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Passage to Eastern Europe
2014 At-A-Glance
Let us take you to the cities, towns and natural wonders of Eastern
Europe, where so many fairy tales began. Experience two nights in
bustling Budapest, cosmopolitan capital of Hungary; sail past dramatic
natural wonders like the soaring white cliffs of the Iron Gate region;
visit the Serbian capital of Belgrade and the Croatian town of Osijek;
discover historical treasures of Bulgaria; and admire the graceful
charms of the Romanian capital of Bucharest where you will enjoy one
overnight stay. This itinerary is, quite simply, a revelation. Sail dates available March to November 2014
Budapest to Bucharest or Bucharest to Budapest
Ship sailing this itinerary: Viking Aegir, Viking Embla or Viking Rinda 14BUD-OTP 04.2613 CST: 2052644-40
Page 2 of 10
See your travel agent or call Viking River Cruises at 1-877-668-4546
www.vikingrivercruises.com
Passage to Eastern Europe
Included Features
7-day cruise with river-view stateroom
2 nights at the moderate deluxe Budapest Hilton & 1 night at the Radisson Blu
Hotel, Bucharest (or similar)
8 guided tours with audio headset
All onboard meals: 7 breakfasts, 6 lunches, 6 dinners, featuring regional
specialties and including Welcome Cocktail Reception & Dinner and Captain’s
Farewell Dinner, plus breakfast at Budapest & Bucharest hotels
Visit 1 UNESCO World Heritage Site
Culture CurriculumSM
: Enjoy folkloric performances; attend lectures on Serbia
today, Dracula & the European Union; learn about icons & orthodox religion;
enjoy authentic flavors of Eastern Europe
Included Tours:
Budapest city tour
Kalocsa city tour
Osijek excursion
Belgrade city tour
Belogradchik Fortress excursion
Veliko Tarnovo excursion
Nativity Church tour
Bucharest city tour
Optional Tours:
Optional Szentendre Excursion
Optional Gödöllö Palace Visit
Optional Kovacica Excursion
Optional tours are purchased on board ship and are subject to availability & minimum participation
Page 3 of 10
See your travel agent or call Viking River Cruises at 1-877-668-4546
www.vikingrivercruises.com
Passage to Eastern Europe
Journey Highlights
The Danube’s Iron Gate The Iron Gate area of the lower Danube River is one of the world’s most scenic river
gorges. Enormous white chalk cliffs flank the river, which forms part of the boundary
between Serbia and Romania; at times the gorge is quite narrow. Marvel at the large
carved face of the ancient Dacian king Decebalus on the cliff sides.
Home on the Puszta Stretching across Hungary is a vast prairie known as the Puszta. Here the hardy, whip-
cracking horse herders known as csikós lived and worked. Like the fabled cowboy of the
American west, the 19th-century csikós has been romanticized in Hungarian folk songs,
dances and literature. Enjoy an exciting demonstration of traditional Puszta horsemanship
and other folk arts.
Lunchtime in Bulgaria Disembark for a full day’s excursion to Bulgaria’s former capital, Veliko Tarnovo.
Explore Tsaravets Hill and the ruins of the royal castle there, then proceed to Arbanasi
for lunch with the locals. Try a typical dish like shopska salad, made from chopped
vegetables and a white brined cheese called sirene. Taste some moussaka, Bulgarian
sausage or tarator, a cold yogurt-based soup. For dessert, have some halvah or baklava, a
pastry made with honey and phyllo.
The Best of Budapest The Danube River divides this Hungarian capital city and UNESCO site into “Buda” and
“Pest.” Explore both parts, starting with Pest’s National Opera House and historic
Heroes’ Square. In Buda, stroll Fishermen’s Hill to Fishermen’s Bastion and Matthias
Church. Take free time to explore the city’s spas and shopping.
Beautiful Belgrade Discover Serbia’s beautiful capital, Belgrade, whose history dates back some 7,000 years.
Walk through the grounds of Kalemegdan Fortress and peek inside the Orthodox
cathedral. Take the afternoon to enjoy the city’s gracious architecture or visit one of its
many museums. After dinner, check out Belgrade’s famous nightlife before a
late departure.
Page 4 of 10
See your travel agent or call Viking River Cruises at 1-877-668-4546
www.vikingrivercruises.com
Passage to Eastern Europe
Budapest to Bucharest Itinerary
Day 1 Budapest, Hungary
Budapest airport transfer*
Hotel Check-in
Free time to explore Budapest
Day 2 Budapest, Hungary
Tour of Budapest, a UNESCO
Site, including the National Opera
House, Heroes’ Square,
Parliament, Fishermen’s Bastion,
Matthias Church, Chain Bridge
and Elizabeth Bridge Included Meals: Breakfast
Day 3 Budapest, Hungary
Embark ship
Free day to explore Budapest Included Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Day 4 Kalocsa, Hungary
Kalocsa city walk including visit
to Archbishop’s Palace
Puszta horsemanship performance Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 5 Osijek, Croatia
Osijek excursion Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 6 Belgrade, Serbia
Guided city walk including
Kalemegdan Fortress, Orthodox
cathedral & Square of the Republic
Free time to explore Belgrade Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 7 Iron Gate, Serbia
Scenic cruising through the
Danube’s Iron Gate Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 8 Vidin & Belogradchik, Bulgaria
Belogradchik Fortress excursion
Free time to explore Vidin Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 9 Veliko Tarnovo & Arbanasi, Bulgaria
Full-day excursion to Veliko
Tarnovo including Tsarvavets Hill
and ruins of the royal castle
Lunch at local restaurant in Arbanasi
Tour of Nativity Church Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 10 Giurgiu & Bucharest, Romania
Disembark in Giurgiu
Hotel check-in
Tour of Bucharest including Arch
of Triumph, the Antim Monastery,
former Royal Palace and the
Palace of Justice
Free time to explore Bucharest Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Day 11 Bucharest, Romania
Bucharest airport transfer* Included Meals: Breakfast
* Airport transfers included when air is purchased from Viking River Cruises. Transfers must be with
flights that arrive/depart on ship or included hotel check-in or check-out day only.
Page 5 of 10
See your travel agent or call Viking River Cruises at 1-877-668-4546
www.vikingrivercruises.com
Passage to Eastern Europe
Bucharest to Budapest Itinerary
Day 1 Bucharest, Romania
Bucharest airport transfer*
Hotel check-in
Free day to explore Bucharest
Day 2 Bucharest & Giurgiu, Romania
Tour of Bucharest including Arch
of Triumph, the Antim Monastery,
former Royal Palace and the
Palace of Justice
Board ship in Giurgiu
Welcome Reception & Dinner Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 3 Veliko Tarnovo &
Arbanasi, Bulgaria
Full-day excursion to Veliko
Tarnovo including Tsarvavets Hill
and ruins of the royal castle
Lunch at local restaurant in Arbanasi
Tour of Nativity Church Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 4 Vidin & Belogradchik, Bulgaria
Belogradchik Fortress excursion
Free time to explore Vidin Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 5 Iron Gate, Serbia
Scenic cruising through the
Danube’s Iron Gate Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 6 Belgrade, Serbia
Guided city walk including
Kalemegdan Fortress, Orthodox
cathedral & Square of the Republic
Free time to explore Belgrade Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 7 Osijek, Croatia
Osijek excursion Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 8 Kalocsa, Hungary
Kalocsa city walk including visit
to Archbishop’s Palace
Puszta horsemanship performance Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 9 Budapest, Hungary
Tour of Budapest, a UNESCO
Site, including the National Opera
House, Heroes’ Square,
Parliament, Fishermen’s Bastion,
Matthias Church, Chain Bridge
and Elizabeth Bridge
Disembark ship
Hotel Check-in
Free time to explore Budapest Included Meals: Breakfast
Day 10 Budapest, Hungary
Free time to explore Budapest Included Meals: Breakfast
Day 11 Budapest, Hungary
Budapest airport transfer* Included Meals: Breakfast
* Airport transfers included when air is purchased from Viking River Cruises. Transfers must be with
flights that arrive/depart on ship or included hotel check-in or check-out day only.
Page 6 of 10
See your travel agent or call us at 1-877-668-4546
www.vikingrivercruises.com
Explore More
More days means more to discover. We offer exciting ways to see even more of the
region with extension packages you can add before or after your Viking journey.
Budapest Extension Itinerary
2 nights—From $399 per person
Explore this legendary Hungarian capital, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, with its
elegant boulevards, Parisian atmosphere and outstanding museums. Take a stroll in the
parks of Margaret Island, discover the hidden medieval courtyards of the castle district
and eat your fill of savory Hungarian cuisine. Extension package includes two nights at a
Budapest hotel, daily breakfasts and hotel/ship transfers along with the services of a
Viking host.
The moderate deluxe Hilton Budapest Hotel is located in the heart of the city’s Castle
District, a UNESCO Site, next to the Fishermen’s Bastion and Matthias Church. The
hotel has a restaurant, lobby lounge and bar; room service and laundry service; fitness
room, a business center and gift shop. Rooms feature mini bar; television; telephone with
voicemail; in-room safe and hair dryer.
The deluxe Corinthia Hotel is located in the heart of Budapest within walking distance
of the Opera House and major theaters. The hotel has three restaurants, a café, lobby
lounge and bar; room service; laundry services; spa with indoor swimming pool, full-
service business center; a beauty salon and gift shop. Rooms feature minibar; television
telephone with voicemail; in-room safe and hair dryer.
The Budapest Marriott Hotel is the only hotel in Budapest offering magnificent Danube
river views from all of its 364 rooms, boasting a prime location in the heart of the city.
Located on the mezzanine floor of the Budapest Marriott, the World Class International
fitness center offers everything within the field of health and fitness. Rooms feature air
conditioning, direct-dial telephone and voicemail, Internet access, iron and ironing board
and minibar.
Ideally located in the heart of Budapest, a few steps from the blue Danube, Le Méridien
Budapest welcomes you into the city’s World Heritage sites, to its unique historic and
artistic life. Within walking distance you may discover the Parliament, the historic Buda
castle, Europe’s largest Synagogue and many more. The hotel has two restaurants and
bar, 24 hour room service available. Rooms feature minibar; television telephone with
voicemail; in-room safe and hair dryer.
* Hotels are subject to change without notice, at which time a comparable alternative will be offered.
Page 7 of 10
See your travel agent or call us at 1-877-668-4546
www.vikingrivercruises.com
Bucharest & Transylvania Extension
3 nights—From $699 per person
Extend your Passage to Eastern Europe journey with three nights in Romania. Encounter
the mysteries of Transylvania with an excursion to Brasov featuring tours of Peles and
Dracula’s Castle. Itinerary includes one night at the Ramada Hotel, Brasov and two
nights at Radisson Blu (or similar).
The first class Ramada Brasov is ideally located adjacent to the heart of the city’s
business district. The hotel has a gym/fitness center; sauna and steam room; and free
shuttle service to the city center. Room amenities include television, internet access and
safe, iron/ironing board, coffee maker and hair dryer.
The Radisson Blu Hotel, Bucharest is located across from the former Royal Palace on
Calea Victoriei. Its location affords guests optimal proximity to culture, shopping and
business. The rooms are decorated in warm tones, and blend leisure and sophistication to
create pure relaxation. With views of the nearby landscaped garden, each room provides
guests with both modern amenities and picturesque surroundings. Room amenities
include LCD TV, internet access, iron/ironing board and individual climate control. From
authentic pasta enjoyed on the patio to superb cognac savored in the late-night lounge,
fabulous dining awaits guests at the Radisson Blu Hotel, Bucharest.
Built in 1914 and set in the heart of the city at the Hilton Athenee Palace Bucharest
hotel you can enjoy local attractions including the Romanian Athenaeum and the former
Royal Palace. Theatres, shops and cafés are all located within walking distance. Enjoy the
heated indoor pool, Jacuzzi and well‐equipped gym or indulge in a luxurious treatment in
the hotel’s beauty center. Spend the evening in our onsite casino or dine in one of 3
restaurants. The English Bar offers a large selection of whiskies. Feast on authentic
Italian delights in Roberto’s restaurant. Relax and watch on‐demand movies on the TV or
pamper yourself in the marble bathroom. Rooms include cable/pay per view television,
coffee/tea making facilities, individual climate control, safe, minibar and hairdryer.
* Hotels are subject to change without notice at which time, a comparable alternative will be offered.
Page 8 of 10
See your travel agent or call us at 1-877-668-4546
www.vikingrivercruises.com
Prague Extension Itinerary
3 nights—From $699 per person
Discover the Czech Republic’s vibrant capital, the “City of a Hundred Spires”. Tour
Hradcany Castle and its palaces, churches and museums; visit Gothic St. Vitus Cathedral;
and stroll along Charles Bridge. Explore Prague’s Jewish heritage in the Josefov Quarter
and encounter history and culture in Wenceslas Square. Extension package includes
three nights at a Prague hotel, daily breakfasts and hotel/ship transfers, Prague city tour,
along with the services of a Viking host.
The superior first class Hilton Prague is conveniently located on the right bank of Vltava
River within walking distance from the city center and major attractions, and the bus and
underground stations are only a five-minute walk from the hotel. The hotel has three
restaurants, a bar and a wide selection of shops; a health club and spa offering a
swimming pool, dry and wet sauna, jacuzzi, gym, health bar; beauty salon and other
amenities. Air-conditioned rooms are equipped with a television, telephone, safe
and hair dryer.
Hilton Prague Old Town hotel is centrally located in the heart of Prague at the gates of the Old
Town. Just 30 minutes from the Prague Ruzyne Airport, and within walking distance of beautiful
historical attractions like Prague Castle, Wenceslas Square, Jewish Quarter or Charles Bridge, it
is well‐placed for leisure. Zinc restaurant serves the famous Hilton Breakfast as well as modern
European cuisine with Asian flavors. Zinc lounge & bar is an ideal place for a light snack, coffee
or after‐dinner cocktail. Rooms feature minibar; television, telephone; in-room safe and
hair dryer.
The Prague Marriott is steps from Old Town Square and all the major Prague
attractions, with a casino on site. It is well known for its first-class service and conference
facilities, while its World Class Health Academy is the largest of its kind in Prague.
Guests may dine at the hotel's Brasserie Praha, Expressamente Illy, the lobby bar or at
one of the many nearby cafes and restaurants. Rooms have comfortable work areas and
are equipped with broadband Internet access, 32-inch LCD TV screens, safe, mini-bar,
individual climate control, hair-dryer and iron.
Prague Premier Hotel 2 nights—From $1,399 per person
Four Seasons Hotel Prague interweaves centuries of remarkable history and architecture
with all the conveniences of modern technology. In the middle of vibrant Old Town,
experience an enclave at the edge of the Vltava River, just steps from the Charles Bridge.
Rooms are decorated in either a Modernist style of black and grey with hints of turquoise
or a warm rust and red color scheme. The room's marble bath boasts a single vanity,
separate glass shower, deep soaking tub and separate bathroom. Rooms feature air
conditioning, direct-dial telephone and voicemail, Internet access, iron and ironing board
and refrigerated private bar.
* Hotels are subject to change without notice, at which time a comparable alternative will be offered.
Page 9 of 10
See your travel agent or call us at 1-877-668-4546
www.vikingrivercruises.com
The Viking Experience
Quietvox Tour Earphones
With our Quietvox tour earphones, there are no worries about missing any interesting
details during your shore excursions. Each guest will receive a lightweight, portable
receiver that can be worn around the neck or slipped into a pocket. The comfortable
earpiece with individual volume control allows you to hear your guide’s comments no
matter where you are standing and makes every place on your tour the “best seat in
the house.”
Onboard Enrichment
Culture CurriculumSM
. To help you further appreciate the countries that you will visit, we
complement your shore excursion with a broad range of immersive activities, on board
and ashore. Enjoy folkloric performances; attend lectures on Serbia today, Dracula & the
European Union; learn about icons & orthodox religion; enjoy authentic flavors of
Eastern Europe.
Expert Program Directors. Viking River Cruises Program Directors are selected for their
comprehensive knowledge of the regions you will be visiting. They have a fine
appreciation of each destination’s nuances and a genuine passion for travel and are there
to help from the first moment to the end of your journey. If you have any questions,
would like recommendations or have any concerns during your itinerary, do not hesitate
to contact your Program Director.
General Physical Fitness
Our tours and cruises are not physically demanding, however, because of the nature of
many of the sites you will be visiting, this tour may not be appropriate for guests with
certain medical conditions and physical restrictions. Walking tours are often on uneven
ground or cobblestones and may include stairs and steep inclines. If you have concerns or
questions, please discuss the nature of your itinerary with your Viking River Cruises
Travel Consultant.
Complimentary Wine with Onboard Dinner and Lunch Service
Enjoy complimentary bottled wine with onboard dinner and lunch service. We feature
two varietals—one white and one red—that pair beautifully with our onboard menu of
contemporary and regional specialties.
Page 10 of 10
See your travel agent or call us at 1-877-668-4546
www.vikingrivercruises.com
Before You Go
Visit our website at vikingrivercruises.com (or vrc.com) where you can not only learn
more about all the places you might go with Viking, but you can also immerse yourself in
the experience from the comfort of your own home. There is information abound and you
can watch videos of destinations, take a virtual tour of a cruise ship or get a list of
recommended readings.
Passports & Visas Passports are necessary however no visas are required for U.S. citizens for this itinerary.
Non-U.S. citizens, please check your consulate for visa information.
Viking’s All-Inclusive Airfare & Transfers
For your convenience, you can purchase roundtrip trans-oceanic air travel directly from
Viking in conjunction with your river cruise or cruisetour. Viking’s air packages are a
great value because they include your transfers between airport and ship or hotel. And,
when you reserve your air with Viking and purchase Viking’s all-inclusive travel
protection policy, your air travel is covered by the policy as part of your Viking itinerary.
Select from more than 165 different gateways (additional gateways available) in
economy or the upgraded service of Premium Economy or Business Class (trans-oceanic
portion); once your reservation has been made, we will confirm your flight schedules 75
days before departure.
E-Check Program Viking offers special incentives when you pay via e-check (electronic debit to your
checking account)—a quick and convenient way to pay for your vacation. Ask for details
when making your reservation.
Viking Travel Protection
Viking Travel Protection allows you to cancel your trip for any reason. Enjoy peace of
mind knowing that whatever may arise—even a pre-existing medical condition—you
retain 100% of your travel value. Premiums are based on trip cost and start at only $249
per person!
Climate – Average High/Low Temperature (°F)
Destination Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov
Belgrade 53/37/ 63/46 72/53 77/59 81/61 81/61 74/55 64/46 51/39
Bucharest 50/32 64/42 73/50 80/57 83/60 83/59 76/52 64/42 44/35
Budapest 51/37 62/45 71/53 77/58 80/61 80/60 72/54 61/46 47/37
*Information contained in this document is subject to change without notice.