The Grand European Tour - Viking’s Most Popular River Cruise
Tuesday, July 29, 2025
Imagine Cruising down the heart of Europe on one of Viking’s Most Popular River Cruises - The Grand European Tour.
Enjoy wine, straight from the orchard in the Rhine Valley. Learn about beautiful, mid-century windmills in Holland. Savor smoke-flavored beer from Bamberg, Germany. Make memories that are sure to last a lifetime.
This 15-day cruise will sail through four European countries. You will be transported down the Rhine, the Main and the Danube - three of the most historic rivers in all of Europe.
These rivers connect Eastern Europe and Turkey (modern day Constantinople) to the Black Sea, and they have been used as major transportation routes since before the Roman Empire.
Like all Viking Cruises, The Grand European Tour takes place on a state-of-the-art cruise ship. Viking ships are specially designed to navigate the world’s greatest rivers in comfort.
There are no rooms below sea level, and there are no inside rooms. Each cabin also comes with a Nordic Balcony for a private view of the sun setting or rising over the water.
The staff on board is attentive and knowledgeable. The cabin stewards and bartenders are quick to remember your name and your drink! They also provide quick, quirky facts about your destinations.
Continue reading for a day-by-day itinerary of Viking’s top River Cruises - The Grand European Tour.
Day 1: Amsterdam, The Netherlands
After arriving in Amsterdam, you will meet up at your porting location. If you purchased Viking Air, transportation to your ship is included!
After an organized and safe boarding process, you are allowed to unpack and explore the ship or return to the city for some self-exploration.
At Imagine Going There Travel, we suggest touring the Van Gogh Museum next door.
Van Gogh was a Post-Impressionist painter who only became famous after his particularly trying and tough life came to an abrupt end. This museum enlightens you about his work while uncovering some of the secrets of his past.
Up for more adventure? Dine in the city! However, if you are jet lagged you might prefer dining onboard. Choose from one of five restaurants on the ship.
For some regional cuisine, eat at The Restaurant. The Restaurant prepares local dishes and some home-town favorites with locally sourced ingredients. In the mood for Italian? Manfredi’s traditional Italian Restaurant is not to miss!
Viking Cruises also offers free, 24/7 room service! I often order a coffee and enjoy my morning view in solitude before venturing out to the deck.
At the end of the first day aboard The Grand European Tour, you can finally settle into your room. Call us crazy, but we love to sleep with the blinds open, so we can see the sunrise over the water in the morning.
Day 2: Kinderdijk, The Netherlands
On day two of the European Grand Tour, you will wake up in Kinderdijk, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Your first tour of the cruise will walk you through a set of 19 windmills that were built during the 18th century for flood control.
You will enjoy a Dutch charcuterie board for lunch with cheese, jenever (a distilled juniper liquor) and assorted meats
During the afternoon and night, you will be cruising to Germany.
In the meantime, you can enjoy some culturally enriching courses on the Dutch Golden Age. Immerse yourself via the theater, opera hall, library or kitchens to learn more.
Alternatively, spend the afternoon at the spa or on one of the ship’s decks. On the deck, you are free to lounge by the pool, dip in the hot tub, sip by the bar or walk along the walking path.
Day 3: Cologne, Germany
On day three, you will wake up in Germany and travel to Cologne for a morning tour of Germany’s fourth largest city.
Cologne is another UNESCO World Heritage Site for its Roman roots. Your tour guide will take you through Cologne today, but their stories will take you back to the Roman Empire.
If you love touring churches or if you are an architecture nerd, like us, you might choose to attend the optional excursion to Dom’s roof for a personal view of Germany’s largest cathedral
Diner is onboard the third day of the Grand European Tour, and afterwards you can enjoy the ship’s endless amenities or continue exploring Cologne.
At Imagine Going There Travel, we suggest going out for a sample of Kölsch, a light, crisp beer brewed only in Cologne. Departure time is late tonight, so do not be afraid to take your time. However, you should always ask your cabin steward or stewardess for safe recommendations if you plan to stay out too late.
Day 4: Koblenz, Germany
On day four of Viking Cruises’ Grand European Tour, you will wake up cruising past crumbling hilltop castles.
Around lunch, you will stop in Koblenz, Germany for a privileged tour of the Marksburg
Castle, the only Rhine fortress never to fall.
Watch out for legendary Lorelei Rock, named after a Rhine maiden who sang sailors to their demise.
All three of your meals are served onboard during day four. Be sure to take advantage of all of the restaurants. We would love to hear about which one was your favorite and why!
Day 5: Miltenberg, Germany
On day five, you will be entering the Main River (pronounced “mine”).
In the morning, you will cruise through the Spessart region, home of the real Snow White. Although we do not stop here,
head to the theater for a documentary about the Spessart Forest and uncover who Snow White really was and how the legends of her life emerged.
During this time, be sure to learn about the Spessart region’s glassblowing traditions. Enjoy front-row seats during a live demonstration on board.
Eat lunch on the ship and then head into the city. Miltenberg is a beautiful, medieval town
located in the heart of Germany’s wine region. The city is known for its half-timbered houses
In Miltenberg, you will begin with a walking tour which leaves plenty of time for self-exploration. Be sure to check out Germany’s oldest inn.
Tonight the choice is yours whether to dine on or off the ship. If you have energy leftover, we suggest dining in the city. Pair your meal with some fine wine - you do not have to return to the ship until late evening!
Day 6: Würzburg, Germany
During day six of Viking’s Grand European Tour, you have the choice to join a full-day excursion along a section of the “Romantic Road” to Rothenburg. At Imagine Going There Travel, we highly suggest taking part in this included excursion!
The picturesque road to Rothenburg is lined with touring homes and rolling vineyards. The air is sweet with the scent of flowers and grapes. In the background, you can see the Grand Alps, their peaks capped with snow.
Upon returning to Würzburg, you will tour another UNESCO World Heritage Site - the Bishops’ Residenz. This is one of Germany’s largest and most well-preserved baroque palaces.
Dining tonight will be served on the ship! As always, be sure to check out a new dining location.
Did you know that all meals on Viking Cruises come with complimentary soft drinks, beer, wine or champagne?
Day 7: Bamberg, Germany
On the seventh day, you will continue cruising down the Main-Danube Canal and arrive in Bamberg, Germany in the early afternoon.
Bamberg, Germany was established in 902. To this day, its city center is medieval both in layout and architecture.
Your time in Bamberg will begin with a walking tour of an 11th century cathedral that was refurbished in the late Romanesque style in the mid 13th century. Next, tour a city hall built on a tiny island in the middle of a river!
After your guided tour, enjoy some free time in Bamberg. Do not miss the smoke-flavored beer that the town is known for!
Day 8: Nuremberg, Germany
Day eight of Viking’s Grand European Tour includes a full day exploring and learning about WWII and the Nazis in Nuremberg, Germany.
In the morning, you will tour Zeppelin Field. In the 1930s, this field was the Nazi parade grounds. After, you will enter the Palace of Justice where the Nuremberg Trials took place. These trials were held by the Allies with the goal of uncovering and prosecuting various levels of Nazi leadership.
Alternatively, you can choose to tour the Documentation Center Museum. This WWII museum will explain how Hitler was able to gain such power after WWI. The Documentation Center will also uncover how far the Nazi ideals went and who was knowingly and unknowingly supporting Hitler’s reign.
After an authentic lunch, head underground to discover a network of secret tunnels that held priceless art during wartime.
Return to the ship just before dinner. You will begin cruising to Regensburg in the afternoon.
Day 9: Regensburg, Germany
On day nine, your ship will arrive in Regensburg just after lunch. This medieval city is another UNESCO World Heritage Site, and it is unique in having escaped major damage during the World Wars.
Return to the ship early for an early afternoon departure.
Many of the buildings in Regensburg were built during the 13th and 14th centuries, some even dating to Roman times.
While in Regensburg, be sure to check out St. Peter’s Cathedral. Also, be sure to eat at Alte Würstküche, meaning Old Sausage Kitchen. This is Germany’s oldest restaurant.
Day 10: Passau, Germany
On day ten, aboard Viking’s Grand European Tour, you will arrive in Passau in the morning.
This town is known for its colorful, waterfront houses.
Today, you have an option whether to explore Passau or travel into Salzburg, the birthplace of Mozart and the filming location of “The Sound of Music.”
If you choose to explore Passau, enjoy a guided walk along narrow, cobblestone streets lined with traditional patrician houses. Your first stop will be at the New Bishop’s Residence and the St. Stephen’s Cathedral, home to one of Europe’s largest church organs.
Eat lunch on the ship. Then, the choice is yours whether to relax onboard or to self-explore Passau.
Day 11: Melk, Austria
In the morning, take a guided tour of the 900-year-old abbey at Melk. This Benedictine monastery features beautiful baroque architecture and design.
For lunch, you will rejoin your cruise and sail to the Wachau Valley. For more architecture and history, you should explore the town of Krems to hear the importance of the Steiner Tor. Alternatively, you can take an excursion to a local winery to sample from local vineyards.
Diner will be served on the boat for an early departure to Vienna, Austria.
Day 12: Vienna, Austria
Early in the morning on the 12th day of Viking’s Grand European Tour, you will arrive in Austria’s capital city, Vienna.
Vienna is known for its baroque architecture, the Ringstrasse (which replaced the city walls in the mid- 19th century), a world-famous Opera House, St. Stephen’s Cathedral and the Hofburg Palace.
The day is yours, free for self exploration, or you can opt for one of two excursions. The first is witnessing the famous Lipizzaner Stallions. These beautiful, mighty creatures have deep Austrian roots. Alternatively, you can join a Gustav Klimt inspired art workshop.
After dinner, there is an optional classical concert on the ship. Enjoy complimentary beer, wine or champagne while listening.
Day 13: Vienna Austria
On the 13th day of your Viking River Cruise, you will awake in Vienna again, but do not worry there is plenty more to do and see!
There will be an optional tour to the Schönbrunn Palace or you may choose to do a full-day excursion to the Schönbrunn Palace that includes a waltz lesson in the ballroom, an intimate tour of the palace and an authentic dining experience.
If you choose to do the shorter tour of the palace,
we recommend you also tour the Museum of Fine Arts, ride the Riesenrad (the world’s oldest Ferris Wheel), and buy a slice of Sachertorte.
Day 14: Budapest, Hungary
On day 14, you will cruise into Budapest, Hungary also known as “The Paris of the East.”
The Danube River cuts Budapest in half. In fact, each side used to be its own city - the city of Buda and the city of Pest.
You will begin your explorations on Pest’s side and tour the National Opera House and Heroes’ Square.
In Buda, you will walk Castle Hill to Matthias Church and Fisherman’s Bastion.
To dive deeper into the architecture, art, history or cuisine of Budapest, check out one of the optional excursions for the day.
After returning to your room, we suggest packing. You will leave the ship pretty early tomorrow!
Day 15: Budapest, Hungary
On the final day of Viking’s Grand European Tour, you will eat breakfast onboard and then disembark the ship for the last time.
If you purchased Viking Air, your transportation to the airport is provided. If not, enjoy catching a cab and mingling with locals on the way to the airport.
Upon returning, we would love to hear about your vacation. You could even be featured in our newsletter!
Conclusion
In conclusion, Viking’s Grand European Tour is a 15-day cruise through four countries and along three rivers.
On this cruise, you will sip wine made from local wineries, learn about baroque architecture and get exclusive access to a multitude of castles, palaces and cathedrals. You will also dine on authentic, regional food.
On Viking Cruises there are no rooms below sea level, and there are no inside rooms. Each cabin comes with a Nordic Balcony for a private view of the sun setting or rising over the water.
The staff on board is friendly and knowledgeable. They are sure to provide quick, quirky facts about your destinations.
For more information about booking Viking’s Grand European Tour please fill out our contact form! At Imagine Going There Travel, we are happy to provide a free consultation about anything Viking-related.
Have you booked direct with Viking in the last 60 days? Call us today to find out how you can earn $200 Shipboard Credit!
Call Carol at 770-557-5586 or email Carol@ImagineGoingThere.com for more information.
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