Ratings for Viking Passage to Eastern Europe Review

About to board the Viking Idun in Budapest

"Travel is the simply affair you buy that makes you lot richer"

— Bearding

We just completed our "Passage through Eastern Europe" journey with Viking River Cruises, and I have to say, it was fantastic, for many different reasons.

Some people absolutely love cruises. For a lot of people on this trip, cruising is their favorite way to travel. Of the 186 guests on board the Viking Idun, over 100 had cruised with Viking before. That is a existent testament to the quality of Viking Cruises and the experiences they provide their guests.

But we at Euro Travel Coach don't often go on cruises. Our preference us usually to get to know a place on the footing and actually immerse ourselves in a land and its culture. That manner, nosotros can truly larn what they are all about, and try to dig deep into the history and run across the local people. Nosotros want to sympathise what makes each one interesting and unique. We want to eat regional food, drink great local wine, and get a glimpse of their distinctive perspectives. It has always seemed to us that a cruise simply gives travelers a run a risk to scratch the surface.

I have to say, nonetheless, this journey helped united states of america sympathize multiple countries in new and different ways. For those who love to travel, and want to practise so in comfort, while having all the details taken care of by experts, cruising from place to place can be a great way to become.

How Did Nosotros Choose Eastern Europe for our Viking River Cruise?

Viking currently operates a armada of 68 vessels - including both sea and river ships - and then there are lots of choices when you lot are trying to decide where in the globe you want to go! We talked with lots of the other guests on lath, and we heard again and again about some of their favorite trips they had already taken with Viking.

Gulbac Fortress in Serbia

Some of their favorites were the following, and each 1 has a different appeal:

• Waterways of the Tsars in Russia

• Romantic Danube from Budapest to Nuremberg

• Danube Flit from Passau to Budapest

• Rhine Getaway from Amsterdam to Basel

• Christmas Market Cruises

• Lyon & Provence forth the Rhône River

• Majestic Fjords and Vibrant Cities from Bergen to Copenhagen

We carefully reviewed these, and all the other options, when we were trying to make up one's mind where to become. In making our choice, we actually wanted to travel to places we hadn't however been in Europe. In our first yr of traveling total fourth dimension, nosotros spent six weeks in areas that had once been behind the "Fe Pall." We were in Berlin for a calendar week and then spent a month in Poland. Later that, nosotros spent a week in Budapest. We learned a lot nigh WWII, the Holocaust, and living in Communist controlled Europe during that time. In choosing our cruise, we felt this would exist an opportunity to understand more than near these peoples' experience. Nosotros chose the Passage through Eastern Europe from Budapest to Bucharest because we thought we would learn a lot, and have fun. Nosotros were not disappointed.

Where Did Nosotros Go along the Danube in Eastern Europe?

The Budapest Parliament on sail out nighttime

Our itinerary included the following stops:

• Budapest, Hungary

• Kalocsa and Puszta, Hungary

• Osijek, Vukovar, & Bilje, Croatia

• Belgrade, Serbia

• Golubac, Serbia and sailing through the Iron Gate gorge

• Vidin, Bulgaria and the Bologradchik Rocks & Fortress

• Veliko Tarnovo & Arbanasi, Bulgaria

• Bucharest, Romania

As mentioned, nosotros had been to Budapest earlier, but all the other locations were completely new territory for us.

One of the benefits of a Viking prowl is that in that location is an excursion included in every finish. Nosotros did all the included excursions except in Croatia where we opted to visit the same places as the remainder of guests, simply on bicycles, so we could encounter fifty-fifty more. We besides participated in boosted optional excursions in Belgrade and in Vidin. In Belgrade, we had privileged access through Viking and went "Behind the Scenes at the Serbian Opera." In Vidin we did the "Dwelling-Hosted Cooking Sit-in" where we visited a local Bulgarian dwelling house and learned to make traditional banitsa.

What was our impression on this Viking River Cruise?

Viking states that their cruises are "designed for discerning travelers with interests in history, fine art, music and cuisine" and they offer guests "the thinking person'due south cruise". In our experience with Viking, they truly evangelize on this charge.

I was somewhat skeptical most the quality of the included tours. It's sometimes difficult to know what y'all volition get with guides you lot don't cull yourself - the cognition and style of the presenter tin can make or break an experience. I have to say, however, that we had fantabulous guides in every location. All the excursions were outstanding – and I can be a pretty harsh critic!

Viking did a superb chore vetting their providers in every single place we visited. They clearly train them well and so they deliver what their guests want: information virtually what will be included in the tour, excellent historical and cultural information specific to the location and the region, interesting and of import places to visit, and regular residue room breaks. We were comfortable, well informed and entertained at every port of call.

Special Experiences on this Prowl through Eastern Europe

Nosotros enjoyed many interesting and unique experiences during our cruise, but I would like to share some that were the nearly special. These are experiences I don't call back nosotros could have encountered if we had been on our ain.

Home Visits

With our host on a Viking River Cruise Home Visit in Republic of croatia

In Croatia, we were invited into a woman'due south home. A grouping of 12 of us saturday effectually her dining room table and enjoyed her apple tree cake, while she talked about what information technology was like for her and her family during the Croatian War of Independence from 1991 to 1995. Information technology was heartbreaking to hear her stories of leaving her home with only 2 suitcases, sending her children to live nigh the Adriatic where it was safer, and returning to her home years later afterward it had been lived in and then looted past Serbian soldiers. Hearing her descriptions of this horrible period of time was humbling.

It is a attestation to Viking that they make it possible for 186 passengers to have this experience. They broke us upwards into smaller groups then we could all have an intimate meet in different homes. Each host had a unique story to tell, and when nosotros got back to the boat we were able to hear some of the recollections shared in the other houses. Each one was poignant and represented resilience, tragedy, and hope.

In Bulgaria, we visited a family unit and learned how to make banitsa. This succulent pastry, made from phyllo pastry, eggs, feta cheese, and butter, is a cardinal part of family celebrations. While we were there, I got to speak with a family member who had lived in the US for half dozen years afterwards the Atomic number 26 Curtain roughshod, and before returning to his domicile in Republic of bulgaria. We talked virtually living in Bulgaria during the Communist era.

This man is a mechanical engineer. He was paid less than the workers who operated the machinery he carefully designed. He said that during Communism, the workers were believed to exist the most important people in an operation, so although they weren't paid much, they were paid more than than he was. He also said about people weren't motivated to do much work because everyone had a job, whether they did a good chore or non. It was a very interesting conversation, and 1 I couldn't have experienced if it hadn't been for this chance to visit his domicile.

Cultural Experiences Onboard

The Bulgarian Children's Ensemble aboard the Viking Idun

Viking exposed usa to local folk musicians and dancers on many different occasions, but my favorite was Vidin'south Bulgarian Children's Ensemble. These immature people came onboard and performed for us in the ship's lounge. Dressed in traditional Bulgarian costumes, they danced and sang songs and invited usa to dance with them.

At the end of the performance, I thanked the woman who had introduced them. When I reached out to shake her paw, she wrapped me in her artillery and hugged me. She encouraged me to come back to Bulgaria, this place that she loves then much.

Past this indicate in our journey, we had already visited multiple Eastern European countries. Some had been devastated by the Bosnian War. They all had suffered nether Communist rule. When foreigners come, and appreciate their culture, try to understand what happened, and spend their tourist dollars, it is meaningful. To me, her long bear hug meant that our presence and our attempt to sympathise somehow makes a departure in their lives. I was really touched by her expression of appreciation, when I was the one who was thanking her.

Informative Lecture on the Ship

After visiting Croatia, we traveled to Serbia, which was of grade, on the other side in the struggle. A invitee lecturer came on board and talked about Serbia today. He reminded u.s. that at that place are multiple sides in any conflict. In order to understand this particular struggle, he took us back over 500 years. In an hour, he presented some of the complexities of the challenges that accept been faced in this region. He did an astonishing job. Although I can't say I fully empathise the conflict now, I certainly know more than I did before. I too learned to appreciate the different perspectives that can atomic number 82 to these horrible battles that negatively touch peoples' lives for decades. It was a powerful lecture.

The ceiling of the National Theater in Belgrade, Serbia

Privileged Access to the National Theater in Belgrade, Serbia

As lovers of the arts, we thoroughly enjoyed this opportunity to visit Serbia'southward National Theater. Nosotros had our ain personal guide and we too got to hear from the director of the theater. He told u.s. about famous people who performed there in the past, including Plácido Domingo and Luciano Pavarotti, and also talked well-nigh some of the performances at the theater that were attended by Tito, the Communist leader and President of Yugoslavia from 1953 – 1980.

After our backside the stage tour nosotros were treated to a functioning past some immature women who are studying in the Academy that is connected with the theater. They were infrequent and it was quite a treat to sip sparkling vino while enjoying their arias.

Cruising Through the Iron Gates

Sailing through the Fe Gates is one of the highlights of this particular prowl. The river passes between the Carpathian Mountains to the north and the Balkan Mountains to the due south, through some absolutely spectacular scenery. Years ago, this river was dammed. On the Serbian side, we could see Trajan's Tablet - a sign that marks the construction of a Roman military road. It was moved up on the side of the cliff so that information technology could however be seen even after the river level rose due to dam.

The day nosotros sailed through this spectacular narrow gorge was not a gorgeous weather day. Information technology rained from time to fourth dimension and the skies were grayness and cloudy. Only when we approached the most beautiful parts of the Fe Gates, the rain held off and those of us on the upper deck had a fantastic view. The Viking crew fabricated it fifty-fifty more than celebratory by serving hot chocolate with rum to assistance usa keep warm. This was an incredible site to see.

Some of the things I like near Viking

I really like the mode Viking prepares each of its guests for their trip. From the very outset, they send you information to help you ready for your upcoming travel. In that location are great videos with helpful information, thorough descriptions of the included and optional excursions, and informative book and movie recommendations directly related to the places you volition visit.

Our banitsa making class in Bulgaria

Once you are onboard, the Viking Daily is delivered to your stateroom every night. It includes all the events available on that day and shares information on the state, city and site destinations you are visiting. The prowl director offers direction and advice every evening, and is both informative and entertaining.

I was extremely impressed by the way Viking handles all the logistics for their guests. Their arrangement for dividing the guests equally between busses for the excursions, and ensuring anybody knows who to follow and which excursion they are on is slick and efficient. Information technology works dandy!

What impressed me the most regarding logistics, however, was the way they handled our passports. They have figured out the best way to make it like shooting fish in a barrel and efficient to both come across all the legal requirements for moving 186 guests betwixt 5 different Eastern European countries in 8 days, and keeping their guests happy by not bothering them with details.

The staff collected our passports once we were on board and kept them in a locked briefcase. Each time our passports needed to be stamped by the regime for legal purposes, the customs officials came on board the boat and took intendance of the documents, while the guests got to practice whatsoever they wanted to practice on board. What might accept been a chore for the guests was handled efficiently and finer past Viking. The system was equally smooth as silk. It was amazing.

Viking is 100% professional person in every way. They just do everything right. The room and amenities are commencement rate. Traveling the way we do, we accept experienced all kinds of bathrooms in our accommodations. The bathroom in our Viking stateroom had everything we needed and more than. It was so special to take heated floors, a nice hot shower, and civilities with labels you lot tin can meet without using your reading spectacles. Their staff is friendly, helpful and likeable. They really make every effort to have bang-up intendance of their guests. I remember Viking does an incredible job.

We even loved the Viking amenities!

I like that there are no casinos on board a Viking cruise ship. And even though I love children, not allowing kids on lath makes the prowl experience one where guests can actually focus on where they are, and the opportunity to sit dorsum and relax, and larn from the experience.

Taking a cruise is a keen way to travel if yous like to have all the details taken intendance of for you. Yous don't take to think almost any of the plans. Sometimes finding a bath along the way can be a challenge when you are traveling by yourself, and this was never an issue; they provide plenty of residual room breaks. You never have to worry almost language issues equally there is always someone who speaks English and can help you if needed. You really can explore the world in condolement.

Viking has perfected the organization of taking care of their guests and all that they need. It's a great way to travel for all these reasons. And for those who are older or less mobile, it offers a way to continue to see the globe, even if getting around is more difficult.

At that place are some Challenges

Hiking at the Belogradchik Rocks

If I heard one complaint while nosotros were traveling, it was that nosotros spent quite a fleck of fourth dimension on a coach. While this was true, I'm non certain how Viking could accept gotten effectually this. Some things are simply out of their command. They are not able to alter river levels. If a river is too high or likewise low for the ship to navigate, they take to handle the state of affairs in the best way possible. They practice this by putting guests on a comfy omnibus and creating a new experience for them.

If a destination guests want to see is not correct on the river, the company has to ship them somehow, and a comfortable bus is the best solution. Spending time on a charabanc may not be ideal, simply Viking makes the well-nigh of the situation by giving you first-class guides to explain what you are seeing forth the fashion, and adding to your travel experience in ways you may not have predictable.

We had a Slap-up Experience on our Viking River Cruise

Even though it is non our typical manner to travel, we had a great time on our cruise through Eastern Europe. Viking does an amazing chore and nosotros learned a lot on this journeying. It was as well fun to run into the other guests, share stories, and get to know other culturally curious travelers. We fifty-fifty met a adult female who went to loftier school with my brother, and a man with the same name as Greg'southward dad. We loved getting to know the couple from New York we shared most of our dinners with, and another couple from Madison, Wisconsin, where our girl is moving soon. The ladies from New Orleans were were delightful. Meeting new people and sharing the gamble is role of the fun.

If yous would like to feel Europe or other worldwide destinations while cruising in comfort, and learning about the history and civilization along the way, I can highly recommend Viking.

If yous are interested in a Viking cruise, I would love to discuss the many options with yous, and assistance y'all programme an amazing trip! Whereas Euro Travel Motorcoach does not make decisions based on earning a committee when nosotros exercise our custom itinerary planning, nosotros do earn a commission if we book a cruise. That said, it doesn't cost you whatsoever more than if you book online yourself. You can talk to me virtually all the unlike options and choices you have bachelor, and if I have access to a promotion at the time, I will do my all-time to make sure you tin can take advantage of it. Then delight, if you're interested in a Viking Prowl, contact me! I would dear to help!

Recall, we are e'er available to you lot and your friends and family to program a custom trip to Europe. We are experts in creating travel itineraries and leading small-scale group trips to European destinations. Yous can ever feel complimentary to transport me an email to talk over the possibilities. We would dearest to help yous brand your travel dreams to Europe come up true!

Approaching the Iron Gates aboard the Viking Idun

Betsy Ball – Betsy is co-founder and partner of Euro Travel Coach (ETC), which crafts custom European vacations for independent travelers and leads small group trips to Europe. She is a passionate and culturally curious traveler who thoroughly enjoys sharing her love for exploring Europe with ETC clients. Prior to founding ETC, Betsy taught International Business at Tarleton State Academy in Texas (part of the A & Grand Organization) where she led written report abroad trips to multiple European countries and other worldwide destinations. She retired from teaching ii years ago and now travels ix months of the yr in Europe. She has a degree in hotel, restaurant management from Michigan State Academy and an MBA from Southern Methodist University in Dallas. She also holds a Level 3 certification from the Wine & Spirits Teaching Trust.

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Source: https://www.eurotravelcoach.com/blog/for-a-culturally-rich-cruise-experience-go-with-viking

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