Passage to Eastern Europewpc.475d.edgecastcdn.net/00475D/passenger_documentation/... · 2013. 9....

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

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See your travel agent or call Viking River Cruises at 1-877-668-4546

www.vikingrivercruises.com


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

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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.

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Budapest to Bucharest Itinerary

Day 1 Budapest, Hungary

Budapest airport transfer*

Hotel Check-in

Free time to explore Budapest


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


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


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.

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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


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


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


Free time to explore Budapest Included Meals: Breakfast


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.

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See your travel agent or call us at 1-877-668-4546


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.

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Bucharest & Transylvania Extension


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.

http://www.vikingrivercruises.com/rivercruises/europe-east-danube-romania-hungary-2011/VPD/extensions/transylvania.aspx

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Prague Extension Itinerary


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.

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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.

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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.

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