European River Sojourn, July 2026
We are now booked for a
27 day Viking
European River Sojourn
from Istanbul, Turkey
to Amsterdam, The Netherlands
We will cruise down the Rhine,
Main and Danube Rivers, taking two dozen shore
excursions along the way, ending up in Amsterdam. We
will explore the very heart of central Europe.
July 3, 2026
Leave Orlando and fly
to Istanbul, Turkey
Day 1
Saturday, July 4
Istanbul
Day 2
Istanbul, Turkey
Sunday, July 5
Hippodrome, “Blue Mosque” & Hagia Sophia
Discover three of Istanbul’s most impressive and legendary landmarks during a walk through the historic Old City.
Visit the former site of the legendary Hippodrome, once the largest chariot racetrack in the Byzantine Empire. See the Egyptian obelisk imported by Emperor Theodosius, the Serpentine Column from the Temple of Apollo at Delphi. Head to the iconic “Blue Mosque”. See its slender minarets and cascade of domes. Take a guided tour of its lavish interior, decorated with blue İznik tiles that give the building its nickname.
Explore the famous 6th-century Hagia Sophia, a former cathedral and mosque renowned as the embodiment of Byzantine architecture with its central dome; at the time of its construction, it was the world’s largest building. Admire the golden tiles and masterful frescoes within.
Day 2
Istanbul, Turkey
Sunday, July 5
An Evening in Istanbul
Savor a traditional Turkish dinner and take in the important sights of Istanbul after dark.
Embark on a scenic drive to restaurant, admiring views over the Bosphorus Strait and the Golden Horn. Sample a selection of delicious Turkish fare. A range of delicious grilled meats, salads and other accompaniments will be served. Board the coach and set off on a panoramic nighttime drive through the city. The route will take us past notable landmarks, such as the illuminated facade of Topkapi Palace, Istanbul’s historic old town, the 18th-century Beyazit Tower, ancient city walls and more.
Day 3
Istanbul, Turkey
Monday, July 6
Topkapi Palace
Imperial Treasury and Royal Residence of the Sultan
Explore the huge fortified complex of Topkapi Palace
for a glimpse into the opulent lives of the sultans.
Day 4
Istanbul, Turkey
Tuesday, July 7
Transfer to airport to fly to Bucharest, Romania
Day 5
Bucharest, Romania
Wednesday, July 8
Highlights of Bucharest
See Stunning Architecture and Discover Romania’s Political Past
Discover the sights of Bucharest as you explore the Romanian capital.
Day 6
Ruse, Bulgaria
Thursday, July 9
Veliko Tarnovo & Arbanasi
Witness True Bulgarian Character
Tour two cultural gems rich in Bulgarian
heritage during this full-day excursion
into the heart of the country.
Day 7
Vidin, Bulgaria
Friday, July 10
Belogradchik Rocks and Fortress
Spectacular Rock Formations and the Defensive
Structure They Helped Shape
Journey into one of Bulgaria’s most scenic regions to see how
geography helped create an architectural treasure.
Join our guide for a drive from Vidin to the Belogradchik Rocks.
Day 8
Golubac, Serbia
Saturday, July 11
The Vistas of the Iron Gate
Scenic Viewpoints, Golubac Fortress and Kapetan Mišin Breg
Immerse ourself in the beauty of Serbia during a hike to a scenic
viewpoint in idyllic Djerdap National Park.
Stretching out along the Danube River and covering more than 245 square miles, the park is famous for its sweeping views of the Iron Gate gorge.
Day 9
Belgrade, Serbia
Sunday, July 12
Panoramic Belgrade
Tour the “White City” at the Scenic Confluence of Two Rivers
See Belgrade’s monuments and architectural splendor
during this enlightening tour of Europe’s most resilient city.
Day 9
Belgrade, Serbia
Sunday, July 12
Dine in Belgrade’s Bohemian Quarter
Savor a Tasty Meal of Local Fare
Stroll the vintage streets of Belgrade and savor an authentic
Serbian meal at a local restaurant.
Meet our guide and embark on a guided walk through
Skadarlija, the bohemian quarter of Belgrade
Day 10
Osijek, Croatia
Monday, July 13
Osijek & Vukovar
Tour Two Major Croatian Cities and Visit a Local Family
See the highlights of Vukovar and Osijek
Day 11
Kalocsa, Hungary
Tuesday, July 14
Kalocsa & Puszta
Hungary’s Capital of Paprika and Equestrian Arts
Visit one of Hungary’s major cultural centers and attend a breathtaking display of traditional horsemanship.
Day 12
Budapest, Hungary
Wednesday, July 15
Snapshots of Budapest
Hungary’s Graceful and Inspiring Capital
Take in one of Europe’s great cultural capitals.
Day 12
Budapest, Hungary
Wednesday, July 15
Budapest by Night
An Enchanting Evening of Sights and Landmarks
Explore the city after dark
and raise a toast to its stunning landmarks.
Meet our guide and set off on a panoramic
Day 13
Budapest, Hungary
Thursday, July 16
Budapest Castle Hill Hike
Quaint Hilltop District of the Hungarian Capital
Explore historic Buda during a city hike to
Castle Hill and admire magnificent vistas
over the Danube.
Day 13
Budapest, Hungary
Thursday, July 16
Budapest Thermal Bath
Take to the Waters, Budapest Style
Soak up the restorative powers of Budapest’s thermal baths
and join locals in a centuries-old tradition.
Day 14
Vienna, Austria
Friday, July 17
Day 15
Vienna, Austria
Saturday, July 18
Panoramic Vienna
An Essential Overview of the “City of Waltzes”
See the magnificent architectural highlights of
one of Europe’s most elegant and
romantic cultural capitals.
Day 15
Vienna, Austria
Saturday, July 18
Schönbrunn Palace
Splendid Residence of the Habsburgs
Tour the magnificent home of the Habsburg
Dynasty, built to rival the sprawling
Château de Versailles.
Day 16
Melk, Austria
Sunday, July 19
Melk Abbey
An Elegant Benedictine Treasure Sends the Spirit Soaring
Tour the renowned Melk Abbey, a masterwork
of baroque brilliance.
Perched on dramatic cliffs high above the
Danube, this ochre-colored confection is perhaps the
most graceful landmark of the Wachau Valley.
Day 17
Passau, Germany
Monday, July 20
Hike the Passau Hills
Explore the City of Three Rivers On Foot
Take in Passau’s sublime setting at the confluence of
three rivers from the best vantage points in the city.
Meet our guide and set off on foot, along the left bank
of the Danube River, where you will climb to Veste Oberhaus.
Day 17
Passau, Germany
Monday, July 20
Bavarian Cruise & Baroque Town of Schärding
Board a boat, exploring the Inn River as the rolling hills of
Upper Austria and Lower Bavaria unfold around you.
Day 18
Regensburg, Germany
Tuesday, July 21
Munich Highlights
The Robust Bavarian Capital
See the cultural and historic highlights of one of Germany’s
most relaxed cities at the foothills of the Alps.
Day 19
Nuremberg, Germany
Wednesday, July 22
Surviving the War: Art in Nuremberg
Hidden Treasures of Old Nuremberg
We will see Nuremberg’s remarkable
underground chambers where priceless art was hidden
from harm during World War II.
Day 19
Nuremberg, Germany
Wednesday, July 22
Nuremberg Through History
A City of Extremes, from Toy-Making to Nazi Rallies
Tour one of Germany’s most renowned
and intriguing cities on this included excursion.
Day 20
Bamberg, Germany
Thursday, July 23
Bamberg Walking Tour
Explore an Old-World Franconian
City by Foot
Delve into the history of Bamberg
during an informative walk to view historic sights.
Day 21
Würzburg, Germany
Friday, July 24
Würzburg Residenz & Walk
A Baroque and Shining Masterpiece
of the Archbishops
Tour Würzburg’s Bishops’ Residenz,
one of Germany’s ornate palaces
and a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Day 21
Würzburg, Germany
Friday, July 24
Hike the Würzburg Hills
Käppele Church and Marienberg Fortress
Climb the Würzburg Hills to Marienberg
Fortress, rising above the Main River,
for impressive city views.
Day 22
Wertheim, Germany
Saturday, July 25
Wertheim Castle Hike
Picturesque Hilltop Ruins and
Charming Medieval Town
Admire the scenic vistas of
medieval Wertheim during a hike
to its namesake hilltop castle.
Day 23
Kolbenz, Germany
Sunday, July 26
Medieval Marksburg Castle
Well-Preserved Portrait of Life in
Medieval-Era Castle
Visit Marksburg Castle, the only medieval-era
stronghold in the Rhine Valley to have
never been destroyed.
Day 24
Cologne, Germany
Monday, July 27
Cologne Walking Tour
A Historic City Crowned by Northern
Europe’s Largest Cathedral
Learn about Cologne’s heritage and view
its iconic cathedral, towering over the city
in all its Gothic splendor.
Day 25
Kinderdijk, The Netherlands
Tuesday, July 28
Kinderdijk by Vintage Barge
Explore the Heart of Kinderdijk
on a Restored River Boat