​TRIP

Passage to Eastern Europe
Viking Cruise
Sailing from Bucharest, Romania to Budapest, Hungary

TRAVEL DATE
Optional Transylvania & Bucharest Pre-Trip Extension
JUL 26 - 29, 2025
​
Passage to Eastern Europe
JUL 29 - AUG 08, 2025

TRIP HIGHLIGHTS

Sail to lands rich in traditions

See Bucharest’s 3,000-room Palace of Parliament. Make banitsa bread with a home cook in Vidin. Explore Belgrade’s Ottoman and European treasures, including the 6th-century Kalemegdan Fortress. View the Danube’s towering Iron Gate. Witness Hungary’s daredevil Puszta horsemen. Behold Budapest’s grandeur. Once hidden behind the Iron Curtain, the eastern Danube still has secrets to reveal on this enriching cruisetour.

TRAVEL SCHEDULE
Optional Transylvania & Bucharest Pre-Trip Extension
​​Day 1: Bucharest, Romania
Day 2: Transylvania, Romania
Day 3: Transylvania, Romania
Day 4: Bucharest, Romania 

Passage to Eastern Europe
​Day 1: Bucharest, Romania
Day 2: Bucharest, Romania
Day 3: Ruse, Bulgaria
Day 4: Vidin, Bulgaria
Day 5: Scenic Sailing: The Iron Gate | Golubac, Serbia
Day 6: Belgrade, Serbia
Day 7: Belgrade, Serbia
Day 8: Osijek, Croatia
Day 9: Kalocsa, Hungary
Day 10: Budapest, Hungary
Day 11: Budapest, Hungary

PACKAGE 
INCLUDES

STATEROOMS STARTING AT $3699* per Person!

​Optional Transylvania & Bucharest Pre-Trip Extension Starting at $949* per Person
​​
Deposit due as required by Viking Cruises
​
​Full amount due Apr 11, 2024

*Price based on double occupancy and subject to change depending on location and available according to viking.com

Key Features

  • Explore Romania’s capital; view the Palace of Parliament and the Village Museum.
  • Admire stunning architecture and explore an array of world-class museums.
  • See impressive medieval architecture and sample local Bulgarian food.
  • Admire Vidin’s historic landmarks, including the preserved medieval castle.
  • Sail the picturesque Danube River and admire the natural wonders of the Iron Gate.
  • Learn about the history of the 14th-century Golubac Fortress and admire scenic river views.
  • Walk around Kalemegdan Fortress or see the Church of St. Sava and Square of the Republic.
  • See Osijek’s highlights and meet a local family; admire Vukovar’s buildings and palace.
  • Sample paprika-flavored food in this cultural center and see a Puszta horsemanship show.
  • Explore Buda’s Castle District and modern Pest, straddling the two sides of the Danube River.
  • Cross Budapest's Chain Bridge, browse a museum or visit a thermal spa in the “Paris of the East.”
  • Pay homage to master magician Harry Houdini or see the statue commemorating Ronald Reagan. 

ITINERARY

Optional Transylvania & Bucharest Pre-Trip Extension

Starting at $949* per Person
*Price based on double occupancy and subject to change depending on location and available according to viking.com
Day 1 | saturday, jul 26 | Bucharest, Romania
Welcome to Bucharest. Transfer to your hotel in the heart of the city, with the former Royal Palace and great shopping at your doorstep. The rest of the day is yours to relax or begin exploring the city’s wide boulevards and captivating architecture on your own. Your Viking Tour Director is available to help you plan your time in Bucharest so you can make the most of your visit.
​DAY 2 | sunday,  jul 27 | transylvania, romania
After breakfast, take a drive through the Transylvanian countryside. Visit Peleș Castle, a 19th-century fortification in Sinaia that melds numerous European architectural styles and materials into a harmonious and romantic structure. Continue to Brașov and experience a little touch of Saxony during a walking tour. In the Main Square, see the Biserica Neagră, named for the fire damage it suffered, and explore the town’s historic center. Enjoy this evening at your leisure. (B)
DAY 3 | monday, jul 28 | transylvania, romania
Today, you may join an optional full-day excursion exploring Transylvania, including a visit to the medieval town of Sighișoara. Wind your way through narrow alleys between pastel-hued buildings surrounded by fortified walls. Within this UNESCO World Heritage Site lies the history of 15th-century Walachian prince Vlad the Impaler, otherwise known as Dracula. (B)
DAY 4 | TUESDAY, jul 29 | BUCHAREST, ROMANIA​
This morning, check out of your Brașov hotel and take a short ride to Bran Castle, commonly known as Dracula’s Castle. This landmark citadel, built during the 14th century and used by Saxon and Walachian kings, is the best known of several locations linked to the Dracula legend. The castle has Gothic and baroque furnishings and decorative arts on display. After your tour, embark on a scenic drive to Bucharest, where you will join your fellow guests. (B)
accommodations
Bucharest & Transylvania Hotels
Radisson Blu Hotel, Bucharest is located near the Bucharest airport, allowing easy access to the city’s cultural and shopping centers. This contemporary hotel has four dining options, a fitness center, laundry services and a spa.
Kronwell Brasov Hotel is located in the city center in an area recommended for its cultural offerings. This spacious, contemporary hotel has three dining options, a fitness center, laundry and dry cleaning services, and a spa.

INCLUDED:
  • 1 hotel night in Bucharest; 2 hotel nights in Brașov
  • 3 meals: 3 breakfasts (B)
  • 2 guided tours: Peleș Castle & Guided City Tour of Brașov; Dracula’s Castle
  • Fully escorted by your Viking Tour Director
  • All transfers

Passage to Eastern Europe

Starting at $3699* per Person
*Price based on double occupancy and subject to change depending on location and available according to viking.com
Day 1 | TUESDAY, jul 29 | BUCHAREST, ROMANIA
Bucharest, Romania
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.
​DAY 2 | WEDNESDAY,  jul 30 | BUCHAREST, Romania
Bucharest, Romania
​Check out of your hotel and explore more of the city. 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. Transfer to your ship and settle into your stateroom.
DAY 3 | THURSDAY, jul 31 | rUSE, BULGARIA
Ruse, Bulgaria
The most integral Danube city in Bulgaria, Ruse enjoys a setting amid a rolling countryside blanketed in sunflower and wheat fields. Once an outpost of the Roman Empire, it was known as Sexaginta Prista, or Sixty Ships, for the fleet that once docked here. Today, it is more known for its colorful atmosphere and as a gateway to Romania’s fabled Transylvania region. Best explored on foot, the city features many fine examples of 19th- and 20th-century neobaroque and neorococo architecture.
 DAY 4 | FRIDAY, AUG 01 | VIDIN, BULGARIA​
Vidin, 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.
DAY 5 | SATURDAY, AUG 02 | SCENIC SAILING: THE IRON GATE | GOLUBAC, SERBIA​​
Scenic Sailing: The Iron Gate​
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.
​
Golubac, Serbia
Millennia of history await at “the Town of Doves,” the gateway to the Djerdap National Park. The Iron Gate of the Danube lies between the mighty Carpathian and Balkan Mountains, its dramatic scenery carved by narrow ravines. Guarding the Danube is the imposing 14th-century Golubac Fortress, which has seen ruling empires vie for its control over the centuries, changing hands between the Serbs, Hungarians, Bulgarians and Turks. Serbian culture is swathed in tradition, and it is an integral part of the country’s identity that has carried its people through challenging times in history. Ancient civilizations to modern empires have left their mark, creating a unique, fascinating heritage that spans thousands of years.
DAY 6 | SUNDAY, AUG 03 | bELGRADE, sERBIA
Belgrade, Serbia
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.
DAY 7 | MONDAY, AUG 04 | oSIJEK, cROATIA
Osijek, Croatia
The fourth-largest city in Croatia, Osijek is located near the confluence of the Drava and Danube Rivers. It is the largest city and the economic and cultural capital of the eastern Croatian region of Slavonia. In its early days, Osijek was a Roman settlement called Mursa Maior (“major”). It was later rebuilt by the Ottomans and ruled by the Hapsburg Empire. Today, with an abundance of farmland and game, as well as plentiful baroque architecture and musical and outdoor venues, Osijek has become a gastronomic and cultural center of Croatia. Its cathedral can host 3,000 people.
DAY 8 | TUESDAY, AUG 05 | kALCOSA, hUNGARY
Kalocsa, Hungary
Once the seat of the archbishop, the cultural center of Kalocsa is more than 1,000 years old. The quaint town, surrounded by 8,000 acres of farmland growing fiery red peppers, is brimming with traditional Hungarian culture and steeped in the piquant flavors of paprika, the “red gold” that has been giving local goulash its distinctive taste for centuries. The world’s first Paprika Museum chronicles the spice’s history. The streets are adorned with bright murals of floral motifs, which create a cheery ambience for browsing craft-filled shops. Hungary’s artistic heritage takes center stage at the House of Folk Arts museum.
DAY 9 | WEDNESDAY, AUG 06 | bUDAPEST, hUNGARY
Budapest, Hungary
After breakfast, disembark your ship and transfer to your destination. 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, stunning art nouveau buildings, stalwart castles and grand palaces set the stage for inspiring strolls and long soaks in thermal spas. By night, the shimmering lights of the Parliament building dance across the waters of the Danube, the Chain Bridge uniting it all as a dramatic centerpiece. After breakfast, check out of your hotel and begin your journey to your embarkation city.​​
DAY 10 | THURSDAY, AUG 07 | bUDAPEST, hUNGARY
Budapest, Hungary
​Budapest’s old town is a fascinating medieval patchwork of narrow streets and colorful houses. In the Castle District, the Matthias Church soars in 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 during the 18th century, this edifice was home to Hungary’s kings for almost 700 years.
DAY 11 | FRIDAY, AUG 08 | BUDAPEST, HUNGARY​
Budapest, Hungary
​During the 12th century, the first Jewish settlers arrived in Buda from neighboring German and Slavic countries. Over the next hundreds of years, the community played an important role in the cultural and economic development of Hungary. But, like elsewhere in Europe, life for Jews alternated between periods of prosperity and persecution. More than 100,000 perished during the Holocaust, and a number of Budapest’s landmarks serve as a reminder of the events that took place. One of the most poignant memorials is the 60 pairs of cast-iron shoes that line the banks of the Danube River. They represent the men, women and children who fell there at the hands of the Hungarian Nazi Arrow Cross Party. After breakfast, check out of your hotel and journey home.

DETAILS
Your Ship: Viking Ullur
Stepson of Thor, Ullur is the god of the hunt, known for his great skill as an archer. He is also a wily wizard, able most notably to cross the seas without the use of a vessel but, instead, upon a length of bone resembling a ski on which he has cast a spell.
  • Only 190 guests
  • Crew: 53
  • Length: 443 feet
  • Year built: 2019
Ship Features
  • 95 comfortable outside staterooms (25 Standard Staterooms, 22 French Balcony Staterooms, 39 Veranda Staterooms, 7 Veranda Suites, 2 Explorer Suites)
  • All suites feature two full-size rooms with a veranda off the living room & a French balcony in the bedroom
  • Sun Deck with 360-degree views & shaded sitting area; organic herb garden & solar panels; putting green & walking track
  • Aquavit Terrace & Lounge, a revolutionary indoor/outdoor viewing area at the bow of the ship for al fresco dining
  • Lounge & Bar with floor-to-ceiling glass doors
  • Restaurant with floor-to-ceiling windows for panoramic views
  • Library & onboard shop
  • Elevator from Middle to Upper Deck only; no elevator access for categories E & F
  • Free Wi-Fi (connection speed may vary)
  • Laundry service
  • Ecologically friendly hybrid engines producing less vibrations for a smoother ride
  • Flat-screen TV with infotainment system featuring a selection of live TV channels, complimentary Movies On Demand and in-house programming

STATEROOM CHOICES

Find the best room for you with a Virtual Tour of a Viking Longship!
Prices below are based on double occupancy and are subject to change based on location and availability according to viking.com
Viking Ullur Deck Plan
File Size: 130 kb
File Type: pdf
Download File
ES - Explorer Suite | Starting at $10,999 per person
  • Stateroom size: 445 sq ft (includes private veranda)
  • River-view suite with private wraparound balcony offering 270-degree views off a spacious, separate sitting room, and French balcony (floor-to-ceiling sliding glass door) in sleeping quarters
  • 12 PM Embarkation
  • 12 PM priority stateroom access
  • ​​Additional flat-screen TV in sitting area
  • ​Large private bathroom with spacious glass-enclosed shower​​
  • ​Welcome champagne; mini-bar with wine, beer & soft drinks (replenished daily); daily fruit plate
  • Binoculars
  • Personal coffee machine with premium coffee & tea selections
  • ​Complimentary in-room breakfast service
  • Complimentary laundry & shoe shine services
  • Silver Spirits beverage package included
  • Private arrival/departure transfer in destination​
  • Complimentary Viking Air Plus (US & CA only)
AA - Veranda Suite | Starting at $8,999 per person
  • Stateroom size: 275 sq ft (includes private veranda)
  • River-view suite with full-size veranda off a spacious, separate sitting room, and French Balcony (floor-to-ceiling sliding glass door) in sleeping quarters
  • 12 PM Embarkation
  • 12 PM priority stateroom access​​
  • ​​Additional flat-screen TV in sitting area
  • Large bathroom with spacious glass-enclosed shower​
  • ​Welcome champagne; mini-bar with wine, beer & soft drinks (replenished daily); daily fruit plate
  • Binoculars
  • ​Complimentary laundry & shoe shine services​
  • Complimentary Viking Air Plus (US & CA only)
A - Veranda Stateroom | Starting at $5,199 per person
B - Veranda Stateroom | Starting at $4,999 per person
*Difference between cabin types is the location on the ship
  • Stateroom size: 205 sq ft (includes private veranda)
  • River-view stateroom with floor-to-ceiling sliding glass door opening to full-size veranda
  • 12 PM Embarkation
  • 3 PM stateroom access​
C - French Balcony Stateroom | Starting at $4,699 per person
D - French Balcony Stateroom | Starting at $4,499 per person
*Difference between cabin types is the location on the ship
  • Stateroom size: 135 sq ft
  • River-view stateroom with French balcony (floor-to-ceiling sliding glass door)
  • 12 PM Embarkation
  • 3 PM stateroom access​
E - Standard Stateroom | Starting at $3,799 per person
F - Standard Stateroom | Starting at $3,699 per person
*Difference between cabin types is the location on the ship
  • Stateroom size: 150 sq ft
  • River-view stateroom with half-height picture window
  • 12 PM Embarkation
  • 3 PM stateroom access​
Included features and services:
  • Included shore excursions with local guide & headset
  • Free Wi-Fi (connection speed may vary)
  • Complimentary beer, wine & soft drinks with onboard lunch & dinner
  • Multiple dining venues with open seating
  • 24/7 specialty coffees, teas & bottled water
  • Aquavit Terrace® and the most al fresco dining on Europe's Rivers​​
  • All port taxes and fees
  • Airport transfers on date of embarkation/disembarkation with Viking Air program
Your stateroom:
  • Riverview stateroom with individual climate control
  • Room steward & twice daily housekeeping
  • Queen-size Viking Explorer Bed with optional twin-bed configuration; luxury linens & pillows
  • Flat-screen TV with infotainment system, live TV channels, complimentary Movies On Demand and in-house programming
  • Telephone, safe, refrigerator
  • 110/220 volt outlets & USB port
  • Private bathroom with glass-enclosed shower, heated floor, anti-fog mirror & hair dryer​
  • Premium Freyja® toiletries, bathrobe & slippers (upon request)
  • Under-bed suitcase storage & roomy wardrobe
​AIR ADD-ON
Available closer to travel date. Includes $150 Air Plus to personally select your flights  Includes roundtrip transoceanic 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.  Select from more than 150 different gateways including Denver, Colorado Springs, Minneapolis, Wichita & Kansas City (additional gateways available).

SILVER SPIRITS BEVERAGE PACKAGE UPGRADE: $175 per person 
​
TRAVEL INSURANCE
Available from Viking or packages also available from Allianz Insurance
Help to protect your travel investment, your belongings and most importantly you for those unforeseen circumstances that may arise before or during your trip. The Viking Cruises Travel Protection Plan is a Plan made up of different components. The Plan includes a Cancellation Waiver, provided by Viking Cruises, Travel Insurance Benefits and Non-Insurance Services. Plan benefits, limits and provisions may vary by state jurisdiction. To review full plan details online, go to: www.tripmate.com/wpGR425V.
​
SHORE EXCURSIONS
There will be something included at most every port. Additional shore excursions may be purchased at some stops. 
FLIGHTS, INSURANCE, PASSPORTS, ETC.

Once we have the trip confirmed, and once the date is closer, I will be available to help secure flights and pre/post hotel reservations.

​Travel insurance can be added to your trip for all those unexpected occurrences.  If you would like more information on coverage available, please visit the TRAVEL INSURANCE PAGE.  If you are interested in pricing based on your age and package amount, please mark the appropriate box on the reservation form. 

PASSPORTS ARE REQUIRED !  Please be sure to apply for your passport at least 3 months prior to your travel date.  

Please click the link below to read more about how to apply for a passport. 
travel.state.gov/content/passports/en/passports.html

HOLD YOUR SPOT TODAY BY COMPLETING THE TRAVEL REQUEST FORM BELOW:

​DEPOSITS DUE AS REQUIRED BY VIKING CRUISES

UPCOMING SMALL GROUP TRIPS

TRAVEL WITH LISA KAYE TO ICONIC ITALY
TUSCANY, COLOSSEUM, VATICAN
OCT 24 - NOV 2, 2024​
CARNIVAL JUBILEE
WESTERN CARIBBEAN CRUISE
JUN 7 - 14, 2025
TRAVELOOZA- Your Travel Journey Starts Here!