Dock in Melk and tour through Melk Abbey, an active Benedictine monastery since 1089.

Aschach, Passau

Insider experience.

Tonight, enjoy a traditional Bavarian experience on board. Sample delicious local beer and snacks, accompanied by traditional folk music, song and dance.

Today, you can choose to join an optional tour to Cesky Krumlov in the Czech Republic or visit Salzburg and enjoy the sights from ‘The Sound of Music’. Alternatively, enjoy a relaxing sailing day to Passau.

Continue along the Danube River to Regensburg, located in the southern region of the Bavarian Forest. Here, wander along its cobblestone lanes, taking a journey through the ages as you explore the historic streets, medieval buildings and cultural sites on your guided walking tour.

Arrive in Nuremberg, the site of Hitler’s infamous rallies during World War II. Take a city tour this afternoon, which includes sights such as the Zeppelin Field and Palace of Justice.

One of the few German cities that wasn’t destroyed during World War II, Bamberg beckons your attention today. You’ll gain great insight during a locally guided tour of the historic city.

Verdant hills and rich vineyards sit on the edge of Wurzburg. Admire its magnificent baroque palace, the Wurzburg Residence, and walk through Wurzburg Court Garden. Later, perhaps enjoy an optional visit to medieval Rothenburg, a true fairytale town.

Enjoy true German hospitality as you are welcomed into the homes of friendly Miltenberg locals for coffee and cake.

Discover Miltenberg today, exploring this well-preserved town’s half-timbered buildings dating from the 15th to 18th century. Return to your ship and enjoy time at leisure. As the sun sets, watch the lights of medieval towns slip past as you cruise through the night.

Rudesheim, Rhine Gorge

In Rudesheim, the Winzerexpress mini-train will take you to Siegfried’s Mechanical Musical Instrument Museum. Later on, back on board, you will encounter the spectacular Rhine Gorge.

Cologne, Bruhl

Step back in time during a visit to the World Heritage-listed Augustusburg Castle, the lavish residence of archbishop-elector Clemens August.

Disembark your ship in Cologne and drive to the town of Bruhl for your Insider Experience. Later, return to Cologne for free time.

Amsterdam’s network of canals are a sight to behold. Dock in the city’s heart and board a glass-top boat to discover its views. Back on land, enjoy some free time before a Captain’s Farewell Dinner on board.

Disembark Ship, Depart Amsterdam

After breakfast, disembark your river ship and transfer to the airport for your onward flight.

...we could not fault the cruise. Excellent food, clean cabins plenty of sightseeing tours, entertainment etc...

Jouke - River Cruise, Europe

Paris to Prague

Prague to Paris

Budapest to Paris

Jetsetting Fools

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Top 10 Highlights of Our Amsterdam to Budapest Cruise

Welcome to JetSetting Fools, here you will find our best travel tips for destinations worldwide. Some of the links on this site are Affiliate Links and if you use them to make a purchase, we may earn a commission. For more information, read our Disclosure Policy .

There are multiple ways to travel from Amsterdam to Budapest – planes, trains, buses and cars can be used to quickly get from Point A to Point B. That said, an Amsterdam to Budapest cruise isn’t about getting from one place to another – it’s about the journey . Europe river cruises between the two cities feature scenic landscapes, historic riverside towns, hill-topping castles and medieval churches.

We abandoned our usual independent travel style and embarked on a Viking Grand European Tour to make the journey . Traveling by boat on an Amsterdam to Budapest Cruise allowed us to sit back, relax and savor the sights (and – yes! – the food, too).

Amsterdam To Budapest Cruise

Our scenic Amsterdam to Budapest cruise made stops in 14 cities, traversed five countries, sailed on three rivers and one canal. We could ramble on endlessly about our Grand European River Cruise, but we have whittled our incredible experience aboard an Amsterdam to Budapest cruise into a list of top 10 highlights.   

Viking Grand European Tour

One of the best things about Viking Amsterdam to Budapest river cruises is the ease of access to some of the most well preserved medieval cities in Europe. Spending 15 days on a Rhine Main Danube river cruise, travelers see some of the most magnificent European sights. 

Viking Grand European Tour Itinerary

Wondering where 15 Day Viking European Tours take passengers on the route between Amsterdam and Budapest? Here is a rundown on the facts about our Viking Magni River Trip.

• Countries : The Netherlands, Germany, Austria, Slovakia (no stops), Hungary
• Cities : Amsterdam, Kinderdijk, Cologne, Koblenz, Miltenberg, Wurzburg, Bamberg, Nuremberg, Regensburg, Passau, Melk, Krems, Vienna, Budapest
• Rivers : Rhine, Main, Danube Rivers
• Canal : Main-Danube Canal

Viking Amsterdam to Budapest River Cruise Map .

Note : Grand river cruises in reverse – from Budapest to Amsterdam – make most of the same stops, although some cities may vary due to port congestion or river levels.

Highlights of our Amsterdam to Budapest Cruise

Our Top 10 experiences on our 15-day European cruise are listed in chronological order.

#1 Kinderdijk Windmills – The Netherlands

Windmills are an iconic symbol of the Netherlands – and at Kinderdijk (near Rotterdam) there are 19 preserved windmills that date to the mid-1700s. The windmills at Kinderdijk, which are still functioning, were designated a UNESCO Heritage Site in 1997. The trip to Kinderdijk was the first of several shore excursions on our Grand Viking European tour.

On our guided walking tour, we learned how the bonnet mills (windmills where only the top swivels) pump water from the lower canals to higher ground. We were also able to explore the interior of the windmill to see the inner-workings and how the small, odd-shaped space once housed a family.

*Visiting the Kinderkijk Windmills was an included excursion on our Viking River Cruise Amsterdam to Budapest.

#2 Nijmegen – Netherlands

Nijmegen wasn’t a stop on our Viking Cruises Grand European Tour, but we made certain to be on the top deck of the Viking Magni for personal reasons when we sailed through the city…and it wasn’t just because it’s a stunning sight!

In 2015, we spent nearly 3 months in Nijmegen as housesitters for the most wonderful family. We stayed in their home over the Christmas period with their sweet dog, quickly connecting with the owners and the community.

When we told our friends that we would be sailing through Nijmegen on our Europe tour from Amsterdam, they told us to look for them on the riverside. We consulted the always-helpful crew regarding the exact time we would be passing through Nijmegen and they kept us informed throughout the day. More on our brilliant Viking crew later!

As we passed through Nijmegen, we spotted our friends under the Waalbrug Bridge. We stood on the side of the ship shouting “Halllllooooo” to our friends and they shouted back to us. It was incredible (but a bit confusing to some of our fellow passengers!), to see their smiling faces and waving arms as they wished us well on our journey.

#3 Cologne Beer Tour – Germany

Kolsch is the beer of Cologne, Germany…and when in Cologne, one must drink Kolsch (and don’t even mention Altbier or Dusseldorf )!

We joined an entertaining Cologne pub crawl, which included a hearty pre-drinking classic German meal of pork, kraut and potato salad. With the proper base, we bar hopped to six brew houses to sample fresh Kolsch beer straight from the barrel.

The production of Kolsch beer is limited to breweries located within 50km of Cologne, which must meet strict requirements to carry the name ‘Kolsch’. In the taverns, waiters – called kobes – carry a two-tiered tray of beer, replacing any empty glasses with full ones. Only when we placed a coaster over our beer did they stop leaving more. So…how many did we have? We lost count, prost!

*The Cologne Beer Tour was an optional excursion (additional fee charged per person) organized by our Viking Cruise from Amsterdam to Budapest.

#4 Rhine River Castles – Germany

When we sailed into the Middle Rhine – or Romantic Rhine, as it is often called – it was like slipping into a fairytale of castles and vineyards (all the best fairytales include vineyards, if you ask us!).

The Rhine River castle cruise is between the cities of Koblenz and Bingen, where the Rhine River meanders through a valley of vine-covered hills. Their grapes were already hand-harvested and leaves turning yellow during our mid-autumn tour. Mighty castles sat loftily on the hilltops, strategically built for defense, power and regulation over waterway trade.

Our day began with a visit to the well-preserved Marksburg Castle and our afternoon was spent lounging on the top deck of the boat as we cruised down the Rhine River, passing by more than 20 hillside and island castles – some more elaborate than others, some pristine, some crumbling…and a few still occupied by the current owners.

Find a list of castles on the Rhine cruise here .

*The Marksburg Castle tour was an included excursion on our Viking Grand European River Cruise.

#5 Wurzburg – Germany

Not too big, not too small, not too touristy, but with plenty of sights, Wurzburg ranks as the favorite city we visited on our scenic cruise from Amsterdam to Budapest – and we were very pleased to have had a full day to explore!

After touring the majestic palace – the Wurzburger Residenz, which is stark on the outside but with an incredibly artistic Baroque interior – we spent the afternoon discovering the rest of the city on our own.

We hiked through the vineyards to the impressive Marienberg Fortress, took in city views of the skyline (which is punctuated by the steeples of 42 churches) and joined the late afternoon crowds gathering on the Old Stone Bridge for a glass of Franconian wine.

When it was time for our Viking Longship to cast off, we took in the last view of the fortress from our stateroom balcony and were bid farewell by two curious (hungry?) swans. Does it get more picture-perfect than that?!

*Touring the Bishops’ Residenz was an included excursion on our Viking Grand European Cruise.

#6 Passau – Germany

At the confluence of three rivers – the Inn, the Danube and the Ilz Rivers – is the picturesque town of Passau, Germany. The center of the city is squeezed onto a narrow peninsula – on which the highest point is St. Stephen’s Cathedral.

The dominating white church is topped with (now green) copper onion domes that can be seen from afar. The interior is extravagantly decorated (in the Baroque style, of course), yet it is the organ that steals the show. With 17,974 pipes, 233 stops and four carillons, it is the fifth largest organ in the world.

After a tour of the town and church, we set off on our own to stretch our legs and seek out vantage points around Passau. On both sides of the peninsula – across the rivers Danube to the north and Inn to the south – hills rise above the historic old town.

We crossed the Danube and hiked the trail leading to the prominent 13th century fortress, Veste Oberhaus, which overlooks the meeting point of the three rivers and the pretty city below. Across the Inn River, we wound our way through the neighborhood to the staircase leading to the humble pilgrimage church, Paulinerkloster Mariahilf.

Still keen to see more of the town, we crossed the Innsteg pedestrian bridge and strolled the riverside promenade around the tip of the peninsula back to our awaiting Viking longship.

*Passau city tour – with church interior – was an included excursion on our Grand European Viking Cruise.

#7 Melk Abbey – Austria

The grandiose and commanding Melk Abbey sits on a rocky cliff above the Danube River and the town of Melk. Since the 11th century, the palace-turned-abbey has been continuously run by Benedictine Monks.

The Imperial Rooms – just a few of the nearly 500 rooms in the abbey – have been transformed into a modern museum filled with artifacts and state-of-the-art displays. Our tour of Melk Abbey also allowed us to step inside the decorative Marble Hall, the incredible library with 80,000 leather-bound books lining the shelves and the over-the-top Baroque church.

*The Melk Abbey Tour was an included excursion on our Viking River Grand European Tour.

#8 Wachau Valley – Austria

The Wachau Valley – from Melk to Krems – bears similar landscapes to the Romantic Rhine. We sailed through the valley under a blanket of gray clouds that seemed to match some of the dilapidated castles and sleepy towns nestled along the riverside.

The mystical Wachau passage, splashed with hues of orange and yellow from autumn leaves, was almost surreal. We were charmed by the fanciful scenes: soaring steeples rising from a cluster of dwellings and backdropped by golden vineyards.

#9 Taste of Austria Dinner

When the Viking Magni crew entered the lounge for our daily pre-dinner chat wearing lederhosen and dirndl, we knew it was going to be a festive evening. Then the entertainment arrived – a man with an accordion and his son with a guitar. And, then, the feast began.

The meals on our Viking Grand European cruise, especially the dinners, were an extravagant affair (more on the food in a minute), but none compared to the boisterous celebration at the Taste of Austria Dinner.

The elegant dining room was transformed into an Austrian tavern. Tables covered in red-checkered tablecloths were laden with soft pretzels, local meats and cheeses.

Rather than being served, we rounded the buffet counter that was piled high with grilled and slow-cooked meat: Kasekrainer – an Austrian sausage stuffed with cheese, Wiener Schnitzel and roasted pork knuckle were among our top choices. Spaetzle – Austrian’s decadent version of mac and cheese – was another savory item on the buffet that we couldn’t resist trying.

Instead of wine, the wait staff delivered glasses of beer to the tables, just like the kobe in Cologne. And, we ended the meal Austrian-style: with a shot of Schnapps.

#10 Sailing into Budapest – Hungary

On our second to last night on our Viking Longship – during our cruise from Vienna to Budapest – I woke before sunrise. I stepped out onto the balcony to find the boat shrouded in thick, swirling fog. As first light shone on the horizon, the fog hovered just above the water and burrowed in villages.

Shortly after sunrise, the air still thick with moisture, we approached Budapest . Even though it wasn’t clear, I climbed to the top deck for 360-degree views of the city. As we sailed under the Margaret Bridge into the heart of Budapest, the remaining mist was quickly evaporating; it was as if the city was being unveiled just for our arrival!

BONUS: Life On Board Viking River Cruises

As first-time river cruisers and incredibly independent travelers, one of our biggest curiosities before our Viking Cruise was what life on board would be like. As it turns out, spending time aboard was a highlight of our Amsterdam to Budapest cruise.

It wasn’t one specific element that made time on-board so stellar, but the experience in its entirety – from the room to the food to fellow passengers to the absolutely outstanding crew.

Rooms on Viking River Cruises in Europe

Our Veranda Stateroom, while not spacious, was well-designed to best utilize the space we had – as was the ship itself. We sailed on the Viking Magni longship, a ship built with specifications intended to sail European rivers. The ship can carry up to 190 passengers (plus 50 crew members), but with ample community and outdoor space – the entire upper deck and bow of the ship – it never felt crowded on board, not even during meals.

Food on Viking Cruises in Europe

And speaking of meals on the Viking river cruises in Europe, dining on the ship was spectacular. My favorite three-course dinner: truffle scented chicken cassoulet, herb Provençale rack of lamb and a chocolate brownie drizzled with white chocolate sauce accompanied by creamy pistachio ice cream. From presentation to portion-size to palate, we were impressed.

In addition to the decadent chef-prepared meals (available for breakfast, lunch and dinner!) – we had plenty of dining choices, which is one of the things we liked best about our Viking Amsterdam to Budapest cruise.  

We could choose where to eat our meals: the dining room, lounge or terrace. Furthermore, we had a choice of which table and with whom we wanted to dine, allowing us the opportunity to mix and mingle with fellow passengers.

It was the passengers – and especially the crew – that truly made our experience truly memorable. We were amazed at how complete strangers all boarded a ship and by the end of the 15-day river cruise from Amsterdam to Budapest, good friends disembarked.

For more information about the Grand European Tour from Amsterdam to Budapest, visit Viking River Cruises Website . 

Want more European Travel Planning tips? Head over to our Travel Planning Page for more information and tips on traveling – and for country-specific information, take a look at our Travel Guides Page ! Get all our Ultimate Packing List  on our Packing Page as well!!

Pro Tip:  Get (and stay) organized for your vacation to Europe using our Trip Planning Printables !

We want to know: Have you taken a scenic cruise from Amsterdam to Budapest ? Are you thinking about taking a Viking River Cruise Grand European tour? Leave us your comments and questions below! 

Our Viking River Cruises Grand European Tour was sponsored; but be assured, our opinions are genuine.

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30 thoughts on “ Top 10 Highlights of Our Amsterdam to Budapest Cruise ”

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• River Cruising

Amsterdam/Budapest: Best guidebooks and maps?

By Ukalady , July 22, 2014 in River Cruising

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And let's add iOS apps to it, to complete my wish list, please!

Which guidebooks would you suggest for this itinerary? I'm looking for:

--Kindle or eBook version *very* much preferred

--History/culture info is strongly desired

--Restaurants/things to do info is somewhat desired

--Hotels/hostel info not really needed (hopefully we'll be on the ship the whole time!)

Which maps would you suggest for this itinerary?

--I have the app, River Cruise Info, and have downloaded the maps from it.

--I also have the "Cities Guide" TripAdvisor app and have downloaded it.

--I'd really like a "hard copy" map, though, ideally of the whole region we'll be covering so I can get a big-view perspective. I'm guessing that's not available, though (or is it?) so what can you suggest? If multiple maps, which would be best? FYI, we're doing both the Amsterdam pre-trip and the Budapest post-trip options.

Which iOS apps (iPad and iPhone) would you suggest for this itinerary?

--While I hope to be able to use wifi easily on ship, a priority on apps is the ability to download and use off-roaming so I can use my "data turned off" iPhone while off-boat.

--Offline translation app suggestion especially needed.

I already have these apps:

--Word Lens (that one is absolutely amazing! But it's an online thing...at least I think it is...)

--Rick Steves' Audio Europe (podcasts)

--iTranslate

--LP Fast Talk

--IAmsterdam

--Oanda currency

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Hauling electronic devices while on tour just does not work and you set yourself up to be a target of pickpockets (or worse).

We get Rick Steve's guides and study extensively before leaving, take pages out for ease of use while touring... His are very current and a good base to start from. We sometimes use Foder's but always seem to go back to RS.

Note: kindles or ebooks it's just too hard to flip back and forth trying to find what your looking for.... JMHO

Sent from my iPhone using Forums

Makes sense--I was more planning on all the electronic versions being things I can read/study/enjoy pre-travel as well as in the evenings/early mornings aboard ship.

I just don't carry physical books much these days--especially when wandering about (in fact, I don't plan on carrying anything except my camera and the day's money--and lipstick!). Except maps--I *love* maps in hand. I guess that's the backpacker in me.

That's why I rip up the RS books and take the sections I need... We have been lost so often in places like Istanbul and it saved time and much frustration. Because trips are so short in each city I found the info and knowledge in his books great to read in advance ... And no I don't haul a tin of books with me either.... Thank god for my Kindle!

E versions just don't seem to have the maps, pictures that the actual books do and I mark those up with hi-liter and tabs :)

I haven't been on a cruise yet but I think I have read on this board that Viking sells a very good map in their gift shop.

The best map we got for Amsterdam was free from the HoHo stand. The ship gave out very good maps at each port

notamermaid

Hello Ukalady,

previous posters have said that the ships give out small maps in the respective towns and offer lots of information. I have not heard of a map that covers the Grand European Tour in one.

Some of the places you will see have very good websites in English. This one looks promising as well, a tourist board website covering the Main river:

http://www.mainriver.de/?sprache=en

For a map of the Rhine try getting this, either at home or in a local tourist shop or bookshop near or on the Rhine:

The long Rhine tour

by Rahmel-Verlag

ISBN 978-3-926526-52-6

or for the Middle Rhine (including the Gorge):

Middle Rhine from Mainz to Cologne

ISBN 978-3-926526-01-4

or for the castles:

CASTLES ON THE RHINE

from Mainz to Cologne

ISBN 978-3-930885-37-4

I hope the ISBN are correct.

Please note the stretch that your tour covers is Mainz to somewhere before Amsterdam. I do not know where the ships leave the Rhine and its canals to go North to Amsterdam. The mouth of the Rhine is in Rotterdam.

Have fun planning.

Kudos to you for taking advantage of all that new technology has to offer. We utilize our smart phones everywhere, IMHO, they are smaller and more user friendly than any guidebook or paper map. Pulling out a phone does not mark you as a tourist - you'll blend in easier than if you are pulling out pages from a guidebook, lol! Besides, the locals and pickpockets can spot a tourist miles away. Glad to see you have the Rick Steve's audio podcasts. We've used them on a couple of trips and they are superior to most guided tours we experienced. He is a wealth of knowledge and we love that you can follow his tours entirely at your own pace, Other than the informational podcasts, you'll need yo have your device with you when you are touring (our phones are much less cumbersome that the audio devices from the ship.) The Oanda Currency app was very useful, before disembarking be sure to switch it to the local currency onboard while you have wireless. There is a great map app that works without wireless, once you download the desired cities. I'll look for it. We never used the translation app as it just wasn't necessary, English was widely spoken.

For a hard copy map we like the Streetwise brand. We ordered maps for our major ports before our trip, and never once used them!

There is a great map app that works without wireless, once you download the desired cities. I'll look for it.

Ulmon Pro, City Maps 2 Go!

FuelScience

I agree with sippican. There are a lot of good map/city guide apps for smart phones. One nice thing about GPS is that you can easily found out where you are! Sometimes that's not as simple as it might seem with a paper map. Make sure that you get one that lets you download maps before you leave so that you don't have to use data roaming.

I've used several. Tripso has country guides with decent maps. Tripadvisor also has an app with downloadable maps. City Walk is another good provider.

If T-Mobile is your cell provider, some of their plans do not charge for international data and text use.

Have a great cruise. We look forward to getting your reports!

Beware of accidentally running up HUGE cell phone bills in Europe thru inadvertent Data usage...

Great information on all fronts--new online site to explore, "hard copy" maps and guides and iOS apps.

Mahalo nui loa!

I know what I'll be doing during lunch today!

Keystonetraveler

After six river cruises with four other lines in Europe, I have splurged and will try Tauck this time. I just received information from them that includes a reading guide for my Amsterdam to Budapest cruise in six weeks. They list as essential the following:

• A Time of Gifts by Patrick Leigh Fermor about his walk along this route
• Mozart, A Life by Paul Johnson
• Fodor's Amsterdam's 25 Best
• Lonely Planet Central Europe
• Central Europe Map by Freytag and Berndt. This actually is a map and not a book title

Their also recommended list includes a mere 19 other books. A few of these are

• Frommer's Vienna Day by Day
• Prost! The story of German Beer
• All Along the Rhine: Recipes, Wine, and Lore from Germany, France, Switzerland, Austria, Liechtenstein and Holland
• The Danube, A Cultural History
• The Hungarians, a Thousand Years of Victory in Defeat
• The Rhine, Culture and Landscape at the Heart of Europe
• When in Germany, Do as the Germans Do
• The Hapsburgs, Embodying Empire
• Birds of Europe

The major drawback to their list is that it is far more extensive than I can read in the next six weeks. Also, the cost of everything would almost pay for another vacation! But, if you have time, your local library could probably get many of these through interlibrary loan.

I download Rick Steve's on my iPhone.

Thank you for sharing this list.

I can not find downloadable city maps on rick Steve's site....great video and info but not maps..where should I look?

After six river cruises with four other lines in Europe, I have splurged and will try Tauck this time.   What dates are you cruising. We are cruising with Tauck on the Treasures August 17 from Budapest to Amsterdam arriving on August 31. Have a great cruise!

I had Rick Steves Budapest/Prague on my phone; but the TripAdvisor city apps are the things I used the most. You can look up attractions and restaurants...maps given. It will tell you which metro station and stop to take for different things to see.

Same boat one cruise later in the other direction. So treat her (the boat) nicely.

  Same boat one cruise later in the other direction. So treat her (the boat) nicely.

Will do!!!!!!:)

I'll 2nd the suggestion of Ulmon Pro, City Maps 2 Go!

When we did our Budapest to Amsterdam Cruise last year I downloaded the app and then downloaded maps for many of the cities we were stopping in. Between asking on this board and other searches I was able to determine where the boats docked and could then find it on the map. The maps (which are downloaded to your device with no need for a connection once they're downloaded) were able to be used to help us find our way around when we explored on our own. They allow you to add 'pins' to places you want to navigate to and many of them already have descriptions. Check it out...and no, I'm in no way connected to the app, just thought it was a great tool.

Just downloaded the Ulmon Pro, City Maps 2 Go! and it looks great. I'll combine that with the RiverCruise Info app.

I think I'll post an update on the apps I'm taking and why. I guess it's time to "strip" the iPhone so I'll have more room for maps and travel info--bye bye dozens of photos of grand babies! At least for three weeks...

I n preparation for our European Grand Tour Amsterdam to Budapest I just purchased Rick Steve's Europe map. It is water resistant, not too, too big, and not so detailed that you can't find anything because of all the writing. We're hoping it will be just right. m--

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Rüdesheim with Music Cabinet Museum

The unique Winzerexpress train takes you from the dock of the ship to the "Siegfried Mechanical Music Cabinet" for a musical adventure with historical self-playing instruments. Continue your guided tour with a walk through the picturesque town. Explore the heart of the old town of Rüdesheim - the Drosselgasse - where wine houses and garden taverns invite you to linger. Immerse yourself in the history of the city and visit the Eagle Tower, a part of the city wall, and the fortifications from the 15th century.

approx. 2 hours

OR Rüdesheim wine tasting & Drosselgasse

Rüdesheim wine tasting & Drosselgasse

Enjoy an unforgettable tram ride on the "Winzerexpress" and discover the beauty of the Rhine Valley. Visit a typical winery and taste different wines of the region. Afterwards, stroll along the famous 'Drosselgasse', which is a narrow cobblestone street, first mentioned in the 15 th century as an alley used by the Rhine boatmen to reach their homes. 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. 

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• Personalized service of an experienced, multilingual AMADEUS Cruise Director 
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• Variety of enriching onboard programs, including fascinating lectures, cooking demonstrations, local cultural performances, and music by our onboard musicians 
• Complimentary use of onboard bicycles for independent exploration 
• All port taxes, embarkation, disembarkation and lock fees included in your cruise fare 

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Cruise your way and choose from a carefully curated selection of immersive and inspiring excursions and adventures! Select one of our packages offered at a discounted rate when purchased in advance or book individual shore excursions at regular rates on board your cruise.

Package A | for only $ 458 per person

Enjoy a package of these pre-selected excursions for a discounted rate when purchased in advance.

Package B | for only $ 548 per person

Package c | for only $ 877 per person, package d | for only $ 1,006 per person.

Amsterdam – Budapest

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You're in good hands with us from the start: Let us book you a transfer from the airport or train station to the ship port and back. The following prices apply per person per transfer:

Amsterdam (Netherlands)

Train Station - Port $ 57

Airport - Amsterdam City Centre $ 67

Airport - Port $ 67

Budapest (Hungary)

Port - Train Station $ 35

Port - Airport $ 62

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Social commentary and informed opinions, 68 river locks: budapest to amsterdam.

When we planned our Viking River Cruise from Budapest to Amsterdam , we thought about a lot of things, including what to pack, what expeditions to take, and what museums to visit. One thing we never thought about was how many locks our Viking Longship would pass through on the journey.

Logically, of course, I might have realized that the Danube and Rhine Rivers traverse uneven topography .A system of locks must compensate for these differences in elevation. If asked I could have said that the Rhine flows north while the Danube flows south and streams flow in different directions on opposite sides of a mountain. But that’s it. I didn’t know about the European Watershed: It just didn’t appear on my radar screen.

68 Locks with Elevations

It surprised me to discover that, because of the European Watershed , Viking Modi would pass through 68 river locks along the journey. First, we would go up from Budapest to Hipoltstein and then we would go down to the Low Country. Woo-hoo! That added a whole new dimension to our linear trip.

The European Watershed

This drainage divide separates the basins of rivers that flow into the Atlantic Ocean, the North Sea, and the Baltic Sea from those that drain into the Mediterranean Sea, the Adriatic Sea and the Black Sea. Again, perfectly logical. The Danube River flows into the Black Sea (Aha!) while the Rhine empties into the North Sea. The two are connected by the Rhine-Main-Danube Canal. So we had to go up, over the top of the watershed and down the other side. Got the picture?

To cross over the European Watershed, Viking Modi rose from an elevation of 380 feet / 116 meters at the first lock at Gabcikovo in Hungary to a peak of 1,332 feet / 406 meters at Hipoltstein in Germany before dropping us back to 161 feet / 5 meters at Wijk in Holland. We encountered the tallest river locks on the Rhine-Main-Danube Canal, at the peak of the European Watershed. Our Program Director, Mieke, explained that we would find this process interesting for about the first 14 locks and then it would become routine. I always found it interesting and the really big river locks exciting. I became a lock geek.

Entering the River Locks

The first indication of approaching a lock comes when your Longship slows from its usual smooth glide. That may or may not be followed by a small bump. The skill with which our captain and crew handled the 433-foot vessel never ceased to amaze us all.

The Lock at Gabcikovo

Viking Cruises makes its lock reservations a year in advance but the Lock Master runs the show and determines what happens at the gate. Sometimes we had to wait for another boat to come along so they could put two of us through at once—which conserved water and energy. At other times—usually at night—we zipped through because we hit the locks just right, like when all the traffic lights on the road ahead are green.

In the big river locks, we went through alongside other river cruise boats, commercial barges, and a few smaller ships. Now picture two enormous vessels fitting side by side into a long, narrow concrete trench and you have an idea how good the Viking crews are.

Viking Longships are designed to pass through locks and under low bridges (more on that later). For example, the width of locks along the Rhine-Main-Danube Canal is 12 meters so river boats can have a maximum width of 11.40 meters, which leaves one foot of space on either side. We often had much less than that, especially in the big double locks. The walls dripped only inches away from Viking Modi’s railings. You could easily reach out and touch them, although that’s not recommended. Also, they’re just wet concrete—nothing special, except to say that you’ve done it. (I did it.)

Ships in the Lock

In the lock

Once the ships are in the lock, the gates close behind them and the pumps go to work. Smoothly and quickly the vessels rise from the bottom of the concrete lock to the top (or lower from top to bottom). We could watch the elevation markers and ladder rungs move down as water filled in and we finally reached the top of the lock. Then the doors at the other end would open and we would power out into the next level of the river or canal.

Some of the river lock doors swing into niches in the lock wall. Some pull sideways into the lock structure like pocket doors. And some raise and lower. I enjoyed going up more than down because it was more enjoyable to emerge from the dark empty lock into bright sunshine at the top and see a whole new stretch of sparkling water ahead.

Passing Through

We didn’t get to experience all 68 river locks. Viking Modi went through many of them while its passengers were sleeping. Sometimes we would wake up to find our cabin totally dark with a concrete wall two inches away from our veranda railing. This sudden darkness could take us by surprise if we were eating and looked out to see lock wall instead of river.

Exiting the Ybbs Lock Above Melk

I watched us go through some of the river locks while I was doing Yoga on the Sun Deck in the morning before breakfast. We cruised through others while I sat talking to friends on the Aquavit Deck at the bow of the boat after dinner while the sun set slowly and lights came on along the bank.

At the Ybbs Lock just north of Melk in Austria, I stood on the Sun Deck and watched water blowing off the top of the lock gate ahead of us and shining in the sun as we rose to meet it.

My Father’s Daughter

I kept thinking how much my Dad, the engineer, would have loved doing this. He would have been taking pictures with his movie camera and talking to the crew whenever he could. Dad would have considered visiting the pilot house the highlight of his trip.

Experiencing the European Watershed with its 68 river locks added another dimension to our Grand European Cruise. I love learning and experiencing new things; it adds to my enjoyment of Viking river cruises .

I usually focus on art, history, and museums but I enjoyed the engineering component as well. That must mean I’m my father’s daughter.

9 thoughts on “ 68 River Locks: Budapest to Amsterdam ”

Thanks for your article. It is extremely unfortunate that over the last years, the travel industry has had to fight terrorism, SARS, tsunamis, flu virus, swine flu, and the first ever real global economic collapse. Through it all the industry has proven to be sturdy, resilient and also dynamic, acquiring new ways to deal with difficulty. There are often fresh problems and the possiblility to which the sector must yet again adapt and behave.

Thanks for this entertaining article. My dad would have enjoyed talking with your dad while this was going on. Calm Winds and Following Winds!

Thank you for your excellent article. We just completed the same trip. Where can I find a link to your page or publicaton on “68 Locks with Elevations” to read more of the details?

The best information is in the Viking magazine “Explore.” Try their web site to get the information.

I just finished a very similar trip, One of the lock doors was damaged by a boat in front of ours. point.The boat trip ended there. It became a bus trip from that point on. Once that happens everyone on the canal at that time is stuck. Thousands of tour passengers become bus tour people. The bus takes you to over crowded bath rooms and restaurants. Your trip is ruined and there’s nothing you can do. So be very careful booking this trip.7/9/2019

I’m sorry you had this experience, Jon. We just came back from river cruises on the Rhone and the Seine and all was well. I hope you have a better experience next time.

Thank you so much for your “lock” review. My wife and I will sail with Viking in October this year from BUD to AMS and I look forward to the locks. Several years ago we went through the Panama Canal, this will be on a “different level”.

We’re leaving for France’s Finest in a week. I’m looking forward to more adventures. I hope you love your Grand European tour as much as we did.

Thank you so very much for the article. We are hoping to do this ‘bucket-list’ cruise later this year and you have really whetted my appetite for the trip. We have done the Panama (while they were constructing the second set of locks and that was fantastic too, but this information you have provided is priceless… thank you!

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• River Cruising

Amsterdam to Budapest River guidebook map

By rose91 , May 11, 2016 in River Cruising

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We are booked on a Viking - Amsterdam to Budapest river cruise and wonder if there are any guidebook pocket maps you could recommend that show all the Landmarks along the river with explanations.

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• 3 weeks later...

ticonderoga

I got a specific one to Viking on board the ship. It was very helpful and cost about $12 if I remember correctly. It was one of those foldout things but quite specific and nicely designed. They run out so get it immediately.

No need to buy anything unless you want. Viking will send you a detailed booklet before your cruise. It comes in the same package with your red leather luggage tags, toiletry bag, etc. It's not exactly a map book but a travelogue pointing out the history and special places.

I bought one of those maps too. Hadn't noticed it myself, but saw someone else with one. They are in the "store" ... aka the little shelf with things for sale!

I found it handy and a nice take home . . .

This souvenir map of the Danube sold for €7, on our Uniworld cruise in April. It was a good way to use up the last of our OBC. We also bought one of the Rhône last year.

It's a huge foldout map with a fair amount of info. Makes a nice souvenir.

Thanks so much. I will get one right away from the ship!

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Budapest (Hungary)

Cruise port schedule, live map, terminals, news.

Region Europe Rivers

Local Time 2024-06-02 18:36

Port Budapest cruise ship schedule shows timetable calendars of all arrival and departure dates by month. The port's schedule lists all ships (in links) with cruises going to or leaving from Budapest, Hungary. To see the full itineraries (ports of call dates and arrival / departure times) and their lowest rates – just follow the corresponding ship-link.

Budapest is a Danube River cruise port in Hungary. River's most operated cruise itineraries are between Budapest and Bucharest . The longest itineraries are from Holland ( Amsterdam ), including cruising on Danube, Main and Rhine. Budapest is Hungary's main (largest) cruise port and biggest tourism industry contributor. Each year, the city attracts over 4,5 million tourists, ranking it world's 25th most popular and Europe's 6th most popular city tour destination.

Budapest is Hungary's capital and largest city (population around 1,8 million, metro over 3,3 million), as well as country's commercial, industrial and transportation hub. On November 17, 1873, it became a single city occupying both banks of Danube River and merging three cities (Obuda, Buda, Pest).

Originally a Celtic settlement, during the Roman Empire it became the capital of Lower Pannonia. In the 9th century Hungarians arrived. Their first settlement was pillaged by the Mongols in 124–242. Next dark period was the Battle of Mohacs and the following 150 year Ottoman rule. Budapest was the Austro-Hungarian Empire's second capital (together with Vienna ).

Among city's most popular tourist landmarks are Buda Castle Quarter, Heroes' Square, Millennium Underground Railway, 118 geothermal springs (world's largest thermal water cave system), Dohany Street Synagogue (aka Nagy Zsinagoga, world's 2nd largest - after Belz Great Synagogue in Jerusalem), Hungarian Parliament Building (world's 3rd largest).

On shore excursions (bus tours from Budapest/riverboat's homeport) can be also visited Slovenia's capital Ljubljana, as well as Croatia's capital Zagreb .

Budapest cruise terminal

Budapest port’s parking area has max capacity of 100 cars. The distance from the port nad the city center is approx 5 km (3 ml). The nearest airport is the Ferihegy International Airport - at approx 20-min drive distance from the cruise ship terminal.

Popular tourist attractions located near the port are the Buda Castle, old bridges (called hidak), St Stephen’s Basilica (height 96 m / 315 ft), many bathhouses with therapeutic spring water.

• Among the hotels located near the port are Corinthia Grand Hotel Royal (5-star), Hotel Rila (budget priced), Parliament Hotel, K+K Opera Hotel.
• Pop[ular restaurants located near the port are Gerbaud House, Fatal Restaurant, Karpatia Etterem.
• Pop[ular shopping centers located near the port are Folk Arts Gallery (hand-made souvenirs, wooden toys, traditional Hungarian dolls) and the Arkad shopping mall.

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Sail to lands rich in traditions

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

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To learn more about each port of call and our included as well as optional excursions, click on the individual days below.

Itinerary and shore excursions are subject to change and may vary by departure.

More features, services and excursions included

One complimentary shore excursion in every port of call

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Your Stateroom Includes:

River-view stateroom

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40" or 42" flat-screen Sony® TV with infotainment system featuring Movies On Demand, plus CNBC, CNN, FOX & more

Telephone, safe, refrigerator

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

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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. Pre & Post Cruise Extensions vary by itinerary and are subject to change.

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