Compare European sojourn by Viking River Cruises vs Total Europe: Berlin, Prague & the Tastes of Italy by G Adventures

Day 1: Bucharest, Romania

Arrive at the Bucharest airport and transfer to the superior first-class Radisson Blu Hotel Bucharest (or similar) in the heart of the city for a 1-night stay.* Spend the rest of the day relaxing, or do some exploring on your own.

Day 2: Bucharest, Romania

After breakfast, check out of your hotel and take a morning tour of the city. See the Patriarchal Church, the Palace of Parliament and the Arch of Triumph. You then proceed to Giurgiu to board your ship and enjoy a welcome dinner.

Day 3: Veliko Tarnovo, Bulgaria

After breakfast, disembark at Russe for a full-day excursion to Bulgaria’s former capital, Veliko Tarnovo. There you will see Tsaravets Hill and the ruins of the royal castle. During free time, shop for local crafts along Samovodska Charshia. Continue your venture to Arbanasi for lunch in a local restaurant and a guided tour of the Nativity Church with its intricate floor-to-ceiling murals and icons. Return to your ship for dinner.

Day 4: Vidin, Bulgaria

Arrive in the picturesque Bulgarian port of Vidin, and take an excursion to see Belogradchik Fortress, built right into the striking Belogradchik Rocks. See the fortress’s amazing construction, begun in Roman times and greatly extended by Bulgarian tsars and the Ottomans, and enjoy breathtaking views. Enjoy lunch aboard your ship; then you have free time to explore Vidin’s city center, Orthodox churches and the ruins of the city’s once-grand synagogue. We depart during dinner.

Day 5: Iron Gate

Today, enjoy scenic cruising as you travel through one of the most picturesque areas of the Lower Danube. The Iron Gate is one of Europe’s most dramatic natural wonders, a spectacular narrow gorge with enormous white limestone cliffs. Your Cruise Director will provide commentary about the region and scenic points of interest as you sail toward the next port.

Day 6: Belgrade, Serbia

Wake up in Belgrade, capital of Serbia. Take a guided walk through the grounds of Kalemegdan Fortress, now a stately park; also see the Orthodox cathedral and stop at the Square of the Republic. Enjoy lunch aboard your ship before you have free time to explore Belgrade’s gracious architecture or visit one of its many museums, like the Nikola Tesla Museum. Dine aboard your ship or experience some of Belgrade’s nightlife. We depart very late this evening.

Day 7: Osijek, Croatia

Cruise along the Danube, arriving at Vukovar around noon. Disembark for an afternoon excursion to the charming Croatian city of Osijek. Inhabited since Neolithic times, this area has had several heydays under the Romans, the Ottomans and the Hapsburgs; now Vukovar is revered for its baroque buildings, parks and monuments. Return aboard for dinner.

Day 8: Kalocsa, Hungary

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Sail into Hungary this morning, arriving in Kalocsa after lunch. Take a guided city tour including a visit to the Archbishop’s Palace. Then, you are treated to a performance of traditional Puszta horsemanship. Return to the ship and enjoy a festive final onboard dinner as we depart for Budapest.

Day 9: Budapest, Hungary

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Arrive in Budapest, capital of Hungary. Situated along the Danube, it combines the once separate towns of hilly Buda and cosmopolitan Pest into a city rich with history. Your guided tour shows you both sides, starting with Pest’s National Opera House and historic Heroes’ Square. In Buda, walk along Castle Hill to Fishermen’s Bastion and Matthias Church. Take some free time to explore before returning aboard for a traditional Hungarian dinner.

Day 10: Budapest, Hungary

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Today is yours to explore Budapest on your own. Visit a museum; do some shopping; ride the innovative, efficient metro; relax in one of the Art Nouveau spas; or see the Great Synagogue and Jewish Quarter. As always, your Program Director can help you plan your free time. Lunch and dinner are served aboard; we remain docked until the wee hours, so spend some more time ashore this evening if you like.

Day 11: Vienna, Austria

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Enjoy a day of scenic cruising as you sail along the beautiful Danube toward Vienna, arriving early this evening. After dinner, relax or enjoy an optional classical concert.

Day 12: Vienna, Austria

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Today we tour the Austrian capital of Vienna. Ride along the Ringstrasse, which replaced the city walls in the mid-19th century. See some of the city’s baroque architecture, including the world-famous Opera House, St. Stephan’s Cathedral and Hofburg Palace. Return to your ship for lunch. The rest of the day is yours to further explore. As always, your Program Director can help you plan your free time. Or you may take an optional tour to Schönbrunn Palace, the “Versailles of Vienna,” erected in 1778 and graced by a number of formal gardens, Grecian statuary, the world’s oldest zoo and Roman ruins.

Day 13: Melk, Austria

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Today, visit the abbey at Melk, a 900-year-old Benedictine monastery featuring Austria’s finest Italian baroque architecture. See its wonderful frescoes and admire the comprehensive collection of medieval manuscripts in its library. Rejoin your ship and cruise through dinner.

Day 14: Passau, Germany

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Arrive this morning in Passau, at the confluence of the Inn, Ilz and Danube Rivers. Your guided walk along the town’s narrow streets takes you through Old Town and past traditional patrician houses. You’ll see the New Bishop’s Residence and visit the impressive baroque St. Stephen’s Cathedral with its ornate interior. Inside, you are treated to a special concert played on the 17,000-pipe organ, considered Europe’s largest church organ.† Enjoy lunch aboard your ship, and return to the city for further exploration on your own before departing. We cruise through the night.

Passau organ concert is only available May 1-October 31 and is closed on Sunday.

Day 15: Regensburg, Germany

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Arrive in Regensburg after breakfast and tour this wonderfully preserved medieval city, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, including structures dating back to Roman times. Discover many 13th- and 14th-century patrician houses and see the splendid St. Peter’s Cathedral. During free time, visit the Alte Würstküche (Old Sausage Kitchen), Germany’s oldest restaurant. Cruise through dinner.

Day 16: Nuremberg, Germany

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

During our morning cruise, you may choose to attend a noteworthy presentation about the European Union. Then in the late morning you’ll arrive in Nuremberg; after lunch, disembark for a tour. Visit the ruins of Zeppelin Field, the Nazi parade grounds of the 1930s, and see the Palace of Justice, site of the infamous Nuremberg Trials. See the Old Town area as you walk past the Albrecht Dürer House and Main Market Square. You can spend more time exploring Nuremberg, or join an optional World War II tour including the illuminating Documentation Center. Enjoy free time throughout the evening; dinner is served aboard your ship. We depart in the wee hours of the morning.

Day 17: Bamberg, Germany

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Enjoy a tour of Bamberg, with its medieval city center, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Your walking tour includes a visit to the magnificent 11th-century cathedral, reworked in late Romanesque style in the 13th century, and the picturesque city hall built on a tiny island in the middle of a river. Take some free time to enjoy Bamberg and sample some of the town’s distinctive smoke-flavored beer before returning aboard.

Day 18: Würzburg, Germany

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

After breakfast, tour Würzburg’s Bishops’ Residenz, one of Germany’s largest and most ornate baroque palaces and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Enjoy an onboard lunch or join an optional journey along Germany’s "Romantic Road" to Rothenburg, which features a turreted city wall and impressive Gothic and baroque architecture. Rejoin your ship for dinner and an evening glassblowing demonstration.

Day 19: Wertheim, Germany

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Wertheim is located at the confluence of the Main and Tauber Rivers. During your morning walking tour, experience life in a typical small German town. Stop in a bakery and a butcher shop, and learn about Wertheim’s glassblowing tradition. Enjoy free time to explore before returning to your ship for lunch.

Day 20: Koblenz, Germany

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Today, we cruise past hilltop castles along the Rhine; this stunning stretch of the river is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. We pass the Lorelei Rock, which marks the river’s narrowest point; the rock is named after a legendary Rhine Maiden who lured sailors to their demise. This afternoon, we’ll stop to visit Marksburg Castle, the only Rhine fortress never destroyed. Rejoin your ship in Koblenz and dine aboard.

Day 21: Cologne, Germany

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Arrive in Cologne during breakfast, then disembark for a tour of Germany’s fourth largest city. Stroll through Old Town past St. Martin’s Church and visit the Dom, Germany’s largest cathedral and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Spend your free time enjoying Cologne’s atmospheric waterfront before returning aboard for dinner and evening departure.

Day 22: Kinderdijk, the Netherlands

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

We sail along the Rhine during the morning hours, enjoying scenic views. Spend your morning enjoying some popular Dutch diversions: sample Dutch cheeses and jenever, a distilled juniper liquor, and try your hand at sjoelen (Dutch table shuffleboard). After lunch, your ship arrives in Kinderdijk, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, for an afternoon tour of this ingenious network of windmills and other flood management devices. You learn why the windmills were built and see how they work, plus you enter a working windmill for a tour of its mechanisms and living quarters. Board your ship for departure and dinner. Arrive in Amsterdam after midnight.

Day 23: Amsterdam, the Netherlands

Meals: Breakfast

After breakfast, disembark and proceed to the airport for your return flight.* Or, extend your journey with 2 additional nights in Amsterdam; take time to explore the city’s neighborhoods, museums and exciting nightlife.

Day 1 Amsterdam

Arrive at any time, find a comfy spot in the hostel to relax or go out to explore before meeting fellow Roamies in the evening.

Day 2 Amsterdam/Berlin

Remember booking this trip months back? Now, you’re actually on it, in the places you hoped to experience. What a cool feeling! Soak it up with an included bike tour of Amsterdam. Hop on two wheels and cruise along the city's canals like the locals do. Then, travel by train from Amsterdam to Berlin where you will have a free evening to explore this fascinating city. You could also spend the evening unwinding in your hostel. Maybe play some cards as a group. Anyone ever heard of “Pitch”?

Day 3 Berlin

Let loose today, we dare you. Why? Because it will be fun, especially with your newest pals. Get your bearings with an orientation walk with your CEO around the city. Then, it's your turn to explore the tangible history and melting pot of cultures at work here. Head straight for the Berlin Wall, walk through the Brandenburg Gate, and feast those eyes on the Checkpoint Charlie Museum. Want to try something even cooler? Rent a bike and visit the now defunct Tempelhof Airport which doubles as a beautiful park space in the city. (A best-kept local secret if we do say so ourselves). At night lounge in the hostel or witness the vibrant nightlife Berlin is known for.

Day 4 Berlin/Prague

Prague is up next, with a few treats along the way! First up on your journey is Dresden, Germany. Home to a booming art scene, we think a visit there to wander around the cobblestone streets, is a must. Explore the picturesque old town, stroll through the charming streets and take in the beautiful views of the Elbe River. Step back in time and admire the stunning reconstruction of Frauenkirche, a must-see landmark in Dresden. Indulge in the art and culture scene. Afterwards, hit the road and arrive in Prague by early evening. Your day doesn’t end here, gather as a group and go on a highlight walk with your cool CEO passing must-see places like, the TV Tower of Prague, the Astronomical Clock, Charles Bridge, and John Lennon's Wall, followed by a beer tasting to experience Prague's famous brews.

Please note that the Pravcicka Gate hike is unfortunately closed from November through March. During this time the group will spend more time exploring Dresden. In November and December a Christmas Market will be there for us to visit.

Day 5 Prague

Soak up the atmosphere of Prague on a highlight walk of all the city has to offer. Afterwards, hit up the famous Charles Bridge with your friends, admire the clock tower in the main square, or sit and sip a thirst-quenching brew at a traditional Czech beer hall with a side of meat and potatoes. It’s guaranteed to be a loud, lively and marvellous time! Remember, it's all up to you.

Day 6 Prague/Vienna

You're in for a day of unbeatable views! Get ready for another round of those back-in-time feelings as you stroll through the Medieval town of Cesky Krumlov on the way to Vienna. Be your own Queen (or King) of the castle as you explore 13th century ramparts with the added bonus of spectacular views. Slip into your inner explorer and see the Old Town from the top of the round bell tower, people watch from a cafe in the main square while you debate as a group where to have lunch, and then toss a coin to make the decision. Finish the day in Vienna where you’ll get to know the city as a group on an evening highlights walk. Pass sites like, St. Stephen's Cathedral, Rathaus, National Library, The Hofburg and much more. Later, kick back, relax, and have some laughs at your hostel.

Day 7 Vienna

We’re excited for you today! The day is yours after a short walking tour, but don’t let the freedom paralyze you. We have plenty of suggestions. You could seek out famous landmarks like, The Vienna State Opera House, Belvedere Palace, the Kunsthistorisches Museum, and Vienna City Hall. Remember, we all need a little downtime during our travels, so if you need a break we get it. Grab a coffee, order a slice of mouthwatering cake and settle yourself in with your pals on a café terrace as the world moves on around you. Don’t worry, you still have plenty of time to keep finding a few world-famous museums and indulge in typical Austrian desserts like strudel or Sacher Torte. Keep in mind your CEO just might know the best secret places that will really set your experience apart from the main crowd. Ask away!

Day 8 Vienna/Salzburg

If you have a soft spot for beautiful alpine lakes that border two countries, today is going to check off all of those boxes. You’ll be able to wander around the clear waters of Konigsee, smell the fresh air, and find that inner peace that comes from being in the great outdoors. Salzburg is up next, so don’t forget to save some of that wanderlust energy! You’ll go with the group on an orientation walk of the city. Wander the historic squares and quaint little side streets of Salzburg Old Town. Climb Festungsberg Hill to visit Hohensalzburg Castle, or find the birthplace of Mozart and meet up to go to the museum there.

Day 9 Salzburg/Munich

A whistle blows in the distance as a conductor shouts, “All Aboard!” You rush to the platform, jumping on with just moments to spare. While this may not be exactly what happens today, it will pretty much be along those lines when you hop on a train from Salzburg to Munich. A city with a big heart, as charming as it is laid back, and as buzzing as it is calm will be waiting for you upon arrival. Spend time in Marienplatz, home to the Old and New Town Halls. Find the famous glockenspiel, or one of the many great beer halls, or the green dome-crested towers of the iconic Church of Our Lady. The vibe is totally up to you, have a pint, or two, or three!

Day 10 Munich

Set your inner detective on the loose in search of the best experiences in Munich. Visit museums, art galleries, lush gardens, and main squares. Learn about the history and culture and shop, eat, drink, and walk until you drop. If you need time to recuperate, opt to stay in the hostel and relax in the common areas before the group welcomes new travellers in the evening.

Day 11 Munich/Innsbruck

Get this adventure started and road trip from Munich to Innsbruck. Nestled snugly in a picturesque valley with panoramic views of the alps, Innsbruck won't disappoint. Get your bearings with the help of your CEO and spend some free time becoming familiar with your hostel and surroundings. Opt to wander along Maria Theresien Street, explore the Grassmayr Bell Foundry, or check out Ambras Castle, famous for its renaissance gardens. Get ready to fill your camera roll!

Day 12 Innsbruck/Venice

Pile onto the bus again and head into the epic scenery of the Dolomites. Think filling your feed with crystal clear mountain lakes and snow-capped peaks. Take a hiatus from the road and stroll around Lake Misurina in the province of Belluno. Known as the “Pearl of Cadore”, you won’t be disappointed with what you find here. The mirror-like reflection of the mountains in the lake makes it seem as if you are walking in a dream. But don’t forget, Venice is the real end goal of today, so try not to get too attached to Belluno, we bet you already did. Tonight join your CEO for a nice cold beverage and see where the night takes you.

Day 13 Venice

“Oh what a night, what a beautiful night…” This tends to be the song stuck in our heads whenever a visit to Venice is on the table. Can’t you just hear that accordion? After becoming acquainted with Venice's cuisine on a CEO-led food tour, and learning of ghostly legends, the day is yours, no judgments here on what you decide to do. From canals to gondola rides, and inspiring architecture, what’s not to love? The main city is small enough that you can walk it in several hours with the added bonus of getting those steps in. Explore the canals, relax in the small squares, and go cafe-hopping for coffee, pastries, wine, or all three, because why not? See Venice from the water on a gondola ride through the canals, run through the pigeons or people watch in St. Mark’s Square, take an elevator ride up to the top of the Campanile Di San Marco for panoramic views of the city below. Your only real job today is to have a blast!!

Day 14 Venice/Florence

We promise your tastebuds will thank you and rejoice with what’s on the menu for today’s adventure. All aboard the train from Venice to Florence. Being one of Italy’s most sought after food capitals, make sure you stuff your face while here. Eat the city’s signature pasta and venture out of those comfort zones to sample any specialty dishes you may stumble upon. Your CEO will point you in the right direction on CEO-led food and market tour. This evening happens to be perfect if you are looking to relax, eat some more (if you can), or recover from those food comas in your hostel before a quick highlight tour of the city.

Day 15 Florence

Live your best life on this free day in Florence! Grab some pals, lace up those walking shoes, and let the good times roll. Take in famous works of art hung in the Uffizi and Galleria dell’Accademia. “Oh and ah” at the grand architectural masterpieces of the Duomo and the Palazzo Pitti, and smell the flowers in Boboli Gardens. Looking for more chill vibes? We got you covered. Walk along the Arno and over the Ponte Vecchio before eating your way through the Firenze’s many cafes, ristorantes, and gelato shops.

Day 16 Florence/Rome

Leave Florence behind and catch the train to Rome. Upon arrival grab your travel mates and enjoy a walking your before letting your appetites run wild on an afternoon food tour; cue those Italian fantasies. Sample pizza, gelato and more as you learn about the heart and soul behind Italian cooking. The night is yours! Did someone say dance party?

Day 17 Rome

From gardens to museums and gelato to slices of pizza we’re pretty sure you’ll have your hands full (literally) on this free day in Rome. You can visit the mighty Colosseum, home to past gladiator tournaments. Walk up the 135 stairs of the Spanish steps. Meander around the Roman Forum; one of the most important Roman ruins in Italy, and stare up at the ceiling of the Sistine Chapel (knowing you could probably never paint something as grand). Whatever you decide, make sure you meet up for tiramisu, limoncello, a glass or two of wine and whatever else you crave along the way. When in Rome right?

Day 18 Rome to Split

It’s all about those good vibes and finding that connection today. Say, “Arrivederci Rome”, as you cruise towards the Adriatic Coast. Once we arrive in Ancona you’ll board an overnight ferry to Split, Croatia. Sleeping cabins are included and we bet you’ll have some stories to tell afterwards. We can’t wait to hear them!

Day 19 Split

Wipe the sleep from those eyes with a quick breakfast onboard the ferry. Then, on your mark, get set, GO explore the second largest city in Croatia! Modern life and ancient history collide here ensuring there’s plenty of experiences to keep you preoccupied. The only challenge? Seeing as much as you can without rushing it. We’ll let you in on a secret. For the best views of the city consider climbing the bell tower of St. Domnius Cathedral, then head out on a sightseeing guided tour to explore Old Town and Diocletian’s Palace. But after all this we wanted to do you a favour, so we’ll give you back your evening to do as you will. Think drinks in the hostel with new friends, or heading out on the town for a night of laughter and dancing. Doesn’t sound like you could go wrong.

Day 20 Split

Take two at exploring Split? Yes, please! Stroll along the Riva Promenade with its palm trees, colourful buildings and striking views of the Adriatic Sea; a great place to get those steps in. Looking for a hike? Consider climbing Marjan Hill where a series of trails crisscross their way to the top. Or... hear us out. You could venture a bit farther to Klis Fortress for panoramic views of the Dalmatian Coast and the “Game of Thrones” filming location for Meereen, just make sure there are no dragons flying about.

Day 21 Split/Korčula

Wow, your friends and family back home will be totally jealous of you today. Set those devices to island time and hop on a Hydrofoil sailing trip to Korčula. Yes, we said Hydrofoil. Feel inspired by the views of the rugged coastline, feel the wind whip through your hair, and be in the moment. Once you arrive, your CEO will come in clutch with another highlight walk of the area. Meet up and see some cool places like the Old Town walls, the birthplace of Marco Polo, and St. Mark’s Cathedral. Discover the local beer scene in the evening or get classy and sip some wine while eating seafood in one of the many delicious restaurants on the island.

Day 22 Korčula/Dubrovnik

Did someone say Peljesac Peninsula? No? Well anyway, you’ll be seeing this gem on your way from Korčula to Dubrovnik. Wave your goodbyes as your fleet of small boats pulls away from shore and head to a place renowned for the best red wine in Croatia. Wander the wall of Ston, from Ston to Mali. Then live your best life with your travel buds and choose to taste this renowned vino and order a dozen of the best oysters in Europe at a local restaurant. Finish up in Dubrovnik on a group walk through the Old Town. Play eye spy and see if you can spot Dubrovnik Cathedral, Lovrijenac Fort, and a Franciscan Monastery. Afterwards, revel in the timeless atmosphere of this port city. You might never leave and we wouldn’t blame you.

Day 23 Dubrovnik

Depart at any time, or maybe decide to add on a few more nights and spend it lounging along the Mediterranean.