SeaTheWorldBySea Posted April 13, 2014 #1 Share Posted April 13, 2014 We are doing Viking's Grand European Tour from Budapest to Amsterdam in September. We're working with a private guide for the 2 days pre-cruise that we will be there. Hopefully, we won't go anywhere that we'll visit on our walking tours with Viking. Can anyone tell us what you saw/did on the Viking walks in Budapest? Viking gives us a bit of information but I'm sure there is more that they will have in the travel packet we'll get closer to sailing. This is what we know so far from the Viking website: DAY 1 | BUDAPEST, HUNGARY Arrive in Budapest, capital of Hungary, and transfer to your ship.* After boarding, the afternoon is yours to explore the city on your own, or join our “welcome walk” to stretch your legs and start getting oriented. (D) DAY 2 | BUDAPEST, HUNGARY The Danube River divides this Hungarian capital city 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. Enjoy lunch aboard with the rest of the day to explore on your own. Return to your ship for a traditional Hungarian farewell dinner. (B, L, D) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
orchestrapal Posted April 13, 2014 #2 Share Posted April 13, 2014 Skip the Viking walking tour. After two days touring you should be able to wander, go to a museum have a quiet lunch at a great restaurant or cafe or go to the spa. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
PCThiker Posted April 13, 2014 #3 Share Posted April 13, 2014 The Viking Tour is more of a city bus tour. The tour takes you by several city landmarks as it goes to Heroes' Square where you get off the bus for approximately a 1/2 hour. Then it is back on the bus for a drive to Buda Palace hill. There you disembark the bus for a short walking tour that includes Matthias Church, Fishermen's Bastion, and time for lunch at one of several restaurants in the immediate area. We used our free time to walk to Market Hall, Parliament, and the Chain Bridge. (The Viking Dock is right next to the Chain Bridge.) Sent from my iPad using Forums Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SeaTheWorldBySea Posted April 14, 2014 Author #4 Share Posted April 14, 2014 Thanks for your responses! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
cbb Posted April 15, 2014 #5 Share Posted April 15, 2014 see if you can fit in a day long excursion to Salzburg either with private guide or through Viking optional excursions. Most of the cruise lines offer this. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SeaTheWorldBySea Posted April 15, 2014 Author #6 Share Posted April 15, 2014 Thank you for the suggestion but it will have to be for next time. We only have time for one full day tour from Budapest and have already booked this: Danube Bend Tour (Esztergom, Visegrád, Szentendre) The Danube Bend area gives you an insight into Hungarian history and you may also see the lovely countryside, landscape and natural beauty. The tour goes along the river Danube to the north from the capital to the Danube Bend. The first stop is ESZTERGOM which is the ecclesiastical centre of Hungary and has the largest Roman Catholic church of the country. After visiting this majestic building the tour goes on to VISEGRÁD which used to be Royal Residence and where the ruins of a 13th century fortress can be found and you may enjoy a splendid panoramic view of the river Danube as well and get acquainted with the rich history. The last town is the charming, baroque artists’ village of SZENTENDRE which has a very special architecture and atmosphere due the great number of Serbian refuges settling here in the 17th century. It also used to be the home for hundreds of artists at the turn of the century. It is well known for its charming colorful houses, narrow cobblestoned streets and patios, antique shops, museums and cafes. It is great place for shopping and lunch. Full day tour (8hrs) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
cbb Posted April 15, 2014 #7 Share Posted April 15, 2014 I was hoping you could do Salz out of Vienna but in checking Viking website I couldn't find any "optionals" that you could take. As you say....next time! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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