Viking includes at least one excursion in every port. Usually it is a tour of the city. The first one was a tour of the beautiful city of Budapest, the capital of Hungary. We started in the city of Pest and did a general tour of the city, seeing the most iconic places such as Heroes Square and the State Opera House. Then across the river to Buda with the Castle District, Fisherman’s Bastion, Matthias Church, and beautiful views of the famous Chain Bridge across the Danube. The tour guide was very knowledgable and made the tour fun.
After the tour and lunch, we walked to the closest Christmas Market. The Christmas Markets are the reason for the trip!! The market had lots of great things to eat as well as all things Christmas. Of course we had some Gluhwein. I collect the cups since each market had different cups. They have the name of the market as well as the year on them. And they are all unique.
The food on the Viking ship was excellent. There was a set menu available at each meal as well as different selections for each meal. There are several available places to eat. The main dining room (with floor to ceiling windows), the Aquavit Terrace (which is awesome when it is warm. It is on the back of the ship and has an area outside with seating) and the ship’s lounge for quick breakfasts of coffee and pastries White and red wine and beer are included with lunch and dinner. All Viking ships are set up the same so they all have these restaurants