Blueridge Cruiser

victory2020 - The included excursions are always open. You can sign up ahead of time but they also tell you on the ship that you are always guaranteed a spot in these. The PAID excursions may sell out.

We had plenty of time. If I remember correctly we did a guided tour when we arrived. Then lunch as a group in the stone cellar of a small cute cafe on the square. After that we had time on our own. We did some shopping, took a self tour of the castle (not much there but a few exhibits) and climbed to the top of the tower (definitely worth it). After all that we still had time for coffee (it was snowy) at a cafe on the square before meeting our tour guide to return to the bus.

We did this exact cruise earlier this year and loved it. Here are some of my thoughts and responses to your questions: Budapest extension - So glad we did this. Stayed at the Intercontinental right on the river. Viking excursions we did included tour of Budapest, Jewels of Androissey (sp?) and Budapest at Night. Enjoyed them all but might pass on the Budapest at Night. The highlight of it was seeing Parliament Building lit up but we got there just as the lights were being turned off. It is not a long walk from the hotel or ship so you can easily see this on your own. On our own we also visited The Terror Museum and did the audio tour. It details Budapest occupation by *** and then Russians. Definitely recommend that. We also walked along the riverfront on both sides, across the bridges and explored those areas. Don't miss the "shoes by the water" memorial up near Parliament Building. Ship was docked right by one of the bridges and easy walking distance to many things. Fellow travelers did the Jewish Synagogue (they recommend), the Budapest Cold War Travel In Old Car... (don't recommend). Bratislava - We did the included tour and took bus up to "castle". Old historic part of town was very touristy and the "castle" up on the hill was just underwhelming and only viewed from outside. This was the least favorite port. Vienna - LOVED it. Wish we had more time there. Took the included walking tour which was very good. Then did the optional tour out to the palace. Fantastic palace and gardens. Watched the Netflix season 1 The Empress on the flight over so it really helped me understand the royal family and the palace. Krems - Went to Gottweig Abbey but was somewhat disappointed after all the amazing churches we had seen. Very simple, not too much on tour and small gift shop. Maybe see about another excursion that day. Linz - Did the Cesky Krumlov tour and enjoyed it. Walking tour of city, then provided lunch in a small charming stone cellar restaurant right on the square, then time to explore or shop on our own. I think this is the port where our friends went on the excursion to a concentration camp. They said it was sobering, very good and recommend it. Passau - Probably my favorite little town. Ship was docked right at town. Walking tour included was great, cute little shops, separate nice hike up on the hill to old wall. All of the walking tours were great with exception of the one in Slovakia. We did 2 excursions that were just ok and would not do again - 1. Ride out to a restaurant where there was music and meal. Three small tour groups there, food so so and just felt fake. 2. Similar visit out to a wine producer for wine and dinner. Touristy, loud and just ok. We loved the cruise and are planning another one soon.