Viking Grand European Cruise - Amsterdam to Budapest - August 2023

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  • Опубліковано 28 чер 2024
  • Indulge all your senses on this 15-day journey spanning the best of Europe. This iconic itinerary traces the Rhine, Main and Danube Rivers between the windmill-dotted waterways of Holland and the stunning landscapes of Hungary, with engaging encounters at every bend.
    Equipment used:
    DJI Mini 3 Pro (have since upgraded to a Mini 4 Pro) www.dji.com/mini-4-pro
    Insta360 x3 (360° camera) - store.insta360.com/product/x3...
    Insta360 Go 3 - store.insta360.com/product/go...
    Music from Epidemic Sound: www.epidemicsound.com
    Editing is done on a Mac Studio with Final Cut Pro
    00:00 Introduction
    00:28 Day 1 - Amsterdam
    02:12 Day 2 - Kinderdijk
    03:39 Day 3 - Cologne
    06:10 Day 4 - Koblenz
    08:51 Day 5 - Miltenberg
    10:13 Day 6 - Würzburg
    11:38 Day 7 - Bamberg
    13:50 Day 8 - Nuremberg
    15:49 Day 9 - Regensburg
    17:00 Day 10 - Passau
    18:07 Day 11 - Melk and Krems
    18:58 Day 11 - Wachau Valley
    20:22 Day 12-13 - Vienna
    22:57 Day 14-15 - Budapest

КОМЕНТАРІ • 78

  • @valerieroberts8241
    @valerieroberts8241 27 днів тому +2

    Love Viking! They treat you very well and no changing hotels every other day.

  • @RengifoM
    @RengifoM 4 місяці тому +1

    We did the same tour in May 2023, it was amazing, we had the best time and also did great friends on board, we keep in touch weekly, because we live in different countries. Viking is a great company, crew was amazing with us, we were the only couple from chile and spanish spoken, but everybody did their very best effort to make us feel happy, and that did!!!

  • @n206ja
    @n206ja Місяць тому

    Leaving next week for the reverse course of the Grand European Cruise. After watching your video, we're even more excited to get there!

    • @travelsmartseniors
      @travelsmartseniors  Місяць тому +1

      I hope you enjoy it as much as we did!! Thanks for the note.

  • @marissaromano6813
    @marissaromano6813 17 днів тому

    Thanks for your video. We’re doing this cruise in July next year. 😊

  • @todds9746
    @todds9746 5 місяців тому +3

    My wife and I are doing this cruise in June of 2025...Just in reverse. Starting in Budapest and ending in Amsterdam where we added 2 extra days. Looking forward to it.

    • @travelsmartseniors
      @travelsmartseniors  5 місяців тому +1

      I really hope you enjoy it as much as we did. Give the rain in Germany and Austria already this year, I hope you won't encounter the high water we experienced! Cheers!

    • @pamelawooden6012
      @pamelawooden6012 4 місяці тому +1

      We also did Budapest to Amsterdam. You’re going to love it!

  • @twiceshy3864
    @twiceshy3864 Місяць тому

    Thank you. We have been on this cruise so seeing your version brings back many great memories. Sadly our long-time cruise companions were hit by a drunk driver in August and she was killed. Now all we have are the memories of our wonderful vacations together. Carpe Diem!

    • @travelsmartseniors
      @travelsmartseniors  Місяць тому +1

      goodness - that is so sad, i am glad that this was able to bring back some fond memories

  • @JStevenSanders
    @JStevenSanders 2 місяці тому

    Nicely done. We’re doing the reverse cruise in May/June 2024. This was very helping. We encountered the attack bicycles in Amsterdam several years ago. We didn’t know bicycles had the ultimate right-of-way.

  • @elainemclean2957
    @elainemclean2957 Місяць тому

    Great video, thankyou

  • @DooWopKing2011
    @DooWopKing2011 3 місяці тому

    Wonderfully narrated, informative, detailed video of a Viking river cruise from Amsterdam to Budapest!

  • @flyshacker
    @flyshacker 24 дні тому

    What a terrific and lovely video of your trip! We are considering this river cruise, and your video has really added to our excitement. Truly an outstanding job. Just enough detail, great shots, and you kept the story moving. But I have to ask if you brought a drone along for those aerial shots? I didn’t know if they would be allowed. Anyway, we subscribed to your channel, and we look forward to your videos of your other trips. Bon voyage!

    • @travelsmartseniors
      @travelsmartseniors  22 дні тому +1

      Thanks for the kind words. Yes, the aerial photos were with a DJI Mini 3 Pro drone. Since this drone is under 250 grams, there aren't quite as many flight restrictions but you should always check the local regulations. The DJI app provides some pre-flight checklists

  • @MathewLauren
    @MathewLauren 6 місяців тому

    Wow absolutely loved your video! We are sailing the Rhine next year and are super excited!

  • @tinplater
    @tinplater 7 місяців тому +1

    What a beautifully done video! We did this cruise in 2015 and it remains our favorite of four Viking cruises. When in Budapest highly recommend a visit to Gundel Restaurant. Historic with amazing art collection and authentic Hungarian cuisine.

    • @travelsmartseniors
      @travelsmartseniors  7 місяців тому

      Thanks very much - we really had a great time - sorry we missed the restaurant - we stayed right next to the opera house and had dinner before the opera right next door at the Callas Restaurant - which was great!

  • @nicolepare1646
    @nicolepare1646 2 місяці тому +1

    We are doing the longer river cruise Amsterdam to Bucarest with the pre Amsterdam stay for a total of 28 days. We are Viking enthusiasts, multiple cruises and a couple of River cruises so far. We love travelling with Viking - you get what you pay for. If you are looking for an inexpensive party cruise it’s not for you.

  • @judy8731
    @judy8731 4 місяці тому

    I enjoyed your narrative very much. A great video. Thank you 👍

  • @broccanmacronain457
    @broccanmacronain457 2 місяці тому

    nicely done tour review. Thank you for sharing.

  • @TravelWithRickPruitt
    @TravelWithRickPruitt 5 місяців тому

    One of my favorite Viking River Cruise -=-= great video, well done thanks for sharing

  • @jimroberts7942
    @jimroberts7942 5 місяців тому

    Excellent video, thanks, Jim

    • @travelsmartseniors
      @travelsmartseniors  5 місяців тому

      Appreciate it - working on more details for each stop but it is going slowly.

  • @DarthDaddy-cg6ro
    @DarthDaddy-cg6ro Місяць тому

    Thanks.

  • @pamelawooden6012
    @pamelawooden6012 4 місяці тому

    Enjoyed your video! Thank you for sharing. We’ve taken the 15 day cruise but with Emerald Waterways. My favorite view was of Budapest at night. Just beautiful!

    • @travelsmartseniors
      @travelsmartseniors  3 місяці тому +1

      I will be posting drone video from a night flight in Budapest a bit later.

  • @user-gd5ru1uz1o
    @user-gd5ru1uz1o 4 місяці тому

    Well done ❤

  • @travellingpigs
    @travellingpigs 8 місяців тому

    Always interesting to see our home country from a different perspective! 👍👍We are looking forward to your detailed videos. Thanks for sharing! 😊😊🐷

    • @travelsmartseniors
      @travelsmartseniors  8 місяців тому +1

      There are so many great cities and villages - Bamberg and the Rauchbier is always a favorite - but so is Nürnberg with its rotbier! Appreciate the comments!

  • @42784rgb
    @42784rgb 6 місяців тому

    An excellent video from beginning to the end. The drone videos helped make it one of the best Viking river videos I’ve ever seen.

    • @travelsmartseniors
      @travelsmartseniors  6 місяців тому

      Thanks so very much - I will have some more drone videos from the Czech Republic and some more of Budapest

    • @TheMrmicroman123
      @TheMrmicroman123 4 місяці тому

      I’m only 11 minutes in, but am greatly impressed. We did the reverse cruise in June and most of my photos and videos are still sitting on my computer. I’m teaching myself (via UA-cam) how to turn them and ones from two upcoming Viking cruises into a pictorial story, hopefully similar to yours. Two questions - Did you do your own drone filming, and How much of your trip did you miss being a videographer? In any case, thanks. I’m enjoying our cruise backwards!1

    • @travelsmartseniors
      @travelsmartseniors  4 місяці тому

      @@TheMrmicroman123 Thanks for the note - I am glad you liked it! I have a drone (DJI Mini 4 Pro), an Insta360 x3 camera and a gimbal for my phone. So I do spend a lot of time filming, but I think it is an advantage as I really concentrate on the subject of the shots. About the only time I miss something is if it is a short stop and I want to find the perfect place and time for the drone - such was the case at Marksburg castle where I didn't have time to go in.

  • @happypenny2211
    @happypenny2211 Місяць тому

    ❤❤❤❤❤

  • @mariastone1615
    @mariastone1615 7 місяців тому

    Thanks! We are taking this trip in May-June

    • @travelsmartseniors
      @travelsmartseniors  7 місяців тому

      That's great - if you start in Amsterdam, there still may be a few tulips left in late May

  • @valeriebishop561
    @valeriebishop561 8 місяців тому

    Enjoyed the ride along!!! Thank you! Do you find very good deals by booking late or last minute generally?

    • @travelsmartseniors
      @travelsmartseniors  8 місяців тому

      Actually, I think we got a pretty good deal with airfare and a full drinks package included. Unfortunately, we got the duck cabin (cause all we could see out the window was ducks!)

  • @des668
    @des668 2 місяці тому +1

    I am tossing in between Viking and Emerald but I heard Viking is more relaxing for seniors while Emerald is for younger generation with more active excursions e.g. cycling. What do you recommend?

    • @travelsmartseniors
      @travelsmartseniors  2 місяці тому +1

      Unfortunately, I don't know anything about Emerald, but we felt right at home on the Viking cruise- nearly all were baby-boomers - we made some really great friends. Be sure to change up where you sit for dinner and you will meet some terrific folks!

  • @MissRubyRedsmoke
    @MissRubyRedsmoke 2 місяці тому

    Thank you for a lovely video. We are doing this trip April next year. How do you think the walking tours would be for someone with slight limitations?

    • @travelsmartseniors
      @travelsmartseniors  2 місяці тому +1

      Thanks for the kind words! All of the excursions are rated to indicate how strenuous they may be - also there is typically a leisurely group which may work well for you.

  • @sdelasab
    @sdelasab 5 місяців тому

    Excellent video - we are doing this exact same cruise in 2025!.... May I ask you what kind of drone you use for some footage?

    • @travelsmartseniors
      @travelsmartseniors  5 місяців тому

      Thanks very much - that was shot with a DJI Mini 3 Pro. It is under 250g so it bypasses many of the EU restrictions (certainly not all).

  • @johnpeacock7303
    @johnpeacock7303 2 місяці тому

    We are doing this cruise in August 2024. I was wondering what to do in Koblinz??? Now it sounds like you get off the boat after dinner, go on one of the excursions and get back on the boat at Marksburg Castle for a daylight cruise down the river. So one way or another you’re in for a buss ride

    • @travelsmartseniors
      @travelsmartseniors  2 місяці тому

      Hi there, thanks. I did a video of Koblenz and Marksburg - it's here: ua-cam.com/video/U-NybQ4kQr4/v-deo.html
      There are lots of bus trips - sometimes the boat will leave you off before the destination and you will bus there and sometimes the other way around - both happen in Koblenz

  • @munnsjf
    @munnsjf 5 місяців тому

    Are you using a drone for the aerial shots? If so, what kind, any issues w using it from Viking? Was it connected to your phone, and how was service. Thanks.

    • @travelsmartseniors
      @travelsmartseniors  5 місяців тому

      Thanks very much - that was shot with a DJI Mini 3 Pro. It is under 250g so it bypasses many of the EU restrictions (certainly not all). It was connected to my phone and when I flew it from the ship, I asked the Captain for permission and only when we were docked. (I have links to the equipment in the description).

  • @DeeDee-uc2uq
    @DeeDee-uc2uq 3 місяці тому

    We are doing the same tour in May 2024 (except in reverse: Budapest to Amsterdam). We do not speak any of the languages. Do you think that will be a problem for us?

    • @travelsmartseniors
      @travelsmartseniors  3 місяці тому

      Not at all!! If you are in budapest for a few days before you will be able to communicate but i don’t think as many folks speak english as the other countries but it shouldn’t be a problem

    • @DeeDee-uc2uq
      @DeeDee-uc2uq 3 місяці тому

      Thanks for the info! We'll be in Budapest for 5 days before the river cruise so that's good to know. I'm working on Hungarian travel phrases but it's been a challenge for me. Italian was way easier. Thank again!@@travelsmartseniors

    • @valerieroberts8241
      @valerieroberts8241 27 днів тому

      You should at least learn how to say please and thank you in their language. Enjoy!

    • @douglasmckinley-sr1507
      @douglasmckinley-sr1507 15 днів тому

      Thank you for the fabulous tour. Two questions. 1) as most cruising is done at night is it worth paying extra for a balcony, or was bottom level OK? 2. How much did you have to pay to Viking that was up and above their published prices.. How much was “inclusive” and how much much was additional? Thanks

    • @travelsmartseniors
      @travelsmartseniors  13 днів тому +1

      Thanks for the kind words - we got a last minute deal on our cruise through USAA and everything except the optional excursions were included. We didn't mind the 'duck' cabin (where you could see the ducks). We spent very little time in the cabin - only sleeping!

  • @ucanon2662
    @ucanon2662 3 місяці тому +1

    I am extremely hesitant to commit to take a cruise with Viking due to seeing so many extremely poor reviews. There's so many negative reviews for Viking, over 50% consists of extremely negative to below average reviews ...that's too much for me. I'm gonna pass on Viking.

    • @travelsmartseniors
      @travelsmartseniors  3 місяці тому

      It has its pros and cons, briefly, pros: You only have to unpack once, food and onboard amenities are top notch and the crew was great! You get to meet some really great folks and you get a good overview of this part of Europe. On the down side, you have to adhere to a strict schedule for the tours and for me, there was too much on and off the buses. In many cities you have just a limited amount of time. Multiple tour groups in the same place at the same time get pretty congested, but you do get a quick overview of most cities so you could decide if you ever wanted to come back on your own.

    • @ucanon2662
      @ucanon2662 3 місяці тому

      @@travelsmartseniors thanks for the info. Again, I'm very concerned about the tremendous amount of negative reviews about Viking that is preventing me from spending thousands of dollars and valuable time and energy to use Viking for a cruise. When you do a Google search like "pros and cons about Viking cruise" you'll find that about 50% are negative reviews about Viking. In my view that's a bad investment.

    • @ucanon2662
      @ucanon2662 3 місяці тому

      @@travelsmartseniors thanks for the info. Again, I'm very concerned about the tremendous amount of negative reviews about Viking that is preventing me from spending thousands of dollars and valuable time and energy to use Viking for a cruise. When you do a Google search like "pros and cons about Viking cruise" you'll find that about 50% are negative reviews about Viking. In my view that's a bad investment.

    • @ucanon2662
      @ucanon2662 3 місяці тому

      @@travelsmartseniors thanks for the info. Again, I'm very concerned about the tremendous amount of negative reviews about Viking that is preventing me from spending thousands of dollars and valuable time and energy to use Viking for a cruise. When you do a Google search like "pros and cons about Viking cruise" you'll find that about 50% are negative reviews about Viking. In my view that's a bad investment.

    • @ucanon2662
      @ucanon2662 3 місяці тому

      @@travelsmartseniors thanks for the info. Again, I'm very concerned about the tremendous amount of negative reviews about Viking that is preventing me from spending thousands of dollars and valuable time and energy to use Viking for a cruise. When you do a Google search like "pros and cons about Viking cruise" you'll find that about 50% are negative reviews about Viking. In my view that's a bad investment