Christmas on the Danube

Explore one of Europe’s great cultural capitals during the festive season. Drive along the scenic riverbank before crossing the Maragret Bridge to historic Buda. Arrive at the Fehévari Gate, where you will continue on foot to discover the medieval sights of the Buda Castle District. See the Dísz and Trinity Squares and walk along Tárnok Street, an old trading hub. Discover the history of the 14th-century Gothic Matthias Church during a guided visit, then reboard your motor coach and return to Pest. Here, visit the First Strudel House of Pest to sample one of its traditional creations paired with mulled wine. After, have free time to explore the bustling Christmas Market and peruse its stalls of handcrafted goods and seasonal treats.

Browse the countless stalls of Budapest’s Grand Market Hall and taste Hungarian delicacies. The historic hall was built during the late 19th century, a sprawling three-story marketplace with a neo-Gothic facade. Today, the bustling scene is a feast for the senses, an endless array of textures, fragrances, tastes and sounds. Stroll with your guide and get acquainted with the massive market’s layout, browsing the stalls of vendors displaying aperitifs, breads, meats, wine, honey, strudels and more. On the ground floor, farm produce, pastries, candies, spices and spirits tempt the palate. Eateries and souvenirs are on the second floor. Locals head to the basement to see the butchers and fish vendors. After your market tour, enjoy free time to peruse the emporium on your own, then walk to a nearby traditional restaurant for a taste of Hungarian delicacies.

Soak up the restorative powers of Budapest’s thermal baths and join locals in a centuries-old tradition. Ancient Romans discovered the benefits of bathing in the thermal waters that flow through Budapest. As the city grew, the spouting springs were treasured and preserved so highly that not even the Communist government forbade their pleasures. Still today, they offer a regimen most residents of Budapest cannot do without. Accompany your guide to one of the city’s historic baths, immersing yourself in the therapeutic waters that have flowed here for centuries. During your visit, you might mingle with the locals taking a soak or observe some bathers as they pass the time with a game of chess in the pool. So revered have these waters been that many have been sheltered within facilities that exude a temple-like aura.

Explore historic Buda during a city hike to Castle Hill and admire magnificent vistas over the Danube. Depart your ship and set out on foot, crossing the bridge over the Danube where you will begin your ascent to Castle Hill, home to some of the city’s most prized medieval treasures. Explore the maze of cobblestone streets and pathways, and keep watch for the entrances to the underground labyrinth of caves that run beneath Castle Hill. Stroll around the grounds of the Royal Palace and time your visit to witness the Changing of the Guard. See the beautiful Matthias Church and the Fisherman’s Bastion, and stroll along quaint streets lined with coffeehouses. From the top, you can also admire stunning views over the Danube and the majestic Chain Bridge, an engineering marvel of its time. Walk down the hill to the riverside and return to your ship.

Delight in a night of delicious cuisine and folklore during an entertaining excursion. Meet your guide and journey to a traditional venue by motor coach. Upon arrival, you will be warmly welcomed by your host before taking your seats for a lively folklore performance featuring Hungarian music and dancing. As you enjoy the show and colorful costumes, sit back and savor a delicious array of food that showcases traditional Hungarian food, accompanied by a glass of wine. Your delectable meal is prepared by talented chefs using fresh, locally grown produce with recipes that have been enjoyed for centuries. Hungary is not just famed for its delicious savory offerings and no family meal is complete without a sweet ending. Cap your meal with a classic decadent dessert that celebrates the region’s cuisine.

Explore Budapest’s Jewish history and heritage, including the Jewish Quarter and massive synagogue. A century ago, Budapest had a thriving Jewish community. In the years leading up to and including World War II, half of the city’s 250,000 Jews were killed. The 19th-century Moorish-Revival Dohány Street Synagogue (Great Synagogue), the largest in Europe, was converted to a stable. Today, a rich Jewish history is preserved, as you will see with your guide. During a walking tour of the Jewish Quarter, once the Budapest Ghetto, admire the Great Synagogue with its glittering interior. In the synagogue complex, browse religious relics at the Jewish Museum and view the “Tree of Life” memorial to the 400,000 Hungarian Jews killed by Nazis. Note that the synagogue is not open to tours on Saturdays and Jewish holidays.

Create your own itinerary and experience the sights of Budapest with the assistance of your own private guide. Once on board your ship, a member of Viking’s Guest Services team will be available to help you plan your time in Budapest so you can make the most of your visit. With a group of up to six guests, you may discover the history of the city’s communist era and visit the Dohany Street Synagogue to learn about Budapest’s Jewish heritage. Perhaps head to the medieval Castle district—a UNESCO site—or simply explore Budapest through the eyes of a local, seeking out hidden gems. At a specified time, you will meet your private guide at the pier, board your chauffeur-driven vehicle and set out to visit your chosen sights. Follow your own agenda, exploring more of the sights that you wish to see. After your half day of exploring, your driver will return you to your awaiting ship.