15-Night Grand European Tour — Viking River Cruises
Amsterdam to Budapest — the Rhine, Main, and Danube
About This Itinerary
The Grand European Tour is Viking's signature itinerary and widely considered the finest river cruise in the world. Sailing from Amsterdam to Budapest (or reverse), the 15-night voyage traverses the Rhine, Main-Danube Canal, and Danube rivers — passing through the Netherlands, Germany, Austria, and Hungary. Along the way, guests visit Amsterdam's canals, the Rhine Gorge's castles and vineyards, medieval Rothenburg, imperial Vienna, and the magnificent Budapest Parliament at night.
Itinerary Highlights
- ✓Amsterdam — canals, tulips, and the Rijksmuseum
- ✓Rhine Gorge — castles, vineyards, and the Lorelei Rock
- ✓Rothenburg ob der Tauber — Germany's best-preserved medieval town
- ✓Vienna — imperial palaces, coffee houses, and Schönbrunn
- ✓Budapest — the Paris of the East, with the stunning Parliament building
- ✓15 nights, 4 countries, and the world's most scenic rivers
Featured Ship
Viking BaldurRoute Map
9 ports of call across 15 nights
Day-by-Day Itinerary
Board your Viking longship and explore Amsterdam's canals.
The iconic Dutch windmills of Kinderdijk (UNESCO World Heritage Site).
The magnificent Gothic cathedral and the Old Town.
Sail through the most scenic stretch of the Rhine — castles and vineyards.
Rhine wine tasting and the Niederwald Monument.
Charming medieval towns on the Main River.
Germany's most perfectly preserved medieval town.
Imperial history and the Nazi Documentation Centre.
Medieval city and the 12th-century Stone Bridge.
City of Three Rivers and the world's largest cathedral organ.
Austria's third city — Ars Electronica and the Bruckner House.
Imperial Vienna — Schönbrunn, the Opera, and the Kunsthistorisches Museum.
Second day in Vienna — Naschmarkt and the Belvedere Palace.
The compact capital of Slovakia — Bratislava Castle and the Old Town.
Disembark in Budapest — the Paris of the East.
Ports of Call
Amsterdam
Netherlands · Day 1
Embarkation port — the Venice of the North. Explore the canal ring, Rijksmuseum, and Anne Frank House.
Cologne
Germany · Day 3
Home to one of Europe's greatest Gothic cathedrals — the Cologne Cathedral dominates the skyline and took 600 years to complete.
Rhine Gorge
Germany · Day 4
The most scenic stretch of the Rhine — 65 kilometres of castles, vineyards, and the legendary Lorelei Rock.
Rothenburg ob der Tauber
Germany · Day 7
Germany's best-preserved medieval town — a perfectly intact walled city with cobblestone streets and half-timbered houses.
Nuremberg
Germany · Day 8
A city of profound history — the medieval Old Town, the Nazi Documentation Centre, and the birthplace of Albrecht Dürer.
Regensburg
Germany · Day 9
One of Germany's best-preserved medieval cities — the Stone Bridge has stood since 1146.
Passau
Germany · Day 10
The City of Three Rivers — where the Inn, Ilz, and Danube meet. The St. Stephan's Cathedral has the largest cathedral organ in the world.
Vienna
Austria · Days 12–13
The imperial capital of the Habsburg Empire — Schönbrunn Palace, the Kunsthistorisches Museum, and the Vienna State Opera.
Budapest
Hungary · Day 15
Disembarkation port — the Paris of the East. The Parliament building, Buda Castle, and the Chain Bridge are among Europe's most magnificent sights.
Shore Excursion Ideas
Canal Boat Tour & Rijksmuseum
culturalAmsterdam · 4 hours
Explore Amsterdam's UNESCO canal ring by boat and visit the world-class Rijksmuseum.
Night Watchman Tour
culturalRothenburg · 1 hour
Follow the Night Watchman through Rothenburg's medieval streets by lantern light.
Schönbrunn Palace & Vienna State Opera
culturalVienna · 6 hours
Tour the imperial Schönbrunn Palace and attend an evening performance at the Vienna State Opera.
Budapest by Night
scenicBudapest · 2 hours
See the Parliament, Chain Bridge, and Buda Castle illuminated at night — one of Europe's most spectacular sights.
Best Time to Sail
April through October. May and September are ideal — good weather, fewer crowds, and the rivers are at optimal levels.
Wendy's Take on This Itinerary
Wendy Orr — Travel Expert Since 1990
Ah, the Grand European Tour with Viking River Cruises – this isn't just a trip, it's an immersion into the heart of Europe, a journey I've personally cherished. Imagine gliding along the Rhine and Danube, waking up to new, picturesque landscapes each day. This 15-night adventure on a Viking Longship truly redefines what a river cruise can be. From the vibrant canals of Amsterdam to the historic grandeur of Budapest, every port of call, like the charming towns of Cologne, Heidelberg, and Strasbourg, offers a unique tapestry of culture and history. You'll visit 15 countries, and the beauty of it all is that those included shore excursions mean you're experiencing the best of each destination without a single worry.
What I love most about Viking is their commitment to an enriching experience. The Longships are designed for comfort and elegance, making your time on board as delightful as your time ashore. For this particular itinerary, I always recommend booking well in advance, especially if you have your heart set on a specific cabin category, like a French Balcony or a Veranda Stateroom, which offer stunning views of the passing scenery. This cruise is perfect for those who appreciate history, culture, and a relaxed pace of travel, without the constant packing and unpacking. It's an ideal choice for couples or solo travelers looking for a sophisticated and seamless European exploration.
When it comes to booking, consider splurging on a pre- or post-cruise extension in Amsterdam or Budapest. It allows you to delve deeper into these magnificent cities without feeling rushed. And remember, while the included excursions are fantastic, don't hesitate to explore a bit on your own in some of the smaller towns. That's where you often find the most authentic local gems. If you're dreaming of this incredible journey, or any other cruise adventure, I'm here to help you navigate all the options and ensure it's perfectly tailored to your desires.
Insider Tips for This Itinerary
Take advantage of the quietvox audio headsets provided by Viking — they are invaluable for hearing your guide clearly during shore excursions, especially in bustling city centres.
Pack layers: European weather along the rivers can be unpredictable, and being able to add or remove clothing will ensure your comfort throughout the day.
While all meals are included, consider trying a local restaurant in one of the ports for an authentic culinary experience — Strasbourg, with its Alsatian cuisine, is a personal favourite.
Utilise the ship's library and onboard lectures — Viking is known for its enrichment programmes, and these deepen your appreciation of the regions you're visiting.
Don't forget a good pair of walking shoes — many of the historic towns are best explored on foot, and comfortable footwear is essential.
Ready to Book This Itinerary?
Tell Wendy you're interested in the 15-Night Grand European Tour with Viking River Cruises and she'll take it from there.