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Capitals of Eastern Europe

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River View
$8,509
Balcony
$11,281
Suite
$18,904
* Port charges, taxes and fees included
 Cruise Length
17 Days
 Cruise Starts
Bucharest
 Cruise Finishes
Vienna
17 Day Capitals of Eastern Europe Itinerary (Viking)
Countries Explored: Romania, Bulgaria, Serbia, Croatia, Hungary, Slovakia, Austria
Cruise Line
Viking
Ship
Ship Class
Viking Longship
Departures
Passengers
190
Crew
50
Launched
2013
Cruise Code
VKCEE-R

Overview

Discover the 'City of Waltzes,' Austria’s elegant capital and European center of classical music. In Bratislava, view grand palaces from the Hapsburg era and delve into Budapest’s vibrant culture. Be captivated by lesser-known gems as you visit towns and cities across the Balkans. Explore Bucharest’s old-world charm, tree-lined boulevards and witness its socialist architecture. With visits to five capital cities, this 17-day voyage is sure to inspire.

Itinerary

Arrive and check in to your hotel. Bucharest is Romania's cultural capital. Its original fortress, the first of many, was built to protect the Walachian state from the Turks. Today, it is a city of elegant French-style boulevards, lush gardens and green expanses, including the tranquil Bucharest Botanical Garden. The historic Lipscani district exudes the old-world charms of cobblestone alleys, inns and shops. The sprawling Palace of Parliament is the world's largest civilian building, said to contain 3,000 rooms.

Communism changed the face of Bucharest and has left in its wake a city brimming with imposing socialist architecture. Dotted among today's cityscape are wonderful art nouveau buildings, ancient churches and monasteries that were rescued from the bulldozer. From the 18th-century church Schitul Maicilor to the 16th-century Mihai Vodă Church, it is best to discover these treasures on foot. Bucharest is also home to an array of world-class museums, including the George Enescu National Museum, which features a beautiful oyster-shaped glass awning.

After breakfast, check out of your hotel and begin your journey to your embarkation city. Transfer to your ship and settle into your stateroom. On the shores of the Black Sea lies Constanța, a city steeped in history. A pleasant stroll along its boardwalk offers views of the Old Town, along which sits the iconic art nouveau building of the Constanța Casino. The towering minaret of the Grand Mosque presides over the city and a climb to the top rewards visitors with spectacular vistas over the ocean. Nearby, the Cathedral of Saints Peter and Paul is inspired by the Romanian-style architecture of the 17th and 18th centuries, featuring a Greco-Roman style of pressed brick and a 114-foot-high tower.

Constanța is renowned as one of Romania's centers of art and culture; within the city's domain are several notable museums that are a delight to explore. The National History and Archeological Museum hosts a revered collection of vases and jewelry from the Greek and Roman periods. Just behind the museum lies a Roman floor mosaic, thought to be from the 4th century, as well as ancient Roman tombstones. At the Naval History Museum, models of Roman boats are displayed, along with exhibits that document the regions maritime history that dates back more than 2,000 years.

Pleven is surrounded by limestone hills in an agricultural region of the Danubian Plain. It was a stronghold of the Bulgarian Empire and has more than 450 places of architectural and cultural significance. It was a key fortress during the Ottoman Empire and became an important trade center from the 15th to the 19th century. Several museums and monuments in the town are dedicated to the Siege of Pleven, fought during the Russo-Turkish War of 1877-1878. Today, the town is a major economic hub and the third largest in Northern Bulgaria.

One of Bulgaria's oldest riverside towns, Vidin is home to the only entirely preserved medieval Bulgarian castle. Perched impressively on the riverbank, its striking pose, thick ring walls, stout towers and solid gates form a fortress known as Babini Vidini Kuli, which means Granny Vida's Towers. Around the castle rose a fairy-tale town of 25 minarets, domes and other charming architecture of the period. Though many of these features have been shadowed by today's city, Vidin retains its charms. Today it is largely an agricultural and trade center renowned for its wines.

Sail through one of Europe's most dramatic natural wonders, the picturesque stretch famously known as the Iron Gate. Meander through narrow gorges that slice through the Carpathian Mountains to the north and the Balkan Mountains to the south, and marvel at the towering white limestone cliffs draped with forest. Be on the lookout for ancient remains upon the dramatic walls. On the Serbian side, Trajan's Tablet was laid to mark the construction of a Roman military road; on the Romanian side, marvel at the enormous rock sculpture of Dacian king Decebalus. A gateway to the Djerdap National Park and home to an 8,000-year-old Mesolithic archeological site, Donji Milanovac is one of Serbia's hidden treasures.

The Djerdap National Park stretches out along the Danube River and is famous for its sweeping views of the Iron Gate gorge, within which lies Lepenski Vir, one of the most important archeological sites in Serbia and the oldest planned settlement in Europe. The site was discovered in 1960, unveiling several pristine sculptures representing human figures as well as tools made of bones and stones, and settlement ruins.

The Serbian capital and former capital of the state of Yugoslavia, Belgrade is one of the oldest cities in Europe. Its location at the confluence of the Sava and Danube Rivers has long made it a contested region. Throughout its history, the 'White City,' as its Serbian name translates, has been destroyed and rebuilt 20 times. Fortunately, the wide-reaching citadel remains, housing the Kalemegdan Fortress, Orthodox churches, Turkish baths and green parkland. Its Church of St. Sava is one of the largest Orthodox buildings in the world.

A European Capital of Culture, Novi Sad is Serbia's second largest city. The Petrovaradin Fortress dominates the skyline and offers stunning vistas over the city, while the nearby historic neighborhood of Stari Grad is home to many of the city's lively cafés, restaurants, museums and shops. Notable museums in Novi Sad include the Museum of Vojvodina, which houses collections and exhibits that showcase Serbian culture and life since ancient times. The Pavle Beljanski Memorial Collection features one of the most extensive collections of 20th-century Serbian and Yugoslav art.

Ilok's vineyards have helped to firmly cement Croatia's position on every oenophile's map. For more than two millennia, the town has been producing some of the region's finest wines, thanks to its superior soil and the climate conditions of the surrounding hillsides. In the town, wine cellars can be found on every street, providing ample opportunity to sample a hearty vintage, and the remains of a Roman fort with evidence of a water supply system can still be seen. The 15th-century Ilok Castle presides over the medieval town, offering magnificent views of the Danube. Vučedol culture flourished in Vukovar from 3000 to 2200 BCE, making this archeological park one of the most important in Europe.

However, the town is better known for its recent history; in 1991, Vukovar came under siege during the Yugoslav Wars, becoming the only town in Europe to have suffered such destruction since World War II. Notable buildings have now been restored, including the Eltz Manor and the Baroque Church of St. Nicholas. Vukovar's streets are best explored on foot; the town carries the echoes of the war and stories of bravery of those who lived here.

Mohács is home to the annual Busójárás Carnival, which marks the end of winter and features busós—mask wearing, fur clad townsmen—parading and dancing through the town in celebration of the arrival of spring. Mohács was also the site of one of the bloodiest battles in Hungarian history, the Battle of Mohács, following the Ottoman invasion of 1526. The Mohács Visitor Center tells the story of the battle, which saw more than 17,000 Hungarian soldiers, including several notable leaders, lose their lives. The site's mass grave was discovered during the 1970s and remains a poignant memorial to this day.

Riverside beauty and a vibrant cultural scene blend together in Budapest to form one of Europe's most rewarding cities. Hungary's enchanting capital straddles the banks of the Danube, with traditional hillside Buda on one side and modern Pest on the other. By day, astounding art nouveau buildings, stalwart castles and glittering palaces set the stage for awe-inspiring strolls and long soaks in thermal spas. By night, a nostalgic glow settles in as the city's lights dance on Danube waters, the Chain Bridge uniting it all as a dramatic centerpiece.

Budapest's Old Town is a fascinating medieval patchwork of narrow streets and colorful houses. In the Castle District, the Matthias Church soars in gleaming Gothic glory. Adjacent, the expansive wall and seven turrets of Fisherman's Bastion overlook the Danube, the graceful Chain Bridge and the Pest side of the river. The centerpiece of the district is the sprawling Buda Castle. Constructed in the 13th century and expanded to its current baroque splendor in the 18th century, this edifice was home to Hungary's kings for almost 700 years.

The Slovakian capital of Bratislava is filled with lovingly restored baroque city palaces and leafy squares. The Little Carpathians rise steeply in the north and the enormous hrad (or castle) perches 300 feet above the Danube, lending the city a picturesque setting. Below the castle, the Old Town boasts elegant mansions, art nouveau houses and gracious pedestrian zones. Eleven Hungarian kings and eight queens were crowned in St. Martin's Cathedral, today a concert hall that plays a central role in the city's rich cultural offerings.

Renowned as the 'City of Waltzes,' Austria's capital city of Vienna is Europe's center of classical music. Strauss and Mozart composed many of their finest pieces here. Vienna's musical history is matched by the elegant, graceful architecture that lines the Ringstrasse. Baroque, neo-Renaissance, Gothic-Romanesque and other splendidly styled structures take the breath away with their grand facades. Vienna has a more intimate side too: inviting footpaths lead through green parks and its famed Viennese cafés sweeten any stay with coffee and the city's delectable Sachertorte.

In Vienna, coffee is at once an art and a long-embraced tradition that has changed the face of one of Europe's most beloved cities. UNESCO includes the Viennese coffeehouse culture on its list of Intangible Cultural Heritages, describing the establishments as places 'where time and space are consumed, but only the coffee is found on the bill.' It is considered one of life's simple pleasures to while away an afternoon over an Einspänner coffee and a delectable pastry.

Streets lined with Baroque facades and grand imperial palaces are a legacy of the wealthy Hapsburg monarchy. The Hofburg Palace complex is home to the world-famous Vienna Boys' Choir and elegant Lipizzaner stallions that perform at the Spanish Riding School, as well as numerous museums that play host to grand masterpieces. Behind the Hofburg, the lively MuseumsQuartiers showcases Austrian art in the former imperial stables, and the city's musical heritage can be enjoyed at incredible venues across the city, from the Staatsoper to the acoustically renowned Musikverein. After breakfast, disembark your ship and journey home.

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Friday 28 Mar 2025
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Friday 25 Apr 2025
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Friday 23 May 2025
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Friday 06 Jun 2025
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Friday 20 Jun 2025
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Friday 18 Jul 2025
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Friday 15 Aug 2025
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$21,359
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Friday 29 Aug 2025
Sunday 14 Sep 2025
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Suite
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$21,359
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Friday 12 Sep 2025
Sunday 28 Sep 2025
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Balcony
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$14,107
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Suite
Save $466
$22,829
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Friday 26 Sep 2025
Sunday 12 Oct 2025
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Balcony
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$14,107
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Suite
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$22,829
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Friday 10 Oct 2025
Sunday 26 Oct 2025
Ship Viking Rinda
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$10,383
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$14,107
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Friday 24 Oct 2025
Sunday 09 Nov 2025
Ship Viking Kadlin
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$9,893
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$13,421
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$19,889
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Friday 07 Nov 2025
Sunday 23 Nov 2025
Ship Viking Rinda
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$9,697
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Balcony
Save $274
$13,421
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$19,889
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Friday 27 Mar 2026
Sunday 12 Apr 2026
Ship Viking Rinda
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$9,991
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Balcony
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$23,221
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Friday 10 Apr 2026
Sunday 26 Apr 2026
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$10,285
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Balcony
Save $304
$14,891
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Save $490
$24,005
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Friday 24 Apr 2026
Sunday 10 May 2026
Ship Viking Rinda
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Save $210
$10,285
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Balcony
Save $310
$15,185
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Suite
Save $520
$25,475
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Flights Included
Friday 08 May 2026
Sunday 24 May 2026
Ship Viking Kadlin
River View
Save $216
$10,579
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Balcony
Save $326
$15,969
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Suite
Save $564
$27,631
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Flights Included
Friday 22 May 2026
Sunday 07 Jun 2026
Ship Viking Rinda
River View
Save $216
$10,579
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Balcony
Save $326
$15,969
View Cabins
Suite
Save $564
$27,631
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Flights Included
Friday 05 Jun 2026
Sunday 21 Jun 2026
Ship Viking Kadlin
River View
Save $210
$10,285
View Cabins
Balcony
Save $310
$15,185
View Cabins
Suite
Save $520
$25,475
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Flights Included
Friday 19 Jun 2026
Sunday 05 Jul 2026
Ship Viking Rinda
River View
Save $210
$10,285
View Cabins
Balcony
Save $310
$15,185
View Cabins
Suite
Save $520
$25,475
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Flights Included
Friday 03 Jul 2026
Sunday 19 Jul 2026
Ship Viking Kadlin
River View
Save $210
$10,285
View Cabins
Balcony
Save $310
$15,185
View Cabins
Suite
Save $520
$25,475
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Flights Included
Friday 17 Jul 2026
Sunday 02 Aug 2026
Ship Viking Rinda
River View
Save $204
$9,991
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Balcony
Save $296
$14,499
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Suite
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$24,005
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Flights Included
Friday 31 Jul 2026
Sunday 16 Aug 2026
Ship Viking Kadlin
River View
Save $204
$9,991
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Balcony
Save $296
$14,499
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Suite
Save $490
$24,005
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Flights Included
Friday 14 Aug 2026
Sunday 30 Aug 2026
Ship Viking Rinda
River View
Save $210
$10,285
View Cabins
Balcony
Save $310
$15,185
View Cabins
Suite
Save $520
$25,475
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Flights Included
Friday 28 Aug 2026
Sunday 13 Sep 2026
Ship Viking Kadlin
River View
Save $216
$10,579
View Cabins
Balcony
Save $326
$15,969
View Cabins
Suite
Save $564
$27,631
View Cabins
Flights Included
Friday 11 Sep 2026
Sunday 27 Sep 2026
Ship Viking Rinda
River View
Save $216
$10,579
View Cabins
Balcony
Save $326
$15,969
View Cabins
Suite
Save $564
$27,631
View Cabins
Flights Included
Friday 25 Sep 2026
Sunday 11 Oct 2026
Ship Viking Kadlin
River View
Save $216
$10,579
View Cabins
Balcony
Save $326
$15,969
View Cabins
Suite
Save $564
$27,631
View Cabins
Flights Included
Friday 09 Oct 2026
Sunday 25 Oct 2026
Ship Viking Rinda
River View
Save $210
$10,285
View Cabins
Balcony
Save $310
$15,185
View Cabins
Suite
Save $520
$25,475
View Cabins
Flights Included
Friday 23 Oct 2026
Sunday 08 Nov 2026
Ship Viking Kadlin
River View
Save $204
$9,991
View Cabins
Balcony
Save $296
$14,499
View Cabins
Suite
Save $474
$23,221
View Cabins
Flights Included
Friday 06 Nov 2026
Sunday 22 Nov 2026
Ship Viking Rinda
River View
Save $204
$9,991
View Cabins
Balcony
Save $296
$14,499
View Cabins
Suite
Save $474
$23,221
View Cabins
Note
Tour & cruises prices are per person. Prices shown have savings applied, are subject to availability and may be withdrawn at any time without notice. Prices and trip information are correct at the time at this point in time, however are subject to confirmation at the time of booking and are subject to change by Viking. For cruise itineraries, cabin images are sourced from Viking. These should be treated as indicative only. Cabin inclusions, upholsteries and room layout may differ to the image(s) shown depending on the ship selected and your sailing dates.

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