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From Budapest to Basel

Rhine, Main & Danube Odyssey

Dates:
7 May - 24 May 2027
Duration:
17 Nights
Journey type:
Cruise only (please call for flight options)
No. of ports:
16
Ship:
Viking Var
Cruise Line:
Viking River Cruises
Fares:

From £6,590 pp

Nuremberg castle, Germany

From Budapest to Basel

Rhine, Main & Danube Odyssey

Dates:
7 May - 24 May 2027
Duration:
17 Nights
Journey type:
Cruise only (please call for flight options)
No. of ports:
16
Ship:
Viking Var
Cruise Line:
Viking River Cruises
Fares:

From £6,590 pp

Voyage Itinerary

7 May to 8 May

Setting sail from Budapest

Budapest is one of Eastern Europe's most appealing cities, a vibrant and welcoming capital that straddles the Danube. The history of Budapest has been somewhat turbulent - ransacked by the Mongols in 1241, occupied by the Ottoman Turks for over a century, and almost flattened by the Soviets in 1945 - but plenty of older buildings survive, including the imposing Parliament and iconic St Stephen's Basilica. Although a pedant might point out that Budapest has only really existed since 1873; up until then the city's two distinct halves, Buda and Pest, were separate towns.

Sunrise over Parliament building, Budapest
Budapest state opera house

Don't miss

If you are a music lover, you can’t miss a performance at the Opera House – affordable, and great music in a wonderful building.

9 May to 10 May

Austria: Vienna

Formerly the centre of the Habsburg Empire, Vienna is as grand a European capital as you can imagine, jam packed full of thrusting, bombastic buildings that stand as a reminder of Austria’s glorious imperial heyday.
Alte Hofburg, Vienna

11 May

Austria: Krems

Krems sits on the river Danube at the eastern end of the beautiful Wachau Valley, surrounded by vineyards. It’s an attractive old town, with pretty cobbled streets and a good selection of galleries and museums, as well as some excellent restaurants.
Krems, Austria

12 May

Germany: Passau

The pretty Bavarian town of Passau, situated close to Germany’s border with Austria, enjoys a unique setting at the confluence of three rivers: the Inn, the Ilz and the Danube. The narrow cobbled streets of the handsome old town, the Altstadt, are quite delightful.
Passau, Germany

13 May

Germany: Regensburg

Originally founded by the Celts and later an important Roman settlement, Regensburg is one of Bavaria’s lesser known gems. Situated on the northernmost bend of the Danube, it’s a friendly and laid back city, with an exceptionally well preserved medieval centre.
Regensburg, Germany

14 May

Germany: Nuremberg

Nuremberg, Bavaria’s second city, first pops up in the history books in 1050 as a stronghold of the Franks, and later became the unofficial capital of the Holy Roman Empire. Nowadays the city is a tourist magnet thanks to the beautifully restored old town, Christmas markets and excellent beer.
River Pegnitz, Nuremberg

14 May

Germany: Regensburg

Originally founded by the Celts and later an important Roman settlement, Regensburg is one of Bavaria’s lesser known gems. Situated on the northernmost bend of the Danube, it’s a friendly and laid back city, with an exceptionally well preserved medieval centre.
Regensburg, Germany

15 May

Germany: Nuremberg

Nuremberg, Bavaria’s second city, first pops up in the history books in 1050 as a stronghold of the Franks, and later became the unofficial capital of the Holy Roman Empire. Nowadays the city is a tourist magnet thanks to the beautifully restored old town, Christmas markets and excellent beer.
River Pegnitz, Nuremberg

16 May

Germany: Bamberg

Bamberg’s eye-catching, UNESCO-listed old town is one of the most beautiful in all of Germany. The city was briefly capital of the Holy Roman Empire, and the city centre is still dominated by the 13th century cathedral. There are also plenty of breweries, and you shouldn’t leave without trying Bamberg’s famous smoked beer.
Bamberg, Bavaria, Germany

17 May

Germany: Würzburg

The handsome town of Würzburg, situated on the river Main between Nuremberg and Frankfurt, was ruled for centuries by a succession of powerful prince-bishops. Although much of the city was destroyed during the Second World War, the majestic 18th century Residenz palace stands as a testament to the wealth of the bishopric.
Wurzburg, Germany

18 May

Germany: Marktheidenfeld

19 May

Germany: Frankfurt

Frankfurt is the financial heart of Germany, a forest of silver skyscrapers that’s home to both the German and European Central Banks. This focus on commerce has led some to dismiss the city as a dull, soulless sort of place, but in fact Frankfurt buzzes with a real cultural vibrancy.
Frankfurt skyline at night

20 May

Germany: Baden-Baden

The famous spa town of Baden-Baden has been attracting the great and the good for some 2,000 years, with everyone from Otto von Bismarck to Barack Obama taking the waters here. Even if thermal baths aren’t your thing, you’re sure to be enchanted by the beautiful architecture and the storybook setting next to the Black Forest.
Baden-Baden, Germany

21 May

France: Strasbourg

Strasbourg is the capital of France’s Alsace region, right next to the border with Germany, and there is a tangible Germanic influence that sets the city a little apart from the rest of France. Highlights include the beautiful Gothic cathedral, the old town’s fairytale half-timbered houses, and the pictureque canals of the Petite France district.
Half-timbered houses in Petite France, Strasbourg

22 May

Germany: Breisach

Breisach is a small town on the western fringe of the Black Forest, separated from the French region of Alsace by a bend in the river Rhine. This proximity to France is reflected in a vibrant food and wine scene, and architectural highlights include the hilltop St Stephen's cathedral.
Breisach, Germany

23 May to 24 May

Arriving in Basel

Basel lies where Switzerland, France and Germany meet, a sophisticated and multicultural city with a picturesque setting astride the river Rhine. The medieval Old Town is exceptionally well preserved, best appreciated from the summit of the hilltop cathedral, which offers incredible views across the city.
Basel, Switzerland
Salmon fillet

Our tip

The food here is great, with so many different influences. Try salmon ‘nach Basler Art’ (in a white wine marinade with fried onions), and wash it down with the local Riesling.

The ship

Viking Var

Capacity:
190 Guests
Crew:
50 Staff
Style:
Understated, elegant on board environment where you can relaxafter an enriching day of sightseeing.

Viking’s award winning Longships are the success story of river cruising with sleek Scandinavian design and innovative engineering.

What we love

Viking Longships have led the way in the expansion of the river cruise industry. With understated interiors, comfortable staterooms and suites, a great main restaurant and excellent terrace offering a lovely spot for a casual meal al fresco, they operate on Viking's most popular itineraries and consistently deliver to Viking's ever increasing clientele.

Learn more about Viking Var
Viking Longship on the Main River

inclusions

  • All meals
  • Wine, beer, and soft drinks with lunch and dinner
  • Speciality teas and coffees throughout the day
  • One shore excursion in nearly every port of call
  • WiFi
  • Onboard gratuities

Tailor-make your trip

Ways to make it better
    • Hotel Palazzo Zichy, Budapest

      Our favourite hotel in Budapest

      We like the Hotel Palazzo Zichy on the Pest side of the river, which used to be the residence of Count Nándor Zichy.

    • Tokaji aszú wine, Hungary

      A taste of Hungary

      If you’re a wine lover, you really should visit the world’s oldest classified wine region, known for its sweet Tokaji aszú dessert wine.

    • Grand Hotel Les Trois Rois, Basel

      Where to stay in Basel

      The Grand Hotel Les Trois Rois (three kings) is one of Europe’s oldest city hotels.

    • Augusta Raurica, Switzerland

      Excursions from Basel

      If the Romans are your thing then you'll enjoy Switzerland’s largest Roman ruins at Augusta Raurica, with the excellent Römermuseum alongside.

    How can we help?

    Our frequently asked questions

    From cruise tips to travel protection, here are some of our most-asked questions

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    Will I save by booking with Mundy Cruising?

    Absolutely. You'll save money and time by booking with us rather than directly with the cruise line and enjoy more flexibility in your travel arrangements. We have access to preferential rates and exclusive offers, and we offer expert advice on how to get the best value.

    Can you help with pre and post-cruise arrangements?

    From flights and transfers to hotels and tours, we can help with all your travel needs to make sure your trip is exceptional. What's more, we are members of ABTA and also offer full ATOL protection, not to mention a 24hr emergency contact, so we offer complete peace of mind.

    What are the benefits of a small luxury ship?

    Because small ships are able to reach smaller ports of call and provide a higher level of service than their big ship counterparts, we believe that small ship cruising is the very best way to travel. Usually they offer more space per person, and an attentive team to make sure you have the very best experience. Small ship cruising offers the very best of the best.

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    Why Mundy?

    Who we are

    Founded in 1970, we have sold more luxury cruises for more years than anyone else in the UK.

    Mundy Cruising was the very first cruise specialist in the UK. We have been making the best cruise holidays even better since 1970.

    How? Simply by offering our clients more expertise, more personal service, more unique ideas, more fascinating add-ons, more fabulous freebies and more peace of mind.

    More about Mundy

    We're happy to do all of that over the phone. But if you prefer to chat face to face, why not visit us at our comfortable offices on London's High Holborn - we'd be delighted to see you.