Discover Europe’s Cultural Gems: A 14-Night Grand Tour with Viking River Cruises
Discover all of Europe’s captivating sights and sounds on a Viking River Cruise. With fourteen days to explore and experience some of the world’s most celebrated cities, beautiful landscapes, and diverse cultures, it’s an opportunity you won’t want to miss.
From discovering ancient ruins in Germany to indulging in Brussels’ famed chocolates or cruising along Italy’s majestic waterways – this grand tour has something for everyone.
Prepare for a journey that will take you beyond expectations as you immerse yourself fully into European culture with guided tours and local experiences arranged exclusively by Viking River Cruises – just part of their mission: no detail too small; no request too large.
About the Ship
The Viking Gefjon is a state-of-the-art, award-winning river cruise ship operated by Viking River Cruises. It was christened in 2016 and named after the Norse goddess Gefjon. The ship features elegant Scandinavian design elements, state-of-the-art engineering, and a range of luxurious amenities.
The Viking Gefjon has a capacity of 190 passengers and features 95 staterooms, including balcony and French balcony options that provide beautiful river views. The ship is crewed by 50 staff members dedicated to ensuring guests have an unforgettable experience.
The ship is approximately 443 feet long and includes multiple decks of beautiful public spaces, including a lounge, library, and Aquavit Terrace. Other onboard amenities include a restaurant, bar, and 24-hour reception desk.
Accommodation On Board
If you want the ultimate comfort and luxury, book one of the Viking Gefjon’s suites. With a floor space of 445 square feet, including a private veranda, you’ll have plenty of room to stretch out and relax. And with a river view and a wraparound balcony offering 270-degree views, you’ll never miss a moment of the stunning river views.
The veranda rooms may be the perfect fit for those who want to enjoy the fresh river breezes but don’t need as much space. These rooms feature a full-size veranda off the spacious living room and a French balcony in the bedroom. With two hotel-style beds that can convert to a queen-sized bed, you’ll have plenty of room to sleep comfortably.
And, for those who just need a comfortable place to rest their head after a busy day of sightseeing, the Viking Gefjon’s standard rooms are just the ticket. With all of the luxurious amenities of the larger rooms, including private bathrooms and cozy bedding, you can rest and relax comfortably.
Dining Options
If you’re looking for a premium dining experience during your river cruise, Viking Gefjon has got you covered. The ship boasts a variety of dining options to satisfy any palate.
From the main dining room featuring delicious multi-course dinners to the Aquavit Terrace with an al fresco option and a lighter menu.
There’s also Chef’s Table for an exclusive culinary experience. The chef will create a personalized multi-course meal to delight your senses.
And for those who prefer a more casual dining experience, the Lounge provides light bites and snacks throughout the day. With various delicious options, dining on board Viking Gefjon is sure to be a highlight of your river cruise adventure.
Activities & Entertainment
With various activities and entertainment options, there’s something for everyone on the Viking Gefjon.
During the day, take part in informative lectures and enriching cultural experiences to learn more about the history, art, and architecture of the places you’ll visit. Then, unwind with a book from the onboard library, or join in on a chess game or trivia with fellow guests.
As the sun sets, indulge in fine dining at one of the onboard restaurants or attend a wine-tasting event to savor the region’s flavors. And, of course, no Viking River cruise would be complete without a relaxing soak in the heated onboard pool or a visit to the spa for a refreshing massage.
Whether you’re exploring charming canal towns, soaking up the sun on the upper deck, or simply enjoying the camaraderie of your fellow guests, Viking Gefjon has everything you need for the ultimate European river cruise experience.
Itinerary
Viking Gefjon’s 14-night itinerary takes guests on a journey through the heart of Europe. You’ll cruise along the Danube, Main, and Rhine rivers from Amsterdam to Budapest while exploring small towns, castles, and ancient sites.
Here is a detailed itinerary of this beautiful 14-day cruise:
- Day 1 – Amsterdam, The Netherlands: On the first day, you will arrive in Amsterdam and check into your accommodations. Spend the rest of the day exploring the city’s many attractions or take a canal tour.
- Day 2 – Kinderdijk, The Netherlands: On the second day, you will disembark the ship and explore Kinderdijk’s UNESCO-listed windmills on foot, by bike, or by boat, and learn about their fascinating history.
- Day 3 – Cologne, Germany: The next day, you will have the opportunity to explore the historic city of Cologne, known for its stunning Gothic cathedral, world-class museums, and lively arts and entertainment scene.
- Day 4 – Koblenz, Germany: On day four, you will enjoy the picturesque town of Koblenz, located at the confluence of the Rhine and Moselle rivers and known for its historic architecture and scenic river views.
- Day 5 – Miltenberg, Germany: Discover the charming medieval town of Miltenberg on the fifth day, known for its half-timbered houses, winding streets, and picturesque castle ruins.
- Day 6 – Würzburg, Germany: The next day, you will explore the beautiful city of Würzburg, known for its baroque architecture, impressive palaces and gardens, and excellent wine.
- Day 7 – Bamberg, Germany: Immerse yourself in the historic city of Bamberg on the seventh day, known for its well-preserved medieval architecture, quaint streets and alleys, and excellent beer.
- Day 8 – Nuremberg, Germany: On the eighth day, you will discover the history of Nuremberg, a historic city with a beautiful castle, museums, and a lively arts scene.
- Day 9 – Regensburg, Germany: Enjoy the charm of Regensburg on this day, a Bavarian town with a well-preserved medieval city center, including a stunning cathedral and numerous historic churches and buildings.
- Day 10 – Passau, Germany: You will arrive in Passau on the tenth day, a picturesque town located at the confluence of three rivers and known for its baroque architecture, museums, and scenic river views.
- Day 11 – Melk, Austria / Krems, Austria: On day eleven, you will have the opportunity to visit Melk Abbey, a stunning baroque monastery overlooking the Danube River, and explore the charming town of Krems, known for its wine and historic architecture.
- Day 12-13 – Vienna, Austria: You will spend the next two days in Vienna, a beautiful city known for its imperial palaces, museums, and rich musical heritage.
- Day 14 – Budapest, Hungary: You will arrive in Budapest on the final day. Be sure to explore the city’s many attractions, such as its ancient castle, numerous churches and cathedrals, historic monuments, and lively entertainment scene.
Excursions
This river cruise along Europe includes a variety of included and optional excursions, such as visits to local villages, castles, and museums. You can explore the vibrant cities, quaint towns, and stunning landscapes of Europe at your own pace.
Here are some of the most popular excursions:
Amsterdam, The Netherlands
One of the most popular excursions in Amsterdam is the canal tour, which will take you through the city’s famous waterways. You will get a unique perspective of the city from the water and discover some of the stunning architecture that makes Amsterdam so special.
Kinderdijk, The Netherlands
A must-see attraction in Kinderdijk is the World Heritage-listed windmills. These windmills are an iconic symbol of the Netherlands, and here you will learn about their history and importance to the country’s rich culture.
Cologne, Germany
Kölner Dom, or the Cologne Cathedral, is the main attraction in Cologne. This stunning Gothic cathedral, with its twin spires, dominates the city’s skyline and is a true masterpiece of architecture.
Koblenz, Germany
Visiting the Ehrenbreitstein Fortress is a popular excursion in Koblenz. This impressive fortress overlooks the Rhine River and offers visitors breathtaking views of the surrounding area.
Miltenberg, Germany
Located in the heart of the Franconian wine region, Miltenberg is known for its beautiful timber-framed buildings and charming streets. Strolling through the cobbled streets and admiring the half-timbered houses is a must-do activity.
Würzburg, Germany
A visit to the Residenz Castle in Würzburg is a must-do activity. This UNESCO World Heritage Site is a masterpiece of Baroque architecture and houses an impressive collection of artwork.
Bamberg, Germany
The charming town of Bamberg is known for its beautiful architecture, including the Old Town Hall, which sits in the middle of the river. A walking town tour is the perfect way to explore its rich history and culture.
Nuremberg, Germany
The Nazi Party Rally Grounds is a popular attraction in Nuremberg. Here you will learn about the rise of the Nazi Party and its propaganda campaigns during World War II.
Regensburg, Germany
Walking through the Old Town in Regensburg is like stepping back in time. The town’s medieval architecture and charming streets make it a popular destination for visitors.
Passau, Germany
In Passau, visiting St. Stephan’s Cathedral is a must-do activity. This Gothic cathedral houses the world’s largest cathedral organ and is a true masterpiece of architecture.
Melk, Austria / Krems, Austria
The highlight of Melk is the stunning Melk Abbey, which is a true masterpiece of Baroque architecture. A visit here will take you back to the 18th century and offer you a glimpse into the opulent lifestyle of the Benedictine monks.
Vienna, Austria
Vienna is known for its rich cultural heritage and stunning architecture. Taking a walking tour of the city’s historic center is the perfect way to discover its charming streets and unique landmarks.
Budapest, Hungary
A river cruise along the Danube River is a must-do activity in Budapest. You will cruise past landmark sites such as the Parliament Building and the Buda Castle. It’s the perfect way to glimpse the city’s beauty from the water.
Bottom Line
Europe is an incredible place to explore, with many fascinating cultures, cities, and attractions.
There’s something for everyone to experience on this amazing continent, whether it’s taking a canal tour in Amsterdam or admiring the Gothic architecture of St. Stephan’s Cathedral in Passau.
From small towns to big cities, this cruise provides the perfect opportunity to take in all Europe offers. So don’t wait — book your cruise today!
