We invite you on a brand new tour of the Baltic States and much more. We explore Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania, enhanced by the rich cultural tapestry of Poland and the Czech Republic. We cruise down the majestic Danube River aboard the luxurious Viking Cruises and explore historic cities and breathtaking landscapes.
There are so many spectacular sights to see as we journey through the region. The Baltic states of Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania exude a mixture of old-world charm and youthful exuberance having shaken off the shackles of Soviet domination. Through to Poland and the ancient and historic cities of Warsaw and Krakow then on to Budapest, the starting point for our 7 nights cruising through the heart of Europe up the Danube to Passau. Finally, magical Prague, no better place to conclude such an exciting and interesting tour.
ESTONIA, LATVIA, LITHUANIA:
Estonia is a small gem of a country on the shores of the Baltic and Tallinn, its dynamic capital, boasts a medieval Old Town rated as one of the best in Europe. Further south is Latvia and its capital, Riga, the largest of the Baltic capitals and a transport hub for many centuries. Finally, to Lithuania, often referred to as Europe’s best kept secret. The little capital of Vilnius contains perhaps the highest concentration of baroque architecture in Northern Europe.
POLAND:
A fiercely proud nation with a history dating back over 1000 years. Today’s Poland is flourishing after centuries of domination from different sources. Its energetic and vibrant capital, Warsaw, has rebuilt itself following it’s mauling during WWII. The former royal capital of Krakow displays an array of architecture developed over the centuries in its near perfectly preserved Gothic core.
Danube Viking Cruise aboard the Viking Embla – Our Floating Hotel for 7-nights
In the beautiful city of Budapest, we board our luxury river cruise ship “Viking Embla”, for 7 nights cruising up the Danube travelling through Hungary, Austria and Germany.
Cruise the Danube for 7 nights travelling through Hungary, Austria and Germany aboard Viking Alruna in River-view Staterooms
After the cruise, we travel to magical Prague, one of the most beautiful cities in Europe, a great place to finish our tour
Itinerary
Saturday 24 May Home – Doha
We commence the tour with an afternoon flight to Doha. We cross the international dateline enroute, arriving into Doha late evening.
Sunday 25 May Doha (B.D)
A leisurely start to the day today, after our late arrival last night. Early afternoon, discover the best that Doha has to offer as we embark on a sightseeing tour through the Qatari capital. We explore the main highlights of the city including the National Museum, Souq Waqif, and Pearl Island. We also get a closer look at Qatar’s history and culture with a visit to the Katara Culture Village. We return to the hotel late afternoon.
Monday 26 May Doha (B.D)
Many visitors to Qatar never see its northern reaches, which offer up historical buildings, traditional ports and sweeping beaches. On our tour today, we get to see its best bits as we visit the former pearling hub of Al-Khor Harbour, explore UNESCO-listed Al Zubara Fort and observe the wildlife-filled mangroves at Al Thakhira beach. Returning to our hotel in the afternoon, the remainder of the day is at leisure, until we meet up again for dinner this evening.
Tuesday 27 May Doha – Tallinn (B.D)
An early start this morning as we transfer back to Doha Airport in time to report for morning flight to Tallin. Note the flight travels via Helsinki. On arrival we are transferred to our hotel for a two-night stay.
Wednesday 28 May Tallinn (B.D)
A small city with a big heart. This morning, a local guide shows us the most interesting parts of the city including the medieval Old Town with one of the best-preserved Hanseatic town centres in Europe. We also see, Toompea Hill and Castle, Alexander Nevsky Cathedral and the Dome Church. The afternoon is at leisure before dinner at a local restaurant.
Thursday 29 May Tallinn – Riga (B.L)
Our journey south takes us through the Estonian countryside. Enjoy a morning break at Parnu on the shores of the Gulf of Riga before crossing the border into Latvia and continuing to the capital of Riga. Riga is the largest of the Baltic capitals dating back to the 13th century and is often referred to as the “Paris of the Baltics”. On arrival, we enjoy lunch together before taking a walking tour of the old town which has a wonderful display of large and small guild houses. We also see the Freedom monument, the National Latvian Opera House and the Dome Cathedral which dates back to 1211. The evening is at leisure.
Friday 30 May Riga – Vilnius (B.D)
Leaving Riga, we travel first to Rundale Palace, built in the 17th Century for the Duke of Courtland by the baroque master, Rastrelli. After a tour of its staterooms, we cross into the last of the Baltic countries that once formed part of the Soviet Union, Lithuania. We stop at the “Votive Hill of Crosses” near Siauliai. Over the centuries, not only crosses but giant crucifixes, carvings of Lithuanian patriots, statues of the Virgin Mary and numerous effigies have been brought here by pilgrims, notwithstanding the efforts of Soviet authorities to remove them. We continue on to the capital, Vilnius, for a 2-night stay.
Saturday 31 May Vilnius (B.L)
This stylish little city seduces visitors with its Old Town charm. Our sightseeing tour includes both coach and a walking tour of the Old Town. We see the baroque church of Sts Peter and Paul, the Jesuit University, the 16th century “Gates of Dawn”, the former Soviet KGB Headquarters, now the Museum of Genocide Victims, and the neo-classical St Stanislav’s Cathedral with its distinctive bell tower. After the city tour, enjoy a visit to the splendid Trakai Castle, built on a fortified island in Lake Galve and dating back to the 14th century. The evening is at leisure.
Sunday 01 June Vilnius – Olsztyn (B.D)
Leaving Vilnius, we continue our journey southwest and cross the border into Poland. Our destination is the picturesque Mazury Lake District for an overnight stay, but first we stop at Wigry National Park for a cruise on the lake to see Cameldolite Monastery with its 17th century church and hermitages. After lunch, we continue to Gierloz or Wolf’s Lair which was Hitler’s main headquarters on the eastern front during WWII. Whilst much of the structure was destroyed as the Nazis retreated, the imposing ruins of the thick walls of the bunkers make for a fascinating visit. After that, we continue on to Olsztyn.
Monday 02 June Olsztyn – Warsaw (B.D)
After breakfast we have a short orientation walk of Olsztyn to see St. Jacob’s Co-cathedral Basilica(was erected in the 14th century in the Gothic style, and in the 16th century its tower was added to the height of 70 m.) and The Gothic castle dates back to the 14th century, After we visit The Folk Architecture Museum and EthnographicPark in Olsztynek (one of Poland’s oldest open-air museums. Its beginnings date back to 1909), we will have lunch at Mazury before continuing to the Polish capital. In the late afternoon, we arrive at Warsaw for a 2 night stay, with tonight’s dinner served at the hotel
Tuesday 03 June Warsaw (B,D)
The city was almost totally destroyed during WWII and today’s city is testament to its post-war restoration. Our morning tour will take us past the Palace of Culture, affectionately known as the “wedding cake”. A stroll through Lazienki Park brings us to the Chopin Memorial. Then there is time to reflect at the Memorial of the Heroes of the Warsaw Ghetto. The tour concludes with a walk through the Old Town to the Market Square. The afternoon is at leisure and this evening, lets enjoy a private piano recital featuring the music of one of the cities favourite sons, Frederic Chopin before dining at a local restaurant.
Wednesday 04 June Warsaw – Czestochowa – Krakow (B,L,D)
Leaving Warsaw, we travel south through Poland with our first visit being at Czestochowa and Jasna Gora Monastery, home to the iconic Black Madonna, Poland’s most famous shrine to the Virgin Mary. After a tour of the monastery, we continue south to Krakow for a 3-night stay. This evening, we enjoy dinner in the old town.
Thursday 05 June Krakow – Auschwitz (B,L)
On our morning tour of Krakow see the once thriving Jewish district of Kazimierz including entry to its Remuh synagogue. Continue to the former Schindler factory, made famous in the movie “Schindler’s List” and now a museum recalling wartime Krakow under Nazi occupation. After lunch, we visit the former concentration camp at Auschwitz, now a permanent reminder of the horrors perpetrated by the Nazi regime against the Jewish people and others during WWII.
Friday 06 June Krakow (B,D)
Krakow is one of Poland’s oldest cities and its second largest. It was the capital for over 500 years during the late Middle Ages and today is regarded as a major academic and artistic centre. On our morning tour, we see the Royal Castle and Cathedral on Wawel Hill and enjoy a walk through the Old Town visiting the Renaissance “Cloth Hall” in the Market Square and the Mariacki Church. The afternoon is left free to relax or maybe wonder the streets of the old town. Alternatively, you may wish to visit the unique UNESCO “World Heritage” Wieliczka Salt Mines.
Saturday 07 June Krakow – Slovakia – Eger, Hungary (B,L,D)
Leaving Krakow this morning, our scenic drive takes us first to Zakopane, Poland’s major ski resort and gateway to the Polish Tatra Mountains. We enjoy a tour of the town and take the chair lift to the lookout. After a light lunch, we cross over into Slovakia and visit Spis Castle, once one of the largest castles in Europe which dates back to the 12th century and proudly dominates the surrounding landscape Then, it’s into Hungary and an overnight stay in Eger, a town known for its beautiful baroque architecture including a Turkish minaret. This evening, we enjoy dinner at a local restaurant and taste some of the local wines for which the region is renowned.
Sunday 08 June Eger – Budapest – Join Danube River Cruise (B,D)
We start the day with a walking tour of the Eger’s historic old town before continuing through to the Hungarian capital Budapest. There is time to explore the central markets and take a lunch break before we visit the magnificent parliament buildings on the banks of the Danube and modelled on the Westminster parliament. Later this afternoon, we board our floating home for the next 7 nights, the river ship “VIKING EMBLA”. Enjoy a welcome dinner aboard. We overnight in Budapest.
Monday 09 June Budapest (B,L,D)
On our included excursion today, take in one of Europe’s great cultural capitals and see its iconic sights. Over the last few decades, Budapest has reemerged as one of the continent’s iconic cities, divided by the Danube River and connected by the graceful Chain Bridge. Meet your guide for a panoramic tour, beginning in modern Pest. Along the elegant Andrássy Avenue, admire the National Opera House. Pass Heroes’ Square, a spacious plaza of monuments and statues commemorating the Magyar state. Across the river, explore the more traditional Buda side of the city. Here, visit the Castle District with its massive hilltop castle complex, the turreted Fisherman’s Bastion and Matthias Church. From the heights of Buda Hill, take in views of the famous Chain Bridge. Afterward, enjoy free time at Budapest’s colourful Market Hall to browse an array of speciality food and handicrafts.
Tuesday 10 June Bratislava, Slovakia (B.L.D)
Bratislava was built on a smaller scale than other European capitals, so you will explore with ease on our included excursion today. Join your guide and set off along the Amber Road, tracing the ancient trade route that once linked Northern and Southern Europe. Stop to view the Gothic-style Universitas Istropolitana, the first university to have been founded in present-day Slovakia. Though it operated for only 25 years, it proved highly influential in the fields of mathematics and astrology. In the main square, admire the Roland Fountain, built in 1572 to provide water to the public. Around the square, you will see the rococo, late-baroque Grassalkovich Palace, residence of the president, and the rose-hued Archbishop’s Palace, home to today’s mayor. You will also see the Gothic St. Martin’s Cathedral, home of Hungarian coronations for more than 250 years. If the church schedule allows, you may step inside to take in its splendour.
Wednesday 11 June Vienna, Austria (B.L.D)
Today, we see the magnificent architectural highlights of one of Europe’s most elegant and romantic cultural capitals. Vienna was centre of arts and intellect during the reign of the Hapsburgs and beyond. Meet your guide and drive into the city for a motor coach and walking tour, focusing on the splendid buildings on the Ringstrasse, the gracious boulevard laid out on the site of the old city walls during the mid-19th century. Imposing palaces, elegant public buildings and grand residences line this world-famous avenue. See the magnificent Hofburg Palace, winter residence of the Hapsburgs and home of the Spanish Riding School with its Lipizzaner horses. Admire the Gothic St. Stephen’s Cathedral, crowned with a gleaming spire and colourful roof tiles. And view the beautiful Vienna State Opera concert hall, its facade adorned with elaborate frescoes depicting Mozart’s opera The Magic Flute.
Thursday 12 June Krems, Austria (B.L.D)
A small university town at the eastern end of the Danube’s Wachau Valley, Krems is surrounded by terraced vineyards. In its heyday, during the 12th century, Krems held even more importance than Vienna for its iron, grain, salt and wine trade. As to the latter, the city has played a long and celebrated part in the popularity of the Wachau’s wine culture; the valley’s south slopes in Krems are bathed in sunlight all day and create some of the best Riesling and Veltliner wines in the world. The city’s cobblestone streets, taverns, wine bars and coffeehouses have a timeless appeal. There is the opportunity to join some optional excursions today.
Friday 13 June Linz, Austria (B.L.D)
Experience all the charms of this capital of Upper Austria during an included walking tour. Founded by the Romans, Linz rose to prominence under the Hapsburg Empire. Today, it remains a vibrant cultural centre. Set off on foot to explore the Danube’s south bank, passing the massive Brucknerhaus concert hall, named for the famed Austrian composer, and view the modern New Town Hall across the Danube. Continue to Linz Castle, considered the most beautiful museum in the province. In the Old Quarter, see the Market Hall, the Mozarthaus, where the composer wrote the Linz Symphony, the magnificent Renaissance Landhaus tower and the elegant facade of the Landestheater. At Hauptplatz, the city’s main square in the Old Quarter, you may step inside the New Cathedral if the church’s schedule allows and admire its ornate interior.
Saturday 14 June Passau, Germany (B.L.D)
Explore the Italianate-style streets of Passau, where three European rivers converge. Meet your local guide and begin your included walking tour through delightful old-world streets, taking in a pastel rainbow of building facades as you stroll. You will see the impressive Bishops’ Residenz from which powerful prince-bishops ruled secular and religious life for hundreds of years. Continue past the 14th-century Rathaus, or Town Hall, built on the site of a former fish market on the Danube. Conclude your walk at the magnificent 17th-century St. Stephen’s Cathedral. This baroque wonder houses Europe’s largest pipe organ, with more than 17,000 pipes, and inspired Franz Liszt to write his Hungarian Coronation Mass. Enjoy free time to explore more of the city on your own before returning to your awaiting ship.
Sunday 15 June Disembark Passau – Prague (B)
Sadly, this morning it’s time to disembark as we join our coach and travel to the Czech border and journey through to magical Prague for a 2 night stay.
Monday 16 June Prague (B.D)
Prague is a city with a 1000-year-old history preserved in time. During our tour this morning, we see some of its best-known treasures including the Old Town’s Astronomical Clock, once the envy of all of Europe, the Charles Bridge with its many statues, St Vitus Cathedral and of course Hradcany Castle which has a history dating back as long as the city itself. The remainder of the day is free and this evening, our last in Europe together, we enjoy one final dinner together.
Tuesday 17 June Prague – Dubai (B)
Time to say our farewells to Prague and Europe as we transfer to the airport for our flight to Dubai. We arrive in Dubai late evening and overnight accommodation is reserved at the airport.
Wednesday 18 June Dubai – Home
This morning, we join our aircraft for the homeward flight.
Thursday 19 June Arrival Home
Our flight touches down mid-morning
